Expert Chinese historians may correct me on this, but here is why the Emperor acted the way he did with the concubines:
The higher ranked concubines represent a certain amount of influence and power in the court. For example, Lady Xiao's family (the brown haired lady who threw the mom concubine under the bus) wield political power in court and in the armies. She, as well as other concubines, cannot be sentenced blindly to death or through other grotesque methods, not unless the Emperor wants to destroy any form of backing he has in the political courts. The Emperor needs to proceed with caution on how to deal with the ladies - they are more than just concubines, but a symbol of power of the families they represent. It is likely many of them were even offered up by prestigious families, which the Emperor accepted mainly to gain support for his causes. Reading on this manga’s Emperor, it is likely the case.
Only when the Emperor stands above everything, has solidified his own power in court to run the country without depending on their families, can he truly give them the punishment and sentence they deserved. From what it looks like here, he doesn't seem to have that power. The fact that the Emperor actually shared his true feelings about the harem to the Empress is surprising and enough to show where he stands.
The Emperor generally does not involve himself in the politics of the harem - this is the Empress's duty. For the Emperor to do so means to overstep his boundaries and entirely undermine the Empress's influence, disrespecting her and mocking her authority in front of the concubines. He also doesn't have the time to. The Emperor focuses on running the country, while the Empress handles the harem, and would sometimes seek advice from Empress dowager to an extent. Most of the time, the Emperor may not know what is going on behind the scenes, and he does not need to know. If he knows, he will still hear it officially from the Empress. It is her domain, and she will be the mouthpiece. This is why many times, Emperors would ask,"is there anything you want to tell me?" If she says no, despite him being aware of the politics, then there is nothing he can do: the Empress chooses to fight in her own terms, while ensuring this burden doesn't add to his worries in focusing on his own task, that is, to run a nation after all.
If any of these concubines were to be sentenced to death, there needs to be proof that they either 1) commit treason 2) commit murder on any royalty. Generally, when it gets to this point, once the concubine is either sentenced to cold palace or death, their families usually follow suit, either by demotion (If in higher positions), or in extreme cases, extermination of nine generations (For treason). This is why there are so many wordplays and schemes, concubines laying out traps to topple the other. Very rarely, do you see them fighting in the open directly. To play harem politics, each learns how to 1) survive 2) climb up the hierarchy. Think office politics: You do not climb up the ladder by screaming and throwing a tantrum. You play the game wisely. This is what the concubines and empress are doing. The concubines fight for survival and power; the Empress fight to maintain her authority and ensures not one of them usurps her position and her life. The schemes can be extremely dirty, especially when a male foetus/baby is involved (there is potential for the child to be the next heir, therefore, solidifying the power of the mother.)
The western ideals and ways do not work here. Being direct with your words does not work. It's not the way the Chinese operates in the ancient times. In some cases, it may cause your downfall, and be used against you by other concubines. Know that there are indeed other manhwa like Cheating Men Must Die that ignores all this because well, OP MCs are OP, but also know that it is not an accurate representation of harem dynamics, and this title is doing a good job at trying to be realistic at least.
Perhaps watching the crazy popular Yanxi Palace might give you an idea of how the inner harem works. The main character starts from the bottom up, and topples every concubine with her wits and boldness and fights back schemes all without screaming bloody murder.
i love this comment
THANK YOU! Finally someone that actually knows what in the hell they are talking about! It drives me up the freaking wall to hear people trying to put western practices on eastern practices. Even in this day and age there still Chinese families that follow the old traditions of having four wives. These practices are not as ancient as some westerners may think. The practice of a monogamous marriage in China is still a very new concept. Only common in the last 100 hundred years, if even that long, so I find it idiotic when people insist that a period times manga with a harem should follow a western tradition of marriage. Even in the western countries marriage was used to unite families of power, and prestige or for political backing, all that's happening here is the same thing on a larger scale. This is how empires where made and alliances kept. So again, thank you for educating those that keep trying to put western values on an ancient eastern culture by insisting the Emperor know more about what goes on in the Harem and that he should marry only one woman.
The drama that you mentioned (Story of Yanxi Palace) is a really good example of harem politics. I’m currently watching and it’s extremely interesting. Y’all should watch if you get the chance too.
