The Prime Minister Claims She's Pregnant - Chapter 54

Gu Jinse was in the room eating grilled meat, the aroma wafting for miles. When Ming Yi stepped inside, Gu Jinse had just finished grilling the first piece and was about to pop it into her own mouth. Seeing Ming Yi approach, she instinctively offered the first piece, but halfway there, she remembered something. “Wait, I think I am still angry with you.”

Having said that, she stuffed the meat into her own mouth instead and let out a long sigh. Ming Yi looked at her with an expression of exasperated affection. “This is venison I had people hunt specifically; the meat is as fresh as it gets.”

 

“Is this your peace offering?” Gu Jinse asked matter-of-factly.

 

Ming Yi remained silent and did not answer.

 

Gu Jinse was not one to hold a grudge for long; if someone gave her a ladder, she was happy to climb down. Since Ming Yi provided the venison, she naturally took on the responsibility of the grilling.

 

After eating two pieces of meat, Gu Jinse asked about the situation in the outer courtyard. “Is that woman out of her mind?”

 

“It is a result of different environments,” Ming Yi said calmly. “The frontier is a rugged place with different customs. Naturally, people’s thoughts are different. There is no need to pay it any mind.”

 

Gu Jinse thought about the nature of political marriages. She wondered if the Yongping Marquis Manor had married such a twice-widowed “ancestor” because of the military power General Weiyuan held. With such massive support, wouldn’t the Crown Prince’s position become even more secure?

 

Ming Yi raised an eyebrow. “The marriage was with the Yongping Marquis Manor, so the support goes to them. It has nothing to do with the Eastern Palace—at most, it strengthens the Imperial Palace’s hand. The Empress is quite dissatisfied with the Crown Prince. Once the current power balance collapses, it will be…”

 

She did not finish her sentence. Gu Jinse stuffed another piece of meat into her mouth and blinked. These issues were far too deep. Forget it, back to being a salted fish.

 

Ming Yi, rare for her, patiently explained the various factions of the court to the “salted fish.”

 

First, the Empress was dissatisfied with the Crown Prince. Their relationship was already strained, and then he went and had an affair with her nephew’s wife—a blatant act of bullying toward the Yongping Marquis Manor. The details needed no further explanation.

 

Second, the Second Prince had no heart for politics. His harem was full of beauties who kept him in a constant state of unrest; he wasn’t a contender for now.

 

Third, the Third Prince was trying too hard. He desperately wanted to pull his older cousin down. Consort De had been trying to form an alliance with Ming Yi, but the Third Prince had such a foul mouth that Ming Yi felt the urge to scold him every time they met.

 

Fourth, the Empress intended to adopt the Sixth Prince. However, the Emperor’s health was failing. If he were to pass away now, the Sixth Prince would be too young. Compared to his three older brothers, he stood no chance.

 

Fifth, the Fourth Prince was also working hard, but he did so in secret, never showing his hand. The Emperor currently placed no hope in him.

 

Most importantly, the Crown Prince looked exactly like the Emperor did in his youth. Therefore, the Emperor had always felt he was the best successor.

 

Thinking about the Crown Prince and then imagining the Emperor in his youth, Gu Jinse felt her head throb. It was too much to think about—she’d be worried to death. When the Emperor was young, he had the Empress Dowager to hold the front. What did the Crown Prince have? A sister who loathed him and wanted to strangle him?

 

After finishing the venison, the two went for a walk to aid digestion. The late night was a bit chilly, so they returned after a short while.

 

The next day, before dawn, Gu Jinse and Tuntun headed out. Tuntun yawned. “This isn’t very honorable of you. You are a man, and she is a woman. As they say, a real man doesn’t fight with a woman. You are just bullying her.”

 

Gu Jinse glared at her. “Go home.” I am a woman, not a man. At most, this is just a woman bullying another woman.

 

Tuntun hummed and said, “I have a lot of intel, you know. I was the one who told you that the Marchioness is going to offer incense this morning.”

