After Marrying the Villainous Prime Minister in My Brother’s Stead - Chapter 21

21: Jinjiang First Release, No Reprinting.

The letter was clear: the child was the elder of twins, while the younger brother remained with their birth mother.

It didn’t stop there. The letter also detailed when the Marquis’ heir, Gu Shizi, had slept with her, when he had driven her out of the Marquis’ residence, and how, in desperation, she had sent their daughter to the Marquis’ household.

The final paragraph of the letter was particularly striking. The Marquis’ heir was frail, and only when drunk did he have the strength for such acts. These twins might be the only heirs the Gu family would ever have.

Lengmian was furious, while Gu Que remained utterly bewildered. After reading the letter, she realized—this was Gu Yan’s child.

What a mess.

Gu Que didn’t know what to say. The eastern sky was already lightening; it was almost time. She first reassured Yan Luo: “It’s getting late. The Prime Minister should attend court first. When you return, I’ll give you a full explanation.”

Lengmian was indignant and opened her mouth to speak, but Yan Luo shot her a glance and spoke first: “Very well, I’ll go change.”

Gu Que, holding the child, was at a loss. Gu Yan was bedridden—how could he have had the strength for such things?

She wanted to be angry but didn’t know who to direct her anger at. If this was true, given Gu Yan’s condition, these might be the Gu family’s only descendants.

Yan Luo changed inside the room without further questions, proceeding as usual to attend court, with Lengmian escorting her.

After they left, Gu Que urgently ordered a carriage prepared. She took the child and rushed back to the Gu residence. First, she needed to confirm whether the child was Gu Yan’s. If not, the situation could be resolved easily. But if it was, she’d have no way to clear her name.

Just last night, she had vowed that Yan Luo would be her only woman. By dawn, reality had slapped her in the face.

Arriving at the Yongle Marquis’ residence, the carriage didn’t dare stop at the main gate. Gu Que sneaked in through the back entrance, ensuring no one saw her, and hurried to her parents’ courtyard.

It was still early. The Marquis was up, brewing tea in the courtyard. When he saw his “son” rushing in, he dismissed the maids with a glance.

Gu Que, usually mild-mannered, was now visibly agitated. She handed the letter and the child to the Marquis and said angrily, “If he had the strength to father children, he should have come back to take the imperial exams.”

The Marchioness emerged, confused. The Marquis, equally furious, turned to his wife: “Did you hide this from me?”

“Hide what?” The Marchioness smiled and stepped forward. When she saw the child in her husband’s arms, her face paled. “Whose child is this?”

“You’re asking me? You raised this son—don’t you know?” The Marquis’ cheeks trembled with anger as he flung the letter at his wife. “Did you drive her out?”

The Marchioness hadn’t read the letter yet and feigned ignorance. “Drive who out?”

In the pale golden dawn, Gu Que took a deep breath. Even with her Taobao system, this mess was beyond her ability to clean up.

Loyalty was the most basic requirement in a marriage. Gu Yan’s infidelity meant this union was over.

She proposed, “Let’s divorce.”

“No.”

“Absolutely not.”

The Marquis and Marchioness refused in unison. After reading the letter, the Marchioness understood the situation and said firmly, “The Gu family cannot acknowledge them. She’s clearly using the child to blackmail us. We can’t keep her. Go back and tell the Prime Minister the child isn’t yours—the jade pendant was stolen.”

“Mother, do you think Yan Luo is a fool? The letter mentions that the Marquis’ heir is frail, while I stand here perfectly healthy. Your lies have already been exposed. If Gu Yan had the energy to fool around with women, he should take responsibility himself. He’s already unfaithful—don’t expect Yan Luo to still care for him.” Gu Que’s voice was icy. She pitied Yan Luo for being tied to such a man.

Someone as outstanding as the Prime Minister deserved happiness, not to be toyed with.

The Marchioness panicked. “The Prime Minister is fond of you. Apologize properly—it’s just a bastard. She’ll forgive you.”

