The Prime Minister Claims She's Pregnant - Chapter 35

The Gu household was a cacophony of joy and celebration, but by contrast, the Chancellor’s Manor felt somewhat desolate. Tun Tun stood at the entrance distributing wedding candies and fruits, watching from afar as the young groom approached on horseback under the setting sun.

“He’s here! He’s here!” Tun Tun shouted toward the interior. Just as she turned to follow, the heavy gates slammed shut with a resounding thud.

Tun Tun was dumbstruck. “I’m not even inside yet!”

An anonymous voice shouted from behind the door, “You belong to the groom’s house now!”

Tun Tun stamped her feet in rage. “You people are shameless! I came home to help, and you burn the bridge after crossing it!”

Seeing a chance to vent her own frustrations, Gu Jinse seized the moment to persuade her: “Fight your way in. Take your revenge.”

Tun Tun didn’t take the bait until Gu Jinse pressed a thick red envelope into her hand. “Go, open the door. See that wooden chest back there? It’s filled with money to bribe them. Open the door, and it’s all yours.”

The Gu family was prepared to be extravagant. Uncle Yu had readied a chest of copper coins; if the door wouldn’t open to reason, they would smash it open with wealth.

Seeing the money, Tun Tun scaled the wall, made quick work of the guards inside, and threw the gates wide.

As the crowd groaned, Tun Tun began dragging the money chest away. Seeing this, the household staff ignored the groom and chased after Tun Tun instead. Taking advantage of the chaos, Gu Jinse sprinted straight for the main courtyard.

The Uninvited Guests

She didn’t expect a dramatic family confrontation to be unfolding in the main hall.

The Old Matriarch of the General Weiyuan’s Manor had arrived. Last night, someone had doused her estate in black dog’s blood and excrement; the entire manor reeked, and the neighbors were all mocking them. Having finally managed to clean up enough to leave, she had come to demand accountability.

When Gu Jinse entered, the room was eerily silent. The maids who had intended to block the door for the “gate games” didn’t dare speak.

This doesn’t feel like a wedding at all, Gu Jinse thought, pouting. She pretended nothing was wrong, stepped forward with a smile to distribute red envelopes, and signaled for the gatekeeping hags to take their share.

As the commotion outside grew, the voices inside quieted. Gu Jinse stood formally before the door and called out, “A-Yi, the hour has arrived. It is time to come home with me.”

A sharp-featured, cold-faced nanny emerged from the room, her voice shrill. “Groom of the Gu family, please come inside to speak.”

Gu Jinse refused. “The auspicious mistress said I cannot enter yet; I must wait. I don’t care who you are, but if you dare cause trouble today, I will not let you off.”

The nanny, losing face, grew incensed. The youth in the red robe looked gentle as jade, with snowy skin and vermillion lips—he didn’t look formidable at all. She immediately retorted, “I am from the General Weiyuan’s Manor—”

“So it was your manor that sent the white handkerchief to curse our marriage,” Gu Jinse interrupted with a faint smile. “Tun Tun, seize her. You delivered yourself to my door; I didn’t go looking for a fight.”

“You dare!” the nanny shrieked.

Tun Tun moved like lightning, grabbing the woman along with the help of the other maids. Another nanny emerged, and without waiting for Gu Jinse’s command, they bound the woman, gagged her, and tossed her out of the Chancellor’s Manor.

Gu Jinse stood outside the bedroom door, hands behind her back. The young youth looked spirited and steady. She called out again, “A-Yi, the hour is here. Do you want me to recite a poem for you? What kind would you like to hear?”

A noblewoman stepped out. Gu Jinse lost her patience. “Is your General’s Manor a dog catching mice? Minding everyone’s business but your own? It’s my wedding; what are you here to stir up?”

“I am the wife of General Weiyuan’s younger brother—”

“Shut your mouth. Did I invite you? Did the Chancellor invite you? Coming uninvited to cause trouble—do you think the Gu family has no one? Tun Tun, report this to the authorities and send her to the magistrate,” Gu Jinse sneered. “If the Emperor asks, I will take the blame!”

She was genuinely angry. The Emperor was supposed to observe the ceremony, but instead of coming to the Chancellor’s side to send off the bride, he went straight to the Gu house. Truly unhelpful.

Tun Tun dragged the woman away before she could utter another word, stripping away her noble dignity in an instant.

Gu Jinse spoke for the third time: “A-Yi, are you still marrying me? My legs are starting to ache from waiting. You know the toxins in my body aren’t cleared yet; if I faint because you won’t come out, who will you marry?”

As the words fell, Ming Yi stepped out. Her red robes trailed behind her as she stood at the threshold. Her skin was like radiant petals, her bones like icy jade. She looked at her. “I thought you were still half a quarter-hour away.”

