The Prime Minister Claims She's Pregnant - Chapter 55

“Where are you being reckless?” Gu Jinse paused, her arms wrapped around Ming Yi’s slender neck. She wanted to take another bite, but she restrained herself, lowering her voice to a whisper. “Am I good-looking?”

Ming Yi closed her eyes, plunging her world into darkness. Suddenly, she felt enveloped by Gu Jinse’s presence. Her senses became razor-sharp, and she felt as if she were losing the ability to breathe.

Gu Jinse laughed softly. She thought of the high-powered female executives in modern business dramas—cold and detached. Compared to them, Ming Yi possessed a much deeper intellectual and mature charm. Just like their first meeting, she made Gu Jinse’s heart tremble.

Almost unconsciously, Ming Yi allowed herself to relax. Gu Jinse drew her into an embrace, carefully laying her onto the bed before pulling down the silken bed curtains.

As the light dimmed abruptly, the atmosphere shifted. Having allowed herself this indulgence, Gu Jinse cast aside her usual caution, her movements becoming bold and uninhibited.

Only when she grew tired did Gu Jinse finally release Ming Yi’s hands. Their eyes met in the quiet.

Midnight had long since passed. They chose to lie there in silence, simply gazing at one another.

Ming Yi’s eyes were slightly red and stung a bit. As she closed them, Gu Jinse toyed with a lock of her long hair, letting the tips brush against Ming Yi’s nose. Ming Yi opened her eyes, intending to speak, but caught sight of the bite mark on her own wrist. In the silence, she tacitly accepted Gu Jinse’s touch.

Gu Jinse edged closer with care. Ming Yi retreated until she hit the edge of the bed. She let out a sigh. “I am going to fall off.”

Gu Jinse gave a low laugh. “No, you won’t.” She reached out, encircling Ming Yi’s waist and pulling her firmly into her arms.

The moment their skin met, a flush rose to Ming Yi’s cheeks. The sensation was so extraordinary that it struck her soul, leaving her completely caught off guard.

Gu Jinse’s fingers danced across her forehead—tap, tap, tap—until her palm finally rested there. Instantly, Ming Yi’s face reddened further. She straightened her back, attempting to pull away from that hand. “Stop fooling around.”

Gu Jinse smiled, leaning against the side of Ming Yi’s neck to whisper in her ear. “Do you think I am stupid?”

Ming Yi closed her eyes. The memories of her drunken state had vanished completely. She replied, “Not stupid.”

“Am I a fool?”

“No.”

“Have I lied to you?”

“No.”

Gu Jinse said no more. Her lips brushed past the shell of Ming Yi’s ear and came to rest on her eyelids. Ming Yi trembled slightly, but she did not move or offer a refusal. However, she did not let desire destroy her reason; she watched Gu Jinse with a clear, sober gaze.

In contrast, Gu Jinse’s emotions were a roller coaster of highs and lows. She was being indulgent, but it felt right. Raised with modern ideas, she would never drown in the unwise thoughts of the past. Yet, she was no “player.” She intended to treat this relationship with gravity and devote her heart to Ming Yi.

They leaned against each other, feeling as though they were all the other had in the world. Clinging together in the silent, deep night, a sense of warmth filled the room.

Ming Yi grew sleepy and closed her eyes under Gu Jinse’s gaze. Soon, Gu Jinse drifted off as well.

When they woke the next morning, neither wasted any time before heading out for the day. However, before Gu Jinse could even reach the Ministry of Revenue, she was intercepted by people from the Eastern Palace, requesting her presence for a talk with the Crown Prince.

Gu Jinse did not budge. Had it not been for the events of the previous evening, she might have gone. Today, there was no chance, especially to see someone as brainless as the Crown Prince. She refused, noting that the Prince had to attend the morning court session and would have no time to see her anyway.

Upon her refusal, the lead eunuch’s expression soured. Tuntun stepped in front of Gu Jinse. “How about we go after the morning session concludes? We do not need you to lead the way.”

The two sides stood in a standoff, neither willing to yield. Tuntun, now capable of holding her own, counted the opponents—seven or eight of them. It would be a difficult fight.

