I’m saying her character is a rare find because those types are usually male characters. I don’t like that she’s abusive and a rapist but it’s interesting to see those roles reversed. It’s my first time reading a story with a woman being so strong and toxic and I’m interested in seeing how her story ends. When the roles are reversed, a lot of them have the abused women end up with their toxic ML. I hope and I’m pretty sure the emperor is definitely not gonna end up with her. So I’m excited to see her conclusion, maybe he will be the one to kill her.

Unpopular opinion but I kind of like the empress (⊙…⊙ ) I know she’s not good for the emperor cause of her abuse. However, her character is a rare find for women in these stories and that’s probably why I like her. I liked when she slapped him after she threw the ashes, cause he seriously needs to snap out of it. Even her son was believes he needs to get out of his mother’s shadow and move on.
Obviously she and the emperor shouldn’t end up together. The guy just needs help, cause he went from one toxic relationship to another. It would be cool if the empress could be honest and explain her feelings towards him since I believe she truly loves him in her own twisted way.
But I highly doubt that would ever happen and she’s most likely gonna get killed. I feel like the only way she will die is if she scarifies her life for the emperor, and that would be her way to leave a final mark on him.