After Marrying the Villainous Prime Minister in My Brother’s Stead - Chapter 27

27: Tomatoes, My Ears Are Going to Suffer Again Tonight!

People are inherently good at birth.

Human nature is good—at least, that’s what Yan Luo believes about herself. She remembers being kind-hearted as a child, so gentle she wouldn’t even dare to step on an ant.

But now, her hands are stained with bl00d. Who wants to turn wicked?

It’s all forced upon her.

Gu Que, on the other hand, is kind-hearted and treats her servants with generosity. The servants all think the young master is gentle and warm-hearted, and they feel at ease around her. But when they see Yan Luo, it’s a different story.

Aside from Leng Mian, the other servants tremble at the sight of Yan Luo.

Gu Que is about to turn bad, and Yan Luo is delighted. She asks Gu Que, “You spent all your silver—aren’t you heartbroken?”

Gu Que doesn’t spend much money. Ordinary young masters go out to have fun, visiting brothels and spending hundreds of taels in one trip. They indulge in poetry, painting, and calligraphy, where a single piece of artwork can cost hundreds of taels. But Gu Que? She stays holed up in the mansion, tinkering with her hobbies. She rarely visits bookstores or taverns, let alone brothels.

Before their marriage, Yan Luo had someone follow Gu Que, hoping to find a reason to call off the wedding.

Leng Mian shadowed her for a year. Every day, Gu Que traveled between two places: the Marquis’s residence and the academy. On her days off, she occasionally strolled the streets—alone, without maids or servants.

She wandered the streets alone, looking around but never greeting anyone. She kept to herself.

After receiving the report, Yan Luo abandoned the idea of canceling the marriage. Instead, she grew curious about Gu Que.

But after getting to know her, her curiosity only deepened. Where did all her things come from?

Do pies really fall from the sky?

Gu Que, however, smiled and told her, “Since it wasn’t my silver, I didn’t feel heartbroken. I bought a lot of food, but I didn’t know what you’d like, so I picked a bit of everything.”

Yan Luo shook her head. “It doesn’t taste good.”

Gu Que pressed, “Then what do you want?”

Yan Luo: “Ice cream.”

Gu Que lowered her head. Did I hear nothing just now? Was that just a mosquito buzzing?

She kept her head down, and Yan Luo took the opportunity to glance at her ears—just like yesterday, they weren’t red. Yan Luo felt reassured and straightened up. “Tonight, I’m going to a banquet. You should sleep early.”

A colleague was getting married today and had invited her to a feast. It was getting late, and it was time to leave.

She glanced at Gu Que, who nodded. “Alright.”

Yan Luo frowned. That was it?

Shouldn’t she have said, “Do you want me to accompany you?”

Gu Que didn’t take the bait, so Yan Luo left alone.

Once the carriage started moving, Gu Que hurriedly called Tinglan over. “Clean up my study. I’ll sleep there tonight.”

The study had an inner chamber with a bed where she could spend the night.

Tinglan didn’t understand. “Why are you suddenly sleeping in the study?”

“Prime Minister Yan is going to a banquet, and she’ll definitely drink. When she drinks, she goes wild—she’ll hold my hand and fondle my ears in the middle of the night.” Gu Que felt like she was questioning her life choices.

Tinglan was stunned. Without waiting for Gu Que to urge her, she quickly led two maids to clean the study.

This is serious! Since when did Prime Minister Yan have such habits?

On her way back, Yan Luo encountered assassins. Leng Mian fought off ten attackers single-handedly. Three assassins had come—one died, one escaped with the help of a companion, and the last was captured alive by Leng Mian.

The street was empty and pitch-black. Yan Luo stepped out of the carriage, took a lantern from the coachman, and walked toward the assassin. The lantern illuminated the assassin’s face.

The assassin was a woman with average looks. Yan Luo studied her and said, “Too plain. I don’t want her.”

Her features were ordinary, and her bone structure wasn’t appealing. Yan Luo wasn’t interested.

She stood up, handed the lantern back to the coachman, and climbed into the carriage. “Since she wants to be an assassin, send her to the military camp for training. Remember—she’s there for training. No one is allowed to touch her. If anyone dares to violate her, I’ll skin them alive.”

“Yes.” Leng Mian acknowledged the order.

The assassin struggled frantically. “Yan Luo! Yan Luo! You corrupt official—!”

Yan Luo sat inside the carriage. Hearing the words “corrupt official,” she paused. Come to think of it, Gu Que had never made any dog-themed treats.

What a shame.

