The Prime Minister Claims She's Pregnant - Chapter 59

“Hmm?” Ming Yi let out a soft hum. “What does your coming to the capital have to do with me?”

“It has nothing to do with me?” Gu Jinse asked. Ming Yi’s nature was not one for lying; if she denied it, it meant Gu Jinse had guessed wrong, which immediately caused her a flicker of panic.

Ming Yi acted as if she had not heard, her plain, elegant face remaining rippleless. “Nothing.”

“Then I must have guessed wrong.” Gu Jinse felt a bit restless. Ming Yi’s voice softened significantly. “You are you. The Gu family’s affairs have nothing to do with you. I am not so muddled as to implicate family members. Auntie Yue Chang has a sharp temper and stubborn ideas; you need not take her words to heart.”

Gu Jinse stared at her blankly. “I thought you deliberately involved yourself because you intended to seek revenge.”

“If I wanted revenge, I would have assassinated Old Master Gu long ago. Would I really need to wait for Auntie Yue Chang to remind me?” Ming Yi said indifferently.

Gu Jinse was stunned. “It was not you who enticed Gu Jinhuan to elope?”

Ming Yi glanced at her, picked up the soup bowl from the food tray, and sniffed it. Her stomach instantly churned. She was puzzled. “How can you drink this?”

“I hold my nose and drink it,” Gu Jinse continued to stare blankly.

“Ignore Auntie Yue Chang’s words.” Ming Yi’s face twisted in bitterness as she forced down a sip. Then, she handed it back to Gu Jinse. “Apologies, I cannot achieve ‘sharing joys and sorrows’ with this.”

Gu Jinse finally burst into laughter. “You’re so silly. Sharing joys and sorrows is not meant to be literal suffering like that.”

Having comforted the girl, Ming Yi tucked away her emotions and turned back toward the study. “Eat your dinner first. I am going to meet two people.”

Under a sparse moon and few stars, Gu Zhi was tied up in a place where he could not see his own hand in front of his face. The surroundings were deathly silent.

Zhaoyao felt her way into the dark room and stood before Gu Zhi, her expression carrying a hint of cold severity. “Lord Gu, I have a few questions I’d like you to answer.”

“Who are you?” Gu Zhi was furious. “I am an official of the imperial court. Kidnapping me privately is a grave crime.”

“Is it? Even if I killed you, no one would punish me. There is always someone higher; do not think too highly of yourself. You must know your place. You may be the ‘Heaven’ here, but in the capital, you are not even worth the dregs. My first question: Did your father ever send anyone to the capital to assassinate the eldest Miss of the Gu family?”

“No! That is my daughter. How could my father possibly kill her?” Gu Zhi nearly jumped off his stool.

Zhaoyao sneered. “Has your father done few despicable things? You should know how Gu Jinshang became simple-minded. If he would not even spare his own daughter, why would he spare a granddaughter who stands in his way? Gu Zhi, you had better investigate when you get back. Do not wait until your family is ruined to realize what kind of man your father is. Second matter: You all incited that person named Liu to go to the capital to cause trouble for your daughter. Is there something wrong with your brains?”

Gu Zhi was overcome with shame and argued, “No, I did not do that.”

“What your father does is essentially the same as what you do,” Zhaoyao declared with finality.

Before Gu Zhi could figure out how to retort, Zhaoyao continued: “The Gu family has done no small number of filthy deeds. I can make you roll back home to plant sweet potatoes, and I can make your lineage end with you. By the way, I have broken Gu Jinhuan’s head. Most likely, it will leave a scar. Twin siblings ought to look exactly the same, do you not agree?”

“You, outrageous! You are clearly bandits.” Gu Zhi finally began to struggle in rage, but the ropes were too tight. He was anxious but helpless.

Zhaoyao looked at him coldly. “My Prime Minister said that for every single scar on the eldest Miss’s body, your son shall pay back tenfold. You had better watch your father when you return. If he does anything else despicable, your entire Gu family will face consequences you cannot stomach. So, be careful. Also, go check on the matter of your father killing your daughter.”

Gu Zhi’s body could not stop trembling. Zhaoyao stepped forward, untied his ropes, and pulled the black cloth from his eyes. “I am only warning you once. Next time, I will lead my men to slaughter your entire family. This is no joke.”

With that, Zhaoyao led her people away.

Gu Zhi was a civil official; he had never seen such a scene. He shook with fear, swallowing repeatedly as he stood up shakily, wiping sweat from his brow and gasping for air.

Returning home, he rushed impatiently to his father’s main quarters.

