The Prime Minister Claims She's Pregnant - Chapter 45

Zhang Mingqian is thirty years old this year, three years older than Ming Yi. She was among the first group of female officials to enter the imperial court, once highly valued by the late Empress Dowager and regarded as the most brilliant pearl of the era. Since the late Empress Dowager’s passing last year and Ming Yi’s appointment as Prime Minister, she has gradually receded into the background.

Every new Emperor brings his own ministers. The late Empress Dowager favored Zhang Mingqian, but the current Emperor dotes on Ming Yi.

Gu Jinse restrained her smile and thought quietly for a moment. “This case must be investigated to the very end. I want to know what kind of schemes are being played behind the scenes.”

“Naturally, it must be investigated thoroughly,” Ming Yi replied. “I remember when the late Empress Dowager first employed female officials; it stirred up a storm. Inside and outside the court, there was nothing but verbal abuse. Amidst the rising turmoil, censors risked death to protest and military generals cursed loudly; that hurdle could never truly be cleared. Actually, women joined the military long ago, though they never reached the core of power. Now, Zhang Mingqian and a few of us stand in the court, suppressing those men. They are frustrated and feel it is our fault. In truth, even without us, they still wouldn’t be able to distinguish themselves.”

“There are many like Zhou Bi. Getting beaten today only settles things temporarily,” Ming Yi sneered.

Gu Jinse felt as if she had returned to the modern world. In truth, even in modern times, many men shared Zhou Bi’s mindset. It couldn’t be eradicated; one could only deal with each challenge as it came.

When they returned to the Gu residence, it was already dusk. Ming Yi changed her clothes to head to the Eastern Palace.

Gu Jinse sat to one side, watching her don the layers of heavy official robes, looking majestic. “Prime Minister Ming, how is His Majesty’s health?”

“So-so.”

Gu Jinse understood. It meant he wasn’t getting better, but he wasn’t dying either. He was just causing occasional scenes and staying alive through medicinal soups.

After Ming Yi left for the palace, Gu Jinse took a short nap to catch up on sleep. While she was resting, Du Yan arrived.

Du Yan came to inquire about the Qin Zhao matter. Compared to the extent of Gu Jinse’s knowledge, Du Yan knew far more.

Gu Jinse took the opportunity to ask for details. Du Yan looked displeased and said, “Qin Zhao was a newcomer and didn’t understand how things worked. That night, she stayed behind. In the dark of the night, that man entered her room, insulted her verbally, and was handsy. Qin Zhao was furious and reported it directly to the court.”

“So that’s how it was.” Gu Jinse now realized the difficulty of the case. There were no third-party witnesses at all. The opponent denied everything, and Qin Zhao felt the injustice deeply. She asked strangely, “Why was Qin Zhao placed under supervision? Was that man also detained?”

Du Yan raised her head and looked at her coldly: “No.”

Gu Jinse touched her chest, feeling a surge of resentment, but she quickly calmed herself down. She couldn’t act on impulse.

“Did Qin Zhao commit suicide?” Du Yan saw the young person’s expression shifting between dark and clear, eyes narrowing and widening, unable to tell what she was thinking.

Gu Jinse smiled. “I suspect it was an ‘inside job.’ They used drugs to knock Qin Zhao out first, then strangled her. I have many unanswered questions. I suspect those at the top wanted to quiet the rumors outside and deliberately murdered Qin Zhao to make it look like a suicide out of fear of punishment. Master Du, I don’t know the people above well. What do you think?”

Du Yan’s face changed drastically, her expression flickering. After a long pause, she managed to choke out: “You are very bold to dare speculate about His Highness the Crown Prince.”

Gu Jinse waved her hand. What was there to fear? He was just a “younger brother” figure. “Master Du, you agree, don’t you? There is another possibility: the opponent wants to frame Zhang Mingqian. Qin Zhao died yesterday, which coincides with the time Zhang Mingqian left. That’s why I said I have many unanswered questions. I’m leaning more toward the latter: killing to frame Zhang Mingqian.”

