I think you all are really down playing the Empress. I know she is the big bad, but her thoughts on Tia dad being the next in line, is based on all the success he has been having, PLUS the fact that Tia is his daughter.
Granted we all know who will really take over the family in the end, but it's not out of the question for the head to follow the male lineage.
Look, I hate the Empress as much as the next person, and her down fall will be amazing when it happens, trust me.
But we need to give her, her dues. She is a good rival to Tia, and she really makes the story work. Cause withbout her, who is the villain? Her husband? Dude is a sack a rocks that is easily won over by a few nice words.
Grandpa alone stomps the Emperor, and has shown countless times that with him, this empire ain't shit.
Just saying. Gove Empress her flowers, she is playing her role nicely.