After Marrying the Villainous Prime Minister in My Brother’s Stead - Chapter 14

14: Delicious, Here We Go Again, Gu Que is on the Verge of Tears.

In spring, sleeping under the covers can get quite warm. When Gu Que moved closer to Yan Luo, she immediately sensed a chill. Half-asleep, she grabbed Yan Luo’s wrist, intending to switch places. The moment Yan Luo touched her warm skin, she shivered, feeling even more uncomfortable.

Perhaps influenced by her daytime thoughts, Gu Que, even in her drowsy state, insisted on switching spots despite sensing Yan Luo’s reluctance.

Yan Luo had no choice but to comply. The difference was instant—warmth enveloped her, spreading through her limbs and bones.

Having someone warm the bed in advance was indeed a different experience.

Yan Luo turned over and looked at the groggy girl beside her—such a mischievous little thing.

She closed her eyes. Since they weren’t touching, Gu Que soon fell into a deep sleep.

Having gone to bed early, Gu Que woke up early as well. At the first light of dawn, she was already up. Glancing at the person still asleep on the inner side of the bed, she quietly slipped out. Her clothes were laid out in the room, so she dressed herself and gently pushed open the door.

Tinglan was already awake, waiting outside for instructions. Seeing the young master emerge alone, she whispered, “Weren’t you supposed to sleep in separate rooms?”

“It’s not possible. Prime Minister Yan said too many eyes are watching. If people found out, they’d think our relationship is strained.” Gu Que was equally frustrated. Getting married only to end up in such a predicament was downright unlucky.

Other families celebrated weddings with joy, but hers had turned into a daily struggle of guarding against her own bride.

How utterly tragic.

Tinglan chuckled awkwardly. “That does make sense. Prime Minister Yan holds a high-ranking position and isn’t an ordinary person. But why are you up so early?”

“Today, Prime Minister Yan is hosting colleagues. Go make some taro balls and grass jelly for dessert. Make sure everything is clean. Others don’t know how to do it, so you’ll handle it.” Gu Que rubbed her neck and glanced around. “Where’s Leng Mian?”

“Who knows? She’s always appearing and disappearing. I’ll go prepare the dessert first. You go freshen up.” Tinglan also scanned the area. Leng Mian usually leaned against pillars like a boneless creature.

Since she’d woken up before dawn and hadn’t seen Leng Mian, she probably hadn’t gotten up yet.

The master and servant went their separate ways—Gu Que to prepare breakfast, Tinglan to make the desserts.

By mid-morning, Yan Luo woke up to find the other side of the bed empty. She lay there for a moment, clearing her mind as she recalled the events of the previous day, organizing her thoughts before rising to dress.

When Yan Luo stepped outside, Gu Que was in the courtyard practicing a slow, fluid set of movements—some kind of martial arts routine.

Yan Luo stood at the doorway, watching intently. Perhaps for ease of movement, Gu Que wore soft silk garments that lent her a more mature air.

“What kind of martial arts are you practicing?” Yan Luo asked curiously.

Gu Que stopped upon hearing her voice. “Tai Chi.”

Yan Luo searched her memory for the term “Tai Chi” but came up empty.

Oh well. It was probably another one of Gu Que’s novelties. She didn’t press further. “When did you wake up?”

“Just now. Are you hungry? I’ll have the maids bring breakfast. What would you like?” Gu Que rubbed her shoulders and smiled at Yan Luo.

Yan Luo nodded. “What’s for breakfast today?”

“Whatever you want, we have it.” Gu Que stepped closer, listing options like a menu: “The manor has everything—steak, noodles, wontons, bread, crystal shrimp dumplings, pan-fried dumplings, boiled dumplings, buns, steamed buns, milk, soy milk…”

“What’s steak?” Yan Luo picked the most unfamiliar item. “Eating steak in the morning doesn’t seem quite right.”

In the Great Wei dynasty, cattle were primarily for plowing, and by law, they couldn’t be slaughtered for meat—though this restriction didn’t apply to the imperial family.

Gu Que took a couple of steps forward, standing on the steps, and whispered, “It’s a foreign dish. I’m not great at making it, just know the basics. If you’d like to try, I can make it for you. There’s some stored in the icehouse—the taste is different from what we’re used to here.”

“Forget it, that’s too much trouble. Another day, then. I’d like the milk from yesterday and some pan-fried dumplings.” Yan Luo chose two simpler options and reached out to Gu Que. “Let me help you dress. We have guests today.”

Here we go again. Gu Que was on the verge of tears.

She had no choice but to offer her hand.

Yan Luo glanced at the back of her hand—pale as jade, smooth and delicate.

Once inside, maids brought in the young master’s attire: a sapphire-blue robe with a white waistband, along with a prepared hair crown.

Gu Que took one look, and suddenly, a pair of pale hands flashed before her eyes. Then, her waist felt a chill. She barely suppressed the urge to step back.

Yan Luo untied the sash of her silk robe. Gu Que swallowed hard and closed her eyes, bracing herself as if facing execution.

Meanwhile, Yan Luo’s lips curved slightly, her smile faint but persistent, as if oblivious to Gu Que’s tension.

Yan Luo spoke leisurely: “His Majesty gifted many bright fabrics. I plan to make a few outfits. Would the young master like some as well? Do you have any preferred styles?”

“Not really. Whatever you decide is fine.” Gu Que didn’t dare breathe too deeply. The chest bindings were tight—otherwise, with Yan Luo this close, her secret would be exposed.

Yan Luo seemed nonchalant, but her gaze flickered to the vanity, reminding her of something. She quickly finished her task, and Gu Que felt as if she’d been granted a new lease on life, pretending to adjust her collar in the mirror.

