The fact that Kokiden feels comfortable speaking so horribly about the Lady of the Paulownia Court even after her death, when the lady has no power, does two things. First, it suggests that Kokiden still sees Genji as a major threat and, second, it indicates that Kokiden feels assured of getting to keep her powerful position at court, no matter what happens. In turn, this shows that she has the Emperor's affections without question.