Let Me Go, I’m Not Pregnant - Chapter 7

 

However, someone’s expression was as sincere as ever: “I’m very serious.”

 

Luoshen: “…”

 

Not only was Changxin very serious, but she also looked at Luoshen with an expectant gaze. “Your Majesty, please try it and tell me if it’s good.”

 

Luoshen found this unusual. Changxin had never been this eager for his opinion when she made pastries before. Why had her demeanor changed today? And why did the pastries look so unappealing?

 

He picked up a piece of pastry, noticing its unattractive shape, and took a bite. He couldn’t help but furrow his brows slightly.

 

However, Changxin’s hopeful eyes made him force a smile. “It’s… not bad, similar to what you usually make.”

 

Upon hearing this, instead of being pleased, Changxin suddenly frowned, grabbed a mask from the side, and stormed out in anger.

 

Luoshen sat at the table, the pastry in his hand trembling before dropping back onto the table.

 

Why was she unhappy when he praised her?

 

Has something happened to upset her today?

 

As Luoshen pondered this, he suddenly realized that he hadn’t asked about what had happened last night. He hurriedly got up, and as his gaze casually swept across the table, he noticed a corner of paper sticking out from one of the pastries.

 

He split it open from the middle and retrieved the note, which read, “Meet me in the garden tonight; I have something to discuss.”

 

The handwriting was hurried and messy.

 

Changxin could read but rarely wrote, and Luoshen had forgotten what her handwriting looked like. He found it strange that Changxin hadn’t spoken to him directly but instead invited him to the garden tonight.

 

What was the purpose?

 

Luoshen, still wondering why she was upset, decided to inquire. As he got up, his eyes caught a glimpse of another paper note poking out from one of the pastries.

 

He split it open, revealing the words, “Tonight, the garden, for a talk.”

 

The handwriting was different from Changxin’s but equally rushed.

 

Luoshen was puzzled. Why were there two notes, both asking for a meeting in the garden tonight?

 

Luoshen: “???”

 

He hadn’t criticized the person, but they seemed to disdain him?

 

Luoshen gritted his teeth, somewhat displeased. “General, it seems you’re not in good condition today. Are you unwell?”

 

General Xingzhi was called out, and he bowed respectfully. “Your Majesty, last night, I was reviewing documents and lost track of time. I am fatigued, and I beg Your Majesty’s forgiveness.”

 

Although he didn’t believe the excuse, Luoshen had to accept it. “Have you found any significant issues?”

 

“Yes,” General Xingzhi replied. He then began recounting his thorough review of various documents, keeping his fellow courtiers in suspense. However, he intentionally left them hanging, making them curious about what new information he had uncovered.

 

As he spoke of events up until the late hours, Luoshen felt parched and impatient. He interrupted, “General, your report is important, but it’s getting late. If you have other matters to discuss, you can submit a memorial tomorrow…”

 

General Xingzhi interrupted, looking somewhat embarrassed. “Your Majesty, I apologize, but there’s an urgent matter I need to report. If I wait until tomorrow, it might weigh heavily on my conscience.”

 

With disgruntled expressions, the other courtiers exchanged glances. Their eyes carried a sense of resentment as they realized that curfew time was approaching.

 

Luoshen sighed inwardly, realizing that he had no choice. “Very well, General Xingzhi, you can stay behind to make your report. The rest of the courtiers may leave.”

 

The courtiers left in haste, and the grand hall, once bustling with people, was now empty except for Luoshen and General Xingzhi.

 

General Xingzhi, using his talent for making things up, engaged Luoshen in conversation for quite some time. Luoshen felt somewhat trapped and impatient, but he couldn’t leave now.

 

Finally, as curfew approached, General Xingzhi wore a puzzled expression and said, “I didn’t intend to do this intentionally, Your Majesty.”

 

Luoshen: “…”

 

His face remained expressionless as he ordered a eunuch to escort General Xingzhi to a temporary residence within the palace.