She lifted the carriage curtain and said, “Her voice is disgusting. It’s polluting my ears. Make sure she never speaks again.”

Leng Mian understood. She would find someone to administer a potion to silence the assassin.

By the time Yan Luo returned home, it was already past 9:45 p.m. Gu Que had long since gone to play chess with the Duke of Zhou—and she wasn’t sleeping in the newlywed chamber. She claimed she had been studying late and had rested in the study out of exhaustion.

Yan Luo smirked when she heard this. So, she’s starting to play mind games now.

Interesting.

Yan Luo went to bed alone.

The next night, Yan Luo attended another banquet, and Gu Que diligently slept in the study again.

One day, two days, three days… Seven or eight days passed, and the two were practically living separately.

Tinglan was puzzled. Unable to keep her thoughts to herself, she took a jug of wine and went to find Leng Mian. Leng Mian followed Prime Minister Yan every day, so she knew everything Yan Luo did and said.

Leng Mian was the same age as Yan Luo—twenty years old. She also enjoyed drinking and snacking, so Tinglan brought along a bag of instant noodles.

The two sat on the steps in front of the study, watching the sunset. They crushed the noodles, sprinkled on the seasoning, and enjoyed the delicious taste.

Tinglan asked what Prime Minister Yan had been busy with lately.

Leng Mian, who usually seemed domineering and unreasonable, was surprisingly forthcoming this time. She spilled everything. Spring was the season for banquets, and many people were holding weddings around this time.

Tinglan asked, “Did Prime Minister Yan drink?”

Leng Mian chewed on the noodles. “Prime Minister Yan only drinks at the Yan family residence.”

She wouldn’t touch alcohol outside.

Tinglan understood. She stood up, brushed the dust off her clothes, and returned to the courtyard.

Leng Mian’s lips twitched as she looked at the remaining piece of noodle in the oiled paper. After savoring it, Yan Luo emerged from the study and noticed the noodle in the paper.

“What’s this?”

Leng Mian said, “Tinglan said it’s called Lucky Instant Noodles. Eating it brings good luck.”

Yan Luo curled her lips and beckoned Leng Mian with a finger. Reluctantly, Leng Mian handed over the oiled paper. “There’s only one piece left. It’s really tasty. Next time, if you get more, share some with me.”

“Dream on.” Yan Luo said as she took the paper and popped the last piece of noodle into her mouth. The flavor was novel.

Despite being a woman of great literary talent, the only word that came to mind after eating it was novel.

She returned the oiled paper to Leng Mian. Leng Mian asked, “Are you going out again tonight?”

“The Emperor is hosting a banquet in the palace. The head of the Huo family and Prince Huaizhang are invited.” Yan Luo sighed. “I really don’t want to go.”

“That’s easy. Just pretend to be sick.” Leng Mian suggested.

Yan Luo shook her head and lamented, “If I’m sick, I won’t get any ice cream. Go tell the young master to accompany me to the palace banquet tonight.”

“Ah…” Leng Mian was puzzled. “Why bring Young Master Gu?”

“To broaden her horizons.” Yan Luo said, lifting her head to face the sunset, her feet casting a shadow. The head of the Huo family was over seventy, with white hair, while Prince Huaizhang was much younger. Tonight’s verbal sparring would be spectacular. Bringing Gu Que along would be perfect.

Watching a show is better with company. Watching alone is too lonely.

Gu Que’s mind was full of novel ideas. It would be good to let her see and experience the “fun” of the official world in advance.

Gu Que was dragged by maids to change into a jade-colored outfit, adorned with a jade crown, and then pushed onto the carriage.

As she sat down, still confused, she asked, “Where are we going?”

“To watch a show.” Yan Luo replied with a faint smile. She was also dressed in jade-colored robes and had applied red lipstick. When she smiled, there was a hint of eerie charm, as if she were excited.

Gu Que didn’t understand what she meant by “watching a show,” naively thinking it must be something worth getting excited about.

She was happy too—but her happiness lasted only until they reached the palace gates.

How did “watching a show” turn into entering the palace?

Baffled, Yan Luo asked her, “Will there be ice cream tonight?”

Eat, eat, eat—is that all you think about? Gu Que grumbled inwardly, but Yan Luo took her hand, her pinky lightly brushing Gu Que’s knuckles, sending ripples through her.

She’s seducing me! Gu Que steeled herself and refused to budge. “There isn’t any.”

“Why not?” Yan Luo sighed. “I wanted to eat the kitten too.”

Gu Que countered, “Why are we entering the palace?”

