The Prime Minister Claims She's Pregnant - Chapter 43

Faced with a cross-examination from the person she was trying to hold accountable, Ming Yi found it strangely amusing. “I stayed in the palace,” she replied.

“The Eastern Palace?” Gu Jinse’s voice cut through the air like a sharp arrow. “The rumors outside are hideous. Although I don’t believe them, can’t you do something to quell them? I’m not exactly some social climber, nor am I living off you. I know you and the Crown Prince are biological siblings, but stay away from him. I utterly detest him.”

They shared the same mother but had different fathers. Why should the Crown Prince enjoy the highest education and limitless wealth while Ming Yi was treated so unfairly? Especially since the Prince was twenty years old and already a father, yet remained so oblivious, if that were the case, he had lived his twenty years in vain.

Ming Yi’s expression softened as she beckoned with a smile. “You are very clever. So, clever I’m tempted to silence you for good.”

Gu Jinse gave a low huff. “You might not care about the rumors, but I do. If this happens again, I’m afraid I won’t be able to control myself from hitting someone. By the way, does His Majesty care? If he does, I’ll submit a memorial directly.”

“Your memorial would first land on the Prince’s desk. Besides, you won’t get to see the Emperor.” Ming Yi looked at the young woman’s bright face. Look at her—so pure, thinking the Emperor would actually uphold justice for her.

What a silly child.

Gu Jinse hurried to wash up. As she lay down, she sighed. “I met Director Zhang today and learned that you are both being restricted at every turn in court.”

Ming Yi considered this and asked helplessly, “Do you pity her?”

“Yes,” Gu Jinse nodded earnestly.

Ming Yi looked thoughtful. “Some romances begin with pity.”

“Don’t you start with me. And come home on time tomorrow.” Gu Jinse glared at Ming Yi with feigned annoyance before rolling over to sleep. After a night of rowing boats and watching people jump around, she was exhausted.

Ming Yi lay down as well. With the first light of dawn breaking and no court session today, they could afford to sleep in.

It felt as though they had only just closed their eyes when a maid entered to wake them. “Chancellor, Director, someone has arrived from the palace.”

Ming Yi opened her eyes. The person beside her was still sound asleep. She reached out and pinched Gu Jinse’s nose. “Wake up. We’re going to the palace.”

“You go… please… I’m so sleepy. If I don’t get enough sleep, I won’t grow tall,” Gu Jinse mumbled, burrowing deeper into the blanket.

She burrowed so much that the entire blanket was pulled away. Though it was summer and not cold, being uncovered felt wrong. Ming Yi snatched the blanket away completely and moved to undress her. “If you won’t get up, then don’t wear clothes at all.”

The “fairy” tried to burrow another ten kilometers into the mattress.

Gu Jinse caught her hand and scrambled up. “You are supposed to be a lady of a noble house. How can you be so unreasonable?”

“This is the best way to wake someone up. If you don’t get up now, I’ll have to spank you.” Ming Yi glanced at her waist, her eyebrows slightly arched. “You caused this mess; you should solve it yourself. I’m not going.”

Gu Jinse opened her mouth to argue, but Ming Yi covered it. “I’m tired and don’t want to hear your chattering. You certainly are sharp-tongued…”

Before she could finish, Gu Jinse tackled her.

With a loud thud, Ming Yi was pinned to the bed, her hands immobilized. Gu Jinse nipped at her neck. The maid outside, anxious, continued to urge them to hurry. Gu Jinse didn’t stop, biting down on her collarbone and whispering playfully, “I’m not talking anymore.”

Ming Yi took a sharp breath, her lips pressed tight, her teeth chattering. Gu Jinse continued to tease her without mercy. “Don’t back down now. Keep going.”

Ming Yi’s strength lasted barely three seconds; she was so easily flustered. Her eyes flashed with anger and she stared blankly into space, only snapping back to reality when a sting of pain came from her shoulder. She muttered softly, ” I’ve never lost a fight.”

“Who’s fighting you? I’m doing something ‘indescribable.’ This isn’t a fight.” Gu Jinse corrected her, looking at her with a half-smile. “Your skin is so nice.”

It was a blatant provocation. Ming Yi’s face turned red with shame, but Gu Jinse just kissed the corner of her mouth. “I did cause trouble, but I’m telling you, Zhang Mingqian is an old fox. I don’t believe I can’t find a way out. If I really can’t, I’ll go to the Yellow Springs with her.”

“Then go ahead,” Ming Yi huffed.

Gu Jinse countered, “I’ve studied the law since I was little. Rights and obligations must be balanced. If you don’t help me, I won’t be intimate with you anymore.”

This time, it was Ming Yi’s turn to correct her. “You’re the one who insisted on kissing me.”