“Are you so sure?” Du Yan’s expression soured.

“I’m not sure. There are many internal details I don’t know; I’m just guessing. I imagine the Prime Minister has already made a decision, but she won’t tell me.” Gu Jinse sighed. She was just speculating blindly; there didn’t seem to be a third possibility.

Du Yan listened intently. Looking at the youth again, she saw elegant eyebrows and a scar beneath fine bangs that marred her handsome features. Despite the gentle, water-like demeanor, the scar added a touch of “ugliness,” yet it was impossible to ignore that her overall aura was even more striking.

The youth dared to think and guess, while people like them, deep in the bureaucracy and bound by loyalty, dared not ask or think; they could only go with the flow.

“Just keep these thoughts to yourself, Supervisor Gu. Do not speak of them elsewhere.”

“I’ve only told you. Even the Prime Minister doesn’t know. If others find out, it means you betrayed me.” Gu Jinse arched an eyebrow; she wasn’t a fool who talked to everyone she met.

She rolled her eyes, and Du Yan laughed. “If the Crown Prince chooses to settle the matter quietly, things will be much simpler.”

They would find a scapegoat, and Zhang Mingqian happened to be perfect. Perhaps the youth understood this as well, which was why she hadn’t spoken plainly to her wife.

Du Yan picked up her teacup and said in a low voice, “Supervisor Gu, will you follow the Prime Minister’s wishes?”

“This matter has nothing to do with me. I want to help, but my ability is too lacking.” Gu Jinse gave a low laugh. “I feel the Emperor’s will is hard to defy. Even the Prime Minister might not be able to resist. When it comes to fundamental issues, Ming Yi’s ‘arrogance’ is nothing in front of His Majesty.”

“You know her very well?” Du Yan sneered, surprised she used the word “arrogant.”

“I wouldn’t say I know her well. She helps me correct my flaws, and I choose to ignore hers.” Gu Jinse smiled playfully.

Du Yan ignored her flippancy and asked further, “If the Prime Minister sides with the Crown Prince this time, will you be disappointed?”

“I would be disappointed, but I would know she tried her best. But I trust her; this matter won’t end so simply.” Gu Jinse looked out into the empty space outside. The Prime Minister had once said that justice must be fought for by oneself.

She wasn’t the ruler of heaven and earth, just a woman. She wasn’t a hero of Mount Liang who roared at injustice. Besides, roaring was useless and might even bring a death sentence upon oneself.

She rolled her eyes again. Du Yan said with a smile, “You are truly strange. Zhang Mingqian said you have a great sense of justice, yet now you say such high-sounding, pragmatic words.”

“Master Du, why are you staring at me? I’m just one of thousands of officials. My rank is low, and I have no noble title to inherit. What can I do?” Gu Jinse found it odd; her thoughts were her own and had nothing to do with others.

She smiled, and Du Yan glared at her. “I misjudged you.”

Gu Jinse rolled her eyes. “Go help Qin Zhao yourself then! There’s no evidence. Right, you can’t even find evidence, so how can you help her? All you and I can do is wait and see. I’m one thing, but as for you, make sure you don’t bring trouble upon yourself.”

If you’re so capable, you go do it, she thought. You think you’re a tank who can take hits? Better to be like a marksman: fire a shot from a distance and run. Protect yourself first.

After Du Yan left, Gu Jinse snorted, feeling helpless in her heart. A Prime Minister is just a Prime Minister, not an Emperor. Besides, the Emperor loves his reputation.

A thought struck Gu Jinse, and the corners of her mouth curled. Reputation? Who doesn’t love that?

Tuntun returned from the Qin family. The follow-up would be handled by the Ministry of Justice, but the information they currently held was already the core of the matter.

The Eastern Palace was shrouded in a chilling atmosphere. Ming Yi had dismissed all the subordinates, leaving only two people: one sitting and one standing.

Ming Yi looked down at the Crown Prince. “Who taught Your Highness such underhanded methods?”

“I don’t understand what the Prime Minister is saying,” the Crown Prince replied calmly.

