Let Me Go, I’m Not Pregnant - Chapter 46

Luo Shen panicked.

 

He struggled desperately, but the person behind him was extremely strong, directly pulling him into the room. Luo Shen stumbled, barely managing to steady himself. When he looked up, he was surprised to see that it was Changxin.

 

“Changxin? How are you here?” Luo Shen was shocked. He hadn’t brought Changxin when he left. At this moment, Changxin should have been keeping an eye on Chang’an, so how did she leave the palace?

 

But fortunately, it was Changxin, so he breathed a sigh of relief.

 

“I must follow Your Majesty!” Changxin looked at Luo Shen with a pitiful expression. From a young age, she had been taught that wherever Luo Shen went, she should be there too. It was the first time they had been separated by such a distance.

 

She had wanted to speak to Luo Shen the night before, but at that time, Gu Xingzhi was serving him in bed, and she was too embarrassed to interrupt.

 

The next morning, Luo Shen left early. By the time she finished her morning training, he was already gone.

 

Changxin had no choice but to seek out Gu Xingzhi to explain the situation, so she was allowed to leave the palace.

 

After hearing this, Luo Shen sighed helplessly, “The palace needs you right now, why did you leave? I’m just out for some fun; I’ll be back in a couple of days.”

 

Changxin looked at Luo Shen, “Does Your Majesty not want me anymore?”

 

She asked this with a blank expression, yet the question carried a subtle chill of abandonment.

 

Luo Shen: “…”

 

He pressed his hand to his forehead.

 

Just as Changxin was about to speak, General Gu’s voice came from outside. He had waited for a long time without seeing Luo Shen return, and was already searching for him.

 

Luo Shen glanced at Changxin, sighed helplessly, and took her with him as they went back.

 

When General Gu saw that Luo Shen had returned with an extra person, he was surprised, “Changxin, how did you get out here?”

 

Changxin glanced at him, not backing down, “Your Majesty, this servant’s martial arts are better than his.”

 

General Gu: “…”

 

Luo Shen: “…”

 

Changxin eagerly tried to sell herself, “Your Majesty, this servant has been with you for many years.”

 

Luo Shen: “…”

 

General Gu turned his face away, pressing his hand to his forehead in frustration.

 

Changxin, not understanding, gave General Gu another look. Then, as if realizing something, she suddenly became happy, “Your Majesty, General Gu has a headache, he’s old and not in good health, but this servant can help!”

 

General Gu: “…”

 

Why does everyone keep saying he’s old?

 

Is his age that obvious?

 

He was angry!

 

Luo Shen quickly explained for her, “Changxin is just young and doesn’t understand social etiquette. Changxin, you can’t call people old when you’re outside.”

 

General Gu nodded. Isn’t that just a blow to his pride?

 

Changxin blinked, confused. If someone is old, they’re just old, so why can’t it be said?

 

She asked, “Then should I call him Little General Gu?”

 

If not old, then young?

 

General Gu was suddenly choked, pressing his hand to his lips as he couldn’t stop coughing.

 

Luo Shen pressed his forehead again. He probably understood why Gu Xingzhi was willing to let her out of the palace.

 

Changxin was still confused, “Little General Gu, are you unwell?”

 

She seemed concerned, but her tone was light, which only further infuriated General Gu. He took a deep breath, just about to suggest to Luo Shen that Changxin should be sent back.

 

He had just sent a letter to Gu Xingzhi, so it should… not be long before it arrives.

 

At this moment, Luo Shen said, “Let Changxin stay.”

 

Even though he would return to the capital in two months, General Gu would need to continue the tour with Liu Kuang to maintain the disguise. There wouldn’t be anyone with him on the way back, which could be dangerous.

 

Rather than writing a letter to have Changxin come to escort him later, it was better to bring her along now. Along the way, he could also teach Changxin some things, and maybe help her recover something.

