Let Me Go, I’m Not Pregnant - Chapter 34

Lady Gu’s questioning abruptly ceased. Before she could react, Gu Xingzhi dashed out.

 

He was in such a rush.

 

Outside, Luo Shen alighted from the sedan chair. General Gu stood beside him, bowing and greeting, “Greetings, Your Majesty!”

 

“No need for formalities,” Luo Shen said, tightening his cloak. The afternoon sun was intense, and he wondered if his pallor was too obvious.

 

General Gu led Luo Shen inside, puzzled. “Why has Your Majesty come so suddenly?”

 

He noticed the sunlight casting a glow on Luo Shen, making his already pale face appear even more ethereal, almost transparent, and his frail body seemed to waver slightly, looking extremely weak.

 

General Gu furrowed his brow deeply. “Is this about Prince Ping?”

 

Luo Shen had been pondering an excuse, but upon hearing this, he simply nodded. “Yes.”

 

“Your Maj…” Luo Shen had just stepped into the main hall when Gu Xingzhi rushed out. Seeing Luo Shen’s complexion, he hesitated, gripping the medicine bottle tightly.

 

He stepped back and saluted, “Greetings, Your Majesty.”

 

Luo Shen wanted to reach out but seeing Gu Xingzhi’s actions, his hand froze mid-air. He pulled his cloak tighter. “No need for formalities.”

 

Soon after, Lady Gu also emerged. Seeing Luo Shen, she looked behind him before bowing.

 

“Ah Xing, go and have the servants prepare some food. Xingzhi, if you’re free, go inspect the soldiers. Your Majesty, please come to the study for a detailed discussion.”

 

Lady Gu quickly pulled Gu Xingzhi along.

 

She tugged twice but couldn’t move him. Looking up, she saw Gu Xingzhi staring at Luo Shen.

 

Lady Gu seemed to have a thought and opened her mouth, “Son…”

 

Gu Xingzhi snapped out of it, pocketing the medicine bottle. “What is it, Mother?”

 

Lady Gu responded irritably, “Why aren’t you looking at your mother when you talk?”

 

Just as Gu Xingzhi was about to look away, he noticed Luo Shen about to step on an unstable stone. Given Luo Shen’s frail condition, he would certainly fall.

 

Without thinking, he stepped forward and held Luo Shen back.

 

One of Luo Shen’s feet hadn’t yet touched the ground, but he was pulled back.

 

He was stunned.

 

Looking up.

 

Gu Xingzhi, under the gaze of everyone present, calmly pushed the loose stone aside with his foot and released Luo Shen. “I’m very busy today, need to fix all these loose stones. Your Majesty, please proceed slowly.”

 

General Gu withdrew his puzzled gaze and signaled to Lady Gu.

 

Lady Gu’s mouth fell open slightly.

 

This little brat, he usually doesn’t find such chores to do!

 

Fixing loose stones? Wasn’t it him who kicked them loose when he came back?

 

Luo Shen said nothing, following General Gu into the main study.

 

The study had two rooms. The side study was used for receiving guests and was frequently used.

 

The main study was exclusively for General Gu, not used for receiving guests. Its door was the sturdiest, ensuring conversations inside couldn’t be overheard. When Gu Xingzhi was young and got spanked, fearing his mother’s distress, it was in this room.

 

Gu Xingzhi watched the two enter, his expression darkening.

 

Lady Gu walked over and nudged the stone with her shoe. “Son…”

 

He snapped back, looking at Lady Gu. “Mother, what’s wrong?”

 

Lady Gu casually asked, “Didn’t you say you fancied a girl recently? Any news?”

 

Only then did Gu Xingzhi remember. He coughed. “Mother, you misunderstood.”

 

Lady Gu stared at him incredulously. “Misunderstood? I remember you harassing her. Are you not going to take responsibility?”

 

Gu Xingzhi took a deep breath. “No, I will!”

 

“Then when will you marry her?” Lady Gu squinted, staring intently.

