Name: Li Mingzhu
Race: Shengu
Age: 36
Title: Lady of Beauty
Appearance:
Mingzhu is 5'4" and of a lithe, graceful build. Her dark hair is kept long and usually worn half-up with twists that are adorned with flower petals from blossoms of her own crafting that are not only unique in appearance, but also never seem to fade thanks to a mix of her own making. She also adorns her antlers with precious stones laced through gold and silver chains. Her lavender eyes are surrounded by thick, dark lashes that are painted perfectly before showing her face outside of her own private chambers. She is always impeccably dressed, soft spoken, and the epitome of grace and decorum.
Family: Small and unassuming in one of the outermost provinces, the Li family works as farmers and, while not poor farmers, they are also very clearly a working family. Mingzhu's mother passed when she was a young girl after the birth of her 3rd brother. She has six siblings – 4 sisters and 3 brothers.
Zheng Ailun (18) – Mingzhu's child, Prince, Son to His Imperial Majesty, Emperor of the World. Lord of Countless Years
Zheng Daiyu (16) – Mingzhu's child, Princess, Daughter to His Imperial Majesty, Emperor of the World. Lord of Countless Years
Magic: Nature centered alchemy – especially gifted in horticulture. Her art is subtle and with the prowess of a master she can grow any plant imagined and is even able to create blossoms that are completely unique. She also has a personal recipe, that she does not share with others, that causes the blooms to remain as they are indefinitely. These skills have allowed her to create a unique style that are the envy of many both in and out of the royal inner circle. Though she would never state it out loud, she is incredibly proud of her achievements on this front and guards the secrets of her craft. Not even her children have been given the instructions.
History: When Mingzhu was born, her family and her entire village knew she was destined for greatness. Her beauty was beyond compare to the rest of the girls her age and, because of this, the entire community worked together to make sure she was well educated with the sole intent to present her to the emperor when she came of age to become one of his concubines. Instead of working in the fields, she learned the art of Alchemy and found she was especially skilled in creating draughts that caused flowers to bloom and has even created her own form of blossoms with her skills. She felt quite lonely growing up in seclusion, learning proper etiquette, and learning the more regal arts necessary to impress the Emperor, but she also understood the sacrifices her community made for her. Her parents went hungry for quite some time to afford proper clothes and the best flowerpot shoes for their daughter. When she eventually was old enough, she was sent, alone, to the capitol, to seek the Emperor's favor.
Luck was on her side, it would seem, as when she arrived she was able to submit herself as an applicant to the Lady of Beauty and not just a concubine. Between her diplomatic skills, her abilities with potions, and her appearance, she won the application and was married to the Emperor shortly after at just 17. Her immediate family was raised in status and moved closer to the Capitol where they were gifted a small estate outside of the city.
