Let Me Go, I’m Not Pregnant - Chapter 39

“…”

 

Unsatisfied, Luo Shen  swept his gaze over, “Qin Cheng, what’s the matter?”

 

Qin Cheng awkwardly lowered his head, “Your Majesty, Prince Changqing is seeking death in his residence and insists on seeing Your Majesty.”

 

Even though he was under house arrest, he was still a prince after all. If anything went wrong, Luo Shen  couldn’t bear that responsibility.

 

Qin Cheng hurried to the palace to ask for instructions.

 

Luo Shen  looked at him suspiciously, “Seeking death?”

 

Would LuoMing, with his temperament, really seek death?

 

Qin Cheng replied, “Prince Changqing has been very quiet recently. I don’t know why today he suddenly talked about wanting to die.”

 

Since Prince Changqing’s house arrest, Qin Cheng had been in charge of the residence. No bird could even fly in. There shouldn’t have been any reports. Therefore, if Prince Changqing was making such a fuss, it must have been because he couldn’t endure it any longer.

 

Qin Cheng asked, “May I ask, Your Majesty, should we go and see him next?”

 

Gu Xingzhi immediately refused, “No!”

 

He couldn’t guarantee that LuoMing wouldn’t harm Luo Shen.

 

“But… if we don’t see him and he really wants to die, what should we do? Stop him?”

 

“…”

 

Although he thought it was unlikely, but…

 

Gu Xingzhi sneered, “Knock him out.”

 

Qin Cheng looked at Luo Shen.

 

Luo Shen  didn’t really want to see anyone. He nodded in agreement.

 

Qin Cheng immediately took his leave.

 

After he left, Gu Xingzhi leaned in again, “Your Majesty, what did you want to tell me just now?”

 

Luo Shen’s gaze panicked and moved away.

 

Gu Xingzhi saw his expression and instinctively felt that there was something important. He leaned closer, and Luo Shen  unconsciously retreated until he had nowhere else to go, and Gu Xingzhi also looked around to ensure no one else would disturb them before he relaxed.

 

He reached out and gently embraced him, burying his head in Luo Shen’s  neck, taking a deep breath, “Your Majesty…”

 

The breath sprayed onto Luo Shen’s  sensitive neck, as if igniting a fire, itching deep into his heart.

 

Luo Shen  tensed all over.

 

“Your Majesty, do you want to tell me something important?” Gu Xingzhi wanted to hear it all.

 

“An… I just want to ask you first, do you want to enter the harem? Is that what you really mean?” Luo Shen  tried to circle around to test Gu Xingzhi’s thoughts.

 

Gu Xingzhi indeed replied, “As long as I can stay by Your Majesty’s side, I’m willing to do anything.”

 

“Then… in the future, there may be children. Can you accept that?” Luo Shen  was somewhat incoherent, and after saying that he saw Gu Xingzhi widen his eyes, revealing a wounded expression, and then he realized what he had said.

 

“I mean, my body… might…”

 

Gu Xingzhi was stunned for a moment, slowly reacted, and was shocked, “Your Majesty too?”

 

“Too?” Luo Shen  narrowed his eyes.

 

“Mother mentioned it before, saying that when they were on the battlefield fighting, they encountered…” Gu Xingzhi quickly explained.

 

He hadn’t felt anything when he heard it that day, and had never thought he would encounter it himself.

 

But if Luo Shen  could also get pregnant, then…

 

His gaze swept towards Luo Shen’s  stomach.

 

“Your Majesty, can I try my best?” Gu Xingzhi asked.

 

Luo: “…”

 

His face instantly turned red.

 

He pushed angrily, taking two steps aside with a ferocious expression. “Actually, I’ve already…”

 

Just as he began to speak, he noticed several people approaching from not far away, led by General Gu with a delighted expression.

 

General Gu saw the two discussing and immediately halted his steps, deciding not to approach and disturb them.

 

But Luo Shen  had already spotted them, and the little courage he had gathered instantly dissipated.

 

Feeling frustrated, he turned his head away, unsure how to vent. He simply glared at Gu Xingzhi, gritted his teeth, then turned around and walked back.

 

Gu Xingzhi was dumbfounded. Why was Luo Shen  angry again?

