Let Me Go, I’m Not Pregnant - Chapter 8

Luo Shen closed his eyes but couldn’t find a moment of rest. Even though his headache was severe, his mind forcefully kept him awake. The words Gu Xingzhi had spoken moments ago and the absurdity of that day clung to him like a persistent adhesive, refusing to let go.

 

After a while, the eunuch brought in some memorials, and the room remained illuminated throughout the night.

 

On the other side, at the residence of the Prince of Qin:

 

Luo Ming held a folding fan and watched with interest as the stubborn woman knelt before him.

 

“Miss Zhao, I’ve invited you several times. Am I not worthy enough for you?”

 

In front of him, the woman who had been forcibly brought to her knees glared at him defiantly. “Bah!”

 

Immediately, someone nearby stepped forward and slapped her face hard. Another red mark appeared on her face, adding to the dozen or so marks she had already received. Her originally charming face had become noticeably swollen.

 

This latest slap brought tears to her eyes, but she stubbornly bit her lips and refused to utter a word.

 

“Is that so fierce?” Luo Ming wasn’t angry and seemed more intrigued. “When you were warming someone else’s bed, you were so obedient. Why is it that you can’t say a word to me?”

 

At his words, Zhao Xiaoling’s expression changed.

 

She was originally from a prestigious family but had been ruined by wicked people, leading to the destruction of her family. She had been sold into the brothel.

 

That night, the madam had intended to sell her virginity. She had initially tried to persuade Zhao Xiaoling, saying that she was the most beautiful and well-suited girl in the brothel. If she served the client well, she would surely rise to prominence, and even her father, who had been imprisoned, could be rescued.

 

But Zhao Xiaoling didn’t believe her and was forcibly drugged and made to ingest certain substances.

 

Taking advantage of a momentary lapse in vigilance, she pushed away the madam and escaped, inadvertently running into Gu Xingzhi, which led to her capture.

 

Was all of this a scheme orchestrated by someone behind the scenes?

 

Zhao Xiaoling furrowed her brows and thought carefully before asking, “What do you want me to do?”

 

Luo Ming raised an eyebrow. “Have you figured it out?”

 

Zhao Xiaoling couldn’t help but recall a face that had been both smiling and mocking while dressed as a woman. She gritted her teeth and asked, “Who is he to you?”

 

Despite the rude question, Luo Ming didn’t mind. “He is my elder brother and the current Emperor.”

 

The Emperor?

 

The Emperor dressed as a woman?

 

What on earth was going on?

 

Zhao Xiaoling stared at him suspiciously, her expression filled with disbelief.

 

Luo Ming understood her doubts, considering the implausibility of an Emperor seeking such encounters. He explained, “You don’t have to doubt it. Even if he doesn’t seem like it, he is the Emperor.”

 

“Did you arrange all of this?” Zhao Xiaoling didn’t bother to verify if he was genuinely the Emperor or not. She tried to stand up but was immediately pushed back down.

 

Luo Ming opened his folding fan and shook it slightly. “Of course.”

 

“What do you want from me?”

 

“You’re a clever person,” Luo Ming said. “Your father was framed and imprisoned, and you must want to rescue him, right?”

 

Zhao Xiaoling’s eyes flickered as she hesitated.

 

“But the people on the other side are well-connected, and you can’t touch them. Your contract is still in their hands. As long as they wish, you have no way out.” Luo Ming chuckled. “You help me, and I’ll help you. We both get what we need. How about it?”

 

Zhao Xiaoling asked, “Why don’t you ask someone you can control?”

 

In the Tianxi Pavillion, if he could arrange for her to be with the Emperor, it meant he could also arrange for others. She didn’t understand why it had to be her.

 

“Because you’re clever enough.” Luo Ming sighed.

 

He had always wanted to use someone more capable, but obedient individuals lacked ambition, and ambitious ones were not obedient enough. Zhao Xiaoling was the perfect compromise. She had her goals, and he had his needs.

 

Moreover, she had successfully entered Luo Shen’s bed, and that alone was enough.

 

Zhao Xiaoling contemplated his words and asked skeptically, “Why should I trust you and not think you’re deceiving me?”

 

She had learned not to trust anyone blindly after her father was wronged by placing too much trust in others.

 

“You can’t afford not to trust me,” Luo Ming replied. “Only by having the Emperor in your grasp can you save your father, and your family can return to its former glory, or even rise to prominence.”

