The Prime Minister Claims She's Pregnant - Chapter 33

The Emperor returned to the capital ahead of schedule, and Ming Yi went to receive him. At the same time, the maternal uncle from the Yu family in Jinling arrived alone. Madam Gu went out of the city to welcome him, crossing paths with the imperial procession by chance.

Looking at Chancellor Ming upon her horse, Uncle Yu scrutinized her carefully, a complex emotion flitting through his eyes. He turned to his sister and remarked, “You’ve chosen a fine daughter-in-law for your house.”

Madam Gu gave a huff of mock disdain. “That is because she was of help to you. Since you’ve gained such a massive advantage, I won’t be paying back those silver funds; consider it extra dowry for A-Se.”

The Yu family had gained immense benefits without lifting a finger. Even their rivals of many years were gone, leaving them essentially unrivaled in their industry.

Hearing this, Uncle Yu threw back his head and laughed. “You! You truly never let yourself lose out. I’ve brought plenty of silver; I could mistreat anyone, but never A-Se, who escaped death by a hair. You’ve raised this daughter of yours remarkably well. I’m quite envious. If she ever ends up in a divorce in the future, how about making her my daughter-in-law?”

Madam Gu hesitated. “Can your family afford to wait?”

“We can. I like your daughter’s courage and talent. What if we wait ten years for her?” Uncle Yu’s laughter subsided into sincerity. “It is common for men to marry and establish themselves at twenty-five or twenty-six. But this time, your daughter has come into immense fortune; I naturally have to curry a bit of favor.”

Madam Gu was both surprised and delighted. She was about to agree immediately when she suddenly remembered the affectionate state between her daughter and Chancellor Ming. The words died in her throat. “I’m afraid A-Se won’t be willing.”

“No matter, as long as we have an agreement between us.” Uncle Yu was generous, his face tinged with a hint of admiration.

Madam Gu sighed. It was strange; though she approved of her daughter’s current path, she couldn’t help but worry about the future. In this moment, she finally understood her own mother’s anxieties from years ago. Once a woman marries, there are too many unstable factors; separation is always a possibility. In old age, what would one have to rely on?

On the way back, Madam Gu thought for a long time. Just as they reached the gates, she pulled her brother aside. “Regarding that matter, we have a deal.”

“Fine! But first, let me see A-Se. It’s been years; she’s grown even more capable.” Uncle Yu entered the manor in high spirits.

Gu Jinse came to greet them, performing her salutations properly according to her mother’s instructions. Uncle Yu looked the girl up and down, offering brainless praise: “You’ve grown much taller and even prettier. Spending time with beautiful people truly makes one better looking.”

This flattery made Madam Gu very happy; after all, A-Se spent every day with her, so she was clearly benefiting from her mother’s beauty.

Once the praise concluded, it was time for gifts. The Yu family servants hauled in crate after crate. Gu Jinse’s heart did somersaults as she watched; she finally understood where her mother got her confidence. It came from her maternal family.

As she stared in a daze, Uncle Yu handed her a small wooden chest. “Inside are title deeds for land and shops. I thought carrying raw silver would be inconvenient, so I exchanged it for these. Do not decline; even if you weren’t my niece, I would still owe you a great debt of gratitude.”

Gu Jinse, having acquired yet another fortune, nodded happily. “Uncle, don’t worry, I definitely won’t refuse.”

“I’ve left you some experts in business management, and your mother will be nearby to assist. Do not be timid; if you fail, just start over. It’s no big deal,” Uncle Yu instructed. “Do not be hesitant or fearful, as that makes it easy for others to manipulate you. Hold your head high so outsiders cannot look down on you.”

Madam Gu’s eyes welled with tears. Years ago, when she married, her father and brother had said the same: there was no need to be subservient; she should keep her head high.

Gu Jinse giggled while hugging her box, not forgetting to remind her uncle: “I’ve already made the arrangements. You can go straight to the government office tomorrow for the handover. If anyone makes it difficult, just mention Chancellor Ming’s name; they won’t dare cause trouble.”

