For me it is clear that the Emperor was forced to marry the Empress Consort, by the Empress Dowanger. The woman moves the same way that Demon Bitch does, even recites the same words that Demon recites to get people to do her bidding. Also Ling, if we have seen the Emperor correctly, is right. He will never want someone who leverages his people for a power trip. Something a privileged bitch like her, the Demon Bitch and Female Ramsey Bolton do not get.
I really want Ling and the Emperor to make it through, even if it isn't love at least as close respected allies who understand they can't be together.