The Prime Minister Claims She's Pregnant - Chapter 42

Gu Jinse was slightly shorter than Ming Yi, but at seventeen, she still had room to grow. She embraced Ming Yi from behind, quietly and patiently waiting for a response.

Leaning her head in, her gaze was like a torch, and her warm breath brushed against Ming Yi’s face. Ming Yi struggled to remain composed as that familiar sensation returned. The spark of desire at the bottom of her heart began to burn steadily.

For a split second, Ming Yi thought of the Emperor, and a wave of revulsion washed over her. In that momentary lapse, Gu Jinse tilted her head and kissed the curve of her ear.

Ming Yi frowned, fighting to control her emotions. “I feel… a bit disgusted.”

“Hmm?” Gu Jinse’s lip twitched slightly. She understood Ming Yi’s implication instantly. “Between us, everything is open and honorable. You have no family burdens, and I have no husband. We are free, unlike them.”

Ming Yi stirred. Her long, butterfly-wing lashes trembled. She closed her eyes, turned around, and kissed the corner of Gu Jinse’s mouth. In that instant, Gu Jinse felt as if she were stepping on clouds, drifting into a state of bliss.

The room was deathly quiet, the sound of their shallow breathing adding a touch of lingering charm to the atmosphere.

Ming Yi’s face was as red as the morning glow. She kept her eyes down, refusing to look at the person in front of her. Gu Jinse wanted to laugh. “I see the reserved dignity of a high-born lady in you right now.”

As Gu Jinse suppressed her laughter, Ming Yi stood her ground. Instead of pulling away, she caught a stray lock of Gu Jinse’s hair. The ends of the hair brushed against Ming Yi’s wrist, sending her heartbeat into a frantic rhythm. She suddenly let go, tucking her hands behind her back in an act of self-deception.

“Chancellor, you are far more reserved than the Princesses.”

“The Princesses were spoiled by the late Empress Dowager.”

“Did the Empress Dowager spoil you?”

“To an extent. She once offered me several handsome young men; I refused. Later, she offered two beautiful singing girls; I refused again. She was displeased and asked why. I told her I didn’t like them. When she asked why, I said my heart remained unmoved.”

“See? She spoiled you too, but you weren’t corrupted by it.”

The two sat on the bed, feet resting on the footstool. Ming Yi began to speak of the late Empress Dowager.

“The late Empress Dowager was an extraordinary woman,” she said. “When the Emperor’s health was poor, she governed the court. She possessed both literary talent and military strategy. After several reforms, she revitalized the court. Though the Emperor was dissatisfied, he truly respected and believed in her.”

Gu Jinse believed this, noting, “No wonder he cried until he fainted several times.”

Ming Yi looked at her with pity. “This dynasty places heavy importance on filial piety.”

“Hmm?” Gu Jinse was confused, her mind straying toward a darker suspicion. Was the Emperor merely acting, building a “great” image for himself just like her grandfather?

Tsk tsk. She was still too young. She couldn’t outplay the old foxes. After a moment of self-reflection, Gu Jinse pulled Ming Yi down to sleep. Ming Yi’s hand trembled in hers. Gu Jinse laughed, “I haven’t even touched you yet, why are you shaking?”

Ming Yi withdrew her hand, feeling slightly uncomfortable. Unbeknownst to her, a smile lingered on her lips. Her heart was no longer still.

She closed her eyes, and Gu Jinse rolled over to lie on top of her, just like the day they first met.

Ming Yi’s face flushed. Her hands were pinned, and warm air filled her ears. Gu Jinse whispered against her, “Just like that day, be active. I am very gentle.”

The scenes from that day flooded back, leaving the already nervous Ming Yi speechless with shame. Gu Jinse kissed her eyes. “Chancellor, truth be told… you are beautiful.”

Beautiful beyond words.

Ming Yi likely inherited her mother’s looks; her features were exquisite, exuding elegance in every line. Everyone loves a compliment, and Ming Yi gradually immersed herself in the sweet world Gu Jinse built for her, losing herself in it.

Their long hair spread across the pillows. Gu Jinse twined a lock around her finger. Sensing Ming Yi’s tremor, she smiled. The sight of this proud, isolated woman showing fear in bed added a layer of intoxicating allure.

At this moment, Ming Yi was even more tempting.

Gu Jinse grew impatient, kissing her repeatedly. The night was quiet and cool. Inadvertently, the moon passed the treetops, the mountains rose and fell, the valleys echoed with emptiness, and birds chirped. By dawn, everything returned to silence.

