The suspension of Saiunkoku is exactly the same thing that happened to 12K. The opening segment was great, but as the show plateaued, I searched for an escape.

Don's foresight was spot on:

I don’t think that there is likely to be any real in-depth consideration of the challenges of governing an empire. ... Instead, I expect that the remaining 36 episodes will focus more on court intrigues, treachery, assassination attempts, bromides and whether Ryuuki really does prefer guys.

Ana-sempai says that, based on fanfics at least, they aren't yet married a few novels down the road. Meh, been there with Ranma, not interested.