 

Zhao Xiaoling’s eyes flickered again.

 

She was indeed tempted.

 

She gritted her teeth and asked, “What do you want me to do?”

 

At her words, Luo Ming smiled, his lips curling up. He waved his hand, and the two people who were restraining Zhao Xiaoling backed away.

 

He helped Zhao Xiaoling to her feet, pinched her chin with one hand, and examined her face from left to right before saying, “I will arrange for you to enter the palace. You only need to win the Emperor’s favor. The rest, I’ll instruct you. How about it?”

 

Zhao Xiaoling silently stared into the man’s eyes.

 

“Before we go, why don’t I take you to see how your father is doing?” Luo Ming suggested.

 

Zhao Xiaoling’s expression shifted slightly.

 

Even though she knew there was deceit involved and felt the looming danger, she couldn’t resist nodding vigorously.

 

—

 

Imperial court.

 

Luo Shen listened wearily to the reports.

 

The person who had disturbed his peace last night seemed incredibly energetic. The one who appeared to be the ringleader of the scheme was smiling slyly. He alone, due to the chills he had caught, had to pretend to be unperturbed, seated during the early morning court session.

 

Luo Shen’s complexion was pale, his lips bitter, as he reluctantly listened to the ministers’ speeches, nodding absentmindedly.

 

Transitions in a new dynasty were exhausting, and even handling less critical matters was mentally draining.

 

Finally, after the reports concluded and those who presented them had left, and with Gu Xingzhi refraining from playing any tricks to delay the court session, Luo Shen exhaled a sigh of relief and announced the end of the court session.

 

As the crowd left, Luo Shen was about to get up and leave when he noticed someone approaching him with a smile from the side.

 

“Huangxiong.” The voice sounded, and Luo Shen paused, turning to see Luo Ming approaching.

 

He asked, “What is it?”

 

“Younger brother has a request and hopes that Huangxiong will grant it.”

 

Luo Shen was puzzled. What request could his brother have so soon after he took the throne?

 

He turned back, sitting in his chair, trying not to reveal his curiosity. “What is it? Speak, and I shall listen.”

 

“Now that Huangxiong has ascended to the throne, my previous ambitions have become void. After thinking it over these past days, I’ve realized that instead of contending with you for the throne, it’s better for me to focus on my own affairs and live a peaceful life.”

 

Luo Shen still couldn’t fathom what his brother wanted him to do, but he listened attentively.

 

“In recent days, I have encountered a woman and fallen deeply in love. I wish for Huangxiong to grant us marriage and make our union a beautiful one.”

 

Luo Shen was surprised. It had only been a few days since he ascended the throne. Why was Luo Ming already thinking of getting married?

 

“The woman is…”

 

“The eldest daughter of the magistrate of Xu County, Xu Shuiying.”

 

Luo Shen was taken aback. Given Luo Ming’s status, his marriages were usually arranged with noble families to consolidate power and influence. Marrying the daughter of a mere county magistrate seemed out of character for him. Could it be that Luo Ming genuinely wanted to give up the throne?

 

Before Luo Shen could voice his thoughts, Luo Ming continued, “Younger brother and Miss Xu have known each other for some time. Huangxiong might recall that half a year ago, I was dispatched by the late Emperor to inspect the commoners?”

 

Luo Shen thought for a moment and remembered the incident. Indeed, there was such a mission, but Luo Ming had been ambushed by assassins halfway through, and since then, he hadn’t left the palace.

 

Even though they had known each other back then, it wasn’t enough to warrant marriage.

 

“Miss Xu…” Luo Shen began, but Luo Ming interrupted him.

 

“Younger brother has already asked her to wait outside the palace. If Huangxiong wants to confirm, you can summon her at any time.”

 

Luo Shen hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded.

 

A short while later, a graceful woman entered the palace and greeted the Emperor respectfully.

 

“I am Xu Shuiying, and I greet Your Majesty.”

 

“I have heard that you are acquainted with the Prince of Qin, and he wishes to marry you. Are you willing?”

 

Xu Shuiying lowered her gaze, and her face displayed a faint blush. Shyly, she nodded. “As a humble woman, I am naturally willing.”

 

Seeing her response, Luo Shen decided to grant their marriage. He set a date for their engagement ceremony.

 

Luo Ming’s eyes gleamed with genuine happiness, and for a brief moment, Luo Shen wondered if he had misunderstood Luo Ming.

 

But there was still that lingering doubt.

