The Prime Minister Claims She's Pregnant - Chapter 40

Ming Yi closed her eyes and grabbed the hand that was causing trouble. “Gu Jinse, are you really that insatiable?”

“You,” Gu Jinse frowned. Those words hit a nerve, making her so angry she simply lay down, turned her back, and pulled up the blanket. “I’m angry now.”

Ming Yi nodded. “Then stay angry. You’re leaving soon anyway. By the time you return, your anger should have dissipated, saving me the trouble of coaxing you.”

Gu Jinse remained silent for a long time. Suddenly, she grabbed a bowl and threw it onto the floor. With a sharp crash, the bowl shattered, and she pinned Ming Yi down beneath her.

Ming Yi was startled. Gu Jinse stared at her intently. While her gaze wasn’t exactly cold or sinister, it was uncomfortable to behold.

“We are married. Anything we do is within the bounds of ritual and law. Besides, it isn’t the first time. As the saying goes, the first time is awkward, the second is familiar, and by the third or fourth, it becomes natural,” Gu Jinse spoke softly, her eyes shimmering. She lowered her head to kiss Ming Yi’s trembling eyelashes and began to smile warmly.

She looked like the sunlight after a heavy winter snow, not scorching, but shining into one’s heart with a gentle, steady warmth. Ming Yi looked at her, feeling her hot breath on her face, a scent unique to the young woman mixed with a provocative desire.

Ming Yi took a breath and slowly adjusted her breathing. Gu Jinse’s kisses began to envelop her like an overwhelming tide.

She felt some resistance, but upon meeting those crystal-clear eyes, her heart softened involuntarily. Gu Jinse suddenly released Ming Yi’s shoulders and sat up slightly. Refusing to back down, she lectured Ming Yi like an old hand, “See, you didn’t resist either. You just need to adapt. Once you’re used to it, it will be fine.”

Ming Yi looked at her, wanting to laugh but unable to. She could only stare back blankly. “I don’t think you are actually.”

“Stop right there. It’s my first time too. I’ve just read a few books. Just because I haven’t eaten pork doesn’t mean I haven’t seen a pig run. You’re the one who is incapable, yet you blame me,” Gu Jinse argued. Seeing Ming Yi’s face turn from pink to a deep red, she immediately laughed. “Look, you’re blushing.”

Ming Yi felt her heart racing. She wanted nothing more than to cover that non-stop mouth. Just like years ago, she was incredibly noisy. Feeling flustered, Ming Yi said, “I’m going to sleep in the study.”

“Fine, fine. I won’t touch you. Let’s sleep,” Gu Jinse said, knowing when to stop. She quickly lay back in her spot, turned away, and made an effort to maintain a distance from Ming Yi.

Ming Yi breathed a sigh of relief and closed her eyes, her chest still heaving. After a while, she heard the sound of even breathing. Gu Jinse had already fallen asleep. She had fallen asleep immediately after teasing her.

When Gu Jinse left for the traveling palace, Ming Yi saw her off. They parted at the city gates. Gu Jinse did not act overly sentimental, simply saying a few words before boarding the carriage.

Ming Yi did not leave immediately. She stood in place gazing at the horizon. After an unknown amount of time, another carriage bearing the Gu family emblem approached from the direction Gu Jinse had gone. It was not Gu Jinse returning, but Old Master Gu arriving.

Ming Yi boarded her own carriage just as the Gu family carriage stopped. Old Master Gu stepped down and stood beneath the city gates, staring longingly at the tower with eyes full of yearning. Ming Yi smiled and instructed her driver to return to the government office.

Shortly after Ming Yi left, the carriage from Vice Minister Gu’s residence arrived late to pick up the old man.

Not long after returning to the office, Vice Minister Gu hurried in. He bowed and said, “Chancellor Ming, Old Master Gu has entered the capital.”

“Old Master Gu has entered the capital?” Ming Yi acted surprised. “My mother-in-law just left yesterday, and my husband went to the traveling palace today. Neither of them mentioned he was coming.”

Vice Minister Gu’s face turned grim. He thought to himself that they had clearly hidden it from her, but now they had all run away, leaving him to face the situation alone. It was exhausting.

“Since he has arrived, I wonder where he is staying so I may pay my respects. Perhaps I should host a welcoming banquet for him today?” Ming Yi was incredibly gentle, her eyes clear as water, leaving Vice Minister Gu speechless.

