Let Me Go, I’m Not Pregnant - Chapter 42

As a result, Gu Xingzhi got beaten again.

 

After the beating, he had to carry the sleeping person back to the palace and fetch a hot towel to clean him up.

 

Gu Xingzhi was distressed. At that time, he didn’t even know that men could get pregnant, and when Lady Gu mentioned it that day, he didn’t dare to think about it in relation to Luo Shen.

 

After all, he was the emperor—who would think along those lines?

 

And precisely because of this, it led to several misunderstandings between the two, nearly resulting in a major disaster.

 

He tightened the towel again and then sat by the bed, gently wiping Luo Shen’s hands.

 

Luo Shen groggily woke up, his eyes still heavy with sleep. Seeing Gu Xingzhi, he called out softly, “Gu Xingzhi…”

 

Gu Xingzhi switched hands and asked, “What’s wrong?”

 

“Do you want me to be emperor?” Luo Shen lowered his gaze, still feeling confused.

 

When he first got to know Gu Xingzhi, he had been motivated to become a good emperor. But after becoming pregnant, he started to feel anxious and unsure.

 

Ultimately, he couldn’t make up his mind but knew that Gu Xingzhi was willing to follow him.

 

So… maybe Gu Xingzhi could help him decide?

 

Luo Shen rested his head on Gu Xingzhi’s chest, took his hand, tossed the towel aside, and then placed Gu Xingzhi’s hand on his lower abdomen.

 

His belly was slightly swollen, but it would grow bigger in the future.

 

Gu Xingzhi immediately felt a pang of heartache.

 

He hugged Luo Shen tightly and sighed, asking, “Does Your Majesty no longer want to be emperor?”

 

Luo Shen blinked. He had initially wanted to pass the throne to Changqing and live as a leisurely prince, as long as he could live simply.

 

However, Changqing was no longer a viable choice. He had developed ulterior motives, and handing over the throne to him would be equivalent to handing over a knife prepared to stab him.

 

Luo Shen wasn’t foolish; there was no reason to continue accommodating Changqing.

 

But finding someone else was not an option due to the lack of time.

 

Perhaps Luo Ming?

 

That was an even more dangerous knife, and Luo Shen couldn’t give it to him.

 

So…

 

He would have to brace himself and take on the role.

 

Luo Shen pondered this and became clear-headed.

 

He didn’t want to, but if he wanted to protect his own life, he had to be the emperor.

 

He shook his head and sighed, “No, I’ll do it.”

 

Not just for himself, but also for the child.

 

For the first time, Gu Xingzhi felt helpless. He understood what Luo Shen wanted but couldn’t provide it. The country and the world needed someone to support them, and Luo Shen was the best choice.

 

He said, “I’ll always be here.”

 

No matter what you do, I’ll always be here.

 

Luo Shen’s eyelashes fluttered. He remained silent for a moment, then suddenly looked up with sparkling eyes.

 

Just one glance made Gu Xingzhi’s throat dry.

 

As the bed curtain slowly fell, Gu Xingzhi was about to move closer, but suddenly a hand pressed against his chest, and the bed curtain was lifted as someone ran off the bed.

 

Gu Xingzhi maintained his posture, watching the figure run away, dumbfounded.

 

Wasn’t this supposed to be…?

 

Had he misunderstood?

 

Outside, Luo Shen adjusted his clothes and said to Chang’an, “I’m tired this afternoon and want to rest. Don’t let anyone disturb me.”

 

Chang’an: “Yes, Your Majesty.”

 

After a moment of silence, Luo Shen added emphatically, “Especially Qin Cheng!”

 

Chang’an: “…”

 

He blinked, and, hearing the increasingly obvious tone and Luo Shen’s slightly flushed face, seemed to understand something.

 

He glared at Luo Shen, but the latter quickly shut the door.

