After Marrying the Villainous Prime Minister in My Brother’s Stead - Chapter 24

24: Piggy Ice Cream, I Think Young Master Gu Looks Like It.

The ‘little cat’ fell to the ground, deformed from the impact, and Tinglan couldn’t eat it anymore.

She had only taken one bite—a novel taste, sweet with a hint of fruity fragrance, icy and refreshing.

Just that one bite, and Tinglan was on the verge of tears.

Yan Luo had already left, stepping over the threshold, while Gu Que stood at the table, placing the ice cream sticks one by one into a wooden box.

Hiding them for herself?

Lengmian followed her in, her eyes immediately landing on the box. “What is Young Master hiding?”

“You’re back.” Gu Que said, unaware of what had happened outside. She caught her breath and took out the remaining five ice cream sticks, arranging them on the table.

Yan Luo returned from the study, her clothes carrying the scent of ink. As she approached, Gu Que took a deep breath but didn’t let it show.

Close to vermilion, one turns red; close to ink, one turns black. Following Yan Luo, she had gradually learned to conceal her emotions.

Lengmian spoke first: “What is this?”

“You’ve worked hard. There are maids here to attend to you; go rest.” Gu Que said, her words laced with hidden meaning. She didn’t want others disturbing her, especially Lengmian, whose stern demeanor was a mood-killer.

Lengmian tightened her grip on her sword, a murderous aura emanating from her. Yan Luo glanced at her and said, “Leave.”

Lengmian was taken aback, frowned, and retreated.

Clearly unhappy.

Once outside, Tinglan was already gone, and the ‘little cat’ was nowhere to be seen—likely cleaned up.

Lengmian didn’t understand why Tinglan had reacted so strongly. It was just stealing a bite.

But she had it worse—Tinglan at least got to eat something, while she was directly driven out.

This Young Master wasn’t just effeminate but also stingy.

Lengmian was displeased but held her tongue for the sake of the Prime Minister.

Inside the room, the two sat down. Gu Que picked out a ‘little tiger’ ice cream for Yan Luo and told her, “Take small bites. Your health isn’t good, so just taste a little. Or, just one bite. You can try each one.”

Yan Luo rested her chin on her hand, gazing at the tiger-shaped ice cream in Gu Que’s hand, which resembled the one on her own finger. “Do you like tigers?”

“Little tigers are cute. Everyone likes them.” Gu Que replied. Little tigers were adorable, soft, and charming—utterly delightful.

“Did you make these?” Yan Luo asked curiously, her deep eyes reflecting the light, giving her an entirely different aura. She allowed herself a moment of relaxation as she accepted the ‘little tiger.’ “What’s it called?”

“Ice cream.” Gu Que replied with a faint smile, openly gazing at the woman before her—her sister-in-law. It was harmless to look a little longer.

Yan Luo wasn’t afraid of being watched. On the contrary, Gu Que’s gaze didn’t feel intrusive; it was warm, like her personality.

Yan Luo took a small bite. The icy sensation flooded her mouth—cold, sweet, and with a soft, cloud-like texture.

One bite wasn’t enough. She was about to take a second when Gu Que snatched the ice cream from her hand and eagerly offered her another.

The second one was a pig. This pig was adorably crafted, with a somewhat silly expression.

Yan Luo didn’t eat it immediately. Instead, she poked the pig’s nose with her fingertip and said, “So cute.”

Young girls loved cute and novel things.

She bit off the pig’s ear in one go. The texture was different from the tiger ice cream, but the overall sensation was similar—fragrant, refreshing, and sweet.

Gu Que took it away again and handed her a lion-shaped one.

Yan Luo tasted each one, and Gu Que returned them to the box. “Put them in the ice cellar. You can take them whenever you want to eat.”

“Did you make six?” Yan Luo had counted clearly—five on the table, and Tinglan had taken one, making six in total.

Gu Que didn’t overthink it and nodded. “Tinglan ran errands, so I gave her one. If you like the kitten-shaped one, I’ll make it for you tomorrow.”

It’s a bit expensive—over 20 yuan per stick.

Yan Luo blinked. “I liked that kitten-shaped one.”

Gu Que froze, her eyes widening in disbelief, then regret. “I should have kept that one for you.”

