The Prime Minister Claims She's Pregnant - Chapter 46

A night of heavy rain left the ground covered in fallen leaves by dawn. Inside and outside the new house, all was quiet. Even the maidservants walked without making a sound.

Ming Yi had taken her medicine and fallen back into a heavy, groggy sleep, oblivious to the world outside. Gu Jinse rose early to personally simmer porridge.

 

Halfway through the cooking, the steward practically leaped into the room. He announced, “Supervisor, a distinguished guest has arrived.”

 

The Emperor had come.

 

Gu Jinse busied herself, untying her apron and hurrying to the gate to receive them.

 

Behind the Emperor stood the Crown Prince and the Sixth Prince, who did not even reach waist-height. The boy was so small he could not be seen clearly from a distance, but as they drew near, it became evident that it was a father and his two sons.

 

The Emperor’s health had improved significantly, yet his face remained pale. The frailty in his eyes was unmistakable. It was a chronic illness that was difficult to uproot.

 

“Gu Qing, is Chancellor Ming’s health any better?” the Emperor asked. He observed the somber expression on the young woman’s face, as if she were not at all welcoming of their arrival.

 

Gu Jinse replied in a low voice, “Your Majesty, the Chancellor has fallen asleep.”

 

As the ruler of the dynasty holding the power of life and death, the Emperor still caused Gu Jinse a measure of trepidation.

 

The Emperor mulled over her words and slowly began to walk. “Do you mean to say she did not sleep last night?”

 

“She woke in the middle of the night and coughed for a long time. She only fell asleep at dawn.”

 

As the group walked toward the backyard, Gu Jinse remained solemn. Seeing the mandarin duck sachet hanging from her waist, the Crown Prince remarked, “Supervisor Gu’s sachet is quite exquisite.”

 

“If Your Highness likes it, the Crown Princess can surely make one for you,” Gu Jinse replied with a polite, practiced smile.

 

The Crown Prince said, “So it was embroidered by my Elder Sister.”

 

Unwilling to engage further, Gu Jinse gave a soft “Mm” in response.

 

Reaching the courtyard, they saw the desolation of the grounds. Maidservants wielded brooms beneath the trees, and the ground was pockmarked with puddles. Chunyue watched over a medicine stove under the veranda. The scent of mundane life wafted toward them. The Emperor stopped and stared at the warm, domestic scene. A sudden tightness gripped his chest because this scene felt hauntingly familiar. Many years ago, when he went to the villa to find the daughter of the Zhao family, she too had been watching a medicine stove under the eaves, with a small child crouching beside her, laughing and pointing at the sky.

 

The Emperor’s lips moved as if to speak, but he said nothing. Finally, he halted outside the courtyard and led the Crown Prince away. The Sixth Prince was reluctant to leave. Seeing the Emperor’s state of mind, the Crown Prince simply left the boy behind, intending to fetch him in the afternoon.

 

Left unexpectedly with a young boy, Gu Jinse was utterly bewildered. She questioned the Sixth Prince, “Why did you stay?”

 

“I missed my Elder Sister. People in the palace say she is dying.” The Sixth Prince was eight years old. His eyes were shining with a desire to show his affection and concern for his sister.

 

Gu Jinse was skeptical, but since he was only eight, there was little harm he could do. She waved a hand and summoned Tuntun to take him to play.

 

“Tell me when Elder Sister wakes up!” the boy shouted. He waved to Gu Jinse as he followed Tuntun.

 

Gu Jinse rolled her eyes irritably. Truthfully, she did not hate children, but she disliked the children sired by the Emperor. They were birds of a feather.

 

Returning to the room, she found Ming Yi awake. She looked slightly better than she had during the night. She was staring into space, lost in thought.

 

Gu Jinse hurried over to her side. “The Emperor came but left for some reason. The Sixth Prince stayed behind. It is all very strange.”

 

“Little Sixth?” Ming Yi snapped out of her daze. A faint smile touched her pale lips. “His biological mother died in childbirth. The Empress wanted to adopt him, but the Crown Prince refused. They have fought over it several times. His situation is difficult. Let Tuntun stay with him so nothing goes wrong.”

 

“I think I understand. Do not worry, I will not let anything happen to him.” Gu Jinse thought of the tragic fates of young princes in palace power struggles. She would protect him well until the Crown Prince returned in the afternoon.

 

Ming Yi tried to sit up but felt weak and cold. Gu Jinse said, “Summer is almost over. Every autumn rain brings a new layer of cold. It is normal to feel the chill.”

 

Ming Yi laughed. Though Gu Jinse was young, she possessed much practical wisdom and common sense. This showed how much she valued daily life.

 

The porridge Gu Jinse had cooked was warming on the stove. As she served a bowl to Ming Yi, she added, “Rest well for a few days. The world will keep turning regardless of who is missing. Your health is the foundation of everything. Look at the Emperor; his health is poor, and he collapses every few days. Do not follow his example.”