 

Luo Shen rushed into the room. As soon as he lifted the bed curtain, a pair of hands reached out to pull him in. Within moments, he was stripped clean, and heavy breathing quickly mingled with satisfied sighs.

 

Before long, the room was filled with Luo Shen’s restrained sobs.

 

Chang’an sighed.

 

This foolish emperor, why does he always seek trouble?

 

Look, he’s crying again.

 

As soon as he closed the door, a figure appeared behind him, bowing respectfully, “Chang’an Gonggong…”

 

Chang’an’s eye twitched, and he turned to see Qin Cheng’s face.

 

Chang’an: “…”

 

He gave a sinister smile and said, “Young Master Qin, please be more careful in the future.”

 

If it weren’t for him being there, Qin Cheng might not have received even half a month’s salary, let alone the rest of the year’s.

 

Qin Cheng was momentarily stunned, then realizing what Chang’an meant, he glanced at the door behind him and cleared his throat, “…Yes.”

 

Thank heavens, his salary was saved.

 

Chang’an asked, “Is there something you need to report, Young Master Qin?”

 

Qin Cheng, still in shock from narrowly escaping disaster, didn’t think much and directly replied, “The poison on the guards around Prince Qin has been neutralized. He should wake up in about half an hour. Xu Shuiying has also been captured and is waiting for Your Majesty’s orders.”

 

Chang’an’s expression stiffened for a moment before he said, “Alright, you may go about your business. I will report this matter to His Majesty once he’s done.”

 

Qin Cheng nodded gratefully and quickly left.

 

After an unknown amount of time, the activity in the room finally ceased.

 

Luo Shen was so exhausted that he could hardly move his fingers. He lay there while Gu Xingzhi massaged his back and secretly resolved never to engage in such activities during the daytime again.

 

Otherwise, he’d have to deal with state affairs while wanting to sleep!

 

Luo Shen pouted and turned his head to look at Gu Xingzhi’s earnest and gentle eyes. He blinked and said, “Gu Xingzhi, I don’t want to handle memorials today.”

 

Gu Xingzhi continued to massage his back. After lying down for many days, his back had finally gained some flesh, though it still felt thin. He considered finding ways to remedy that and, hearing Luo Shen’s words, responded, “Then we’ll handle them tomorrow.”

 

Luo Shen frowned in dissatisfaction.

 

“I don’t want to handle memorials tomorrow either,” he muttered again, reaching out to tug at Gu Xingzhi’s inner clothes, not believing that Gu Xingzhi still didn’t understand.

 

Gu Xingzhi did understand. He stopped massaging and looked at Luo Shen, “Does Your Majesty want to rest?”

 

Luo Shen nodded immediately.

 

The memorials were mostly about urging him to select a consort and fill the harem. He was sick of them, and only a few mentioned public sentiment, which took forever to find. He was thoroughly annoyed.

 

“Your Majesty, delegating tasks to others does require some compensation,” Gu Xingzhi began undressing him again.

 

Luo Shen was initially watching eagerly, but then was shocked to find that Gu Xingzhi had finished and didn’t seem to care anymore.

 

He got up with a pitiful expression, “Just now… wasn’t it…”

 

He choked up, “Didn’t we just… do this?!”

 

Gu Xingzhi leaned in, his voice husky, “What just happened was the normal intimate activity of men on the bed. Now it’s an exchange.”

 

After saying that, he pushed Luo Shen back into the bedding.

 

In the afternoon, Luo Shen had a nap. When he woke up, it was already dark.

 

He groggily got out of bed, dressed, and called out, “Chang’an.”

 

Chang’an immediately opened the door and entered, “Your Majesty.”

 

He asked, “Is Master Gu still in the study dealing with state affairs? Do you need me to call him?”

 

Luo Shen shook his head, “Has Qin Cheng not come this afternoon?”

 

Chang’an replied, “Replying to Your Majesty, Young Master Qin has not come.”

