Let Me Go, I’m Not Pregnant - Chapter 45

The servant, seething with anger, rushed forward and shouted, “Who are you calling ugly?”

 

Luo Shen feigned ignorance and asked General Gu, “Who is ugly?”

 

General Gu caught on and replied, “I have no idea.”

 

Luo Shen turned to ask the coachman, “Who is ugly?”

 

The coachman kept a straight face and replied stiffly, “I don’t know.”

 

Luo Shen smiled and asked the servant, “So who is ugly?”

 

Everyone present had been asked, except for Luo Shen and his master. So who was the ugly one?

 

After asking, Luo Shen slowly got off the carriage. General Gu quickly went to help him, carefully placing his hand on Luo Shen’s waist to assist him down.

 

His movements were steady and powerful, which surprised Luo Shen. He hadn’t realized that martial artists were so strong. Yesterday, when Gu Xingzhi pinned him against the wall, he had done so with just one hand.

 

However, Luo Shen’s surprise lasted only a second before it was interrupted by the servant’s sudden high-pitched voice.

 

“Oh, so you’re saying my master is ugly? You’ve got some nerve!”

 

Luo Shen twisted his ankle.

 

He turned his head, shocked.

 

Opposite him, still in the carriage, Liu Kuang was also taken aback. His eyes widened in disbelief as he looked at the servant who usually served him so closely.

 

So, this servant actually thought he was ugly?

 

The servant, with one hand on his hip and the other pointing at Luo Shen, had just finished his tirade when he suddenly felt a chill down his back.

 

His lips twitched, and his imposing manner instantly deflated. He weakly stammered, “Could it be that you think I’m the ugly one?”

 

Could it be?

 

Luo Shen was even more stunned.

 

He looked at Liu Kuang in the carriage behind the servant, whose face had turned as dark as charcoal. Could this person make things worse for himself?

 

This… wasn’t going to end well, was it?

 

Luo Shen instinctively felt that these two were about to settle some personal matters, so he tugged on General Gu and whispered, “Let’s go quickly!”

 

General Gu had intended to watch the drama unfold, but hearing this, he remembered that Luo Shen’s health wasn’t suited for the wind, so he helped him inside.

 

Liu Kuang’s gaze flickered as he noticed Luo Shen’s unsteady steps and weakened body, thinking he had been frightened by the commotion. Unhappy, he frowned and glared at the servant again.

 

The servant felt a chill down his spine and silently moved to the side. “Um… young master…”

 

He blinked and cautiously moved his head back. “I was just trying to help you by insulting him.”

 

“Turn around!” Liu Kuang snapped.

 

The servant quickly turned around, but kept his head down. “Young… young master, I wasn’t saying you were ugly!”

 

Liu Kuang grew even angrier, grinding his teeth. But as his peripheral vision caught Luo Shen’s retreating figure, he hesitated between chasing after him and punishing the servant. After a moment’s consideration, he decisively jumped off the carriage, leaving behind, “Sleep in the stables tonight!”

 

Then he rushed inside.

 

Inside the inn, the waiter skillfully arranged a private room and led the group upstairs.

 

Liu Kuang arrived just in time to see them heading up the stairs, and he smiled brightly at the waiter to express his thanks.

 

The waiter, beaming from ear to ear, replied, “You’re welcome, you’re welcome! Just call if you need anything!”

 

General Gu helped Luo Shen into the private room and gently closed the door.

 

The waiter, still in high spirits, was intercepted by Liu Kuang on his way back.

 

When he looked up and saw Liu Kuang, his expression immediately turned serious, and he lowered his head respectfully, “Greetings, Young Master Liu!”

 

Liu Kuang glanced at him and asked, “Which room is that young master in?”

 

Sensing something was off, the waiter nervously replied, “Young Master, he seems to be from a noble family. It’s not my place to say…”

 

Liu Kuang squinted, “Just another noble family? Do you think someone of my status can’t ask?”

 

He threatened, “Or would you rather go discuss it at the Chancellor’s residence?”

 

The waiter’s legs went weak, and he quickly responded, “I-I wouldn’t dare! That young master is in the third room.”

 

In the inn, the first five rooms could only be booked by paying a hefty sum. Liu Kuang figured the person must be wealthy, but…

 

So what if he was rich? Liu Kuang had power and influence. How could a mere young master pose any threat to him?

