TV-Series
Description
Meimei is a prominent supporting character in the narrative, recognized as one of the Three Princesses of the Verdigris House, the most elite and expensive courtesans in the pleasure district of the capital. She is described as being in her late twenties to early thirties, an age when many courtesans approach retirement, yet her popularity remains remarkably high due to her intellect and refined talents.
Her physical appearance is that of a classic beauty, possessing long hair with soft waves, a voluptuous and glamorous figure, and distinctive sea-green eyes with a beauty mark beneath one eye. Her expression is typically gentle and warm, projecting an approachable charm that balances elegance with friendliness, which greatly appeals to her clientele.
Meimei’s background is deeply rooted in the Verdigris House. She began her training as a child apprentice known as a kamuro, attached to the legendary courtesan Fengxian. It was during this time that she first met the eccentric military strategist Lakan, who frequented the house to see Fengxian. Through these visits, Lakan gave Meimei basic instruction in the strategy board games Go and shogi, an education that would define much of her future. As she grew, she became one of the house's top stars, renowned not just for beauty but for her singing and her exceptional skill in poetry, dance, and strategic games.
Her personality is fundamentally nurturing and kind-hearted, characterized by a strong big-sister temperament. She is deeply attached to her fellow courtesans and the apprentices of the Verdigris House, forming a particularly strong bond with Maomao, whom she helped raise and educated in dance and other arts during Maomao's childhood in the district. Meimei often fusses over Maomao with genuine concern, though her care can occasionally be overbearing or slightly careless, as seen when she gave young Maomao chocolate from a client, not realizing the rich sweets would make the child ill. Despite her usual gentle and patient demeanor, she has a short temper that can surface, especially when it comes to competitive games, and she possesses a sly, sometimes manipulative side described as a "black belly". Like the older madam of the house, she has also shown a tendency to become more miserly with age.
A key aspect of her motivation and role in the story revolves around her relationships. She is one of the few people in the pleasure district who treats Lakan with kindness rather than disgust, a result of their long history. Because of this, he is usually shown to her room when he visits, and she entertains him with games and conversation rather than sexual services. This closeness has led to complex, unfulfilled feelings on her part. She harbors a deep, long-standing affection for Lakan, a secret she keeps largely to herself. Her internal conflict is most evident during the pivotal event when Lakan is brought to the house to choose a courtesan to buy out. Although he initially moves to choose her, Meimei redirects him to the window revealing the annex where the ailing Fengxian resides, effectively sacrificing her own chance to leave with him in order to reunite him with her former mentor and his true love. This act demonstrates her quiet, self-sacrificing nature, as she tears up at the loss of her own hopes but genuinely rejoices in their reunion.
Her development throughout the story is marked by this transition from a top courtesan to a respected professional in her own right. Eventually, through Lakan’s introduction, the Go Saint, the Emperor's imperial go instructor, becomes impressed by her near-professional level of skill. He offers to buy out her contract, not to take her as a concubine, but to take her on as a formal disciple. After initial hesitation, she accepts this offer, leaving her life as a courtesan behind to pursue a new path based on her intellect and strategic abilities, training under the Go Saint as a professional player-in-training. This resolution allows her to move past her quiet heartbreak and secure a future of stability and freedom.
Notable abilities include her mastery of Go and shogi, skills honed under Lakan's tutelage to a level that even impresses champions. She is also an accomplished singer, poet, and dancer, having once taught dance to a young Maomao. These talents are not just for entertainment; they are integral to her identity as a high-ranking courtesan and form the foundation for her eventual new life as a player and scholar.
Her physical appearance is that of a classic beauty, possessing long hair with soft waves, a voluptuous and glamorous figure, and distinctive sea-green eyes with a beauty mark beneath one eye. Her expression is typically gentle and warm, projecting an approachable charm that balances elegance with friendliness, which greatly appeals to her clientele.
Meimei’s background is deeply rooted in the Verdigris House. She began her training as a child apprentice known as a kamuro, attached to the legendary courtesan Fengxian. It was during this time that she first met the eccentric military strategist Lakan, who frequented the house to see Fengxian. Through these visits, Lakan gave Meimei basic instruction in the strategy board games Go and shogi, an education that would define much of her future. As she grew, she became one of the house's top stars, renowned not just for beauty but for her singing and her exceptional skill in poetry, dance, and strategic games.
Her personality is fundamentally nurturing and kind-hearted, characterized by a strong big-sister temperament. She is deeply attached to her fellow courtesans and the apprentices of the Verdigris House, forming a particularly strong bond with Maomao, whom she helped raise and educated in dance and other arts during Maomao's childhood in the district. Meimei often fusses over Maomao with genuine concern, though her care can occasionally be overbearing or slightly careless, as seen when she gave young Maomao chocolate from a client, not realizing the rich sweets would make the child ill. Despite her usual gentle and patient demeanor, she has a short temper that can surface, especially when it comes to competitive games, and she possesses a sly, sometimes manipulative side described as a "black belly". Like the older madam of the house, she has also shown a tendency to become more miserly with age.
A key aspect of her motivation and role in the story revolves around her relationships. She is one of the few people in the pleasure district who treats Lakan with kindness rather than disgust, a result of their long history. Because of this, he is usually shown to her room when he visits, and she entertains him with games and conversation rather than sexual services. This closeness has led to complex, unfulfilled feelings on her part. She harbors a deep, long-standing affection for Lakan, a secret she keeps largely to herself. Her internal conflict is most evident during the pivotal event when Lakan is brought to the house to choose a courtesan to buy out. Although he initially moves to choose her, Meimei redirects him to the window revealing the annex where the ailing Fengxian resides, effectively sacrificing her own chance to leave with him in order to reunite him with her former mentor and his true love. This act demonstrates her quiet, self-sacrificing nature, as she tears up at the loss of her own hopes but genuinely rejoices in their reunion.
Her development throughout the story is marked by this transition from a top courtesan to a respected professional in her own right. Eventually, through Lakan’s introduction, the Go Saint, the Emperor's imperial go instructor, becomes impressed by her near-professional level of skill. He offers to buy out her contract, not to take her as a concubine, but to take her on as a formal disciple. After initial hesitation, she accepts this offer, leaving her life as a courtesan behind to pursue a new path based on her intellect and strategic abilities, training under the Go Saint as a professional player-in-training. This resolution allows her to move past her quiet heartbreak and secure a future of stability and freedom.
Notable abilities include her mastery of Go and shogi, skills honed under Lakan's tutelage to a level that even impresses champions. She is also an accomplished singer, poet, and dancer, having once taught dance to a young Maomao. These talents are not just for entertainment; they are integral to her identity as a high-ranking courtesan and form the foundation for her eventual new life as a player and scholar.