 

Shu Jingyue was desperate for a son. Having just married, she was already off to pray to the Buddha. The previous Marchioness had left behind several sons, though rumors said it wasn’t certain they were the Heir’s; currently, they had all been pushed aside. Therefore, she wanted to give birth to a son in one go to secure the position of the family heir.

 

Gu Jinse couldn’t understand this feudal mindset. A child is a child; why differentiate between boys and girls? Furthermore, in this dynasty, women could be recommended for palace positions; who was to say they couldn’t inherit a title in the future?

 

Tuntun sighed. “Don’t keep thinking about firing me. I am a master of intelligence. Long ago, I investigated the background of General Weiyuan’s manor. Shu Jingyue’s divorce was actually because she beat a concubine’s son to death…”

 

“Wait.” Gu Jinse was stunned. “She is that ruthless?”

 

“It’s plausible. The child was only five or six—the eldest illegitimate son. He was arrogant and refused to obey her, so she had him beaten to death. It’s a secret; General Weiyuan and his wife went to great lengths to hide it. Also, this marriage was arranged by the Chancellor.”

 

Gu Jinse was speechless. The revenge was so casual.

 

The two turned back to find Ming Yi up and washing. She looked at them curiously. “Why are you back? Go out and make a big scene.”

 

Gu Jinse spat. “Did you intentionally bring Shu Jingyue back?”

 

“How could I?” Ming Yi shook her head, gesturing for the maids to withdraw.

 

Once they were alone, compared to Ming Yi’s composed demeanor, Gu Jinse was a bit exasperated. She leaned in close. “You liar.”

 

“Little fool,” Ming Yi replied, effortlessly deflecting her.

 

“Liar.” “Fool.” “Liar.” “Fool.”

 

Gu Jinse sat down moodily. Ming Yi teased, “Why fight for a moment’s petty pride? Isn’t it better to continue your salted fish life?”

 

“They are bullying you.”

 

“So what if they are? The Third Princess is destined for a political marriage; she will never return. Why care about her? When she looks back in the future, perhaps she can have a bit more joy. She is sixteen; the Emperor has ignored her so far, which means she is definitely going to be sent away. The Empress just doesn’t know it yet.” Ming Yi couldn’t help but remind her that everyone has their own fate; there was no need to be so petty.

 

Gu Jinse lowered her voice. “Is the Emperor trying to wipe out the late Empress Dowager’s line entirely?”

 

Ming Yi remained silent, slowly combing her hair, her eyes steady.

 

“You never tell me anything,” Gu Jinse complained.

 

Ming Yi was amused. She teased, “Isn’t your dream to be a salted fish? Why do you need to know so much? Isn’t it better to just play every day? My mother once said a young girl should just play all day; if the sky falls, her parents will block it. Madam Gu isn’t here, but I will block it for you, alright?”

 

Gu Jinse clenched her fist. “I am married now; I should be in the same boat as you through wind and rain.”

 

“Forget it. You should play for another two years. The Emperor has his eye on you,” Ming Yi sighed. “One must know how to hide one’s brilliance; only then can one live a long life. By the way, the Fourth Princess is having a marriage discussed; there will be a family banquet in a few days.”

 

“Another family banquet!” Gu Jinse grumbled. “It’s never-ending. Who is the Fourth Consort-to-be?”

 

“A scholar from the Hanlin Academy, just over twenty. He was handpicked by the Zhao Manor. I hear he is very handsome—he might even rival you in beauty.” Ming Yi smiled, her long black hair scattered over her shoulders. “You should travel around the capital. Once we leave the city in the future, you won’t be able to see it again.”

 

“Leave the city?” Gu Jinse was confused. Would they be leaving?

 

Ming Yi didn’t answer. She turned back to her mirror, which reflected Gu Jinse’s bewildered and pure face.

 

The family banquet took place two nights later. Unlike the domineering Third Princess, the Fourth Princess was extremely quiet. She usually didn’t leave the palace, staying by Consort De’s side. She would give people a sweet smile, but sadly, she could not speak.

