The Prime Minister Claims She's Pregnant - Chapter 52

The two of them became entangled and tumbled to the floor. Ming Yi continued to hook her arm around Gu Jinse’s neck, refusing to let go. In the shadows of the room, her slightly pursed lips looked particularly pitiable. Without a second thought, Gu Jinse leaned in and kissed her, moving from her lips down to her chest with an intensity that could only be described as aggressive.

“I cannot breathe,” Ming Yi said as she arched her neck and took a deep breath. Inhaling the light, woody fragrance emanating from the other, she could not help but laugh. “You are so lecherous.”

Gu Jinse knew that Ming Yi used her name as a weakness to tease her, but she no longer cared. She decided to let her laugh; it would be best if her stomach ached from laughing so hard. Not only did Gu Jinse ignore the teasing, but she also redoubled her efforts. Before long, several red marks resembling plum blossoms appeared on Ming Yi’s neck.

Ming Yi stopped laughing. Her eyelashes trembled as she tilted her chin up. It stung slightly, but her inner sensation shifted from tension to a sudden, soothing comfort. It was a rush of pure stimulation.

Soon, they were sitting on the floor discussing the upcoming banquet. As they got down to business, Gu Jinse’s eyes kept drifting toward the marks on Ming Yi’s neck. She took one glance, then two, then three.

Ming Yi could not take it anymore. She took a strip of cloth and tied it around Gu Jinse’s eyes. The girl pouted, clearly dissatisfied, and tilted her head toward her. Ming Yi reached out to stroke the offered cheek and smiled. “Though you are thick-skinned, you are very soft to the touch.”

With Gu Jinse unable to see anything, Ming Yi scrutinized her without restraint. Her own cheeks warmed, and she felt as though she had become the shameless rogue. Ming Yi felt a bit out of sorts. She touched her own face, her heart beating rapidly. In the silence, her emotions became sensitive. Though the world was vast, at this moment, there was only Gu Jinse in her eyes.

After several long looks, she selectively lowered her head and nervously fidgeted with her fingers while Gu Jinse enthusiastically shared her ideas. A party needed to be lively to be successful. She proposed, “We should only invite women. No men allowed. What do you think?”

The people in the capital who loved a good spectacle were mostly women. By inviting the noble ladies of the city, the other side would lose much of its luster. Furthermore, an all-female guest list added an air of mystery.

As they sat on the floor, Gu Jinse talked incessantly. Several times Ming Yi tried to speak, but she was cut off. The vibrant energy radiating from the girl was truly enviable.

When the topic turned to the Winding Stream Party, Gu Jinse ripped the cloth from her eyes and excitedly grabbed a brush and paper from the table. Ming Yi told her, “I know how it works. You handle the arrangements, and I will write the invitations. We will invite several princesses as well. As for the princes, let us leave them out; they make my head ache with their noise.”

After their discussion, they set to work. This time, Ming Yi sent the invitations to the various ladies privately; it had nothing to do with the imperial court.

Ming Yi had never been one for hosting banquets, and this was her first in years. Everyone who received an invitation intended to come. For a time, the buzz surrounding the Winding Stream Party at the Gu Manor completely overshadowed the wedding at the Yongping Marquis Manor.

Gu Jinse even brought several invitations to her office and distributed them according to the names. She repeatedly reminded the men not to crash the party. They should go to the Yongping Marquis Manor for the wedding wine, while the wives and unmarried young ladies could come to the Gu Manor to play.

With new leadership in both the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Revenue this year, the subordinates had been walking on eggshells. Seeing a chance for some fun, they repeatedly expressed their excitement to attend.

Even the Noble Consort in the palace received an invitation. She looked at her silent daughter-in-law seated below her and said, “You shall come with me to have some fun.”

Since Ming Yi had sent the invitation, she had to go. As for the trivial matters, she would avoid them if she could. The Second Princess Consort rose and replied, “I understand.”