Yan Luo burst into laughter. The girl’s thoughts were simple, her feelings written all over her face. Being around her was comfortable, but such a temperament was easily taken advantage of.

Even her parents bullied her.

Gu Que packed the half-eaten ice creams into an icebox. When she looked up, she noticed Yan Luo gazing at her with a strange expression.

She turned away, but Yan Luo touched her lips thoughtfully. Young Master Gu is quite strict—five ice creams, only five bites allowed.

Stricter than a physician.

Yan Luo was left wanting more, even wondering what the kitten ice cream had tasted like.

Gu Que sent a maid to deliver the icebox to the ice cellar. When she returned to the room, she found Yan Luo lost in thought. Curious, she approached and asked, “Prime Minister Yan, are you unhappy?”

Yan Luo looked at her pitifully. “The ice cream was delicious.”

Gu Que: Don’t soften.

“You can have more tomorrow.” Gu Que said firmly.

Yan Luo widened her eyes. Gu Que deliberately avoided her gaze and said, “I’m going to freshen up.”

Yan Luo continued resting her chin on her hand, pausing for a moment before feeling an indescribable emotion. Perhaps I misjudged Gu Que.

Weak?

Incompetent?

Nonsense.

At most, she’s just cute and likable.

No—Gu Que has too much free time. Yan Luo straightened her back and glanced around. The mansion had no major affairs to attend to. Gu Que was a ‘man’—she ought to be writing essays.

Little did Gu Que know, while she was bathing, that the kind and approachable Yan Luo was plotting to ‘retaliate’ against her.

After Yan Luo returned, Gu Que instinctively moved to the inner side of the bed, leaving the warmed outer side for her.

Gu Que’s eyes were as clear as water, making one’s heart soften inexplicably at the sight.

Yan Luo lay down and gazed at the ceiling, her lips curling slightly. “Young Master, have you reviewed your studies these past two days?”

“Reviewed?” Gu Que lay flat, staring at the ceiling, her eyes widening in shock. We’re married!

You’re my wife—how can you ask questions meant for teachers or parents?

Gu Que felt embarrassed—not shy, but awkward at being asked such a thing.

Yan Luo didn’t look at her, keeping her eyes on the ceiling as she said calmly, “You should review your books.”

“I-I will.” Gu Que replied sullenly.

Had she glanced sideways, she would have noticed Yan Luo smiling—smirking secretly!

Gu Que closed her eyes gloomily. It was late, and she wanted to sleep, her mind blank, devoid of any romantic thoughts.

Yan Luo wasn’t sleepy—she had napped half the day away. She turned onto her side and poked Gu Que’s shoulder. “You must review your books tomorrow.”

Annoying! Gu Que opened her eyes, unable to hold back. It’d be better to sleep in separate rooms.

She could only agree again. “Fine.”

But Yan Luo wasn’t done. She continued poking Gu Que’s shoulder and asked, “Which books will you review?”

“We’ll talk tomorrow. I’m going to sleep.” Gu Que said, burrowing deeper under the covers and turning toward the wall.

Yan Luo couldn’t poke her anymore.

But she still couldn’t sleep. Remembering the skirt mentioned the night before, she said, “I’m not sleepy.”

Gu Que ignored her. “I am.”

Yan Luo had no choice but to give up, closing her eyes and forcing herself to sleep.

The next morning, Yan Luo left for court, leaving Gu Que with an essay topic to work on at home.

When Gu Que saw the topic, she nearly fainted. Did I marry a wife or a teacher?

What did I do to deserve this torment?

Tinglan watched from the side, noticing the Young Master’s grim expression, and recalled last night’s events. “Was Prime Minister Yan unhappy last night?”

“No, she was happy.” Gu Que said, utterly baffled.

Tinglan sighed in relief, her expression easing. “The imperial exams are approaching. Prime Minister Yan must want to test your knowledge.”

“Test me? I’m so grateful.” Gu Que grumbled. I only have three drops of ink in my belly—one test, and I’ll be exposed. I can’t even write classical Chinese!

She glanced at the topic and asked Tinglan, “Can I avoid this?”

“Why would Young Master want to avoid it?” Tinglan didn’t understand. The Young Master was talented—she had even ranked third in the imperial exams. Why fear a simple essay?

