The Prime Minister Claims She's Pregnant - Chapter 51

The palace lanterns on both sides mirrored the bright moon. As the Crown Princess and her entourage hurried away, the Second Princess Consort watched the embracing couple from afar, unable to hide the look of loss on her face. The Second Prince covered her eyes and led her away, whispering, “Careful, or Elder Sister will come looking for you.”

Gu Jinse was not drunk. She instinctively broke free, her chest heaving as she stared blankly at Ming Yi. “You will regret this tomorrow morning. Your brothers will mock you.”

Ming Yi’s eyes were hazy. She panted softly and shot her a sidelong glance before turning to walk away, leaving Gu Jinse alone to stand in the wind.

Now that everyone had scattered, Gu Jinse did not mind. She followed closely behind Ming Yi, her heart racing.

Upon returning home, Ming Yi sat down first and rubbed her aching temples. Seeing Gu Jinse standing at the door, she offered a slight smile and instinctively beckoned her over.

Gu Jinse walked over, her dark, clear eyes reflecting Ming Yi’s slightly tipsy and cool features. She looked directly at her. “Even you have moments when you lack self-restraint.”

In the next breath, Ming Yi reached out to embrace her, pressing against her cheek. They held each other tightly, skin against skin. Gu Jinse’s breathing hitched as Ming Yi took the initiative to kiss the corner of her mouth.

This was far more urgent than it had been in the palace.

It felt very similar to that previous night.

Gu Jinse could barely hold her ground. Every breath she took was filled with Ming Yi’s scent, mingled with a light, pleasant aroma of wine. The fragrance was so heady she nearly laughed. She said softly, “Chancellor Ming.”

She was held so tightly she could barely breathe, yet Ming Yi seemed relentless. A faint smile played on Ming Yi’s lips as her hand strayed to Gu Jinse’s soft earlobe, pinching it gently.

Gu Jinse widened her eyes. She placed her hands on Ming Yi’s waist and patted her lightly, but Ming Yi seemed to have developed an addiction to pinching, continually kneading the poor little ear.

Gu Jinse thought, “Ears are living things too; you cannot do this to them.”

Ming Yi was usually so reserved and proper, but after drinking, she became truly incomprehensible.

Gu Jinse felt she was losing her grip; her heart had climbed into her throat. Ming Yi, utterly oblivious, pressed her hands onto Gu Jinse’s shoulders and stared at her dotingly.

They stood in silence, save for their erratic breathing.

With her back to the lamplight, Ming Yi’s face was cast in shadow. Her glossy black hair slid over her shoulders, the tips brushing against Gu Jinse’s chin. Gu Jinse did not move; she simply kept smiling.

The surroundings were silent. A cool breeze slipped in through the window, and Ming Yi suddenly shivered. Her lips parted slightly as she looked at Gu Jinse, the lamplight reflected in her eyes.

Gu Jinse reached out to touch Ming Yi’s cheek, laughing inwardly. This reserved, dignified woman was truly adorable and endlessly interesting.

Her sudden laughter seemed to irritate Ming Yi. Ming Yi glared at her, looking very much like a child guarding her candy. For a moment, Gu Jinse wanted to pat Ming Yi’s head. She wished there were a surveillance camera to record this scene.

As she thought this, Gu Jinse’s clear eyes nearly consumed her. She was so clean and flawless, very much like a “white moonlight.”

Despite having been in court for years and learning to hide her emotions, Ming Yi found herself unable to control them. For an instant, she felt a bit lost. A fire burned deep within her, and she wondered what made Gu Jinse so different.

She realized she had fallen for her.

On their day off, the young couple rose before dawn. Both wore plain clothes. Ming Yi wore a jade-colored dress with only two silver hairpins in her bun and pearl earrings. She looked simple yet elegant, with a touch of world-weariness.

Gu Jinse had swapped her usual red hair ribbon for a white jade crown. She was dressed in white from head to toe, and even the patterns on her belt were silver.

Once they were ready, Tuntun drove the carriage, and the three of them headed out of the city.

In early autumn, the mornings and evenings were cool, but noon was still quite hot. By the time they reached the foot of the Western Mountains, the sun was high. Tuntun carried the food box, huffing and puffing as she followed behind them.

As they entered the mountains, a chill prickled their skin. Gu Jinse stopped, flicked her sleeves, and let out a sigh. “This feels so good.”

Ming Yi stopped as well. Beads of sweat broke out on her full forehead. She was somewhat short of breath and stood still to rest for a moment.

Tuntun set down the food box and climbed a treetop to look into the distance. She asked, “Will there be people here?”

Gu Jinse’s heart skipped a beat. “Do you think the Emperor will come?”