Since the invitations had reached the palace, the Emperor naturally knew. He pondered the implications and said to the Noble Consort, “I feel this is not quite Ming Yi’s style.”

“An all-female gathering? Do you think Supervisor Gu came up with that? Men and women think very differently; this must have been the Chancellor’s idea. Your Majesty, the Empress has repeatedly insulted her. Is she not even allowed to strike back?” The Noble Consort expressed her disdain. “Ming Yi has sought revenge for every grievance since she was a child. She became a bit more sensible as she grew up, but she is not the type to let people bully her like this. I heard the woman Shu Jingyue is marrying is not exactly proper. What exactly are you thinking?”

“Ming Yi’s prominence is too great,” the Emperor said, taking the Noble Consort’s hand and patting it. “It would be a good thing if she were my daughter, but since she is not, I must exert some restraint and teach her to be more settled. Just go and enjoy yourself; it is not a major issue.”

The Noble Consort teased, “You dote on me, but I wonder if the Empress will be angry.”

The Empress had controlled the inner palace for years and was the legitimate daughter of the Yongping Marquis Manor; she was arrogant and extravagant. The Noble Consort still felt a lingering fear of her. The Emperor appeared to dislike the Crown Prince, yet every time the Prince got into trouble, he found a way for Ming Yi to solve it.

The Emperor gave a light chuckle. “Let her be angry. There is no need to worry about her.” With that, he led the Noble Consort to the back hall.

On the day of the event, the Yongping Marquis Manor was decorated with lanterns and streamers. Carriages flowed past the gate like water, but the guests stayed only briefly before leaving. Less than thirty percent of the guests remained. By dusk, as the groom prepared to receive the bride, the crowd at the entrance was sparse and lonely.

In contrast, the Gu Manor was brilliantly lit after dusk. Lanterns hung from the trees, and branch-shaped lamps lined the paths below. The courtyard was as bright as day. From a distance, the paths looked like jade belts fallen upon the Milky Way.

Yinghui had been invited. Seeing the scene, her eyes lit up, and she joked, “I wondered why Yong’an Tower was empty today; it turns out everyone is here.”

Ming Yi sat under the lanterns chatting with guests. She patted the Fourth Princess’s head and looked up at the sound of Yinghui’s voice. “The Manager has arrived.”

“The Chancellor is truly beautiful today,” Yinghui praised.

Ming Yi wore a red dress today, embroidered with large peonies across the chest. The vibrant color added a touch of seduction to her appearance. Her beauty and her pride were on full display.

“The Manager is teasing me. Go inside and enjoy yourself.” Ming Yi released her hand and whispered to the Fourth Princess, “You go play as well.”

The Fourth Princess nodded, lifted her skirt, and walked into the garden. Ming Yi stood still, the lanterns casting a hazy glow, but she did not see the person she wanted to see.

Gu Jinse had gone to the Yongping Marquis Manor. As a man, she could not join the ladies’ banquet, so she went to watch the excitement at the Marquis Manor instead. Only upon arrival did she realize how desolate the place felt. There were almost no guests in the backyard. In the front courtyard, men stood around joking, but aside from female relatives, there were hardly any noble ladies present.

The Empress was there, followed by the Third Princess, but no one else. None of the princes had come. The younger princesses from the Fourth Princess down had all gone to the Gu Manor. Scanning the room, it felt like being in a boys’ school; one could see a man every step, but one had to walk a hundred paces to find a single female guest.

The Empress looked grim and showed no warmth toward Gu Jinse. However, knowing that even Shu Zhi had failed to gain the upper hand against her, the Empress did not lash out immediately and watched the ceremony in silence.

After the newcomers bowed to heaven and earth, it was time to disturb the bridal chamber. Gu Jinse tried to sneak in but was caught halfway; male guests were forbidden from the backyard. She returned to the front, shared a few drinks with her colleagues, and headed home.

The party at her own manor had not yet ended, so she had to enter through the back gate. The front and back of the garden were locked to prevent men from entering. After some thought, she went back to her room to sleep.

