After Marrying the Villainous Prime Minister in My Brother’s Stead - Chapter 22

22: School Uniform, Short Skirt School Uniform

Gu Que’s apology gift was something hard not to like.

Mountains, rivers, and seas were too distant, but the small cup condensed the beauty of the mountains and the luster of the waves.

Leng Mian reached out to touch it. Unlike ordinary cups, its surface wasn’t smooth but uneven, with a gritty texture.

“How was this made?” She knew how to make cups—or rather, Prime Minister Yan did—but this was clearly beyond their knowledge.

Yan Luo’s deep eyes sparkled with an uncharacteristic amazement, bright and vivid. “Perfect for sharing a drink.”

Leng Mian paused, then quickly withdrew her hand.

The two were still marveling when Gu Que’s maid, Tinglan, entered carrying a white wooden box. Yan Luo called her in.

Tinglan didn’t dare raise her head, her heart pounding as she carefully stepped over the threshold. Taking a deep breath, she said, “The young master said today’s incident was his fault and sent this as an apology.”

Without waiting for Yan Luo’s response, Leng Mian opened the box. Inside was a jar of wine.

The jar was crystal-clear, and the wine inside was red, like bl00d. But the moment the box was opened, the rich aroma of alcohol filled the air.

At the sight of the red wine, Yan Luo’s eyes lit up with excitement. “The color—so beautiful.”

Red as fresh bl00d—wasn’t that beautiful?

Her deep eyes shone with genuine delight, mixed with a hint of exhilaration that Tinglan couldn’t quite understand. After a pause, Tinglan added, “The young master said that if you like it, he’ll send more in a few days.”

Yan Luo gazed at it for a moment, then nodded slightly at Leng Mian.

Understanding her meaning, Leng Mian opened the jar and poured the wine.

The red liquid flowed into the blue cup, like bl00d merging with the waves.

Yan Luo picked up the glass and took a sip. The taste was different from the clear wines of Great Wei. She nodded. “Tell your young master I like it very much.”

Tinglan exhaled in relief, her eyes brighter than before, and bowed before leaving the study.

When she relayed the events to Gu Que, the latter couldn’t quite picture Yan Luo’s excitement.

How could she be excited?

Gu Que glanced at Tinglan—the girl must have misread the situation. Yan Luo might have been pleased or appreciative, but excitement? That didn’t fit her temperament.

“In about an hour, once everyone outside the study has left, go back for me.”

Tinglan blinked. “What else do you want to send?”

“Just some small trinkets.” Gu Que leaned back against the soft pillow, feeling melancholic. No amount of gifts could make up for Gu Yan’s mistake.

In this world, she couldn’t defy the times, nor could she ensure Yan Luo’s happiness. The best she could do was bring her fleeting joy.

The social hierarchy in Great Wei was rigid, utterly different from her own world. Fortunately, she stood in the upper-middle tier of the pyramid, allowing her to do a bit more.

She pondered. The beauty liked wine—she had just sent red wine. Why not send some champagne next? There was still some in the storeroom. Hopefully, Yan Luo would like it.

An hour later, the third gift was delivered—just as an esteemed guest arrived in the study.

The Empress had come again.

After a fierce argument with the Empress Dowager in the palace, she had stormed out to vent to the Prime Minister.

Tinglan didn’t recognize the woman. Entering, she smiled at Yan Luo and said, “The young master sent this for you.”

Opening the box revealed a white wine. Yan Luo’s expression remained indifferent as she sampled it. The aroma was mellow and elegant, but she sighed. “The red wine was better.”

Tinglan noted this: the Prime Minister preferred red wine.

After she left, the Empress eyed the glacier-blue cup and the two jars of wine. “Your little husband is quite the romantic. May I try some?”

Yan Luo set down her glass. “No.”

The Empress: “…” Since when had she become so stingy?

Leng Mian swiftly cleaned up the “battlefield,” removing the cups, red wine, and champagne with lightning speed, leaving behind a pristine desk.