“Tun Tun opened the gate, so I arrived early. Are you… ready?” Gu Jinse couldn’t take her eyes off her. “You are truly beautiful.”

Ming Yi took a step forward, but the maids crowded around to push her back. “How can you be so easy to please? He hasn’t even recited the poem! Get back inside!”

Gu Jinse shouted in mock outrage, “Did I give you all that lucky money for nothing?”

Tun Tun laughed until tears came, egging on the groom: “Give the money to me, and I’ll snatch the Chancellor out for you!”

Gu Jinse remained expressionless, then thought for a moment. Tun Tun whispered, “Make it easy for me; I’m your servant now.”

“Fine, but she’s back inside. How do we snatch her?” Gu Jinse asked.

Tun Tun rolled up her sleeves. “I’ll go in and beat them up; you grab her and run.”

Gu Jinse: “I don’t believe a word of your nonsense.”

The Confrontation with the Matriarch

Before she could get truly angry, an elderly voice echoed from the room: “Official Gu, please come inside to speak.”

Gu Jinse lifted her robes and strode in. An elderly woman with silver hair sat there. Gu Jinse asked immediately, “What did you mean by sending a white handkerchief to my manor?”

The Old Matriarch gave a cold sneer. “This old woman was merely giving you a warning.”

“Then the dog’s blood splashed on your gates was also a warning,” Gu Jinse smiled, feeling a sudden surge of satisfaction. In ancient tradition, black dog’s blood wards off evil; splashing it on a gate implies the house is haunted by demons.

The Matriarch’s face contorted. Gu Jinse smiled shallowly. “Did the Old Matriarch bathe before coming out today?”

“You…!” The Matriarch slammed the table and stood up. “You petty little man, do not think that just because you’ve climbed a high branch you can look down on everyone.”

“I’m the one who climbed the branch, not you. Why are you so anxious? I don’t understand where you get the nerve to cause trouble today. Is it because the Emperor is turning a blind eye? Old Matriarch, it’s been over twenty years; have you found the ‘adulterer’ yet?” Gu Jinse’s face darkened. “If I were you, I’d first ask the Chancellor: who exactly was your daughter-in-law’s man?”

The Matriarch’s face turned crimson, a fire of shame burning in her chest. She raised a finger toward the inner chamber, but Gu Jinse spoke over her: “As a woman yourself, you chose to ignore the man and hounded your daughter-in-law to death instead. And now you come to ruin your granddaughter’s wedding. No wonder the Chancellor didn’t dare marry for so long; you probably sent a white handkerchief the moment there was a hint of a suitor. As an elder, you have no brain; how can you hope to teach the younger generation?”

“You Gu brat, do not be so arrogant—”

Gu Jinse cut her off: “In terms of logic, I’ll debate you at the Gu manor tomorrow. Today, you can either drink the wedding wine, go home, or take the third path: a jail cell at the magistrate’s office.”

“You dare!” The Matriarch was furious, her silver hair ornaments trembling.

“He indeed does not dare, but I do.” Ming Yi lifted her bridal veil and walked toward them. “Out of respect for the fact that my mother was once your daughter-in-law, I have tolerated you repeatedly. If you cause more trouble, I will have you thrown out. If you want to cry and scream then, I won’t be afraid of the scandal. Your son will be the one to lose face.”

“Old Matriarch, my mother is already dead. Your son is at the border with a new wife and children; his life hasn’t been affected in the slightest. Are you still not satisfied?”

Ming Yi turned, her gaze icy as she looked at the old woman. She repeated, “My mother is dead. She has been dead for twenty years.”

Gu Jinse felt a pang of sympathy. The eldest Zhao daughter may have made a mistake, but she died twenty years ago. Her husband had remarried and forgotten her; her lover ruled the world with his own family and grandchildren. How could the daughter not be heartbroken? And yet, someone still came to rub salt in the wound.

Gu Jinse, filled with sudden heat and protective rage, stepped in front of Ming Yi. “It’s a pity your eyes have been covered for twenty years. You feel wronged? Let me make you feel even more wronged. Do you know why the Emperor dotes on the Chancellor so much?”

Ming Yi gasped, instinctively grabbing Gu Jinse’s hand. Gu Jinse gripped her wrist in return, dismissed the maids from the room, and looked the Matriarch in the eye. “When the eldest Zhao daughter was desperate to save her child, she was found by the current Emperor. Her lover was the Emperor himself. His doting on the Chancellor is out of pure guilt. Are you surprised? Is it an unexpected turn?”

