After Marrying the Villainous Prime Minister in My Brother’s Stead - Chapter 18

18: Discord, I’ll Sleep in the Study.

Yan Luo rarely lost her composure. When the gatekeeper mentioned a “distinguished guest,” her demeanor faltered momentarily. After a brief pause, she steadied herself and said to Gu Que, “A distinguished guest has arrived, and I cannot refuse. Please return first, Young Master. I’ll make it up to you later. Is that alright?”

She had promised not to receive guests for three days, but now she was breaking that promise.

“Prime Minister Yan, you’re too serious. Please attend to your matters.” Gu Que understood the implication of the gatekeeper’s words. Anyone referred to as a “distinguished guest” in front of Yan Luo was undoubtedly no ordinary person.

Standing in the whirlpool of power, one had to remain vigilant at all times. Gu Que harbored no resentment.

On the contrary, Yan Luo’s mention of “making it up” to her brought a faint sweetness to her heart, easing some of her frustration.

Gu Que left with light steps, but Yan Luo’s expression remained heavy. She hurried to the reception hall to meet the guest.

The female emperor had come again. She dragged Yan Luo to the soap shop to find the veiled young woman.

“Those eyes were not only dewy but also full of light. I bet she’s very timid,” the emperor muttered. The unattainable always left one restless—she was no exception.

As the emperor, the Son of Heaven, what woman could she not have?

At a glance, Yan Luo noticed the emperor had changed into a new outfit today: a cherry-colored narrow-sleeved short jacket and a light cyan eight-panel Xiang skirt. Without knowing her identity, no one would guess she was the reigning sovereign.

Dressed in bright, fresh clothes, she looked like a young woman eagerly rushing to meet her lover. Yan Luo, however, sat down calmly and said indifferently, “I’ve had someone investigate. That shop has no female owner—it’s run by an old man. The woman from that day must have wandered in by mistake.”

The emperor refused to accept this. She pulled Yan Luo up, but Yan Luo suddenly frowned. “Your Majesty, I’ve just gotten married. If you wish to go, have someone else accompany you.”

“I trust you, which is why I wanted you to take me. If you refuse, I’ll issue an edict ordering Young Master Gu Yan to escort me. He’s a man, and I’m his sovereign. No one would dare gossip,” the emperor retorted, her expression darkening. As the emperor, she refused to believe Yan Luo would dare defy her decree.

Yan Luo lowered her eyes. “Your Majesty, I’ve just married. I only wish to stay at home with my husband.”

The emperor was stunned, staring at her Prime Minister in disbelief. “Is a husband really that wonderful? Look at you—you’re already twenty. How could you lose your senses over a man? Who was it that once swore to oppose men, to become Prime Minister, to rise high and control them? And now, after just three days, you’re so bewitched by Gu Yan that you’ve lost your mind!”

Not only the emperor, but even Yan Luo was struck by these words. She realized she had indeed treated Gu Que somewhat differently.

The marriage between the Yan and Gu families was Third Madam’s wish. Out of filial piety, Yan Luo had agreed to fulfill her mother’s wishes. But after meeting Gu Que—receiving her milk tea and roses, and now relying on her for daily life—her existence had undergone a seismic shift.

Yan Luo’s breath hitched. She quickly banished all thoughts of Gu Que from her mind.

This wasn’t how things should be. Her life shouldn’t have changed.

After a moment of reflection, she nodded. “I’ll change clothes and accompany Your Majesty.”

“It’s good you’ve come to your senses. I’ll wait for you in the carriage.” The emperor said, taking it for granted.

Yan Luo went to change, but the emperor didn’t actually wait in the carriage. She amused herself by wandering around the mansion with her maids.

Rumor had it the mansion’s layout had been redesigned by Prime Minister Yan, while the interior details were arranged by Gu Que. Unlike most households, where women managed domestic affairs and men handled external matters, the Gu residence was the opposite.

The emperor strolled freely, unchallenged, until she reached the rear courtyard.

After returning, Gu Que didn’t go to the bedroom but to her study. Upon emerging, she spotted someone lurking suspiciously by the door. She paused but didn’t react immediately, instead sending a maid to inquire.

Before the maid could move, the figure strode forward—somewhat impolitely, yet with an air of distinction. Approaching, the person smiled at Gu Que. “Young Master Gu.”

“Your Majesty.” Gu Que suddenly recognized her and immediately knelt in salute. “Gu Yan pays respects to Your Majesty.”

