After Marrying the Villainous Prime Minister in My Brother’s Stead - Chapter 19

19: Separation – If You Miss Her So Much, Go Back and Sleep There.

After hearing the message, Gu Que felt a weight lift off her chest.

Once Leng Mian left, she was the only one left in the room. The scenery outside the window was lovely, with birds chirping and flitting about the corridor.

Tinglan walked in, having prepared the clothes Gu Que would wear the next day. Seeing the young master lost in thought, she asked, “What’s wrong?”

“The Prime Minister said she’d sleep in the study tonight. Tinglan, she went out and came back only to decide to sleep separately. Did something happen?” Gu Que watched the birds outside, her heart uneasy.

The Emperor’s sudden visit today had prompted Prime Minister Yan’s decision. Clearly, something was being hidden from her.

“Perhaps there’s something urgent. You’re overthinking it.” Tinglan didn’t dwell on it. Prime Minister Yan was no ordinary person—even the Emperor treated her with respect. How could she have time for idle pleasures every day?

Gu Que couldn’t figure it out. Tinglan reassured her a few more times, reminding her that the imperial exams were approaching and she should focus on studying.

Gu Que felt restless. She opened her mouth to speak but then closed it again. “Ask Prime Minister Yan what she’d like for dinner. I won’t be going over.”

Yan Luo had sent someone to relay the message, likely to avoid her. It wouldn’t be right to impose further.

Though they’d only been married for three days, Gu Que felt like her life had been a rollercoaster of tension. Even when struggling to make ends meet in the past, she’d never felt this on edge.

After Tinglan left, a maid came in to light the lamps. In the dim candlelight, Gu Que’s expression was solemn, and the maid didn’t dare speak. Once the room was lit, she quietly withdrew.

Gu Que first let her mind go blank, slowly calming herself. Living here was far too stressful, especially sharing close quarters with Yan Luo. It was like riding a rollercoaster—she couldn’t even breathe freely.

Having free time tonight felt oddly unsettling.

She only picked at her dinner. Tinglan brought some books, but Gu Que’s mind wasn’t on them, so she soon gave up.

Her thoughts sharpened as she realized the sudden change must be related to the Emperor’s visit.

Had her identity been exposed?

Gu Que admitted she wasn’t the brightest. Moving to a new place hadn’t made her any smarter, and she couldn’t grasp the intricacies of many things. As a modern person, she was used to a self-centered life and avoided unnecessary interactions.

The thought weighed heavily on her chest. She flipped open a book, but the dense text made her head ache. She closed it again.

As night fell, the courtyard grew quiet.

Tinglan entered with a lantern. A young maid took it at the door while she stepped inside to see the young master.

“The Prime Minister has finished dinner and hasn’t received any guests since returning. She asked for a cup of sweet milk, and I had it sent over.”

Yan Luo had a sweet tooth—far beyond what most people could tolerate.

Hearing this, Gu Que felt slightly better. “Has she gone to bed?”

“Not yet. When I came, her lamp was still lit, and Leng Mian was guarding outside.”

“Good. Tomorrow, I’m going out. Have the stable prepare the carriage. I’m going to rest now.” Gu Que gave up on reading. Why bother? She could just place another order with that person later.

Her mind was a tangled mess.

At least here, as a man, she could come and go freely.

Gu Que went to bed first. Yan Luo remained seated at her desk for a long time, unmoving. The teacup set had been placed on the shelf—used once, it was no longer pristine.

When word came that the young master had retired, Yan Luo finally stood and headed to the inner chamber. The study was a suite with a small bedroom inside, making it convenient to stay there.

Leng Mian made the bed, asking, “Why sleep here?”

“I’m used to sleeping alone.” Yan Luo replied flatly.

“Really? Did Young Master Gu treat you poorly? There’s no hand warmer here. You’ll be cold at night.” Leng Mian frowned as she watched the Prime Minister sit rigidly on a stool. “What’s the point of separating? You’re both women—she can’t take advantage of you, and you can’t take advantage of her. Why sleep apart?”

They were both girls. Was it necessary?

Yan Luo sat with perfect posture, her skirt pooling elegantly on the floor, its gold and silver embroidery shimmering in the candlelight. She didn’t answer.

