Let Me Go, I’m Not Pregnant - Chapter 16

“It’s okay, Chang’an, get up.”

Upon hearing this, Chang’an raised his head and saw that Changxin’s expression was normal, so he assumed everything was fine. He sighed in relief and quickly got up, saying, “Fortunately, they didn’t tie us up too tightly. We’re quite close to the palace here. I’ve prepared a carriage.”

Luo Shen nodded and handed him the leaf that had been in his mouth, saying, “Go and find out what this is. Luoming mentioned that he poisoned me earlier, but…” 

He currently didn’t feel any discomfort, but his body felt weak, much like the effects of the drug he had been forced to ingest at Tianxi Pavilion.

Chang’an took the leaf, nodding eagerly. “Understood!”

Changxin frowned worriedly, her hand gripping the hilt of her sword tightly. “I’ll go and kill him!”

Chang’an scolded her, “Why would you go and try to kill the Crown Prince? To reveal your identity to him? Changxin! Don’t cause trouble!”

Changxin, upon hearing this, suddenly felt wronged. She turned to Luoshen, but he merely shook his head.

Although he hadn’t consumed all of the tea, he had taken a sip. The priority was to analyze the substance and identify the poison. Furthermore, Luoming, although unfamiliar with Changxin, was intelligent enough to suspect something was amiss and might seek revenge, but not against Changxin.

As the three of them continued walking, their figures gradually disappeared from view. It was only then that Gu Xingzhi regained his senses.

The jade pendant in his palm felt cool, mirroring his current state of mind. The words of the General resonated in his mind once again.

He seemed to understand why the General had suggested that he interact more with Prince Ping.

Even Chang’an, the eunuch who served by the Emperor’s side, was under the command of Prince Ping. Therefore, Prince Ping’s return must have some significance…

Gu Xingzhi’s thoughts were in turmoil as he decided to bypass the Emperor and approach Luoshen to test the waters.

However, when he reached the palace, the eunuch guarding the entrance informed him that the Emperor had already retired for the night and suggested he return during the day.

Gu Xingzhi turned back but pondered the relationship between Chang’an and Changnian. Did the Emperor really not know about it? If the Emperor was aware, he must also know Changnian’s true identity. So why keep it a secret and allow his eunuch to serve?

If the Emperor was unaware, he would certainly meet the Prince in private. This could easily lead to Chang’an’s downfall. If Changnian’s intentions were not related to usurping the throne, why sneak into the palace with a concealed identity?

“Yes! He’s Prince Ping, but he secretly entered the palace and even shared pastries with the Emperor? Either they like each other and used this tactic to avoid suspicion, or Prince Ping is planning a rebellion. According to Gu Xingzhi’s guess, it’s probably the former. But as an assistant minister, he must also consider the Emperor’s concerns and not jump to conclusions. Although he didn’t have a favorable impression of the Emperor, Gu Xingzhi hadn’t considered aiding others in a coup.

He returned to Chang’an’s side. At this moment, Chang’an was still helping Changnian detoxify. If they had any rebellious intentions, the Emperor’s sleeping chamber would be very dangerous. Gu Xingzhi had to check to avoid any harm to the Emperor.

Gu Xingzhi, considering this, bypassed patrolling soldiers and sneaked into the sleeping chamber.

On the other hand, Luoshen entered the palace and had Changxin help him remove his mask and clean off the adhesive from his face. Then, he went to the Imperial Physician’s Office, where they examined him. They concluded that he had a mild fever but nothing serious. They brewed a medicine on the spot for him to drink and took the given herbal leaves for further analysis, which could only be done during the day.

“The medicinal soup may cause symptoms of drunkenness, but it won’t harm your body. No need to worry.”

Luoshen felt relieved and left to return to the palace.

“Changxin, please check if Gu Xingzhi has returned.” At the entrance, Luoshen suddenly remembered Gu Xingzhi’s expression when they left earlier, and he felt uneasy about it.

Changxin also considered the idea of finding Gu Xingzhi and having a fight with him to vent her frustrations. She nodded and left to search for him.

Chang’an quietly advised, “Your Majesty, it’s still very dangerous to leave the palace like this. If you dare to do such things within the palace, what about outside?”

