Gyokuyou is a central supporting character introduced as one of the Emperor of Li’s highest-ranking consorts. She first holds the title of Precious Consort and resides in the Jade Pavilion, which reflects her status and the meaning of her name. She is a woman of notable beauty, distinguished by her long, gently wavy red hair and jade-green eyes, a physical appearance that reflects her mixed heritage as the daughter of a dancer from the West.

Her personality is defined by a calm, bright, and often smiling demeanor, which she maintains even under the pressures of court life. She is known for her gentle and graceful manner, frequently responding to situations with a soft and diplomatic exclamation that belies her sharp inner mind. While she appears sweet and unassuming, Gyokuyou is highly intelligent, cautious, and possesses a quiet yet formidable will. This careful and thoughtful nature is a survival mechanism, developed after she survived two separate poisoning attempts early in her time at the palace, which left her wary of trusting new people. This experience solidified her reliance on a small, loyal circle of ladies-in-waiting, including her head maid Hongniang, as well as Sakura, Guiyuan, and Ailan.

Gyokuyou’s primary motivation is the protection and security of her children and her position within the complex political landscape of the Inner Court. She is deeply devoted to her daughter, Princess Lingli (also known as Suirei), and later to her son, whose birth elevates her to the rank of Empress Consort and secures his place as the Crown Prince. She is pragmatic and fully aware that her role as a consort is a political arrangement to benefit her family, the powerful You Clan of the Western Province, yet she harbors no romantic illusions about her marriage to the Emperor. Her actions are consistently guided by a desire to navigate court rivalries, protect her household, and maintain her influence without resorting to overt aggression.

In the story, Gyokuyou serves as a key figure in the Inner Court and as the first mistress Maomao serves after being kidnapped and sold into palace service. Recognizing Maomao’s intelligence and medical expertise after the apothecary secretly warns her about a dangerous face powder harming her daughter, Gyokuyou hires Maomao as her personal food taster and lady-in-waiting. This relationship defines much of her early role, as she trusts Maomao implicitly and relies on her skills to uncover plots and secure the health of her family. She is also an astute observer of the people around her, particularly enjoying the dynamic between Maomao and the enigmatic eunuch Jinshi, whom she teases about his feelings for the apothecary. Unlike many others who treat Jinshi with reverent formality, Gyokuyou treats him with genuine friendliness and playful banter, making her one of the few people with whom he can relax and be himself.

Gyokuyou’s key relationships are marked by deep trust and loyalty. Her bond with Maomao is one of mutual respect and affection, with Gyokuyou often trying to keep the apothecary in her service even after becoming Empress. Her connection with Jinshi is also notable; as the official who recommended her to be a consort, she trusts him with significant news, such as her second pregnancy, and he in turn feels comfortable enough to let his guard down around her. Within her own family, her relationship is more strained; she endured ridicule and torment from her half-brothers during her childhood due to her foreign blood, fostering a deep-seated distrust for them, though she gets along with her sisters. Her father, Gyokuen, recognized her talents early and shaped her to be an effective consort, a role she fulfills with calculated grace.

Throughout the narrative, Gyokuyou develops from a favored but cautious consort into the official Empress Consort. Her development is marked by her increasing political assertiveness and a steely resolve that exists beneath her gentle exterior. A clear example of this growth is her later decision to grant Rikuson, a member of a fallen clan, permission to take revenge on her abusive half-brother Gyoku-ou, recognizing the threat he posed to her family and the nation. This act demonstrates her willingness to make cold, calculated decisions for the greater good and the protection of her children.

Gyokuyou’s notable abilities lie not in physical prowess but in political shrewdness, careful observation, and social grace. She is highly skilled at reading people’s intentions and managing palace intrigues. Her primary weapon is her perpetual smile, which she uses to disarm others, build alliances, and conceal her true thoughts and plans. She is patient and cunning, capable of wrapping potential rivals in "layer after layer of smiles" until any threat they pose is neutralized. Her greatest strength is her intelligence and her capacity to inspire fierce loyalty in her servants, who remain devoted to her because of her compassion, fairness, and protective nature.