 

As General Xingzhi left, he seemed nonchalant, but right before departing, he stopped and asked, “Your Majesty, may I inquire if there have been any developments regarding the matter we discussed earlier?”

 

Luoshen was caught off guard but remembered the promise he had made. He replied, “I will send someone to investigate.”

 

However, General Xingzhi’s expression hinted that he was aware of something more. “Your Majesty, it seems you haven’t inquired about this matter yourself?”

 

Luoshen: “…”

 

He maintained his composure, dismissed the attendants, and confronted General Xingzhi privately. “General, tell me everything you know.”

 

General Xingzhi’s gaze turned curious. He seemed to wonder if Luoshen was aware of his knowledge already.

 

Luoshen’s face remained stern as he said, “General, you may speak openly.”

 

General Xingzhi’s expression became serious. “Although I do not know the individual’s name, surname, or place of residence, I do know that he was deceived into visiting the Tianxi Lou that day.”

 

Luoshen’s expression changed slightly.

 

In General Xingzhi’s eyes, it seemed like guilt.

 

“So, you’re saying someone deceived him?”

 

General Xingzhi nodded. “Yes, Your Majesty. Both he and I were victims of a scheme. It appears that the person responsible intended to humiliate him.”

 

Luoshen clenched his hand beneath the table.

 

Taking a deep breath and suppressing his anger, he asked, “What else have you found? Any evidence that could confirm his identity?”

 

General Xingzhi pondered for a moment and then replied, “Yes.”

 

Luoshen’s eyes briefly lit up.

 

Initially, Luoshen had wanted to use this opportunity to have General Xingzhi hand over the jade pendant. However, when General Xingzhi reached into his robes, he pulled out only a half-mask.

 

“This is the mask he wore that day,” General Xingzhi said.

 

Luoshen asked, “Only a mask? Nothing else?”

 

General Xingzhi replied, “There was also a jade pendant.”

 

Luoshen offered to help, “I can assist you in—”

 

Before he could finish, General Xingzhi interrupted, “But I have more concrete evidence than the jade pendant.”

 

Luoshen’s eyes dimmed, and he felt a suffocating sensation in his chest. He was hesitant to ask further, “What kind of evidence are we talking about?”

 

General Xingzhi explained, “He had a royal scented balm on him. I acquired it as spoils of war during my past campaigns. I checked last night, and there is no record of this balm being gifted to anyone, which indicates that—”

 

Luoshen felt a chill run down his spine.

 

He stared at General Xingzhi in disbelief.

 

However, General Xingzhi continued, “It is possible that this person is someone close to Your Majesty or received the balm as an unrecorded reward. Therefore, I believe that if Your Majesty carefully recalls, you should be able to identify his identity.”

 

Luoshen: “…”

 

He observed General Xingzhi’s determined expression but couldn’t tell if the general had discovered the truth or not.

 

But…

 

It’s likely that he hasn’t discovered it, right? Otherwise, he wouldn’t dare to pursue this matter further.

 

Luoshen replied, “I don’t remember this matter clearly. I need to think it over carefully. You should go and rest.”

 

General Xingzhi bowed respectfully. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

 

As he walked away, General Xingzhi couldn’t shake off a strange feeling in his heart. He had a lingering suspicion that there was something wrong with his analysis, but he couldn’t pinpoint it.

 

However, knowing that they had arranged to meet in the garden later that night lifted his spirits.

 

Meanwhile, not far behind, Luoshen stared at the departing figure, lost in thought.

 

After a moment, he suddenly felt warmth on his back. Turning around, he saw Changxin and asked, “Why did you come here?”

 

Changxin looked at the path where General Xingzhi had disappeared and then back at Luoshen. She pouted, “If I don’t watch over Your Majesty, Your Majesty might catch a cold again. How could I just stand by?”

 

Luoshen chuckled softly, adjusted his black robe, and walked back into the room. “I have a sense of propriety. By the way, where is Chang’an?”

