@ElfBrony
I agree. I still feel that her rise to power was too fast and too abrupt. Nevertheless, it now seems clear that the author wanted to get to this point.
This, I think, is the real start to the story. A triangle between the empress, the consort and the bodyguard.
Honestly, while it was risky, this was a great move. So far, the empress owes her position to her husband, his clan and his clan's contacts. She needs someone who will be loyal only to her. Her personal maid was a good start, but a bodyguard would be better.