When she woke up, Ming Yi still had not returned. Feeling a bit strange, she walked out in a daze, only to find Ming Yi sitting at the table with a jar of wine in front of her.

Oh boy, she was drunk again. Of the Thirty-Six Stratagems, retreat was the best one.

She turned to slip away, but a faint voice came from behind her. “A-Se, why are you running?”

“Do not. You would be better off calling me by my full name.” Gu Jinse felt very uncomfortable; being called that made it sound like she was being lecherous again.

Ming Yi leaned against the table, her cheeks flushed, and beckoned with her index finger. “Come here, come over here.”

Gu Jinse did not move, so Ming Yi stood up and wobbled toward her. The late night was quiet, and the candlelight flickered. The sound of Ming Yi’s unsteady footsteps made Gu Jinse’s heart tremble. She took a step back, but Ming Yi pressed closer, her eyes lifting slightly and her face bright red; she had clearly drunk a lot.

“Who did you drink so much with?” Gu Jinse swallowed, feeling she was on the verge of losing her self-control. She stood frozen as Ming Yi reached her, blocking the light. A faint smile played on Ming Yi’s lips, one that was neither cold nor gentle like her usual self, but carried a hint of seduction.

The swaying candlelight enveloped them both like a glass dome, isolating them. The rest of the world ceased to exist. Ming Yi stopped, and Gu Jinse felt her heart was about to leap out of her throat. The sweetness of their previous encounters made it impossible to refuse the woman before her; she even felt a sudden urge to possess her right then.

Looking at Ming Yi’s hazy gaze, her heart rate accelerated. She felt as though a basin of hot water had been poured over her; her blood boiled, and a force within her body was about to surge forth. Ming Yi seemed to have taught her many things: the slow growth of affection and the inability to extract oneself.

Unaware of her thoughts, Ming Yi raised her hands and slowly stroked Gu Jinse’s cheeks. “Many people drank with me. Yinghui can drink a thousand cups without getting drunk; she says tolerance is built through practice.”

Gu Jinse rolled her eyes. “Then you can drink every day from now on.”

As Ming Yi’s hands rested on her fair skin, Gu Jinse’s heart skipped a beat. Her throat moved involuntarily, and her palms trembled slightly. “A-Se.”

“You are making me scared,” Gu Jinse said, looking at the beautiful woman while trying to suppress her emotions.

Ming Yi gave a light, radiant laugh and called out again, “A-Se.”

Gu Jinse closed her eyes and brushed her hands away. “Go to sleep.”

“I am not sleeping. It is so hot.” Ming Yi shook her head, took Gu Jinse’s hand again, and pointed outside. “Let us go drink.”

“Go to sleep.” Gu Jinse took a deep breath, fighting her desires, and led her to the bed. “Yinghui is not a good person. You are the Chancellor and she is a commoner; you must maintain your distance. Do you understand?”

With that, she reached out to remove Ming Yi’s red robe. Ming Yi watched the hands moving before her and suddenly leaned forward to bite her wrist. Gu Jinse nearly screamed, and the pain left her speechless. “You broke the skin.”

Chunyue rushed in. Seeing the scene, she froze for a moment before quickly pulling the Chancellor away. “Oh dear, why the biting?”

Gu Jinse shook her wrist, seeing that the wound was bleeding. “Are you a dog?”

“Yes, how did you know?” Ming Yi nodded, her eyes rippling with the warmth of spring as they reflected Gu Jinse’s indignant face. “A-Se, you are so clever.”

Gu Jinse stood stunned.

After sending Chunyue away, Gu Jinse pulled down the bed curtains, pinned Ming Yi to the bed, removed her shoes and socks, and pulled open her outer garment. “My hand really hurts.”

“Then shall I blow on it for you?” Ming Yi widened her eyes and touched the other’s hand. “You are good in every way, except for being fierce every now and then.”