“To watch a show. Have you heard of the ancients’ debates against a room full of scholars? Tonight, we’ll see something similar. The head of the Huo family is over seventy, and his words are venomous.” Yan Luo said cheerfully, one corner of her lips quirking up.

Gu Que saw it clearly—she was up to no good again. Her eyes were deep, gleaming with cunning, dazzlingly bright.

This version of Yan Luo was eye-catching, like a goddess untouched by worldly dust.

But then Gu Que remembered her stealing ice cream. Indeed, you can’t judge a book by its cover.

Yan Luo was too striking. She was like a beam of light, making people overlook her flaws.

Her elegance and beauty made Gu Que believe she was the most beautiful woman in the world.

She seemed like a fairy—until she stole ice cream. In that instant, she became much more down-to-earth.

Gu Que looked at Yan Luo. “Is he more formidable than you?”

Meaning, could his words be even more poisonous than yours?

“Patriarch Huo has lived through five reigns. He’s seen far more than we juniors ever have.” Yan Luo said lightly.

Gu Que couldn’t comprehend what “living through five reigns” represented, but being over seventy and still alive was impressive in itself.

As dusk fell, lanterns were lit throughout the palace. The two stepped out of the carriage and walked slowly. The night obscured the palace’s grandeur, leaving only an eerie gloom.

Gu Que had never entered the palace at night. Despite the lanterns illuminating every corner, it couldn’t compare to daylight. She felt no yearning or greed for this place, unlike most people.

Facing power, she merely smiled faintly.

No matter how high you climb, life is the same—birth, aging, sickness, death, eating, sleeping. Since it’s all the same, why yearn for what isn’t yours?

She was remarkably clear-headed. She didn’t hold Yan Luo’s position as Prime Minister or her own status as a young master in high regard.

Walking along the deep palace paths, the spring night was chilly.

She glanced at Yan Luo, who looked back at her. “Do you like this place?”

“No.” Gu Que admitted frankly.

Yan Luo found this strange. Who doesn’t like the palace?

She used to love it here.

Gu Que asked, “Why should I like it?”

“This place represents imperial power—the highest authority.” Yan Luo said with a faint smile.

Gu Que suddenly understood her meaning and said solemnly, “I’m a weak person with no grand ambitions. Three meals a day are enough for me.”

When she first arrived here, she had resented it. This place was unfair to women, contradicting everything she had learned. But after meeting Yan Luo, her perspective shifted.

Even in the worst circumstances, good things could happen.

The eunuch leading the way walked ahead of them, maintaining a respectful distance, neither too close nor too far.

After hearing Gu Que’s words, Yan Luo found it unbelievable. The Marquis of Yongle was a proud and competitive man, stubbornly refusing to give up even now. Gu Que had been raised by him. Even if she was a woman, she shouldn’t lack ambition.

She found it hard to believe and couldn’t help but study Gu Que again. Rumor had it that the young master of the Gu family was diligent and studious, striving against the odds. Yet here she was, calling herself “a weak person.”

Yan Luo’s worldview was overturned. A scholar who had read the classics, ranked top in the imperial exams, and was born into nobility—how could she have no ambition?

Looking closely, Gu Que wasn’t weak. She was open-minded. After placing third in the exams only to have her title stripped, an ordinary person would have been crushed or at least disheartened. But Gu Que?

From start to finish, it was as if it had never happened.

Detached and serene!

It was like standing before a hermit. Yan Luo wanted to laugh, but years of discipline helped her hold it in. “You’re not weak.”

There was another thing she was curious about. Half a month into their marriage, Gu Que had never asked about official matters or shown interest in her affairs. The Marquis’s residence had arranged this marriage with a clear purpose—to use her influence to secure Gu Que’s position in court.

From the moment they married, she was meant to be Gu Que’s stepping stone.

But what about Gu Que?

What was she doing?

Spending her days researching food, giving her daily surprises, as if she had forgotten her wife was the Prime Minister, the head of all officials!

“I have no interest in the official world.” Gu Que said candidly, her mood inexplicably light. She asked Yan Luo, “Do you think I’m useless?”

“No,” Yan Luo’s gaze was profound. “What’s the use of being useful?”

For scheming and scrambling?

Her lips curled in mockery. “You’re fine as you are.”

Gu Que couldn’t grasp her thoughts. If conversation doesn’t click, half a sentence is too many. She stopped asking and followed the eunuch into the hall.

Tonight’s banquet was held in the Xingqing Hall, behind the main palace. The Empress Dowager, Prince Huaizhang, the head of the Huo family, a few imperial relatives, and the Huo family’s young master were all present.