“I know, I know, your mother told me already. By the way, I’d like to see your yet-to-be-married wife.” Uncle Yu asked, recalling the sight of Ming Yi on horseback. He muttered, “She looks incredibly formidable. I hear nothing is too difficult for her. With such a powerful woman around, A-Se, you must learn much from her.”

Gu Jinse took note of everything, thinking to herself: Eldest Uncle is truly someone worth associating with. So generous! This is how an elder should act. Unlike Consort De, who was so eager to shove other women toward her niece’s husband; what was she thinking?

The brief period of chatting passed, and Uncle Yu went out to visit friends. Especially with the Huo family’s downfall, many embroidery houses in the capital were without a source of goods; now was the perfect time for him to make his move.

Gu Jinse spent the time at home trying on her wedding robes. In the afternoon, Chi Mei came to check her pulse. Looking at the bright, vibrant youth, Chi Mei felt a flutter in her heart. However, Gu Jinse spoke up: “Sister, you have many people in your family. I’ll double your monthly salary, how does that sound?”

Chi Mei was stunned, then immediately overjoyed. “Has something auspicious happened?”

“Marriage is a great joy! But mainly, your medical skills are excellent. I’m afraid you might run off, so I want to give you more silver to ensure you stay loyal to the Gu family.” Gu Jinse’s smile was bright. In times like these, a good doctor was vital; especially since she had recently felt like she was a magnet for bad luck, making Chi Mei even more essential.

Chi Mei couldn’t stop smiling. Knowing her new young master was a kind person, she happily accepted.

Later that afternoon, Gu Jinse took her medicine and napped for a while. Then, someone arrived from the palace with an invitation to a banquet that evening. The Emperor had returned and, after rewarding Ming Yi, had not forgotten her.

The Huo family was wiped out, their property confiscated, and the treasury was now overflowing. The Emperor took a portion to reward Ming Yi, plucking wool from the sheep he just sheared.

While others had tanned over the summer, Gu Jinse had somehow become three shades paler. The old folk used to say only those with “dog-poop faces” get whiter the more they’re in the sun.

Gu Jinse pinched her face and, with Chun Yue’s help, changed into a blue robe. Accompanied by Tun Tun, she headed to the palace.

Tun Tun gave her a crash course on palace gossip: Consort De was ill and would not attend tonight, but all the princes and princesses would be there.

Gu Jinse grew drowsy from the talk until she remembered something and asked, “Can Chancellor Ming not handle her alcohol?”

“She can’t, so she never drinks,” Tun Tun replied.

Gu Jinse nodded, making a mental note. She wouldn’t give Ming Yi alcohol next time. Then she recalled that previous occasion: how Ming Yi had been like a hungry wolf. For some reason, she actually felt like giving her a few more cups. The young youth smiled to herself.

The carriage passed through the palace gates and sped along. Ming Yi had been waiting at the gate for a long time. Seeing the carriage, she subconsciously stepped forward. The Third Princess mocked her, “Even Chancellor Ming can be this restless? I heard Official Gu was poisoned and doesn’t have long to live. You’re only rushing this wedding to save his life with auspicious air. Little do you know everyone has their fate. Ever since he met you, trouble follows him like a shadow. Chancellor, shouldn’t you reflect on that?”

Ming Yi’s footsteps paused. As the carriage drew near, Gu Jinse lifted the curtain, revealing a bright, moving little face. Gu Jinse paid her respects to the Third Princess, who gave a light snort and walked away. Gu Jinse was confused, but Ming Yi smiled. “Pay her no mind.”

The two understood each other perfectly: there was no point arguing with a fool.

Tonight was a family banquet. The Emperor loved gathering everyone to chat and laugh; it was said he enjoyed this atmosphere and especially liked having Ming Yi there. Ming Yi commanded the room. As soon as she arrived, the Emperor didn’t even need to manage the children. The princes and princesses saw their Eldest Sister Ming Yi and promptly shut their mouths.