After that night, Ming Yi regained her usual cool demeanor. The Emperor fell ill again. Under the Empress’s strong urging, the Crown Prince took over the state’s affairs with Ming Yi assisting him. The power of the Eternal Peace Marquis’s residence began to rise again, while the stripped-of-title Zhao residence faded into silence.

Ming Yi traveled back and forth to the Eastern Palace, seeing the Crown Prince three times a day. Their time alone increased daily. Sometimes, Gu Jinse didn’t see Ming Yi at all, as she moved in and out of the palace with the Prince.

Gu Jinse didn’t mind, but Vice Minister Gu felt the need to warn her.

“The Chancellor is two years older than the Prince,” Gu Jinse pointed out with a smile.

Vice Minister Gu poked her head. “So, what if she’s older? The Prince and his Consort are not on good terms. If the Prince wants to do something, it’s practically in his grasp.”

“He wouldn’t,” Gu Jinse said, unconvinced. “They are like siblings.”

Vice Minister Gu opened his mouth, then sighed. Remembering the General of Mighty Prowess from years ago, he tried to use him as an example. Gu Jinse’s face immediately darkened. “Does Uncle know the old story? Why is it always the eldest Zhao daughter’s fault? Are men never wrong? You men lack self-discipline, and when things go wrong, you blame the women. Where is the accountability?”

Vice Minister Gu was stunned by the rebuke. As Gu Jinse stomped off, he kept thinking about that phrase: ‘You men lack self-discipline…’

Us men? Aren’t you a man too? How bizarre. He flicked his sleeves, annoyed by her lack of gratitude. He wondered if she’d still be so blindly defensive when people started laughing at her in the future.

Gu Jinse returned to the Ministry of Revenue, fuming. A colleague grabbed her. “Did you hear what happened at the Ministry of Rites?”

“What?” Gu Jinse calmed her anger, remaining composed.

“The new Director at the Ministry of Rites went to the Eastern Palace to report her superior.” The colleague looked excited, pulling her aside to whisper. “I don’t know who recommended her—you know female officials are all here through recommendation. Within three to five days of arriving, she claimed her superior had ‘improper intentions’ toward her.”

Gu Jinse remained silent. An ancient version of workplace sexual harassment. She nodded. “This woman is quite brave.”

“Brave? More like shameless,” the colleague said, crossing his arms. “I heard she’s from a poor family and walked all the way to the capital in rags. She probably thought the Ministry of Rites was too poor and wanted to cause trouble to climb higher. Brother Gu, why can’t women just stay home and teach their children…”

Before he could finish, Gu Jinse slapped him. Her eyes flashed with disgust. “The matter is not yet decided, yet you spread rumors privately. If I report this to the Crown Prince, you’ll be in deep trouble. You call her shameless? Do you know shame when you visit brothels? Do you know shame when you ogle the singing girls of other residences?”

The colleague was dazed by the slap. When he realized what happened, he turned red with rage and prepared to strike back, but others held him back. He hissed, “Do you know shame? I got here through my own ability. You? You came to the capital and clung to Chancellor Ming. You’re eating ‘soft rice’ so loudly it’s deafening.”

Gu Jinse didn’t overthink it; she simply loathed his disgusting mentality. Hearing this, she realized this colleague who acted so friendly to her face actually thought of her this way. Her anger flared, but she forced herself to calm down. She clenched her fists and said, “Remember your words today.”

With that, she walked away. That colleague came from a Marquis’s family, a legitimate son with a background even more prestigious than the Yuhang Gu family. Gu Jinse knew she had been impulsive and began thinking of a way to remedy the situation. After work, she asked Tuntun about the day’s events.

“I heard about it,” Tuntun whispered, watching Gu Jinse’s expression. “The Prince and the Chancellor disagree. It’s still being investigated.”

Boarding the carriage, Gu Jinse thought of a solution. She instructed Tuntun: “Have someone follow the second son of the Changping Marquis. If he goes to any brothels or entertainment houses, you must tell me.”

“Yes, Master! Leave it to me.” Tuntun was excited. If the Master was targeting someone, they were in for a rough time. She loved Gu Jinse’s “eye for an eye” attitude. What was the point of living if you had to be timid?

Ming Yi didn’t return to the residence. Gu Jinse lay on the large bed, feeling restless. After the hour of the Pig (9-11 PM), Tuntun jumped into the room. “Master! He went! He went to… the painted pleasure boats!”

“Pleasure boats?” Gu Jinse sat up, not quite understanding what kind of place that was.