Prime Minister Yan and her husband took their seats. The Huo family had already arrived, but Prince Huaizhang had not. The Huo patriarch was over seventy, with white hair and a straight back. His brown robes added an air of immortality. The Huo young master, in his twenties, was the youngest grandson. Dressed in frost-blue robes with a white jade belt, he looked dashing and handsome.

As Gu Que stepped over the threshold, the Huo young master stood and bowed. “Greetings to the Prime Minister and Young Master Gu.”

Yan Luo nodded, her gaze sweeping past him and settling on the elderly man. She stepped forward to pay her respects—not as an official, but as a junior.

In front of him, Yan Luo was the younger generation.

This was their first meeting. The Huo patriarch found it strange. Yan Luo’s reputation was terrible—rumored to be ugly, cruel, and a shrew.

But the woman before him stood tall and graceful, like a plum blossom in winter—cold, solitary, and beautiful.

The rumors were all lies.

The Huo family had lived peacefully for years and couldn’t afford to offend the Prime Minister. The Huo patriarch nodded at her. “Thank you for your help the other day, Prime Minister.”

“It was nothing.” Yan Luo said modestly, gesturing to Gu Que. “The Marquis of Yongle’s heir, my husband.”

She didn’t use Gu Que’s name but referred to her as “my husband.”

The Huo patriarch studied the young man—red lips, white teeth, flawless beauty. Standing beside Yan Luo, they looked like a perfect pair.

The Prime Minister’s wedding half a month ago had shocked the capital. Who would dare marry a shrew?

The Huo family’s young men had laughed and joked, pitying the Marquis’s heir, Gu Que.

Now, the Huo young master realized how narrow-minded they had been.

Imperial daughters were proud, but the woman before him outshone them all.

After a moment of scrutiny, the old man didn’t withhold his praise. “A talented man and a beautiful woman—you two are perfectly matched.”

“Your blessing is well-received.” Yan Luo smiled. She glanced at the Huo young master and led Gu Que to their seats.

Tonight, the Huo patriarch was the guest of honor, seated directly below the Emperor. Next was the Prime Minister’s seat.

Prince Huaizhang and the imperial relatives sat opposite them.

Once seated, Prince Huaizhang arrived, and the Huo young master grew restless. Yan Luo deliberately said to Gu Que, “I heard the young master once had a skilled bodyguard who was later beaten to death.”

Gu Que: “…”

When did this happen?

She didn’t respond because she wasn’t the original owner of this body and didn’t know everything about its past. She froze, and in those few seconds, the Huo young master—Huo Chengru—snapped back to reality.

As everyone rose to greet Prince Huaizhang, Huo Chengru followed suit.

Gu Que sat back down, barely catching her breath before the Empress and the Empress Dowager arrived.

Couldn’t they have come together?

Sit, stand, sit again—it was exhausting.

Fortunately, once seated, there was no more fuss.

The Empress Dowager and the Huo patriarch chatted about old times.

As they spoke, Gu Que heard a familiar name: Qiongju.

The Huo patriarch’s exact words were: “If Princess Qiongju were alive, she’d be the same age as Your Majesty. This old subject would be overjoyed.”

Princess Qiongju had died at the age of six—fourteen years ago.

Bringing up such an old tragedy cast a strange atmosphere over the room.

Yan Luo smiled. “That was over a decade ago. The Huo patriarch should let it go. Don’t you agree, Prince?”

Prince Huaizhang shuddered and instinctively looked at the Huo patriarch and his grandson. The old man’s eyes were like arrows, seemingly ready to shoot him dead on the spot.

“It’s all in the past,” the prince said, unnerved.

The old man is already seventy—why isn’t he dead yet?

The Huo family had produced Prime Ministers and empresses. The Huo clan of the capital was renowned throughout the land, revered by scholars. Prince Huaizhang had initially agreed to his daughter’s wishes because of the Huo family’s prestige.

But things had spiraled out of control. His daughter’s death was undoubtedly linked to the Huo young master. Yet now, he couldn’t touch the Huo family.

Yan Luo smiled. The Empress was impatient. “Why bring up the dead? Huo Chengru, I ask you—were you involved in Qing’an County Princess’s death?”

Huo Chengru stood and bowed. “Your Majesty, I had nothing to do with it. The county princess had countless enemies and killed many people. Why blame me? On the other hand, why did the prince dig up the corpse of a girl killed by the county princess and send it to the Ministry of Justice?”

