A lot depends on the character of the emperor himself - how hands-on he is, how competent he is, how lazy or hardworking he is. Also, is there any kind of representative assembly or parliament or council which he has to defer to?
But generally a monarch might be expected to do the following: Appoint ministers, hold regular audiences with them, fire them when he thinks it necessary; With his minsters, make decisions on how much to tax the people; If he's really into detail (and if it's a literate society) read over all the paperwork, accounts etc generated by his government and household; Same for military commanders, plus visit troops, maybe even lead them in battle; Have audiences with foreign ambassadors and entertain them in suitable style; Receive delegations/petitions from subjects and deal with them personally or hand them over to the appropriate minister; Dispense justice - the king was often the highest court of appeal; Hold court for his leading subjects, entertain them, hand out honours and offices, watch out for potential troublemakers; Have a leading role in whatever religion his people follow/have dealings with religious leaders; Family matters, such as deciding on the education of his son and heir, dealing with his troublesome brother; Regularly showing himself to his people in lavish processions; Dispensing charity and patronising the arts
If he's really into detail (and if it's a literate society) read over all the paperwork, accounts etc generated by his government and household...
And if he's really, really into detail, correct the spelling and grammar on said paperwork, like Philip II of Spain, who reviewed every document personally, no matter how trivial. This is why official business was transacted at a snail's pace, and why his viceroy in the New World said that "if only death came from Spain, we should all be immortal."
But generally a monarch might be expected to do the following:
Appoint ministers, hold regular audiences with them, fire them when he thinks it necessary;
With his minsters, make decisions on how much to tax the people;
If he's really into detail (and if it's a literate society) read over all the paperwork, accounts etc generated by his government and household;
Same for military commanders, plus visit troops, maybe even lead them in battle;
Have audiences with foreign ambassadors and entertain them in suitable style;
Receive delegations/petitions from subjects and deal with them personally or hand them over to the appropriate minister;
Dispense justice - the king was often the highest court of appeal;
Hold court for his leading subjects, entertain them, hand out honours and offices, watch out for potential troublemakers;
Have a leading role in whatever religion his people follow/have dealings with religious leaders;
Family matters, such as deciding on the education of his son and heir, dealing with his troublesome brother;
Regularly showing himself to his people in lavish processions;
Dispensing charity and patronising the arts
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And if he's really, really into detail, correct the spelling and grammar on said paperwork, like Philip II of Spain, who reviewed every document personally, no matter how trivial. This is why official business was transacted at a snail's pace, and why his viceroy in the New World said that "if only death came from Spain, we should all be immortal."
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