 

He stared blankly at Luo Shen’s  retreating figure, feeling extremely upset. Just then, General Gu’s frustrated voice came from behind him. “How did you manage to anger His Majesty again?”

 

Gu Xingzhi: “…”

 

Again?

 

He seriously said, “Dad, it was clearly you…”

 

General Gu snorted. “Although I’m partly at fault, the main blame lies with you.”

 

Who got His Majesty pregnant?

 

I won’t say, but someone should understand in his heart.

 

Gu Xingzhi choked a bit. “I didn’t explain the engagement clearly, but you didn’t verify it either!”

 

General Gu glared at him. This brat was blaming his father now?

 

“If you don’t take care of it, why don’t you go and appease His Majesty? Should I do it myself?”

 

Gu Xingzhi: “…”

 

He imagined that scene for a moment and shuddered, quickly running off.

 

But when he arrived at the sleeping quarters, Gu Xingzhi found that Luo Shen  was ignoring him again.

 

It was slightly better than before because although Luo Shen  didn’t acknowledge him, he didn’t prevent him from entering either. But his gaze every time he saw Gu Xingzhi turned instantly furious.

 

Gu Xingzhi pondered. Could it be because he mentioned wanting to impregnate Luo Shen?

 

His face blushed.

 

Although… well, who wouldn’t want that?

 

Gu Xingzhi sidled up to Luo Shen  and offered him some freshly washed fruits. “Your Majesty.”

 

Luo Shen  flipped through the memorials, and upon hearing the voice, he raised his eyes. His gaze first fell on General Gu sitting opposite. “General Gu is here. Do you have other matters?”

 

General Gu glared hatefully at Gu Xingzhi. “I came to deliver some clothes to my worthless son. His Majesty has been troubled by him these days.”

 

Luo Shen  snorted lightly. “Then why don’t you take him back?”

 

General Gu’s face changed immediately. “That’s not possible!”

 

Luo Shen  was taken aback. “Why not?”

 

Gu Xingzhi also froze. He had only been away for a day or two. Why wasn’t he allowed back home yet?

 

Clearing his throat, General Gu said, “Until Gu Xingzhi appeases His Majesty, there’s no place for him in my house.”

 

His implication was clear: the Gu family would always stand by Luo!

 

Luo Shen: “…”

 

He glanced at Gu Xingzhi, thinking, this General Gu sells his son out so quickly.

 

Gu Xingzhi looked bitter.

 

Why did everyone use him as a stepping stone?

 

Could stepping on him really earn forgiveness from His Majesty?

 

What was he going to do?

 

Feeling even more miserable, Gu Xingzhi glanced at General Gu, who quickly understood his meaning and slowly turned his head to look at the scenery.

 

Just as Luo Shen  was about to pick up another memorial, a figure suddenly enveloped him. A pair of hands swiftly wrapped around his waist and knees, and the next moment, he was lifted off the ground and swiftly carried into the adjacent room. Someone then pressed him against the door.

 

“Gu Xingzhi!” Luo Shen  was startled, reaching out to push him away.

 

But Gu Xingzhi firmly held onto him, refusing to let go. “Your Majesty, how can I earn your forgiveness?”

 

Feeling his breath warm on his sensitive neck, Luo Shen  blushed instantly. “Let go of me first.”

 

Gu Xingzhi tightened his grip, shaking his head without hesitation. “I won’t.”

 

If he lost his family, where would he go?

 

He could already envision himself being kicked out by Chang’an Chang’xin.

 

Moreover, he didn’t want to be at odds with Luo Shen  like this anymore.

 

Gu Xingzhi rested his head against Luo Shen’s  neck. “Your Majesty, just say the word, and I’ll do it.”

 

Luo Shen  was tickled by that breath, lowering his head as the fluffy head nudged against him, more dog-like than a dog itself. He lifted his hand and grabbed the person’s collar from behind. “Gu Xingzhi.”

 

Gu Xingzhi raised his eyes and the first thing he saw was those slightly reddened lips.

 

His throat tightened.

 

“Gu Xingzhi, I haven’t decided…” His mind was in chaos now, with so many things, he didn’t know how to tell Gu Xingzhi.

 

Gu Xingzhi, always being stubborn, always misunderstood, was angry with Gu Xingzhi, but even more frustrated with himself for not being able to speak up.

 

He pleaded with Gu Xingzhi, “Give me some more time.”

