Let Me Go, I’m Not Pregnant - Chapter 37

On the other side.

 

Just after Changxin climbed out of the window, she encountered General Gu on the road, who had come to apologize.

 

She paused in her steps, and seeing that he had already noticed her, she stepped out of the shadows and respectfully saluted, “This servant greets General Gu.”

 

General Gu was stunned for a moment. As he looked at Changxin in the shadows, the image of Madam Gu surfaced in his mind.

 

All these years, Madam Gu had been delivering things to the palace regularly, and over time, General Gu naturally became aware of Changxin’s presence.

 

He also knew that Changxin was his daughter.

 

Madam Gu had never had the courage to tell him, and he didn’t know how to confess that he already knew.

 

When Madam Gu wasn’t aware, he had approached Changxin, intending to bring her home, but Changxin had always been resolute.

 

“If General Gu is here to claim me, then please leave.”

 

General Gu took a deep breath. He looked at Changxin and said, “I am here today to explain to the Emperor. This afternoon’s incident was a misunderstanding.”

 

Changxin raised her eyes, her expression becoming indignant, “What is there to misunderstand? Isn’t there an engagement and your evidence? How could that be a misunderstanding?”

 

General Gu pressed his lips together, “It was my fault for not verifying it earlier. Please take me in to see the Emperor and explain to him.”

 

Changxin looked at him suspiciously.

 

Today, Luo Shen had already been provoked. He was pregnant and should have been carefully nurturing the fetus, but they had agitated him repeatedly.

 

Now they wanted to make amends?

 

Too late, wasn’t it?

 

Changxin said angrily, “The Emperor doesn’t want to see you. Whatever you have to say, say it tomorrow!”

 

After saying this, Changxin turned to leave. After a few steps, she suddenly thought of something and turned back to warn him, “Don’t let Gu Xingzhi get close to the Emperor again, or my knife won’t spare him!”

 

General Gu was stunned. Gu Xingzhi was faster than him and should already be in the palace by now. If Changxin hadn’t seen him before coming out, it meant they hadn’t met. Gu Xingzhi might have already seen the Emperor.

 

But if Changxin returned and saw Gu Xingzhi, she would definitely attack him.

 

General Gu decided to stall Changxin.

 

He called out to her, remembering something, “Changxin, what happened when the Emperor went to Tianxi Tower that day?”

 

Changxin frowned, “Why are you asking about that?”

 

General Gu said, “Changxin, the late Emperor assigned you and a few other secret guards to protect the Emperor. But you neglected your duties, allowing the Emperor to be taken to Tianxi Tower. Even if you were off duty that day, what about the others?”

 

Changxin was puzzled, “What about Tianxi Tower?”

 

General Gu: “…”

 

He narrowed his eyes, “Changxin! Isn’t it your duty to protect the Emperor? Didn’t you say you would protect the Emperor and not let anyone get close? Then that day at Tianxi Tower, with Xingzhi… didn’t you notice any problem?”

 

Changxin’s confused eyes gradually cleared up. This matter had been repeatedly postponed due to a series of accidents, and it was later found to be done by Prince Qin. Using Zhao Xiancheng’s incident, they had placed Prince Qin under house arrest.

 

As for Changxin, she had been spared severe punishment due to Luo Shen’s leniency, although all other secret guards in the palace were still being investigated.

 

However…

 

“I received orders that day not to go,” Changxin said, perplexed, as she merely followed the orders. “Master told me to escort secretly and ensure the Emperor’s safety.”

 

General Gu was stunned, “Then why didn’t you tell the Emperor about this?”

 

Changxin said, “The Emperor didn’t ask.”

 

General Gu: “…”

 

He held his forehead, thinking carefully. After a moment, he understood.

 

“Was this… ordered by the late Emperor?”

 

“Yes.”

 

General Gu took a deep breath, “Who else was involved? Did Chang’an also help?”

 

“Chang’an only found out later when he went to deal with the bodies.”