Ming Yi slammed the table and shouted, “Using the palace’s dirty tricks of silencing witnesses on a female official? Your Highness truly has ‘excellent’ methods. Have all the sacred books you’ve read over the years been eaten by dogs? I knew you were indecisive, but I didn’t know you were this cruel. That was a human life!”

The Crown Prince, stifled by Ming Yi’s pressure, turned red in the face. “Are there few lives on Sister’s hands? Qin Zhao slandered her superior; she was already guilty.”

“Her crime didn’t warrant death. You not only killed her but pinned it on Zhang Mingqian; killing two birds with one stone?” Ming Yi’s gaze was cold. She held one hand behind her back, her entire aura freezing.

The Crown Prince’s face stiffened before he regained his usual refined expression. “The Emperor often tells me to learn from the Prime Minister. Now, it seems I am far inferior to you.”

“Incorrigible.” Ming Yi paused, then laughed coldly after a breath. “Your Highness need not participate in this further. I will continue the investigation.”

The Crown Prince stood up abruptly. “Ming Yi, do not be insolent! The Emperor ordered you to assist me, not to act willfully.”

“What I do is honorable before heaven and earth, and honorable toward Your Highness.” Ming Yi bowed and slowly exited the hall.

She hurried out of the Eastern Palace.

The Crown Prince chased her and blocked her path in the palace corridor. “Ming Yi, my father knows about this. Settling it quietly is the best outcome.”

Ming Yi lowered her eyes. “I believe His Majesty is a wise ruler.”

The Crown Prince said, “Aren’t you clear on the reality?”

The palace corridor was desolate and deserted. The two stood facing each other. The Crown Prince stood tall, and Ming Yi looked up at him. “I do not agree to this. At worst, we both go down together. You care about this position of heir; I do not, and my mother does not either.”

Upon hearing the word “mother,” the Crown Prince glanced at her blankly. “You’ve been immersed in the past for too many years; it’s time to wake up. Where do you stand? You stand at the peak of power in this dynasty. Only when I become the Emperor can all grievances be washed away.”

“I am immersed in the past because you forced me to be.” Ming Yi walked right past the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince stood in place, eyes closed for a long time.

Ming Yi went directly to seek an audience with the Emperor.

The Chief Eunuch hurried out from the hall and whispered, “Prime Minister Ming, please do not interfere in this matter.”

Ming Yi took a deep breath, her voice cold: “Inform His Majesty that I understand.”

Gu Jinse was at home looking at the ledgers. She had spent a long time with the managers and felt a sudden sense of satisfaction after seeing the income from the past few months. When she lived at home, she received a monthly allowance and had no idea about the household’s expenses. Now that she was managing the house, she realized money flows like water.

Especially the salaries for over a hundred servants; calculating them every month was a significant expense.

After some thought, Gu Jinse’s mind began to wander. Since the Prime Minister married into the Gu residence, she had basically been “eating without working,” especially after stuffing people like Chimei and Tuntun into the household, which immediately raised the salary level of the Gu servants.

Gu Jinse sat on the soft couch, her mind traveling the world. The Prime Minister only brought people in and didn’t spend her own money; she was truly a master at saving.

Tsk, tsk, tsk.

When Ming Yi returned, she saw the girl dazing on the couch. After a few “tsks” from her small mouth, her eyebrows rose as if in mockery.

Her expression was rather cute. Ming Yi stopped abruptly, saw the many ledgers on the table, and subconsciously understood.

“Supervisor Gu, are you displeased that I eat too much?”

Gu Jinse turned around and looked at the suddenly returned Ming Yi with a beaming smile. “No, you’re just one person eating.”

“Then what were you mocking?” Ming Yi looked at her and smiled, the corners of her cold, elegant lips slowly curving. She gradually approached her. “I know what you’re thinking. You want to say that you and I are equals, right?”

Ming Yi’s smile was like the winter sun, carrying a hint of warmth, but when the wind blew, it still felt cold.