“No, he only comes on the anniversary of Mother’s death.” Ming Yi shook her head, a trace of disgust appearing on her cold, elegant face.

Hearing this, Gu Jinse’s expression relaxed. She stretched her limbs and twisted her body, looking very happy.

After a short rest, they set off again, and Ming Yi began to speak of the past.

Years ago, after her mother married General Weiyuan, the General went on a distant expedition. Shortly after, Ming Yi was born. Her childhood name was Huanu, and her mother intended for the General to name her upon his return. However, the letters sent out never received a reply. When the child was two, she developed a high fever. The doctors were at a loss, but her mother heard of a famous doctor in the outskirts of the capital who specialized in childhood illnesses.

In desperation, her mother took her to the outskirts. Strangely enough, they encountered assassins after leaving the city but were rescued by a benefactor.

There was a famous doctor at the benefactor’s manor who successfully saved the child. Her mother was immensely grateful. Since the child was too ill to be moved, mother and daughter stayed at the villa for a short while.

The benefactor visited once every few days. At first, he stayed for only a short while, but later, he stayed the night.

Ming Yi said, “Mother said her sins were too numerous to record. But she had received no letters from her husband for a long time, and even I had no name. After I became Chancellor, I used my power to investigate. He had a son by the second year he arrived at his post. Now, his eldest son is highly regarded in the military.”

Gu Jinse’s face darkened. Climbing a mountain was hard enough without having to listen to such a frustrating story. She had a rebellious thought: it was considered natural for a man to have women, yet considered an unforgivable sin for a woman to have a man.

She spat and said, “If I were you, I would strip General Weiyuan of his rank. I wouldn’t kill them; I’d just kick them back to the capital to be beggars.”

“If it were an ordinary person, perhaps, but he is a general guarding a region.” Ming Yi’s tone was somber.

“Chancellor, I have a thought.” Gu Jinse stopped and took on a calculating air. “He is indeed a general guarding a region, but why are none of his children in the capital? Logically, he should have offspring here as hostages.”

This was such an important matter; why had no one mentioned it?

Ming Yi was amused by her treacherous expression. She said, “The Emperor feels guilty toward him and has always avoided the subject.”

“Is the Emperor out of his mind?” Gu Jinse took a deep breath. In the deep mountains, the air was fresh, and breathing felt much easier. She put her hands on her hips and said, “Think about it. The person he should be most guilty toward is dead. The others were accomplices who drove her to her death. What kind of guilt is this?”

“That does seem to make some sense.” Ming Yi laughed. In the autumn sun, her whole body felt comfortable.

She laughed from the heart, her face white and beautiful, like an exquisite painting. Looking at her, Gu Jinse thought that if photo editing apps existed, Ming Yi would certainly be the most beautiful.

They continued to climb, stopping frequently. Even though the mountains were cool, sweat soaked their backs.

Stopping at a rock, Ming Yi sat down. “The Emperor has brought me here a few times. When I climbed this mountain back then, I wondered why he buried her so high up. The Emperor said Mother loved high views. In truth, my mother was looking at the clouds. He thinks he understood her, but in reality, he knew nothing.”

Gu Jinse felt as if she were being hinted at and gave a low laugh.

The eldest Miss Zhao was buried at the mountain peak, and someone was specifically assigned to guard the grave. When the three reached the top, they found a bamboo hut next to the grave. The grave keeper was a woman in her late forties or fifties, dressed in gray cloth.

“The young lady is here! Is this the son-in-law?” The woman looked delighted as she hurried out of the hut.

Ming Yi greeted her as a junior. “Auntie.”

The woman took Ming Yi’s hand and looked Gu Jinse up and down, praising her continuously. “Such a good-looking person. How old are you?”

Ming Yi said, “Seventeen.”

“Ah, seventeen? Only seventeen?” The woman was startled, a hint of hesitation appearing on her kind face. “A woman three years older is like holding a gold brick, so this is fine too.”

“Three and a half gold bricks, not bad,” Ming Yi said with a smile.

The woman couldn’t laugh at that. She asked suspiciously, “How did you two meet?”

“We met at the examination hall,” Gu Jinse finally spoke, pressing Ming Yi’s hand. “Don’t listen to her nonsense.”

The woman welcomed the three into the hut and inquired about Gu Jinse’s family. When she heard “the Gu family of Yuhang,” she couldn’t quite place them. After they sat down, Ming Yi said, “She is the child of Gu Zhi’s family.”

“That boy? His father was no good,” the woman said to herself as she lifted a kettle from the small stove to make tea. “Gu Zhi was too honest, but his father was too cunning. I heard he left later; why did he come back?”

“For the imperial examinations,” Ming Yi answered for her.

After making the tea, they sat quietly. The bamboo hut was secluded, and the scent of bamboo was everywhere, refreshing the soul.