The Empress sighed, still craving the wine. She tried bargaining: “I’ll trade you the imported grape wine from the Western Regions. I remember you love that.”

“This was a gift from my husband. Your Majesty shouldn’t take what others cherish.” Yan Luo refused outright, leaving no room for negotiation.

The Empress stared, dumbfounded. It was just a jar of fruit wine—why guard it so fiercely?

Unable to get her way, she gave up, though her heart still itched. Sitting in Yan Luo’s chair, she said, “Princess Qing’an is dead. The Empress Dowager is furious and insists I marry her nephew as Imperial Consort.”

The Empress Dowager’s family was the Duke of Wei’s household. The heir, Zhao Yan, had just come of age, around the same age as the Empress, making him the top candidate for Imperial Consort.

“Then act. Cripple him.” Yan Luo smiled softly, as if basking in spring sunlight—utterly pleasant.

The Empress was stunned. The tone had shifted so abruptly. Unlike Yan Luo’s decisiveness, she hesitated. “What if it’s traced back to us?”

“So what if it is? Once he’s crippled, can they reattach his limbs?” Yan Luo said casually, gazing at the Empress. “This is the simplest and fastest solution. Just like Princess Qing’an—she’s dead. Can she come back to life? This isn’t a court position that can be revoked at will.”

Once someone was dead or crippled, no one would bring it up again.

Not only was it hassle-free, but it also severed one of the Duke of Wei’s arms—a win-win for the Empress.

“The mere heir of a ducal household—would his death shake Your Majesty’s throne?” Yan Luo asked.

The Empress’s eyelashes fluttered. She was tempted. With no better options, she pondered for a moment before nodding stiffly. “Fine.”

“Good. I’ll arrange it immediately.” Yan Luo agreed.

With her handling it, the Empress relaxed. “May I stay for dinner? I’d like to try that good wine.”

Yan Luo lifted her eyelids. “I have matters to attend to. Your Majesty must leave.”

The Empress was rejected—again—and even kicked out of the Gu residence.

Leng Mian left the estate. After finishing her tasks, Yan Luo went to the newlyweds’ quarters to find Gu Que.

Gu Que was sketching, having found a renovation team on Taobao and borrowed a design. But the gap between modern and ancient styles was vast, requiring significant adjustments.

Drawing strained her eyes. Rubbing them, she suddenly noticed a stunning woman before her.

Instantly, she smiled. “Prime Minister, you’re here.”

“Working on designs?” Yan Luo glanced at the blueprint—unlike any she’d seen before, yet another peculiarity. She took a closer look, but Gu Que folded the paper and put it away.

Yan Luo didn’t press further.

Gu Que tidied up. “Tinglan said an esteemed guest arrived. Was it Her Majesty?”

“Yes. She came to play—and to look for a young lady.” Yan Luo spoke lightly, settling onto the couch.

Gu Que froze. “Why is she looking for a young lady?” Was it her?

Yan Luo massaged her neck. “She likes her.”

A bad premonition surged in Gu Que’s heart. Something was about to go wrong. “Her Majesty is a woman. How could she like another young lady?”

How unbelievable—same-s3x love in ancient times?

Compared to Gu Que’s shock, Yan Luo was calm, even defending the Empress: “A monarch is often willful. If she can’t have something, she becomes obsessed. A single encounter has left her restless. Perhaps meeting once more will ease her mind.”

“What you can’t have is always more alluring.” Gu Que was incredulous. Perhaps in ancient times, with slow communication and long distances, same-s3x relationships weren’t unheard of. She didn’t care whom the Empress fancied—as long as it wasn’t her.

But it was her.

She probed Yan Luo: “Have you found her?”

“The young lady wore a veil, revealing only her eyes. It’s like searching for a needle in a haystack—quite difficult. The Empress is willful, so I’ll humor her for now. Maybe she’ll forget in a few days.” Yan Luo sounded resigned.

Gu Que’s heart was uneasy. She deeply regretted leaving the house that day—especially running into the lustful Empress.

