Everyone is whining about the spoilers, but in truth, the ending is incredibly realistic. He's the emperor and if he were to take Pauliana as his only wife, it would create incredible discord. Concubines are taken to create a bond with other nations and it's a must in these times, otherwise it will lead to strife. Pauliana accepts this and still chooses to be with him, because that's his duty as emperor
Everyone is whining about the spoilers, but in truth, the ending is incredibly realistic. He's the emperor and if he were to take Pauliana as his only wife, it would create incredible discord. Concubines are taken to create a bond with other nations and it's a must in these times, otherwise it will lead to strife. Pauliana accepts this and still chooses to be with him, because that's his duty as emperor