This is a really good way of showing class differences, lol. The way these women care more about the meat than they do about the consort's son really demonstrates that, while they might show sympathy for the consort, at the end of the day, it doesn't really affect them. Their emotional connection with the consort isn't particularly strong, mainly because the consort has a higher ranking than them (not to mention the fact that the consort's meals are likely more grand than whatever they have), and because they dont know the consort on a personal level. It's sad, yes—but it doesn't really affect them. Until now, that is.
—I'm not even gonna mention the fact that wearing these black sashes are pretty much expected from the women, as a show of support and mourning for Consort Lihua, but when a similar situation would happen to someone with a lower rank, no one would bat an eye (except I just did).
*btw I'm not villainizing anyone.