“It’s not my mistake. Why should I apologize? Spoiling a child ruins them.” Gu Que refused firmly. Even if others called her unfilial, she wouldn’t deceive Yan Luo.

“If you won’t think of your brother, at least think of the family. If you divorce her and this gets out, how will your brother ever marry? His health is poor—”

“Is his poor health my fault? Did I force him to father children? Mother, you can’t spoil him just because he’s weak. Is the Prime Minister a fool to let you play her like this?”

Gu Que’s breathing was rapid, her fair cheeks flushed, her clear eyes burning with anger.

Her daughter’s unyielding stance stunned the Marchioness.

Suddenly, a cry broke the tension. The Marquis fumbled to soothe the child. Gu Que, unable to bear it, stepped forward. “She’s probably hungry. Find a wet nurse.”

“Divorce is out of the question.” The Marchioness persisted. “Everyone makes mistakes. The Prime Minister is magnanimous—”

“Right now, you should focus on bringing the other child back. She’s right—given Gu Yan’s health, these might be his only children. Agree to her terms. Give me the address—I’ll bring the child back.”

Her words were decisive, prioritizing the Gu family’s bloodline. The Marquis didn’t refuse. “Go with your mother and meet her demands.”

Gu Que agreed. “I’ll go alone. Leave the child with Mother.”

Her mother would never admit Gu Yan’s fault, blaming the woman instead. Since their views differed, Gu Que would meet the woman alone.

The Marquis agreed, assigning a few servants and two capable maids to accompany Gu Que.

Once the carriage left, he ordered the steward: “Wait at the palace gates. When the Prime Minister emerges, invite her to the residence. Tell her I have urgent matters to discuss.”

The Empress, now in her twenties, was pressured by the Empress Dowager to select a consort. The courtiers echoed the demand, infuriating the Empress, who stormed out of the court.

Yan Luo followed.

Standing by the lake, the Empress’s face was dark. She hurled a stone into the water, muttering, “I’ll choose an Empress. Why should I care about those worthless men?”

Yan Luo hesitated. “Does Your Majesty have a favored lady?”

“Have you found her?” The Empress turned eagerly. Yan Luo always had solutions—she must have one now. “You have a plan, don’t you?”

“If Your Majesty has a lady in mind, I can adopt her as my sister. Then she can be named Empress—the Prime Minister’s sister is worthy of the title. But I can’t find the lady you mentioned. Perhaps consider someone else.” Yan Luo spoke softly.

The Empress swallowed her anger. “I want only her. Find her for me.”

Yan Luo was hesitant. “How? The capital is vast—finding one girl is no easy task. Moreover, you’ve only seen her eyes. Isn’t your affection too shallow?”

“Eyes that beautiful must belong to a beauty. I’ll paint her portrait—you find her.” The Empress brightened. “Your plan is excellent. I’ll inform the Empress Dowager.”

“Your Majesty, I can’t possibly—” Yan Luo called after her, but the Empress was already gone.

Exiting the palace, she encountered the Yongle Marquis’ steward. He hurried over, bowing. “Prime Minister, the Marquis requests your presence at the residence.”

Yan Luo paused, gazing at the rising sun. The light was beautiful—the best of the day.

She thought of the young Marquis, handsome and pure-hearted, his skin like snow.

As pristine as a lotus on a mountain peak, untainted by dust.

What would he do now?

Yan Luo smiled slightly and nodded to the steward. “Lead the way.”

Gu Que had never felt so exasperated. Even when she had replaced her brother in the marriage, she hadn’t felt this disgusted. The letter included an address, making it easy to find.

The woman lived in a narrow alley. The carriage couldn’t enter, so Gu Que walked.

Neighbors peeked through cracks in their doors, their stares making her uncomfortable. She wanted to flee.

At the door, she knocked. A pair of eyes peered through the gap. Gu Que slipped the letter inside. She couldn’t announce herself—if the neighbors overheard, the scandal would worsen.

The door opened.

A girl, about eleven or twelve, greeted her timidly. “Are you here for Li Niang? She’s still recovering from childbirth.”

“I’d like to see her. Take me to her.” Gu Que’s tone was firm. Backed by the Yongle Marquis’ household, she wouldn’t appear weak.

The girl nodded and led her inside.

The courtyard was simple—a row of rooms. The first on the left was the kitchen, then the bedroom, and the last was a storeroom piled with firewood.

The girl opened the door. Inside, a woman sat on the bed, her head wrapped in cloth—Li Niang.

Seeing Gu Que, Li Niang froze, her expression shifting from surprise to confusion. “Are you the Shizi?”

“Where’s the other child? State your terms—money or a house. You can ask, but the Gu family won’t accept you.” Gu Que was blunt. She wasn’t being cruel—the woman had sent one child to the Marquis’ household and kept the other as leverage. She had no pity for someone who disregarded her own child’s life.

Li Niang studied the noble before her, unsure if this was the Shizi she remembered—sickly and sallow, not this radiant figure.

After a moment, she gritted her teeth. “I don’t want money or a house. I want to enter the Marquis’ household, even as a servant.”

Gu Que laughed coldly. “You know your place. You abandoned your own daughter—stop pretending to be a loving mother. Leave, or lose your life. Li Niang, you’re still young. Take the money and start anew—open a shop, live freely. You know the Prime Minister’s methods. If the child stays and you go, do you think you’ll survive?”

The Yongle Marquis’ household might not be intimidating, but the Prime Minister was a different matter.

Li Niang shrank back, silent. Gu Que pressed, “If you refuse, I’ll inform the Prime Minister. If you think you can survive her wrath, keep stalling.”

Gu Que noticed that despite Li Niang’s confinement, there was no sign of the boy. She must have sent him away beforehand.

Li Niang wasn’t naive. Gu Que’s last shred of sympathy vanished.

In such affairs, it took two to tango.

“Tell me where the child is. Li Niang, this is your chance. The Prime Minister isn’t an ordinary wife—how much bl00d stains her hands? One more life won’t matter.”

“I’ll talk. He’s with my brother. Xiao Lin knows the address.” Li Niang finally broke, covering her face as she wept. “I didn’t want this—they forced me.”

Gu Que was startled, remembering her identity. “Who forced you?”

“My brother. He wanted the Gu family’s money. I was just a maid serving the Shizi…”

“He told me to drug the Shizi. I refused…”

Gu Que understood—Gu Yan had been set up by his own maid. Truly, no thief is worse than a domestic one.

“Li Niang, I’ll give you a chance. Leave the capital. Leave your brother. Take your maid and start fresh. This is your chance for a new life.” Gu Que took a pouch from her waist, withdrawing the banknotes she’d prepared, and placed them on the bed. “Five hundred taels—enough for two lifetimes. A carriage will come for you this afternoon.”

Li Niang’s sobs ceased. She stared at the banknotes. “Why are you helping me?”

Gu Que didn’t answer. She took the girl to find Li Niang’s brother.

The brother lived next door, keeping tabs on Li Niang. Shocked by such cruelty, Gu Que ordered the servants to seize him. An old woman was inside—Gu Que had her bound and blindfolded, then took the infant from the bed.

“Take him to the magistrate. Say the Yongle Marquis’ heir sent him—he stole from the household. As for the old woman…” She glanced at the girl.

The girl whispered, “She’s my mother. Please spare her.”

“Fine. Take her next door, keep her bound, and send her out of the capital with Li Niang.” Gu Que made her decision. She couldn’t bring herself to kill, but ensuring they never returned was enough.

With arrangements made, she carried the infant back to the carriage.

As the carriage started moving, it halted abruptly. The driver knocked. “Shizi, the carriage ahead is from our residence.”