 

The eunuch, after all, was an acquaintance. Although it had been a long time, Luo Shen still vaguely remembered him and naturally wasn’t too guarded. The late Emperor knew that Luo Shen couldn’t have anyone close to him do such things, so he made a deal with him.

 

He protected everyone in the Cold Palace by himself.

 

General Gu’s voice trembled, “So, the late Emperor even schemed against the Emperor?”

 

To ensure that Gu Xingzhi would wholeheartedly follow Luo Shen, he even schemed against his own son.

 

No wonder the late Emperor asked General Gu to handle the location outside the palace, insisting it be close to the Gu residence.

 

He was clearly planning their future marital home!

 

General Gu felt a surge of anger. He could understand the late Emperor’s intentions, but understanding didn’t mean acceptance, especially given the uncertainties.

 

What if Gu Xingzhi never liked the Emperor, and the Emperor didn’t like Gu Xingzhi either?

 

What if something went wrong, and they never met?

 

“Nonsense!” General Gu was furious, but the late Emperor was already buried. No matter how much he wanted an explanation, he could only be angry.

 

He exhaled heavily, trying to calm himself, “So, the Emperor still doesn’t know about this?”

 

Changxin frowned, staring at him warily, “Do you plan to tell the Emperor?”

 

If she told, Luo Shen might become disheartened by her actions, and in the worst case, she could be executed.

 

But, Changxin was of the Gu family bloodline. The Gu family wouldn’t abandon her, and Luo Shen couldn’t harm the Gu family. This way, Changxin’s life would be spared.

 

What happened to Changxin afterward was the Gu family’s concern. The late Emperor’s scheme had already tightly bound Gu Xingzhi and Luo Shen, and the royal family and the Gu family together.

 

General Gu felt cold at the late Emperor’s calculation. He looked at Changxin, “Even so, you still want to serve Luo Shen?”

 

Changxin was indifferent, “They saved my life.”

 

She looked at General Gu, “You don’t plan to rebel, do you?”

 

General Gu sternly replied, “That’s impossible.”

 

Despite everything, the Gu family had deep loyalty ingrained in them. Rebellion was out of the question.

 

The late Emperor knew this, which is why he boldly “borrowed” Gu Xingzhi and Changxin.

 

If Gu Xingzhi hadn’t fallen in love with Luo Shen, he could have resigned and returned home in protest.

 

But Gu Xingzhi did fall in love and was deeply involved.

 

General Gu had watched Luo Shen grow up and knew he was completely innocent in this, merely a victim. He couldn’t bear to see Luo Shen shunned because of the late Emperor’s actions.

 

The late Emperor had schemed their future and their hearts.

 

General Gu looked at Changxin, “Changxin, after this is over, come back.”

 

He was truly afraid of the late Emperor’s schemes, fearing he had given Changxin some order to throw her into the fire repeatedly.

 

Changxin shook her head and refused.

 

General Gu thought it was because of past events and was about to persuade her when Changxin spoke, “I need to take care of the Emperor and the crown prince. I don’t have time for you.”

 

General Gu’s outstretched hand froze in mid-air, “What…?”

 

==

 

On the other side, the cold wind blew.

 

Gu Xingzhi was still kneeling.

 

The cold stone slabs had warmed under his knees. Occasionally, there were noises from inside, and the candlelight flickered. He saw Chang’an running back and forth with a group of young eunuchs, but no one spared him a glance.

 

Gu Xingzhi closed his eyes, thinking he deserved this for not resolving these matters sooner.

 

But watching Chang’an run around in panic made him want to see Luo Shen even more.

 

Chang’an had run back and forth between the imperial kitchen and the bedchamber over five times, shouting halfway, “How can it be gone? There’s none left in the other palaces?”

 

A young eunuch trembled and whispered, “It was Prince Ping… he said the Emperor liked preserved plums so much, he wanted to try some.”

 

Chang’an’s face stiffened, “He wanted to try some, so where’s the rest?”