Several Grand Princesses were also present tonight. Of the five, three were single, and two kept several male favorites, earning them somewhat unsavory reputations. Gu Jinse sat obediently at Ming Yi’s side, eating and drinking as required. While she ate, the Grand Princesses opposite kept eyeing her with unfriendly gazes.

The royal family gave an impression of prosperity, but in reality, it was a mess. The Crown Prince was having affairs, the Second Prince had countless concubines, the Third Prince was obsessed with money, the Fourth Prince was working hard in the wrong direction, and the Sixth Prince was still too young to count. The First and Second Princesses had been sent away for political marriages, the Third Princess had numerous male favorites, and the Fourth and Fifth Princesses were following their elder sister’s example. Those below were still nursing children.

Setting aside those below, every Grand Princess above who was still alive had been through a divorce. Strange indeed.

Gu Jinse took a sip of her drink and whispered to Ming Yi, “I feel like something is very strange.”

“Don’t find it strange. They simply like your looks. But liking you is useless; you’re already engaged. Let them look if they want.” Ming Yi remained indifferent, showing no surprise or shame.

Gu Jinse, despite being a modern person, felt quite conservative in this setting. She gloomily ate a piece of sweet cake while the Grand Princesses across from her whispered and laughed among themselves. “They seem to be talking about me,” Gu Jinse’s expression was dismal. “I always feel like they’re a bit too open.”

Ming Yi laughed. “You don’t know that after five Grand Princesses were sent far away for political alliances, the Empress Dowager became extremely indulgent toward these princesses. As long as they don’t cause trouble, she lets them play as they wish.”

Gu Jinse realized that as princesses, while they enjoyed royal luxury, they also bore their own heavy responsibilities. She nodded, her jade-like cheeks flushing slightly. The Grand Princesses across from her suddenly laughed, pointing and whispering about her. Ming Yi was also helpless. She could intimidate the Emperor and the younger princesses, but she was powerless against these Grand Princesses. They were her elders, after all.

The Emperor chatted with the Empress while the Noble Consort listened on the side, trying to interject several times, only to be ignored. The Noble Consort felt frustrated. Seeing the Grand Princesses whispering and laughing, she followed their gaze to Gu Jinse and immediately understood. Ming Yi didn’t seem to care. Thinking about it, caring would be useless anyway. The Grand Princesses were the ones who slipped through the net; they had been pampered and spoiled since the time of the late Empress Dowager and couldn’t be changed.

Gu Jinse grew sleepy and let out a lazy yawn. Ming Yi rose to leave, and the Emperor finally moved his gaze from the Empress. He realized with a start, “Official Gu is unwell and should rest more. Is Ming Yi leaving as well?”

He didn’t want Ming Yi to go; it was a bit of a pity. With the kindergarten principal leaving, he could only watch them depart. Remembering the rewards, he called Gu Jinse back. The Emperor gave her a verbal commendation and then lazily let them go.

Gu Jinse: Shouldn’t there be a promotion? The Emperor was not a good man.

Gu Jinse gloomily followed Ming Yi away from the family banquet. Under the swaying lamplight, the two strolled through the courtyards. After a few steps, Gu Jinse took Ming Yi’s hand and tilted her head. “Chancellor, my eldest uncle added a lot to my dowry. It’s all mine.”

“What are you trying to say?” Ming Yi looked at her coolly.

“If you’re ever dismissed and your house is seized, I’ll give you half of my estate. We can be lovers, how about that?” Gu Jinse looked at the sky. Her pale face appeared weak and easily bullied, especially with those tender cheeks, radiating a subtle allure.

Ming Yi said nothing, but a layer of frost gathered in her eyes. “You’re cursing me.”

“No, I’m just refining our agreement.” Gu Jinse stopped, the scent of green grass in the air. “Chancellor, when they were looking at me, what were you thinking?”

Ming Yi frowned. “I wasn’t thinking anything.”

“Oh.” Gu Jinse felt an endless disappointment. “If others looked at you like that, I would be angry. But you aren’t angry, which means you have no feelings for me.”