Gu Que opened the door. Lengmian dismounted and approached, her expression sour. “Shizi, have you claimed your son?”

Gu Que hung her head in shame. Lengmian said bluntly, “Return to the residence. The Prime Minister says she forgives you.”

“Forgives me?” Gu Que was stunned. Such a colossal mistake, and it was dismissed just like that?

How magnanimous were ancient women?

Gu Que couldn’t fathom such an outcome. At the very least, there should have been a scene—otherwise, this would happen again.

Boarding Yan Luo’s carriage, Lengmian shut the door and drove off.

Yan Luo was still in her court robes, exuding authority. She smiled at Gu Que. “Is it settled?”

“Yes.” Gu Que nodded.

“Give me the child. Let me hold him.” Yan Luo reached out, showing no resentment, as if she’d accepted the children faster than Gu Que.

Gu Que was still dazed. Yan Luo took the child and rocked him gently. “I can’t conceive. These children will bear my name—they’ll be mine from now on.”

Gu Que: “…” A ready-made mother?

This was unbelievable. Gu Que, trying to process this generous sister-in-law, said, “Aren’t you angry, Prime Minister?”

“Why? This child is yours and mine.” Yan Luo touched the baby’s face. The fortnight-old infant’s skin was tender and smooth. His features reminded her of her own brother.

She had cared for him as a baby, watching him roll over, crawl, and walk. But before he could speak, he was killed.

Killed by a fall. His bone china set remained in a box, untouched.

Smiling, she blinked and told Gu Que, “I don’t care about your past. But from now on…”

“From now on, I’ll be devoted only to you.” Gu Que vowed quickly. The carriage jolted, making her vision waver.

Yan Luo focused on the baby, not looking at her. She touched his face, then his tiny nose. Suddenly, the carriage stopped.

Lengmian opened the door. “Prime Minister, the Ministry of Justice is handling a case.”

Through the door, a dozen constables stood outside. Their leader, a young man in purple robes, placed a hand on his sword hilt and bowed. “Official Zhao Mingwu greets the Prime Minister and the Yongle Marquis’ heir.”

Yan Luo finally looked up, studying him. “Ah, Official Zhao. What’s the matter?”

“Prime Minister, Prince Huaizhang’s daughter, Princess Qing’an, is dead. The case was assigned to the Ministry of Justice. We’re investigating.” Zhao Mingwu didn’t dare raise his head, gripping his sword tightly.

Yan Luo nodded. “How did the Princess die?”

“This…” Zhao Mingwu hesitated, stepping closer and lowering his voice. “The body was incomplete—her head was missing when found.”

A headless corpse? Gu Que’s eyes widened. A noble princess dying so brutally?

Yan Luo also feigned surprise. “How was she identified as Princess Qing’an?”

Zhao Mingwu explained, “The Princess had a birthmark. She was returning to the capital from her villa when bandits attacked her in the woods. The coroner believes her head was severed while she was alive, and her body was dumped. The Prince’s servants searched for her and found the body in the woods, covered in ants. It took a long time to identify her.”

Gu Que shuddered. Were vendettas here so brutal? A noble princess dying like this…

She inhaled sharply. Zhao Mingwu glanced at her briefly before bowing again.

Yan Luo noticed the glance. She nodded. “You’ve worked hard.”

“Prime Minister, please proceed.” Zhao Mingwu bowed deeply.

Lengmian shut the door and drove off.

After a few turns, Yan Luo asked, “Don’t you recognize Official Zhao?”

Gu Que froze but didn’t answer immediately. She didn’t know him, but Yan Luo’s question implied they’d met.

She stayed silent, collecting her thoughts. “I’m a bit hazy.”

Yan Luo said, “Even your future brother-in-law is hazy to you. How careless.”

Future brother-in-law? Gu Que was baffled. The Gu family had many daughters, but she didn’t recall any engagements. Was he Gu Ling’s fiancé?

She smiled sheepishly. “Is that so?”