“It might be best if you avoid him,” Vice Minister Gu managed to say. If these two met and started a war of words, who could handle it? Just thinking about the scene made him tremble.

Ming Yi refused. “My grandfather has come to the capital; I must go pay my respects. Since my husband is away, I should fulfill my filial duties.”

“Fine, then you take him back to the Gu residence,” Vice Minister Gu said, giving up. As long as they didn’t argue under his nose, he didn’t care. He wished he had taken the chance to leave as well. He left in a huff. Ming Yi watched him go, her expression returning to its usual composure.

That afternoon, the Emperor summoned her. Inside the hall, she met the highly respected Old Master Gu. The man was over sixty with gray hair, wearing a semi-worn gray robe that gave him an elegant, scholarly air. He sat below the Emperor, looking stern.

Ming Yi stepped forward to greet the Emperor. After she straightened up, the Emperor cheerfully introduced them, “This is Gu Jinhuan’s grandfather. Chancellor Ming, come and pay your respects.”

Ming Yi stepped forward. “Ming Yi greets Old Master Gu.”

Old Master Gu rose to return the gesture, but the Emperor stopped him. “You are all one family. You are the elder, so you should accept her greeting. Had I known you were coming, I would have sent someone else to the traveling palace yesterday. It’s a pity.”

Old Master Gu smiled. “Sharing the Emperor’s burdens is the duty of a subject.”

The atmosphere in the hall was awkward. Ming Yi pretended not to notice and remained silent as the two talked about various matters. Finally, the Emperor signaled to Old Master Gu that since the Empress Dowager had passed away a year ago, he could return to court.

Old Master Gu politely declined, saying he was old and could not compete with the younger generation. He glanced at Ming Yi, who continued to act like a transparent bystander. She had played the game of politics for many years; she knew exactly what he was thinking. She continued to play dumb.

After a long conversation, the Emperor’s throat was dry. He ordered tea. Ming Yi took the chance to try and leave, but the Emperor said, “You stay. Leave the other matters to someone else.” He blocked her exit.

Ming Yi looked at the Chief Eunuch and touched the golden hairpin in her hair. The Chief Eunuch quietly withdrew.

As the palace maids served tea, the Emperor continued to chat. Old Master Gu answered everything with great patience. Half an hour later, the Empress arrived. Ming Yi’s lips curled slightly as she took a sip of tea.

Old Master Gu rose to bow, but the Empress ignored him and walked straight to the Emperor. “I greet Your Majesty.”

“The Empress is here. Sit, sit,” the Emperor said, looking uncomfortable.

The Empress sat beside him and looked at Old Master Gu. “When you left years ago, you said you would never return to the capital. It has been over ten years; surely you haven’t forgotten.”

Ming Yi set down her tea and looked out at the sky. She wondered where Gu Jinse was now. Her mind was entirely on her husband, unlike the other three in the hall.

Old Master Gu’s deep voice rang out, “Replying to Your Majesty, I have come for my grandson’s marriage.”

The Empress struck first. “You are too late. Director Gu and Chancellor Ming are already married. The boat has sailed; you can’t exactly turn it back into wood now.”

Old Master Gu frowned. “A marriage without parental consent does not count.”

“This marriage was personally presided over by Madam Gu. It had parental consent, a matchmaker’s word, witnesses, and the Emperor’s blessing. Which part did not follow the rules?” the Empress countered. “You mention parental consent, but you are the grandfather. How can you make the decision? It’s just like when my aunt appointed female officials; how could you decide then? If you can’t stand it, you resign. If you can’t stand this, why don’t you just remove Gu Jinhuan from the family registry?”

“Empress, calm down. That was many years ago,” the Emperor tried to mediate, secretly annoyed that Ming Yi had tipped off the Empress to come and cause trouble.

Old Master Gu simply said, “The harem should not interfere in state affairs.”

The Empress was so angry her eyes widened, but she remained silent. The Emperor took the opportunity to say, “The Empress Dowager has been gone for a year. Things have changed. Since you have returned, I wish to treat you with honor. Will you stay?”

Ming Yi suddenly spoke up, “Grandfather is elderly and only has eyes for the countryside. If he were to serve in court with us juniors, it might damage his reputation.”

The situation that had finally calmed down was disrupted again. The Emperor glared at Ming Yi. “Stop talking and leave.”