Was an agreement marriage truly just an agreement?

The day after the family banquet, the Emperor bestowed rewards upon Ming Yi, providing a vast amount of bride’s dowry. The Gu family also grew busy. Gu Jinse stayed home to recuperate. The front yard was a hub of activity, with people coming and going; voices from the front could be heard from time to time.

Liu Mi had bought the neighboring courtyard, and the new marital chambers were arranged there. It looked like one estate, but once the corner gate was closed, it became two separate manors. If they ever wanted to separate the households in the future, it would be very convenient.

Gu Jinse lay on a reclining chair while Chi Mei checked her pulse, chatteringly offering congratulations and mentioning that her son would go to the new room tomorrow to roll on the bed.

“How many sons do you have?” Gu Jinse asked curiously. Under the sunlight, her skin looked translucent, carrying an indescribable fragility.

Chi Mei smiled. “Two sons.”

Gu Jinse nodded, and after thinking for a moment, she retrieved a pair of inkstones from her room. “These were a gift from Chancellor Ming,” she said. “As you know, I’m not much for reading or calligraphy. I’ll give them to you.”

Chi Mei accepted them with a smile. “Then this subordinate shall not refuse. The Chancellor has a cold temperament, but her heart is actually warm. She has always been unable to let go of the matters regarding her late mother. Please devote more care to her in the future; she is truly a good person.”

Gu Jinse’s expression dimmed as she asked quietly, “When the eldest Zhao daughter died, did General Weiyuan not take a stand?”

“Men… once a wife is unfaithful, where would any affection remain? In fact, one need not think hard; just look at where Chancellor Ming has ended up.” Chi Mei’s words were cryptic as she glanced at the silent courtyard. “The Chancellor has a father, yet in reality, she has none. If General Weiyuan returns, I fear it will only make things more difficult for her.”

Gu Jinse was stunned. She had never imagined that General Weiyuan would act as a non-entity in this scandal. She took a breath, recalling what Ming Yi had said that day.

Killing the Emperor with her own hands…

What about General Weiyuan then? General Weiyuan’s indifference was the true origin of Ming Yi’s pain.

The mid-morning sun began to sting. Gu Jinse moved back into the house, and Chi Mei left with the inkstones. Gu Jinse lay on her cooling chair, swaying gently. The weather was beautiful, and since the wedding was in the summer, it was fortunate it would take place at dusk.

She spent a peaceful day, and by evening, Ming Yi sent people to move some of her household items to the new marital chambers.

Gu Jinse followed along eagerly. This time, the person in charge was a stranger. She was surprised to see a woman in a light green brocade dress with a heart-shaped face and phoenix eyes. When the woman looked at her, there was a smile in her eyes.

“Official Gu, the Chancellor sent me to deliver these items.”

“Are you Wang Liang?” Gu Jinse guessed. The woman’s brown pupils were clear, but the smile from before sent a chill through her heart.

Wang Liang smiled. “Official Gu has a keen eye.”

Gu Jinse rolled her eyes. It seemed Ming Yi had cleared the “dirty water” from Wang Liang’s reputation. She didn’t know the full details of the aftermath of the Huo Manor incident; Ming Yi hadn’t said, and she hadn’t asked. Consequently, she still didn’t know the reason for the girls’ mysterious disappearances, nor what happened to A-Gui.

At the thought of A-Gui, Gu Jinse sucked in a sharp breath, her heart aching. “It’s not a keen eye; it’s your keen ability.”

Wang Liang was slightly taken aback. Gu Jinse turned and walked away, instructing Chun Yue, “Follow Official Wang and familiarize yourself with the Chancellor’s habits.”

Chun Yue, unaware of the hidden context, bowed to Wang Liang. “I shall do as Official Wang says.”

The two courtyards were quite far apart. Gu Jinse returned alone, carrying a lantern and walking slowly. The bright moon hung in the sky and the stars were brilliant; the next few days promised to be sunny.

