[Answering Host, there were six intimate contacts last night. Base points: 100 × 6 = 600. The target’s overall emotional value was high, rewarding an additional 200 points. Current accumulated points: 1200.]
Twelve hundred points.
Chu Shengsheng silently calculated. Focusing solely on Pei Zhen was indeed a good way to earn points quickly, but with only that one shortcut, she feared she might exhaust herself to death in bed before succeeding.
Becoming the first Minor Immortal in history to be done to death in bed by the Destined Child.
If word got out, how could she ever show her face again?!
So that wouldn’t do; she had to think of other methods.
After much thought, she remembered the Main Mission—getting pregnant.
She needed to conceive as soon as possible.
Once pregnant, her status would change. Not only would she complete the mission, but more importantly, she would earn more points.
[System, when can I get pregnant?]
As soon as the thought occurred, she asked directly.
[Answering Host, to conceive quickly, you must first detoxify the target’s body. The Store offers the ‘Heart-Cleansing Detoxification Pill,’ which can neutralize this poison. Exchange requires 3000 points.]
Three thousand points?!
Damn it, System, are you robbing me of points?!
Chu Shengsheng couldn’t help but curse inwardly. Then, her eyes lit up as she hatched a little scheme and said:
“System, let me get this detox pill on credit first. Once I get pregnant and complete the mission, I’ll pay you back.”
“No.”
The System coldly refused.
“…” %@&.
She was still short by nearly half the points. It seemed the only way was to find a way to get Pei Zhen to come over a few more times.
She’d have to think about other methods later.
Just as Chu Shengsheng was struggling with the points, news about the two noble ladies sent to the Eastern Palace being returned reached the Emperor’s ears in the palace.
“They even drugged him?”
The Emperor’s voice held a hint of surprise, but it quickly calmed as he asked.
“Yes, so Liu Shi was caned and injured, while Qin Shi remained unharmed.”
The eunuch lowered his eyes and replied.
“…And how did the Crown Prince resolve it afterward?”
Compared to the two who were sent back, the Emperor seemed more concerned about this matter.
“Your Majesty, the Crown Prince first tried to suppress it with cold water. When that proved ineffective, he immediately went to the suburban villa and returned only this morning.”
It could be said that the Crown Prince’s every move was under the Emperor’s watchful eyes.
“Oh? The suburban villa? Who is there?”
The Emperor suddenly grew a bit curious.
“Your Majesty, the villa houses an Outer Chamber Consort of His Highness, a young lady he rescued from a Hidden Brothel.”
“An Outer Chamber Consort? Has she been investigated?”
“She has been investigated. This Outer Chamber Consort is an orphan with a clean background. She was abducted and sold to the brothel in the capital, where she encountered His Highness on her very first day.”
The eunuch detailed the investigation into Chu Shengsheng.
After a long while, the Emperor slowly spoke:
“Hmm… Hand Liu Shi and Qin Shi over to the Empress for disposal.”
“As for the Outer Chamber Consort… since the Crown Prince likes her, let her stay for now.”
“If she is fortunate enough to conceive…”
He left his words unfinished, but the eunuch before him understood: if the Crown Prince’s Outer Chamber Consort could indeed conceive and give birth to a young prince, she would undoubtedly rise in status through her child.
However, the Crown Prince’s difficulty in producing heirs was well-known, with Imperial Physicians repeatedly declaring it nearly impossible. Could this Outer Chamber Consort truly have the capability?
“You may leave. Keep an eye on the Second and Third Princes. Give them appropriate warnings—don’t push the Crown Prince too far.”
The Emperor waved his hand, dismissing the eunuch, and the Imperial Study fell silent.
“The Crown Prince’s heirs…”
This was not only a source of anxiety for the Crown Prince but also for him, the Emperor.
Just a few days ago, court officials had submitted memorials proposing the appointment of a new Crown Prince, but he had suppressed them all.
The issue of heirs was significant, but not just anyone could become Crown Prince.
However, if this matter dragged on, even he might not be able to keep it under control.
“Three months…”
“Crown Prince, I give you three months. If you can conceive an heir, everything will remain as it is. If not…”
Pei Zhen was unaware that the Emperor had already set a deadline in his mind—a deadline that would determine his future status and even his heirs.
At this moment, having returned to the Eastern Palace, he immediately threw himself into handling official duties.
Yet, his mind was not entirely at ease. The image of Chu Shengsheng’s frail appearance and the physician’s warning about “excessive marital relations” lingered in his thoughts.
Sitting in his study, with memorials spread open before him, he appeared to be working but was, in fact, lost in thought.
He couldn’t help but frown, feeling that he had been acting unusually, especially when facing Chu Shengsheng—nothing like his former self.
Something was off.
With this thought, he summoned the Shadow Guard.
“Have you uncovered the background of Chu Shengsheng’s ancestors as I instructed?”
“Your Highness, we have found some information. However, due to the passage of time, some leads have been lost, so it will require a few more days…”
The Shadow Guard lowered his head and replied promptly.
This aligned with Pei Zhen’s expectations. He nodded and said, “Continue the investigation. Report back only when everything is clear.”
“Yes.”
With that, the Shadow Guard vanished from the study.
Not long after the Shadow Guard left, Zhao Dequan quietly entered.
“Your Highness.”
“What is it?”
“Liu Shi and Qin Shi were sent back to their respective residences by the Empress, who also issued warnings to both families. Word from the Emperor’s side says…”
Zhao Dequan hesitated.
“Says what?”
Pei Zhen looked up at him.
“It is said that Your Highness has been given three months, though the specifics of what is to be accomplished were not made clear.”
Three months?
Pei Zhen’s gaze suddenly turned cold. He clenched his fists, his face filled with anger, disappointment, and… struggle.
How could he not understand what this meant?
Such was his dear father.
“Leave.”
The study fell silent once more. Pei Zhen lost all interest in handling official duties. Leaning back in his chair, he closed his eyes, and images of Chu Shengsheng flooded his mind.
Her furrowed brow in restraint, her flushed cheeks in shyness, her dazed whimpers, her release in surrender…
He abruptly opened his eyes and, ignoring the discomfort in his body, stood up and strode out of the study.
“To the rear courtyard.”
The physician had said Chu Shengsheng was currently too weak for excessive activity. This was the perfect opportunity to test whether he truly could not perform with anyone else but her.
He refused to believe such nonsense!
Far away in the detached courtyard, Chu Shengsheng was still pondering ways to earn Points when she suddenly paused.
[System Notification: Target Pei Zhen has generated intense emotions, emotional value fluctuating dramatically, Points +150. Current Points: 1350.]
Huh?
What did she do?
Wait, what did Pei Zhen do? Why the sudden emotional turmoil?
Still, Points were always a good thing. Haha, Crown Prince, let your emotions run even wilder—that way, her Points would multiply greatly.
Inside the Eastern Palace.
“Impossible!”
The sound of shattering porcelain echoed from Pei Zhen’s room, accompanied by his furious roar.
The maids and servants outside the room dared not even breathe, utterly baffled as to why their Crown Prince had suddenly erupted in such fury.
“Damn it!”
[System Notification: Target character Pei Zhen has generated intense emotions, emotional value fluctuating violently, Points +150, current Points: 1500.]
[System Notification: Target character Pei Zhen has generated intense emotions, emotional value fluctuating violently, Points +150, current Points: 1650.]