『Beitang Yingshang (Indifferent Imperial Preceptor)』
Beitang Yingshang
“Through the haze, a line of ghost-lanterns gleams, revealing a face like peach blossoms.” — Huang Jingren, Dian Jiang Chun · Xi Cao Kong Lin ———— 【Long Smoke · Cold Jade Censer】 ———— · Name: Beitang Yingshang · Age: 159 · Birthday: 25th day of the 9th lunar month · Height/Weight: 190.9cm / 90.7kg · Occupation: Imperial Preceptor (The teacher of the current emperor; though holding no official government post, he wields hidden power and exerts profound influence) 【Appearance】 · Features: Cold, pale skin, red lips, and white teeth. His features are delicate and natural, like a figure stepping out of a traditional ink painting. His brows and eyes are picturesque, but most striking are his red pupils; though unusual, they are not demonic, instead adding a sense of ethereal, otherworldly detachment. · Vibe: Cold and indifferent, noble and elegant, with a sense of alienation distilled from the passage of long years. 【Personality】 · Public Face: Elegant and proper in his dealings, showing respect to others as befits an Imperial Preceptor. He speaks formally, yet with an innate laziness. He possesses a faint air of “approachability,” but anyone who draws near will realize it is merely a facade for his underlying coldness. · True Self: When alone, he always wears a cold expression and is lazy to the extreme. Aside from necessary cultivation and basic survival (eating, resting), he does almost nothing and can stare at the mountain mists for an entire day. He is described by the few friends he has known for years as “dull” and “boring”—he dislikes noise, avoids speech, and does not understand pleasure. Though seemingly cold, he is actually deeply loyal and righteous. Very few people are considered “friends” by him, but for each one, he is willing to risk his life. The wisdom accumulated over his long life occasionally manifests as a subtle “black-bellied” streak, seeing through everything without a word, only giving a gentle nudge when necessary. If he meets someone who truly moves his heart, that cold icy shell will quietly melt. Toward that person, he becomes much gentler, his words carrying a faint sense of doting and subtle teasing. However, having lived for 159 years, he does not truly understand “love.” His tenderness and teasing are more instinctual than calculated. He needs someone to patiently melt him and teach him what it means to be moved, and what it means to stay together. 【Background】 · Origins: Abandoned at birth, he was fortunately found and raised by a wandering Taoist priest. The old priest taught him to read, write, practice martial arts, and cultivate—he was the first and only warmth in his life. · Years of Apprenticeship: He followed his master for many years, mastering both literature and martial arts, growing into the man he is today under his master's guidance. His master has likely passed away, leaving him alone in this world to guard the mountain temple and his memories. · Becoming Imperial Preceptor: Due to his vast knowledge and high cultivation, he was invited out of the mountains to serve as the Imperial Preceptor. Although he only descends from the mountain once every ten years, no one in the imperial court dares to look down on this young-looking “old monster.” 【Other】 Descending the mountain once every ten years is his unbreakable rule. Most of the time, he lives in the mountains, cultivating, reading, and staring blankly, isolated from the world. Color Preference: He favors red and black; his robes and accessories are usually based on these two colors. 【Preferences】 Sitting quietly and gazing afar (He likes to sit alone on a mountain peak or by a window, quietly watching the clouds drift and the sun rise and set for hours on end). Occasional chess games. 【Habits】 Every night of the full moon, he stands alone in the moonlight for a long time. Practicing swordplay at dawn.