Gu Jinse, undeterred, asked back, “Haven’t you ever wanted to kiss me?”

“I have, but not right now,” Ming Yi answered honestly.

Gu Jinse spat out a word, calling her a hypocrite. The maid outside knocked for the ninth time. Ming Yi said, “It must be the Prince summoning you.” The Emperor wouldn’t be this frantic.

Gu Jinse disliked the Prince. She twitched her lips and slowly sat up, asking Ming Yi, “Is the Prince a bit… headstrong and self-willed?”

The Prince was twenty-five, while Ming Yi was twenty-seven. Ming Yi was already the Chancellor, yet the Prince had only just begun overseeing the state. It was clear his ability was lacking. Especially this time, knowing the male official was at fault yet refusing to punish him—if that isn’t headstrong, what is?

The more she thought about it, the more she disliked him.

“The Prince is… acceptable,” Ming Yi said. “The Eastern Palace’s staff was arranged by the Emperor. He has no lack of talented people around him, but they are all male ministers. There are no women. This time, they are attacking as a group. How will you solve it?”

“How? Catch the Prince and give him a beating. Ideally, beat him to death and make the Second Prince the heir.” Gu Jinse was ready to give up. The Prince’s behavior was just like a modern company trying to save face. In the modern world, exposure on social media would force the company to issue a punishment, but what could be done in ancient times?

“Chancellor, should we ‘expose’ it? Find some scholars to write denunciations, build up momentum, and use public pressure to suppress the Prince. Would that work?”

Ming Yi paused for a moment. “Then go to the palace.”

Gu Jinse’s face darkened. “Aren’t you coming with me?”

“Why should I go? Zhang Mingqian isn’t a fool. She understands the principle of ‘repairing the walkway while secretly crossing the river’.” Ming Yi lay back down, her collar slightly loose, revealing her delicate collarbone.

Gu Jinse instinctively moved closer, pointing at the revealed skin. “Aren’t you going to be more careful?”

“Close your eyes!” Ming Yi snapped, embarrassed. She threw the blanket at her. “You are truly annoying.”

Gu Jinse scurried off the bed, feeling a twinge of regret. Had she known, she would have taken some liberties just now. Then again, she thought, it was better to be honorable.

Once dressed, Ming Yi lazily handed her a mandarin duck sachet and a package of pastries. “Remember, let Zhang Mingqian do the talking. Once she finishes her rebuttal, you act like a confused fool.”

Gu Jinse looked at her with feigned disdain. “Aren’t you afraid of me and Zhang Mingqian having… something?”

“You? I don’t believe it. Zhang Mingqian doesn’t like ‘pretty boys’ like you. She likes talented people with both literary and military skills. Tell me, which of those do you fit?” Ming Yi lay back down once more.

Gu Jinse’s confidence took a hit as she led Tuntun to the palace.

Entering the Eastern Palace was a smooth process. She felt better knowing she didn’t have to face the Emperor’s hypocrisy, but her mood grew complicated at the thought of seeing the Prince—the fruit of a crooked tree.

Upon entering, she heard Zhou Bi’s agitated voice: “Your Highness, I have evidence!”

Gu Jinse bowed low. “This official, Gu Jinhuan, greets the Crown Prince.”

Zhang Mingqian stood to the side, her expression indifferent. She clearly didn’t care about this “flea.” It made sense—why would a high-ranking official care about a minor Director?

The Prince asked, “Gu Jinhuan, why were you with Director Zhang last night?”

“Replying to Your Highness, I was discussing some matters with Director Zhang.” Gu Jinse looked up and smiled at the “younger brother” Prince.

The Prince remained stern. “Discussing what?”

“Your Highness, what do you discuss when you are with the sisters of your beloved?” Gu Jinse asked softly. She actually wanted to ask him what he talked about with his sister-in-law, but the Prince disliked his Consort, so he likely never visited her sister.

The Prince fell silent, catching her drift. He glanced at the sachet on her waist, paused, and then asked, “What were those mirrors for?”

“I wanted to make the Chancellor happy. Mirrors reflect light and can brighten up a stage. Right, Director Zhang?” Gu Jinse gave a light smile, looking like a delicate porcelain doll.

Zhang Mingqian didn’t laugh, but her expression softened. She nodded. “Yes. Moreover, those mirrors are unlikely to cause a fire. If Your Highness doesn’t believe it, we can test it tonight.”

Gu Jinse nodded vigorously. “Words are useless; a test is better. Lord Zhou, your mouth hasn’t healed yet, has it?”

Zhou Bi looked furious. “Gu Jinhuan, you are a man, yet you side with a woman! Your Highness, that day I mentioned the matter of Qin Zhao, and Gu Jinhuan hit me. He clearly disapproves of Your Highness’s handling of the situation.”