 

He would try to resolve the current issues and then talk to him properly.

 

At these words, Gu Xingzhi’s eyes darkened. “Your Majesty, then why are you ignoring me?”

 

Luò Shen: “…”

 

Every time he saw Gu Xingzhi now, he thought of Gu Xingzhi’s serious expression when he said he wanted to impregnate him…

 

How could he face that?

 

Luo Shen’s  face blushed again. He opened his mouth, and Gu Xingzhi leaned in.

 

Their lips met, teeth and tongues entwined. Occasionally, the sound of knocking on the door would come from outside, and General Gu outside blushed and quietly left.

 

He walked to the door and happened to see Chang’xin pulling out a sword, pulling it out and then putting it back, her expression particularly tangled. She simply took him somewhere else to practice martial arts.

 

Inside the room, Gu Xingzhi saw Luo Shen’s  lips redder than before and he smiled contentedly. “Your Majesty, can I sleep in the outer room tonight?”

 

Luò Shen, who had been kissed so deeply, was dazed, his mind was as sluggish as paste, and he couldn’t remember where that was. He absentmindedly replied, “Whatever you want.”

 

Afraid of being caught and kissed again, he quickly pushed open the door and went out, closing the door behind him. His legs couldn’t help but go weak.

 

He took a deep breath and turned around to find someone standing at the door.

 

Luò Shen: “…”

 

He coughed, and the person immediately lowered his head.

 

He pretended as if nothing had happened, walked to the chair and sat down, picking up the memorials. “How is Prince Changqing doing?”

 

Qin Cheng: “Following Elder Gu’s method, he was knocked out and has stopped causing trouble this afternoon.”

 

Luo Shen’s  hand holding the pen paused. “Did he say why he sought me out?”

 

“Not at all.” After Qin Cheng finished, he added, “The girl who hadn’t yet entered the door has returned home, perhaps he was looking for her?”

 

Luo Shen  pondered. He had sent people to investigate the girl. Her background was clean, unrelated to Qin or Huang, and even less related to the former Prime Minister. Luo Ming found no benefit in finding her, so either she was a random person he brought along, or she genuinely liked him.

 

He asked, “Did the girl show any sign?”

 

Qin Chengdao: “The girl never came to visit.”

 

Luo Shen  lowered his eyes. “Keep an eye on her. If anything happens, report back to me.”

 

Qin Cheng bowed his head. “Yes.”

 

“And Zhao Xiaoling…” Luo Shen’s  mind flashed with her face. He then looked at Qin Cheng, who immediately became nervous.

 

He smiled slightly. “How are things between you two?”

 

Qin Cheng blushed slightly. Although he had previously pretended to be flirtatious, it was too much like pretending. Although he recognized Zhao Xiaoling later, Zhao Xiaoling always despised him. This period of time had been better…

 

“She… is pregnant with my child. I want to marry her.”

 

Luo Shen  smiled. “If she truly loves you, have the County Magistrate Zhao write a petition, and I will grant the marriage.”

 

At these words, Qin Cheng’s eyes lit up, immediately clasping his fists. “Thank you, Your Majesty!”

 

“That’s enough, you may leave.” Luo Shen’s  voice was somewhat hoarse, amidst the twilight, a hint of envy flashed across his face.

 

A few days later, the County Magistrate Zhao did indeed write a petition. Luo Shen  readily approved it, timing it right before a group of old ministers shouted for a talent selection.

 

In the past couple of months, perhaps because things had settled down, the old ministers found the harem too quiet and began to grumble about Luo Shen’s  closeness with Gu Xingzhi. They said Gu Xingzhi couldn’t even bear children, Luo Shen  was getting older and should settle down. The late Emperor had married at this age, even though he had two wives.

 

Luo Shen  looked at those words, his lips twitched, thinking those who could bear children were all sitting here reviewing the memorials for you?

 

There were easily over a hundred such memorials.

 

Luo Shen  felt like throwing up just reading them.

 

Fortunately, he wasn’t as nauseous as before, and his suffering stomach had gradually adapted to eating more. He was drowsy all day long.

 

Luo Shen  yawned, glanced around the room.

 

Since that day, every time he finished court, General Gu would come and sit for a while. Most of the time, he sparred with Chang’xin, and sometimes he helped him handle some memorials.

