Oh man, now im sad too. Sorrow...
I think historical perspective having many heirs is a norm that's why having many concubines helps because before they don't have the technology of safe birthing so the probability of having monogamous relationship will endanger the Emperor's lineage if the mother and son will die.
And then looked down on concubine children (︶︿︶)＝凸
Depends on the lineage there are times when the empress family is less powerful than concubines so it really depends. Also having the Emperor's favor is another thing.
This is my first time reading about male concubine and with existing empress. She's absolutely a boss queen. Im glad they live in harmony without ill will is this possible? The way empress care for every concubines. Especially a male one. Did i read too much angst to the point seeing an actual kindness scare tf outta me. I still don't understand why people has so many mistresses back in the days. Why do you need so many bitches to fuck. Why monogamous isn't the norm? Sorry poly fellas. I don't like how empress duty is to take care of concubines. Why? Why won't the empress has their own consorts too. One king size bed isn't enough. No pun intended lol... HAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHA