Let Me Go, I’m Not Pregnant - Chapter 1

In the seventh year of Cheng Shun’s reign, the Emperor passed away. Before his death, he summoned the Crown Prince, Luo Shen, and passed the throne to him. In the imperial harem, only Crown Prince Luo Shen and Prince Qin Luo Ming remained. The Crown Prince was gentle and kind, while Prince Qin was ruthless and harbored ambitions for the throne. The Emperor had concerns about the Crown Prince’s abilities, so he made a request. He asked for the son of the General who defended the country to assist him.

The General’s son, Gu Xingzhi, had never been to the imperial city. He had been away on military campaigns since he was eight years old and had not returned. Luo Shen had never seen this person before and was somewhat displeased, but the Emperor’s decision was final, so he agreed.

After three months of national mourning, Luo Shen summoned Gu Xingzhi back to the palace. The journey from the imperial city was long, and Luo Shen waited impatiently. Finally, after three months, he received news that Gu Xingzhi was returning to the city.

The next day, Luo Shen went to court early to see this new minister, but to his surprise, he couldn’t find Gu Xingzhi anywhere in the palace. This continued for days, and as the coronation ceremony approached, Luo Shen grew angry.

“Chang’an, find out where Gu Xingzhi is! Why hasn’t he come to see me after returning to the city for so many days?” Luo Shen returned to his chamber in frustration and ordered the eunuchs to assist him in changing his clothes.

A young eunuch named Chang’an hurried forward and said, “Your Majesty, regarding this matter… a while ago, a messenger from the General’s residence came and reported that Gu Xingzhi was attacked by assassins on his way back to the city. He is currently injured and recuperating at home, and he promised to come tomorrow…”

Chang’an couldn’t continue speaking, as it was evident that this was just an excuse to avoid coming to the palace.

Luo Shen’s chest tightened with anger, and he was left speechless. He waved his hand, telling the eunuch to prepare hot water for his bath; he needed to relax first.

The mess left behind by the late Emperor was overwhelming, and Luo Shen was exhausted from dealing with it. As he lay in the bath, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of frustration. He had never been one to fight for power or position. He had hoped for the late Emperor to have another child and peacefully step aside from the throne to lead a simpler life. However, with the sudden passing of the Emperor, his younger brother, Luo Ming, had grown resentful, causing trouble whenever he could, and even Gu Xingzhi seemed to be deliberately avoiding him.

Luo Shen closed his eyes, feeling a lingering anger deep within his heart. Amidst the swirling mist, someone entered the room.

Thinking it was a eunuch coming to attend to him, Luo Shen casually said, “You can place the water by the side and leave; there’s no need to wait.”

The eunuch respectfully bowed and said, “Your Majesty, General Gu sent a letter, asking you to meet him outside the palace in an hour.”

Luo Shen opened his eyes and glanced at the person through the mist. Although the face was partially obscured, he had a vague feeling of familiarity, so he didn’t doubt it and reached out to take the letter.

The writing was bold and confident, with a hint of arrogance, stating that Gu Xingzhi would only assist an emperor with true capabilities and would rather die than do otherwise.

Luo Shen’s hand trembled, and the paper drifted into the water, instantly soaking wet.

Luo Shen: “…”

He stared blankly at the pool of water.

Rather die? Had he pressured Gu Xingzhi in any way? Did he say anything during these past few days when Gu Xingzhi didn’t report in? Why was the notion of dying coming up so easily?

The eunuch said, “Your Majesty, the late Emperor once tasked General Gu with assisting Your Majesty. Gu’s words could be considered a capital offense.”

Luo Shen glanced at him and felt a cold shiver down his spine. Of course, he understood. It’s just that Gu Xingzhi would rather die than assist him. If this were to become known, it would indicate that even the General of the Nation couldn’t accept him as the Emperor. This would lead to unrest among the people. Even if Gu Xingzhi were executed, it wouldn’t solve the problem.

Furthermore, Gu Xingzhi was a person designated by the late Emperor and the son of the General of the Nation. As the new Emperor, Luo Shen couldn’t simply have him executed.

Luo Shen’s fingers trembled, but he ultimately retrieved the soaked paper from the water and clenched it firmly in his hand. “You may leave. Follow me out of the palace later.”

The eunuch hesitated, “Your Majesty, would you like me to…”

Before he could finish, Luo Shen shot him a cold glance, and the eunuch immediately shuddered. He remembered that this former Crown Prince, now Emperor, had never allowed anyone to attend to his bathing.

After the eunuch left, Luo Shen hastily finished his bath and changed into casual attire before walking out of his chamber. He still held the crumpled paper, which had dried but remained wrinkled due to its earlier dampness. He stuffed it into his sleeve and instructed Chang’an to prepare a carriage.

Chang’an hurriedly made the arrangements but couldn’t help but ask curiously, “Your Majesty, it’s quite late. Where are you going at this hour?”

“I… am going to visit an ailing person,” Luo Shen replied as he stepped into the carriage. Chang’an had initially intended to accompany him but was quickly asked to step down and replaced by another eunuch.

As he watched Luo Shen and the other eunuch depart, Chang’an wore a puzzled expression and muttered, “That eunuch… why do I feel like I’ve seen him somewhere before?”

With the eunuch who looked somewhat familiar, Luo Shen left the palace. They purchased a half-mask for him along the way and entered a bustling street where a lively feast was taking place at a flower tower.

It was Luo Shen’s first time leaving the palace, and the vibrant colors and sights dazzled him. He quickly lost track of his surroundings, and he and the eunuch were separated in the crowd.

“Um…” Luo Shen turned his head to call for someone but realized he didn’t even know the eunuch’s name.

It didn’t matter. Even though he couldn’t find the eunuch, he had already read the contents of the letter. All he needed to do was ask someone for directions.

Luo Shen stopped a passerby and asked, “Excuse me, do you know where Tianxi Tower is?”

The person was momentarily stunned. How could anyone not know where Tianxi Tower was in the capital? They then saw the innocent look in Luo Shen’s eyes and choked, “You… have never been out before?”

Luo Shen was puzzled for a moment and then surprised, “How did you know?”

Gu Xingzhi couldn’t help but chuckle, “People in the capital all know about Tianxi Tower.”

Luo Shen saw that Gu Xingzhi seemed to know his way around, and he immediately felt relieved. “I need to meet someone. Can you take me there? I’ll give you a reward. What do you say?”

Gu Xingzhi noticed Luo Shen’s fine clothing and deduced that he was likely from a prominent family who rarely left home, but now someone had persuaded him to venture out. He warned him, “Anyone going to Tianxi Tower is looking for someone. If you’re seeking an upstanding person, they’re probably not at Tianxi Tower.”

Luo Shen imagined Gu Xingzhi’s face and shook his head. “He might not be a respectable person.”

Gu Xingzhi asked, “Are you sure? Do you know what kind of place Tianxi Tower is?”

Luo Shen pondered, “Is there something special about a restaurant?”

“…” Gu Xingzhi sighed. It seemed like this innocent-looking young man had been tricked into coming here. He explained, “Tianxi Tower is a brothel, the largest in the capital. People who go there are usually looking for the top courtesans, and even with a substantial sum of money, it’s not guaranteed you’ll meet them. I advise you…”

Before he could finish his sentence, he saw Luo Shen’s expression change dramatically, and his face under the mask turned bright red.

Gu Xingzhi appreciated the quick transformation and found it amusing. He thought he had done a good deed today and patted Luo Shen’s head. “I don’t know who you’re looking for, but let me advise you not to be easily deceived.”

Luo Shen choked up and felt like he wanted to die. He had spoken so high-mindedly, and now he was being led to a brothel. If word of this got out, how could he, the Emperor, face anyone?

Feeling dazed, Luo Shen cursed Gu Xingzhi silently for being shameless. He had claimed to be resting at home, but he had ended up at a brothel!

He had known Gu Xingzhi had ulterior motives!

Luo Shen gritted his teeth and, without noticing that a certain someone’s hand was still resting on his head, he said firmly, “No, I must go!”

He raised his head, his gaze resolute and fierce. “Take me there, and I will reward you with silver!”