 

Gu Xingzhi handled military affairs. Occasionally, he would come over and see Luo Shen  getting along harmoniously with General Gu, except he still felt rejected. Not only could he only sleep in the outer room, but he also couldn’t climb into bed or see anyone.

 

He felt wronged.

 

He stared at Luo Shen’s  belly.

 

At this rate, when would he…? 

 

Feeling an awkward gaze on him, Luo Shen’s  back bristled. He looked up and indeed saw Gu Xingzhi staring at his belly.

 

Time passed quickly. His belly was starting to show a bit of pregnancy. Luo Shen  subconsciously adjusted his clothes. “Gu Xingzhi, what are you looking at?”

 

“Your Majesty’s belly…” Gu Xingzhi snapped out of it, immediately looking cautious. He quickly averted his gaze. “I didn’t mean to think too much!”

 

Luò Shen: “…”

 

He pressed his forehead. He actually hoped Gu Xingzhi would think more.

 

Luo Shen  pulled out a list. “Gu Xingzhi, go inquire about this case.”

 

Gu Xingzhi stepped forward, took the list, and flipped through it. It was related to Qin Huang.

 

The day they raided Qin Huang’s house, Luo Shen  couldn’t understand one thing.

 

Before Luo Ming went out incognito, they had never met, with such disparate backgrounds, they couldn’t even have been in touch, but how did Qin Huang contact Luo Ming?

 

Was someone pulling the strings in between?

 

Did County Magistrate Zhao not notice anything when he and Qin Huang were working together and resting at the same time?

 

“Your Majesty means that before Qin Huang took office, he had already established contact with Prince Qing, so County Magistrate Zhao was unaware?” Gu Xingzhi quickly understood. This memorial contained all the contact lists provided by Qin Huang. Following this list step by step, he would definitely find clues.

 

“Not only that, Your Majesty suspects… the former Prime Minister?” General Gu spoke up. He had probably already confirmed it by listening, “Since the former Prime Minister’s people are lurking in Prince Qing’s mansion, it shows they’ve already been in contact. Prince Qing’s people can’t be sent for negotiation, but the former Prime Minister’s people can.”

 

Luo Shen  nodded. “I’ve marked the people to find on this list with cinnabar circles. Go find out the truth.”

 

Gu Xingzhi stared at the list, then glanced at Luo Shen.

 

There were quite a few red circles marked on the list. But within these, there shouldn’t be anyone trying to exclude him… right?

 

Seeing Gu Xingzhi hesitate, Luo Shen  asked, “Gu Xingzhi, do you have any other questions?”

 

Gu Xingzhi stared at him, seeing Luo Shen  looking bewildered, clearly not knowing where to go. He thought he was being too sensitive and folded the list back neatly. “I’ll go right away.”

 

“Okay.” Luo Shen  withdrew his gaze, then took out another memorial. After standing by for a while, the person finally left with an apparent sense of loss. He sighed with relief.

 

Fortunately, this time his purpose hadn’t been exposed, and Gu Xingzhi probably… hadn’t guessed it was deliberate, right?

 

General Gu, standing aside, felt a pang of heartache.

 

He asked, “Your Majesty, don’t you want to inform Xingzhi about this matter?”

 

Luo Shen  glanced at him. “If this were General Gu, could you bring yourself to say it?”

 

For the sake of the country and the people, he was the Emperor, not some prince or ordinary person. If news spread that an ordinary man was pregnant, it would be a sensational tale. If he became pregnant, it would restrict him due to his physical condition.

 

An emperor with a big belly, lacking the means to suppress dissent and rumors, even with Gu Xingzhi’s protection, how long could it last?

 

After all, he didn’t want everything his ancestors had built to end with him.

 

As for Gu Xingzhi, he simply didn’t know how to broach the subject.

 

General Gu choked on his words.

 

Forget it, let them handle the matter of these two children themselves.

 

Luo Shen  lowered his eyes. What he needed to do now was ensure that during this period of pregnancy, no one would notice.

 

—

 

Since handing over the list to Gu Xingzhi, Luo Shen  had been busy trying to resolve matters as quickly as possible. When he returned to the palace, he handled military affairs, and when he left, he searched for people and investigated matters without stopping for several days.

 

Meanwhile, Luo Shen  was occupied with examining the royal archives.