 

Gu Xingzhi choked.

 

Marry the Emperor?

 

  He’ll Probably Be Beheaded by His Own Father in Public, Right?

 

Seeing Gu Xingzhi’s troubled expression, Lady Gu’s eyes flickered with realization. “Does that girl want you to marry into her family?”

 

Gu Xingzhi: “……”

 

Lady Gu thought it over. If her son wasn’t unwilling to marry the girl, then either the girl didn’t want to marry him, or she wanted him to marry into her family.

 

Not wanting to marry him—well, that’s uncertain.

 

But marrying into her family—

 

“That’s not impossible!” Lady Gu patted his shoulder, seeing his expression crack. “Son, our Gu family doesn’t mind such things. If the other party is willing to be with you, whether you marry in or she marries out, it’s all the same. As long as both parents meet before the wedding to discuss the date, it’s fine!”

 

Gu Xingzhi: “……”

 

He was utterly dumbfounded.

 

The more Lady Gu spoke, the more enthusiastic she became, already urging him to contact the girl’s family and prepare some gifts.

 

Just as she was about to leave, she suddenly remembered something and turned back. “I haven’t asked you yet, is your friend who needs the Hundred Poisons Pill a man or a woman?”

 

But as she glanced around the room, there was no trace of him—he had already fled through the window.

 

In the study.

 

General Gu spread out several letters.

 

“Your Majesty, these are the recent letters from Prince Ping.”

 

Luo Shen casually picked one up, opened it, and glanced at it.

 

The text was ordinary, just simple greetings. Even if intercepted, there would be nothing suspicious.

 

But given his current position, sending such letters was inappropriate.

 

Luo Shen’s expression cooled.

 

General Gu said, “Though the late emperor left an edict, if Prince Ping’s ambitions remain unchecked, I suggest—”

 

Luo Shen raised his eyes slightly, then closed them.

 

His hand, hidden in his sleeve, tightened.

 

A few days ago, he indeed considered this issue, but had no solution.

 

He couldn’t possibly attend court while pregnant.

 

Seeing his expression, General Gu sighed.

 

When he and the late emperor discussed it, they had specifically let Luo Shen act as the new emperor for a while, hoping to inspire his ambition.

 

But now it seemed—

 

General Gu put away the letter. “I will properly caution Prince Ping to prevent his arrogance from affecting Your Majesty.”

 

Then, General Gu took out another deed and handed it to Luo Shen. “I have followed the late emperor’s instructions and purchased a house in the suburbs. The servants are ready. Once Your Majesty decides to abdicate, you can move there immediately.”

 

Luo Shen put away the deed. “Thank you for your efforts, General Gu.”

 

General Gu remained silent for a long time, merely gazing deeply at him.

 

Luo Shen: “……”

 

Feeling unnerved by the stare, Luo Shen was about to change the topic when he suddenly felt someone watching him.

 

He turned his head but saw no one at the window, and the feeling disappeared.

 

“Your Majesty, what is it?”

 

“Nothing.” Luo Shen thought he must have been mistaken and stood up. “With General Gu managing everything behind the scenes, I can rest assured.”

 

Seeing him about to leave, General Gu stood up as well. “Why not stay for a meal, Your Majesty?”

 

Luo Shen reached the door, about to refuse, when Gu Xingzhi’s face flashed through his mind.

 

His ears still echoed with a reminder from Chang Xin before he left: “Your Majesty, if your spouse runs away, you’ll need to coax them back.”

 

Coax…?

 

His ears warmed, and after a moment’s pause, he said, “…Alright.”

 

General Gu opened the door. “It’s still early. Since Your Majesty made a special trip, why not visit the training grounds?”

 

Luo Shen was about to agree when Gu Xingzhi walked in from the doorway. “If Your Majesty is going, I’ll accompany you.”

 

General Gu glanced at Gu Xingzhi. “Weren’t you supposed to be dealing with the loose stones? Finished already?”

