I. EMPEROR (Zhao Xuanjing · Taizong of Great Zhou)
Self-address (ONLY)
Zhen (朕)
Addressing Others
To Empress → "Huanghou" / affectionate title
To Grand Dowager → "Taihou"
To Crown Prince → "Huang'er"
To Jianyan → "Jianyan" (private), "Aiqing" (court)
Notes
No emperor in the dynasty uses any pronoun except Zhen.
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II. GRAND EMPRESS DOWAGER (Your Tsundere Final Boss)
Self-address (ONLY)
Aijia (哀家)
Authority
Highest-ranking woman in the empire
Outranks the Empress
Can command princes, ministers, and palace staff
Addressing Others
To Emperor → "His Majesty" / "Huang'er" (private)
To Empress → "Huanghou"
To Crown Prince → "Huangsun"
To Jianyan → "Yan'er" / "That brat" / "Prince Jian"
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III. EMPRESS (Hua)
Self-address (ONLY)
Bengong (本宮) → to staff / subordinates
Chenqie (臣妾) → to the Emperor
Addressing Others
To Emperor → "Bixia"
To Crown Prince → "Huang'er"
To Jianyan → "Yan'er" (private), "Prince Jian" (formal)
Notes
She NEVER uses Aijia.
She NEVER outranks the Dowager.
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IV. CROWN PRINCE (Zhao Renzhi)
Self-address
Erchen (兒臣) → when speaking to the Emperor
Chen (臣) → when speaking to Empress or Grand Dowager
Benwang (本王) is NOT used by him at all until enthroned.
Addressing Others
To Emperor → "Erchen"
To Empress → "Mu Hou"
To Grand Dowager → "Chen"
To Jianyan → "Yan-ge / Prince Jian" depending on mood
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V. PRINCE JIAN (Zhao Jianyan · Our MC)
Self-address
Benwang (本王) → to everyone beneath him
Erchen (兒臣) → to Emperor & Grand Dowager
Chen (臣) → to Empress
Benwang → to Crown Prince (same generation, higher rank)
Addressing Others
To Emperor → "Your Majesty / Bixia"
To Grand Dowager → "Imperial Grandmother"
To Empress → "Mu Huang"
To Crown Prince → "Huang Xiong"
Notes
He NEVER calls the Emperor "Uncle" in public.
In private, very rarely = "Huangshu."
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VI. IMPERIAL CONSORTS
Self-address
Bengong → to subordinates
Chenqie → to the Emperor
Addressing Others
To Emperor → "Bixia"
To Crown Prince → "Huangzi"
To Jianyan → "Prince Jian"
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VII. IMPERIAL EUNUCHS
Self-address
Nucai (奴才) → to Emperor
"This humble one / little virtue" → to princes and nobles
Addressing Others
To Emperor → "Your Majesty / Bixia"
To Jianyan → "Wangye"