 

Hearing this, General Gu looked at Changxin again, thinking about Lady Gu who was already settled in Luo Town, and thought that letting the two have more opportunities to interact wouldn’t be a bad thing, so he nodded in agreement.

 

Luo Shen then led them back to the house. When they reached the door, he remembered that there was still someone inside. He put away his casual demeanor and walked in with a serious expression.

 

Inside, Liu Kuang was preparing to climb out the window.

 

He looked at the servant below the window, at his thin arms and legs, and felt a bit worried, unsure if the servant could catch him.

 

But just as he was hesitating, the door was suddenly thrown open, startling him so much that he wobbled.

 

Liu Kuang tried hard to steady himself, and when he looked up, he met Luo Shen’s surprised gaze. His heart skipped a beat, but then he remembered his current situation, gritted his teeth, and jumped down.

 

Below, the servant, seeing someone falling, and the large body gradually getting closer, was so frightened that his thin arms and legs trembled, and he instinctively retracted them.

 

With a loud thud, Liu Kuang landed heavily on the ground. His head was spinning, and his whole body hurt. Just as he was about to get up and scold the servant, he looked up and saw a woman’s face at the window, holding a sword in one hand. The servant trembled again, yelled, “Murder!” and ran away.

 

Liu Kuang: “…”

 

He lay stiffly on the cold ground, hearing the scream roll away into the distance, feeling like the blood in his brain had drained out.

 

Above, Changxin leaped down, picked him up, glared at the retreating servant, and then shoved him back into the room the same way.

 

“Your Majesty, shall I go kill him?” Changxin tossed him onto the ground and turned to leave.

 

Luo Shen quickly pulled her back, “General Gu is already chasing him!”

 

Upon hearing this, Changxin’s competitive spirit flared, “That little General Gu, how dare he compete with me for credit!”

 

Her eyes flashed with a competitive fire, “General Gu is in poor health, let this servant handle it!”

 

After saying that, she tied up the person on the bed again, making sure to tie four or five tight knots to ensure he couldn’t escape, and then immediately walked out.

 

Luo Shen hurriedly chased after her.

 

But he hadn’t fully recovered yet, and halfway through the chase, he had to stop, leaning against the wall and gasping for breath. He thought to himself that he had never killed anyone before, and now, just after leaving the palace, he was being labeled with such a heavy accusation.

 

Just as he was getting anxious and angry, a shadow suddenly fell over him.

 

Luo Shen’s breath caught. Not again?

 

He stared at the shadow on the wall, then down at the ground. He could feel an ominous presence growing clearer behind him.

 

He sensed danger and tried to run, about to shout for help, but was grabbed from behind, his mouth covered, and dragged into the adjacent room.

 

“Mmph, I didn’t kill Liu Kuang! I didn’t!” Luo Shen listened to the chaos in his ears, unable to tell whose heart was beating so wildly. As he struggled, he felt the person behind him relax a bit. Fearing the person would harm him, he quickly said, “He’s still in the room!”

 

Behind him, Gu Xingzhi frowned upon hearing this.

 

Liu Kuang? Wasn’t that the pretty boy the General mentioned?

 

Today, he had been patrolling the palace and caught a carrier pigeon, finding a letter from the General saying that as soon as Luo Shen left the palace, he met a pretty boy and was now drinking and eating with him. The letter urged Gu Xingzhi to come quickly.

 

In a moment of heated emotion, Gu Xingzhi rushed over, only to hear Luo Shen muttering someone else’s name as soon as he embraced him.

 

Liu Kuang?

 

His voice turned cold, “Is this the person you want to add to your harem?”

 

Luo Shen: “???”

 

He recognized Gu Xingzhi’s voice and stopped struggling, his heart no longer racing. He even wrapped Gu Xingzhi’s arm more tightly around himself.

 

Gu Xingzhi asked again, “Is it him?”

 

Luo Shen: “…”

 

He asked back, “Did the General send you a message?”

