The Prime Minister Claims She's Pregnant - Chapter 57

Silence reigned within the Central Palace. With the Empress’s passing, power had shifted into other hands, and the once vibrant clamor of the court retreated into the shadows.

Gu Jinse’s mind immediately raced toward the dramatic tropes of her past life. In stories, when a lead character “blackens,” becoming ruthless, and feels they have wronged the protagonist, they often ask, “Do you really know me? Do you understand me? If I become a villain, will you still love me?”

Everything clicked. Gu Jinse realized that the Empress’s death was almost certainly tied to Chancellor Ming. However, she wondered how she could comfort her without being too obvious.

Ming Yi gazed into the void, her hope thin. That flicker of expectation had been thoroughly extinguished by Gu Jinse’s earlier silly remarks. She let out a soft sigh, only for Gu Jinse to suddenly speak. “Ming Yi, do you think my mother is a good person?”

“Madam Gu?” Ming Yi hesitated. Gu Jinse’s mother managed the complex affairs of the Gu household; she had seen and handled plenty of filth. She was not a good person in the purest, most naive sense of the word.

Ming Yi fell silent. Gu Jinse blinked and continued. “I think she is a good person. But my grandfather says she is calculating and domineering, implying she is bad. Others say she is a failure as a wife because she won’t let my father take concubines. The servants say she is stingy and strict. So, tell me, is she a good person?”

Ming Yi burst into a sudden laugh, her heart feeling unexpectedly comforted.

“Everyone has a different definition based on where they stand and what they want,” Gu Jinse concluded. “So, how can I possibly define you?”

“Alright. Wait here for your change of clothes.” Ming Yi stood up. The smile on her lips was like a refreshing breeze passing through willow leaves.

Gu Jinse nodded in agreement.

As the Mother of the Nation, the Empress’s funeral was a grand affair. Noblewomen from across the capital entered the palace to pay their respects. The Third Princess was released from her confinement for the occasion, and the moment she saw Ming Yi, she lunged.

She grabbed Ming Yi’s robes, and bystanders rushed to pull them apart. Surprisingly, Ming Yi’s slender frame possessed a hidden, powerful strength. Despite the efforts of the crowd, the two remained locked together. The Third Princess screamed in a rage. “You must have killed my mother! I know it! My mother killed yours, and you came back to avenge her!”

“Princess, watch your words!” “Princess, please do not speak nonsense!”

“Ming Yi, why wasn’t it you who died? Why don’t you just die? You are so filthy, why are you still alive?”

The Third Princess shrieked, on the verge of a total breakdown. Ming Yi allowed the girl to pull and scream at her without saying a single word. Hearing such vitriol for the first time might have been hurtful, but she had heard it countless times in her own nightmares. Hearing it again from a stranger did not sting as much.

The onlookers were frantic, not daring to use too much force on a princess. In the chaos, Gu Jinse rushed forward. She snatched a jade hairpin from the Third Princess’s hair and pressed it against the girl’s throat. “If you do not let go, I will not hesitate to pierce your neck.”

The Third Princess froze and let go of Ming Yi, turning her hateful gaze toward Gu Jinse. “I do not understand why you care about her so much.”

Gu Jinse felt a pang of guilt under that intense stare. She lowered her head, returned the silver pin with both hands, and apologized. “Forgive me, Your Highness. I have offended you.”

“Gu Jinhuan!” The Third Princess’s eyes were bloodshot. She stared at Gu Jinse’s white, jade like hands, her heart overflowing with malice. “I will make you both pay for this.”

“The Empress died of a recurring illness. Who exactly are you going to make pay?” Ming Yi adjusted her collar and looked at the arrogant princess, then at the guilt ridden Gu Jinse. “If you continue this nonsense, I fear His Majesty’s punishment will only grow harsher.”

The Third Princess was silenced instantly and was ushered into the mourning hall by her maids. Gu Jinse stood dazed, holding the silver pin, until Ming Yi took it from her and handed it to the Princess’s servant.

The Noble Consort finally emerged from the hall. “The Chancellor’s robes are torn. Go and change quickly.”

There was a tear at Ming Yi’s shoulder, exposing her inner garment. Ming Yi pressed her hand over it. “I leave this place to you, Your Grace. I shall return shortly.”

“Go ahead. Supervisor Gu, go with her,” the Noble Consort added.