 

“Prince Ping said the preserved plums were impure and ordered the kitchen to discard them all and make a new batch. The new ones aren’t ready yet…”

 

Chang’an was frantic, “All discarded? Not even a bit left?”

 

“Prince Ping searched the storage himself. We didn’t dare hide any.”

 

Chang’an clenched his fists in anger.

 

The young eunuch timidly suggested, “Chang’an Gonggong, maybe… we could buy some outside the palace?”

 

Chang’an glared at him, “At this hour, where outside the palace can you buy any?”

 

The young eunuch shivered, nearly crying.

 

At this moment, Gu Xingzhi walked over, “Chang’an, does the Emperor want to eat preserved plums?”

 

Chang’an’s expression grew even more displeased seeing him, “What does that have to do with you, Lord Gu?”

 

Gu Xingzhi replied, “Buying preserved plums won’t be quick enough. Does the Emperor want preserved plums or something sour?”

 

Chang’an was taken aback, warily eyeing Gu Xingzhi, “Lord Gu… you know?”

 

Gu Xingzhi was confused, “Know what?”

 

Chang’an shook his head, “Never mind. What do you suggest, Lord Gu?”

 

“Let me borrow the kitchen,” Gu Xingzhi said, heading to the kitchen.

 

Chang’an quickly followed, intending to stop him, but Gu Xingzhi said, “If it’s the latter, I can make something. If it’s the former, I can’t help.”

 

Gu Xingzhi paused as he realized that lately, Luo Shen seemed to like sour things?

 

Chang’an said, “Lord Gu, just tell the chef what to do. This kind of thing should be left to professionals.”

 

Gu Xingzhi stopped and stared at Chang’an.

 

Chang’an felt a sudden chill.

 

Then he heard Gu Xingzhi say, “If I let you do it, how can I ask the Emperor to forgive me?”

 

He took a long stride into the room, locking the door behind him, successfully trapping the others outside.

 

Chang’an angrily scratched at the door.

 

Inside, the chef was stunned to see Gu Xingzhi.

 

Gu Xingzhi was also momentarily surprised.

 

Then the door opened and closed again, and another person joined Chang’an in scratching at the door.

 

After a while, Gu Xingzhi came out, and the two people at the door stood up immediately.

 

Chang’an looked wary, “Lord Gu!”

 

The chef glanced at the dish in Gu Xingzhi’s hand and clicked his tongue, “Pickled radish? I tried that before. It didn’t work.”

 

Gu Xingzhi handed over a spoon, “Try it.”

 

The chef was taken aback. He glanced at Chang’an, who hesitantly nodded. The chef then took the spoon, scooped a piece, and put it in his mouth.

 

His face instantly scrunched up like a crumpled piece of paper.

 

Seeing this, Chang’an was alarmed, “Lord Gu, what did you do!”

 

“Chang’an Gonggong, you can try it too.”

 

Gu Xingzhi handed over a second spoon he had prepared.

 

Chang’an suspiciously took it and ate a piece, becoming so sour that he couldn’t speak.

 

He squatted on the ground, tears streaming down his face.

 

Above him, Gu Xingzhi asked, “Are you both okay?”

 

Chang’an forced a response, “Still… okay.”

 

“Looks like it’s not poisoned.” Gu Xingzhi breathed a sigh of relief and immediately walked away.

 

Chang’an: “…”

 

He quickly tried to follow, but bumped into the chef, who was dizzy from the sourness. The chef cried out, “This is so sour! Did Lord Gu want to drown us in vinegar or what, adding so much?”

 

Chang’an glanced at him, hurriedly getting up to chase after Gu Xingzhi. He paused before leaving, asking, “This won’t cause any problems, right?”

 

The chef, almost in tears, sat on the ground, “Only if the Emperor doesn’t chop my head off for the sourness!”

 

Chang’an: “…”

 

He felt reassured.

 

He slowed his pace as he walked in.