However, Luoshen shook his head, saying, “If he dares to act within the palace, there’s no difference whether we’re inside or outside.”

He believed it was better to take action rather than wait for Gu Xingzhi to come for them.

At the entrance to the sleeping chamber, the eunuch guarding it finally saw someone returning and rushed forward, excitedly exclaiming, “Your Majesty!”

Luoshen inquired casually, “Why are you so excited? Did someone come looking for Us?”

The eunuch nodded vigorously, “Just a while ago, General Gu Xingzhi came.”

Luoshen froze in his tracks. Why would Gu Xingzhi suddenly come to find him? Did he get discovered?

The eunuch continued, “But! I told him that Your Majesty was resting, so he left!”

Luoshen breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that Gu Xingzhi must have assumed he was inside the sleeping chamber.

He asked, “Did General Gu Xingzhi mention why he came to see Us?”

The eunuch shook his head, “General Gu Xingzhi… didn’t say! But it seemed like he had a furrowed brow and worried expression, with clothes stained as if he had just finished a fight somewhere. Perhaps he came to seek Your Majesty’s judgment?”

Luoshen contemplated this information. It appeared that Gu Xingzhi came to find him because of “Changnian,” who had been tied up. Gu Xingzhi knew that it was Luoming’s doing, and he came seeking Luoshen’s assistance. However, due to his status as a subject, Gu Xingzhi couldn’t directly intervene on “Changnian’s” behalf and had to leave it be.”

He breathed a sigh of relief and waved his hand, saying, “When he comes tomorrow, just tell him that We are aware, and We have our own plans.”

The eunuch nodded and took note of this.

As Luoshen entered, the eunuch closed the door behind him. However, he noticed a silver coin appearing before his eyes.

Chang’an furrowed his brow and said softly, “Don’t tell anyone about what happened tonight.”

The eunuch nodded and quickly replied, “I dare not speak a word about Your Majesty’s matters. I will naturally forget about tonight.”

“Has General Gu Xingzhi come again later?”

The eunuch shook his head, “He hasn’t returned. He should have gone back already.”

Chang’an’s brows furrowed even more, and he instructed with concern, “Keep an eye on it. If General Gu Xingzhi returns and tries to enter, do not allow him to disturb the Emperor’s peaceful sleep.”

The eunuch nodded vigorously as if he were hitting a drum, and he continued to stand guard outside, feeling relieved and pocketing the silver coin Chang’an had given him.

However, inside the room, Luoshen’s lips twitched as he stared blankly at an unexpected visitor.

“Gu Xingzhi… Why are you here?”

Gu Xingzhi knelt on one knee and replied, “I have an urgent matter to report, Your Majesty. I had no choice but to intrude and break into the palace. I didn’t expect that you were not inside.”

Luoshen’s face darkened. Why did Gu Xingzhi come to see him suddenly? Did he get discovered?

The eunuch’s words flashed through his mind. Wasn’t Gu Xingzhi supposed to have left already?

His expression turned cold, and he asked, “Gu Xingzhi, what crime does one commit for unlawfully entering the Emperor’s sleeping chamber?”

Gu Xingzhi lowered his gaze and replied, “The crime of execution.”

Luoshen shouted, “Guards—”

Gu Xingzhi suddenly questioned, “Your Majesty, are you not afraid that the guards you call may have ulterior motives?”

Luoshen was stunned, his words stuck in his throat. He looked at Gu Xingzhi, his eyes filled with surprise. He hadn’t expected this twist in the situation.

Gu Xingzhi turned to face the shocked eunuch. He didn’t want to accuse Luoshen without evidence, but the eunuch’s false report had left him with no choice. The eunuch lied about Luoshen’s absence, and now Luoshen was wearing palace attire. It was too suspicious.

Luoshen was getting angry, “Gu Xingzhi, by unlawfully intruding into the Emperor’s sleeping chamber, you should be—”

Gu Xingzhi interrupted, “Executed.”

Luoshen stopped and realized that he couldn’t call for guards without knowing who he could trust. His eyes wandered as he struggled to find a way out of this situation.

Gu Xingzhi continued calmly, “Your Majesty, why are you dressed in palace attire so late at night?”