“You’re back! Let’s eat, I’m hungry.” Gu Jinse instinctively avoided the topic and immediately called for Chunyue to serve the dishes, while she herself eagerly pulled Ming Yi’s hand. “I had someone make soup; it’s very nourishing. You’re so thin, you need to be nourished.”

There was not only soup but also various dishes prepared in new ways. Ming Yi looked at a plate of red pork. “What is this?”

“Sweet and sour ribs. It’s sour and sweet, very good with rice. Guaranteed to make you forget your troubles outside.” Gu Jinse glanced at her and diligently served her some chicken soup. “Eat more.”

Setting aside the storms outside for a moment, they sat down amidst the bright lights. The youth’s teeth were white, her lips red, and her smile soft. Ming Yi’s heart suddenly settled.

All unpleasantness was cast aside.

Ming Yi couldn’t quite accept the sweet and sour flavor, but Gu Jinse chatted incessantly about different ways of eating, from ancient times to the modern day: raw food, roasted food, soups, and various seasonings. She called it the wisdom of ancestors.

As she spoke, Ming Yi listened. The rule of “no talking while eating or sleeping” simply did not exist.

The meal lasted a long time, and Gu Jinse ate her fill. After clearing the dishes, Gu Jinse finally mentioned Du Yan.

Some questions had to be discussed eventually, but Ming Yi had no heart to speak further and intentionally avoided the subject.

Gu Jinse had no choice but to drop it. “Let’s sleep; tomorrow will be busy.”

She liked to go to bed early. Without waiting for Ming Yi’s response, she climbed into bed first, while Ming Yi sat silently by the table.

Time slipped away. Gu Jinse soon fell asleep, and it was a long time before Ming Yi returned to the bed.

The Qin Zhao case was classified as a homicide, with evidence pointing toward Zhang Mingqian. At the same time, Zhang Mingqian was suspended from her duties and remained at home.

Gu Jinse left early and returned late, her skin becoming a bit fairer. Ming Yi even learned to tease her about it.

After seven or eight days, the Emperor’s health improved. His first act was to dismiss Zhang Mingqian from her position as Minister of Rites and transfer her out of the capital to serve as a magistrate in a remote county.

The Qin Zhao case ended just like that.

The summer heat was oppressive, followed by a sudden thunderstorm. Ming Yi had fallen ill, and Gu Jinse took a leave of absence to care for her at the residence.

In the night, the rain began to fall again with a rhythmic pitter-patter. A maid entered to close the windows as rainwater splashed inside. Ming Yi woke up and opened her eyes to find Gu Jinse still awake at her side, intently reading a medical book.

Ming Yi’s face was pale. Seeing how focused Gu Jinse was, she leaned over to catch a glimpse. Used to Ming Yi’s habitual coldness and self-restraint, Gu Jinse was startled by her sudden proximity and dropped the book.

“You’re awake!” Gu Jinse touched the hair at Ming Yi’s temples and then felt her forehead. “Your fever is gone. Are you hungry? I had some congee prepared.”

Rain lashed against the window panes, making a sharp clattering sound, and the lamplight flickered and swayed in the wind leaking through the casement.

Gu Jinse climbed up to hang the brocade bed curtains. She wore a red nightgown that draped over her, and from Ming Yi’s angle, she could see a glimpse of spring: her skin was as white as snow.

Ming Yi couldn’t help but smile, then let out a low cough that pulled at her chest, leading to several more in quick succession. Unaware of the internal cause of the smile, Gu Jinse hurried over to help her catch her breath, patting her back and helping her sit up with meticulous care.

However, they were so close that Ming Yi could see everything without even raising her eyes. She finally couldn’t help herself and reached out to adjust the other’s collar, only to find that the neckline was naturally quite low.

She was shocked. “Why is your clothing so low-cut?”

Gu Jinse was, after all, a young woman of the new era. She looked down at herself; the collar clearly reached her collarbone. Where was it low? She glanced at Ming Yi’s nightgown and said, “It’s yours that is too high. You look like you want to hide your mouth in it too.”