 

Inside the room.

 

Luo Shen heard the commotion at the door and casually picked up a teacup to rinse his mouth with cool water.

 

He felt so nauseated that his voice turned hoarse, “Just leave it on the table and leave.”

 

Footsteps came from behind him, and moments later, the door closed.

 

Luo Shen got up from the mat, turned around, and saw Gu Xingzhi kneeling toward him.

 

He stared at Gu Xingzhi, his heart suddenly racing. He thought he was seeing things and swallowed the question that was about to come out, turning to walk toward the table instead.

 

Gu Xingzhi felt a sharp pain in his heart. He looked up and softly called, “A-Shen.”

 

Luo Shen’s movements froze. He took a deep breath, glanced at the disheveled Gu Xingzhi, and said coldly, “Shouldn’t you be preparing for your wedding? Why are you here?”

 

His tone was icy, and he tried to appear indifferent, but his trembling fingertips betrayed him.

 

By the end, even his breath was unsteady, “Breaking into my bedchamber at night—what crime should you be charged with?”

 

Gu Xingzhi hurriedly explained, “My father misunderstood. The engagement mentioned at the succession ceremony—he didn’t know it was you. He thought I was two-timing, so he obstructed us. I… really don’t have an engagement.”

 

He anxiously stood up, “A-Shen, other than you, I have no one else I like.”

 

“Who knows? You’re so busy in the palace, yet you still have an engagement.” Luo Shen was furious, refusing to believe his words. Seeing Gu Xingzhi stand up, he immediately took two steps back, showing a clear intent to keep distance.

 

Gu Xingzhi’s mouth opened, then he lowered his eyes, “Out of twelve hours in a day, I rest for five. The rest, I’m with you.”

 

He softened his voice, “A-Shen, if you don’t come, who would I marry?”

 

Luo Shen’s heart wavered. Before he left to find Luo Ming for that half-month, Gu Xingzhi had stayed in the palace. How could he have had a chance to find someone else? And during that half-month, Qin Feng was watching him, ensuring he didn’t stop for a moment.

 

But the engagement was just an excuse. The real reason was—

 

Gu Xingzhi guessed his concern and quickly said, “My father has no objections to the matter of men loving men.”

 

Luo Shen stared at him in a daze.

 

Gu Xingzhi met his gaze and solemnly said, “If the Emperor doesn’t believe it, you can take me into the palace.”

 

Luo Shen’s eyes widened in disbelief, “What are you saying?”

 

“Your Majesty, please take me into the palace,” Gu Xingzhi said loudly.

 

Luo Shen pursed his lips slightly. “You’re… joking, right?”

 

How could anyone be willing to give up a bright future and enter the palace as a male concubine?

 

He tried to ask, “Gu Xingzhi, have you been beaten senseless by General Gu?”

 

Gu Xingzhi just smiled. “If I were senseless, would Your Majesty still want me?”

 

Luo Shen was momentarily dazzled by that smile, his heart suddenly softened. He quickly looked away. “No!”

 

Gu Xingzhi’s smile froze, and his lips slowly straightened. “…Oh.”

 

Luo Shen couldn’t help but glance at him out of the corner of his eye, only to see him looking down, as if he were a dog that had been abandoned. Luo Shen quickly pushed aside all his thoughts, walked to the table, and sat down. “You should go back. Let’s pretend today never happened.”

 

He averted his gaze, using eating to hide the panic on his face.

 

But Gu Xingzhi refused to leave. “Your Majesty, I don’t want to go.”

 

Luo Shen scolded, “Gu Xingzhi, don’t push your luck!”

 

Gu Xingzhi had to retreat and compromise. “If Your Majesty no longer likes me, then cast me aside. If you want me, just call for me, and I will never leave your side.”

 

Luo Shen frowned. “When did I ever want you by my side?”

 

“It is my own improper desire.” Gu Xingzhi looked at his profile. “Only when Your Majesty’s anger subsides and you are willing to take me into the palace, can I be at peace.”