Only then did the two leave together. Once clear of the Central Palace, Gu Jinse squeezed Ming Yi’s hand. “Do not believe a word the enemy says.”

Ming Yi smiled. “You consider the Third Princess an enemy?”

“Isn’t she yours?” Gu Jinse asked, surprised. “She just said the Empress killed your mother. Anyone with a brain can see they are your enemies.”

“She is my enemy, true. But she is not yours.”

“Are you speaking in riddles? We are one and the same.”

“Is that so?” Ming Yi’s lips curled upward. It was strange; she felt genuinely happy because of those few simple words.

After changing, Ming Yi went to see the Emperor, while Gu Jinse returned to the Ministry of Revenue. Work, after all, had to continue. The political marriage was still on track; a diplomatic alliance would not change just because an Empress died.

At the end of the day, Gu Jinse noticed her colleagues huddled in small groups, whispering as if something major had happened. Driven by curiosity, she stepped forward to ask.

“Brother Gu, haven’t you heard? Their Crown Prince is dead. The Third Princess might not have to go after all!”

Gu Jinse was stunned. “How did he die?”

“The old King died, and the Crown Prince was assassinated. The Fifth Prince has taken the throne as the new ruler. He already has a primary consort and several sons.”

“So what? If they still want to marry the Princess, His Majesty won’t refuse.”

Gu Jinse felt paralyzed. There was definitely something wrong. The Empress dies, and then the foreign Crown Prince is killed? Was the messenger already on the road, waiting for the Empress to pass before delivering the news?

She studied her colleagues’ faces. They all seemed normal, just excited by the gossip. Perhaps she had watched too many TV dramas and was being overly sensitive. Or perhaps they simply had not thought deeply enough. Foreign diplomacy was a vast web. Did Ming Yi have ties to foreign powers?

A chill ran down her spine. Private contact with foreign states was treason. She shook her head, trying to clear her mind.

“You do not understand,” a colleague added. “The new King’s sons are older than the Third Princess. The Crown Prince’s primary consort just died, and if the new King wants to marry our legitimate princess, he would have to depose his own consort. The envoys are at a total loss.”

“Forget the envoys; the people at the Court of State Ceremonies are baffled. The Empress dies last night, and this happens today. Do you think it is the Empress’s spirit looking out for her daughter?”

“Nonsense. Even a spirit could not work that fast.”

The group eventually dispersed. Gu Jinse leaned against a pillar, deep in thought. If this were a novel, Ming Yi was clearly the powerhouse protagonist sweeping the board. The more she thought about it, the more she believed the Chancellor was behind it all.

When she arrived home, her uncle, the Assistant Minister, came by to ask about the Empress’s sudden death.

“Uncle, I am sorry, I do not know anything,” Gu Jinse said guiltily.

His face turned various shades of frustration. “You have been with the Chancellor for so long, and yet you know nothing? In the last Ministry reshuffle, you weren’t even promoted. Nephew, you are too disappointing.”

Gu Jinse lowered her head.

“And what is this business with the Third Princess? You caused such a scene. Reflect on yourself!”

“I know,” Gu Jinse muttered. “It is because I am too handsome.”

Assistant Minister Gu was speechless. “With Ming Yi favored by the Emperor, you should be making a name for yourself. You are the only one with talent in the Gu family. Your father has been away for years. Don’t you want a family reunion? Use this opportunity to think of the family instead of just playing around and being lazy.”

Gu Jinse nodded. “I understand, Uncle. I will work hard.”

“You are too simple minded. Don’t think that having the Chancellor means you are safe forever. You need to be prepared for danger. Where is all that learning from your years of study?”

“The Chancellor is great, but you are a man. Being overshadowed by a woman is not a long term solution.”

“I understand. Rest assured, I will try. By the way, do you know why the Empress died so suddenly?” Gu Jinse quickly changed the subject.

The uncle hesitated. “Rumor from the palace says the Third Princess is screaming that the Chancellor did it.”

“The Princess is raving. How can her words be trusted?” Gu Jinse countered immediately. “She already hated the Chancellor. Why would you believe her?”

Her uncle was swayed. Gu Jinse added, “The Princess hates the Chancellor even more because of me. She cannot see this situation clearly. Besides, the Emperor gave the funeral arrangements to the Chancellor. That proves it had nothing to do with her. The Emperor is far smarter than the Princess.”