The “Dog Emperor” had hidden this from everyone, but she was going to expose it. Why should Ming Yi bear all the bitterness alone? Gu Jinse was a woman of the twenty-first century; if a mistake was made, both parties should bear it.

Besides, did Ming Yi do anything wrong? Damn that Dog Emperor, that dog of a man, Gu Jinse thought, her blood boiling. “If you have the ability, go vent your anger on the Emperor. Ask him why he seduced your daughter-in-law and caused her miserable death.”

The Matriarch shook with rage, “Nonsense! His Majesty is… His Majesty is…” She couldn’t find the words.

Ming Yi watched Gu Jinse. This “gentle” youth could talk someone half-to-death with a single opening of her mouth. Who said she was mild-mannered? She was a little shrew.

“It’s time to go.” Ming Yi lowered her veil and reached out. Gu Jinse immediately took her hand, ignoring the sobbing old woman.

The Journey Home

Because Ming Yi had no elder or younger brothers to carry her, she had to walk out of the manor herself.

As they left the courtyard, the Crown Prince came rushing up. “Eldest Sister, let me carry you.”

“Your Highness, men and women should not touch so freely,” Gu Jinse said, displeased. Where were you when she was being insulted? Now that the storm has passed, you show up? Some ‘good brother’ you are.

The Prince’s face flushed red. Ming Yi said, “Your Highness, please step aside.”

The Prince had no choice but to retreat. As they walked away, he heard the groom say: “Actually, I could carry you, but if I do, people will think I’m your younger brother.”

Ming Yi replied, “Then carry me in your arms.”

Gu Jinse: “…” You aren’t following the script.

They were both women, and Ming Yi was slightly taller; there was no way Gu Jinse could lift her. Defeated, she stayed silent.

As the couple left, Tun Tun scattered handfuls of money. A manager handed Gu Jinse a basin of water. She jumped back in surprise. “What are you doing? Spilling water like ‘a married daughter is like spilled water’? Ridiculous. There’s no one left in this house anyway; it’s the same wherever she goes.”

The manager had to take the basin back, watching the bridal sedan depart.

The Celebration at the Gu Manor

When they arrived at the Gu residence, Madam Gu was waiting outside. When the attendants shouted that the party had arrived, managers brought out baskets of lucky money.

Someone remarked, “The Gu family is truly generous with their spending.”

Uncle Yu added, “They have only one son; of course they’re willing to spend.”

Madam Gu nodded happily, then realized the wording was off—Gu Jinhuan still had to marry. But since he was clinging to his songstress and refusing to let go, the Gu family would never hold a wedding for him.

Gu Jinse dismounted, went to the sedan, and lifted the red curtain. “I can carry you now,” she whispered.

Under the veil, Ming Yi’s lips curved into a smile. She reached out, catching only a glimpse of the youth’s red robe.

Amidst the sound of firecrackers and the cheers of the crowd, Ming Yi placed her hands on Gu Jinse’s narrow shoulders and leaned her weight forward. Though small, Gu Jinse had a hidden strength. She hoisted Ming Yi up steadily, drawing applause from the guests.

Uncle Yu shouted, “What great strength!”

Madam Gu muttered, “Last time I asked her to carry a chest, she said she couldn’t. How can she carry such a big person now?”

Uncle Yu teased her, “Is your chest as fragrant as this person?”

Madam Gu grumbled about “marrying a wife and forgetting the mother,” then let it go with a smile. She watched the couple enter the doors and suddenly felt a weight lift. She grabbed her brother’s hand. “Brother, I want a divorce.”

“What?!” Uncle Yu’s foot slipped, and he nearly tumbled over. After regaining his balance, he pulled her aside. “What are you talking about?”

“I’ll tell you the details tonight. After the three-day return visit, you accompany me to Yuhang to process the divorce.” Madam Gu was set on her decision.

The Banquet and the Princes

The manor was filled with festive spirit. The Emperor arrived just in time to observe the ceremony; after all, he considered himself half a father to Ming Yi. It was natural for an “old father” to attend his daughter’s wedding, yet the Gu family hadn’t left a seat for him.

During the salutation to the parents, the memorial tablet for the eldest Zhao daughter was placed on the chair. Madam Gu didn’t care at all, instead watching the Emperor’s reaction. For some reason, it felt incredibly satisfying. You’re the Emperor, keep being arrogant. Hiding behind a woman—what kind of man are you?

The Emperor had to sit to the side, looking down at his nose and his heart, feeling deeply uncomfortable. But he endured it.

After the ceremony, the Emperor felt unsettled and pulled the groom aside for a lecture. He said everything a father should say, specifically forbidding him from taking concubines. “Even a Prince Consort wouldn’t dare; if you marry the Emperor’s ward, you cannot take concubines.”