 

Ming Yi chuckled. “So you are a nag after all. You are young, but your tongue is quite sharp.”

 

“I learned it from arguing with Gu Jinhuan. You do not know how he acts, thinking he is so great just because he is good at his studies. He would theorize about this and quote that all day long. It was exhausting. Later, I thought I could win an argument by going to the academy to study. After two years, I realized I still could not outtalk him.” Gu Jinse sighed and blew on a spoonful of porridge. She asked Ming Yi, “When you and your brothers argue, who wins?”

 

“I have too many brothers to win with words. I simply wait for them where they finish their lessons, grab them, and give them a beating.” Ming Yi smiled. Her eyes were clear and her cheeks were tinged with a faint pink. Her features appeared as delicate as mist in the mountains.

 

Gu Jinse paused and held the spoon to Ming Yi’s lips. “I will do that next time. You do not know how annoying a younger brother can be, especially since he always says he is the root of the Gu family. He says once he becomes the head of the house, he will not let me return home.”

 

“Then do not return.” Ming Yi chewed the bland porridge, yet her heart felt inexplicably warm. Gu Jinse continued to grumble about how bossy and unreasonable Gu Jinhuan was. Madam Gu acted as the judge, usually catching and punishing him with kneeling or the family cane. Yet, the next time they met, he remained as stubborn as ever.

 

Ming Yi listened intently. It is said that the palm and the back of the hand are both flesh, yet Madam Gu clearly favored her daughter, as did Gu Zhi. Or rather, when his father was not there, Gu Zhi listened to his wife; when his father was there, he listened to him. In short, Gu Jinse’s childhood had been happy. She told Ming Yi, “Even if my brother is no good, my cousins in Jinling are wonderful. My uncles have no daughters, so they envy my mother. Every time they see me, they stuff red envelopes into my hands. You have no idea how jealous Gu Jinhuan gets.”

 

Ming Yi’s lips curled upward. Rare things are valued. Since the Yu family had no daughters, they naturally treated their niece like a treasure.

 

“In the Gu family, boys are treasures. In my maternal family, boys are basically grass. My grandmother wanted a granddaughter so badly but was not destined to have one. Every time she sees my aunts, she mocks them. She says they are not as good as her because she at least managed to have a daughter.”

 

From her words, one could tell the Yu family was harmonious and well-bred. Ming Yi asked a few questions and got a clear picture of the family. The Yu family had few daughters and was famous for pampering them. Madam Gu had a good life largely because she had a reliable maternal family.

 

In this regard, Gu Jinse was much luckier.

 

After finishing a bowl of porridge, Ming Yi’s complexion improved. Fearing she might dwell on her troubles, Gu Jinse suggested, “Let us go plant cherry trees. I have sent people to buy them. After last night’s rain, the soil is loose. It is the perfect time for planting.”

 

Ming Yi was not particularly interested. After a brief chat, drowsiness overcame her. Resisting sleep, she said, “You go. I will rest for a while.”

 

Gu Jinse did not push her. She instructed Chunyue to look after the Chancellor and left with the servants.

 

In the backyard, Gu Jinse found the Sixth Prince and handed him a shovel. She told him solemnly, “Your Elder Sister Ming Yi likes cherry blossoms. Plant two for her.”

 

The eight-year-old looked at the shovel, which was taller than he was, and swallowed hard. He stepped forward, hugged one end of the shovel with all his might, and whispered, “I am the best!”

 

His self-motivation amused the maidservants, and even Gu Jinse could not help but look at him twice. She smilingly assigned him a hole and went off to dig others.

 

Planting was not hard. You dig a hole, drop the sapling, bury the roots, water it, and stomp the dirt down.

 

It was easy for Gu Jinse, but the poor Sixth Prince was not even as tall as his tools. He worked with great gusto, huffing and puffing. By the time Gu Jinse had dug ten holes, he had only just placed his sapling, muttering to himself all the while. Eventually, he could not even lift the tools and had to bury the dirt with his bare hands.

 

By noon, the Gu estate had a new cherry grove, and the Sixth Prince was nearly buried in the dirt himself. Tuntun took him away to bathe and change, while Gu Jinse returned to the bedroom.

 

Ming Yi was still asleep.

 

The Crown Prince arrived early, specifically at mealtime. Gu Jinse told him, “The Chancellor has not yet woken. Perhaps you and the Sixth Prince should dine first.”

 

The Crown Prince did not refuse, but when the food arrived, he was stunned. The table was a sea of green. There was no meat, just vegetables. He found it difficult to swallow.

 

The Sixth Prince, however, was not picky. He shoveled rice into his mouth as if he had not eaten in five or six days, making it look like a feast. Seeing his younger brother eating so happily, the Crown Prince gloomily picked up his chopsticks.