 

Even if this matter reached his chancellor father, his father was too busy currying favor with the emperor to bother with him.

 

Liu Kuang smirked and strode upstairs.

 

Inside the room, Luo Shen had taken a blanket and sat down in a chair. General Gu poured him a cup of water and asked, “Does His Majesty want some sour fruits?”

 

He noticed that after a day of traveling, Luo Shen’s face had turned a bit pale.

 

And then there was that belly.

 

Luo Shen was wearing a loose robe, which conveniently covered it, but when he sat down, it was slightly visible.

 

Luo Shen hummed in response. Since his belly had grown, he hadn’t craved sour fruits as much, and with dinner approaching, he didn’t want to eat too much and feel too full.

 

He shook his head and asked, “When will dinner be ready?”

 

General Gu replied, “It’s being prepared now, so it shouldn’t be long. Should I have someone hurry them up?”

 

“No need,” Luo Shen shook his head, not in too much of a rush. “General Gu, you should sit with me.”

 

General Gu, hearing this, took a seat beside him. Seeing that it was still early, he took out a travel map and said, “Your Majesty, we should arrive in Luo Town by evening. It’s close to the capital, and the officials there manage things strictly. There haven’t been any major issues so far.”

 

Luo Shen nodded. He had chosen to visit Luo Town first because he wanted to rest. The place seemed problem-free but had close ties with several other locations. It was also a necessary stop on the way to the capital, where a lot of information flowed through.

 

Moreover, many of the officials in the capital liked to send their sons to Luo Town, either to hold minor positions or to enjoy a leisurely life while gaining some experience.

 

Luo Shen looked up, seriously pondering, “I heard the Chancellor’s son is also in Luo Town?”

 

General Gu nodded. The Chancellor’s son, Liu Kuang, was rumored to be a playboy who caused trouble in Luo Town. Since the Chancellor protected him, no one dared to touch him.

 

The Chancellor was so protective of his son that anyone who tried to impeach Liu Kuang would be seen as an enemy, so no one dared to lay a hand on Liu Kuang.

 

General Gu thought for a moment and said, “I’ve already had my wife go ahead to Luo Town to scout things out and find us a place to stay.”

 

Luo Shen guessed that although the Chancellor was eager to marry off his daughter to him, he wouldn’t overlook his son and let Liu Kuang cause trouble now, right?

 

So, he didn’t dwell on it and soon changed the subject to discuss other matters with General Gu.

 

A moment later, the waiter knocked on the door, and General Gu put away the map and went to open it.

 

The waiter, smiling nervously, served the food onto the table. “Young Master, please enjoy your meal.”

 

Luo Shen smelled the aroma, and his appetite was immediately whetted.

 

Having not eaten all day due to the commotion yesterday, he suddenly felt his empty stomach and happily said, “Thank you, waiter!”

 

The waiter’s smile froze, and he instinctively glanced outside.

 

A shadow passed by.

 

Just as Luo Shen was about to pick up his chopsticks to eat, he noticed the waiter still standing there and asked curiously, “Waiter, is there something else?”

 

“Well, yes.” The waiter pulled out a pot of wine from his pocket. “A guest said he regretted not meeting you sooner and sent this pot of wine as a token of his feelings.”

 

Luo Shen glanced at the wine, a slight smile forming on his lips. “I’m not feeling well and can’t drink alcohol. Please return it.”

 

The waiter felt like crying. He knew the guest wouldn’t want to drink it!

 

But as soon as he turned around, the gaze from outside pierced through. Remembering what happened to those who disobeyed, his legs went weak, and he stammered, “This is the guest’s token of friendship. Whether you drink it or not doesn’t matter. I’ll just leave it here.”

 

The waiter, trembling, quickly ran outside.

 

Luo Shen’s gaze followed, noticing a shadow outside the door. But when Gu Jiangjun went out to check, the person had already disappeared.

 

Gu Jiangjun returned with a grim face, ready to throw away the wine. But Luo Shen suddenly grabbed his arm and took the pot of wine, pouring some into a cup.

 

Gu Jiangjun was stunned. “What if it’s poisoned or drugged?”

 

Luo Shen didn’t reply. After pouring the wine, he called out, “Why hide outside the door? If you want to meet, be straightforward. Come in.”

 

The person outside seemed surprised but then chuckled and stepped inside. “You have keen eyes, sir.”