The onlookers smirked; the Emperor truly doted on the Chancellor.

Gu Jinse nodded repeatedly, then suddenly added, “A few days ago, Consort De sent me two maids who are skilled in medicine.”

The Emperor’s smile vanished instantly. The slap to his face came so fast it demolished the platform he had just built.

Gu Jinse’s tone shifted, sounding sincere: “Don’t worry, I refused them. Consort De was quite angry; I hope Your Majesty will advise her. If there’s a next time, I might not dare to refuse.”

“Ignore her,” the Emperor said, his face darkening as he waved her away, sitting back down in exhaustion.

Gu Jinse walked away smiling. You love your reputation, Dog Emperor? Then I’ll tear it down.

With the Emperor there, the entire court had followed. The two courtyards of the Gu residence were packed. Music filled the air as the atmosphere reached its peak.

Gu Jinse went looking for the Chancellor, but after a few steps, she was caught by the Crown Prince, followed by the Second, Third, and Fourth Princes. The four of them sat in a row, looking like they were ready to bury the hatchet.

This isn’t good. Gu Jinse turned to run, but the Prince shouted, “Catch him! This is a rare opportunity!”

Gu Jinse screamed for Tun Tun to save her, but she was quickly caught by the princes who had been suppressed by Ming Yi for years. Seeing the situation, Tun Tun didn’t dare help and shouted, “Official, take care of yourself!”

On the banquet table, the five of them sat together. The Crown Prince poured her a drink and said respectfully, “Eldest Brother-in-Law, tonight we are not Princes.”

Gu Jinse nodded, “I know. You’re just the little brothers who have been bullied by the Chancellor for years.”

“Exactly! Brother-in-law probably doesn’t know of Eldest Sister’s ‘heroic’ deeds back then,” the Third Prince said, acting as if all past grievances were forgotten.

The Second Prince added, “Be careful tonight; I’m afraid you won’t be able to get out of bed tomorrow morning.”

They surrounded her with ten jars of wine on the table, frightening away any other guests. It looked like friendly banter, but it was really a group of younger brothers taking revenge on the brother-in-law for the sister’s years of tyranny.

Madam Gu saw this and her heart skipped a beat. If she drank all ten jars, she’d be dead. Uncle Yu had an idea: “Swap the wine, water it down by half, and tell your silly daughter to fake a faint if necessary. Who are those kids?”

“The Emperor’s ‘good’ sons,” Madam Gu gritted her teeth.

“Princes, eh?” Uncle Yu called a maid over, took the wine pot from her hand, and walked over smiling. He grabbed his niece by the collar and started dragging her away without a word.

The Crown Prince stopped him: “Who are you?”

“I’m her uncle! In this world, the uncle is the greatest! Even if her father were here, he’d have to give me the head seat!” Uncle Yu pretended to be drunk, staggering a bit as he pointed at Gu Jinse and cursed, “You promised to marry my daughter, but you changed your mind!”

Gu Jinse had a headache. “Do you even have a daughter?” As far as she remembered, her eldest uncle had no daughters.

The Prince laughed. Gu Jinse felt a wave of guilt, grabbed her uncle’s hand, and said, “You’ve had too much to drink, let’s talk elsewhere—”

“Let’s go drink! I’m going to drink you under the table today!” Uncle Yu turned his back to the princes and kept winking at his niece.

They struggled to the door, where Uncle Yu suddenly let go. Gu Jinse pushed him away and sprinted.

“Come back! You brat, come back!” Uncle Yu stamped his feet and shouted.

The four princes were stunned. They looked at each other as if asking: What just happened? The Crown Prince, being the eldest, adjusted his clothes calmly. “We’ll wait for the three-day return visit. Go back and prepare.”

The Wedding Night

Gu Jinse ran all the way to the new marital chambers. It was dark now, and many people were waiting outside to “disturb the room.” She was panting heavily; before she even got inside, her legs felt weak and her head was spinning.

The crowd made a path for her. Gu Jinse waved them off. “Don’t cause a scene. I’ve prepared small gifts. Tun Tun!”

Tun Tun had people bring out a chest. “Inside are small trinkets—hairpins, inkstones. It depends on your luck.”

A mystery box.

Gu Jinse slipped into the room, brushed aside the auspicious mistress, and sat right next to Ming Yi. “Chancellor, my head hurts.”

The mistress laughed. “Handle your business first.”

Ming Yi couldn’t help but smile. “How did you escape from those four?”

Ming Yi reached out to untie the red silk veil. In the light, she looked like a goddess. Gu Jinse smiled foolishly and leaned in, her lips touching Ming Yi’s cheek right in front of the auspicious mistress.

The mistress gasped and immediately covered her eyes.