 

Gu Xingzhi silently kicked the loose stone out the door and said, “It’s a minor task, not urgent. I’ll escort His Majesty. Father, Mother was just looking for you.”

 

General Gu Looked at Him, Thinking Something Was Odd About Him Today.

 

But remembering that he would need Gu Xingzhi to support Luo Shen in the future, he decided to give them an opportunity to develop their relationship. So, he restrained himself and said, “Your Majesty, would it be alright if my son accompanies you?”

 

Luo Shen quickly nodded. “You go ahead.”

 

General Gu thanked him, then swiftly pulled Gu Xingzhi to the side. “Xingzhi, be honest!”

 

Gu Xingzhi feigned ignorance. “About what?”

 

“What do you think?” General Gu wasn’t a fool; he could clearly sense the subtle tension between them. “Did you upset His Majesty?”

 

Gu Xingzhi: “……”

 

“He’s the emperor and you’re his subject. Now that you’re in the capital, curb that temper of yours from the frontier. I know you didn’t want to return, but don’t take it out on His Majesty!”

 

Just as Gu Xingzhi was about to speak, General Gu continued, “And don’t think I don’t know—you made him dress as a woman not long ago! Don’t bully His Majesty again, understood?”

 

Gu Xingzhi: “……”

 

Well… he had already bullied him.

 

What should he do?

 

Seeing Gu Xingzhi’s dazed expression, General Gu thought he had frightened him into submission and relaxed a bit. “Be more careful on the way. I’ll join you soon!”

 

Gu Xingzhi nodded dismissively.

 

General Gu, noticing his attitude, knew his son was likely to cause trouble again. He could only sigh.

 

What else could he do? He hoped Luo Shen would be tolerant and not hold it against Gu Xingzhi. When Luo Shen moved out of the palace, they could still support each other…

 

He escorted them out, feeling slightly relieved when he saw Gu Xingzhi helping Luo Shen onto the carriage.

 

This kid, he still listened to his father to some extent. But in the next second—

 

Gu Xingzhi got into the same carriage.

 

General Gu: “……”

 

Inside the carriage, Luo Shen nervously swallowed.

 

He glanced at Gu Xingzhi’s cold profile.

 

He had been so gentle just now.

 

Remembering Chang Xin’s words, he looked over again, meeting Gu Xingzhi’s scrutinizing eyes.

 

Luo Shen swallowed. “Um… I… came to fetch you.”

 

Gu Xingzhi’s eyes lifted slightly, watching him.

 

He hadn’t heard the words he wanted yet.

 

Seeing his expression, Luo Shen added with difficulty, “About earlier… I… it’s not what you think. It’s because…”

 

He opened his mouth, but the words “I’m pregnant” just wouldn’t come out.

 

He had to compromise. “You misunderstood. I’m not terminally ill and I don’t have only two months left.”

 

Hearing this, Gu Xingzhi’s expression softened a bit, but his gaze remained scrutinizing.

 

He felt distressed, seeing Luo Shen, who had been in so much pain this morning, come out of the palace to find him in the afternoon.

 

But if he showed weakness now, the emperor would never tell him the truth.

 

Seeing no response, Luo Shen fell silent.

 

Gu Xingzhi leaned back in the carriage, watching Luo Shen’s furrowed brows and slightly moving lips. Finally, he seemed to make a decision and slowly, very slowly, inched closer.

 

His throat involuntarily tightened.

 

He thought, as long as Luo Shen spoke up, no matter what it was, he would face it with him.

 

If it was poison, he would give him the Hundred Poisons Pill.

 

If it was some hidden ailment, he would search high and low for a cure.

 

And then—

 

Luo Shen’s face got closer and closer.

 

Realizing what was happening, Gu Xingzhi saw his slightly flushed face and cautious, clear eyes, and his heart softened.

