After Marrying the Villainous Prime Minister in My Brother’s Stead - Chapter 2

2: Little Things That Win Over a Wife, Always Effective.

The Prime Minister’s given name was Yan Luo, homophonous with “Yama,” the King of Hell, which was why many called her “Yama.”

The Prime Minister’s residence had urgently sought her out because the Empress had summoned her. However, on her way back to the palace, her carriage was struck head-on by another. The Prime Minister’s carriage was badly damaged, and as she stepped out, a cold arrow grazed past her ear.

She froze momentarily, her chest burning with agitation, her throat dry and itchy. Leaning against the carriage, she coughed into her hand.

The force of the cough brought an unnatural flush to her pale face. Soon, her guards captured the assassin.

The assassin, armed with a quiver, had been hiding in the shadows to shoot. After the first arrow missed, he tried again, but the Prime Minister’s guards moved swiftly, apprehending him before he could loose the second arrow.

Yan Luo felt something amiss. With a sidelong glance at the assassin, she said indifferently, “Skin him and hang his corpse at the city gates for three days as a warning.”

The guards seemed accustomed to such orders and immediately dragged the man away.

The Prime Minister’s carriage had been deliberately rammed. After a brief delay, the carriage from the Yongle Marquis’s residence, the Gu family, arrived. Gu Que stepped out before the carriage had fully stopped, offering politely, “Prime Minister, since you’re in a hurry, why not use my carriage? I’m not in a rush.”

Yan Luo, still recovering, swept her gaze over the clean-faced youth before glancing at the assassin obscured by the crowd. After a moment’s thought, she nodded. “Very well. Thank you.”

Gu Que smiled and stepped aside to make way.

The crowd pressed in, watching the pair with curiosity. The customs of Great Wei weren’t as open as modern times—men and women meeting in public would draw gossip. However, since the two were engaged, onlookers couldn’t help but stare.

As Yan Luo boarded the carriage, Gu Que suddenly asked, “May I visit the Prime Minister’s residence tomorrow? I’ve prepared some small gifts I’d like to give you.”

Yan Luo lifted the carriage curtain. The sunlight behind the youth cast a long shadow, and her deep gaze traveled from the fair face down to the chest before she smiled faintly. “Very well. I’ll await you at home tomorrow.”

Under such scrutiny, Gu Que’s heart raced, her cheeks flushing unnaturally. She quickly lowered her head in agreement.

The carriage wheels turned slowly, rumbling over the road. Gu Que remained standing in place, exhaling in relief. The crowd lingered, and not daring to stay longer, she led her guards back to the Marquis’s residence.

The capital of Great Wei was vast, its streets broad. Even by carriage, it took half an hour to traverse. By the time she returned to the Marquis’s residence, night had fallen.

Her calves ached, and the soles of her feet were sore. The original owner’s body was far too delicate. Gu Que grumbled inwardly but still forced a smile to greet the Marchioness.

The Marchioness asked several questions—first about the Prime Minister’s temperament, then whether the Prime Minister had taken a liking to her. After much deliberation, Gu Que managed a single sentence: “She’s very gentle.”

“Gentle?” The Marchioness was skeptical. Knowing her daughter was timid, she took her hand and asked tenderly, “Tell me the truth—was she fierce?”

“Not at all. She’s gentle, the gentlest woman I’ve ever met.” Gu Que was sincere. Even in the modern world, she had seen many celebrities, but none had struck her as profoundly as the Prime Minister’s smile—like a lotus in bloom, breathtaking at first sight.

“Really? Others call her Yama. She rose through the ranks of the Ministry of Justice, and her methods of torture are infamous. Frankly, we considered calling off this marriage. You know your elder brother is frail—I feared he couldn’t withstand her methods. Who knew she’d rise even higher? There’s no choice now. Breaking the engagement would cost our family too much.”

Gu Que listened with half an ear, her mind wandering.

After enduring the lecture, the Marchioness dismissed her, reminding her to keep her distance from the Prime Minister to avoid exposure.

Gu Que agreed and left. Back in her courtyard, her maid, Tinglan, greeted her eagerly. “Young Master, did you see the Prime Minister?”

“I did. She’s beautiful and gentle. Elder Brother is fortunate.” Gu Que’s cheeks were still flushed as she pulled Tinglan inside to whisper.

They shut the door for privacy. Tinglan knew Gu Que’s secret and was skeptical. “Last time the Prime Minister visited, I saw her. She spoke with the Marquis and left in a rage. She’s beautiful, but gentle…?”

Gu Que, exhausted from walking, her delicate skin still tinged pink, covered her face and giggled. “Tinglan, seeing is believing. Tomorrow, I’m visiting the Prime Minister’s residence. What small gifts should I prepare?”

To win a girl’s heart, the more exquisite, the better. As Prime Minister, Yan Luo had surely seen every treasure Great Wei had to offer. Ordinary gifts wouldn’t impress her.

After much deliberation, Gu Que settled on buying some milk tea from an online store, selecting several flavors. She sealed the tea in porcelain jars and added a “Happy Cat”—a plush, battery-operated lamp cat that was soft to the touch.