Zhang Mingqian suddenly laughed. “I wondered why Lord Zhou was so fixated on Director Gu. It turns out there’s a grudge.”

Gu Jinse nodded. “Yes, I hit him because his mouth was too foul. Lord Changping, I am not being meddlesome. The matter is not yet decided, yet your son claimed the woman was shameless. He clearly wanted to settle this ‘scandal’ on behalf of His Highness.”

“I did not! Gu Jinhuan, stop slandering me! It was clearly… clearly Qin Zhao’s fault…”

“Shut up!” the Changping Marquis roared. He glanced at Gu Jinse and bowed to the Prince. “Your Highness, my son is rude and outspoken. I hope you can forgive him.”

“Your Highness, Zhou Bi is a court official. His every word and action represents the dignity of the court. If he speaks nonsense, the world will think it is Your Highness’s intent.” Gu Jinse stepped forward, arguing her point. “Your Highness, this trend must not grow. I can overlook him slandering me, but this involves the court and must not be treated lightly.”

Zhang Mingqian watched the youth’s determined and pure face. She weighed her words: “Your Highness, I can also overlook the matter. Does Your Highness have a verdict on the Qin Zhao case?”

The Prince’s face turned pale. He looked coldly at Zhou Bi. “Lord Zhou, do you have any rebuttal?”

Zhou Bi fell to his knees in terror, still pointing at Gu Jinse. “Your Highness, I did not slander them! I can apologize for yesterday, but I must seek justice for them setting fire to my boat!”

Zhang Mingqian sneered. “The fire started on the first floor. My mirrors were aimed at the second floor. Lord Zhou, do not try to confuse the issue.”

This sharp rebuttal left Zhou Bi completely stunned. Zhang Mingqian added, “I have already decided not to press charges. Does Lord Zhou wish to persist? Lord Changping, what do you think?”

The Marquis was an experienced man and knew Zhang Mingqian was formidable. He quickly kicked his son. “Shut your mouth!”

“Zhou Bi, you knew the fire started on the first floor yet concealed it. Do you want to bring ruin to the entire Marquis’s house?” Gu Jinse nearly laughed out loud. What a rebellious son.

The Prince adopted a look of disgust. “Lord Changping, this matter shall be settled as these two officials have suggested. What do you think?”

“I thank Your Highness for your grace.” The Marquis breathed a sigh of relief and thanked Gu Jinse and Zhang Mingqian.

Gu Jinse returned the gesture. She had a grudge against the Zhou boy, but she didn’t want to make an enemy of the entire Marquis’s house. A little squabble was enough.

Zhang Mingqian, however, wouldn’t let go of the afternoon’s insult. she stated that Zhou Bi’s character was flawed. Zhou Bi tried to speak, but his father kicked him again. The Marquis immediately promised to punish him at home. Zhang Mingqian, who had seen many things, refused the offer, implying she wouldn’t see it anyway so how would she know if it was true.

Gu Jinse looked at Zhang Mingqian with admiration, making the latter’s ears turn slightly red. The Prince waved his hand and ordered fifty strokes for Zhou Bi, to be carried out right there in the Eastern Palace.

Gu Jinse’s eyes widened. She had never seen an ancient punishment before. Her heart tightened. Zhang Mingqian asked, “Are you afraid?”

“No, I’m actually a bit excited,” Gu Jinse smiled.

Zhang Mingqian laughed. “I can tell you’ve never been hit. Fifty strokes can kill a man.”

Gu Jinse frowned. Zhang Mingqian glanced at her. “Do not be too merciful.”

Gu Jinse’s heart skipped a beat. Her eyes were bright and clear. Remembering Ming Yi’s instructions, she nodded obediently. The eunuchs prepared the rods, stripped Zhou Bi of his outer robe, and pinned him down. Gu Jinse’s heart pounded; she was starting to feel afraid.

Zhang Mingqian scoffed. “Your lady doesn’t even blink when she sees heads roll, yet you look like you’re dying just watching someone get a beating.”

“Stop making fun of me. I’m not your enemy.” Gu Jinse felt miserable. Zhang Mingqian had a rebuttal for everything she said. Had they not been on the same side, she would have snapped back long ago.

Zhang Mingqian was momentarily silenced. Can’t I speak just because we aren’t enemies?

“Muster some courage, or people will say you aren’t worthy of the Chancellor and that you’re just a ‘soft rice’ eater.”

“I don’t need to eat ‘soft rice.’ My family isn’t short on money,” Gu Jinse said confidently.

As she spoke, an eunuch swung the rod. Zhou Bi let out a howl. The Marquis watched with tears in his eyes. Gu Jinse was much more composed now, at least keeping her eyes open to watch. Zhou Bi could scream at first, but after fifteen strokes, it was just a faint whimper.