 

Luo Shen simply put down his chopsticks and stared at him for a while. “Do you really want to enter the harem?”

 

Gu Xingzhi replied, “No.”

 

Luo Shen thought, of course, and gave a cold smile. Just as he was about to speak, Gu Xingzhi added, “I want to be with Your Majesty forever.”

 

His smile held firm.

 

“Gu Xingzhi…”

 

“Your Majesty, I was wrong in this matter, and I admit it. I will handle everything properly, but please, don’t abandon me.”

 

Gu Xingzhi continued, “The one who had an engagement with me from the beginning to the end has always been Your Majesty alone.”

 

Luo Shen’s lips twitched slightly.

 

He suddenly realized that emotions are truly tyrannical.

 

Clearly, he had been angry to the point of heartache during the day, but in the evening, he could soften his heart because of a few promises.

 

It wasn’t that he didn’t trust Gu Xingzhi; he just didn’t trust others.

 

“This matter, I…”

 

Halfway through his sentence, a report came from outside saying that General Gu requested an audience.

 

Luo Shen was stunned for a moment and looked at Gu Xingzhi.

 

Gu Xingzhi said, “If Your Majesty still has concerns, we can confront him directly.”

 

Luo Shen remembered the scene from earlier in the day, pursed his lips, and then the window was opened by someone. Changxin climbed into the room, saw Gu Xingzhi, and was taken aback.

 

“Gu Xingzhi?” Changxin glanced at Luo Shen, then at Gu Xingzhi, and walked to Luo Shen’s side. “Your Majesty, shall I cut him down?”

 

She waited and waited, hoping for Luo Shen’s nod.

 

But Luo Shen ultimately refused. “Changxin, go back and wait.”

 

Changxin glared at Gu Xingzhi discontentedly, then silently moved to the side.

 

Only then did Luo Shen allow the others to enter.

 

When General Gu entered the room, he saw Gu Xingzhi standing by Luo Shen’s side with a look as if he were about to be abandoned, and his heart trembled. “Your Majesty, please forgive me.”

 

He knelt on the ground and said the same thing as Gu Xingzhi. “Today, I misunderstood Xingzhi and have come to apologize. Please punish me, Your Majesty!”

 

Luo Shen looked at him, his expression slightly changing. “General Gu, you advised me to let go this afternoon. Are you now here to advise me to reconcile with him?”

 

General Gu lowered his head. Having been on the battlefield for decades, he never thought that in his old age, he would do something so foolish in a moment of hot-headedness, breaking up a pair of lovers and affecting his grandson.

 

He couldn’t bear to look at Luo Shen anymore. “I wouldn’t dare.”

 

Luo Shen glanced at the General Gu. “Gu Fu, is it true that there’s no engagement?”

 

General Gu hesitated, slowly lifted his head to look at Luo Shen. A glimmer of hope passed through his eyes before he answered, “There is no engagement.”

 

Luo Shen chuckled in exasperation. “General Gu, just now, your son said he wants to enter the palace as a male concubine. What do you think?”

 

General Gu was taken aback. He looked at Gu Xingzhi, who had been gazing at Luo Shen with deep affection since entering the room, completely ignoring him.

 

Clearly, Gu Xingzhi was deeply in love. Even if General Gu wanted to sever this relationship, it was impossible.

 

Seeing him silent, Luo Shen looked at Gu Xingzhi with a cold expression. He thought to himself that indeed, while General Gu had never harbored any grudge against him before, it didn’t mean he wasn’t truly bothered by this situation.

 

Suppressing his emotions, Luo Shen was too lazy to ask further. Just as he was about to dismiss them, General Gu asked, “May I ask, when would this entry into the harem happen? What preparations do I need to make?”

 

Luo Shen was shocked. He looked at General Gu incredulously. Seriously?

 

General Gu nodded.