 

He needed a legitimate, formal reason to disappear for several months or even half a year, one that wouldn’t raise suspicions or lead to sudden reports from ministers. He needed quiet, uninterrupted time where no one would discover his whereabouts. The only viable option seemed to be traveling incognito.

 

Faced with no better alternatives, Luo Shen  decided on a timeframe.

 

He chose to be away for six months. However, affairs of the court couldn’t be left unattended. Luo Shen  pondered that during this time, he could stay in a private residence outside the palace to ensure the safety of his pregnancy, while Gu Xingzhi and the prime minister handled important matters and sent reports to him.

 

With this plan in mind, the next day, Luo Shen  brought it up during the court session.

 

There was significant opposition, but Luo Shen’s  mind was made up. Moreover, this rule had been established since the previous emperor’s time, so the ministers had no choice but to acquiesce.

 

“But, Your Majesty, without General Gu accompanying you, it will surely be dangerous all the way. Please reconsider!” The prime minister hurriedly stood up.

 

Nonsense! If he went out, how could he stuff someone into his dragon bed?

 

Luo Shen’s  gaze lightly swept past: “It’s alright. I will send you the route in advance, and General Gù will accompany me. You can rest assured.”

 

Upon hearing this, the ministers below fell silent.

 

The late emperor had found true love during his incognito travels back then, so they could arrange for their daughters to encounter Luo Shen  during his private visits.

 

If it were just based on selection, they wouldn’t compare to the Prime Minister. But during private visits, there was a good chance Luo Shen  might take interest in them.

 

Whether their daughters could enter the palace as concubines depended on this opportunity.

 

Luo Shen  noticed the whispers below, but ultimately did not object further, sighing in relief.

 

Next, they just needed to inform Gu Xingzhi.

 

“Dismissed.”

 

Luo Shen  lightly commanded and immediately got up to leave.

 

Chang’an quickly came forward to support him.

 

Last night, he consulted the imperial physician, who said that typically, the belly would start showing around April or May. Being male and of different physique, his belly was swelling like inflated.

 

Fortunately, it wasn’t too noticeable yet, and could be concealed with the dragon robe.

 

Back in the palace, he immediately dismissed everyone, even calling Chang’xin out, then changed out of the dragon robe into loose and comfortable regular clothing.

 

After a day in court, Luo Shen  felt somewhat exhausted. He yawned, turned around, and met a pair of deep eyes.

 

Luo Shen’s  heart skipped a beat. “Gu Xingzhi, what’s wrong with you?”

 

Not having seen Luo Shen  for many days, Gu Xingzhi seemed almost going mad. He stared at Luo Shen, not understanding. “Why does Your Majesty always seem to want to avoid me?”

 

He originally thought he could endure it, but he found that he couldn’t at all. Just the feeling of being liked but kept at arm’s length made him doubt himself more than ever.

 

Was it that he was not worthy of trust, or was there something so difficult to express that it repeatedly pushed him away?

 

Gu Xingzhi spent his days busy investigating, unwilling to dwell on it.

 

But after circling around, he found that those circled on the list were mostly irrelevant.

 

He didn’t believe it and checked each name one by one.

 

In the end, the result made him feel utterly ridiculous.

 

“Why…” Gu Xingzhi backed him into a corner.

 

Luo Shen  looked at him with a hint of panic. Instinctively wanting to escape, he was blocked by a hand on the wall.

 

“Gu Xingzhi, calm down.” Luo Shen’s  expression changed. Had he pushed him too far, driving him crazy?

 

Gu Xingzhi’s eyes were murky. He looked at Luo Shen, his heart crazily uneasy. “Why does Your Majesty keep pushing me away?”

 

Was he ineffective, or did he not deserve trust?

 

He felt a chill in his heart, conflicting thoughts raging, voices getting lower, breaths heavier.

 

Luo Shen  looked at the person in front of him, gray and stubborn, eyes so deep he couldn’t see himself inside. He gulped, thinking it was over, he had pushed him too far.

 

He instinctively sensed danger, but there was nowhere to escape. He could only grit his teeth and try to placate him. “Gu Xingzhi, calm down, please…”

 

Gu Xingzhi couldn’t calm down at all. He pressed Luo Shen  against the wall, almost frantically grabbing him.