The sapphire-blue complemented her fair skin, and the wide sleeves concealed her figure.

Gu Que was satisfied, nodding repeatedly. When she turned back, Yan Luo was staring blankly at the vanity. Gu Que instinctively followed her gaze, only to hear Yan Luo murmur, “The young master looks very handsome.”

The compliment pleased Gu Que. She lowered her head slightly, her cheeks flushing involuntarily.

A bashful youth. Yan Luo chuckled. “The sunlight looks lovely. Let’s have breakfast in the courtyard.”

At the Prime Minister’s suggestion, maids sprang into action—setting up a dining table, moving chairs—and soon, the courtyard was ready.

The table was laden with a variety of dishes, each portion small, allowing for sampling.

Yan Luo’s lips curved slightly at the sight. “The young master could open a tavern. Business would surely boom.”

“That’s easier said than done.” Gu Que was candid. She’d considered opening a tavern, but in the capital, running a shop required powerful backing. Since she didn’t want to expose herself, it wasn’t feasible. Besides, competition was fierce—opening a soap shop was far more profitable.

Yan Luo sipped her milk first, then eyed the eggs. “What’s that?”

“Sunny-side-up. Try it.” Gu Que used serving chopsticks to place one on Yan Luo’s plate. “The yolk is delicious.”

Yan Luo took a bite and smiled faintly. “It’s good.”

Gu Que also ate one. The courtyard was spacious, with lush trees and fresh air—a pleasant environment.

After a while, Yan Luo spoke up. “The young master could try opening a tavern. The profits come quickly.”

“Do you have any suggestions?” Gu Que bit into a pan-fried dumpling. The pork inside was fragrant, enhanced with scallions.

Yan Luo set down her chopsticks, posture elegant and dignified. Her gaze at Gu Que was warm, devoid of her usual Prime Minister’s authority. Softly, she said, “The young master knows many novel things that could serve as specialties. I’ve tried them—they’re quite good. I have a few shops. Would you like to try?”

Gu Que was tempted. She disliked officialdom, and eventually, she’d have to make way for her brother. Politics wasn’t her path, so it made sense to secure alternatives.

The marquis’s estate was vast, but it would all go to Gu Yan. She’d only receive a dowry—and with so many children in the family, it wouldn’t be substantial.

It wasn’t selfishness—just pragmatism. If she left the marquis’s household, she’d need to stand on her own.

After some thought, she said, “Alright, I’ll take a look.”

But using the Prime Minister’s shops was out of the question. It would complicate things later. Better to keep accounts clear.

Yan Luo gazed at the white liquid in the transparent cup and sighed softly. “Does the young master insist on drawing such a clear line with me? They’re just a few shops. What’s mine is yours.”

Gu Que’s heart skipped a beat, sensing Yan Luo’s displeasure. She hurried to explain, “No, it’s not that. I wanted to see which locations would suit the business. It’s not that I’m refusing your kindness.”

Those shops belonged to the Prime Minister—and thus to Gu Yan. They had nothing to do with her.

Yan Luo studied her. Gu Que’s starry eyes widened slightly, her dark pupils flickering with unease, her expression solemn as she struggled to explain.

“Fine. If you’re unwilling, go take a look.”

Gu Que felt a pang of guilt. Gritting her teeth, she blurted, “Where are your shops?”

Yan Luo suddenly smiled again. “On Imperial Street. Three in a row—perfect for expanding into a tavern.”

Gu Que hesitated. This would be working for Gu Yan’s benefit. After a moment, she steeled herself and said, “How about I rent those three shops from you? I’ll pay monthly rent. Does that work?”

“That’s acceptable. If the young master doesn’t wish to take advantage of me, I won’t let you suffer losses either. I’ll give you a discount on rent—payable every three months.” Yan Luo’s eyes softened further as she placed a shrimp dumpling in Gu Que’s bowl. “Just treat it as an experiment. No pressure. I’ll handle everything.”

Gu Que smiled. “Alright.”

The sun rose higher, its warmth spreading. Half an hour later, guests began arriving, ushered by the steward into the main hall.

As the host, Gu Que had to greet them, but she had social anxiety. Facing a room full of strangers made her nervous. Today’s guests were all high-ranking officials—those personally invited by Yan Luo were naturally distinguished.

Tea was served in the hall as guests settled in to chat. Gu Que greeted each one, relieved when they introduced themselves, sparing her the awkwardness.

After a while, Yan Luo made a belated entrance, followed by Leng Mian carrying a small box. The two entered the hall together. Yan Luo wore a sapphire-blue jacket, similar in color to Gu Que’s robe. She approached Gu Que and murmured, “Young Master.”

The guests, observing her deference to the youth, regarded Gu Que with newfound respect.

This marriage had been arranged eighteen years ago. Given the disparity between the two households, Yan Luo could have broken the engagement without censure. Thus, their union hadn’t been viewed favorably. Yan Luo was known for her strength—outwardly gentle but inwardly sharp. Crossing her was perilous.

Yet today, witnessing her demeanor toward the young master, everyone found it astonishing.

Once the banquet began, Leng Mian opened the box, revealing four wine cups. She arranged them on a tray, filled them, and stood behind Yan Luo.

Gu Que eyed the cups and whispered to Yan Luo, “Are we toasting?”

“Yes. Several elder statesmen have contributed greatly to the Great Wei. They deserve our respect.” Yan Luo’s voice was low, her smile as gentle as ever. She reached out to touch the soft hair at Gu Que’s nape. “I’ll handle the toasts. You stay here.”

This suited Gu Que perfectly. She nodded. “Go ahead. I’ll wait for you.”

Yan Luo rose slowly, her gaze tender, her movements graceful.