 

He had just decided that since he had made such a foolish mistake in his old age, he might as well remedy it if possible. Besides, both individuals were fond of each other—one was his son and the other someone he had seen grow up. Choosing between them was impossible for him.

 

Moreover, this was Gu Xingzhi’s suggestion, indicating that he was ready and waiting for Luo Shen to speak.

 

Once they were married, if Luo Shen had an heir, Gu Xingzhi could handle state affairs temporarily. When Luo Shen retired to care for the child, Gu Xingzhi could still attend court or retire as a virtuous husband and father.

 

This was also the late emperor’s wish. Did he have any reason to refuse such a son-in-law?

 

In any case, he had no choice but to agree.

 

As for face…

 

As an old man, what did he need face for? He wanted grandchildren!

 

General Gu deeply nodded again. “Your Majesty, the dowry you sent today, is it considered a betrothal gift?”

 

Luo Shen was dumbfounded.

 

After a while, Luo Shen regained his senses. He pressed his forehead and ordered them to be escorted out.

 

Both were escorted out together.

 

Chang’an closed the door and sighed while looking at their backs. “His Majesty is still angry. Don’t disturb him. If there’s anything, discuss it tomorrow.”

 

General Gu agreed and said to Chang’an, “If His Majesty summons me, please inform me promptly.”

 

Chang’an nodded.

 

General Gu turned to leave. At this moment, Chang’an called out, “General Gu, why aren’t you going with them?”

 

General Gu paused, turned his head to look at Gu Xingzhi, who was still standing at the door, silent, his gaze fixed on Luo Shen’s door with a worried expression.

 

Chang’an seemed about to advise him again, but General Gu quickly said, “Let him stay.”

 

Chang’an frowned. “Didn’t I just say that His Majesty is still angry? You can come back tomorrow. Waiting here might make His Majesty worry. Who will suffer in the end?”

 

General Gu pressed his temples, agreeing with Chang’an’s reasoning. “Then, Chang’an, please arrange temporary accommodation for him.”

 

Chang’an asked in confusion, “?”

 

He frowned and looked at General Gu. “Does General mean—”

 

“Let him learn how to serve before the marriage.”

 

Chang’an: “…”

 

Is he serious?

 

He hesitated, finding it difficult to say, “The matter of marriage… still needs to be discussed. General, please… don’t be too confident.”

 

Today, he teased Luo Shen a bit. Did they really want him to marry Gu Xingzhi?

 

Dream on, these two…

 

General Gu nodded again, then walked over to Gu Xingzhi and patted his shoulder.

 

“Son…”

 

Gu Xingzhi tightened the hand in his sleeve slightly. Seeing that Luo Shen was so angry, he knew the chances were slim.

 

But he was unwilling to let go.

 

“Father, if you’re here to persuade me, there’s no need.”

 

General Gu shook his head and patted his shoulder again. “Son, you must pursue him until you succeed!”

 

Chang’an: “…”

 

Gu Xingzhi: “…”

 

General Gu brushed the dust off his son’s shoulder. “Tomorrow, I’ll have someone bring your belongings. Next time you come home, remember to bring His Majesty.”

 

After General Gu finished speaking, he left. Only Gu Xingzhi and Chang’an remained, looking at each other in silence.

 

Why did he feel like… General Gu was more anxious about this marriage than he was?

 

Seeing that everyone had left and knowing that Luo Shen wouldn’t speak up about Gu Xingzhi, Chang’an sighed and reluctantly arranged a simple room for Gu Xingzhi.

 

“Sir, please stay here temporarily.”

 

Gu Xingzhi thanked him and walked into the room.

 

The room was intended for palace servants’ rest, with little inside and only one blanket on the bed.

 

Gu Xingzhi lit a candle and looked at the flickering light, his heart still unable to settle.

 

He walked to the door, about to open it and find Luo Shen, when suddenly he heard movement not far outside.

 

“Is this the medicine he drinks every day?”

 

“Alright, you go back and keep an eye on him.”