Simultaneously, the other side moved to seize Gu Jinse.

Tuntun drew her blade and stepped forward, her eyes wide and full of intent. The guards hesitated, surprised that she would actually resort to violence.

Tuntun held her stance, her voice dripping with mockery. “Are you afraid of me? I am not the scary one. When the Chancellor comes to demand an explanation, that is when you should be afraid.”

This reminder gave the guards pause. After a quick huddle, they changed their tactic. “We ask Supervisor Gu to be sensible and enter the Eastern Palace to see His Highness early.”

“She said we will go after the court session. Are you hard of hearing?” Tuntun snapped.

The guards finally withdrew. Meanwhile, at court, Ming Yi was busy impeaching the Third Princess for her “dissolute behavior.”

The officials dared not speak. Even the Crown Prince was shocked, shouting in protest, “Chancellor, watch your words!”

“The Crown Prince knows the truth. Yesterday, the Third Princess intercepted Supervisor Gu of the Ministry of Justice, causing a citywide scandal. Uninformed citizens are now accusing Master Gu of being a heartless man. Tell me, Your Highness, was it not you who brought the Princess back to the palace? Who exactly is at fault?” Ming Yi’s eyelids lifted, her gaze sharp and piercing.

The Crown Prince was left speechless. Ming Yi spoke again, her tone laced with sarcasm. “Your Highness, you are making false accusations. Have you considered who the guilty party truly is?”

Ming Yi’s voice was soft, as if she were merely discussing trivial household matters, but her words ignited a storm.

Enraged, the Crown Prince questioned Ming Yi. “Does the Chancellor know that before Gu Jinhuan met you, he was entangled with a songstress and even abandoned his family to elope with her? He is neither loyal nor filial. Chancellor, can you truly see the person you share a bed with?”

Ming Yi replied calmly, “Your Highness, at that time, Gu Jinhuan was unmarried, and the songstress was unattached. There was nothing wrong with their actions.”

The words “unmarried” and “unattached” struck the Crown Prince like a physical blow. His heart shook, his expression turned grim, and his lips trembled, but he could not find a single word to say.

The Emperor, watching his son suffer this defeat, spoke slowly. “Until she is married, the Third Princess is not to leave the palace a single step without my decree.”

Ming Yi let out a sigh of relief. The Crown Prince’s face turned beet-red with fury.

After the session, the Crown Prince blocked Ming Yi’s path, mocking her viciously. “Is the Chancellor so blinded by Gu Jinhuan’s face? That man is a profligate; his heart is not truly with you.”

“Is that so? At least he married me. What about you?” Ming Yi lowered her eyes. “How is your behavior any different from His Majesty’s?”

“Sister, watch your tongue!” The Crown Prince looked around in panic. He grabbed Ming Yi’s hand and pushed her into the shadows, whispering urgently, “Have you gone mad?”

“Your Highness, let us stay out of each other’s way. If you touch her, you had better consider whether you can endure my retaliation.” Ming Yi’s expression was composed, a faint smile touching her lips.

Silence fell over the dark corner.

The Crown Prince clenched his fists, staring intently at her. “Do you hate me that much?”

“Hate you? You think too much of yourself. To me, you are a mere stranger, no different from the Second or Third Princes.” Ming Yi spoke slowly, looking up at the man before her. “You honor the Empress as your mother, so you should forget where you came from. Why bother bringing up blood relations with me?”

The Crown Prince was terrified by her words. “What are you planning to do?”

“I am merely making those who insulted my mother pay the price. That is all. Do not panic.” Ming Yi gave a chilling smile. “Do not force me to use harsh words; it would not look good for you. You should consider whether you have the ability to hold the Eastern Palace. Think of how many messes I have cleaned up for you. Instead of worrying about my husband’s fidelity, you should worry about whether you can stabilize the court once His Majesty passes.”

The Crown Prince was nearly choked with rage. “Are you not afraid I will tell Father what you just said?”

