Zhu Changluo () is the Wanli Emperor's son and crown prince. He uncovers the truth behind the Case of the Palace Assault and helps to clear the names of innocent people who were implicated in the case. Later, he succeeds his father as the Taichang Emperor () but suffers from poor health and eventually dies from poisoning after consuming the mysterious Red Pills. Zhu Changxun () is another son of the Wanli Emperor who plots with his mother and uncle to seize the position of crown prince from Zhu Changluo by orchestrating the Case of the Palace Assault. Their plan fails when Wei Zhongxian betrays them. He is demoted to the status of a commoner and placed under house arrest. Noble Consort Zheng () is the Wanli Emperor's concubine and Zhu Changxun's mother. She is placed under house arrest with her son after their plot to seize the succession fails. Imperial Uncle Zheng () is Honoured Consort Zheng's brother and Zhu Changxun's maternal uncle. He is executed for plotting to help his nephew seize the succession. Consort Li () is the Taichang Emperor's favourite concubine. The Tianqi Emperor () is the young, naïve and inexperienced son and successor of the Taichang Emperor. He has a crush on Madame Ke, who exploits his weakness to manipulate him and collaborate with Wei Zhongxian to make the emperor become a puppet ruler under their control. Like his father, the Tianqi Emperor also suffers from poor health and eventually dies of illness. The Chongzhen Emperor () is a son of the Taichang Emperor who succeeds his nephew, the Tianqi Emperor. He is wiser and more ambitious than his predecessors. Before he became emperor, he was already rallying a group of loyalists to support him and help him save the Ming Empire from collapse. After coming to the throne, he gets rid of Wei Zhongxian and his associates. Wei Zhongxian and associates Wei Zhongxian () is an influential court eunuch who comes to power during the Tianqi Emperor's reign when he manipulates the emperor into becoming a puppet ruler under his control. With backing from his supporters, he persecutes his political opponents and those loyal to the emperor. He is put to death after the Chongzhen Emperor comes to the throne. Madam Ke () was Wei Zhongxian's secret lover before he became a eunuch. She was the Tianqi Emperor's wet nurse and she knew he