Tuntun sighed. “How do you know nothing? Some brothel girls are called out to accompany guests on those boats. This boat belongs to the Marquis’s residence. Rich families use them for outings. The Chancellor’s residence has one too—it was a gift from the Prince. What will you do?”

“Let’s go. We’re going too.” Gu Jinse quickly dressed and told Tuntun, “Check on that Ministry of Rites case tomorrow. Find out what’s really going on.”

“About the Ministry of Rites… the Chancellor thinks the girl isn’t wrong, but the Prince won’t punish the official. He thinks it will alienate the court officials. The court is a man’s world, after all. It’s reached the Emperor now, but there’s no verdict yet.” Tuntun watched Gu Jinse’s swift movements. “Are we going to fight?”

“No fighting. We’re just going to have some fun,” Gu Jinse smiled.

To save time, they rode out on horseback, galloping to the banks of the moat. The lake was ablaze with lights, looking like a fairyland. Several pleasure boats drifted on the water, their lights reflecting on the surface like a painting.

Gu Jinse sighed at the beauty, but Tuntun noted, “This is nothing. The Lantern Festival is even better; the boats are covered in lanterns.”

Gu Jinse didn’t have time to sightsee. She led Tuntun to the Changping Marquis’s boat and whispered in her ear. Tuntun’s eyes widened, reflecting the lights of the river.

The Chancellor’s boat was hidden in the shadows nearby. Tuntun dived into the water and swam toward the Marquis’s boat. Gu Jinse bought some items at a stall, borrowed a small skiff, and went to find Tuntun.

On another boat, Zhang Mingqian spotted the skiff immediately. She scanned the area but didn’t see Ming Yi. She leaned against the railing, watching the young man struggle with the pole as if searching for something.

As the skiff neared Zhang Mingqian’s boat, she saw the reflective objects on it. She smiled. “Director Gu, do you need help?”

Gu Jinse was drenched in sweat and startled by the voice. Zhang Mingqian continued, “If you find the right angle, I could help you burn that boat down.”

Gu Jinse choked on her breath, looking up at her.

“Director Gu, I’m not helping you per se; I’m just a woman myself,” Zhang Mingqian gestured to her. “I can also provide a witness statement for you. What do you say?”

Zhang Mingqian held great prestige and a rigorous reputation. If she provided a witness statement, it would make Gu Jinse’s story undeniable. After a moment’s thought, Gu Jinse boarded her boat. Zhang Mingqian immediately had her boat move closer to the Changping Marquis’s boat. She handed Gu Jinse some tea. “You’re sweating. Rest a bit.”

Gu Jinse massaged her sore arms and drank the tea. Zhang Mingqian said, “I recommended that woman. Now, I cannot speak for her. The Chancellor believes her, but the Prince says punishing that official would break the hearts of the ministers. The court is a man’s world. The Chancellor is in a difficult position. I came here to clear my head. And you?”

Gu Jinse had bought many mirrors. Zhang Mingqian glanced at them. “You’re clever, but these aren’t enough to burn a boat. You must have another plan, right?”

“These are just a distraction,” Gu Jinse said. “A bait.”

A moment later, the Changping Marquis’s boat caught fire. The silk curtains on the second floor were ablaze. Zhang Mingqian slowly placed a candle in front of each mirror, adjusting them so they reflected the light toward the second floor of the Marquis’s boat.

The boat was clearly illuminated. Gu Jinse’s “colleague,” Zhou Bi, the second son of the Marquis, spotted her immediately. Seeing the mirrors, he jumped. “Gu Jinse! You’re trying to murder me!”

Zhang Mingqian stood with her hands behind her back, looking at Zhou Bi. “He got into the Ministry of Revenue through his family. He has no real ability.”

Gu Jinse looked at her. “Why are you getting involved in this mess?”

“Because you’re standing up for a woman. Naturally, I should give you a hand.”

The fire grew. The second floor was open with only railings and silk curtains. Since it was a dry summer, the railings caught fire quickly. Zhou Bi was hopping around, cursing Gu Jinse for harming him.

Zhang Mingqian ordered her servants to save people, adding, “The rescue boat is small. Save the ladies first.”

Gu Jinse suppressed a laugh. Zhang Mingqian said, “I’m sorry, I also believe in an eye for an eye. The rumors about today have already spread. You have courage and insight, Gu Jinse. I’m starting to envy Ming Yi’s eye for people.”

Gu Jinse smiled. “I also admire you, Director Zhang, for not hesitating to wade into this mess.”

“To be honest, I was chosen by the late Empress Dowager and worked my way up to where I am today. Today I realized that no matter how much I do, I can’t avoid the scorn of others.” Zhang Mingqian frowned. “The Chancellor’s way is good. Being arrogant has its own troubles, but at least no one dares to provoke her.”

