beta
....Folks we all know there are a *RANGE* of ways to exist as a man right? And Masculinity exists on an evolving spectrum?
And actually if we have only been seeing *ONE* particular type of ML, then that's actually a fault of the genre....?
The empress can be an AMAZINGLY physically strong, intelligent and witty character, without the need to demean the ML's masculinity.
Pick on the Emperor's immaturity, lacking leadership, ignorance of harem/inner palace dynamics. Not the fact he's not physically the strongest or a martial artist.
Let's not enable the patriarchy or sexist tropes, eh? (￣∇￣")