The late Empress had been a childhood spouse to Your Majesty, and whether alive or deceased, Your Majesty had never favored the Duke Wu'an Mansion with extraordinary promotions or important responsibilities.
Not to mention Succeed Empress Shu, now that the Shu Family has been reduced to commoners, if it were not for Prince Rong still being deeply favored by Your Majesty, one would almost think the Empress was merely for show.
As for Noble Consort Li, she was cherished by Your Majesty for so many years, and the prosperity of the Li Family is because the Empress Dowager Li still holds power. When Li Ji previously transgressed, he was not spared despite her favor, being exiled instead of quickly forgiven. If there was any affection, it was merely that the execution was switched to exile.