Ming Yi’s face turned bright red, though it was hard to tell if it was from coughing or blushing. She straightened her own collar with great decorum.

Gu Jinse was displeased. “Next time I’ll make a few sets for you too. We can wear red together.” She paused, then added, “Red, low-collared nightgowns.”

Ming Yi coughed even more violently, as if she couldn’t stop.

The heart-wrenching sound of coughing amidst the rainy night made it harder to bear. Gu Jinse lost her desire to tease; she pulled Ming Yi into her arms and called for someone to bring a cup of hot water. “Drink this, you’ll feel better. If that doesn’t work, have a piece of candy to soothe the cough.”

Ming Yi looked haggard. Nestled in Gu Jinse’s embrace, she bit her lip. Hearing the suggestion to eat candy for a cough, she laughed for no reason and said through her struggles, “You are just like my mother. Eating candy for a cough; do you take me for a child?”

“It has nothing to do with being a child. If you can’t stop coughing, eat a piece of candy. Keep it in your mouth to temporarily suppress the urge. I’ve tried it countless times myself.” Gu Jinse was deeply worried. It was just a simple cold; why wasn’t it getting better?

Looking at Ming Yi’s weary features and her pointed chin, Gu Jinse felt a bitterness in her own mouth. She said, “Is it so bad to have someone treat you like a child?”

A maid brought the hot water. Gu Jinse tested the temperature; it was a bit hot, which was perfect for drinking right now.

“It’s a bit hot, so bear with it.”

Ming Yi closed her eyes and followed the girl’s lead, drinking a cup of hot water. The itch in her throat seemed to subside.

The heavy rain grew even more intense, accompanied by strong winds that made the leaves rustle loudly. The maids hurried in and out, completely drenched, though fortunately the summer night was not cold.

Ming Yi leaned back for a while, listening to the sound of the wind and rain. Gu Jinse didn’t dare tease her anymore and gently took her wrist. “What are you thinking about?”

“It’s been a long time since I’ve listened to the wind and rain in peace.” Ming Yi leaned her head against Gu Jinse’s shoulder, her mind wandering back to many years ago.

That year, her mother had taken her to live in a secondary villa. Cherry blossoms bloomed throughout the manor, which was nestled against mountains and near water. After the trees bore fruit, there were also heavy winds and rains. During the night, her mother worried several times about the fruit and wanted to go check, but the wind was too strong for her to dare step outside.

When dawn broke the next morning and the sun shone over the earth, the wind and rain stopped. When her mother went out to look, the petals and fruit had all been blown down by the wind. Her mother shed a few tears.

Gu Jinse held her hand, not daring to speak. Ming Yi was in a good mood and said gently, “Shall we plant some cherry blossoms?”

“Alright. We’ll plant them tomorrow. I’ll do the planting.” Gu Jinse scrutinized the smile on her face; it was tender and lovely, quite unlike her usual coldness.

A maid brought the congee. Gu Jinse went to take it, but Ming Yi pressed her hand down. “I don’t want to eat. Save it for tomorrow.”

Gu Jinse hesitated, remembering how when she was a child and had a fever, her mother never forced her to eat, saying she wouldn’t starve and it was better to just be comfortable.

“Take it all back.” Gu Jinse did not pressure Ming Yi either. She dismissed the maids, pulled down the curtains, and the two lay back down.

Ming Yi turned on her side to look at the girl opposite her. After some hesitation, she reached out to touch the bridge of her nose. “Gu Jinse, tell me, why are you so patient?” Since she fell ill, Gu Jinse had been so good to her, speaking softly and never once knitting her brows. It was so good it felt almost illusory.

“It’s simple. I like you. I want you to be well, peaceful, and happy,” Gu Jinse said with a smile. She didn’t pull away, simply letting her touch her.

Ming Yi’s fingers were slender. They brushed over the bridge of her nose and slowly came to rest on the corner of Gu Jinse’s lips, while she herself closed her eyes.

It felt a bit illusory, like a dream.