Old Master Gu had already retired for the night and was forced to get up when his son disturbed him. A maid assisted him out, and he said displeasurably, “Shouting and screaming; where is your decorum?”

“Did you find someone to kill A-Se?” Gu Zhi’s face was flushed red. For the first time, he spoke loudly to his father. “That is my daughter. Gu family blood flows in her veins. How could you lay a hand on her?”

Hearing this, the servants in the room retreated.

Old Master Gu sat calmly on the soft couch, showing none of the guilt his son expected. He spoke very placidly: “Twenty years ago, the wife of General Weiyuan committed adultery; it was a loss of virtue and chastity. It was I who impeached the Zhao family. Old Master Zhao is dead. Between me and Ming Yi, there lies a blood feud. Do you think she will spare A-Se or any of you?”

“She exploited A-Se’s innocence, lured her into marriage, and kept Jinhuan in Yuhang forever. We are walking into her trap step by step. Do you expect me to just sit here and wait for death?”

Gu Zhi was so angry he was speechless; his chest felt as if it were on fire. He could not help but roar: “So, you were going to kill A-Se? That is your own biological granddaughter!”

“Gu Jinse relied on the Gu family’s influence to get close to Ming Yi. Ming Yi is deliberately being good to her to take revenge on the Gu family. It is all Ming Yi’s trap, yet she ran right into it. Should the entire Gu family be buried with her? It is fine if she is foolish, but why implicate the family that raised her? Gu Zhi, you love your wife and children, but you cannot abandon the Gu family. If Gu Jinse does not come back, she must die. Otherwise, you and I will both go to hell together.”

“You have heard of Ming Yi’s ruthlessness. Do you think you have a third path? I gave her a chance, but she did not cherish it. She is obsessed with the sweet trap Ming Yi built for her and refuses to repent. I can only clean up the unworthy descendants for the sake of the Gu family.”

“It really was you? When others told me, I thought it was a lie. I even thought of defending you. Father, in my life I have only one son and one daughter; I love them both equally. I know you treasure your grandson, but you also know I love my daughter. If A-Se dies, I will cut off all your hopes too.” Gu Zhi felt life was not worth living. “You are the person I have respected my whole life. Your integrity was not only my pride but a model for all scholars. But the things you do are truly shameful.”

“Ming Yi is no saint, but are you any better? A person who will not even spare his own granddaughter is not fit to be my father.”

Old Master Gu laughed. “Everything you have today was given by me. What more do you want to do? Your son and wife are both in my hands.”

Gu Zhi’s expression changed drastically as he let out a shrill cry: “Father!”

“If you continue to be the Master of the Gu family, you are my son. If you are unwilling, you are free to leave.” Old Master Gu stopped laughing, his face becoming as cold as still water.

Gu Zhi lowered his eyes, slowly processing the information. He silently retreated from the room. At this moment, he finally understood his wife’s persistence.

The Gu family was a wolf’s den!

Standing in the courtyard, Gu Zhi’s gaze fell to the ground. After standing for a long time, he finally took a step.

Half an hour later, Gu Zhi knocked on the door of his wife’s separate residence. The gatekeeper let him into the backyard. A girl-like figure came skipping over. She looked at Gu Zhi and let out an exclamation. “Old man, why are you here?”

Gu Zhi did not answer. Gu Jinshang circled around him, saying, “Old man, are you here to sleep with my mother?”

“My mother will not sleep with you. Go find someone else to sleep with. You are such a big person and you still want to sleep with Mother; how shameful.” Gu Jinshang scraped her finger against her fair cheek. “No shame, no shame!”

Gu Zhi bypassed her. After five or six steps, he saw his wife, who had draped an outer robe over her shoulders to find Gu Jinshang. In an instant, his heart shook. He lowered his eyes, not daring to look at her.

Madame Gu found it strange. Looking closely, her husband seemed different from usual. Every time he came over before, he was high-spirited; today, he looked as if he had a guilty conscience.

“Why have you come at this hour?” Madame Gu asked.

The lantern light was hazy, casting long shadows. Gu Jinshang saw his shadow and kept stomping on it. Madame Gu pulled her back and pushed her toward the wet nurse. “Take the girl to bed.”

Gu Jinshang refused, standing with hands on her hips, glaring at Gu Zhi. “I am not going! If I leave, he will bully Mother. I am not going, go away!”

She was strong, and the wet nurse could not pull her away. As they struggled, Gu Jinshang pushed her aside and walked up to Gu Zhi: “You cannot kiss her anymore, it is shameful.”