 

He thought it looked like the General was hiding something when he stood behind him earlier.

 

Gu Xingzhi’s breath became heavy, “Yes.”

 

Luo Shen had a bad feeling. The person behind him… seemed really angry?

 

He didn’t dare joke anymore, especially since his backside still hurt, so he quickly said, “He’s not some pretty boy.”

 

Gu Xingzhi frowned, “Not a pretty boy?”

 

“Right.” Luo Shen nodded, then quickly shook his head, “I had no intention of adding him to the harem.”

 

Gu Xingzhi felt even more stifled. So, he was just discarded after being used?

 

Luo Shen realized his words were wrong, quickly shaking his head, “I mean, my harem only has you!”

 

Gu Xingzhi wasn’t comforted at all. Then what is Liu Kuang? A white moonlight? A cinnabar mole, unattainable love?

 

His mind started to fill with thoughts.

 

Luo Shen noticed the breathing hadn’t slowed, and the grip on him hadn’t loosened. He grew increasingly anxious, scratching his head in frustration.

 

Then he heard Gu Xingzhi’s restrained voice asking, “A-Shen, do you like him?”

 

Luo Shen: “…”

 

He was shocked: “Haven’t I always liked only you?”

 

Gu Xingzhi stared at him, his expression unchanged.

 

Luo Shen realized he hadn’t said what Gu Xingzhi wanted to hear, so he tentatively added, “Aren’t I going to marry you? I even have your child in my belly.”

 

Gu Xingzhi let out a cold laugh. “So, the Emperor is only doing this to take responsibility for me, is that it? Hmm?”

 

His face was hidden in the shadows, and the atmosphere grew ominous. Even though Luo Shen couldn’t see his expression, he could roughly guess that Gu Xingzhi’s face had darkened again.

 

A shiver ran down Luo Shen’s spine. He quickly pushed Gu Xingzhi away, then reversed their positions, hugging him tightly. “I haven’t betrayed you, and I’m not marrying you just out of responsibility!”

 

Luo Shen stood on tiptoe, pressing Gu Xingzhi’s head into his chest while raising his other hand to swear to the heavens, “I only love you!”

 

Gu Xingzhi’s eyes narrowed sharply as he was suddenly pressed into Luo Shen’s embrace. Then, hearing Luo Shen’s bold declaration, his face suddenly heated up.

 

“I… I will always like you,” Luo Shen said, his chest heaving. He looked down at the fluffy head nestled against his chest. After making his vow, the person in his arms quieted down. Luo Shen wasn’t sure what Gu Xingzhi was thinking, but surely, he’d been appeased, right?

 

He raised his hand and patted Gu Xingzhi gently. “Xingzhi?”

 

Gu Xingzhi, taking advantage of the situation, wrapped his arms around Luo Shen’s slender waist and slowly let his head slide down to Luo Shen’s belly. “The child the Emperor is carrying is mine; the Emperor must always remember that.”

 

Hearing this tone, Luo Shen couldn’t help but shrink a little.

 

He had spent so much time trying to comfort Gu Xingzhi, but why did it still feel like this person was in a dark mood?

 

“Otherwise, I…” Gu Xingzhi raised his head, his gaze straightforwardly sweeping over Luo Shen’s brows and eyes, “cannot guarantee what I might do to the Emperor.”

 

If there really were concubines, he couldn’t be sure that he wouldn’t lock Luo Shen away.

 

“I promise you,” Luo Shen said, watching as the dark cloud in Gu Xingzhi’s eyes dissipated. He breathed a sigh of relief and adjusted their positions so that Gu Xingzhi held him in his arms.

 

Luo Shen inhaled Gu Xingzhi’s scent and felt his entire body relax. He closed his eyes, listening to the steady pounding of the heart in Gu Xingzhi’s chest. With his nerves finally unwinding, he lazily asked, “You came so quickly. It took me half the day to get here.”