“How can you find someone based on just their eyes? The Empress is making things hard for you.”

Yan Luo smiled faintly. “Her Majesty is merely infatuated. If we find her, good. If not, she’ll mourn briefly and move on.”

The Empress had women around her—she lacked neither company nor affection. What she sought was novelty and excitement.

The thrill of the forbidden.

Gu Que deliberately asked a few more questions. Confirming there were no leads, the weight in her heart lifted, and her mood improved noticeably.

As dusk fell, Tinglan prepared dinner—light and sweet-dominated.

Yan Luo eyed the red fruit stir-fried with eggs, its vibrant colors and sweet aroma piquing her curiosity. “What’s that?”

“Tomato scrambled eggs, cooked with sugar. Try it.” Gu Que’s eyes sparkled. For some reason, she loved feeding Yan Luo, especially when she saw delight and surprise in her eyes. It filled her with pride.

Using serving chopsticks, she placed a piece of tomato in Yan Luo’s bowl. “It’s very sweet.”

Yan Luo didn’t look at the tomato but instead studied Gu Que’s face, smiling knowingly.

Her spirit was pure, untainted by the world.

With just that glance, Yan Luo looked away, picking up the tomato to taste. As she bit into it, the juice burst forth, sweet as honey.

Just as Gu Que had promised.

“Sweet.” Yan Luo didn’t hold back her praise.

Gu Que beamed. “A balanced diet includes both meat and vegetables. Prime Minister, try this steamed perch. I know you like sweets, so tomorrow I’ll have someone prepare sweet-and-sour mandarin fish. You’ll love it.”

She chattered on while Yan Luo listened quietly.

Gu Que seemed to have opened a floodgate, enthusiastically listing various sweet dishes to add to future menus.

The two were harmonious, and even the maids in the room couldn’t help but smile.

The newlyweds treated each other with respect, speaking with warmth.

After dinner, they strolled together to the eastern wing to see Qiongju.

Qiongju was still in confinement, having just been fed. Her eyes were open, her face no larger than a palm, looking frail.

They stayed awhile before returning to their quarters at around 9 PM.

Gu Que bathed first. Leng Mian returned, covered in dust, but didn’t enter the newlyweds’ room. Instead, she stood in the outer chamber. Yan Luo stepped out upon hearing the noise.

Leng Mian bowed. “It’s done.”

“Rest.” Yan Luo acknowledged.

Leng Mian didn’t leave. “I’d like a drink.”

Yan Luo ignored her.

Leng Mian pressed shamelessly: “Just one glass of the white wine.”

Yan Luo reached out and slammed the door shut, returning to the inner chamber.

Leng Mian was dumbfounded. What happened to being as close as sisters?

One glass of wine revealed the truth.

Clutching her sword, she radiated killing intent, startling Tinglan. “I’ll get you a glass. Want it?”

Leng Mian immediately released her sword, turning to the maid under the lantern. “You have it?”

“I don’t, but the young master’s wine cellar does. I’ll sneak you a glass. She won’t notice.” Tinglan grinned. The young master’s wine collection was odd, but she was generous. Asking for a glass shouldn’t be a problem.

Leng Mian’s furrowed brows relaxed. “I want a whole jar.”

Tinglan’s smile vanished. “You’re greedy. The young master won’t agree.”

“One glass isn’t enough. If I’m drinking, I want a jar.” Leng Mian stood firm.

Tinglan was speechless. This guard was too bold—no wonder the Prime Minister ignored her.

But since she was Yan Luo’s subordinate, the kind-hearted young master might just give her a small jar.

“I’ll ask the young master. You go freshen up. If I get it, I’ll send it over.” Tinglan compromised.

Leng Mian remained impassive, nodding before striding off.

Her arrogance surpassed even the Prime Minister’s. Tinglan didn’t understand where Leng Mian got her confidence—until she remembered the sword. Maybe that was her confidence.