Yan Luo sighed. “Shortly after our betrothal, the Zhao family chose Gu Que as their granddaughter-in-law. Have you forgotten even this?”

Gu Que—granddaughter-in-law?

Gu Que was stunned. No one had mentioned this since her arrival—not her parents, not Tinglan. How could she have a fiancé?

Yan Luo, holding the child, said calmly, “Two years ago, the Zhao family proposed marriage. Gu Que was bedridden, so the Marchioness called it off. I thought you and Zhao Mingwu were close.”

Close?

Close, her foot.

Gu Que’s emotions rollercoastered. Yan Luo was wicked—bringing up a broken engagement to scare her.

Couldn’t she have explained fully? How infuriating.

Annoyed, Gu Que ignored her, fiddling with the tassel on her waist.

After a long silence, Yan Luo glanced at her. “Angry?”

“No.” Gu Que denied.

Yan Luo freed a hand to hold Gu Que’s. Having grown accustomed, Gu Que didn’t pull away, meeting her gaze.

Yan Luo smiled sweetly. “If you’re angry, just say so. I won’t tease you next time. By the way, have you named the child?”

“No. Have you?” Gu Que wouldn’t dare—Yan Luo’s knowledge dwarfed hers.

“Yes. The elder sister will be Gu Qiongju.” Yan Luo’s gaze drifted.

Gu Que asked, “And the brother?”

“Qiongju means ‘beautiful jade.’ As for the brother…” Yan Luo mused. “Let the Marquis name him.”

Gu Que didn’t press further. Qiongju came from the Book of Songs, symbolizing precious jade. The boy, as the Gu family’s eldest grandson, should be named by the Marquis.

The carriage stopped at the Marquis’ residence. Gu Que carried the child inside, while Yan Luo was assisted by Lengmian.

Lengmian grumbled, “You’ve forgotten your wife for a child.”

Gu Que shot her a look and handed her the child, taking Yan Luo’s hand instead. They entered together.

Lengmian, holding the baby: “…”

Inside, the twins were placed together. The Marchioness pulled her daughter aside, while Yan Luo spoke with the Marquis in the main hall.

When the Marquis heard the proposed name, he hesitated. “Qiongju is… ill-omened.”

The Great Wei once had a princess named Qiongju, beloved by the Emperor. She had died mysteriously.

Yan Luo insisted, “Qiongju means ‘beautiful jade.’”

The Marquis studied her. Seeing no ulterior motive, he relented. “The generational character for their cohort is ‘Qing.’ Purity is paramount—let him be Qingzhi.”

“Gu Qingzhi.” Yan Luo repeated.

Meanwhile, the Marchioness cursed. “That little wretch! I should’ve killed her. Letting her go is too lenient. Your brother is frail—how dare she drug him? Report her to the authorities!”

Gu Que said, “It takes two to tango. Was my brother blameless?”

“What fault does he bear? A maid scheming to climb into bed—is that his fault? He’s your brother! How can you side with outsiders?” The Marchioness glared at her daughter as if she were a stranger. “Can’t you think of your brother?”

“Think of him? For him, you broke off the Zhao engagement. I took his exams, married in his place. When he returns at twenty, I’ll be twenty too. Have you thought of my future?” Gu Que’s voice trembled. As a modern woman, she believed in equality. Filial piety shouldn’t erase her own identity.

In this unfamiliar world, she felt no parental love—only concern for Gu Yan.

She was just a placeholder. Once the real heir returned, she’d be discarded.

That was fine—but she wouldn’t harm Yan Luo for Gu Yan’s sake. Filial piety was suffocating, but she wouldn’t trample the Prime Minister further.

“Gu Que, he’s your brother! How can you be so heartless? He’s the family’s hope. With his future secure, you’ll have standing in your marital home.” The Marchioness was equally furious. “Without him, the Marquisate would’ve gone to the second branch. Do you think you’d have this life?”

