After Marrying the Villainous Prime Minister in My Brother’s Stead - Chapter 33

33: Pretending to Be Sick, Feeling Sleepy.

The elderly woman was very kind and spoke at length with Yan Luo, mostly offering comfort. Her words revolved around Gu Que, each sentence thoughtful and reasonable.

Before leaving, the woman shooed Gu Que out and said to Yan Luo, “Your husband is quite good. He even knows you’ve had a fever three times in a month.”

Yan Luo chuckled lightly. “It’s a coincidence. Every time I had a fever, he was by my side taking care of me. Granny, she’s a girl.”

“No wonder she’s so pretty,” the elderly woman smiled helplessly. “She’s given birth to a son?”

“Not at all. It’s her elder brother’s son. She’s still a maiden, pure-hearted and kind.” Yan Luo sighed softly. “Granny, she’s the most unique person I’ve ever met.”

Yan Luo was twenty years old, straddling the line between woman and maiden. Due to her status, others feared her, believing her to be mature and steady. But in front of the elderly woman, she revealed a hint of childishness.

“How can someone be so good-looking?” she mused.

The elderly woman paused her brush, her eyes crinkling into slits. “What does her looks have to do with you? Who knows which man she’ll end up with in the future?”

Yan Luo frowned. “What if I cut off her escape routes? What then?”

At present, no one knew whether Gu Yan was alive or dead. She was Gu Yan. If Gu Yan died, she would remain Gu Yan.

Everyone in the capital recognized her as Gu Yan. Even if the real Gu Yan returned, unless she allowed it, Gu Yan would have no recourse—unless they resorted to mutual destruction. But the young girl wouldn’t do that.

The elderly woman scolded, “What nonsense are you spouting? Why dwell on her? Focus on taking care of your health. When I took your pulse earlier, I noticed your condition has improved. Have you been taking your medicine?”

“I haven’t taken any medicine. It’s just that there’s someone to warm my bed, someone who enjoys making my favorite dishes, and someone who amuses me every day.” Yan Luo sighed.

The elderly woman froze for a moment before understanding. She tapped Yan Luo’s forehead with her brush. “You like her?”

“It’s not that I like her. I just think she’s pleasing to look at. Seeing her every day is good for my eyes,” Yan Luo said.

“Do as you please. Remember to take the medicine I prescribed. Now go—don’t keep my other patients waiting.” The elderly woman was thoroughly exasperated. Coming here to flaunt affection for no reason—ugh, utterly annoying.

Yan Luo refused to leave, wanting to linger longer. The elderly woman strode to the door and called out, “Next!”

Gu Que, hearing the summons, hurried in and said to the elderly woman, “Thank you for your help.”

The elderly woman glanced at her. The young man’s beauty was stunning, his features still carrying a hint of youthful innocence, but his eyes were like bright stars, so captivating they stole one’s breath.

“To borrow your wife’s words, you’re really good-looking. Do you attract a lot of admirers?” the elderly woman asked, squinting.

Gu Que blushed at the question. “No, after marriage, I’ve only had her.”

She had originally intended to say, In this lifetime, I’ll only have Prime Minister Yan, but Qing Zhi Qiong Ju had ruthlessly slapped her in the face.

Oh well. Let the misunderstanding stand—it was too troublesome to explain.

The elderly woman suddenly reached out and took her pulse. Gu Que was startled and tried to pull back, but the woman released her first. She turned to Yan Luo. “You haven’t consummated the marriage?”

Yan Luo sighed dramatically. “Why consummate? Who knows which man she’ll end up with in the future?”

The elderly woman tsked. “You praise her looks, yet you’re unmoved. What a pity. I have a nephew, nineteen this year. How about…”

“It’s getting late, husband. We should leave.” Yan Luo stood up and looked at Gu Que.

The elderly woman stopped them. “Stay for a meal. There are ingredients in the kitchen—go cook.”

The elderly woman’s surname was Sun. Yan Luo called her “Granny” because Third Master had brought her to see Granny Sun when she was a child. Granny Sun understood her body better than anyone else. This time, coincidentally, Granny Sun had returned, so Yan Luo followed her here.

The kitchen was behind the bamboo house, stocked with vegetables sent by grateful patients, along with some pork and half a chicken.

Yan Luo sat on a stool, propping her chin in her hands as she watched Gu Que. “I want tomato scrambled eggs.”

“There are no tomatoes here. I can’t make that. How about chicken soup?” Gu Que pointed at the half chicken. “Can you ask Granny if she has any medicinal herbs to add? I’ll toss them in.”

Yan Luo frowned. “No. Taking medicine is bad enough—I don’t want to smell it in my soup too. I can’t stand it.”

“You…” Gu Que was at a loss. Fine, no herbs then. But her cooking style was different from the locals. She preferred lightly stir-fried dishes—like greens sautéed with minced garlic, which came out fragrant and delicious.

She rolled up her sleeves and got to work. Yan Luo sat idly by, not lifting a finger, recalling her earlier words: Who knows which man she’ll end up with in the future?