Gu Que couldn’t explain. Tinglan saw her as the original Gu Que, who had studied diligently for over a decade. Unable to argue, Gu Que took the topic to the study, planning to place another order with that person.

Tinglan wanted to follow, but Gu Que refused, instructing her to handle other matters instead.

Gu Que went to the study. After court, Yan Luo was invited to Prince Huaizhang’s residence.

Colleagues visiting each other was common. With the young emperor weak and the Empress Dowager powerful, officials interacted without much restraint. Especially since Prince Huaizhang’s invitation had been reported to the emperor, who approved—it wasn’t a private meeting.

Prince Huaizhang, grieving the loss of his beloved daughter, had invited Prime Minister Yan. The Minister of Justice was also present. Compared to Yan Luo’s calm demeanor, the Minister of Justice looked as though he had been dragged there against his will.

Prince Huaizhang, relying on his status as the emperor’s uncle and the late emperor’s brother, acted recklessly. He had once beaten a court official in the throne hall, leaving the man too terrified to breathe. Now, he had practically kidnapped the Minister of Justice.

The prince’s residence was heavily guarded, with sword-bearing sentinels at the gate. Yan Luo walked gracefully, her slender waist like bamboo in spring—unbending in the wind, unbroken by rain.

Entering the reception hall, Prince Huaizhang rose from his seat and stepped forward to greet her.

“Your Highness, is this a Hongmen Banquet?” Yan Luo stopped and smiled, as if joking.

With so many guards at the door and patrols of five men each along the way, Yan Luo had seen four or five squads. In contrast, the Gu residence’s security was far weaker—no guards at the gate, let alone patrols inside.

“Prime Minister Yan is close to His Majesty. I invited you here to discuss my daughter’s matter.” Prince Huaizhang said solemnly, his dark cheeks tense. He was a prince born of a concubine, as was the late emperor.

But the late emperor’s brother, Emperor Wu, was born of the empress. Emperor Wu, frail in health, passed the throne to his brother upon his death.

Both were born of concubines, but Prince Huaizhang had long been resentful.

Yan Luo continued smiling and sat leisurely. “The matter of Princess Qing’an should be taken up with the Ministry of Justice. Inviting me seems pointless.”

She wasn’t angry, her expression relaxed, her back straight as she sat.

The Minister of Justice had been standing for a long time. Seeing her sit, he followed suit, rubbing his sore legs.

“The Prime Minister once served in the Ministry of Justice. What are your thoughts?” Prince Huaizhang cut to the chase. Qing’an was his eldest daughter, doted on since childhood. She had recently been betrothed and was to be married soon.

Princess Qing’an was eighteen this year—two years younger than the emperor—and had a willful temperament. She had chosen her own consort, but upon hearing that he had a beloved from his youth, she wanted to break off the engagement.

Prince Huaizhang refused. After persuading her, he sent her to a villa to relax. She was supposed to return at a set time, but she never came back.

This was the story Yan Luo had heard repeatedly. The Minister of Justice wiped his sweat and cautiously reminded Prince Huaizhang, “Your Highness, who knew the princess’s return time and route?”

“Are you saying there’s a traitor in my residence?” Prince Huaizhang’s tone turned hostile.

The Minister of Justice was caught between a rock and a hard place. Prince Huaizhang was unreasonable, and the crime scene yielded no clues. Even if they were summoned or threatened with swords, it wouldn’t help.

His mind was in turmoil. Yan Luo leisurely sipped the tea served by a maid, then frowned. “Your Highness’s tea is terrible. Do you have any sweet dew drink?”

She wanted sweet milk, but only Gu Que had that.

Prince Huaizhang ordered the tea replaced. Yan Luo was picky—after one sip, she refused to drink more, bluntly stating, “Not as good as the tea at home. I’d like to leave. Your Highness should investigate your household first. Even the most seamless scheme leaves traces. You know your residence best. You should also heed the Minister’s words.”

Bad tea meant it was time to leave.

Prince Huaizhang ordered the tea replaced again. Yan Luo continued, “The princess was always willful. Who did she offend? Likely her fiancé’s family was among them. Question her maids and make a list for the Ministry of Justice to investigate. That’s for outsiders. For insiders, investigate your household.”

“Send the people to the Ministry of Justice, and I’ll interrogate them. Beyond that, I can’t help.”