 

Luo Shen signaled to Gu Jiangjun, who reluctantly moved aside for Liu Kuang.

 

Liu Kuang’s gaze shifted boldly to Luo Shen. “Earlier, my men clashed with you. I came to apologize with this pot of wine as compensation.”

 

Looking at the clear wine, Luo Shen smiled. “I already vented my anger, so there’s no need for this.”

 

Liu Kuang glanced at the cup, thinking his intentions were understood since the wine was already poured.

 

He smiled eagerly. “Consider this wine a token of friendship. My name is Liu Kuang. May I know yours?”

 

Luo Shen was slightly taken aback. Liu Kuang?

 

Seeing his reaction, Liu Kuang smugly added, “Yes, Liu Kuang, son of the Prime Minister.”

 

Luo Shen’s smile turned dangerous. “I’ve heard of you, Liu Kuang.”

 

Liu Kuang, mistaking the eerie smile for surprise, became more pleased. He glanced at Gu Jiangjun. “I want to talk with this gentleman. You may leave.”

 

Gu Jiangjun, furious, stepped forward. His son was destined to marry the emperor; he couldn’t let Luo Shen fall for someone else!

 

Luo Shen stopped Gu Jiangjun. “Gu Bo, you may go.”

 

Gu Jiangjun was shocked, staring at Luo Shen. “Sir, but…”

 

Could it be Luo Shen fancied Liu Kuang?

 

Liu Kuang had neither looks nor physique, unlike Gu Xingzhi!

 

Gu Jiangjun’s tone became plaintive. “Sir, we’re not here to meet others. Remember the one at home…”

 

Luo Shen’s jaw tightened.

 

The one at home?

 

What nonsense!

 

He glanced at Gu Jiangjun, guessing the misunderstanding, but Liu Kuang interjected. “The one at home? They must be quite possessive.”

 

Gu Jiangjun, now enraged, glared at Liu Kuang.

 

Liu Kuang, confident, raised his cup. “What I can offer is far more than the one at home, right?”

 

Looking at Luo Shen, Liu Kuang grew more satisfied. Though he usually avoided those already taken, Luo Shen was too tempting to pass up.

 

Liu Kuang drank a sip of wine. “How should I address you?”

 

“I’m Shen Luo. People call me Luo Gongzi.”

 

Seeing Liu Kuang drink, Luo Shen felt reassured it wasn’t poisoned, but still regretted it.

 

Liu Kuang pondered the name. “Shen Luo? Nice name.”

 

He poured more wine for Luo Shen, but Gu Jiangjun’s hand intercepted.

 

“Luo Gongzi can’t drink.”

 

Liu Kuang looked up, meeting a fierce gaze, tension crackling between them.

 

Luo Shen tugged Gu Jiangjun’s sleeve. “Gu Bo, please go out.”

 

He stood, gently pushing Gu Jiangjun out, who, worried for Luo Shen’s health, reluctantly followed, fearing Luo Shen sought another lover.

 

“Consider the Prime Minister’s son carefully.”

 

Luo Shen was speechless for a moment before firmly pushing Gu Jiangjun out and bolting the door.

 

Watching the door, Luo Shen glanced back, seeing Liu Kuang secretly drugging his cup and swapping it with Luo Shen’s tea cup before turning around.

 

Liu Kuang, smiling, raised the pot. “This is wine bestowed by the emperor. Try it; it’s good for your health.”

 

Luo Shen thought it was nonsense but smiled, suddenly clutching his chest and weakly calling, “Liu, Liu Gongzi!”

 

“What’s wrong?” Liu Kuang hurriedly got up to support him. The faint fragrance reached his nose, and his throat rolled. The palm holding Luo Shen’s wrist grew warm.

 

Luo Shen propped his other hand on the table, looking pitiful. “I have a heart condition. The medicine is in my bag. Could you please get it for me?”

 

Liu Kuang was startled. Indeed, the heavens envied beauties; Luo Shen had a heart condition. Concerned, he quickly said, “Sure, I’ll get it!”

 

As Liu Kuang turned around, Luo Shen immediately swapped the drugged wine with his own, then sat back in the chair, clutching his chest, waiting for Liu Kuang to return.

 

Liu Kuang returned with the medicine, seeing Luo Shen’s complexion gradually improve after taking it. He sighed in relief and asked warmly, “Are you feeling better, Luo Gongzi?”

