Prior to his embrace, Tansei was a leader in the Boxer Rebellion against the British.  His exploits caught Malaikat's eye, and she arranged for them to meet.  Her beauty intrigued him, her promise of eternal power aroused him, and he was more then willing to join her. At first, he was totally imersed in their love affair, but time has turned his eyes elsewhere - her daughter Aiji.

Respectful of Aiji's relationship with her sire, and not willing to risk losing his seat as the Clan'sthird in command, Tansei is content to admire Aiji from afar - for now.  Their relationship has become estranged by their conflicting emotions, and what he sees as her unseemly friendship with November.   Their arguments have gotten so out of hand at times that Kat herself has to end them. 

Tansei is the most outspoken in his dislike for the Los Angeles Clans movement into the City.  He dislikes their arrogance, their games with the Forty, and their interference in what he views as his city. The only newcomer he can find any respect for is Marie Priscus, because of her wisdom and her many years guiding her Clan.  In many ways, she reminds him of the Kat he first fell in love with...a fact that both intrigues and annoys him.  He has little patience for Drie Delano, and his kind of vampire.