After three rounds of tea, by the fourth, Yan Luo didn’t even touch the cup.

Princess Qing’an was willful and spoiled by the Empress Dowager. She had offended at least a thousand people. Investigating like this would take forever.

After a moment of silence, Prince Huaizhang turned to the Minister of Justice. “You have ten days.”

“Your Highness might as well kill me. The princess clashed with so many… Even a hundred days might not be enough.” the Minister retorted, emboldened by Yan Luo’s presence.

The case was under investigation, with the entire Ministry of Justice working day and night, torn between solving the case and dealing with Prince Huaizhang’s pressure.

His rebuttal amused Yan Luo, who smiled. “The princess offended many, making the investigation difficult. But I heard her fiancé recently took a concubine.”

Princess Qing’an’s consort was from the prestigious Huo family, with over a hundred officials in their lineage and a strict family code. The princess had taken a liking to the youngest son of the Huo family, who already had a beloved.

Not long ago, that girl had also died. She was the daughter of a low-ranking military officer, said to have fallen off a cliff.

Why would a healthy girl go mountain climbing?

Her family couldn’t explain, not even knowing when she had left home.

Some speculated Princess Qing’an had killed her out of jealousy.

Mentioning the Huo family calmed Prince Huaizhang. “Will the Prime Minister investigate personally?”

“No. Your Highness should find someone else. I neglected my husband last night,” Yan Luo stood, her skirt sweeping the floor. “Your Highness loves his daughter dearly. Surely, you don’t need my help.”

She left, and the Minister of Justice seized the chance to excuse himself, scurrying after her.

By the time they left the prince’s residence, it was past noon. Yan Luo returned home for lunch, while the Minister of Justice, Lu Song, followed her persistently.

Lu Song had once been Yan Luo’s subordinate. Remembering yesterday’s ice cream, Yan Luo dismissed him.

Back at the residence, she sent Lengmian to fetch ice cream from the cellar while she returned to the study.

Advisors waited outside the study, having entered through the back gate to avoid Gu Que—hence the study’s proximity to the rear courtyard.

Gu Que was still a woman, and Yan Luo didn’t treat her as a man. The marriage had been for Gu Que’s sake. Had it been Gu Yan, the engagement would have been called off long ago.

The advisors came to discuss Princess Qing’an’s case. Yan Luo knew exactly who had killed her—the head was gone, the bones turned into porcelain and placed before Prince Huaizhang, who hadn’t recognized it.

Yan Luo lounged lazily, chatting with her advisors. The capital was abuzz—the Empress Dowager pressured the emperor to choose a consort, insisting on a match within the family. No matter how unsuitable Zhao Yan was, she wanted him as consort. The emperor, displeased, grew distant from her.

Perhaps many hadn’t cared yesterday, since Zhao Yan’s presence meant no chance for others.

But today was different—Zhao Yan’s leg was broken, disqualifying him.

Now, it remained to be seen whether other prominent families would make their move.

The advisors briefed her on the latest developments. The Zhao family’s misdeeds had been unknown, and Zhao Yan’s temperament, good or bad, would have made him the ideal consort.

But now, with Zhao Yan’s coercion and brawling, his reputation was ruined, leaving even Duke Wei ashamed.

With this scandal, the Zhao family was out of the running, forced to watch the prize go to another.

Before the advisors finished, Lengmian arrived with the icebox. Yan Luo told them, “Keep an eye on the Huo family.”

The advisors nodded. “Prince Huaizhang won’t let this go easily.”

Prince Huaizhang was shrewd. The Huo family had deep roots, and after finally securing a marriage alliance, his daughter’s mysterious death left him unable to act against them.

The Huo family in the capital was also the maternal family of Emperor Wu’s empress. After the empress’s death and Princess Qiongju’s disappearance, the Huo matriarch had stormed the palace gates, berating Prince Huaizhang, who stood there humiliated.

The matriarch had long passed, but the Huo family remained formidable.

Unable to act, Prince Huaizhang settled for an alliance. But his daughter had killed the Huo heir’s beloved, leaving him in the wrong.

Fearing the Huo heir’s accusations, Prince Huaizhang pressured the Ministry of Justice instead. The Minister, powerless against him, could only endure silently.

“What happened to that military officer’s family?” Yan Luo asked.