Gu Que had a headache listening to this, but she understood one thing:

If the county princess killed someone, it was fine. But if someone killed her, they had to pay with their life.

Huo Chengru denied involvement, and the Empress believed him—so did the Empress Dowager, because they both knew what kind of person the county princess had been.

But Prince Huaizhang didn’t believe it. He had pressured the Ministry of Justice to investigate the Huo family.

However, the ministry was too scared to act, leading to tonight’s reconciliation banquet.

The Empress Dowager kept urging peace. The Huo family had many high-ranking officials in court, and she wanted to win them over. Even if she had liked the county princess, she wouldn’t let personal feelings ruin her plans.

Prince Huaizhang remained silent. The atmosphere was tense. Gu Que sampled the palace dishes, while Yan Luo sat quietly, occasionally opening and closing her eyes.

Everyone in the hall had their own agenda—except Gu Que, the only one oblivious to the politics. She ate and drank freely.

The wine in the palace was strong and spicy. Gu Que didn’t like it, but she kept an eye on Yan Luo.

Don’t let Yan Luo drink.

Otherwise, my ears will suffer again tonight!

The Empress Dowager continued mediating, hoping the Huo family would owe her a favor and join her faction.

Prince Huaizhang’s eyes darkened.

After tasting the food, Gu Que lost interest. The dishes were cold and flavorless.

Seeing Yan Luo in low spirits, she quietly tugged her sleeve. “Let’s have hot pot when we get back.”

Yan Luo snapped out of her thoughts and glanced at the lovely girl beside her. Her lips curved. “Alright.”

The Empress Dowager was still talking when, at some point, Huo Chengru stood up, holding a wine cup, and bowed to Prince Huaizhang. “I was at fault before. Since your daughter was my wife, I am willing to take her tablet into the Huo family.”

Prince Huaizhang’s lips twitched. His daughter was dead, and the killer couldn’t be found. But tonight’s goal had been achieved.

He accepted Huo Chengru’s wine. “You’re too kind, son-in-law.”

Gu Que was dumbfounded. This works?

After some polite exchanges, the Empress Dowager declared the banquet over. The Empress kept the Prime Minister behind, but Gu Que wanted to wait in the hall. Yan Luo refused and made her come along.

The Empress glanced at Gu Que. “The Prime Minister is very protective, isn’t she?”

Her tone was icy. Gu Que understood the underlying meaning, but Yan Luo said, “I only have one husband—of course I’ll protect him.”

The Empress: “…”

Public displays of affection are disgusting!

Annoyed, the Empress waved them off. “Leave. We’ll talk tomorrow.”

Yan Luo thanked her and led Gu Que away. As they turned, she asked, “What’s good in the hot pot?”

The Empress’s eyelid twitched. What’s hot pot?

She wanted to chase after them and ask but remembered she was the Empress. She couldn’t run after her subjects. Reluctantly, she let it go.

The couple boarded their carriage and left the palace, heading home.

Once home, Gu Que sighed in relief and told Tinglan to prepare the hot pot. The ingredients were ready—only the broth needed work.

Gu Que changed clothes and went to the kitchen to prepare the base. Yan Luo returned to the study, where someone was waiting.

Tonight’s events had been arranged by the Empress Dowager. The county princess’s death couldn’t be solved, but Prince Huaizhang refused to let it go, convinced Huo Chengru was the killer.

The incident with the military household girl had ruined the county princess’s reputation. Many believed she deserved to die.

If Prince Huaizhang kept pressuring the Ministry of Justice, the situation would escalate. Not only would the killer remain unfound, but the prince’s reputation would suffer.

The best outcome was for Huo Chengru to “marry” the county princess’s tablet, making her the Huo family’s official wife—eternally haunting Huo Chengru.

But Yan Luo wanted Prince Huaizhang to keep stirring the pot.

Only in muddy waters can you catch fish.

Gu Que used a split pot, with one side spicy and the other tomato-based. Yan Luo had a sweet tooth, so tomato suited her.

Once everything was ready, Yan Luo returned, drawn by the aroma. Seeing the fire beneath the pot, she asked, “Is that lamp oil?”

“No, it’s a type of alcohol. You can’t drink it, but it burns well—perfect for hot pot.” Gu Que explained, pouring her a glass of sweet milk. She pointed at the tomato broth. “Put whatever you want in it.”

Yan Luo stared at the red broth, her smile deepening until it was almost tangible.

She asked, “Can we put ice cream in it too?”

Gu Que: “…”

Can’t you drop the ice cream?