“Go ahead. If I die, you will follow soon after. I may look down on you, but at least I am still protecting you. Without me, you wouldn’t even have a corpse left to bury,” Ming Yi said with a light laugh.

The Crown Prince took two steps back, pointing a finger at Ming Yi but unable to utter a sound. “You dare to insult me like this?”

“I only insult you; I have never thought of killing you. Even if you are deposed, I will still travel far and wide to save your life. How does the Empress treat you?” Ming Yi asked bluntly.

“You…” The Crown Prince was stunned.

The truth hurt most. The Prince flicked his sleeves and stormed off in a rage. Ming Yi slowly emerged from the shadows, smoothing her sleeves, entirely indifferent to the stares of others.

Before she had walked ten paces, the Chief Eunuch crept up to her. “His Majesty has left the palace five or six times recently,” he whispered.

“Is that so?” Ming Yi smiled, looking up at the bright sky. “He is the Son of Heaven; he can go wherever he wishes. It is not for us officials to interfere.”

The Chief Eunuch looked miserable. “What are you trying to start? Do you want history to repeat itself?”

“Would it be so bad if it did?”

“It would be terrible!”

“There is no Empress Dowager now, so the Emperor naturally feels no fear. As for the Empress, do you think she is still truly an Empress?” Ming Yi made no effort to hide her thoughts.

Years ago, the Empress Dowager had exerted pressure, and the Empress was ruthless. Now, the Empress Dowager was gone, the Empress’s power had been dismantled, and the Yongping Marquis Manor was too busy with its own problems. The world had changed fundamentally.

The Chief Eunuch was terrified. “If the Empress makes a scene, it won’t be a minor thing.”

“I am only afraid she won’t make a scene,” Ming Yi replied.

“Oh, my ancestor, please settle down! His Majesty’s health is not good.”

“If his health is so poor, yet he still goes out to play, tell me, is he truly unwell, or is it a facade?” Ming Yi’s eyes sparkled, and a smile touched her lips.

The Chief Eunuch was speechless. After much consideration, he said, “Please, take it easy. His Majesty’s body cannot handle much more.”

Ming Yi ignored him and walked away. If he could handle the “exertion” in bed, why could he not handle it elsewhere?

Gu Jinse received word from Ming Yi that she did not need to go to the Eastern Palace. Tuntun let out a sigh of relief and bought a pork trotter to celebrate. When Gu Jinse saw the trotter, she covered her nose and felt like vomiting.

Tuntun was confused. “You used to love these! You are not a woman, so you can’t be pregnant. Why do you want to vomit?”

“I ate too many last time. I don’t want to see them lately. Go eat that by the door.” Gu Jinse fled, holding her nose.

Returning to her desk, Gu Jinse found that her colleagues had brought a mountain of documents for her to help with. Looking at the thick stack, she felt that today was not going to be a good day.

The group was busy until noon when Ming Yi arrived to verify the accounts for the princess’s wedding. The marriage of a legitimate princess was far different from that of an ordinary princess; the regulations varied, and the dowry was significantly larger. As the lead official in charge, Ming Yi found herself visiting the Ministry of Revenue frequently.

 

After a long period of work, Gu Jinse finally realized the sheer scale of the wedding preparations, and for a moment, her brain felt like it was going to explode.

 

With overtime at noon and no lunch break in the afternoon, Ming Yi stayed with the group. From time to time, she glanced at Gu Jinse, who was yawning so hard that tears were pricking the corners of her eyes. Was she truly this sleepy? Ming Yi found it hard to understand; the girl went to bed early at night, yet here she was in the afternoon, looking like a tired little lamb.

 

Ming Yi walked over and tapped on the desk. “What did you do last night?”

 

“I take a nap every day. Since I didn’t get one today, I’m naturally tired,” Gu Jinse replied, propping up her chin with her palm. Her eyes were dazed, and she showed absolutely no interest in making conversation.

 

Ming Yi laughed. “You really are suited to be a ‘salted fish.’ I’ll give you an outside assignment: go home and sleep.”

 

“Really?” Gu Jinse practically leaped into the air.