Hearing that people in Great Wei loved cats, she chose this as her gift. Once prepared, she set the presents on the table, washed up, and went to bed.

That night was the Imperial Banquet, leaving the day free for leisure. The Gu household had many children, but aside from Gu Yan, there were no other sons—only daughters.

Gu Que, as a “man,” could come and go freely. The next morning, after breakfast, she grabbed her gifts and headed out, only to run into her third sister, Gu Ling, as soon as she left her courtyard.

Gu Ling spotted the cat in her brother’s hands immediately and reached out to poke it. Gu Que quickly hid it, but Gu Ling tried to snatch it. Tinglan intervened. “This is for the Prime Minister.”

“The Prime Minister? Since when does the Prime Minister like such trinkets? Brother, give it to me!” Gu Ling made a grab for it.

“Enough!” Gu Que raised her voice sharply, scowling.

Gu Ling pouted but relented. Eager to leave, Gu Que pacified her: “I’ll buy you one another time.”

“Promise?” Gu Ling grinned triumphantly.

Gu Que seized the chance to escape, clutching the Happy Cat as she dashed to the gate. There, she nearly collided with a man—her uncle, Gu Taiqing.

Gu Taiqing, thirty years old, had twin sons and had moved out after marrying, effectively splitting from the main family.

Gu Que halted and bowed. “Second Uncle.”

“What’s that in your hands?” Gu Taiqing’s expression darkened. “Frivolous nonsense! Carrying girly things—what’s wrong with you?”

The Marquis had replaced his son with his daughter to prevent his younger brother from usurping the title. Gu Que knew this and endured the scolding silently.

After a few more rebukes, Gu Taiqing stormed off toward the Marquis’s quarters. Gu Que frowned—what was he doing here?

Already delayed, she hurried to the carriage. The ride to the Prime Minister’s residence wasn’t fast, but the two estates weren’t far apart.

Upon arrival, Yan Luo was at the gate, speaking with someone—likely just returned herself.

Gu Que alighted, and Yan Luo turned. The youth today wore a blue round-collared robe, slender and frail, the wind billowing his sleeves. His lips were red as cherries, his face strikingly handsome.

The man speaking with Yan Luo eyed the youth with admiration, then greed. “Who is this young master?”

Yan Luo snapped out of her reverie, her gaze sliding to the man. “What of it?”

“Such a pretty face,” the man mused.

Yan Luo smiled, her long lashes fluttering. “You like him?”

The man chuckled. “Who doesn’t appreciate beauty?”

“Is that so?” Yan Luo’s smirk deepened as she glanced at the man. “He’s mine.”

“Yours?” The man was puzzled. Had Yan Luo been hiding a boy in her residence?

Before he could react, Gu Que approached. Yan Luo said, “We’ve been engaged for years. Naturally, he’s mine.”

Gu Que bowed at the foot of the steps. “Prime Minister.”

“Little Tanhua Gu.” Yan Luo nodded, then dismissed the man. “I’ve noted your request. No need to say more.”

With that, she led Gu Que inside, explaining along the way, “He’s my martial uncle’s younger brother, a merchant here on business.”

Gu Que nodded, asking no further questions—these were the Prime Minister’s private affairs, none of her concern.

The Prime Minister’s residence resembled any noble estate, with weapon racks flanking the entrance, exuding authority. Beyond the gatehouse lay the main hall, surrounded by spring blossoms, blending luxury with elegance.

Yan Luo didn’t stop, bypassing the hall for the inner courtyard. Noticing the plump cat in Gu Que’s hands, she paused. “What’s this?”

“A gift for you.” Gu Que handed over the Happy Cat, squeezing it to demonstrate. “I got this from a foreign merchant—a little amusement to make you smile. And this jar of milk tea—sweet and rich, many girls love it.”

Yan Luo ignored the tea, cradling the Happy Cat instead. Her slender fingers pressed into its softness, delighting in its novelty.

Her laughter was radiant, her eyes clear as obsidian. Gu Que swallowed hard, murmuring, “You can squeeze it when you’re angry or upset.”

The shopkeeper had promised this was a wife-pleaser—foolproof.

Yan Luo was enchanted, kneading the cat repeatedly. Its lifelike form emitted a soft glow, and she couldn’t put it down, carrying it all the way to her quarters. Gu Que followed, hesitating at the inner gate. “It might be improper for me to enter.”

“Don’t worry. We’re to be married soon—this will be your home too.” Yan Luo’s smile was tender.

Dazed, Gu Que stepped inside. Maids scattered at their arrival, and Yan Luo, still holding the Happy Cat, ordered them to take the tea jar.

Gu Que declined, worried the maids wouldn’t brew it right. “I know how to prepare it. May I try?”

The maids froze. Gu Que bit her lip, its redness stark against her skin.

Yan Luo finally noticed the novelty in the youth’s hands. She had tasted milk tea before—the kind from the grasslands, thick and gamey.

She disliked it but declined politely. “No need to trouble yourself, Little Tanhua Gu.”

The Prime Minister’s displeasure sent a jolt through Gu Que. She suddenly remembered the online store had relationship experts—perhaps she could place an order now?