After Gu Que finished bathing, Yan Luo took her turn. Tinglan seized the moment to quietly ask about the champagne.

“If she wants it, give her some. You know the difference in quality.” Gu Que sat before the mirror, her face flushed but her eyes lacking their usual softness.

“Understood.” Tinglan knew what Gu Que meant. The guard couldn’t compare to the Prime Minister—she’d get the lowest grade.

Smiling, she withdrew.

Soon, Yan Luo emerged, dressed in simple sleeping attire—plain white silk clinging to her skin.

“Any fun plans tonight, Husband?” Yan Luo wasn’t in a hurry to sleep, leisurely sitting on the edge of the bed. After all, even if she lay down, Gu Que would find a way to rouse her.

Might as well ask directly.

The “little husband” before the mirror flushed—partly from guilt, partly from shyness.

Tonight… she glanced at Yan Luo’s skirt. There would be activity.

But she couldn’t say it aloud.

Because she had prepared a short-skirt school uniform.

Pursing her lips, she said, “I have an outfit tailored to your measurements. Would you like to try it on now?”

“What kind of outfit is suitable for now?” Yan Luo smiled, emphasizing now.

Her tone was light, her face serene. Gu Que’s ears burned. After hearing about the Empress’s preferences, she wondered if ancient women weren’t as conservative as she’d thought. If traditional attire was outdated, why not try something shorter?

After buying it, she’d regretted it, feeling as if she were blaspheming a deity. Yet, inexplicably, her heart fluttered.

And now Yan Luo had asked.

“It’s… it’s…”

“Prime Minister! Prime Minister!” A loud voice outside drowned out Gu Que’s words. “The Minister of Justice is here on urgent business!”

Gu Que opened the door. The speaker was an old woman from the outer courtyard, her voice booming like a gong.

Standing outside, the woman repeated, “He says it’s a matter of life and death.”

“Tell the guest I’ll change first.” Yan Luo spoke through the door.

A late-night visit meant serious business.

Without delay, Yan Luo changed into everyday clothes and prepared to leave, telling Gu Que, “I’ll sleep in the study tonight. Rest early.”

“You should come back. I’ll warm the bed—it’ll be cozier.” The words slipped out before Gu Que could stop herself, nearly exposing her identity. She quickly shut her mouth.

Yan Luo, halfway out the door, turned back. “Fine. Sleep first. Whether I can return tonight is another matter.”

Gu Que nodded, not wanting to delay her further, and climbed into bed.

Her body warmed the sheets quickly. As she lay down, Tinglan entered to tidy up and relay the latest news.

“I went to the front. It’s the Minister of Justice. He said something happened at the Duke of Wei’s residence—a brawl broke out, and his son’s leg was broken. The culprits fled. The Duke of Wei went to the palace. As the Empress Dowager’s brother, she ordered the Ministry of Justice to investigate.”

“The Minister didn’t know what to do, so he came to the Prime Minister. But she’s a civil official, not a military one. What’s the use of seeking her out in the middle of the night? Doesn’t he know people need sleep?”

Tinglan prattled on but got no response. When she looked up, Gu Que was already asleep.

Ah, such a carefree master. Fortunately, she was kind-hearted and had made it this far smoothly.

Come to think of it, it was strange how calmly the Prime Minister had accepted the child—never asking where it came from or whether the other party would demand recognition.

In that regard, this master was even more easygoing.

When Yan Luo returned to the mansion, it was already the early hours of the morning. She went to bathe, washing away the bloodstains before returning to the newlyweds’ quarters.

The room was silent. The maids on night watch lit a lamp upon seeing her return and quietly withdrew.

Yan Luo lifted the brocade bed curtain. Gu Que was sleeping on the outer side of the bed. If she wanted to sleep here, she would have to step over Gu Que.

She hesitated. Just then, Gu Que drowsily opened her eyes. “You’re back.”

With that, she instinctively curled up and moved inward, making space for Yan Luo.

Exhausted, Yan Luo lay down without another thought.

The bed was warm.