This was exactly what Ming Yi wanted. She rose, bowed, and slowly exited the hall. Once outside, she smiled. Du Yan ran over and grabbed her hand. “How was it? Others meet their parents-in-law; you had to meet a grandfather. That must have been hard.”

“It was nothing,” Ming Yi said calmly.

Du Yan followed her closely. “My mother said Old Master Gu can’t stand women being officials. He likely won’t give you a kind look. Did you rush the wedding date just to prevent him from interfering?”

“Go mind your own business,” Ming Yi replied, her pace light and easy.

Over the next few days, Old Master Gu stayed in the palace. The Emperor went to great lengths to convince him to stay, showing a level of humility that was unheard of. Back at the Gu residence, Ming Yi lay on the marriage bed. The room was silent; even the cicadas outside were louder than any sound within. She forced herself to sleep. Without Gu Jinse, life went on as usual.

After three to five days in the palace, Old Master Gu prepared to return to Yuhang. Ming Yi personally went to see him off. Vice Minister Gu stood to the side like a scolded child, not daring to speak. Old Master Gu looked at the radiant Ming Yi and said, “This woman surpasses the late Empress Dowager.”

Vice Minister Gu was stunned. As Old Master Gu boarded the carriage, Ming Yi bowed in farewell. He lifted the curtain and looked at her. “Ming Yi, you won.”

Ming Yi looked up, her expression calm. “Old Master Gu, it is simply that you are old. I have many years to live, and so does Jinse. These are things you cannot compare.”

“Ming Yi, you were born in the best of times,” Old Master Gu sighed. The Empress Dowager had paved a long road for Ming Yi, such as allowing women to be officials and obtain divorces. Though she was a woman, she fought for power in court like a man. With the Emperor’s favor, she surpassed many men.

Ming Yi bowed with the perfect etiquette of a junior. “This is my destiny.”

“Your destiny is such that even if you were born ten years later, you would not have the power you have today,” he said.

“You are right. Those are all factors in your failure. Rest assured, as long as I am here, I will never let you enter the court. You should also know why the Emperor wanted you to stay. There are plenty of talents in the court; you are replaceable. You were merely a chess piece for the Emperor to insult the late Empress Dowager,” Ming Yi smiled, her eyes sparkling.

Old Master Gu’s eyes flashed with ruthlessness. He slammed the curtain shut. “Depart!”

As the carriage moved, Vice Minister Gu sighed in relief. He shuffled over to Ming Yi. “What did you say to my uncle?”

“I told him the Emperor only kept him here to insult the late Empress Dowager,” Ming Yi said coldly. Vice Minister Gu’s face turned pale, but he couldn’t say a word. By the time he recovered, Ming Yi had walked away. He hurried to catch up, but she ignored his shouts and boarded her carriage. Leaning against the wall of the carriage, she drifted into thought. Between the Emperor and Old Master Gu, the Emperor had won. He was truly cunning.

Ten days later, a travel-worn Gu Jinse returned. After reporting to her superiors at the Ministry of Revenue, she returned to the Gu residence. She changed her clothes and had a comfortable sleep. Tuntun told her everything that had happened in the capital.

Gu Jinse said, “The Emperor truly values talent. My grandfather never cared much for power.” It was a pity the grandson he raised was so disappointing. Tuntun remained silent, her expression slightly awkward. “Madam Gu sent a letter saying she is safe. She should be nearing Yuhang by now.”

“I see. How has Chancellor Ming been these past few days?” Gu Jinse finally asked.

“She is fine. You wouldn’t believe it, but many people mocked her when Old Master Gu arrived. Fortunately, she never cares about such rumors,” Tuntun said indignantly. “It’s good he didn’t stay long.”

Gu Jinse patted her head. “It’s all in the past. When will she be back today?”

“She didn’t say,” Tuntun shook her head.

“Never mind, I’ll go meet her. Tell the kitchen to prepare her favorite dishes.” Gu Jinse got out of bed to change.

Half an hour later, the two of them were squatting by the carriage eating watermelon. Tuntun found it strange. “You are a young master of a noble family; why don’t you care about your image?”

“I’m already married; why do I need an image?” Gu Jinse said as she munched on the melon. She spat out a seed, wishing there were seedless watermelons.

Tuntun thought for a moment. “That actually makes some sense.”