 

“He went to take care of that eunuch who died in the palace. He died here, so he needs to be looked after at home. Chang’an also said he might uncover information about the former prime minister’s old faction.”

 

While that was the explanation given, Luoshen didn’t hold much hope. The previous emperor had conducted extensive investigations into anyone who could pose a threat, and those who might have left grudges behind. However, after so much time had passed, perhaps those individuals felt that…

 

They couldn’t wait any longer?

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.

.

.

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Luoshen: “What are you doing here?”

 

Gu Xingzhi: “I came here to meet you. I heard that Changxin wanted to see you in the garden tonight.”

 

Luoshen: “Changxin? But she’s not here now.”

 

Gu Xingzhi: “I know, but I wanted to talk to you about something important.”

 

Luoshen: “What is it?”

 

Gu Xingzhi: “It’s about that night when we were both deceived and spent the night together. I want you to know that I don’t blame you for what happened. I promised to take responsibility, and I will. If you’re still in that person’s company, you’ll suffer. After everything is settled, I’ll find a way to release you.”

 

Luoshen remained silent, contemplating Gu Xingzhi’s words.

 

Gu Xingzhi: “I’m Gu Xingzhi, the son of the Grand Marshal of the State. Maybe you’ve heard of me while you were in the palace. If you stay with me, I can ensure your safety and well-being for the rest of your life. You don’t have to worry about me interfering with your pursuit of someone who truly suits you.”

 

Luoshen: “Although it’s presumptuous, may I know your name?”

 

Gu Xingzhi: “Of course, I’m Gu Xingzhi. Your name, ‘Luoshen,’ sounds beautiful.”

 

Luoshen: “Luoshen, it’s a good name.”

 

Luoshen: “Why are you here, and how did you know that Changxin would invite me here?”

 

Gu Xingzhi: “I came here to meet you because I wanted to talk to you about something important. As for how I knew about Changxin’s invitation, it’s a long story.”

 

Luoshen: “Tell me.”

 

Gu Xingzhi: “It started with my interest in finding out more about you, Luoshen.”

 

He wanted to escape.

 

“Gu Zhi?” Gu Xingzhi tried to take a step forward, but to his surprise, Luoshen immediately took a step back as if he had been startled.

 

Gu Xingzhi looked puzzled, even patting his own face, wondering if he looked so frightening that Luoshen was avoiding him. He thought that if Luoshen were angry, he could have just given him a good scolding, but why completely avoid him?

 

Then Gu Xingzhi remembered the mask he had brought and quickly took it out, extending it to Luoshen.

 

“If you still don’t want to show your face, you can wear this mask.”

 

Luoshen reluctantly took the mask, put it on, and adjusted his black robe. In the dim light, Gu Xingzhi probably couldn’t see the dragon robe he was wearing.

 

Luoshen sighed in relief, thinking he could just politely decline Gu Xingzhi now.

 

As Luoshen turned to speak, his expression froze, and he involuntarily took a step back.

 

He saw Gu Xingzhi kneeling in front of him, bowing, and saying, “I made a mistake and should bear the consequences. If you hate me or blame me, I can accept it. The matter of seeking the emperor’s decree is also my sincere intention. I hope you can give me an answer, whether it’s marriage or…”

 

He took a dagger from his pocket and handed it to Luoshen.

 

“My life is in your hands.”

 

Luoshen was completely stunned, and the dagger slipped from his hand to the ground.

 

Gu Xingzhi, seeing the dagger fall, quickly raised his head and saw Luoshen taking two steps back. “I… I am a man.”

 

Gu Xingzhi nodded, “I know.” 

 

“Between men…”

 

Gu Xingzhi firmly said, “What’s wrong with that? Throughout history, there have been emperors who appreciated good men.”

 

Luoshen was startled again.

 

Gu Xingzhi picked up the dagger, stood up, and pulled Luoshen into his arms. “As long as I like you, it doesn’t matter what others say.”

