I think when the Emperor called Yeo-Dam his "hobby" (in past timeline) he meant something special. Like, when the Aqua-Commander was telling Kaim (in this timeline) that the Emperor might make Yeo-Dam his "hobby" and Kaim said that Jin people and humans have different meaning of the same word. We also know that the Emperor will later make a dictionary to bridge the gap between the two species. So yeah, i guess when Yeo Dam will learn the true meaning of the world, he will understand that the Emperor(in the past timeline) loved him too in his own twisted, violent way.
Also, when the Emperor pretend fell into coma (in the past) he was making sure Yeo Dam could never leave him. We know that before the Emperor fell into coma, Yeo Dam was getting over his feelings and trying to let go of the emperor. I think thats why that Emperor did that, so Yeo Dam could never leave him. But he didn't think the Yeo Dam will give his life for him.
"The seventh prince chose a great wife! she can do magic tricks and cure eyes!"
lol i cracked up. the emperor is the best
His headwear is really silly. Every time I see the bow under his chin, I giggle.
I laughed at that, too