In this case, the Emperor doesn't have double standards. The Emperor isn't preaching from the perspective of forgiveness…
I was thinking the same too, that's why i feel he's not too bad! he didn't want ML to take that step so he did it for him (he might have other motives)
Does anyone else think the emperor is sus? I feel like I can’t trust him plus why does he like the male lead sooo much ( I hope he doesn’t think he’s going to betray him)