 

Gu Xingzhi, holding Luo Shen, also relaxed and explained, “A carriage can’t compare to a fast horse, and we aren’t far from the capital.”

 

He had grown up on the frontier, accustomed to scaling walls and leaping across roofs. A few days before entering the capital, he had already scouted out the entire city and naturally knew the quickest route.

 

He hadn’t told Luo Shen, simply because he wanted him to take his time. If anything happened, he could reach him as quickly as possible.

 

Gu Xingzhi said, “I’ve already arranged for Changxin to follow you. She knows the shadow guards’ network. If anything happens that needs my attention, have her find me.”

 

Luo Shen nodded but then felt a bit puzzled. Just as he was about to ask, Gu Xingzhi, as if knowing what he wanted to ask, replied, “While the Emperor sent me away, I was preparing this.”

 

Luo Shen was stunned. “Why did you do this? I hadn’t even thought of it then.”

 

Gu Xingzhi said, “The Emperor is in a dangerous situation. Setting up a network also makes it easier to gather information.”

 

When he was at the frontier, he had set up such a network. The speed at which information was transmitted and collected was visibly faster. Although the capital had corresponding official departments, any official institution was susceptible to corruption and bribery, unlike the efficiency of shadow guards.

 

Luo Shen was taken aback.

 

Gu Xingzhi had secretly set up a network of shadow guards. If others found out, they would certainly accuse him of plotting rebellion.

 

If Luo Shen didn’t know his character, or if he wasn’t carrying his child, he would have suspected him too.

 

He widened his eyes, staring at the composed man before him. “Aren’t you afraid that by telling me this… I might…”

 

Upon hearing this, Gu Xingzhi lowered his eyes to look at Luo Shen, a flicker of madness in his gaze. “Emperor, what do you think I set this up for?”

 

“The country… the kingdom?” Luo Shen guessed.

 

Gu Xingzhi looked at him.

 

“To ease my worries?” Luo Shen continued guessing.

 

Gu Xingzhi kept looking at him.

 

Luo Shen’s voice grew weaker. “For my safety?” After all, he had to venture out, and Gu Xingzhi would be somewhat concerned. Although it might seem excessive, perhaps…

 

Gu Xingzhi was still looking at him.

 

Luo Shen breathed a sigh of relief. He knew Gu Xingzhi wasn’t someone who was bound by love alone.

 

Then he heard Gu Xingzhi ask, “Does the Emperor still remember a few days ago when I asked you to promise that you would return within two months?”

 

Luo Shen was startled. “Could it be…”

 

“If the Emperor doesn’t return within two months, I will mobilize the shadow guards’ network to bring you back, no matter where you are.”

 

Luo Shen felt helpless. He had initially thought that maybe Gu Xingzhi would have some ambition for the throne, but it turned out that his plans were focused entirely on him.

 

Once you’ve provoked Gu Xingzhi, there’s no escaping him for a lifetime.

 

Luo Shen had originally sent Gu Xingzhi away, planning to abdicate the throne while he was gone and escape the palace to live as a carefree prince.

 

But now it seemed… even if he had succeeded at the time, he would never have escaped Gu Xingzhi’s grasp.

 

Not only that, but Gu Xingzhi, to ensure that Luo Shen could sit securely on the throne, had been constantly working to repair and strengthen the network. It was already beginning to take shape and would soon be fully mature.

 

Once this network matured, everyone in the court, and even the entire world, would be under Luo Shen’s control.

 

Gu Xingzhi had carefully cut up the entire world and was feeding it to Luo Shen bit by bit.

 

Luo Shen was truly shocked. He looked at Gu Xingzhi, never expecting him to go to such lengths for him, even though…

 

“Even though… you have the power to…” Luo Shen trailed off. Gu Xingzhi could easily change who sat on the throne if he wanted to. He could overthrow the entire world.

 

But…

 

All Gu Xingzhi had done was to win favor with Luo Shen: “So, Emperor, are you still worried or afraid of the future?”

