After Marrying the Villainous Prime Minister in My Brother’s Stead - Chapter 17

17: Distinguished Guest, Yan Luo Stumbles

Two girls can’t have children. Gu Que bore the immense pressure with a forced smile, unaware that this marriage had been arranged by the Third Madam years ago. As a child, Gu Que was fair-skinned and adorable, standing out among the other children like a crane among chickens—a pink little dumpling who was utterly endearing. Back then, Xiao Qi had tugged at her, calling her “little sister.”

That cry of “little sister” had terrified little Gu Que, who immediately pushed Xiao Qi away, grabbed her mother, and fled. Xiao Qi chased after her relentlessly. The Third Madam adored pretty children, and since the Gu family held a marquis title, marrying into the Yan family would be considered an upward climb for the latter.

The Yan family members didn’t dare breathe too loudly, keeping their eyes fixed on their toes. Even the First Madam stood among them, silent.

Everyone chose to avoid Yan Luo’s sharp edges, playing the role of mute bystanders.

At this moment, no matter how slow Gu Que was, she understood that the rumors outside were true—Yan Luo was indeed the King of Hell.

She kept her head down, saying nothing, while the Third Madam held Yan Luo’s hand and asked how married life had been these past few days. Yan Luo answered each question, and the Old Madam listened attentively nearby. It was clear that she, too, held some affection for Yan Luo.

The room was stifling, filled with an eerie tension that pressed on everyone’s chests. Gu Que, in particular, felt like she couldn’t breathe.

Yet the Third Madam was thoroughly enjoying herself. Yan Luo was filial, her demeanor calm and gentle. The others stood like wooden puppets, occasionally stealing glances at Gu Que but never daring to look at Yan Luo.

After some conversation, the Third Madam began reminiscing about milk tea, taro balls, and pasta, saying she wanted to try them again.

Yan Luo glanced at Gu Que, who caught her meaning and said, “We brought some with us today—it’s still in the carriage.”

“The servants here don’t know how to prepare it. My husband and I will go to the kitchen to check.” Yan Luo stood and addressed her mother and grandmother, “You can chat with them for now. We’ll be back shortly.”

Gu Que bowed and followed Yan Luo out.

Yan Luo walked ahead, with Gu Que trailing behind. Once they left the Old Madam’s courtyard, Yan Luo suddenly stopped and said, “My mother is ill. Please don’t take offense, Husband.”

“The Third Madam’s condition seems unusual. Have you consulted a physician?” Gu Que asked with concern.

“We have, but there’s no cure. Fortunately, she regains her senses when she sees me.” Yan Luo replied.

Gu Que nodded and suggested, “Why not bring her back to the Gu residence? I’m free most days and could take care of her.”

Yan Luo smiled. The young master was kind-hearted and meticulous, but she said, “She belongs to the Yan family and must stay here. If she left, people would gossip. Besides, she likes it here and doesn’t want to leave.”

Unmarried, she follows her father; married, she follows her husband. A woman had no freedom in her entire life.

Gu Que, a modern person, didn’t have such deep-rooted feudal thinking. All she could think was that since Yan Luo had married, leaving the Third Madam here alone made her vulnerable to schemes. The thought was heartbreaking.

But she overlooked where she was now—ancient Great Wei, a feudal society, even if it wasn’t recorded in history.

Rejected, she didn’t press further. Instead, she pondered the Third Madam’s illness, which seemed like a mental disorder. Yet when she saw her earlier, she seemed normal—as if her illness existed solely for Yan Luo’s sake. The moment she saw the Prime Minister, she recovered.

It was rather peculiar.

Among the gifts brought for the homecoming were some small trinkets. Gu Que had been fair, preparing the same things for the Yan sisters as she had for the Gu sisters. On top of her gifts, Yan Luo had added some tonics. The Yan madams were numerous, and they weren’t fond of glass bead bracelets—they preferred beauty-enhancing supplements.

As for the pasta and milk tea, these were just ordinary treats. If the Third Madam hadn’t mentioned them, they would have been given to the maids.

The two went to the kitchen. Tinglan rolled up her sleeves and got to work. After receiving Gu Que’s guidance, she had become quite skilled at making these dishes.

Gu Que pulled Yan Luo outside to sit under a tree while Tinglan brewed the milk tea, bringing them two cups first.

The shade was cool, the greenery refreshing. Sipping milk tea here was pure bliss.

Gu Que wasn’t as tense as before, especially after learning Yan Luo’s secret today. The way she looked at her had changed.

Yan Luo’s expression was gentle. She had always been a mild-tempered person, and sitting here, she was like a spring breeze, enchanting. Gu Que stared in a daze, thinking to herself—How can a girl find another girl so captivating? Shouldn’t it be envy?

They were the same gender, with the same body parts. Why was Yan Luo so stunning?