It took nearly half an hour to reach her bedroom. Madam Gu was there, holding a gift list and pulling her aside to discuss the wedding presents. Gu Jinse was distracted, grabbing her mother’s hand instead. “Mother, if a friend of yours was murdered, what would you do?”

“Are you asking about A-Gui?” Madam Gu understood instantly. A-Gui had stayed in the manor for several days; it was impossible to say there was no affection. A lively and adorable seventeen-year-old girl was suddenly gone. She had thought her daughter didn’t care.

“A-Se, you may do whatever you wish to do. A life is a life, and a killer must pay with their own. However, I hope you take a just path; do not rely solely on power to do it.”

Gu Jinse pursed her lips and smiled. “I have no evidence, but I will go look for it. The Huo family case is still being wrapped up. I’ll go to the Ministry of Justice to ask around.”

“And if you find out, what will you do?” Madam Gu pressed.

“If there is evidence, everything will be easy. I believe the Emperor would not disregard justice for the sake of a petty person.” Gu Jinse looked into her mother’s loving eyes. “Don’t worry, I will take care of myself. I know that you only have me left.”

“Nonsense!” Madam Gu brushed her daughter aside. “I still have your uncle.”

Gu Jinse laughed in spite of herself. Taking the gift list, she asked, “Mother, how has Uncle been these past few days?”

“Everything is going smoothly. Go ahead with your business; I’m going back now.” Madam Gu waved her hand and rubbed her waist. “I’m tired and going to rest.”

Gu Jinse set the gift list down and sent someone to fetch Tun Tun. She changed into a brand-new set of black clothes. By the time Tun Tun arrived, she was already dressed. “Eh? Where are you going? To a fight?”

“Do you know Wang Liang?” Gu Jinse asked first, standing before the bronze mirror and looking at her own pale face.

“Official Wang?” Tun Tun frowned.

Gu Jinse glanced sideways. “Shouldn’t you call her Sister Wang or by her name?” People distinguish by closeness; Tun Tun and Wang Liang had grown up together and were supposedly very close. Why would she keep calling her “Official Wang”?

“I’m a bit slow, not as smart as Official Wang,” Tun Tun said awkwardly, stepping forward. “We came out together, but later Official Wang worked hard to enter the court, while we stayed in the Chancellor’s Manor. What do you want to ask?”

“I won’t ask. Let’s go seize her,” Gu Jinse said coldly, revealing a rare look of indifference.

Tun Tun jumped up. “The Chancellor will be unhappy!”

“It doesn’t matter. I’ll take responsibility for whatever happens.” Gu Jinse stepped out, her expression dark and obscure.

Tun Tun stuck out her tongue and followed closely behind.

Wang Liang hadn’t left yet; she was still within the Gu residence. With a single order, she could be detained.

Wang Liang was furious, staring at the youth before her. “Gu Jinhuan, I am an official of the imperial court! You dare to detain me?”

“Twenty innocent women were murdered. Wang Liang, how much effort did you put into that?” Gu Jinse walked toward Wang Liang step by step, her voice trembling. Her delicate brows were knit together as she stopped three paces away, meeting Wang Liang’s cold eyes.

Wang Liang was shocked, her lips pressed into a hard line. “Gu Jinhuan, I grew up with Chancellor Ming.”

“And so, what?” Gu Jinse said flatly.

Wang Liang looked at her. “If you dare touch me, you are opposing the Chancellor.”

Gu Jinse sneered. “Is that so? Once I find the evidence, the Chancellor will not protect you out of personal bias.”

“Gu Jinhuan, do you even understand the Chancellor? Even if you find evidence, she might not necessarily punish me. Instead, you will offend her over small matters. You should think about your own future career. Do you think the Chancellor doesn’t know? If you don’t want the wedding the day after tomorrow to be cancelled, you had better let me go,” Wang Liang said with a smile.

Hearing this, Gu Jinse couldn’t help but feel a profound disappointment. She stepped back two paces and sighed softly. “Even if I don’t get married, I will bring you to justice.”