Zhao Mo
Nanyue was a monarchy, and its head of state generally held the title of "king" (), though its first two rulers Zhao Tuo and Zhao Mo were referred to as "Emperor" within Nanyue's borders. The kingdom had its own Calendar era system based (like China's) on Emperors' reign periods. Succession in the monarchy was based on hereditary rule, with the King or Emperor's successor designated as crown prince. The ruler's mother was designated empress dowager, his wife as empress or queen, and his concubines as "Lady" (). The formalities extended to the ruler's family were on the level of that of the Han dynasty Emperor, rather than that of a feudal king.