 

After the meal, the Crown Prince took his brother and fled with lightning speed.

 

Gu Jinse was in the room gnawing on a braised pig trotter when Ming Yi was woken by the aroma. Opening her eyes to see the girl eating happily, Ming Yi’s lips twitched.

 

“You’re awake!” Gu Jinse said joyfully. She wiped her hands and went to help her up.

 

The girl naturally had a faint sweet scent, but now it was mixed with the savory aroma of meat, making one almost want to take a bite of her.

 

Ming Yi covered her mouth and coughed, suppressing the urge to bite. She let Gu Jinse help her up. The girl’s hair was tied up, her neck was clean, and the edges of her ears were a rosy pink against her white skin.

 

Ming Yi glanced at her ear and then closed her eyes. She felt an impulse she needed to slowly suppress.

 

Yet, while she struggled for control, Gu Jinse kept bustling about. She tucked in the blankets and brought water. Overall, she made it impossible for Ming Yi to find peace.

 

“Go eat your meat!” she finally snapped.

 

Gu Jinse, who was leaning over to reach a pillow, froze. Why was she suddenly so fierce?

 

However, she was habitually obedient and did not argue. She returned to her seat to continue gnawing on the trotter.

 

As she ate, she thought that the Crown Prince had been too prominent lately. She wondered how she could lock him away in a small, dark room. She was a good youth of the 21st century and did not want to resort to killing. She preferred using public opinion. Last time, she wanted Ming Yi to use public sentiment to overwhelm the imperial power, but Ming Yi had moved too fast. The victim had died before Gu Jinse could even meet them.

 

Ming Yi leaned against the soft pillows. She looked at the bed, then the ceiling, and finally at Gu Jinse. But the girl’s eyes were dazed. She looked as if her soul had left her body while eating that pig trotter.

 

Was it really that delicious?

 

In reality, Gu Jinse was plotting. Ming Yi’s illness was likely caused by the Crown Prince’s actions, so he was the root of the problem. She wondered how to punish the Crown Prince severely without getting involved in court politics. After thinking for a while, the only leverage she had was his affair with the wife of the Heir of Yongping Marquis.

 

If revealed, the Crown Prince would likely be fine, and the woman would be the one to suffer. That would not do.

 

After much deliberation, she still had no good plan. Frustrated, she turned to look at Ming Yi.

 

Their eyes met. Feeling slightly embarrassed, Ming Yi quickly looked away. Gu Jinse blankly offered the pig trotter, “Do you want some?”

 

“I will not eat it.” Disturbed by her presence, Ming Yi wished she could kick her out just for some peace and quiet.

 

Gu Jinse quickly put the trotter back and took a sip of water. “Are you hungry? I had them cook ginseng porridge. Would you like to try some?”

 

“I do not want to eat.” Ming Yi rejected her tiredly while rubbing her forehead. “Where is the Sixth Prince?”

 

“He left after lunch.” Gu Jinse did not mention the vegetarian feast she had served the Crown Prince.

 

Since she did not mention it, Ming Yi did not know. After rubbing her temples for a moment, she asked, “What were you thinking about just now?”

 

Gu Jinse blinked innocently. She remained silent and put on an air of an obedient, well-behaved girl.

 

Ming Yi looked at her. Her palms itched with the urge to pinch that round little face. She restrained herself again and asked, “Are you planning to mess with the Crown Prince?”

 

“No, how could I? He is the heir apparent. I would not dare.” Gu Jinse refused to admit it. After all, no one else knew her thoughts.

 

Ming Yi said, “I have the same idea.”

 

“Really?” Gu Jinse could not hide her joy.

 

Ming Yi sighed. “I knew you were up to no good.” After all, if she dared to mess with the Third Prince, she certainly would not fear the Crown Prince.

 

Gu Jinse looked like a well-behaved, innocent girl who was fragile and weak. In reality, she was audacious.

 

“You tricked me!” Gu Jinse nearly jumped.

 

Ming Yi said calmly, “Play your own games, but do not be reckless. Leave the Crown Prince’s matter for now. I will deal with him myself.”

 

“You made yourself sick with anger,” Gu Jinse pointed out heartlessly while exposing the wound. “You are just reluctant, are you not? After Zhang Mingqian left, you must have realized that the Crown Prince is still the Crown Prince. I suspect the Emperor did not make you Chancellor because of your talent or out of affection for your mother, but because he wanted you to support the Crown Prince, right?”

 

What looked like imperial favor was merely being used as a pawn. In a crisis, she would be discarded.

 

Crying and complaining would do no good. Once core interests were touched, nothing else mattered.

 

Ming Yi smiled bitterly. “I am very angry, Gu Jinse. What I fear most is someone who understands me. It is as if my inner secrets have been dissected and laid bare before you, making me feel quite awkward.”