The sky was blue, and the clouds rolled by. The people in the Eastern Palace seemed used to it; they weren’t surprised at all, and their breathing didn’t even change. Gu Jinse’s heart trembled. She turned to look at the Prince, who looked perfectly calm. Good grief, it seems everyone except me is unfazed.

After fifty strokes, Zhou Bi was barely breathing. The guards dragged him out. The Marquis, weeping, didn’t forget to thank the Prince.

Zhang Mingqian and Gu Jinse left together, but the Prince stopped Gu Jinse to talk, so Zhang Mingqian left first.

“Director Gu, go back and tell Sister not to persist,” the Prince sighed.

Gu Jinse blinked, acting confused. “This official does not understand Your Highness’s meaning.”

The Prince was slightly annoyed and looked at her with disdain. “Just go and tell her.”

Gu Jinse continued to play dumb as she slowly left the Eastern Palace.

Outside the gate, someone stepped out from the shadows. Zhang Mingqian walked toward her, her silk skirt reflecting the sunlight.

“Director Gu, let’s talk.”

Gu Jinse was momentarily stunned. Zhang Mingqian looked at her; her eyes reflected Gu Jinse’s face, and her dimples were adorable. She looked a bit dazed, quite different from the determined figure she had been moments ago.

The two walked slowly along the long palace walls. A breeze ruffled the hair on her forehead, revealing a scar. Zhang Mingqian was startled. “What happened to the scar on your forehead?”

“I met an assassin before the wedding,” Gu Jinse said calmly.

Zhang Mingqian remembered. It seemed it was the Empress’s doing, but the Empress had claimed her people were too late and hadn’t found the assassin yet. Their shadows stretched long on the palace path.

“I’m curious. How did you and the Chancellor go from meeting to talking about marriage?” Zhang Mingqian wondered. Ming Yi’s temperament was something almost no one could tolerate.

Gu Jinse thought for a moment and said, “It was for her beauty.”

Zhang Mingqian paused, her eyelids twitching. “What did you say? Beauty? If you wanted beauty, there are so many young girls.”

Ming Yi was twenty-seven. No matter how much “beauty” was involved, she shouldn’t have been the one. Especially given Gu Jinse’s own looks; many girls would have been eager.

The palace path was quiet, feeling somewhat eerie. Gu Jinse acted as if nothing were wrong and smiled. “The Chancellor is very beautiful.”

Zhang Mingqian was momentarily stunned. “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I suppose… that’s the reason.” By the end, she didn’t even believe herself. If a twenty-seven-year-old man liked a seventeen-year-old girl, the “beauty” reason would make sense. But with the roles reversed, it felt all wrong.

Gu Jinse walked on, step by step. Seeing that Zhang Mingqian was still standing there, she offered, “Director Zhang, the sun is quite strong. Why don’t you come to the Gu residence for lunch?”

“I’m not going,” Zhang Mingqian huffed.

Gu Jinse didn’t wait. They were going to part once they left the palace anyway. A total victory!

Back home, Gu Jinse drank two bowls of mung bean soup and relayed the Prince’s message to Ming Yi, who was reading.

“I will persist. What can he do to me?” Ming Yi put down her book and looked coldly at Gu Jinse. “Your face is quite pale.”

“It’s from the sun.” Gu Jinse touched her face, too embarrassed to admit she had been scared out of her wits by the beating at the Eastern Palace.

“Shouldn’t the sun turn you darker?” Ming Yi found it amusing. She pinched Gu Jinse’s face, looking her over. “Look at you, still sweaty. How can a face get paler in the sun? Like dog droppings? They get whiter as they sit in the sun.”

Gu Jinse remembered Zhang Mingqian’s shock and realized that except for her, no one could probably tolerate Ming Yi’s personality.

Who told me to be so attracted to good looks!

After a moment of self-reflection, Gu Jinse caught Ming Yi’s hand and looked into her eyes. She brushed aside the hair covering her scar and looked at her reflection in Ming Yi’s eyes, nodding with satisfaction. “I’m so good-looking. Aren’t you proud?”

Ming Yi was speechless.

“Then, are you proud to have married me?”

“Of course. After all, I’ve brought home a sharp-tongued ‘demon’ that no one else dared to marry. I’m having my ‘soft rice’ the hard way. It’s great,” Gu Jinse said shamelessly.

Ming Yi, at a loss for words, turned to leave.

Gu Jinse caught her from behind. “What’s the rush? Zhang Mingqian asked me why I married you, and I said ‘for your beauty.’ She was shocked. I’m puzzled, aren’t you beautiful?” Or is it that women don’t find each other stunning? No, that can’t be right; I’m a woman too.

Women can definitely find other women stunning.