The Empress placed her hands, intertwined, on her lap and smiled at the Second Prince, changing how she addressed herself: "However, today's Imperial Edict has finally been revealed. If the Second Prince leaves Xiao Qi with this palace, should anyone question the legitimacy of your claim to the throne in the future, we will serve as living witnesses! Don't you agree, Second Prince?"
Seeing the Second Prince raise an eyebrow, the Empress continued, "Naturally... this palace must keep the contents of the Imperial Edict secret, not mentioning the Emperor's order for Xiao Qi to ascend the throne. Likewise, the Second Prince must keep this palace's secret and not mention the Emperor's order for me to follow him in death, correct?"
The Empress was essentially handing the Second Prince leverage over herself, hoping to secure the lives of her and her child from him.