 

Clothes were pulled apart, Luo Shen  felt a hand moving downwards, subconsciously reaching out to block, but was seized and pressed against the wall.

 

Luo Shen  distinctly felt that hand roam across his lower abdomen, the calluses on it causing an unbearable itch, then strangely paused.

 

Gu Xingzhi stepped back slightly. That hand moved to his waist, swept around, feeling puzzled. “Your Majesty, why is your belly so big?”

 

Luo Shen’s  breath tightened from the touch. Irritated by his teasing, he retorted, “I… I ate too much!”

 

Gu Xingzhi frowned again. “When I arrived, I asked around. Your Majesty has been eating normally, even less than usual recently.”

 

He remembered Luo Shen  had mentioned gastrointestinal discomfort at the time, which should have been resolved by now. Besides, eating a lot wouldn’t cause such a big belly.

 

Gu Xingzhi lifted his gaze and stared at him.

 

Was Luo Shen  still lying to him?

 

Luo Shen  saw that the person in front of him, who had seemed a bit bewildered just moments ago, was gradually turning darker, his complexion growing increasingly somber.

 

He felt a tightness in his chest. The next moment, he was lifted and pressed onto the bed.

 

Luo Shen  swallowed nervously. “Gù… Gu Xingzhi, I… I’ll tell you the truth…”

 

Gu Xingzhi didn’t say a word. He pulled up the blanket, letting the curtains fall slowly.

 

Moments later, Luo Shen  buried his head in the pillow, his voice choked. His slender fingers twisted the fabric belt, his wrist showing a faint blush from exertion.

 

His face was flushed red, making his eyes, misted over with tears, look even more pitiful.

 

Seeing this, Gu Xingzhi’s heart suddenly softened. He scrambled to pull Luo Shen  out from under the blanket.

 

“Your Majesty, belly…”

 

Luo Shen  was furious. This person, he actually pressed on his belly!

 

Gu Xingzhi was at a loss. “Wha… what’s wrong with Your Majesty’s belly?”

 

Luo Shen  pinched his shoulder hard, his voice intermittent. “Inside… inside… your child… you…”

 

Gu Xingzhi froze, his eyes widened in disbelief. “I… made Your Majesty’s belly big?”

 

Luo Shen  grew even angrier. He bit his lip, glaring at him in frustration. His eyes, previously teary, now reddened, making him look even more appealing.

 

Gu Xingzhi’s Adam’s apple bobbed. He wanted to continue, but seeing how angry Luo Shen  was and knowing there was his child inside, he didn’t know what to do. But… he couldn’t continue tormenting him, could he?

 

Slowly, hesitantly, he withdrew his hand. Luo Shen  watched his movements, his eyes widening.

 

What did this mean? Was he trying to escape?

 

Luo Shen  grabbed the open collar of his clothes angrily. “Are you planning to run away?”

 

Are you not going to take responsibility?

 

Gu Xingzhi froze. His face showed a hint of guilt and caution. “Then… can I continue?”

 

Luo Shen  clenched his teeth and pushed him back onto the bed, taking a deep breath. “Of course.”

 

But he would do it himself!

 

In the first half, the room was filled with soft, dense sounds, accompanied by Luo Shen’s frustrated and domineering refusals. In the latter half, perhaps unable to endure any longer, someone made him cry again.

 

The sounds continued until late at night. Chang’an reheated the food several times and finally brought it to the table in the middle of the night.

 

“Your Majesty, although the imperial physician said last night that it’s okay, Your Majesty is too anxious.” He shook his head disapprovingly. Clearly, he had argued with the physician, claiming he wouldn’t do it early.

 

And the result?

 

As soon as Gu Xingzhi arrived… he went with the flow?

 

As for Gu Xingzhi—

 

Chang’an glanced at him, a look of helplessness on his face. “You know everything now?”

 

Gu Xingzhi looked satisfied, behaving very well at the moment. He sat on the bed, massaging Luo Shen’s waist while nodding seriously.

 

“Then learn how to serve His Majesty properly tomorrow.”

 

After Chang’an finished, Chang’xin suddenly poked her head in at the door, her eyes sparkling. “Your Majesty, when will you issue the edict to appoint Lord Gù as your consort?”

 

Could she start celebrating with wine? Oh right, what would she be called after the child was born?