Actually, she did what she have to do. She's an Empress Dowager who had to protect her little kid against many enemies.
In chapter 54 or 55(?), she explained that she never been intimate/consummate with other consorts (her reason was must be abstinent for 3 years after Emperor died)... and she only used the harem to build power and connections. She also said that she acted as weak lotus flower before he died bc she knew he liked being dominant and see her act as delicate with tears. While now, she have to show her domineering side to be not underestimated. Even Commander Song stated before that many thought she's just a little kitty who can easily be controlled.
The ML stated that he liked her better now without tears (and start of SM scene with FL being dominant LMAO) ... Actually, I find the recent chapters became funnier now.
It still unclear if she truly loved him or her heart was already tired and hardened due to palace experience... but I think she liked him in some point and undoubtedly very loyal to him that's why she already noticed early Consort Jiang's similarities to previous Emperor. She even made their kid think that his Father was invincible, kind, powerful and truly loved her.
I think the real villain here is the former Emperor Father of ML bc there is a possibility that his soul will come back.