Madame Gu covered her face, mortified by the words. As if she had seen a ghost, she covered the girl’s mouth and handed her to the wet nurse. “Take her back, or tomorrow’s sweets will be halved.”

“Oh ho, oh ho, oh ho! Run!” After three sharp cries, Gu Jinshang grabbed the nurse’s hand and bolted.

Only then did Madame Gu catch her breath and lead her husband into her bedroom.

“Speak. What is it? You look half-dead. I did not even see you this despondent when we discussed the divorce.” Madame Gu personally poured a cup of tea and closed the door. She knew her husband, like his father, cared deeply about appearances.

Gu Zhi did not take the tea. Looking at his wife’s faintly smiling face, he felt only suffocation. He asked, “Was A-Se ever targeted for assassination?”

Madame Gu’s entire body stiffened. “How do you know?” After she returned, she had not mentioned anything about the capital. After all, those disasters happened because of Ming Yi; it was better left unsaid.

The room was silent.

Gu Zhi opened his eyes to look at his wife, his lips trembling. “Was it serious?”

“She almost died.” Madame Gu felt a wave of guilt.

Gu Zhi blinked slowly, tears welling up. “Almost died. Is that why you wanted to divorce me?”

Madame Gu took a deep breath. Her husband’s tone sounded like a complaint. She hurried to explain, “It has nothing to do with A-Se. It is because I do not want to stay here.”

“It is because of my father, is it not? He wanted to kill your daughter, forcing you to leave, right?” Gu Zhi looked up, his heart filled with grief.

Hearing this, Madame Gu felt as if struck by lightning. Her entire body turned to stone. “What did you say? Your father hired assassins to kill A-Se?”

Gu Zhi lowered his head again in shame.

Madame Gu was so angry she felt dizzy. Supporting her forehead, she said sharply, “Gu Zhi, who is she? She is the daughter I carried for ten months, the one who almost died when she was eight. Ask yourself: without her, I would have divorced you long ago. I would not have stayed to play these games with you all until now.”

She had spent her life compromising, obeying her parents’ orders, and marrying into the higher-status Gu family with her dowry. As a woman of the Gu family, she had fulfilled her duties seriously. All she asked was for her daughter to find a harmonious husband and live a worry-free life. Now, even her last wish was being stripped away.

She stood up straight. “Gu Zhi, I am not worthy of being a daughter-in-law of your Gu family. Divorce me.”

“A divorce agreement. We will process the paperwork tomorrow. I have failed you. I will have someone send A-Se’s dowry to the capital.” Gu Zhi’s body shook, his hands clenched into fists. “I will send Jinshang to the capital as well.”

“Gu Zhi, if there is a first time, there will be a second,” Madame Gu said.

Gu Zhi nodded. “I will make arrangements.”

“Get out. You are not welcome here.” Madame Gu turned around, picked up the tea she had just poured for him, and smashed it onto the floor. She told him, “Gu Zhi, if anything happens to her, I will not mind making all the Gu family’s dirty secrets public.”

Gu Zhi did not argue. He left the residence dejectedly.

Tutu, hanging upside down from a beam, had heard everything. Her mind suddenly exploded with the realization: that assassination attempt was not ordered by the Empress; it was Old Master Gu.

She patted her chest. “How thrilling.”

Following the Empress’s recent passing, the Gu estate received mountains of gifts from all over.

Gu Jinse knew this was bribery; it was blatant bribery. But she loved these worldly goods and was so happy she could not find her bearings. She hurriedly pulled Ming Yi over to ask if they could keep them.

After all, holding onto money makes for better sleep.

Ming Yi glanced at the gift list. The gifts from various families were precious; some even sent raw gold and silver. No wonder Gu Jinse was tempted. She deliberately teased her: “The Emperor would have your head if he knew.”

It was her day off, so Ming Yi wore a red dress at home. Her long hair flowed down, elegant and smooth. She looked gentle yet noble, and as she spoke, her eyebrows arched slightly with a touch of vibrance.

Such a woman, considering her age, was like a massive temptation.

Gu Jinse looked at her, her lips pursing. Pressing against Ming Yi’s cheek, her heart hammered. “Do you know what ‘alluring’ means?”

“Hmm?” Ming Yi was puzzled, her smile hiding her confusion.

Gu Jinse whispered into her ear for a moment. Ming Yi immediately looked down at her clothes. Gu Jinse said, “You are dressed so beautifully. Is it not just for me to see?”

Ming Yi laughed. “No. Naturally, one wants to be more relaxed at home.”

“It is even more relaxed with the clothes off.” Gu Jinse opened her eyes wide and held up three fingers. “We have only been together three times.” Then she folded her fingers to show the number four. “Can I apply for one more time?”

