Prince Ji is so delightful - there's a man who's been around the block a few times.

One of the things I like about the Empress (and all the consorts, really) is how it's shown how much their lives are dependent on the whims of a fractious, unpleasant man. Like, you're right, how could she know that the Emperor had decided it was okay if one consort had a memorial tablet for Lin Yueyao?

(Another thing I like is that it's crystal clear that the consorts aren't fighting for the Emperor's love - it's all about power.)