 

Luo Shen furrowed his brows in confusion and thought about the time. “Have someone inform Gu Xingzhi that I’m going to see the little guard.”

 

With that, he grabbed an outer robe and prepared to leave.

 

Chang’an quickly sent someone to inform Gu Xingzhi and followed Luo Shen.

 

They reached the dungeon and saw that it was in a commotion, as if something major had happened. His brows furrowed even more. Chang’an stepped forward to report, and everyone was startled and quickly knelt.

 

Seeing this, Luo Shen’s bad feeling intensified.

 

He walked over and stood in front of the prison officer, coldly asking, “What happened?”

 

The prison officer, trembling, stammered, “The… the prisoner escaped…”

 

His head was on the ground, his voice quivering, “The black-clad person and the young woman who were brought in today… have both disappeared.”

 

Luo Shen’s eyes narrowed, “What about Qin Cheng?”

 

“Replying to Your Majesty, Young Master Qin… went after them…” The prison officer’s voice grew weaker, and feeling the sudden drop in pressure inside the prison, he dared not speak further.

 

Luo Shen walked into the holding cells, inspecting the situation. His expression darkened bit by bit.

 

He walked out of the cells, the damp, moldy smell making him feel nauseous. “Prison officer!”

 

The prison officer quickly knelt, “I’m here!”

 

“The prison is strictly managed. How could you let the prisoners escape? Explain yourself!”

 

The jailer wanted to cry. His eyes were fixed on the ground as he trembled and said, “Replying to Your Majesty, half an hour ago, the prison was undergoing routine cleaning. It’s possible that the criminals took advantage of that time to escape.”

 

Releasing the prisoners was a capital offense, and the jailer knew his head was on the line. He kept bowing his head, begging Luo Shen to spare his life.

 

Luo Shen was furious upon hearing this: “Such a minor error, and you still managed to make it?”

 

Because of a cleaning, the prisoners were allowed to escape. How could such a prison still hold anyone?

 

Moreover…

 

“I remember cleaning is done once every six months, with strict regulations. Such a basic mistake shouldn’t happen. Why was the prison suddenly cleaned today? Why was it not done according to the regulations?!”

 

The jailer’s head knocked harder: “Your Majesty, forgive me! It was my incompetence!”

 

As he spoke, he glanced secretly at Chang An.

 

Luo Shen naturally noticed and looked at Chang An, then back at the jailer: “Speak.”

 

“It was Chang An Gonggong who came and said the prison smelled too strong. He ordered me to have it cleaned as soon as possible to avoid contaminating the dragon body…”

 

The jailer had intended to please Luo Shen by sending someone to handle it but never expected it would cost him his life. Had he known, he wouldn’t have dared to give the order, even if it meant the place would stink!

 

Luo Shen’s gaze turned sharply to Chang An: “Chang An, why did you suddenly come to the prison?”

 

Chang An lowered his eyes, looking aggrieved: “Recently, I saw Your Majesty frequently going to the prison and was worried you might not handle it well. I came to offer a reminder, but I didn’t expect this to happen.”

 

He knelt and bowed: “Please punish me, Your Majesty!”

 

Luo Shen was enraged.

 

He knew Chang An was concerned about his health and the child, but…

 

His eyes darkened: “What exactly happened today? Explain in detail!”

 

The jailer, with tears in his eyes, said: “This afternoon, after hearing Chang An Gonggong’s suggestion, I sent people to clean the prison and instructed them to follow the regulations. It wasn’t until everything was finished and Young Master Qin came to check that we discovered the prisoners had escaped.”

 

He continued, and everyone behind him kowtowed in unison: “Please forgive us, Your Majesty!”

 

Luo Shen glanced around and asked, “There were twenty people involved in the cleaning?”

 

“Replying to Your Majesty, there were twenty-one people…” the person said, trembling, “After the cleaning was finished, one person volunteered to clean the cistern, so I allowed him to go.”

 

As a result, he never returned.

