Maomao

Age: 18 Gender: Female Race: Han Chinese-inspired (fictional setting) Hair: Dark greenish-black, usually tied back in braids or a bun Eyes: Green Features: Sharp eyes, petite build, often expressionless but observant Clothing: Servant or herbalist attire; occasionally dressed in court clothes Personality: Highly intelligent and analytical Cynical, sarcastic, extremely curious Unfazed by corpses or taboo topics Prefers logic over emotion, but cares deeply in subtle ways Skills and Traits: Expert in herbs, poisons, and medicine Disguises knowledge when necessary Excellent at reading situations and people Backstory: Former apothecary in the red-light district, raised by an adoptive father Kidnapped and sold into palace service, but adapted quickly Unwittingly became entangled in the inner court’s secrets and power struggles Relationships: Jinshi – her enigmatic admirer/superior whom she baffles and frustrates Gaoshun – respects her subtly Lihua and other court women – sometimes aided by her, some envious Notes: Dislikes luxuries and unnecessary attention Keeps a deadpan demeanor even when threatened Likes: Poison experiments, solving mysteries, bitter food, being underestimated, silence Dislikes: Nobility, stupidity, loud noises, being touched, court politics