 

Luoshen rested his forehead on Gu Xingzhi’s shoulder, feeling a bit dizzy, perhaps from being exposed to the wind for too long.

 

Gu Xingzhi asked, “Is the person you have feelings for… the emperor?”

 

Luoshen was shocked, lifted his head, and his hair brushed against Gu Xingzhi’s chin. He quickly shook his head, “No.”

 

Gu Xingzhi said, “You can speak freely in front of me. Whether you like the emperor or someone else, those who hurt you, you can tell me.”

 

Luoshen, wearing a pained expression, finally realized why Gu Xingzhi had always seemed somewhat disdainful of him. “It’s really not the emperor, and I don’t have anyone I love!”

 

Gu Xingzhi, relieved to hear this, continued, “Then who was the person that deceived you that day?”

 

Luoshen had a slightly annoyed look and realized that Gu Xingzhi was actually asking about that incident.

 

“It was…” Luoshen hesitated for a moment and reluctantly said, “It was you!”

 

If it weren’t for the name written on the paper and your stance of ‘I’d rather destroy the country than assist,’ would I have come here?

 

Luoshen originally wanted to make up a random name, but as he spoke, he remembered Gu Xingzhi’s attitude towards him these past few days. He decided to confront Gu Xingzhi properly.

 

“In truth, I received a note stating that Lord Gu was at Tianxi Pavilion,” Luoshen said with a cold smile under his mask. “Although Lord Gu is not in the imperial city, your reputation precedes you, and many people admire you, even to the extent of paying to know your whereabouts. I’ve heard your name mentioned the most in the palace, and the Emperor also praises your abilities. Some days ago, I heard that Lord Gu had arrived in the imperial city but had not visited the palace for several days. And then I received that note, so…”

 

Gu Xingzhi was stunned.

 

He knew he was popular, but he didn’t realize the extent of it.

 

And…

 

The person in front of him actually went to Tianxi Pavilion for him?

 

So?

 

Was this poor guy deceived?

 

In a textual sense?

 

The deceived poor guy, worried that Gu Xingzhi wouldn’t believe him, added, “I used the Emperor’s name to make the purchase, so… those people were probably trying to deceive the Emperor.”

 

Gu Xingzhi: “…”

 

He hesitated and touched Luoshen’s head.

 

This poor guy was quite naive.

 

But…

 

Since Luoshen didn’t have feelings for anyone else, this was easy to handle. “What’s your name? I’ll ask the Emperor for you tomorrow.”

 

Luoshen: “…”

 

Marry the Emperor?

 

He shook his head in disagreement.

 

Gu Xingzhi didn’t understand. “Afraid of gossip from outsiders? No one dares to gossip about me, I’m Gu Zhi!”

 

But Luoshen just shook his head and pushed him away, taking three steps back. “No, Lord Gu, it’s not that. Nobody would dare to gossip about your identity. But I am by the Emperor’s side, and I want to serve the Emperor. If you want me to leave, I can’t rest easy leaving the Emperor.”

 

He lowered his head. “The country is not yet stable, and I can’t bear to leave the Emperor.”

 

In other words, focus on your duty and stop analyzing old case files every day!

 

However, what Gu Xingzhi heard was something else entirely:

 

The Emperor’s marriage hasn’t been decided yet, so I can’t leave early?

 

It turns out he was waiting for the Emperor to marry.

 

Gu Xingzhi nodded. He still couldn’t rule out the possibility that this person might have feelings for the Emperor. Waiting until the Emperor was married would be safer, and the Emperor probably wouldn’t suspect anything then.

 

“Well, you have to tell me your name so I can find you later,” Gu Xingzhi said. He was starting to think that this poor guy was trying to win him over. Unfortunately, he still couldn’t see his face or know more about him.

 

“I…” Luoshen’s mind went blank, and he made up a name on the spot. “Changnian.”

 

“Alright, Changnian.”