“Just be careful.” Her uncle took a deep breath. “Stop indulging in pleasure. Remember, you are a man; you must stand on your own two feet.”

Gu Jinse nodded repeatedly until she finally saw him out. It was late, she was starving, and she was exhausted. Once back in her room, she let out a heavy sigh. She lay in the dark as the silence of the world settled into her heart.

Outside, the moon was high. Ming Yi sat under the veranda near the mourning hall. The palace was unnervingly quiet. The Crown Prince walked out and saw her lonely figure. “Sister, I am here now. You should go home.”

“Your Highness, are you sad?” Ming Yi asked suddenly.

The Crown Prince’s heart skipped. “What do you mean?”

“Literally. Are you sad?” Ming Yi looked up at the moon.

“Are you suggesting I should not be?” he asked, his voice low.

Ming Yi gave a quiet laugh. “Are you?”

“Sister, the past is the past. What do you want me to do? She is already dead,” he whispered.

“Is that so? She dies, and the grudge vanishes? Your Highness, you truly are the heir the Emperor values,” Ming Yi mocked.

The Prince turned red. “Don’t take my sister’s words to heart. She is young and spoke without thinking.”

“I never care about what she says, because others said those things to my mother long ago.” Ming Yi rubbed her aching neck. Once the tension eased, she sat up and looked at him. “I cannot be as at peace as you are.”

“I am the Crown Prince. I cannot do anything reckless over personal grudges.”

Ming Yi stared at him. It was a familiar, righteous sentiment. She smiled. “Your Highness is benevolent to all, yet that benevolence cannot reach your own mother. Fine. You are indeed a most upright heir.”

“Sister, you are mocking me.”

Ming Yi was fearless, not even looking at him. “You should show more filial piety before the coffin of your legitimate mother. I will not stay.”

She stood and walked away, her silhouette cold and solitary. The Crown Prince pursed his lips and said nothing. It was midnight by the time Ming Yi returned to her quarters. She washed up and lay in bed, exhausted but unable to sleep. The Third Princess’s screams and Consort De’s old insults toward her mother seemed to merge into one. The words of family hurt the most, but now, she felt numb.

Tossing and turning, she thought of Gu Jinse. What is she doing? She should be asleep. Thinking of her, Ming Yi suddenly felt relaxed. She stared into the dark and reached out to the other side of the bed. It was empty. A sudden wave of loneliness washed over her. She finally drifted off as dawn approached.

She had barely closed her eyes when the Emperor summoned her. Arriving at the Great Hall, she found several officials waiting. They bowed as she approached. “The Marquis of Yongping is inside,” they informed her.

Ming Yi stood with her hands behind her back for about fifteen minutes until she saw a jade colored figure in the distance. Gu Jinse walked to the base of the steps, carrying a food box. She was bold to bring food to the main hall. Ming Yi hurried down the steps and pulled her away from the hall. “Why are you here?”

“Have you had breakfast?”

“Not yet.”

“Then, this is for you. I am going back now.” Gu Jinse stopped, her eyes crinkling. “Remember to eat.”

She came and went like a whirlwind. Ming Yi stood in the autumn wind, dazed by the food box. She really is just a girl, so passionate and impulsive. To walk all this way just to deliver breakfast, is it worth it? But her heart felt warm.

As she turned back with the food box, the other officials were smiling. Before anyone could speak, the Marquis of Yongping walked out of the hall looking dejected. A young eunuch invited the Chancellor inside. Ming Yi handed the box to the eunuch. “Follow me.”

The Emperor looked haggard, a dark shadow under his brow. Ming Yi pretended not to notice. “I have prepared some breakfast. Would Your Majesty care for some?”

The Emperor looked at the box. “You have changed your temperament.”

“I am merely borrowing another’s gift. Gu Jinhuan sent this,” Ming Yi said honestly.

The Emperor: “…”

“I won’t eat. Keep it for yourself. I summoned you to ask about the political marriage.”

“The Court of State Ceremonies is handling the transition. Nothing is settled yet, but if the Third Princess goes now, she likely won’t be the primary wife,” Ming Yi replied.

“Hateful!” The Emperor’s rage flared.