 

Who else could it be besides Luo Ming?

 

The former Prime Minister’s old associates didn’t have Luo Ming’s influence and resources to orchestrate such schemes. Luo Shen shook his head, his head aching.

 

Just as he was about to turn and leave, Luo Ming suddenly spoke again, “By the way, Huangxiong.”

 

Luo Shen turned back to face him.

 

Luo Ming grinned, his eyes narrowed slightly. “In these past few days, I’ve met a woman who seems to be an acquaintance of Huangxiong’s. I’ve taken the liberty to keep her in our residence. On the day of our engagement, please take a look and see if she is a troublemaker.”

 

The way he casually used the word “troublemaker” was somewhat amusing.

 

Luo Shen tried to recall if he had any past acquaintances that might fit this description but couldn’t remember. He waved his hand, indicating that he didn’t recognize the person.

 

Luo Ming was surprised, his mouth slightly agape. He then smiled and said, “Very well, if she dares to spread rumors, I shall take legal action against her.”

 

Although Luo Shen didn’t pay much attention to it, he still found this situation peculiar. He stared at Luo Ming’s sincere face, contemplating before nodding slowly.

 

“However…” Luo Ming said before leaving, “We shall dismiss her first. She might have some undisclosed issues. We can question her later. If she has malicious intentions, it won’t be too late to impose punishment.”

 

Luo Shen agreed with this course of action. He didn’t want to rush into any judgments and potentially make things worse.

 

As Luo Ming left, Luo Shen made his way to his bedchamber. On the way, Chang’an asked, “Your Majesty, have you been taking your medicine regularly? Your health doesn’t seem well these days.”

 

Luo Shen nodded wearily, acknowledging that he had been taking the medicine as prescribed.

 

Chang’an hesitated for a moment before speaking softly, “Regarding the incident the other night, I heard about it from Changxin.”

 

Hearing that name, Luo Shen’s frustration grew. He closed his eyes and asked, “Does Changxin understand her mistake?”

 

“Changxin tends to act without thinking, using her own judgment. I’ve talked to her about the pros and cons, and she has been reflecting on her actions. She’s currently under punishment.”

 

Luo Shen nodded in approval. Punishing Changxin would prevent her from causing more significant trouble in the future.

 

Chang’an continued, “Regarding that night, I sent someone to investigate. It was the doing of the madam at the Tianxi Pavillion brothel. She claimed that they received orders from a previous guest in that room, who brought a girl in. They didn’t know about the change of guests later on.”

 

Luo Shen was puzzled, “But how did that girl turn out to be Gu Xingzhi?”

 

Chang’an also looked confused, “Madam mentioned that the previous guest was named Zheng Chao, the son of a local merchant in the capital. He has no connection to Prince of Qin.”

 

Luo Shen raised an eyebrow, “Did she say anything about the person who left the poem? Was it also Zheng Chao?”

 

Chang’an nodded vigorously.

 

All of this seemed like an accident. Even Chang’an couldn’t fathom how that girl ended up as Gu Xingzhi.

 

Luo Shen, deep in thought, asked, “Did she mention whether Zheng Chao knew the purpose of my visit? And why did he knock me unconscious? It doesn’t seem like a mere misunderstanding.”

 

Chang’an’s face also darkened as he replied, “That’s what makes it so strange. Madam said that Zheng Chao had been infatuated with Miss Zhao Xiaoling for a long time. He had finally saved enough money to purchase her first night, but then he suddenly received an urgent message from home and left without informing anyone. They assumed he was still in the room, leading to the mix-up.”

 

Luo Shen listened carefully, his expression growing grimmer. “If Zheng Chao was so eager to buy Miss Zhao, why did he leave a note that suggested otherwise? And why didn’t he remember to inform others that he had left? This contradicts his supposed long-standing infatuation. Besides, the servant who was aware of my visit clearly had a purpose and even knocked me out. This doesn’t seem like a simple misunderstanding.”

 

Chang’an frowned as well. “So, Your Majesty, do you believe that…”

 

“Investigate further. Find out who was really in control of Tianxi Pavillion brothel.”

 

“Understood.”

 

Chang’an turned to leave but hesitated for a moment before returning.

 

Luo Shen, who was still bewildered, raised an eyebrow. “What is it?”

 

“That… Your Majesty, General Gu requests an audience.”

 

Luo Shen’s eyes fluttered open in confusion. “General Gu?”