“No.” Ming Yi rejected her outright, instinctively reaching up to straighten her collar, as if wishing to wrap herself up without a single gap.

Gu Jinse was extremely dejected. Her eyes were full of Ming Yi’s face, and her racing heart slowly calmed down. It was awkward.

Ming Yi continued looking at the list. “These items will go through the public accounts. I will still give you half when the time comes.”

“Are you reminding me that we are going to get divorced?” Gu Jinse rolled her eyes. “Is there anyone like you? Instead of living a good life, you talk about divorce every day.”

Ming Yi felt guilty and frowned at her. Gu Jinse happened to be glaring back. Their eyes met, and Ming Yi immediately fled.

Gu Jinse glared at her proudly. “I am not short on money.”

Ming Yi asked, “Then what are you short of?”

“I am short of you!” Gu Jinse said righteously.

Ming Yi held the gift list as if to run away. Gu Jinse blocked her. “You were not this shy when you kissed me.”

“Too much wine leads to loss of wit. Do not take it to heart.” Ming Yi covered her eyes, too embarrassed to look at Gu Jinse. “You also do ridiculous things when you are drunk.”

“Ming Yi, you have desires in your heart.” Gu Jinse exposed her. “You are just a hypocrite.”

“Gu Jinse, you are not allowed to be so aggressive!” Ming Yi looked at her coldly.

“Look, you are turning anger into a defense,” Gu Jinse reminded her.

Ming Yi refused to admit it. “I am merely having normal emotions.”

“In your heart, you want me to be close to you, yet you also do not want me to be close to you, right?” Gu Jinse was not afraid. She took a step forward, staring intensely at the person trying to escape.

Ming Yi’s face turned bright red, even her ears flushed. It seemed her secret thoughts had been hit dead on. She tried to maintain her dignity and argued back, “You are projecting your thoughts onto me. Clearly, it is your own thoughts that are unclean.”

“Heh, and your thoughts are clean?” Gu Jinse retorted.

The two argued like children, the conversation having no substance.

After a moment of bickering, Yue Chang entered. She looked at the two, who were both refusing to back down. “What are you two arguing about?”

Gu Jinse spoke first. “She will not let me kiss her.”

“We are.” Ming Yi opened her mouth, wanting to say ‘we are married by contract,’ but the words were swallowed back down. She fell into a pointless silence.

Her silence was taken as an admission. Yue Chang instinctively thought of something and pulled Gu Jinse outside to whisper: “Have you two consummated the marriage?”

“Consummated?” Gu Jinse was stunned by the question. They had actually done it the first time they met, but those things were hard to explain. As she was thinking, she heard Yue Chang speak: “No consummation? No wonder. I misunderstood you.”

Gu Jinse: “.” Somehow, she had been cleared of everything, and in a very pure way at that.

Yue Chang turned and entered the room, slamming the door with a bang that made Gu Jinse’s heart jump. It was lucky this woman was a concubine-aunt; if she were a mother-in-law, life would be unbearable.

Since Yue Chang arrived, the Gu household had become lively. She wanted to manage everything: when they woke up, what they ate for lunch, and even morning exercise.

But the two were used to being casual, especially Ming Yi, who had irregular eating habits and unpredictable sleep schedules. At most, she could go several days without sleep.

Now, Yue Chang regulated when Ming Yi had to be home, forbidding her from returning late.

Gu Jinse never managed Ming Yi, but Yue Chang certainly did. Word got out that Prime Minister Ming feared her husband. Fine; while others were wife-governed, she became husband-governed. The Emperor summoned her to reprimand her, but she hurriedly explained that an elder aunt, an old acquaintance of Ming Yi’s mother, had moved in.

The Emperor’s eyes dimmed slightly, and he let her go.

“Manager, it sounds like an argument has broken out inside,” Chun Yue walked over.

Right on cue, there was a thud from inside, followed by Yue Chang’s voice: “If you do this, how can the girl feel at ease?”

“Auntie is old; she should go back and rest. If you keep meddling like this, you will die early sooner or later.”

“It is no use cursing me. If you are not going to consummate the marriage, why get married at all? Just divorce and do not waste her time!”

“I am not divorcing!”

“Then. Then go consummate it!” Yue Chang’s momentum weakened.

Chun Yue was in disbelief. “What is Auntie Yue Chang up to?”

“She wants us to have a baby.” Gu Jinse’s lips curled into a smile. Auntie Yue Chang started with a tragic backstory script, but who knew she had such a talent for comedy? How could two girls have a baby?

What a flight of fancy!