 

When they saw her again, a young gentleman about 175 cm tall stood by her side. His movements exuded a refined air that reminded one of fine jade.

 

The four exchanged greetings and Ming Yi and Gu Jinse took their seats. The Fourth Princess smiled until her eyes crinkled into crescents, yet no sound came out.

 

Gu Jinse felt a pang of pity and understood the helplessness of being a princess. Even someone as fierce as Consort De was powerless against the system of political marriages. She said to Ming Yi, “Can the system of political marriages be changed in the future?”

 

“That depends on military strength,” Ming Yi said, her expression changing slightly.

 

Gu Jinse asked urgently, “Is our dynasty’s military strength insufficient?”

 

“Is it worth starting a massive war for a single princess?” Ming Yi asked her back coldly. “Being born into the imperial family and enjoying the riches they provide means one must carry the responsibility.”

 

Gu Jinse glared at her. “The princes enjoy the riches too; why don’t they go and please the women on the other side?”

 

Ming Yi: “…”

 

The girl was huffing with anger. Ming Yi reached out and pinched her cheek. “Supervisor Gu, what are you so angry about?”

 

“You are being unreasonable,” Gu Jinse muttered, letting her pinch her, though her eyes rolled toward the ceiling in a proud manner.

 

“Oh, I am unreasonable about many things; why fixate on this one?” Ming Yi laughed, her hairpins swaying. Her smile was like a massive vortex, constantly drawing Gu Jinse in. Then, she reached out and pinched Gu Jinse’s waist.

 

Gu Jinse snapped, “Don’t flirt with me.”

 

“Oh.” Ming Yi leaned back slightly, her finger still poking at the slender waist. Her gaze fell on Gu Jinse’s earlobes, which were bright red.

 

Tsk tsk, so easily flustered.

 

Opposite them were the same old acquaintances: the Crown Prince and his Consort. They were feeding each other water and fruit, looking very affectionate. Seeing Supervisor Gu’s embarrassed and indignant look, the Crown Princess remarked, “The Chancellor truly seems to like Master Gu.”

 

“So what if she likes him? He’s unreliable,” the Crown Prince said, his smile vanishing. “There are plenty of men who climb the social ladder like this. He just has a pretty face, that’s all.”

 

The Crown Princess fell silent, still watching the two across from them flirting. She suddenly asked, “I heard that before Master Gu entered the capital, he had a beauty at home and fought with his family over her. Where did that woman go?”

 

“A beauty? How come I didn’t know?” The Crown Prince clenched his right fist, instinctively staring at the “man” across from him who was blushing. “He has the face of a sycophant, yet his behavior is so reckless.”

 

The Crown Princess sighed. “Does the Chancellor know?”

 

“Look at her, lost in love like that. Even if you told her, she wouldn’t care.” The Crown Prince felt a surge of unprovoked anger. “She doesn’t trust me; she’d rather trust a profligate like him.”

 

The Crown Princess didn’t dare say another word.

 

The “profligate” in question was currently glaring at Ming Yi. Suddenly noticing the Crown Prince’s venomous gaze, Gu Jinse’s hand shook, and she knocked over her wine glass. Ming Yi moved her finger and hooked Gu Jinse’s pinky. “You’re so fierce when you scold me, but so cowardly when it comes to others?”

 

“Why is he glaring at me?” Gu Jinse asked, baffled.

 

“He is just like that and unpredictable, easily influenced, and he doesn’t use his head. Are you this petty with your own brother?” Ming Yi asked. “I don’t bother being petty. Scolding is useless. I just wait for a chance and give him a beating. If that doesn’t work, two beatings. There is nothing that three beatings can’t solve.”

 

Gu Jinse was reminded of a crude modern saying: “There is nothing that having sex twice can’t solve; if there is, make it three times.”

 

The two sentiments were strikingly similar.

As the family banquets became more frequent, Gu Jinse grew familiar with the routine and was no longer as nervous. She ate when she should, drank when she should, and turned a blind eye when she should. After all, the current Emperor took great pleasure in cultivating an image of harmonious coexistence among the members of the imperial family.