Leng Mian smoothed the blankets, feeling the sheets. “They’re freezing. The young master’s probably asleep by now. Go sleep there—the bed will be warm. Much better.”

Yan Luo remained silent, lost in thought as the Empress’s words echoed in her mind.

“Prime Minister…” Leng Mian raised her voice, staring intently. “Will you go back?”

“No. I’ll sleep alone.” Yan Luo stood, walked to the bed, and pulled back the covers.

Leng Mian gave up and left quietly. At the door, she ran into Tinglan.

“Is the Prime Minister asleep?” Tinglan held a lantern. The spring night breeze was chilly.

Leng Mian jerked her chin toward the room. “Just went to bed.”

“Then give this to her.” Tinglan pressed a palm-sized purple object into Leng Mian’s hand. “It’s a warming jade. It generates heat.”

Leng Mian scoffed. “What’s the point? Why didn’t your young master come herself?”

Tinglan was baffled. “Why would the young master come?”

Leng Mian snorted, took the “warming jade,” and left without another word.

Tinglan stood there, utterly confused, and only returned to report after the study’s lights went out.

The next morning, before dawn, Yan Luo had already left the estate. Gu Que rose early but still missed her. Yan Luo was busy with endless duties, unlike Gu Que, who idled at home every day.

After breakfast, Gu Que took a carriage to inspect the soap shop, then visited a few famous taverns to gather advice. However, her restaurant’s dishes would be unique, and the desserts would be one-of-a-kind.

She spent the whole day out and returned at dusk. Yan Luo still hadn’t come back—a messenger said the Prime Minister was dining at the palace.

Gu Que acknowledged it and ate alone.

After dinner, she retreated to her study to sketch designs. If she was going to do this, she’d do it right. A successful business would secure her future.

She spent several nights drafting plans. Yan Luo left early and returned late, so they never crossed paths. Gu Que didn’t dare disturb her but sent someone daily to check on her, even delivering a hand warmer in case she was cold.

Once the designs took shape, Gu Que began planning the tavern’s menu.

Cuisine in Great Wei was simple, with limited cooking methods. Even stir-frying was a recent innovation, and more advanced techniques were unheard of.

Gu Que cooked a few dishes herself: sweet and sour ribs, salt-and-pepper shrimp, and a sweet soup. Since Yan Luo loved sweets, she added extra honey. At around 9 p.m., she had Tinglan deliver it as a late-night snack.

Tinglan became the errand girl, making at least two trips a day. This time, she carried the food box to Yan Luo.

Before it was even opened, the sweet aroma filled the air. Yan Luo focused as Tinglan set out the dishes. “The young master made these for you to try.”

They’d been married barely a week but hadn’t seen each other in three or four days.

“This is sweet and sour ribs. The young master added extra sugar to suit your taste.”

Before Tinglan could finish, Yan Luo picked up a piece and ate it. The sweetness burst across her tongue—intensely sugary.

“What has your young master been doing these days?” Yan Luo asked casually.

Tinglan said, “Mostly reading in the study.”

“What is she doing now?” Yan Luo set down her chopsticks, glancing at the little tiger design on her fingernails. Without Gu Que around, she didn’t know how to clean them properly, so they’d stayed on.

She met many people daily. Men didn’t ask, but women always inquired where she’d gotten them.

Though she hadn’t seen Gu Que these past few days, her presence lingered.

“When I left, she was in the kitchen making something called ‘pulled sugar apples’…” Tinglan wasn’t sure she’d gotten the name right.

“Alright, you may go.” Yan Luo dismissed her.

Tinglan bowed and left.

Once the door closed, Yan Luo stared at the shrimp. “Is that flour coating them?”

“Looks like it. Let me taste it for you.” Leng Mian reached for the chopsticks, but Yan Luo shot her a look. “I thought you didn’t like her?”

“I don’t like how effeminate she is, but I like her creativity.” Leng Mian was blunt. “Being with her is full of surprises.” Young Master Gu was like a treasure chest, always coming up with new ways to delight people. She enjoyed that sense of wonder too.

Yan Luo stood, opened the door, and pointed outside. “Get out.”

Leng Mian was stunned. “I haven’t eaten yet!”

“Was it made for you? Shameless.” Yan Luo was unmoved.

Leng Mian’s face darkened. “It’s just a shrimp. Why so stingy? If you miss her so much, go back and sleep there.”