Palace Steward (Shang Gong)
Liu Xi entered the palace with one purpose: revenge. Her father died because of the Wu family, and she blames Wu Yuanzhao for that loss. Rising to the position of Shang Gong (Palace Steward), she wields enormous influence over daily palace operations. Her helpful facade conceals years of planning your destruction — but her arc can turn toward genuine reconciliation depending on your choices.
Liu Xi's redemption arc is one of the game's most rewarding storylines. It requires: refusing to retaliate against her early betrayals, protecting her when she's vulnerable in the prologue of RtE II, and consistently choosing forgiveness over vengeance. Her ESFJ nature means she responds to genuine emotional connection.
Liu Xi is the game’s most complex antagonist. Unlike the political enemies who oppose you for power, Liu Xi’s hatred is personal — born from genuine loss. Her ESFJ personality craves connection and community, making her revenge a self-destructive act that conflicts with her fundamental nature.
The possibility of her redemption makes every interaction with her charged with significance. She’s not evil — she’s wounded, and the game gives you the choice to either exploit that wound or help it heal.