Hearing Empress Wei's question, Xu Ji An's fists tightened.

"Imperial Mother a.s.sured this child that as long as one can use every useful piece available, the crown prince t.i.tle will be within this child's grip… and Imperial Mother did not lie."

Empress Wei glared at Xu Ji An.

"You understood yet you still did those things!! Hasn't Imperial Mother told you before, those chess pieces, one must cherish them!! Imperial Mother sacrificed a lot of things in order to give you the crown prince t.i.tle, even killing those b.a.s.t.a.r.ds who were a threat for your ascension!! But look at you!!! You do not treasure your t.i.tle for what? For a stupid girl!!"

Xu Ji An wanted to retort back but Empress Wei did not allow him to do so.

"Do not try and lie in front of me!! Imperial Mother knows the reason why you kept on punis.h.i.+ng your women!! Imperial Mother knows that you desire that woman, XuanRong, but Imperial Mother had already told you before that it is not possible!! After what your Imperial Father did to General Chen during his birthday banquet, do you still think that General Chen did not harbor any hatred towards your Imperial Father?! Besides, Imperial Mother knows the heart of a monarch… Your Imperial Father is already planning to bring down the Chen family. Do you want to be tied with them and destroy yourself?!!"

*cough* *cough*

Empress Wei coughed a couple of times after speaking with all her might.

"Imperial Mother!!" Xu Ji An was very worried. Once something happened to his Imperial Mother, his support would weaken and his t.i.tle as the crown prince would be in danger.

"Ji An ah… Imperial Mother knows that you had taken a fancy to her but you must think carefully if you want to become the Emperor someday. You can play with that woman but you must not take her seriously. Imperial Mother will not hinder your plan anymore but Imperial Mother hopes that you will not forget to coax your concubines. All the women in your harem had their own value. How could you punish them without any rhyme or reason? Go and pacify your women especially Consort Ding. You know that among the women in your palace, she has the most value. You are truly foolis.h.!.+ Make sure to spend time with her and produce an heir. You are not young anymore."

When Empress Wei mentioned the word 'heir' Xu Ji An's face darkened.

Looking at his beloved son's expression, Empress Wei sighed.

"Imperial Mother knows that you are aware of it. Imperial Mother also regrets killing the unborn child in XuanFei's stomach since half of it belongs to you, but what can Imperial Mother do? Imperial Mother will never allow anything or anyone to obstruct you from becoming the Emperor, and that child's existence will only bring us trouble! Do not worry, that child may not be fated with us but it does not mean that you cannot produce another one. This time, you have to make sure that the mother is one of your women! Do you understand?"

Although unwilling, Xu Ji An could only nodded his head.

"This child understands. This child will obey Imperial Mother."

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[1]. Side-Consort: One rank lower than the Crown Princess.

[2]. Used by the empress or a high-ranking consort when speaking to a person or an audience of lower rank or status.

[Unedited Chapter]