 

Luo Shen’s heart melted. He shook his head. “Not afraid anymore.”

 

With Gu Xingzhi around, what was there to fear?

 

Gu Xingzhi seized the moment to ask, “Then, Emperor, may I bully you?”

 

“Yes…” Luo Shen replied, then suddenly realized what he had just agreed to. But the next second, he was pinned against the wall and thoroughly bullied.

 

Gu Xingzhi tasted the faint alcohol on Luo Shen’s lips and frowned in displeasure. Then, in a fit of frustration, he kissed Luo Shen until he was dazed and unable to resist.

 

The little bit of drunkenness left in Luo Shen was drawn out, and he responded to the kiss, the heat of his skin brushed by cold fingers, as if he could feel the chill wind passing over the tips of those fingers.

 

Outside, Changxin paced back and forth, anxiously yet restrainedly calling out, “Young Master? Young Master?”

 

Separated by a wall, Luo Shen bit his lip, clinging tightly to Gu Xingzhi’s shoulder. He found it hard to imagine how someone’s fingers could be so agile.

 

Outside, Changxin found a servant who looked suspicious and dragged him over, pinning him against the wall as she fiercely demanded, “You, have you seen a handsome young master about this tall?”

 

The servant was momentarily stunned and asked, “Who?”

 

Changxin was impatient. “The most handsome young master!”

 

The servant thought for a moment, then remembered. Wasn’t this the unlucky young master?

 

He glanced at Changxin, thinking she must be that young master’s wife who had come looking for him.

 

In a panic, he stammered, “The young master… isn’t here?”

 

Changxin saw through the lie instantly. She grabbed the man’s collar, slammed him against the door, and pressed her sword hilt to his neck. “Speak! Where is he?”

 

Inside the room, Luo Shen was startled. His eyes reddened as he looked at the door, which was banging so hard it seemed it might break.

 

Gu Xingzhi said nothing, squeezing more ointment onto his fingers.

 

A moment later, the trembling shop assistant led the group back to the original room, their footsteps gradually fading away.

 

Luo Shen couldn’t hold it in anymore and started to cry softly.

 

Gu Xingzhi cleaned him up, dressed him, and picked him up to comfort him.

 

Luo Shen, utterly embarrassed, buried his face in Gu Xingzhi’s chest. Already dizzy from the alcohol, he felt even more exhausted after everything that had happened. He muttered a couple of curses at Gu Xingzhi before finally falling asleep.

 

When Gu Xingzhi heard no more sound from the person in his arms, he picked him up, kicked the door open, and walked out.

 

A cold wind blew, and Luo Shen clutched at Gu Xingzhi’s coat, pulling it tighter around himself.

 

Just as Gu Xingzhi reached the door, he heard a commotion inside the house.

 

Liu Kuang, who had finally seen someone, opened his mouth to cry for help.

 

Changxin, with a stern face, casually stuffed the cloth used to wipe tables into his mouth, then continued questioning the shop assistant. “Where is he?”

 

The shop assistant broke out in a cold sweat. He looked around the room, thinking that it looked like… like someone had been caught in an affair, and then… hmm, the poor young master had run away, and now his wife had caught Liu Kuang and was hunting down the young master.

 

He wiped his sweat. “Well… I don’t know where he is either.”

 

Changxin frowned, looking from Liu Kuang to the shop assistant, suspecting that one of them was lying.

 

At that moment, Gu Xingzhi stepped through the door.

 

Changxin turned around, and upon seeing the person in Gu Xingzhi’s arms, finally let out a sigh of relief.

 

She hurried over.

 

Gu Xingzhi said, “Changxin, go prepare some hot water.”

 

“Yes.”

 

Gu Xingzhi’s dangerous gaze swept over Liu Kuang, who was tied to the bed. A few fragments flashed through his mind as he recalled, “You must be Liu Kuang, the son of Prime Minister Liu?”