 

Ming Yi immediately pressed her hand on the girl’s shoulder. “Shh! Keep it down and don’t breathe a word. Just leave quickly. Having you here is just making up the numbers anyway.”

 

“You’re so good to me; I could almost kiss you,” Gu Jinse sighed.

 

Ming Yi’s eyelids twitched. She shot her a sharp glare and hurried away.

 

Ending work early meant it was still a bright, sunny day outside. Once she stepped out, Gu Jinse found that her sleepiness had vanished. She looked around; the streets were empty, and it seemed everyone else was still busy. This was definitely not a time for “sharing trials and tribulations”—when it was time to run, one had to run.

 

Once clear of the government office, her drowsiness disappeared completely. She found herself remembering her school days: exhausted during class, but full of energy the moment the bell rang.

 

As she boarded her carriage, her mind was a bit muddled until a young man approached her. Gu Jinse knit her brows. Has someone else appeared now?

 

“Brother Gu! It has been a long time. How have you been? I heard you joined the Ministry of Revenue.” The boy was about seventeen or eighteen, similar in age to Gu Jinse.

 

Gu Jinse realized instantly that he was a former classmate of the real Gu Jinhuan. What was bound to happen had finally arrived. She gave a faint smile. “I’m doing well. Where are you headed?”

 

“My family has some business to attend to, so I came to the capital to take a look. I heard that after the Yu family replaced the Huo family, their prestige has been limitless.” The boy was very excited.

 

Gu Jinse didn’t know his identity, so she simply crinkled her eyes. “Is that so? I’m not quite sure. The Chancellor has ordered me to run an errand, so let’s talk another day.”

 

“Brother Gu, where are you going? I’ll come with you.” The boy refused to let go.

 

“I can’t. It’s a secret mission,” Gu Jinse replied directly.

 

Looking dejected, the boy could only say, “Then I will visit your manor another day.”

 

Gu Jinse didn’t respond. She ordered the driver to speed up. She didn’t dare play around; she immediately found the steward, Liu Mi, and asked if any of Gu Jinhuan’s former classmates were in trade, describing the boy’s appearance.

 

Liu Mi thought for a while and said, “There is such a person. His clansmen serve as officials in the court. He is a young master of the Liu family. I’ve forgotten his name.”

 

“The Liu family? I see.” Gu Jinse waved her hand, the internal alarm finally silenced.

 

Back in her bedroom, she still felt a lingering fear. If this happened again, she might not be able to escape so quickly. After some thought, she sent people to gather information on the family backgrounds of Gu Jinhuan’s former classmates. Fortunately, the distance between the two regions saved her a lot of trouble.

 

When Ming Yi returned, Gu Jinse told her what had happened.

 

“A classmate?” Ming Yi knit her brows. “Based on what he said, he likely wants you to help with the family business. The court does business with merchants, and since the Yu family rose to power overnight, everyone assumes you were the one who pulled the strings. It seems the scent of ‘meat’ has wafted all the way back to Yuhang—or someone is intentionally trying to cause trouble for you.”

 

Reading the whole from the details, Gu Jinse was stunned and admired Ming Yi’s insight. “Do you think it’s my grandfather?”

 

“Who else could it be? Fine, I will handle this matter. You just reject him directly. Don’t worry if others call you heartless or ungrateful. Remember, endure a moment’s anger and do not get into arguments.”

 

“I understand.” Gu Jinse was a bit confused but agreed anyway. It felt as if a large net was slowly closing around her.

 

Ming Yi sent people to investigate, and the results came back the following evening.

 

Tuntun reported, “That family runs a spice business in Yuhang. For some reason, they came to the capital. I sent people to inquire; Young Master Liu is staying at the home of a kinsman who is a minor clerk in the Secretariat—a low-ranking seventh-grade official. This kinsman has been hosting him the whole time, hoping to do business with the palace. Their spices are actually quite good, and they are looking for a way in.”

 

“It’s wishful thinking. The Liu family thinks that since the Supervisor has ‘climbed’ to the Chancellor, she wouldn’t refuse such a ‘small’ favor. That’s why he waited on the road for you yesterday.”