 

“The cistern?”

 

“Replying to Your Majesty, the cistern has been found. I suspect that one of the prisoners hid in the cistern while another disguised himself as a guard to escape unnoticed.” The jailer felt increasingly miserable. Regardless, his head was doomed.

 

Luo Shen’s chest heaved.

 

He was so angry he clenched his fists and glared at the jailer, his lips slightly parted as he was about to speak when urgent footsteps were heard at the door.

 

He turned to see Qin Cheng rushing in. Their eyes met, and Qin Cheng immediately knelt: “This subordinate failed in his duties. Please punish me, Your Majesty!”

 

Luo Shen’s forehead throbbed with anger: “Haven’t you found them?”

 

Qin Cheng lowered his head, revealing his neck that looked like it could snap.

 

Luo Shen gritted his teeth: “Were the exits locked?”

 

“Locked!” Qin Cheng hurriedly replied, “When I discovered it, the people hadn’t gone far. We have already locked down several areas. Next, we just need to narrow the search range to definitely capture them!”

 

Luo Shen was furious. He looked at the people in the room, packed tightly, yet they couldn’t keep track of two people—one of whom was unarmed, and the other was weak from just being poisoned. And still, they couldn’t be stopped!

 

Amidst his anger, he glanced at Chang An.

 

The latter was shrinking his head, looking innocent and pitiful.

 

He felt a pang of anxiety.

 

Fortunately, at that moment, Gu Xingzhi also arrived in time. Seeing the crowd kneeling outside the prison, he knew something was wrong and hurried in to comfort Luo Shen.

 

“What happened?” Gu Xingzhi entered, first saluted Luo Shen, then glanced at the empty prison cells behind him and understood, “Qin Cheng, you have until tonight to capture them!”

 

Qin Cheng breathed a sigh of relief and glanced secretly at Luo Shen.

 

It had to be said that although Luo Shen usually looked gentle and easy to deceive, when he got angry, he was frightening. This fear had a touch of pity for the person, making it feel like a grave mistake to anger the emperor.

 

Seeing Qin Cheng not moving, Luo Shen narrowed his eyes and ground his teeth: “What? Still not going?”

 

Qin Cheng quickly agreed and hurriedly left.

 

Gu Xingzhi saw the anger and felt sympathy, but in front of everyone, it was not suitable to comfort, so he put on a cold face: “Jailer, is the Prince of Ping still here?”

 

The jailer quickly nodded.

 

Gu Xingzhi sighed in relief: “Have people reinforce the prison. No one is allowed to enter during this period. Ensure strict surveillance. When Qin Cheng brings the people back, immediately chain them up!”

 

The jailer immediately agreed.

 

“Today’s crime will be held over you. Whether you can atone for it depends on your own actions.”

 

The jailer was almost in tears, quickly kowtowing to Gu Xingzhi.

 

Gu Xingzhi turned to Luo Shen and said, “Your Majesty, the prison is damp and could contaminate the dragon body. Please relocate.”

 

Luo Shen’s lips were pressed together, reddened from anger. He scanned the room and finally his gaze landed on Chang An. He then said, “Chang An, you will also be punished!”

 

Chang An replied, “Yes!”

 

As he slightly raised his head, a flash of bright yellow swept past him, followed by Gu Xingzhi’s black attire and black boots.

 

The room fell silent.

 

The jailer slowly got up, touched his neck, and wiped the sweat from his forehead: “I—I thought my head was going to be chopped off.”

 

He then looked at Chang An: “Chang An Gonggong, you’ve ruined me!”

 

Chang An looked up with downcast eyes and sighed helplessly.

 

He… must have aroused Luo Shen’s suspicion this time, right?

 

Outside the prison, Luo Shen walked quickly, clearly very angry.

 

Gu Xingzhi quickly held him back: “Ah Shen, they can’t escape. Don’t worry.”

 

But Luo Shen only looked at him angrily, his chest heaving.