I think the MC should be accepted for who she is: a true villainess MC who became the person we see now because she got screwed over before, and now will use any opportunity to her advantage. This means showing her in a less than noble light. This also means she will do less than ethical things, think scheming thoughts. There are already so many, many, MANY other villainess manhwa out there who has a heart of gold, who are MEANT to be liked, saving the world with her goodness and purity - at least give this manhwa credit for portraying something different. This manhwa is not common because of that, and it doesn't fall into the stereotypical tropes out there. Can't we just appreciate Aria for her schemes instead of trying to force her into another Bakarina, Elise, Penelope, and other heroines. This means not apologizing for who Aria is. She will have her revenge, and she won't whitewash things. If you don't like this setup, maybe it's time to drop the manga and read something else. /rant
yes i totally a agree
After finishing the novel I can say that she is a 'bad' person is she true evil? No but if you really look at her 'revenge' from an outsider's pov you can see some glaring points like what gave her the right to fight the true daughter etc. She is neither good nor bad, the only thing to keep in mind is her 'reputation' something she cares about. She's a really good villain MC!
Right!! This girl had her head chopped off. She was a brat before, coming back. It makes no sense to me when villans get reincarnated and all of a sudden they have a heart of gold. Like you cant change who you are so easily. But my girl aria gonna fake it till she makes it. And lets be honest most of us would react the same way she does. After everything she has been through, she has trust issues and wants whats best for her. But if I was her, I probably wouldnt be as smart as her as she plans every single move. I really enjoy this, as you can see her true intentions. She aint about that bs
The Prince asked Tia about the Prince in her first life. This may be the closest apology Tia would've received, because in the first timeline, Prince Ruve died without anyone knowing of his atonement, and she died before knowing everything. Please also note the manga scenes in the beginning were portrayed incorrectly.
SPOILERS : Credits to Eodez. The scene where Tia and the Prince talks about her life in first timeline, after many shenanigans:
"Aristia." Tia slowly blinks. She was hearing Ruve's voice. Is it a dream?
"Are you sleeping?"
"Your majesty?" Tia sees Ruve in the moonlight. His eyes are anxious.
Tia can't believe it's him and she throws herself into his arms. Ruve reflexively holds onto her, then slowly wraps her shoulders and puts her down.
Tia --> 'It's him. He is not a dream or an illusion. He is the one who loves me. If he hadn't loved me, if he hadn't care endlessly and patiently, or if I had given up halfway, could have I changed my destiny as it is now? Could I have overcome the past and believe in love again?'
"Thank you" Tia says.
"For what?"
"For loving me and not giving up on me even when I kept pushing you away. And also... for changing my destiny."
Ruve stays silent, but reaches out to her and comforts her, stroking her hair. Tia is moved to tears by his gentleness.
Tia --> I'm not going to let this man ends his life in loneliness. He gave me a new life. Sometimes waiting, sometimes approaching, endlessly caring for me... Thanks to that it allowed me to create a new destiny. Surprised by my tears, I hear him whisper, but I squeezes him more firmly in my arms. Regret, gratitude, relief, it all flows out of me.
Ruve streches out his hands and sweeps Tia's tears asking "Are you okay?"
"Yes you majesty."
"What happened? What did you talk about?" He asked carefully before suddenly stopping. Then he turns his head and talks in the air "I'll go out for a while"
Blushing, Ruve says "Even if we're engaged, it is a little..." (aww my cutie pie Ruve...)
Tia realises that she only wears a muslin chemise. She hurriedly wraps herself, he runs out of the room.
Tia is blushing like crazy. She jumped on him while she was practically undressed. And she recalls how red he was.
Tia dresses quickly and goes out. She sees Ruves by the window looking at the moonlight.
"Won't you walk with me for a while?" he asks.
They go to the garden and their favourite tree.
"Aristia"
"Yes your majesty"
"The fate you mentioned earlier... hum, that dream... would you share it with me?"
Tia --> Suddenly I couldn't speak anymore. What should I say? He asks several times before. And he seems to know some of the past. What if I say something wrong and end up suffering?
"Let's sit down" says Ruve.
"Oh, yes your majesty"
Nodding, Ruve takes out a handkerchief and lays it on a chair for Tia to sit down and says "You must not sit on the cold stone, you're too weak."
"... Thank you, your majesty."
Ruve nods and sits next to her. He looks at the flowers and says "Please tell me. What kind of man I am in your dreams? I want to know. How I hurt you, what you hoped from me and that I didn't give you... I want to know so that you never go through it again." (aawww... Ruve)
(Tia finally spills the beans after a long moment)
"I studied badly to be a woman suited to you but you just got further away. I was struggling alone in the social world, and I was loving you from afar, suffering, hoping for your cold heart to warm up to me. But suddenly Jieun appeared and took you away from me. All I had always done went to waste. And I spent all my days and nights working in her place." Tia stops to catch her breath.
"You do not need to say more than this."