Gu Xingzhi met Luo Shen’s stern gaze, but it lacked any intimidation. Curious, he asked, “So, which lady at the brothel has captured your heart?”

Luo Shen looked at Gu Xingzhi, who appeared to be dressed like a martial artist. He relaxed his guard a bit. “It’s not a lady.”

“Not a lady?” Gu Xingzhi was surprised. During his time in the borderlands, he had heard that the people on the frontier were more open-minded, and men and women were not as restricted. However, he didn’t expect such a sheltered-looking young man in the capital to be interested in men.

But then again, this man had been lured out of his comfort zone. Even though he appeared delicate, it wasn’t unusual for someone from a prestigious family to be tempted.

Gu Xingzhi was surprised for only a moment before regaining his composure. He had visited Tianxi Tower before but hadn’t paid attention to the male clientele. Seeing that he couldn’t be of much help, he agreed to escort Luo Shen to the place.

Luo Shen breathed a sigh of relief and quickly followed Gu Xingzhi through the crowded streets and into the depths of an alley.

Along the way, Luo Shen tried to spot the eunuch he had lost earlier, but there were too many people, and he couldn’t find him. He nearly stumbled several times, and Gu Xingzhi had to catch him.

“Pay attention to the road, don’t space out,” Gu Xingzhi advised as he held onto Luo Shen’s collar, guiding him to the entrance of Tianxi Tower.

The entrance was tightly closed, unlike other establishments that welcomed customers openly. The sounds of merriment and singing emanated from inside, teasing the senses.

Luo Shen snapped back to reality and looked at the closed door, puzzled. “Why is the door closed? Could they be closed for business today?”

“No,” Gu Xingzhi explained, “Tianxi Tower has a rule. To enter, you need to make a reservation in advance. If you haven’t made a reservation, you have to wait for someone inside to release a poem slip. You respond with the second half of the poem, and if they agree, you can enter. It’s like an invitation system.”

Gu Xingzhi had his own methods to get in, but seeing Luo Shen’s bewildered expression, he couldn’t help but feel uneasy for some reason.

While they were talking, Luo Shen noticed a piece of paper posted on the door. He approached and read the words written on it: “In pieces, I fear not; only my purity remains in the mortal realm.”

Luo Shen: “…”

The handwriting matched the letter he had received, clearly written by “Gu Xingzhi.” But the meaning behind this poem was profound, and it ignited his anger. He crumpled the paper in frustration and turned to leave.

However, after taking a few steps, he heard Gu Xingzhi ask, “Changed your mind?”

Remembering his purpose, Luo Shen took a deep breath, gritted his teeth, and returned to the door. He picked up a pen and completed the poem’s second half.

He knocked on the door, and a hand reached out through a small opening. Luo Shen, still unfamiliar with the process, was fortunate that Gu Xingzhi had explained that he needed to hand over the poem.

Once he gave the poem, the door opened, and a servant with a friendly smile told him, “Go to the second room on the left on the second floor. Your guest is waiting for you~”

Luo Shen smirked, his eyes filled with determination to settle the score. He had initially intended to go straight upstairs, but after a few steps, he remembered something and turned back towards Gu Xingzhi. At the same time, he took out a few pieces of silver from his pocket and handed them to him.

“Thank you for bringing me here… for what I came here for. This is your reward.”

Gu Xingzhi was slightly taken aback. He detected a faint and unique fragrance coming from the silver. It wasn’t the usual incense but something special. He remembered that this was one of the treasures he had obtained after a victorious battle and presented to the Emperor. However…

As he stared at a certain person in the crowd, who seemed both frustrated and trying to maintain an elegant demeanor, Gu Xingzhi thought that there must have been a mix-up.

How could that person possibly leave the palace and come to such a place?

Gu Xingzhi pocketed the still-warm silver, planning to have a sip of flower wine on his way out.

Meanwhile, not far away, the eunuch who had previously lost track of Luo Shen watched Gu Xingzhi’s back. He took out a packet of medicinal powder from his robe and handed it to someone nearby. “Tell the Prince that Gu Xingzhi has arrived. Arrange for Princess Wenjun to come over.”