 

Gu Jinse was startled. “I did not mean to pry into your secrets. You told me yourself. Once I thought about it, I guessed the Crown Prince is the son your mother bore for the Emperor. If I am not mistaken, his birth was what caused their secret to be discovered.”

 

“Being too smart makes it easy to be silenced.” Ming Yi sighed. Her eyebrows curved like crescent moons. “Being too smart is not good.”

 

Gu Jinse rolled her eyes. “You let me know on purpose. I am not as stubborn as other people. You are you, and your mother is your mother. Besides, it was not your mother’s fault.”

 

“Fine, I have my own plans. But you should know the wife of the Heir of Yongping Marquis is not innocent. She should have broken things off with the Crown Prince long ago, but she is addicted to it.” Ming Yi’s voice was low. She had been waiting for an opportunity since learning of this affair, and today, it had become a tool in her hand.

 

At the thought of villains getting their comeuppance, Gu Jinse felt excited. She leaned in closer. “How will you do it? Report them directly?”

 

Could the Crown Prince be deposed? The thought made her blood boil with excitement.

 

“If you ever held a high position, I would have to watch out for you kicking people while they are down.” Ming Yi laughed helplessly. She finally gave in to her urge and pinched the girl’s cheek. Feeling comforted, she said, “You truly fear nothing.”

 

Gu Jinse stumbled and fell back onto the bed. “With you here, of course I am not afraid.”

 

Ming Yi feigned a stern look and snorted. “Clearly, it is your own sense of injustice. Who can you blame?”

 

“I am feeling indignant for you! You were so sick you were barely clinging to life. I care about you. Is that a crime?” Gu Jinse patted her shoulder firmly. “This is called sharing trials and tribulations.”

 

“Is that so?” A faint blush appeared on Ming Yi’s pale face, and her eyes brightened. “This matter must not be made public. It only needs to be known by the Emperor and the Empress.”

 

Once the Empress knew, she would no longer be so devoted to the Crown Prince since he was not her biological son. Furthermore, the Empress was known for being vengeful. The Crown Prince would not have a good time.

 

Gu Jinse pursed her lips and stopped talking. Feeling much better, she went back to gnawing on her pig trotter. Ming Yi held her forehead. “Stop eating.”

 

“Why? Does the smell make you want to throw up?” Gu Jinse joked. “Are you pregnant?”

 

Furious, Ming Yi threw a pillow at her. “I am angry!”

 

“Then be angry. You lied to everyone before saying you were pregnant, making people say I bullied and seduced you before our wedding. I am the one taking the blame!” Gu Jinse laughed as she caught the pillow. “Even the Emperor looks at me strangely, as if he wants to kill me on the spot.”

 

Fortunately, the social customs of the current dynasty were somewhat lenient. An unwed pregnancy did not result in being drowned in a pig basket.

 

Ming Yi’s face was flushed with anger, but in her weakened state, she could not maintain her momentum. She could only repeat, “I am angry.”

 

Gu Jinse stated clearly, “When I am angry, you do not coax me. When you are angry, I will not coax you either.”

 

With that, she hugged her trotter and ran out happily. Ming Yi was left speechless. After sulking for a while, she could not help but smile.

 

This was what a life of laughter and bickering was like.

 

Reflecting on it while lying in bed, her mind felt much clearer. She then summoned Tuntun to ask about important matters.

 

Over the next few days, Ming Yi’s health continued to improve. The cherry trees were well-tended, and Gu Jinse checked on them every day.

 

Finally, news came from the palace. The Crown Prince was confined to the Eastern Palace, and no one was allowed in or out.

 

Gu Jinse breathed a long sigh of relief and stared into the distance. A colleague came over and patted her shoulder. “There is a singing and dancing performance at Yong’an Tower tonight. Want to go watch?”

 

“Sure, I will bring Chancellor Ming along.” Gu Jinse smiled brightly.

 

The colleague’s smile froze. “Why are you bringing the Chancellor?”

 

Gu Jinse did not understand. “Shouldn’t a couple watch a performance together?”

 

“Then go by yourself. I am not going anymore.” The colleague ran off, not wanting to spend another moment with this fool.

 

Gu Jinse did not bother to wonder why. After work, she went home to pick up Ming Yi. As she arrived home happily, she saw a carriage parked at the gate. It bore no official family crest.

 

No crest, yet it dared to park right at the Gu family gate. Gu Jinse mused that it was likely the Emperor coming to settle scores. It appeared that the trip to Yong’an Tower was off.

 

She crept back inside and saw the doors to the main guest hall were closed. Tuntun was crouching on the steps, biting into a pear and muttering.

 

Gu Jinse could not hear from a distance, but as she drew closer, she heard a sentence: “Bullying the Chancellor; may they die a miserable death.”