 

Gu Xingzhi couldn’t understand why Luo Shen was so furious. Although it was predictable that someone might try to break out of the prison, why was Luo Shen so angry?

 

He recalled that Chang An had been there earlier.

 

Gu Xingzhi lost his voice for a moment: “Ah Shen…”

 

Luo Shen glared at the prison, angrily climbing into the carriage.

 

Gu Xingzhi followed and was about to ask Luo Shen when he heard him grit his teeth and say, “To the Qin Residence.”

 

The carriage swayed and headed towards the Qin Residence. Gu Xingzhi shielded Luo Shen to prevent him from bumping into anything and reassured him, “How long has he been by your side? He shouldn’t be someone working for Luo Ming, right?”

 

Chang An was the most trusted palace servant by Luo Shen’s side since childhood. Although Gu Xingzhi had once suspected Chang An, he had later dismissed those doubts.

 

If Chang An were working for Luo Ming, he would have had numerous opportunities to harm Luo Shen. Thus, Gu Xingzhi did not believe that Chang An had betrayed him.

 

But… what was going on today?

 

Luo Shen took a sip of water, calming his anger: “If Chang An were working for Luo Ming, he wouldn’t reveal himself at this time.”

 

He said, “There are two possibilities for Chang An. One, he is not an insider and was framed today. Two, he is an insider but has been abandoned.”

 

Luo Shen didn’t want to doubt, but if Chang An was not an insider, why didn’t he refute earlier? Those were words that Chang An himself had said.

 

Chang An knew the prison rules. Why did he specifically go there just to have the jailers clean the cells and give those two a chance?

 

Moreover, if it was only this, those two wouldn’t have been able to escape.

 

Clearly, someone was helping from behind.

 

In the palace, the only one capable of that was Chang An.

 

So, Luo Shen could guess that Chang An was the latter.

 

He was angry that Chang An had another identity and wasn’t loyal to him.

 

He was frustrated that Chang An wasn’t being honest at this moment.

 

Chang An readily admitted without any nonsense and was still playing the victim, simply betting that Luo Shen wouldn’t kill him?

 

Luo Shen didn’t understand: “I have not treated him poorly.”

 

Isn’t there anything that would make Chang An think he’s worth being loyal to?

 

Gu Xingzhi embraced him and gently patted his back to comfort him: “The situation is still unresolved. Once we catch the culprits and question them, it will be clear. Ah Shen, don’t be too angry; your health is important.”

 

Luo Shen lowered his lashes, sniffing: “I… have already caught them.”

 

Gu Xingzhi: “…”

 

He was stunned: “Then just now…”

 

Luo Shen rested his chin on Gu Xingzhi’s shoulder: “I… was lying to them.”

 

He just wanted to draw them out and see who in the palace was helping Luo Ming.

 

He didn’t expect to expose Chang An so easily.

 

Luo Shen said, “Changxin… has been keeping an eye on them.”

 

Changxin, although not often visible, was still always nearby.

 

This afternoon, Chang An and Qin Cheng’s conversation, Chang An’s deception of the jailer, and how he managed to sneak those two people out—all of it was observed by Changxin.

 

Moreover, after Chang An left, Changxin had summoned all the hidden guards in the palace, captured each of them, and dragged the two away.

 

The evidence here was substantial. Although Qin Cheng was terrified for his own safety, it had also made Luo Shen incredibly furious.

 

Gu Xingzhi exhaled deeply: “You didn’t tell me about this?”

 

He had thought Luo Shen was foolishly deceived, but he didn’t expect Luo Shen to be so secretly involved.

 

So in the end, was Gu Xingzhi the one who ended up looking foolish?

 

Luo Shen blinked, then held his stomach, calling out pitifully, “Xingzhi, my stomach hurts.”