Gu Que worked diligently, washing vegetables, chopping the chicken, and simmering the soup, not letting Yan Luo lift a finger. She worked quickly, finishing everything in half an hour.

The chicken soup was still simmering, and the rice was ready. Gu Que said, “I’ll fetch some milk from the carriage.”

Hearing “milk,” Yan Luo narrowed her eyes and nodded. “Go ahead. Bring extra—Granny might like it too.”

Gu Que left, and Granny Sun seized the opportunity to approach. She peeked into the kitchen, where the dishes were kept warm on the stove, their colors beautifully arranged. She walked over and eyed the reddish meat. “What’s this cooking method?”

“She calls it braised pork. The color is gorgeous,” Yan Luo praised, picking up chopsticks to grab a piece. She was about to eat it when she noticed Granny Sun watching her.

She glanced at Granny Sun, then turned away, ignoring her, and popped the meat into her mouth.

Granny Sun was displeased. “Can’t you respect your elders?”

“Granny, I’m still young,” Yan Luo said, savoring the sweet, rich flavor. The meat melted in her mouth with little effort.

She nodded. “Delicious.”

Granny Sun sighed. “Who knows which family’s son will get to enjoy this? My nephew…”

Yan Luo, chewing meat: “…”

When Gu Que returned, only Yan Luo was in the kitchen—half the plate of meat was already gone. She was stunned. Yan Luo pointed to the main room. “Granny ate it.”

Well then, a pair of gluttons!

Patients were still waiting, so Granny Sun couldn’t linger. She quickly “chased” them away and, seeing no one around, slammed the door shut with a bang.

The main room had a table. Gu Que brought out all the dishes and invited Zhi Zhi to join them for the meal.

The four of them sat down. Zhi Zhi stared at the milk in the glass cup and sniffed. “It’s so sweet.”

Granny Sun took a sip first and looked at Gu Que. “You made this yourself?”

Gu Que smiled sweetly. “If you’d like some, I’ll have someone send you more after we return.”

“My, you’re so thoughtful. Young men as considerate as you are rare,” Granny Sun said, sipping her milk and glancing sidelong at Yan Luo.

Yan Luo pretended not to notice and kept eating.

Zhi Zhi ate with gusto, though she wished there was more milk. After one sip, her cup was empty. She wanted to ask for more but hesitated when she saw everyone else had only one cup.

After the meal, Zhi Zhi went to wash the dishes, not daring to let the young master do it.

Soon after, someone knocked at the door—Granny Sun had work to do.

Before leaving, Granny Sun handed Gu Que a packet of herbs. “I’ve written instructions on how to use them. Her health is poor—make sure she doesn’t catch a chill, and also…”

She paused. Gu Que waited.

Granny Sun swallowed and said, “Don’t provoke her.”

Gu Que didn’t understand the meaning behind those words, and Granny Sun didn’t elaborate, turning back to the inner room.

Gu Que memorized the advice and left with Yan Luo. Yan Luo, drowsy, leaned against her and closed her eyes.

The carriage jolted and swayed. The spring weather was warm, and Yan Luo dozed off from the rocking. Meanwhile, Gu Que was busy.

The elusive great scholar had suddenly appeared online, asking for agarwood.

She had given him a piece last time, but now he wanted another, offering to pay for it. He also asked where she had found it, saying the wood was at least five hundred years old.

He claimed it was at least five hundred years old, so Gu Que asked: How old exactly?

She wanted to know what era she was in.

The great scholar didn’t reply immediately. After a long pause, he responded: I can’t say for sure. Do you have more?

Gu Que: I do, but how much are you offering?

The great scholar: How much do you want?

Gu Que thought for a moment and named a price. She needed hundreds of sets of milk and silk soaps, which would cost a fortune.

The other end fell silent.

Yan Luo woke up.

Gu Que opened her eyes and looked at her. “Did you sleep well?”

“Mhm. I don’t want to go home—it’s annoying. Do you have any fun places to go?” Yan Luo lazily rested her head on Gu Que’s shoulder, her eyes looking up at Gu Que’s sharp jawline. She reached up to touch it, and Gu Que shied away.

Yan Luo didn’t move, finding it dull. Boundaries—what a nuisance.

A “husband” like Gu Que was ordinary. Her temperament was gentle but too soft—in Yan Luo’s eyes, that made her less than ideal. But she had one outstanding trait: her looks.

Dressed in women’s clothing, her beauty would surely stun the capital.

Yan Luo adored beauty—who in the capital didn’t? Moreover, Gu Que had a kind and considerate nature. If not for her ambition to dominate the court, her qualities would have been more than enough.

Yan Luo enjoyed admiring beautiful things, and Gu Que’s beauty was a feast for the eyes.

Gu Que didn’t hide anything from her. “I have a house where I grow vegetables. Would you like to see? There are strawberries too. When I checked the other day, a few were ripe—though I’m not sure how they taste.”

“What are strawberries?” Yan Luo felt like a frog at the bottom of a well. Gu Que knew so many things—far more than she could ever hope to catch up with.

