That comment was clearly directed at the five consorts, whose faces darkened.
"The Pearl Territory represents economic power and administrative capability. I'm giving it to him because he will need resources to fulfill his duties as Emperor Consort. He'll need wealth to maintain his household, to fund his initiatives, to exercise real authority. Empty titles are useless. Real power requires real resources."
She stopped walking and turned to face the crowd directly.
"And the Muram Banquet—that highest honor that you all seem to think he hasn't earned—I'm granting him because making me genuinely happy on my wedding day is worth more than all your military victories and diplomatic achievements combined."
Her voice rose slightly.