 

Gu Jinse’s eyes widened. What do you mean, wouldn’t refuse a small favor? Talk about ancient moral kidnapping.

 

Ming Yi asked, “Do they have a recommendation letter from the Gu family in Yuhang?”

 

“The Chancellor truly has the foresight of a god! They do indeed. Young Master Liu is most proud of that recommendation letter. He’ll likely show up at the manor on your day off to find the Supervisor.” Tuntun clapped her hands in admiration, looking at her Chancellor with utter devotion.

 

“Don’t pay it any mind. Find a way to get them out of the capital. Additionally, I will send someone to Yuhang to speak with your father,” Ming Yi decided.

 

The “speaking with” was actually a warning, though Ming Yi wouldn’t say it so bluntly.

 

Gu Jinse nodded. “Thank you for your hard work.”

 

Hearing such polite words, Ming Yi’s footsteps faltered. She felt a bit awkward; she heard this phrase almost every day, but coming from Gu Jinse’s mouth, it felt different. It felt distant, as if she weren’t being treated as “one of her own.”

 

As these strange thoughts appeared, Ming Yi felt a bit frightened by herself—it was almost irrational. Truly, one takes on the color of one’s company. She was becoming as unreasonable as Gu Jinse.

 

Ming Yi hurried away to handle government affairs in the study.

 

She didn’t return until the middle of the night.

 

Gu Jinse wasn’t asleep yet. She was sitting at the vanity playing with Ming Yi’s headpieces, trying on every hairpin and pendant, finally breaking into a silly smile. She was wearing a new outfit—a red pleated skirt—with her long hair flowing over her shoulders. With her dark brows and fruit-red lips, she was a breathtaking sight. Ming Yi’s face remained expressionless, but her heart was in turmoil.

 

“What are you doing?”

 

“Showing my gratitude for you solving my trouble. I’m offering myself up.” Gu Jinse opened her arms, and her slender waist was revealed.

 

With a youthful smile on her fair face, Ming Yi didn’t pull away. Instead, she met Gu Jinse’s clear gaze. Her eyes lingered, and a faint smile touched the corner of her mouth. Then, she said with restraint, “It’s late.”

 

“It’s not late.” Gu Jinse approached her and stood right in front of her, her bare feet stepping onto Ming Yi’s insteps. “Whatever you want to do, it’s not late even if the sun comes up.”

 

Ming Yi looked down at the pale, delicate feet on hers. “It hurts.”

 

“It doesn’t hurt. We’re acting out a story of the ‘Overbearing Wealthy Woman and Her Little Wife.'” Gu Jinse reached out and hooked her arms around Ming Yi’s neck, watching the skin there slowly turn red.

 

Ming Yi was still shy, but she no longer refused. Gu Jinse commented, “You’ve made a lot of progress. Your face is red and your heart is pounding, yet you didn’t say no. I’m very satisfied.”

 

The smug tone made Ming Yi not know whether to laugh or cry. Gu Jinse leaned in and bit her neck, breathing softly. “I’m very good.”

 

Ming Yi shivered as a warm current surged from her skin to her heart. She finally reached out and hugged Gu Jinse. “Your feet… take them off.”

 

“No, I’m giving you a chance.” Gu Jinse let go of her neck and gave it another firm bite. “You’re so good to me. What am I going to do without you in the future?”

 

Ming Yi’s heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively swallowed. Gu Jinse was clinging to her like a piece of candy, impossible to shake off. Surprisingly, Ming Yi stood her ground.

 

Before Ming Yi could do anything, Gu Jinse had already moved to the next step, reaching out to undo her clothes.

 

“You, stop!” Ming Yi hurriedly refused. “Don’t be reckless.”

 

“Where am I being reckless?” Gu Jinse paused, holding her slender neck. She wanted to take another bite, but she restrained herself. She whispered, “Do I look good?”

 

Ming Yi closed her eyes, her world turning pitch black. In an instant, she had entered Gu Jinse’s “zone,” and her senses became even more acute. She felt as though she were about to lose the ability to breathe.