Gu Jinse’s eyes twinkled as an idea formed. She released Ming Yi, pursed her lips, and looked her in the eye. “What do you think of Gu Jinse?”

“A blockhead, a fool, a liar,” Ming Yi said, frowning deeply and launching into a tirade. “She is the most contradictory woman I have ever met. She wants her pride even if it kills her. Shh, do not tell her.”

Gu Jinse thought, she is completely wasted.

She quickly got up and told Chunyue to prepare paper and ink, then went back to soothe the drunk woman to keep her from falling asleep immediately. Ming Yi lay on the bed, her eyes hazy, and her legs kicked out from under the quilt to reveal rounded toes and fair calves. Gu Jinse quickly pressed her legs down and tucked them back in. “Shh, someone is coming.”

Ming Yi froze, the moisture in her eyes clearly visible. Gu Jinse reached out to wipe her eyes, and a single tear slid past her fingertip.

“Oh, A-Gou is here.” Ming Yi reached out to embrace Gu Jinse, leaning close to her ear and whispering softly, “A-Gou said he comes once every ten days. The ten days are up. Mother, do not be afraid.”

Gu Jinse was speechless. Just like that, she had been promoted an entire generation.

The “daughter” in her arms wriggled about before finally clinging to her like an octopus. As a sweet fragrance filled her senses, Gu Jinse felt she was nearing her limit. She steadied herself and patted Ming Yi’s back. “Do not be afraid. A-Gou cannot get in.”

“No, he will drop from the sky.” Ming Yi released her and looked at her “mother” with a face full of disdain. “Why are you as stupid as Gu Jinse?”

The real Gu Jinse thought, “…”

Ming Yi frowned in distress, pressing against her ear to continue her rambling. “Gu Jinse is no good at anything except for that face of hers. Especially her brain; she is impulsive and irrational. Mother, do not be like her. You must be rational and know how to endure. But her face is just too beautiful. Do you know how much she drives the Third Princess crazy? For a moment, I even wanted to send Gu Jinhuan to her bed and ruin the whole lot of them.”

After saying this, she buried her head in Gu Jinse’s shoulder and snickered. It started as a muffled giggle, then turned into hearty laughter as she rolled on the bed, covering her face with her hands.

Gu Jinse sat on the bed in a daze, gritting her teeth. “How can you be so wicked?”

“The Emperor says that if a man isn’t wicked, a woman won’t love him. I think if I weren’t wicked, would you even like me?” Ming Yi continued to laugh until tears came. She rubbed her face against the bedding and kept laughing.

A total rogue! Gu Jinse did not know what words to use to describe her. This woman, who was normally so noble and self-contained, was rolling around on the bed like a fool after getting drunk. Since there were no surveillance cameras or smartphones in this era, Gu Jinse could only watch helplessly.

Chunyue brought the brush and ink. Just as Gu Jinse lifted the bed curtain to step out, Ming Yi embraced her from behind, pressing against her back. “Do not leave.”

Outside the curtain, Chunyue was so startled by the murmur that she turned and fled. When the Chancellor acted spoiled, her voice was truly beautiful.

The curtains hung low, the shadows of the two figures reflected behind the veil. Gu Jinse did not dare to move a muscle. Those hands wrapped around her tightly, pressing so hard she could barely breathe.

“Ming Yi, stop fooling around. I am about to lose my self-control.”

There was no answer.

Gu Jinse froze completely. She felt the heat of Ming Yi’s breath against her back. She could not see Ming Yi’s face, but that cold, elegant visage appeared in her mind regardless. Enveloped by that rhythmic breathing, she felt utterly at a loss.

Ming Yi slowly straightened her body, her lips brushing against the back of Gu Jinse’s neck and gradually moving downward.

Gu Jinse sucked in a sharp breath. Surrounded by a wave of heat, she could no longer restrain herself. She turned around and gathered her in an embrace. “You were the one who seduced me. This has nothing to do with me.”

Ming Yi’s breathing grew heavy. Then, as the young woman’s features came into focus, she shifted slightly, and Gu Jinse kissed the corner of her mouth.

