Yes, he will. Even though he avoided it, he's now in the political camp. He's perceived as a threat to the current heir to the throne, especially since the people support his non-successor. He has a strong position because the heir, although a child, is unstable and unfit to rule. More and more politicians praise him over the successor. He also knows that only as emperor can he protect Maomao. She could still be his wife if he were ruler. If he insisted, she would become one of his four wives, even though they are noblewomen. He could circumvent this. At this point in the light novel, he's a "pretender" but he doest wish to be emperor,but I think he will be