Gu Que entertained these absurd thoughts for a moment, marveling at her own change, but quickly shook them off and asked about her current situation.

“Who’s presiding over the imperial exams this time?”

This was what Gu Que wanted to know—and what many others were curious about. After all, they had just survived a life-and-death crisis. Many scholars had been stripped of their qualifications, barred from the exams for life. The thought was agonizing. She didn’t have grand ambitions—she was taking the exams for Gu Yan. Entering court politics in the future had little to do with her.

Actually, the young master could inherit a title, but the Marquis of Yongle had insisted she take Gu Yan’s place—adding flowers to brocade.

Yan Luo held her cup, her pinky resting on the rim. The white porcelain made the little tiger pattern especially adorable. Bathed in sunlight, she looked radiant and serene.

She thought for a moment, then turned to meet Gu Que’s glistening eyes. Her lips curved into a smile.

“Me.”

“Then—should I recuse myself?” Gu Que was dumbfounded. How could it be her?

Yan Luo laughed. “Why? The exam papers are anonymized. There’s no need. Besides, the top papers are sent to His Majesty for review. He’ll summon a few officials to evaluate them together. Like your paper—I wasn’t the chief or deputy examiner, so how did I see it? His Majesty showed it to me later, saying it was too sharp.”

Her clear eyes and warm smile were like a scene from a spring painting. Gu Que accidentally met her gaze and couldn’t help but smile.

At this moment, all she could think of was Yan Luo’s spring-like smile. A girl could like another girl after all.

She was full of curiosity about Yan Luo, greedy for her beauty.

Even though they were both girls and there was no need for restraint, Gu Que still lowered her eyes after their gaze met, her cheeks burning red.

The two sat and chatted, undisturbed. Yan Luo seemed not to notice her blush, instead earnestly discussing the imperial exams.

The exams were held every three years. Some spent their whole lives taking them without success. Yan Luo hadn’t gone through the imperial route—she had entered court by following the Empress. The exams weren’t the only path, but they were the choice of many. Becoming a top scholar brought glory to one’s ancestors and honor to the family name.

Yan Luo spoke softly, without a lecturing tone. They were husband and wife, and her official rank was higher. If her tone was even slightly off, it might make the young master—a man—feel humiliated.

She struck the right balance. Gu Que listened intently.

The sun climbed steadily overhead. Noon approached, and Tinglan emerged, bringing a plate of pasta for Gu Que. “Try this first. I made several flavors—this one’s sweet.”

“No need to test. Send it to the main hall. It’s time for lunch.” Yan Luo stood, her expression amiable. Tinglan felt at ease, smiling as she went to arrange things.

This was the Yan residence, yet the Gu family—the newcomers—had been busy all this time. It was against etiquette.

Gu Que didn’t mention it, but Yan Luo was aware. She said to Tinglan, “You’ve worked hard today. I’ll reward you when we return.”

Tinglan was flustered. Yan Luo continued, “You’re the young master’s maid. You deserve recognition.”

“You flatter me, Madam.” Tinglan didn’t dare accept.

Yan Luo smiled. “The young master dotes on you, so naturally, I should give you face. Take the servants to serve the dishes.”

Dotes on you?

Gu Que blinked, not understanding Yan Luo’s words. Tinglan glanced at her and hurried off to arrange things.

Back in the main hall, a standing screen divided the men from the women, reflecting the Yan family’s strict decorum. Gu Que disliked it—the Gu family was much more relaxed.

Gu Que headed toward the men’s side but froze at the sight of the group. Yan Luo, however, walked over, took her hand, and led her back to the women’s side.

“Don’t sit with them. They’ll be drinking, and you’re not allowed to drink.” She said, sounding strict but caring.

Gu Que felt like she’d been rescued and gratefully followed Yan Luo to their seats.

The Yan family had many rules—no talking during meals or in bed. Gu Que thought of Lin Daiyu’s first visit to the Rongguo Mansion in Dream of the Red Chamber and resisted the urge to look around.

The meal was stifling. Gu Que struggled to breathe. The pasta was served last as the main course. Everyone took a bite—some liked it, others didn’t.

But the Third Madam loved it, finishing her portion. When the milk tea arrived, however, she covered her nose and refused to drink. Her behavior still differed from that of a proper madam—like covering her nose.

After lunch, the various branches of the family left. Yan Luo didn’t linger either, escorting her mother back before departing. Gu Que, however, glanced at the Third Madam, her heart aching.

Wouldn’t it be better to bring her back to the Gu residence to enjoy family life? As her son-in-law, I don’t mind. Why care about these rules?

Gu Que sighed repeatedly. Yan Luo boarded the carriage as usual.

Gu Que didn’t know what to say and remained silent the entire journey back. When they arrived at the Gu residence, the gatekeeper announced that a distinguished guest had arrived.

Yan Luo stumbled.