“Rise.” The emperor stood with her hands behind her back, her entire demeanor exuding nobility. She studied Gu Que’s delicate face and those clear, bright eyes.

Eyes revealed much—fear, guilt, calmness. At a glance, one could discern them. Yan Luo’s eyes, however, were unreadable, devoid of emotion. Even when her smile was warm, her eyes remained cold.

“Your eyes seem familiar to me.”

Gu Que stood but didn’t dare lift her head or even breathe. After that brief encounter with the emperor, she had avoided meeting her gaze.

“Your Majesty…” Yan Luo’s voice came from the doorway.

The emperor withdrew her gaze. If Yan Luo knew she’d been staring at her husband like this, she’d be displeased. “Prime Minister Yan is here. Let’s go.”

The oppressive gaze vanished as the emperor turned away. Gu Que exhaled in relief—doing something deceitful was truly terrifying.

Yan Luo left with the emperor without a glance or word for Gu Que.

Gu Que felt a pang of loss. She didn’t know where Yan Luo was going and couldn’t chase after her to ask. All she could do was wait at home for her return.

Once in the carriage, the emperor spoke first. “I suspect I’ll return empty-handed again today.”

Yan Luo closed her eyes. “Since Your Majesty is aware, why not turn back?”

“No, I must try. But just now, when I saw Gu Yan’s eyes, they reminded me of that young woman’s.” The emperor frowned, studying Yan Luo. “Don’t you think they’re similar?”

“Your Majesty, I didn’t see that woman’s eyes.”

The emperor noticed Yan Luo’s eyes remained shut, as if she were exhausted, and couldn’t help teasing. “Didn’t sleep well last night?”

The implication was unmistakable. Yan Luo opened her eyes, a flush spreading from her neck. “We haven’t consummated the marriage.”

“What?” The emperor was stunned. “You’re this infatuated without even consummating? If you had, you’d be utterly lost! Yan Luo, what’s become of you?”

Yan Luo’s face burned. For some reason, Gu Que’s blushing, shy expression flashed through her mind. She quickly dismissed it and replied, “Our relationship is one of mutual respect.”

“Respect? The Marquis of Yongle insisted on this marriage to exploit your influence for Gu Yan’s advancement. I find it despicable, yet you’re reveling in it. Is that little Gu Yan really so remarkable?” The emperor poked Yan Luo’s forehead, wishing she could crack it open to see if it was filled with thoughts of Gu Yan.

“I understand.” Yan Luo said flatly.

The emperor didn’t press further, sighing inwardly. She lifted the carriage curtain to gaze at the streets.

When they reached the soap shop, it was packed with customers, a stark contrast to the quieter neighboring stores.

“Prime Minister Yan, why is this shop so popular?”

“The prices are low, the soap is fragrant, and it’s affordable for commoners. For such goods, this is the only shop of its kind. Selling at such prices shows the owner’s dedication. Small profits but quick turnover—that’s good business. The Six Ministries have tried to replicate it but failed.”

In just a few words, the emperor understood. “They’ll likely raise prices later.”

Yan Luo disagreed. “More likely, they’ll open branches. Didn’t Your Majesty also enjoy this soap?”

“I…” The emperor was speechless. Her gaze fell on Yan Luo’s hands resting on her knees.

She seized Yan Luo’s wrist to examine the tiny tiger drawn on her fingernail. “How exquisite! Did Gu Yan draw this for you?”

“Yes. I’ll wash it off tonight.” Yan Luo withdrew her hand, hiding it in her sleeve, clearly unwilling to discuss Gu Que further.

The emperor insisted on seeing it again. After some back-and-forth, Yan Luo relented. “If you like it, I’ll send some to the palace tomorrow.”

“Good.” Only then did the emperor let go, adding, “Gu Yan really knows how to capture your heart. Yan Luo, let me remind you—women may be trouble, but men are no different for you.”

Yan Luo remained silent.

The Prime Minister’s servant entered the shop to investigate. The two waited outside until dusk, when the emperor finally ordered the shopkeeper brought before her.

“A young woman?” The shopkeeper was baffled. “Every day, dozens—if not hundreds—of veiled women visit the shop. How could I remember? The back courtyard is for customers to rest. Some high-spending patrons are allowed there.”

With that, all hope was lost. The emperor sighed and returned to the palace.

When Yan Luo arrived home, she paused at the sight of the mirror in her room. Leng Mian approached. “Prime Minister, what’s wrong?”

“Tell the young master I’ll sleep in the study tonight.”