Luoshen hesitated and replied, “I wanted to take a walk without being recognized. Is that not allowed?”

Gu Xingzhi raised an eyebrow, “Your Majesty could have dismissed the attendants.”

Luoshen felt his explanation wasn’t holding up well. He was originally planning to return to the palace and change his clothes before going to bed. He hadn’t expected Gu Xingzhi to show up. Fortunately, palace attire all looked the same, so he hoped Gu Xingzhi wouldn’t suspect anything.

“Actually, I ate too much tonight and wanted to walk it off. I didn’t want the trouble of dismissing everyone. Besides, I thought it might be helpful to get used to wearing ordinary clothes outside the palace.”

Gu Xingzhi didn’t seem convinced, “In the palace, you can dismiss everyone. Outside, there’s no need to wear palace attire.”

Luoshen frowned, and Gu Xingzhi’s words made sense. Still, Luoshen tried to defend himself, “I just wanted to save time. Is that so wrong?”

Gu Xingzhi responded calmly, “Your Majesty, unlawfully entering the Emperor’s sleeping chamber is a serious offense. I had to make sure there were no ulterior motives.”

Luoshen’s gaze wavered. Gu Xingzhi’s unexpected visit had caught him off guard. He had wanted to go back to the palace in regular clothes, thinking that he would have no need for palace attire once outside. However, Gu Xingzhi’s doubts were making him uneasy.

After a while, Luoshen suddenly realized in confusion that he had been the one questioning Gu Xingzhi, yet now Gu Xingzhi was turning the tables and interrogating him.

Luoshen’s gaze turned stern again, “Let’s discuss this matter later. What did you mean by what you said just now? What did you find out?”

Gu Xingzhi, who had taken some time to come up with an excuse, seemed satisfied with Luoshen’s response. He said, “Your Majesty, tonight, a palace maid was abducted from the palace.”

Luoshen asked, “And then?”

Gu Xingzhi observed his reaction and continued, “Your Majesty, you are already aware, aren’t you? This incident was orchestrated by Prince Qin.”

Luoshen had no hope of concealing the truth from Gu Xingzhi and admitted, “With such commotion in the palace, We are naturally aware.”

Gu Xingzhi then asked, “Does Your Majesty know the activities of the palace maid by your side at that time?”

Luoshen was taken aback. He knew about Chang’an, but the others were unaware.

Gu Xingzhi understood, “Your Majesty, I still need some time to investigate and confirm. I kindly request that Your Majesty refrain from leaving the palace without permission during this time.”

Luoshen’s expression was one of confusion, and he had been persuaded by Gu Xingzhi’s explanation. He had forgotten why he had been angry in the first place.

He nodded blankly and said, “Alright, I promise you. You may leave now.”

Gu Xingzhi stood up, and as he passed by Luoshen, the person next to him suddenly swayed and fell into his arms.

He caught the person and frowned, quickly lifting their face. He recognized the familiar scent and realized it was Luoshen.

Luoshen’s face had an unnatural flush, probably due to the effects of the medicine. He was somewhat disoriented and blinked up at Gu Xingzhi.

Gu Xingzhi was alarmed, “Your Majesty?”

Luoshen shook his head lightly, his gaze distant. He looked at a person’s collar, and there seemed to be a sense of familiarity.

“Is it you again… Gu Xingzhi?” Luoshen mumbled. “Why is it you again?”

Luoshen swayed his head and pushed Gu Xingzhi away, saying, “You… Your chest is too noisy.”

Gu Xingzhi was momentarily stunned. Luoshen seemed to be inebriated but now? Was this fake alcohol?

Gu Xingzhi asked, “Where did Your Majesty go for a drink?”

Luoshen shook his head and turned to leave, not noticing a chair nearby.

As he was about to bump into it, Gu Xingzhi swiftly pulled him back, saying, “Your Majesty, you’re drunk.”

Luoshen tilted his head back in disagreement, “I… didn’t drink. Don’t believe me? Smell it for yourself.”

Luoshen leaned closer, pressing his hand against the back of Gu Xingzhi’s head, but this angle made it impossible to smell anything. So, he stood on tiptoes, but in the process, he accidentally bumped his lips against Gu Xingzhi’s.