The Empress Dowanger and General Yun make zero sense. Fine continue a war, but what will remain to rule over. The citizens are dying and you've let them starve do you think there won't be a revolt? Also Yun is acting like he is carrying out the former Emperor will, but he isn't. Yes, he wanted to expand the empire, but not decimate the 'foreigners'. Also it is clear that the Ed is doing this because a 'foreign' woman took something from her, and I can almost guarantee it was a man, the Vile POS.
The Emperor just like the Snow King, Saya, and Ling Zhi are in this for their people. All players have to be cruel to conquer the crueler adversary.