 

Liu Kuang nodded vigorously. Was this person here to rescue him as well? This man had knocked out the emperor—wouldn’t he be beheaded?

 

It seemed like everyone trying to curry favor with the Liu family had gone mad, even daring to strike the emperor?

 

Meanwhile, the shop assistant had different thoughts.

 

Could this man be the true consort?

 

He looked imposing, while the person in his arms had reddened eyes, as if they had cried themselves to sleep.

 

Unconsciously, the shop assistant imagined some inappropriate scenes and then shot a “you’d better be careful” look at Liu Kuang.

 

Sure enough, in the next second, Gu Xingzhi smirked, his expression darkening as a shadow grew across his face. His voice was calm but chilling. “Changxin.”

 

“Yes.” Changxin, a bit nervous, stepped forward. She had lost track of the emperor, but luckily Gu Xingzhi was here; otherwise, she would be in big trouble.

 

She didn’t dare say much, only waiting for orders.

 

“Toss him out and lock him in a room,” Gu Xingzhi said. His eyes then flicked to the bed Liu Kuang was tied to, noticing the tableware on the side. He understood; this was the place mentioned in General Gu’s letter, where they had eaten together.

 

His brows furrowed again, interrupting Changxin’s actions. “Forget it. Give him this room. When General Gu returns, tell him to change rooms.”

 

Changxin had just cut the ropes with her sword, but upon hearing this, she tied up the remaining pieces again.

 

The rope was already too short, and after being cut, it was now even shorter.

 

Liu Kuang started crying again, his eyes filled with tears as he looked to the shop assistant for help, only to be stunned.

 

Where was… the shop assistant?

 

The shop assistant had already gone to prepare a new room for them.

 

With money like this, why not make a profit?

 

When Gu Xingzhi came out, he saw the shop assistant standing at the door, smiling and welcoming them to their new room. He had thoughtfully prepared soft bedding and fancy curtains and then politely closed the door behind them.

 

“Young master, this room is the best we have. Please enjoy.”

 

After saying this, he quickly left.

 

Gu Xingzhi: “…”

 

He put Luo Shen on the bed and, after carefully examining his sleeping face, couldn’t resist giving him another kiss. Just as he did, Luo Shen tugged at his clothes.

 

In his sleep, Luo Shen unconsciously held onto Gu Xingzhi’s clothes, pulling him closer. Gu Xingzhi tried to free himself, but found he couldn’t.

 

Gu Xingzhi: “…”

 

He had no choice but to lie down beside Luo Shen, waiting until he was sound asleep to try and loosen his grip. But no matter what, Luo Shen wouldn’t let go, stubbornly burrowing into Gu Xingzhi’s arms.

 

After being teased several times and remembering that he had just applied ointment to Luo Shen, Gu Xingzhi restrained himself, taking off his clothes and stuffing them into Luo Shen’s arms.

 

Luo Shen clutched the clothes, turned over, and burrowed under the covers, refusing to come out.

 

He had a dream in which his belly grew so large, and his body felt unbearably heavy. He was trapped in a dark room, deprived of sunlight for a long time. A sinister voice told him that on the day of the festival, everyone would see how ugly he looked with that big belly!

 

Luo Shen was terrified. He shivered and tried to hide, but behind him was a cold stone wall, and in front of him was a freezing pool of water. There was no roof overhead, and no ground beneath his feet. Just as he was falling into despair, Gu Xingzhi suddenly appeared in front of him.

 

Luo Shen’s anxious heart finally settled, and he rushed forward to embrace him, thinking he would never let go for the rest of his life!

 

But suddenly, Gu Xingzhi’s figure shattered with a bang.

 

Luo Shen opened his eyes and found that he was only holding a bundle of clothes.

 

He sat up in bed, looked down at the clothes in his hands, his mind still foggy, and then lifted his head to look at the empty room, stunned.