 

“Thank you, Liu Gongzi. I’m almost recovered.” Luo Shen asked, “Did I scare you just now?”

 

Liu Kuang said, “Gongzi, you are so elegant, even when ill. It made my heart flutter.”

 

His words grew more suggestive, “If you agree to be with me, I am willing to exchange merits for it.”

 

Luo Shen: “…”

 

He twitched his lips, thinking, Merits? Does that even work??

 

Liu Kuang raised his cup. “Since it’s rare to meet, let’s have a drink, Luo Gongzi!”

 

Seeing Luo Shen hesitate, he hurriedly added, “Just one cup, Luo Gongzi. Give me this face?”

 

Luo Shen hesitated but eventually agreed. “Well, alright.”

 

Liu Kuang was delighted. He raised his cup and drank heartily, then watched Luo Shen slowly sip his wine. His demeanor was truly eye-catching.

 

Liu Kuang felt his lips dry.

 

His drug was top-notch, taking effect quickly. Once intoxicated, the person would lose their senses, becoming compliant and later believing it was mutual affection, even falling in love with him.

 

Liu Kuang finished his drink, placing the cup aside, waiting for the drug to take effect. However, Luo Shen calmly picked up his chopsticks to eat.

 

Luo Shen subtly poured the drugged wine into his rice and set the bowl aside, dipping meat into his sauce.

 

Liu Kuang watched him eat gracefully, growing impatient, but Luo Shen showed no reaction.

 

After eating halfway, Luo Shen suddenly paused and slowly raised his head, looking at Liu Kuang, whose face was flushed, veins popping on his forehead, collar disheveled, having drunk half the pot of wine as if it were water.

 

In disbelief, as he considered adding more drugs, Luo Shen’s confused gaze met his.

 

Liu Kuang was nervous. “What, what’s wrong?”

 

Luo Shen, puzzled, asked, “Your drug… it’s not working. Why aren’t you reacting?”

 

Liu Kuang: “!!!”

 

He was shocked. Waiting for Luo Shen to react, he hadn’t expected himself to be affected instead.

 

Liu Kuang’s eyes trembled, looking at the wine pot. The wine was supposed to enhance the experience, not work alone, but with the drug, it greatly intensified the effects.

 

Liu Kuang panicked and quickly stood up. Luo Shen immediately ran to the door.

 

Liu Kuang tried to grab him but only caught his sleeve. The next second, the door opened, and Luo Shen hid behind Gu Jiangjun. “Quick! He’s reacting!”

 

Gu Jiangjun saw the almost frenzied man inside and his face darkened. “What happened?”

 

“He tried to drug me!” Luo Shen admitted, feeling guilty. He thought the drug was a sedative, not an aphrodisiac. He realized he knew too little about this world.

 

Luo Shen fumbled with the small bottle in his pocket, containing antidote pills from Gu Xingzhi, meant for others, not him.

 

He wondered if the antidote would work on Liu Kuang’s drug. Maybe it’s better to just throw it?

 

While Luo Shen was conflicted, Gu Jiangjun had already bound Liu Kuang tightly.

 

Liu Kuang shouted, “Shen Luo! You bastard! Let me go! Or I’ll make you pay!”

 

Gu Jiangjun glanced back at Luo Shen, who had taken out the bottle but, hearing this, put it back, closed the door, and walked up to Liu Kuang.

 

“You should think carefully. Your life is in our hands now. Even if the Prime Minister wants revenge, that’s later.”

 

Liu Kuang panicked. “What do you want? Did you lure me here for my father?”

 

Luo Shen: “???”

 

Lure?

 

He was furious. “Gu Jiangjun, slap him!”

 

Gu Jiangjun, already angry, immediately slapped Liu Kuang twice.

 

Liu Kuang was stunned, looking at Luo Shen. “Even my father has never hit me like this!”

 

“Well, you haven’t met me.” Luo Shen smiled coldly. “Today, I’m your ancestor.”

 

He said, “You better think clearly. Cooperate with us, or…”

 

Luo Shen’s eyes hinted at the drug’s effects. Having experienced it, he knew how unbearable it was. Especially for someone like Liu Kuang, who frequented brothels, he probably couldn’t endure it.

 

“Choose freely. I don’t care.”

 

With that, Luo Shen returned to the dining table. Gu Jiangjun cleared away the wine cups and pot, grabbing his bowl to eat.