Halfway through the meal, the Third Princess suddenly spoke up, addressing the future Fourth Consort. “I have heard that my younger brother-in-law’s appearance is quite outstanding and is often compared to Supervisor Gu’s.”

Consort De knit her brows and remarked coolly, “If the Third Princess didn’t speak, no one would mistake you for the Fourth Princess.”

The Noble Consort let out a sudden snort and couldn’t help but laugh, hurriedly apologizing to the Emperor. “Your Majesty, your servant has lost her decorum.”

The Empress looked toward her daughter. “Shut up.”

The Third Princess’s face turned the color of earth. She looked toward her father, who doted on her. “Your daughter only heard rumors from below and asked today out of curiosity.”

“Now that the Third Princess has seen him, who do you think is superior?” Ming Yi looked up, her gaze dark and clearly displeased.

The Third Princess said arrogantly, “Naturally, Supervisor Gu is superior. The Fourth Consort is quite scrawny.”

Gu Jinse, who had recently put on some weight, felt as though she were being criticized again. She felt her slender waist and then her cheeks, quite dissatisfied with the Third Princess’s description.

The Fourth Consort’s face flushed bright red; having just entered this “tiger’s den,” he was clearly ill at ease. Seeing him so constrained, Gu Jinse thought of her own first arrival and couldn’t help but sigh. Ming Yi remarked, “Is that so? Then the Third Consort in the future will surely be quite robust.”

“Are you cursing me?” the Third Princess snapped, shooting Ming Yi a vicious glare. “I wish for the Chancellor to have an exceptionally robust daughter.”

The Noble Consort laughed again and teased the Third Princess, “A daughter resembles her mother or takes after her father. Look at the Chancellor and the Supervisor; which of them is robust? How could they have a robust daughter? Third Princess, they won’t have one, but you likely will.”

The group burst into laughter, leaving the Third Princess fuming. Consort De added one more barb: “The Third Princess is so angry, yet she still chooses to stay?”

With that said, the Third Princess couldn’t even leave. She sat in her place, seething with hatred. In contrast, the fourteen-year-old Fourth Princess and her consort were harmonious, exchanging affectionate glances.

Gu Jinse finally felt her eyes were seeing a normal sight: a couple in love. How wonderful.

The rest of the evening passed peacefully. Tonight, Ming Yi was well-behaved and did not sneak any wine. However, after the banquet ended, the Emperor kept Ming Yi behind for reasons unknown. Gu Jinse went out of the palace first to wait.

While she was waiting, the Fourth Consort also came out. Since he and the Fourth Princess were not yet married and she remained with Consort De, he naturally had to leave the palace.

When they met, the Fourth Consort bowed to her. “Supervisor Gu.”

His voice was very pleasant, a bit soulful. Gu Jinse returned the bow with a smile. “Fourth Consort.”

“We are not yet married; I cannot accept the title of Fourth Consort from you.”

He was refined and scholarly, with features like a painting. His gaze was full of sincerity, enough to melt one’s heart. Beautiful people are always pleasant to look at, so Gu Jinse stole an extra glance and said, “It is a settled matter anyway.”

The Fourth Princess could not speak, so choosing such a quiet and gentle consort showed that a great deal of thought had been put into it.

Such beautiful matches are rare. Gu Jinse was genuinely happy for them. After a few brief pleasantries, the Fourth Consort left in his carriage.

Tuntun then began to flex her gossip muscles. “That consort previously had a fiancée who broke off the engagement because she looked down on his family’s poverty. After he passed the examinations and became a scholar, that family came back wanting to resume the relationship. He refused. Later, that household cursed him for being cold-hearted and ungrateful, claiming he remained unmarried for years just to spite them. This time, he has truly gained a good marriage.”

Gu Jinse nodded vigorously. “They are quite a match. The Fourth Princess is quiet, and he is a man who knows his manners. It is perfect.”