 

As they got closer, just as Gu Xingzhi was about to embrace him, Luo Shen’s face suddenly turned pale. He covered his mouth and rushed to the other side of the carriage, retching into a spittoon.  

 

### General Gu Looked at Him, Thinking Something Was Odd About Him Today.

 

But remembering that he would need Gu Xingzhi to support Luo Shen in the future, he decided to give them an opportunity to develop their relationship. So, he restrained himself and said, “Your Majesty, would it be alright if my son accompanies you?”

 

Luo Shen quickly nodded. “You go ahead.”

 

General Gu thanked him, then swiftly pulled Gu Xingzhi to the side. “Xingzhi, be honest!”

 

Gu Xingzhi feigned ignorance. “About what?”

 

“What do you think?” General Gu wasn’t a fool; he could clearly sense the subtle tension between them. “Did you upset His Majesty?”

 

Gu Xingzhi: “……”

 

“He’s the emperor and you’re his subject. Now that you’re in the capital, curb that temper of yours from the frontier. I know you didn’t want to return, but don’t take it out on His Majesty!”

 

Just as Gu Xingzhi was about to speak, General Gu continued, “And don’t think I don’t know—you made him dress as a woman not long ago! Don’t bully His Majesty again, understood?”

 

Gu Xingzhi: “……”

 

Well… he had already bullied him.

 

What should he do?

 

Seeing Gu Xingzhi’s dazed expression, General Gu thought he had frightened him into submission and relaxed a bit. “Be more careful on the way. I’ll join you soon!”

 

Gu Xingzhi nodded dismissively.

 

General Gu, noticing his attitude, knew his son was likely to cause trouble again. He could only sigh.

 

What else could he do? He hoped Luo Shen would be tolerant and not hold it against Gu Xingzhi. When Luo Shen moved out of the palace, they could still support each other…

 

He escorted them out, feeling slightly relieved when he saw Gu Xingzhi helping Luo Shen onto the carriage.

 

This kid, he still listened to his father to some extent. But in the next second—

 

Gu Xingzhi got into the same carriage.

 

General Gu: “……”

 

Inside the carriage, Luo Shen nervously swallowed.

 

He glanced at Gu Xingzhi’s cold profile.

 

He had been so gentle just now.

 

Remembering Chang Xin’s words, he looked over again, meeting Gu Xingzhi’s scrutinizing eyes.

 

Luo Shen swallowed. “Um… I… came to fetch you.”

 

Gu Xingzhi’s eyes lifted slightly, watching him.

 

He hadn’t heard the words he wanted yet.

 

Seeing his expression, Luo Shen added with difficulty, “About earlier… I… it’s not what you think. It’s because…”

 

He opened his mouth, but the words “I’m pregnant” just wouldn’t come out.

 

He had to compromise. “You misunderstood. I’m not terminally ill and I don’t have only two months left.”

 

Hearing this, Gu Xingzhi’s expression softened a bit, but his gaze remained scrutinizing.

 

He felt distressed, seeing Luo Shen, who had been in so much pain this morning, come out of the palace to find him in the afternoon.

 

But if he showed weakness now, the emperor would never tell him the truth.

 

Seeing no response, Luo Shen fell silent.

 

Gu Xingzhi leaned back in the carriage, watching Luo Shen’s furrowed brows and slightly moving lips. Finally, he seemed to make a decision and slowly, very slowly, inched closer.

 

His throat involuntarily tightened.

 

He thought, as long as Luo Shen spoke up, no matter what it was, he would face it with him.

 

If it was poison, he would give him the Hundred Poisons Pill.

 

If it was some hidden ailment, he would search high and low for a cure.

 

And then—

 

Luo Shen’s face got closer and closer.

 

Realizing what was happening, Gu Xingzhi saw his slightly flushed face and cautious, clear eyes, and his heart softened.

 

As they got closer, just as Gu Xingzhi was about to embrace him, Luo Shen’s face suddenly turned pale. He covered his mouth and rushed to the other side of the carriage, retching into a spittoon.