“They took the money and buried their daughter hastily.”

Yan Luo said, “Dig up the body and dump it at the Ministry of Justice’s doorstep. Then bring the Huo heir to watch. We’ll follow him and observe.”

The advisors were shocked. Desecrating a grave would shorten one’s lifespan.

Hesitating briefly, Yan Luo dismissed them. She opened the icebox—yesterday’s ice creams were still wrapped in paper. She picked one up, and Lengmian stared. “Who took a bite?”

Yan Luo smiled faintly. “I did.”

Lengmian looked into the box—the remaining four had all been bitten. “Why did you bite all of them…?”

Was she marking them to deter others?

Since when was the Prime Minister so petty?

Lengmian wanted to try one, but every stick had been bitten. She could only watch as Yan Luo ate alone.

After finishing one, Yan Luo sent her to return the box secretly, adding, “Monitor the Ministry of Justice.”

Lengmian agreed and left with the icebox.

Dinner that evening was light, arranged by the cook—homely dishes Yan Luo usually enjoyed.

But tonight, they didn’t appeal to her. After two bites, she set down her chopsticks. Gu Que glanced at her but said nothing, not asking why she wasn’t eating.

The atmosphere at the table was strange. Tinglan noticed and asked Yan Luo, “Prime Minister, is the food not to your liking?”

Since the wedding, every meal had been a delightful surprise, tailored to Yan Luo’s tastes.

Tonight’s abrupt return to normalcy left her unsatisfied.

“It’s fine. I’m full.” Yan Luo said, her gaze deep and unreadable.

Gu Que shoveled rice into her mouth, watching Yan Luo’s slender, resolute back, suddenly feeling choked.

Tinglan stayed behind and whispered to the Young Master, “Did you offend her?”

“I haven’t even spoken to her.” Gu Que said indignantly. She quickly finished her rice and stood. “I’m going back to the study.”

She had spent the whole day on the essay and still hadn’t finished, her head throbbing.

Tinglan looked at the barely touched dishes, frowning. What’s going on today?

A harmonious marriage brought joy to the servants. The evident discord left everyone uneasy.

Young Master Gu was usually gentle and approachable, warm as jade, comforting as light. Today, her sullen expression spoke volumes.

The maids pressed Tinglan for answers. Recalling the essay topic Yan Luo had assigned that morning, Tinglan’s heart sank. Could the Young Master be holding a grudge?

The Young Master had a good temper but was somewhat petty—likely upset over the essay.

Tsk, an eighteen-year-old girl, still so stubborn. Throwing a tantrum over an essay—how childish.

Tinglan left the room to the maids and hurried to talk to the Young Master.

Gu Que was still agonizing over the essay. The shop owner was offline, and finding someone on short notice was unlikely. The imperial exam had been announced six months prior, and the hired writer had done an excellent job.

But today was different. Frustrated, she sulked.

At the dinner table, she hadn’t dared to speak to Yan Luo, afraid the Prime Minister would smile and ask, “Did you finish your essay today?”

Better to stay silent.

Gu Que sat listlessly at the desk, unable to conjure up an essay.

Tinglan spoke outside. “Young Master, may I come in?”

“Come in.” Gu Que replied gloomily.

“Are you angry?” Tinglan entered, closing the door firmly behind her. Some matters couldn’t be shared with outsiders.

Gu Que didn’t answer. Everyone had their temper—she wasn’t made of clay.

Tinglan said, “Prime Minister Yan didn’t eat tonight. Why don’t you cheer her up? Find something to do—maybe she’ll forget about the essay.”

Gu Que considered it. Find something to do… Yan Luo wouldn’t return until 9 PM and would sleep by midnight—three hours in between.

What to do?

Hot pot? A tomato-based hot pot would be perfect—warming and comforting.

She decided on hot pot and sent Tinglan to inform Yan Luo.

Tinglan, ever the errand girl, rushed to deliver the message. Outside Yan Luo’s study, there was no one in sight—not even Lengmian.

Pausing, she glanced around. Has the Prime Minister left the residence?

Inside, Lengmian watched as Yan Luo ate ice cream. “You already had one today.”

“Finish them all.” Yan Luo said, holding the pig-shaped ice cream and poking its nose. “I think Young Master Gu looks like this.”