--> Even without mentioning the most sensitive parts, he already seems to have guessed what happened. For a while he seemed to struggle, then I hear him sigh.
"Right. I see roughly. It was a bad ending."
"I'm sorry, your majesty..."
"No. I understand how it may have come to that. As a child I must have felt envy and jealousy for you. When I stopped by the border tour, I did a lot of thinking when I saw you lost. I'll be honest with you. I had heard about your learning fencing, but I only believed it when I saw it with my own eyes. I thought it was only a ploy to draw attention to you. But seeing you that day, I realised I was wrong. Then I was curious. Why were you so afraid of me, and why did you want to break our marriage at all cost? Because I was upset at the psychological shock this caused me, I pushed you for the truth. Then I saw the letter Allendis Verita wrote to you. I thought it was absurd at first, then it angered me. No matter how much I disliked you, how could you look at me like this and think this of me? But as you were sitting in your bed, lifeless and lost, I was afraid to touch you again and hurt you. I remembered what I had forgotten : you were only thirteen. You were always acting like you had no emotions, but in fact your were extremely tender. That's why you had erased your mother's death from your memories. I was feeling sorry for hating you because of children things you couldn't even remember. You were just a child and I was so afraid I had hurt you. I was terrified."
Ruve carries on "Until then, I considered myself close to Duke Jenna. My father, Verita and Ras were difficult somehow, but the Duke had always been friendly with me. If I hadn't gone to see you, I wouldn't have angered him. What if I had hated you and trusted what the Duke was always saying about you?"
(sooo here is the reason for 1st timeline Ruve's hate! Oooh Jenna you snake... the guillotine is still too kind fo you. Poisoning a child with hatred and distrust since childhood, and then poisoning him for good. No wonder Ruve turn mad. Grrrr)
Ruve suddenly says "Aristia."
"Yes our majesty?"
"I must have been the worst in your dream. But what about me now?" (aaw my cutie pie...)
"You are a great emperor."
Ruve looks at her and sighs dramatically.
"That's all. I see. I was just a good emperor to you."
"Your majesty..."
"Here I thought Lord Carsein was my biggest rival and I was only focusing on him, when I had an even bigger enemy. Answer me, Aristia. Who does your heart belong to? Is it the me from your dream or the me from now?"
"He is just a dream. He is you, and yet he's a complete different person from you. Don't worry about it."
"Wow... Lord Allendis, Lord Carsein, and now an additional dream-like me. Aren't you too popular? My heart is in ashes. I'll have to hurry up the wedding. I have to keep you by my side so that you can never dream of him again."
Tia blushes and her heart flutters.
Ruve smiles "Thank you Aristia. For telling me the truth." The hand on Tia's shoulder goes up to caress her hair. "And... I'm sorry for giving you such a painful dream. Had I done well, you wouldn't have had to suffer."
"Your majesty"
"I'll do well. Never again will you have such a nightmare."
Tia looks up at the sea eyes that looked no longer cold and smiled. And she feels Ruve's gentle touch on her forehead... her hair... her lips....
Then his secretary come to get Ruve (because he sneaked out). Ruve is so disappointed that Tia pats him on the shoulder. They stand up and Tia folds Ruve's handkerchief.
"I'll wash it and give it back to you"
"Well, I would prefer something else in return."
Tia is lost. Ruve smiles and reaches out to Tia that he takes by the shoulder.
"You've been in the cold too long. Come on in. I'm worried that you may get sick again."
"Yes your majesty"
"Not majesty."
"Sorry?"
"Ruve"
Tia opens wide eyes. --> Did I hear it wrong? What did he just say? Do you want me to call you Ruve? Did you ask for a nickname? Really? Really?! My lips fluttered. I've never allowed myself to hope for so much. Ruvelis Kamaludin Shana Castina, that only his family or the lover of his heart were allowed to call Ruve. He was asking ME to call him that name.
"It must have been too much" says Ruve "It's quite cold, so listen..."
"Ruve."
Ruve freezes in shock.
"Go your maj... Ruve. You must hurry. They're waiting for you."
Ruve looks at Tia with wonder, then smiles and kisses her gently on her forehead.
"Then see you later. Oh and..."
"Yes?"
"Thank you Tia"
Then Tia freezes, eyes wide-opened. Ruve turns around without giving Tia time to say anything back. And as Tia looks at Ruve's retreating back, she puts her hands on her pounding chest and smiles.
I stopped reading after I saw the part where Ruve was called a cutie pie. I couldn't force myself to read further.
it was the original persons commentary, I didn't have the heart to remove her comments, sorry about that.
Is it just me having a hard time following the translations?