“I’m tired of hearing this. I’m a person, not his appendage. Until he returns, I can’t be myself. I don’t want to wear men’s robes, be the heir, or deceive the Prime Minister.” Gu Que’s face flushed—anger always colored her fair skin.

The Marchioness paused. “If you stop now, you’ll doom us all!”

Gu Que refused to argue further. “The Prime Minister accepted the children. She’s generous, but Gu Yan must know his limits. Don’t keep exploiting her.”

She left, returning to the main hall. Yan Luo had already left.

The Marquis mentioned the naming issue, warning his daughter: “Qiongju is inauspicious. Persuade her to change it.”

“Why?” Gu Que didn’t understand. “It’s from the Book of Songs. Is there some taboo?”

The Marquis sighed. “Twenty years ago, a princess was born under overcast skies. When she cried, the clouds parted—a divine sign. The Emperor named her Qiongju.”

“She was lively and lovely. I was unmarried then and saw her once. Later, I left the capital. When I returned, the princess was gone. No one would speak of it.”

“This is a secret. Naming the child Qiongju might bring misfortune.”

Gu Que was surprised but wouldn’t oppose Yan Luo. “Father, given the Prime Minister’s status, would she care? Naming her Qiongju shows her affection. Rejecting it would hurt her—would she still treat the child as her own?”

Understanding women best, the Marquis relented. “As you wish.”

Gu Que smiled. “Good.”

“The children stay here. I’ll raise them.” The Marquis declared.

Gu Que hesitated. “Let me discuss it with the Prime Minister.”

“Fine. But remember—she’s the Prime Minister. Don’t embarrass her.” The Marquis cautioned.

Had the Marchioness been present, she’d have snapped, “You’re the man of the house—can’t you decide?”

Gu Que subtly asked about Gu Yan’s health. Officially, he was in Jiangnan, but she knew he was at a manor. Country doctors couldn’t compare to capital physicians, and the manor’s tranquility suited his recovery.

She wanted to visit, but the Marchioness refused, fearing exposure. Even the Marquis rarely went.

At the mention of his son’s health, the Marquis’ smile faded. “No change.”

Gu Que changed the subject. “Today, I met Zhao Mingwu.”

“Ah, a promising young man.” The Marquis’ expression warmed. “He used to follow you, calling you ‘brother-in-law.’ Once, you punched him, and he switched to ‘elder brother.’ After the broken engagement, he was betrothed to a Yan cousin—still unmarried.”

Suddenly, he looked guilty. “I know you liked him. But what’s done is done.”

Gu Que froze. The original Gu Que had liked Zhao Mingwu?

So many secrets today, one after another. She touched her chest. How tragic.

Leaving the main hall, she returned to her courtyard, where Lengmian stood guard.

Inside, the children, fed and asleep, lay in their cribs. Yan Luo had changed into an orange short-sleeved robe, her accessories simple yet elegant, exuding an ethereal grace.

Approaching, Yan Luo looked up and smiled. “You’re back.”

“Yes. After lunch, we’ll return. What about them?” Gu Que pointed at the cribs.

She had no experience with children—barely more than a child herself. Becoming an instant father was daunting.

Yan Luo leaned against a pillow, studying Gu Que’s eyes—bright and lively. She recalled her teacher’s words: The eyes are the soul of a portrait. Without spirit, even the most beautiful face falls flat.

People were the same. A face without luminous eyes wasn’t truly beautiful.

Yan Luo smiled. “Leave them here. Visit when you can—or take Qiongju and leave Qingzhi.”

Gu Que was stunned. Yan Luo continued, “The Marquis favors Qingzhi. If he stays, the servants will treat Qiongju differently. Take her with you—with you as her father, she’ll be well cared for.”

Father. The word made Gu Que cringe—each utterance felt like a slap.

Mortifying.

“Do you like Qiongju?” She changed the subject.

“If you want honesty, I don’t.” Yan Luo smiled.