 

Gu Xingzhi: “…”

 

He stiffened his jaw: “I thought you kept that little guard to pry information about Luo Ming and the former prime minister out of him. I didn’t expect you to use him to hurt yourself. This stomach ache from being so angry—didn’t you bring this on yourself?”

 

Clearly, there should have been other ways. Why use a knife to hurt yourself directly?

 

Luo Shen didn’t realize how much Gu Xingzhi would care?

 

Gu Xingzhi deeply realized that recently, Luo Shen seemed to be breaking away from his protection bit by bit.

 

If this continued, Luo Shen would inevitably be badly hurt sooner or later.

 

Gu Xingzhi’s eyes darkened.

 

Luo Shen saw that his eyes had the same deep, dark color he had seen a few days ago.

 

Luo Shen shivered in fear and quickly hugged him: “Xingzhi, Xingzhi! Don’t be angry with me!”

 

He was a bit flustered.

 

Gu Xingzhi stared at him, remained silent for a while, then reached out to press on Luo Shen’s abdomen.

 

Luo Shen watched him anxiously. As Gu Xingzhi’s touch seemed to consider the baby inside, the darkness in his eyes gradually faded, and he spoke softly, “Xingzhi?”

 

“Your Majesty, will you do this again?” Gu Xingzhi suppressed his anger and looked up at him.

 

Luo Shen immediately shook his head: “I—I will consult you before making any decisions in the future.”

 

After pondering for a moment, he felt something was off. He was the one who was angry, so why did it suddenly seem like Gu Xingzhi was the one upset?

 

Shouldn’t Gu Xingzhi be comforting him?

 

Luo Shen furrowed his brows: “Gu Xingzhi…”

 

Gu Xingzhi raised his hand to pat his head: “Ah Shen, the only thing I can tolerate is you disguising yourself to lure out the former prime minister. Other than that, I won’t make any more concessions.”

 

He didn’t want Luo Shen to suffer any more harm.

 

Luo Shen looked at him cautiously.

 

He had intended to be a bit domineering and reclaim his authority, but after hearing this, his anger dissipated completely.

 

After a moment of silence, Luo Shen nodded, a sign of compromise.

 

Gu Xingzhi was satisfied. He wrapped his arms around Luo Shen’s waist and gently rubbed it.

 

After running around and having a huge outburst, and now enduring the jostling of the carriage, Luo Shen finally couldn’t bear it. He immediately nestled into Gu Xingzhi’s embrace.

 

A while later, they arrived at the Qin Residence.

 

As Luo Shen stepped into the residence, a servant approached and reported: “Your Majesty, Prince Qin woke up briefly this afternoon, and he…”

 

“What happened to him?”

 

The servant hesitated before speaking: “It seems Prince Qin has lost his memory.”

 

Luo Shen’s steps halted, and he looked at the servant in shock: “Memory loss? Are you sure?”

 

The servant had a worried expression: “When Prince Qin woke up, he asked who I was, and he didn’t recognize anyone around him, not even the steward or the residence. The doctor who examined him said it’s normal; it could take ten days to a month to recover, or in severe cases, he might never remember.”

 

As they reached the door of the bedroom, they could hear Luo Ming’s panicked voice from inside: “Who are you! I’m telling you, don’t come any closer! Otherwise, I’ll—I’ll commit suicide!”

 

Luo Shen: “…”

 

Can suicide even be used as a threat?

 

He exchanged a glance with Gu Xingzhi and then pushed the door open.

 

Inside, Luo Ming was holding a piece of broken porcelain nailed to the headboard. When he saw the bright yellow flash, everyone in the room immediately knelt.

 

Luo Shen observed Luo Ming’s dazed appearance with some curiosity and walked over. Gu Xingzhi, fearing that Luo Ming might hurt him, was about to reach out to stop him.

 

At that moment, Luo Ming suddenly dropped the porcelain shards and rushed forward, grabbing Luo Shen in a tight embrace: “You’ve finally come! Wuwuwu, they’re bullying me!”