When that thief's last speech bubble said "Hey." I just said "Hey." back to him.
For anyone who wants to see Princess flailing over Leon, here's a snippet of the latest translated chapter.
THe princess went on a journey of many adventures and reunited with Leon after a long time. This is clearly the worlds best summary.
“…Princess?”
A small murmur reached my ears.
It was the voice of someone dearly important to me. No matter how quiet it was, I would recognise it anywhere.
“Sir… Leon…?”
I called the name of my beloved.
Sir Leon dropped the hood of his mantle, causing his black hair to fall. I took in his features—his nose bridge, well-formed eyebrows, and the sharp lines of his somewhat shaven jaw. The colour of fatigue couldn’t be hidden behind his masculine beauty, but instead of detracting from his charm, it further added to his sex appeal.
His sharp black eyes reflected my figure and softly narrowed. A relieved smile formed on his thin lips.
It immediately stole my heart.
“Yes… I am glad you are safe.”
“!”
It’s Sir Leon… The real Sir Leonhard.
Joy gradually rose from within. Heat slowly filled my fingers that were stiff from chilling fear just mere moments ago.
My cheeks were burning and my body trembled once again, but for a different reason.
“Leo- Sir Leon…”
Aaaaah! How embarrassing! I can’t even talk to him properly!
This ends here. My excitement knows no bounds, I'm sorry.
Sooo the princess likes(romantically) sir leo???????
Andddddoes this mean that sir leo like the princess romantically??
The princess is hopelessly heads over heels for Leon, and only has eyes for him. I'm not kidding. She says it at least a few times as well. But she thinks her love will never be returned.
As for Leon, he is the only character whose thoughts we don't see into. But he will more or less do anything for her, even at the cost of his life.
Thank youuuu
I hope the author keeps track of the fandom's comments. If it goes well, this may be the first time I've seen an author switch ships in the middle of their works (and for good reason). Take heed of who is the more popular and healthier of the ships.
Ikr!! I will literally have a bitch fit if Khaol n River get back together(╯°Д °)╯╧╧
So will I!ヽ(`Д´)ﾉ
Thumbs up - You are in the Heil ship.
Thumbs down - You are in the Khaol ship.
My likes are more important so count them as ×infinite.
Heil ship will sail and withstand the storm.
Same...
Present time, then switch to three years later, then half a year ago, then eight years ago. This smacks of mediocre storytelling like a lot of Chinese manhwa but the heroine seems kickass at least.
All I can think of in this scene was how much of a wonderful mother Shuli was to Nora. I could not think of him as the ML at all. I wish she would've stayed like this, a young powerful mother who would go through any lengths for her kids while using her future knowledge, WITHOUT the ML.
Please excuse my frankness, but I am not sure how to put this. On one hand, I am very happy that the series has switched ships, vigorously I might add. Heil x river needs to sail.
On the other hand... something about the writing of this entire grandma arc bothers me. The grandma acts nothing like an elderly woman would; she prances around like a child, despite knowing that inside, she truly is a grandmother. Second thing is, I felt the author just needed a bit more restraint and creativity in getting her points across. Yes, we know that Khaol is a bastard and grandma is sorry she put the kids through that. I just think it could’ve been written in a better way; it’s a classic step of ‘show, not tell’ I couldn’t help but feel that, in maybe showing less, she could’ve delivered all these points more powerfully and poetically. Rather than saying out loud “Khaol is a bastard” or “Grandma is sorry I put you guys through it, go get your revenge or whatever” It’s just so abrupt, so /flat/ that I don’t feel anything at all from these scenes. Again, do show, not tell. A scene where Grandma realizes the heartbreak her grandchild experienced, leading to this scene, might’ve driven the point home and made it more emotional.
Edit: And how could I forget the plot hole. Grandma wasn’t able to become a bride because she couldn’t see, thus her sister took her place. Er, what happened to that reasoning?
But I’ll be honest here: I am here for Heil x River. Bad writing or plot holes be damned, I just want to see them kiss. There I admit it. Once they do, I’ll shamelessly make a WALLPAPER out of it.
Maybe Khaol didn't come for her ceremony, so the family offered the other sister and he accepted. This could lead to her feeling that she was defective and became obsessive about Forest being Khaol's bride.
It was unexpected to see the grandma in such childlike form, and the different personality contrast. Take it as author's creativity and comedic humour in their reunion (⌒▽⌒)
I’ve pretty much come to terms with it all, and reminded myself why I stuck with the title in the first place: Heil is hot, he deserves some loving, and it looks like River is gonna wake up and smell the coffee.