Why did Shen put Ling in limbo?

The reason why Shen snubbed Ling was because Shen only loved Ling's beauty, but not herself. When she first entered the palace in the novel Phoenix, Shen was attracted by her beauty. Later, after Ling became a queen, she pleaded for other concubines. Shen appreciates such a perfect woman with both beauty and talent. But he didn't know Ling's heart, knowing that the palace was in danger, he still swaggered her as the queen. Therefore, Shen put Ling in limbo because he didn't love the woman herself. From Yellow, an ancient love novel.