Gu Jinse politely asked how her grandfather was “no good.” The woman stared at her. “You don’t know?”

Gu Jinse was confused. Ming Yi said, “Years ago, Old Master Gu impeached the Zhao family’s foster daughter for being unchaste. Old Master Zhao died of anger because of it.”

Gu Jinse was speechless.

She tried to calm herself and instinctively asked Ming Yi, “Is there a blood feud between us?”

“What does it have to do with you? I just find it strange how that old thing raised such a fair child. By the way, Huanu, when will you have a child? Rest assured, I will definitely come down the mountain to take care of you when the time comes.” The woman spoke thoughtfully, her gaze toward Gu Jinse full of satisfaction.

The sudden mention of children made both people turn red in the face. Gu Jinse rubbed her cheek and laughed awkwardly. “I will listen to the Chancellor.”

“Auntie is overthinking. I won’t be having children for the time being.” Ming Yi lowered her head to drink tea. On previous visits, she had been pressured to marry; now that she was married, she was being pressured to have children. If she had a child, would she be pressured for a second or third?

Ming Yi shivered inexplicably. The woman raised an eyebrow in displeasure. “If you have a child, your mother…”

“By the way, Shu Jingyue is coming back,” Ming Yi immediately interrupted the woman.

“She is married; why is she coming back?” The woman frowned, looking disgusted.

Ming Yi gave a faint smile. “She is marrying the heir of the Yongping Marquis Manor. A second marriage to a widower.”

The woman laughed, her lips curling into a dry smile. “A perfect match. Will you let me go down the mountain? I’m telling you, I have a bad temper; if anything happens, you’ll have to take responsibility. By the way, son-in-law, do you have any concubines?”

Gu Jinse was enjoying the gossip when the focus suddenly shifted to her. Before she could react, Ming Yi said, “I won’t have any. If you want children, go have them yourself. By the way, Consort De is ill.”

“Is she dead?” The woman was surprised. “If she is dead, I’ll burn some incense for her. If she isn’t, don’t tell me.”

Gu Jinse did not dare to interrupt, sensing an inexplicable scent of gunpowder.

Through their conversation, Gu Jinse realized who the woman was. She was Miss Zhao’s maid, Yuechang, a witness to the entire incident. She had a fiery temper and was not to be trifled with.

Behind the bamboo hut was a vegetable garden where many vegetables were grown. There were also chickens and ducks, and a goat was tied under a tree. They were self-sufficient.

Yuechang led Ming Yi to pick vegetables. When Gu Jinse tried to follow, Yuechang waved her off. “Don’t follow; this is women’s work. You wouldn’t understand.”

“Come together.” Ming Yi beckoned to Gu Jinse. “Standing around is just standing around. Do you know how to cook?”

“No.” Gu Jinse shook her head. She knew how to eat and how to give directions, but she didn’t know how to cook.

Ming Yi looked at her with feigned disgust but still took her along to pick beans and other vegetables. Finally, Tuntun caught a chicken to make soup.

While the soup was simmering, Ming Yi led Gu Jinse to her mother’s grave to pay their respects.

The person was gone, and few remembered her. The Emperor remembered, Ming Yi remembered, and Yuechang remembered, but even her own parents had forgotten.

Kneeling before the grave, Ming Yi said with a smile, “Mother, you said men are unreliable, so I chose a woman. Don’t worry, although she is a bit short and a bit noisy, she is a very good person.”

The “bit short and a bit noisy” person thought, “Is this how humans speak?”

“I am not short.”

Ming Yi ignored her, sat back on her heels, and continued as her white dress became stained. “The first time we met, I beat her. The second time, she bullied me.”

Gu Jinse defended herself, “That time was to save you. I even staked my own future on it.”

Ming Yi still ignored her. “She is Gu Zhi’s daughter. She’s quite good. Madam Gu is very nice, and the Gu family is very good.”

Gu Jinse’s mood softened. Listening to her chatter was actually quite interesting, though the direction of the conversation soon changed.

“The Crown Prince is having an affair, just like his father. It’s a pity I can’t beat him anymore. Don’t worry, I am keeping track of this debt; I will succeed one day.”

“Consort De is ill but not yet dead. If she dies and you see her, do not be angry; she isn’t worth it.”

“The Emperor’s health is worsening. Don’t worry, when he comes to see you, he will surely cry very bitterly.”

“The old Madam of the Zhao family is living well. Don’t worry, she will live to be a hundred and watch her own children and grandchildren wither away.”

“Shu Jingyue is coming back and marrying a widower; she will be very happy. Compared to her, I will be even happier. Mother, I have everything except a child. I have the love you dreamed of, the status you craved, and a reliable partner—things she doesn’t have.”