“Exactly. You only care about your image before you get a wife. Once you’re married, who are you dressing up for?”

“Oh, but I’m not married yet. Should I be more careful?” Tuntun realized. she quickly tossed the melon, stood up straight, and wiped her mouth, looking around warily. Fortunately, no one saw her.

Gu Jinse chuckled. “What kind of husband are you looking for?”

“As long as he can beat me in a fight,” Tuntun said simply.

Just then, the door opposite them opened. Gu Jinse jumped up, tossed the melon behind her, and wiped her mouth. Ming Yi smiled as she walked over. “Director Gu, were you bitten by a dog?”

“Did you miss me?” Gu Jinse asked playfully. Her lively manner warmed Ming Yi’s heart, but she stood still. “I’ve been quite busy lately. I didn’t have time to miss you.”

“Chancellor, you didn’t seem that busy,” Tuntun said carefully. It wasn’t even dark yet, so how busy could she be?

Gu Jinse’s eyes widened, wanting details. Ming Yi pushed the honest Tuntun aside and walked toward the carriage. “The Second Prince’s consort is having a birthday today. You returned just in time.”

In the royal family, there was always someone having a birthday. In the past, Ming Yi would just send a gift, but now that she was married, she had to show up. On the way, she began to brief Gu Jinse on the Second Prince.

“The Second Prince has many concubines. One official wife, and the side consorts,” Ming Yi paused. “I can’t remember exactly, but there are many. The consort has a son but their relationship is average. When you get there, ignore whatever the side consorts say. There are no concubines in the Gu family, so you don’t know that many women together mean a mountain of trouble.”

Gu Jinse agreed. “Then why are you going?”

Ming Yi sat in the carriage like an immovable mountain. “In the past, I was arrogant and overbearing. But now that we are married, they won’t dare move against me, so they will certainly try to trip you up. In the future, I will restrain my temper.”

Gu Jinse lowered her lashes. “Actually, I like your unreasonable side.”

“Hmm?”

“When you are unreasonable, you seem more human. Usually, you are so cold, it’s like you’ve lost your soul,” Gu Jinse smiled bitterly. “I know your arrogance is just to hide the pain in your heart, right?”

Ming Yi’s journey seemed smooth because of the Emperor’s favor, but it was all bought with her mother’s life. While enjoying the glory, she felt guilty toward her mother. How proud she must be. It was all the Emperor’s fault.

Ming Yi straightened her back, her expression calm and cold as if she hadn’t heard a word. Gu Jinse didn’t say anything more and simply reached out to hold her hand.

They remained silent until they reached the Second Prince’s residence. The carriage stopped, and they walked out. A pair of stone lions stood majestically at the entrance. They entered hand-in-hand to the sound of music. Gu Jinse looked at Ming Yi. “Does the music sound familiar?”

“Does it? I don’t know much about music,” Ming Yi shook her head.

Gu Jinse thought for a moment. “It sounds like what we heard at Yong’an Building that night.”

“Oh, do you miss Ying Hui?” Ming Yi asked indifferently.

Gu Jinse stopped and leaned toward her. “Are you angry?”

“Our agreement says you can have female friends,” Ming Yi stopped as well, looking at her gloomily.

“Sister is here!” The Second Prince’s consort approached, surrounded by maids. She smilingly reached for Ming Yi’s hand, but Ming Yi quietly withdrew her hand and bowed. “I, Ming Yi, greet the consort.”

The consort looked a bit dejected. Under the lanterns, her face lost its spark. She looked at Gu Jinse. “Did Director Gu just return to the capital today?”

“I returned this afternoon.”

“I see. I wondered why Sister would attend my birthday; it turns out she brought her husband along.” The consort turned to lead the way.

Gu Jinse felt something was off. But since the consort and the prince had a bad relationship, it made sense she was in a bad mood. Ming Yi suddenly grabbed her hand; it felt strangely eerie in the dark.

Gu Jinse felt something was wrong. The Second Prince was there too, with two side consorts beside him. They were beautiful, but paled in comparison to the official consort. A man’s heart was truly hard to predict.

It was a family banquet, so men and women sat together. Gu Jinse and Ming Yi sat together, but the Second Prince and his consort sat apart. Gu Jinse felt uneasy, but Ming Yi calmly took a sip of wine. Gu Jinse immediately reminded her, “Don’t drink.”

After drinking, she became “insatiable.”