 

Luoshen blinked his eyes. “I’m a palace servant by the Emperor’s side and usually don’t leave the palace. You won’t be able to see me often. If you need something, you can…”

 

Luoshen paused, unable to think of a way to contact this “Changnian.”

 

Gu Xingzhi was a bit puzzled. “I thought you were someone from a noble family. Turns out you’re a palace servant?”

 

Luoshen replied, “Yes.”

 

Gu Xingzhi continued, “But when I met Changxin the other day, she said you were her master.”

 

Luoshen gritted his teeth, knowing that Changxin was being quite audacious. She had deceived Gu Xingzhi behind his back and even gave Gu Xingzhi the opportunity to meet him.

 

He grumbled to himself and said, “I was an orphan rescued by the late Emperor when I was young. Later, I studied and accompanied the current Emperor. Since then, I have been staying in the palace. Changxin regarded me as her master because of my close relationship with the Emperor.”

 

“Ah, I see.” Fortunately, Gu Xingzhi wasn’t well-versed in palace affairs, so Luoshen managed to pass off the explanation.

 

Gu Xingzhi then asked, “So how can I meet you?”

 

Luoshen paused for a moment, then asked, “Can you leave the palace?”

 

He was somewhat displeased. Not only did this guy want to marry him, but he also wanted him to leave the palace for a secret meeting? Who knew what might happen if he left the palace? He had no intention of going.

 

Luoshen pushed Gu Xingzhi’s hand away and said, “If there’s anything, you can write a letter to Changxin, and she’ll give it to me. I can’t easily leave the palace; it might attract attention.”

 

Gu Xingzhi’s eyes dimmed, and he looked somewhat disappointed.

 

“Alright.” Gu Xingzhi thought, if Chang’an couldn’t leave, then he could enter the palace instead. Since the Emperor wasn’t particularly capable, he could assist the ministers. Both of them harbored their own secrets, thinking they could relax their guard around each other.

 

After Luoshen finished speaking, he quickly found an excuse to leave. However, he forgot to ask Gu Xingzhi for his jade pendant before he left.

 

As Gu Xingzhi stood there, he sensed the lingering fragrance and furrowed his brow.

 

Although Luoshen was a companion reader, the scent was still too strong. It didn’t seem like he had picked it up from someone else. Did they share something together?

 

Although it was only their second meeting, Gu Xingzhi couldn’t help feeling a bit jealous.

 

He returned to the palace with a dark expression.

 

On the other hand, when Luoshen returned to the palace, he immediately closed the door and shouted into the empty room, “Changxin? Come out!”

 

After a moment, Changxin appeared reluctantly.

 

Luoshen threw his black robe aside and onto a chair, fuming, “Changxin! I told you not to provoke Gu Xingzhi!”

 

Changxin felt wronged. “I only asked him to prepare pastries for the Emperor. I didn’t reveal the Emperor’s identity.”

 

Luoshen massaged his temples. She hid a note in the pastries, and did Changxin really think he wouldn’t notice? Moreover, the pastries this morning were clearly taught by Changxin herself. Even if the taste was bad, it wasn’t just a matter of quantity.

 

Luoshen still believed that Changxin was the naive and somewhat stubborn girl he had known since childhood, unaware that she had become crafty.

 

He sat down and felt a headache coming on, likely due to the cold wind.

 

“Wait until Chang’an returns, and you’ll receive your punishment,” Luoshen said softly. He then got up again and walked towards the bed. Halfway there, he paused and added, “If Gu Xingzhi asks you about me, tell him I’m Changnian, the Emperor’s companion reader. Don’t let him suspect anything.”

 

Changxin responded with an uncertain “Oh” as she watched Luoshen’s figure. She had witnessed everything that happened tonight, with the two of them embracing each other. She had assumed that they would welcome Gu Xingzhi into the palace tomorrow, but instead, Luoshen returned and was quite angry. 

 

So, did she misunderstand something?