“Just watch, the Prince is going to get a scolding after this,” Gu Jinse joked.

Zhang Mingqian looked at the jumping Zhou Bi and breathed a long sigh of relief. That morning, the Changping Marquis had questioned Ming Yi’s impartiality in court. That afternoon, his son had insulted Gu Jinse.

Soon, the women were rescued. The young noblemen with Zhou Bi who could swim had already jumped into the river. Zhou Bi, however, was terrified and crying for his parents. Seeing the fire, many people were too afraid to help. Gu Jinse felt that having an accomplice was quite nice—at least they could share the consequences.

She felt uneasy. “Should you consider leaving quickly?”

“What is there to fear? This official is a solitary soul.” Zhang Mingqian looked at the sky, a faint smile on her lips. “In this moment, I want to return to the countryside.”

Gu Jinse sighed. Zhang Mingqian noted, “If the late Empress Dowager were here, this would not have caused such a stir.”

“The Chancellor said that if there is no justice, you create your own. Director Zhang, do not lose heart.” Gu Jinse smiled. “Look at the moon, it’s so beautiful. Why should we bow to them? Truth be told, I’m not a rule-follower. My mother spoiled me, making me headstrong. The more people I dislike try to stop me, the more I’ll do it. This time, I won’t let the Chancellor be wronged.”

The youth possessed a vibrant vitality. Though she wasn’t the moon, she used her faint light to illuminate a small corner. Zhang Mingqian finally laughed out loud. By then, Zhou Bi had jumped into the water and was splashing around. Zhang Mingqian’s people pulled him out.

Zhou Bi was unconscious. Zhang Mingqian’s servants took him back to the Changping Marquis’s residence. Gu Jinse followed. When they arrived, the household was already awake and dressing.

Zhang Mingqian was no pushover; she controlled personnel assignments. The Marquis was forced to receive them. Zhang Mingqian spoke first: “Your son was caught in a mess with brothel women on a pleasure boat. We all saw it.”

Suddenly, the person on the stretcher jumped up, pointing at them. “They set fire to my boat! I want to see the Emperor!”

Gu Jinse’s lips curved. I was waiting for you to say that.

Zhou Bi told his father, “Gu Jinse hit me today, and tonight he set fire to me! Father, you must seek justice for me!”

Gu Jinse looked at him with disdain. “Go ahead and report it. I’ll be waiting.”

The Marquis hadn’t dealt with the young man before, but he knew Ming Yi’s temperament, and with Zhang Mingqian there, he knew he couldn’t win. He hesitated, but his son shouted, “I have proof! There were many mirrors on the Zhang family boat. They used intense light to burn our boat! It was revenge! Director Zhang is biased and seeking personal vengeance. Luckily, I survived!”

Zhang Mingqian noted calmly, “My people saved you.”

“You were just afraid of a murder case!” Zhou Bi insisted to his father, “I have proof! Many people saw it. There are witnesses and evidence!”

The Marquis was tempted. Zhang Mingqian simply turned and left, ignoring them. Gu Jinse, being of lower rank, bowed politely before leaving. She mounted her horse with no sign of weakness. Zhang Mingqian looked out from her carriage, seeing her grip the reins with a strong, agile posture. Her expression shifted.

Gu Jinse nodded to her. “This official shall return home first.” Zhang Mingqian nodded back.

Gu Jinse returned to the residence long after midnight. Tuntun was waiting at the gate. “I left the mirrors behind on purpose. Don’t worry, they’ll believe it when they find them.”

“Keep an eye on them. I’m going to sleep.” Gu Jinse was exhausted. She had work tomorrow. God, modern jobs have weekends; here, you only get one day off every ten days. What a rip-off.

The lights in the bedroom were still on. Chun Yue was waiting on the porch. Seeing the girl return with a light step, she gestured toward the room: “The Chancellor is back.”

Gu Jinse’s eyes lit up. She pushed open the door. Ming Yi wasn’t asleep yet; she was leaning against a pillow reading documents. Gu Jinse was surprised. “Why are you back?”

“If I didn’t come back, would you have stayed out all night?” Ming Yi put down the papers, looking directly at the excited girl. “Are you that happy to see me? As they say, to catch a thief you need the loot, I’ve caught you staying out late. Aren’t you afraid?”

“Our agreement didn’t say I couldn’t stay out late,” Gu Jinse argued, unafraid. “Besides, you’ve been away for several nights. What were you doing during those nights?”