“The Third Princess still isn’t married; why do you think that is?” Tuntun launched into the gossip. “To tell you the truth, the Third Princess’s reputation is quite poor. No one in the capital dares to marry her. Especially since she took a liking to you; on the day the successful candidates paraded through the streets, she made a scene saying she would marry no one but you. Now, every man avoids her like the plague.”

“The Third Princess…” Gu Jinse suddenly understood the reason for the Emperor’s doting on her. It was because he was going to wrong this daughter, so he tried his best to compensate and satisfy her while she was still at home. Her heart softened slightly, and she said, “Actually, she is quite pitiable.”

Tuntun stuck out her tongue.

Ming Yi arrived, and the two went home together.

After the family banquet, the Fourth Princess’s marriage was put on the agenda. As the autumn leaves fell to cover the ground, foreign envoys entered the capital to seek a legitimate princess for their Crown Prince. They specified a legitimate daughter, as only a legitimate princess would be worthy of their Crown Prince. The court was shocked; it felt as though history was repeating itself, as the Third Princess had escaped such a fate three years ago.

While the Court of State Ceremonies received the envoys, Gu Jinse’s life was much simpler. She went to work, went home, and checked the earnings of her shops. Suddenly, the Third Princess came to find her, blocking her path home.

“Gu Jinhuan, I love you. Let’s leave the capital. I am willing to give up my title as a princess for you.” The Third Princess cried until she looked like a pear blossom drenched in rain. Her eyes were red and swollen, and her face was pale; there was no trace of her former arrogance.

Gu Jinse was stunned. “You are the one meant for the political marriage. If I take you away, not only I, but even my family will be in danger.” She wasn’t the real Gu Jinhuan, who might abandon his family for a woman.

Even a romantic fool must value their own life.

“Gu Jinhuan, I am of royal blood, a hundred times better than Ming Yi. Who is she? Her mother was indecent with others…”

“Enough!” Gu Jinse was fuming. She ordered the coachman to stop and jumped out of the carriage herself, telling the driver to take the Princess back to the palace.

The Third Princess refused to leave and instead jumped from the carriage window, spraining her ankle. She sat on the ground wailing. Gu Jinse gave a cold laugh and said, “Third Princess, I have always been cold-hearted toward beauties. Let alone you, even a delicate little beauty wouldn’t move my heart. You stay here and keep crying; I am going home.”

The street was crowded with people passing by. The Third Princess, dressed in plain clothes, cried until she was breathless, muttering about Gu Jinhuan being a heartless man.

The pedestrians all learned that the man who had just abandoned her was named Gu Jinhuan. The coachman stood by, stomping his feet, not daring to step forward. By the time it grew dark, the Princess’s ankle was red and swollen to the point where she couldn’t even walk. It wasn’t until the Crown Prince rushed over from the Eastern Palace that she was finally taken back to the palace.

Gu Jinse returned home full of anger, but Ming Yi coaxed her with a gentle voice. “Why bother with her? What are you so angry about? she just wanted to grab onto you and elope.”

“Do you know how many people on the street were pointing at me? She called me a heartless man!” Gu Jinse was exploding with rage, pacing back and forth in the room. “The way those people looked at me was like I was something filthy. It was disgusting! Like a rat crossing the street, do you know?”

She was both angry and annoyed, her eyes wide. Ming Yi, however, laughed. Leaning against a pillow, she slowly savored the emotions on Gu Jinse’s face.

She looked exactly like an angry rabbit. As the saying goes, even a rabbit will bite when cornered. At this moment, Gu Jinse likely wanted to take a bite out of someone.

Ming Yi was in a great mood and instead cautioned the enraged rabbit, “A temporary victory means nothing. This time, you should feel vindicated.”

Gu Jinse stopped abruptly. “The Third Princess’s political marriage… it has something to do with you.”

“Come here, and I will tell you.” Ming Yi sat up straight with a slight smile; her intellectual beauty was the most lethal of temptations. Gu Jinse, seduced by it, walked over slowly.

A wave of hot breath met her, and Gu Jinse’s breathing hitched. Ming Yi leaned in and pressed a warm, moist kiss on her flushed cheek.