“Calm yourself, Your Majesty. In my opinion, it is better to choose a girl from the imperial clan. If they refuse, then let the matter drop.”

The Emperor fell silent, studying her. Ming Yi stood tall, her expression unchanged, neither humble nor arrogant.

“Do not concern yourself with this further,” the Emperor finally said. “The Noble Consort will handle the Empress’s funeral.”

“As you command,” Ming Yi smiled faintly. “It is a lighter load for me.”

The Emperor was stifled. “Leave then. Get out of my sight; you are an eyesore.”

Ming Yi exited the hall, taking the food box with her.

The Empress’s body remained in state for seven days. After leaving the hall, Ming Yi did not return to the Central Palace. The Emperor cancelled court for seven days, so she caught up on her sleep.

On the day of the burial, while the Third Princess followed the coffin out of the city and officials followed in procession, Ming Yi went to the Western Mountains. She told her mother, “The Empress is dead. She has come to find you. You are kind, but remember not to argue with her; you will only lose.”

Yuechang was burning paper money nearby and spat. “Dead or not, she is still an Empress, buried in the imperial tombs.”

“Auntie, shall I go dig up her tomb to make you feel better?” Ming Yi raised an eyebrow in the sunlight.

Yuechang was silenced. “I was just talking. Pretend you didn’t hear me. Why didn’t the son in law come?”

“Busy. Not everyone is as idle as you,” Ming Yi replied.

“When are you two planning to have children?” Yuechang pressed. “A woman is only secure when she has children. Men are unreliable; only money and children matter. Without them, everything is a void.”

“Huanu, you aren’t young anymore. By your age, your mother had already…”

“Died,” Ming Yi finished coldly. “I don’t want to die yet, Auntie. Please, stop. I don’t like children. Raising a son like the Crown Prince would keep my coffin lid from closing. He wore his mourning clothes and cried so bitterly.”

Yuechang winced. “There are good ones too. Like you. Wouldn’t that be nice?”

“No. I am arrogant and perverse. I have been in more fights than soldiers have been in battles. Raising a child like me is nothing but a headache.”

“No, no! You were so well-behaved as a child. You did whatever your mother said, looking at people with those big, dark eyes. It was the most adorable thing. Your child would surely be just as cute. Listen to me, let everything else go. The Crown Prince already has two children, and you are still all alone. Oh, don’t walk away! I am not finished yet! Huanu! Huanu!”

Yuechang stomped her foot and rushed to catch up. “Huanu, don’t you want your mother to rest in peace?”

“My mother has been dead for twenty years. If she was going to rest in peace, she already has. One more thing won’t make a difference.” Ming Yi’s steps were quick, her hair fluttering in the wind.

The two stopped abruptly. Standing outside the bamboo hut was Gu Jinse, dressed in a jade colored silk robe. Yuechang saw her savior and immediately called out. “Son in law! I was just trying to convince Huanu to have a child. Come and help me talk to her!”

Gu Jinse clenched her fists. “I don’t like children.”

Yuechang’s eyes went wide. “You don’t like children?”

Gu Jinse was about to nod when Yuechang snapped. “Your preferences are your business! Look at how old Huanu is compared to you! Don’t let your youth waste her years. It only gets harder as you get older. I thought you were a decent person, but I didn’t realize you were so malicious! It is not that you don’t like children. You don’t like Huanu, and you certainly don’t like the children she would bear!”

Gu Jinse was speechless and looked toward Ming Yi for help. Ming Yi was mortified, wanting nothing more than to cover her aunt’s mouth. Seeing Gu Jinse’s miserable expression under the scolding, she hurriedly said, “It is getting late. We should head down the mountain.”

The two fled, leaving Yuechang to stomp her foot in rage once more. They ran until they reached the halfway point, both leaning over to catch their breath. “Does she not know I am a woman?” Gu Jinse asked, confused.

“Don’t tell her. It will just lead to more nagging,” Ming Yi said, feeling a bit traumatized. Seeing the girl’s flushed face and dark brows, her heart warmed. “Why did you come up here?”

“I guessed you would be here.” Gu Jinse straightened up, her breathing slowing. “She was just worried about you. It is a pity.”

The mountain air was cool, retaining a hint of summer’s lushness. Inhaling the fresh scent of the dense greenery was invigorating. Ming Yi looked at her profile and wondered, how does she understand my mind so well?