 

Luo Shen got a new bowl, slowly chewing his rice. Soon, Liu Kuang cried for help.

 

Luo Shen glanced over. “Can’t take it anymore?”

 

Liu Kuang nodded desperately, sweating profusely, itching unbearably, craving release.

 

But seeing the two men, one was skilled in martial arts but too old, and the other was unattainable.

 

Liu Kuang pleaded, “I really can’t take it. Please, find me someone!”

 

Luo Shen shook his head. “How could that be? The women outside are all decent.”

 

Liu Kuang quickly said, “Anyone from Flower Street will do!”

 

Luo Shen shook his head again. “Not suitable for my status.”

 

“Then…”

 

Luo Shen didn’t wait for him to suggest and asked first, “I heard that Liu Gongzi has been causing trouble in Luo Town for quite some time?”

 

Liu Kuang didn’t understand why the topic changed to this when he was looking for relief, but he didn’t dare to argue, fearing that angering these two would make him suffer to death. He quickly nodded.

 

“What you tried to do to me today, you must have done to others before, right?” Luo Shen’s gaze turned sharp.

 

“No, no, no!” Liu Kuang hurriedly said, “I’ve never drugged anyone else!”

 

“I don’t believe you,” Luo Shen frowned. Was this really his first time?

 

“That’s because… that’s because I used my father’s power to force them. I would use my father’s name, and they would come to me voluntarily!” Liu Kuang, to avoid being reported to the county office, mostly used the name of Prime Minister Liu to force people. Those people, wanting to get closer to Prime Minister Liu, had no choice but to comply with his demands.

 

Luo Shen frowned upon hearing this. Despite Liu Kuang’s decent appearance, he resorted to such despicable actions, and it was unlikely that Prime Minister Liu was completely unaware, probably giving those people some benefits to dismiss the incidents as if they never happened.

 

He looked at Liu Kuang with growing disgust.

 

Liu Kuang was now so desperate that he was rubbing the floor. He looked at Luo Shen in pain, “Please, please, after this, I’ll have my father give you an official position!”

 

Luo Shen frowned, deliberately slowing his pace, “General Gu.”

 

“I am here.”

 

“Prepare a written confession for this Liu Gongzi.”

 

“Yes.”

 

General Gu quickly wrote a document and pressed it in front of Liu Kuang. Liu Kuang hastily signed it and, under General Gu’s pressure, pricked his finger to leave a red fingerprint before being released.

 

Luo Shen tossed him an antidote pill.

 

Liu Kuang hurriedly picked it up and swallowed it.

 

After a moment, the effects of the drug finally eased.

 

He lay on the ground, panting. As he caught his breath, Luo Shen’s earlier words replayed in his mind, causing his expression to change gradually.

 

He turned to look at Luo Shen again.

 

Luo Shen set aside his bowl and chopsticks, holding a teacup in one hand and sipping slowly, while the other hand held the confession, carefully reviewing it before folding the paper neatly and placing it in his sleeve.

 

“The Emperor…”

 

“Listen carefully to what I’m about to say.”

 

Luo Shen spoke slowly, “I command you to impersonate me on a tour. If you are discovered, you will be punished with death for impersonating the Emperor. If you return safely, this confession will be nullified.”

 

Liu Kuang was stunned.

 

He saw Luo Shen get up and immediately trembled with fear, suddenly recalling that Prime Minister Liu had mentioned that the Emperor was very young and exceptionally handsome.

 

Moreover, the Emperor’s name was—

 

Luo Shen.

 

Shen Luo, Luo Shen?

 

He then glanced at General Gu and noticed for the first time the imperial token at General Gu’s waist.

 

That token was from the imperial palace.

 

Liu Kuang was completely dumbfounded.

 

In the stifling silence, as he watched Luo Shen’s retreating figure, he felt a strange, bizarre sense of admiration in his heart.

 

After delivering his message, Luo Shen felt he had intimidated enough, so he placed his teacup on the table and intended to go out for some fresh air.

 

He walked out of the room and headed toward the stairs. Just as he rounded a corner, a hand suddenly reached out from the side, covering his mouth and dragging him in.

 

“Gongzi” (公子) is a term of address in Chinese that translates to “young master” or “son of nobility.” It is used to refer to the son of a noble family or someone of high social status, often implying respect and recognition of their elevated position in society. In historical and literary contexts, it is commonly used to address young men from aristocratic or wealthy families.