“Also, the Emperor is going to take another consort. He is entangled with the manager of Yong’an Tower.”

Having heard too many secrets, Gu Jinse touched her own neck. The standard trope in TV dramas was that the more you knew, the faster you died.

She hurriedly interrupted, “Stop talking.”

Ming Yi continued, “After the Emperor passes away, I will have them come and accompany you.”

“Alright, alright. If you say too much, Mother will find you annoying.” Gu Jinse stepped forward and covered her mouth, whispering, “Let Mother have some peace.”

She helped Ming Yi up. Ming Yi stood up with her, not forgetting to add one last remark: “Mother, look, she is just this cowardly and afraid of trouble.”

“Who is cowardly and afraid of trouble?” Gu Jinse was indignant, her face turning bright red. She poked Ming Yi’s chest with her finger; it was soft. She poked twice more before saying, “I’ve offended the Princess, the Zhao manor, and the General Weiyuan’s manor for you. What about you?”

“Mother, look, she is just this lecherous. So, Mother, remember, her name is A-Se (the character for ‘color’ or ‘lust’).” Ming Yi sighed softly, looking helpless.

Gu Jinse jumped. “It’s the Jinse from the poem ‘The Ornamented Zither,’ not the ‘se’ for lecherous!”

“Both are ‘se’; what’s the difference?” Ming Yi did not listen. Instead, she took Gu Jinse’s hand, shook it slightly, and continued, “Mother, remember, I’ve only brought this one person back. There won’t be a second.”

Hearing this, Gu Jinse felt immensely satisfied. Then Ming Yi added, “If I die, and she doesn’t come during the Qingming or Winter Solstice festivals, remember to give her a piece of your mind in her dreams.”

“Can you speak like a normal human?” Gu Jinse said unhappily.

“Let’s go home.” Ming Yi let out a long breath and glanced at Gu Jinse. Her usually flat gaze now rippled with deep affection.

Back at the bamboo hut, the meal was ready. Tuntun was squatting to the side playing with some birds she had just caught.

After lunch, the three headed down the mountain, their clothes fluttering in the wind. Seeing the young couple leave hand-in-hand, Yuechang’s eyes grew red. After all these years, the girl finally had a companion.

Climbing up was easy, but going down was hard. The road was rugged, and their legs felt weak. They stopped frequently. By the time they reached the carriage, the sunset hung on the horizon, signaling the end of the day.

Once in the carriage, Gu Jinse tiredly rubbed her aching feet, while Ming Yi closed her eyes.

Returning to the Gu manor meant starting their dull lives again.

Work still had to be done; the life of a civil servant was decent enough. Three or five days later, the Yongping Marquis Manor sent a wedding invitation, inviting Ming Yi to their estate.

Gu Jinse burned the invitation. To one side, Ming Yi watched her with her head in her hands, the light returning to her dull eyes as a faint smile touched her lips. “What use is burning it?”

“I’ve acquired some new green chrysanthemums. Why don’t we host a banquet with a winding stream party?” Gu Jinse looked at the pile of ashes, her clear eyes filled with disgust. “Will you write the invitations?”

Ming Yi was low-key and did not care about others’ provocations, but Gu Jinse was different; she believed in getting even. She felt a knot of anger in her chest; if she didn’t release it, she would feel miserable all day.

Ming Yi sat still, but her cold expression finally changed, as if spring water were rippling. “Do you want to go up against them?”

“Why not? Consort De’s provocation, General Weiyuan’s manor insulting you—you never care about any of it. But let me tell you, just because you don’t care doesn’t mean they will let you go. You should strike back hard.” Gu Jinse looked at her, her youthful face full of spirit as she spoke the most passionate words, like a green leaf drifting onto Ming Yi’s heart.

Ming Yi watched her quietly. As Gu Jinse grew more youthful, Ming Yi felt the gap between them was so deep it felt like a chasm that could never be crossed.

“Chancellor, if you nod, I will do it.” Gu Jinse put her hands on her hips, looking quite fiery.

Ming Yi was so amused she leaned over the desk to hide her laughter. Gu Jinse’s face turned red, and she stepped forward to shake her. “If you laugh again, I’ll devour you right here! I’m trying to help you; why are you laughing at me?”

Ming Yi couldn’t dodge in time, and her hairpins swayed as she was shaken. “I was wrong, dear A-Se, I was wrong. I will invite the Noble Consort for you to add to the momentum. Oh, I’m getting dizzy.”

“Ming Yi, I am angry.”

“Alright, this time, I will coax you. Why care about rumors? They are all unrealistic talk. Come here!” Ming Yi felt dizzy and instinctively hooked her arm around Gu Jinse’s neck, offering a slight smile.