“Gu…” Only one syllable escaped before the rest was pressed back. All she could see were Gu Jinse’s clear eyes.

After a night of tossing and turning, Ming Yi woke at dawn with a splitting headache. As she rose, her body’s physical reaction made her daze. The last time she felt like this was at the inn.

Last night… Gu Jinse! She looked to her side, but the spot was already empty. The sun was shining in; the time for the morning court session had long since passed.

Fine. This was all Gu Jinse’s doing.

Beauty is indeed a ruinous distraction!

Ming Yi resented her own soft-heartedness and silently cursed Gu Jinse as a liar and a fool. After a round of internal scolding, drowsiness hit her again. She wrapped herself in the quilt and fell back asleep.

When she woke again, it was already afternoon. Gu Jinse had returned for lunch, having changed into a flamboyant red robe with dark patterns embroidered on the collar. She looked exceptionally clean and sharp.

Visually, it was quite pleasing, even comforting. Ming Yi leaned up halfway and beckoned her over. Gu Jinse sat by the window, her back to the sunlight, and raised an eyebrow with a light laugh. “Look at my wrist.”

A circle of gauze was wrapped around her wrist, indicating an injury.

Ming Yi propped herself up to look at her. Her heart felt a tug and softened, though her voice remained cold when she spoke. “Who hurt you?”

“You did!” Gu Jinse said crossly. “Do you not still have the taste of blood in your mouth?”

A long silence followed.

Ming Yi lay back down and turned her back. Gu Jinse hurried over, lifted a corner of the quilt, and reached her hand inside.

“Gu Jinse!” Ming Yi flipped over to meet Gu Jinse’s smiling eyes. Their gazes intertwined. In the next breath, Gu Jinse reached for her wrist, and Ming Yi cried out, “No!”

Ming Yi covered Gu Jinse’s lips before she could commit any further “crimes.” She blurted out, “I was wrong! I was wrong!”

Gu Jinse remained unmoved, her gaze fixed on those eyes that seemed to hold the moonlight. “Where were you wrong?”

Ming Yi grew flustered. “I will not drink wine next time.”

“Hmm?” Gu Jinse leaned in closer until her lips brushed against the side of Ming Yi’s face. She paused. “I held back last night, but you were the one who came to provoke me. Therefore, you cannot blame me.”

Ming Yi was completely disoriented, her mind muddled by the coaxing. Every word seemed to step directly on her heart, making her unable to pull away.

Gu Jinse slowly unwrapped the gauze, layer by layer, until a circle of blood-red teeth marks was revealed. “If I didn’t use the gauze, my colleagues would all mock me.”

Ming Yi’s eyelashes fluttered. She grabbed the wrist and took an accusatory tone. “How exactly did you bully me last night?”

“You’re asking me? Usually, you are like a little lamb, but after drinking, you are like a wolf or a tiger, clinging to me and not letting go.” Gu Jinse felt both annoyed and amused. “I told you, if you cannot drink, then do not drink. If you do, then just go to sleep quietly. Instead, you held me, called me ‘Mother,’ and wouldn’t let me go.”

“You are nearly thirty years old. Can you not show some reserve?”

She had suddenly become quite assertive. Ming Yi was momentarily stunned by the lecture. Those teeth marks were rather eyesore-inducing. She pushed the wrist away and muttered, “I am only twenty-seven.”

“Only twenty-seven? How can you say ‘only’?” Gu Jinse was reminded of a video she once saw where a group of elderly people were stating their ages. One grandmother said she was seventy-eight, and the next few were even older. When it reached the fourth grandmother, she grinned and said, “I am not that old yet; I am only ninety-two.”

As she laughed, she showed her toothless gums. Ming Yi was likely the ancestor of that grandmother.

Ming Yi awkwardly withdrew her gaze, lost in thought. Gu Jinse said, “I requested leave for you. The Emperor tested me, asking if you were pregnant.”