This is all the emperors fault. Like he is deadass the overarching antagonist. But since he doesn't show a malicious/viciousness like the Empress he gets away with it, by looking like the sweet grandpa type. Like the Empress helped solidify his place of the throne then has the audacity to have an affair with a maid. A maid that literally should've just been working and doing her job in the palace mind you. Since it wasn't love but political, he should've not had an affair and birthed succession conflict. They both failed their son, but the throne was literally meant for him through their union/marriage. but he couldn't even respect that. She should've just solely crashed out on the emperor, focused on her son, and let that maid take responsibility over her own child.
This is all the emperors fault. Like he is deadass the overarching antagonist. But since he doesn't show a malicious/viciousness like the Empress he gets away with it, by looking like the sweet grandpa type. Like the Empress helped solidify his place of the throne then has the audacity to have an affair with a maid. A maid that literally should've just been working and doing her job in the palace mind you. Since it wasn't love but political, he should've not had an affair and birthed succession conflict. They both failed their son, but the throne was literally meant for him through their union/marriage. but he couldn't even respect that. She should've just solely crashed out on the emperor, focused on her son, and let that maid take responsibility over her own child.