Relieved, Gu Que relaxed. Even the most magnanimous person wouldn’t love another’s child. Yan Luo’s honesty was refreshing.

“Then leave her here. I can’t care for a child. I’ll visit often.”

“That sounds irresponsible.” Yan Luo’s words were sharp, her smile unwavering.

Gu Que had a sudden urge to cover her mouth—her words were too cutting.

Gu Que sighed. “If I take her, you won’t like her. If I leave her, I’m irresponsible. What else can I do?”

Might as well give up.

Yan Luo’s smile didn’t falter. “What do you suggest?”

“Today, I considered divorce. The Prime Minister is the finest woman I’ve ever met. I can’t ruin you.” Gu Que surrendered.

“Divorce?” Yan Luo murmured. So she’d thought of divorce—kind, yet weak. Only those who couldn’t solve problems chose escape.

She shook her head. “Divorce won’t do. If you want to atone, write a pledge—vow never to touch another woman, and I’ll forgive you. Take Qiongju home. How’s that?”

“A pledge?” Gu Que was stunned. She was Gu Que—how could she pledge for Gu Yan?

Yan Luo eyed her. “Afraid?”

“Why would I be? I’ll write it.” Gu Que agreed. She’d cross that bridge later.

“Good. Qiongju comes with us. The Marquis’ household won’t interfere in her upbringing. I’ll give her the best. Heir, these might be your only children—cherish them.”

Yan Luo’s tone was light, but Gu Que’s heart raced. Only children?

She was terrified. Yan Luo rose, rocking the crib. “My body is ruined. Since you’ve given me these children, I’ll treasure them.”

Gu Que’s heart ached. What kind of pain allowed one to say my body is ruined so calmly?

“Don’t worry. I won’t touch another woman.” She could only offer verbal comfort.

Yan Luo didn’t respond. As Prime Minister, she was busy. After lunch, she left for her office. Gu Que took Qiongju home. Though not the child’s parent, she was her aunt.

Raising her was natural.

The household’s expenses grew with the child. Where to house her was another issue. After deliberation, Gu Que placed her in the eastern wing—still within the same courtyard.

The wet nurse, a servant from the Marquis’ household, was trustworthy.

Once Qiongju was settled, Gu Que collapsed onto the daybed, exhausted. Tinglan entered with a box. “Young Master, the glacier crystal cups you requested.”

“Send them to the Prime Minister’s study for her enjoyment.” Gu Que waved her off, eyes closed.

Tinglan nodded, delivering them personally.

Yan Luo returned early, her current task being the search for the Empress’s lady. With thousands in the capital, finding one girl was impossible.

Lengmian updated her on Princess Qing’an’s case.

“Prince Huaizhang is investigating but has found nothing. The Ministry of Justice is under pressure—even the Empress Dowager is involved. They’ve dropped all other cases to focus on this. The Prince has offered a thousand taels for the killer. The whole capital is talking. Should we intervene?”

“Do as you please.” Yan Luo was indifferent.

Lengmian knew her mistress wouldn’t involve herself in unrelated matters. Even if they didn’t, the Ministry would fail—without the head, how could they solve it?

Entering the study, Lengmian spotted an unfamiliar box on the desk. Inside were two crystal cups—one ocean blue, the other pale green.

Yan Luo picked them up. The translucent cups, with their wave-patterned coasters, evoked the vast sea.

She had seen countless treasures, but these cups were breathtaking.

Who could have placed them here unnoticed?

…Only Young Master Gu.

And indeed, as Lengmian had said—being with her brought new surprises every day.

“I’m curious—how was this made?” Lengmian marveled. “Does she have a treasure chest? Should we just go steal it?”

Yan Luo ignored her, lifting the cups and coasters into the sunset’s glow. In an instant, the coaster shimmered like rippling waves, the ocean gathering beneath the glass.

The sea seemed to surge right before her eyes.

Yan Luo couldn’t help but smile.

Gu Que truly was full of surprises.