At the question, Gu Que took her to see for herself.

When they arrived at the house, Xi Yu came to greet them. Yan Luo frowned at the sight of her. “What a pretty girl. Is she your chamber maid?”

Gu Que wasn’t stupid—she knew what “chamber maid” implied. “She just manages the house. Don’t overthink it.”

The strawberries were in the backyard, covered by a greenhouse. The greenhouse was over six feet tall, so one didn’t need to stoop to enter. Seeing such a large white structure, even Yan Luo was impressed. She touched the covering—white and translucent, allowing a view of what was inside.

Amazed, Gu Que led her inside. “This is an experiment. The soil is different, so I’m not sure if it’ll work, but it’s worth a try.”

Yan Luo spotted red dots among the green leaves. Before she could speak, Gu Que plucked one and handed it to her.

The fruit was dotted with black specks. Yan Luo asked, “It’s dirty. Shouldn’t you wash it?”

“Those aren’t dirt—they’re part of the fruit. If you like them, we can pick some to take home and send some to your mother-in-law.” Gu Que was sincere. She had little affection for the Marchioness, feeling no filial obligation.

But she felt differently about Third Madam. Perhaps human nature inherently pities the weak—her feelings for Third Madam were mostly compassion.

Yan Luo parted her red lips slightly and tentatively bit the tip of the fruit. After a taste, her expression changed. She nodded. “Send some to Mother and to Granny too.”

She took the fruit and bit again, finding it less sweet. She asked Gu Que, “Is the top the sweetest part?”

“Mhm. That’s why many people prefer eating the top. You can too.” Gu Que bent down to pick another for her. “The red dots aren’t dirt—they’re part of the fruit. If it’s not sweet enough, you can add honey later.”

Yan Luo took the lesson to heart. She looked around—the greenhouse was the size of a room, the covering like a sky over the green earth. She asked Gu Que, “Why build this?”

“It’s a hothouse. The fruit won’t grow in cold weather,” Gu Que handed Yan Luo a bamboo basket. “Pick some, but be gentle. If you squeeze too hard, they’ll bruise.”

The basket’s bottom was lined with soft padding. Yan Luo didn’t refuse. She bent down to select the largest ones, eating as she picked, occasionally informing Gu Que which ones weren’t sweet.

Gu Que filled a basket and turned to find—oh dear—only a few berries remained in Yan Luo’s basket. The rest had been eaten.

She set her basket aside and took Yan Luo’s. “Let me do it. Don’t eat too many—they’ll upset your stomach.”

The greenhouse was filled with a faint, refreshing grassy scent, soothing to the senses.

Yan Luo ignored her nagging. As Gu Que picked, she ate. Gu Que filled three baskets—one for Third Madam at the Yan residence, one for Granny, and one for the Marquis’s household.

Yan Luo watched her arrange everything, her lips pursing. After a long silence, she finally asked, “Where’s mine?”

“Yours is already in your stomach,” Gu Que looked up to see Yan Luo biting her lip, pretending to be wronged.

Gu Que: “…” Good grief, give her an Oscar already.

Knowing Yan Luo’s gluttonous nature, Gu Que had no intention of bringing any home. “See? There’s none left. We’ll pick more when they grow back in a few days.”

Yan Luo asked, “Can I come then?”

“You…” Gu Que recalled her sneaking ice cream and immediately put on a stern face. “No.”

Yan Luo stared at her pitifully. “You’re so pretty. How can you be so stingy?”

“Me? Stingy? You’re the one who ate them all!” Gu Que retorted. She had eaten so much she wouldn’t need dinner.

Yan Luo pointed at the neighboring greenhouse. “There’s more over there.”

The backyard was spacious, with three greenhouses. They stood in the middle one.

“That’s for watermelons. I just planted the seeds. Do you want to eat seeds?” Gu Que teased.

The greenhouse’s lighting was dim compared to outside. Yan Luo could see clearly—those eyes held seriousness and concern.

A beautiful face is like a painting, but the eyes are the finishing touch!

Yan Luo smirked. “Then I’ll come back the day after tomorrow.”

Gu Que, fearing her, had the gifts delivered and left the house with Yan Luo.

Dusk fell, moonlight spilling like liquid silver across the ground. Upon returning home, a servant emerged from the gatehouse—an attendant from the Empress’s side.

Yan Luo immediately clutched her forehead and groaned. Gu Que, startled, rushed to support her. “Prime Minister, Prime Minister, what’s wrong?”

Just moments ago, she had been happily eating strawberries. How could she suddenly fall ill? Not daring to delay, Gu Que helped her inside. “Fetch a physician! Quick, quick!”

The attendant, about to speak, was also stunned and didn’t dare follow. Leaving a junior attendant behind, he galloped back to the palace to report to Her Majesty.

The Empress had been brooding all day. Seeing him return, she eagerly asked, “Where’s Prime Minister Yan? Why didn’t she come?”

The attendant grimaced. “Your servant noticed the Prime Minister looked even worse. She fainted upon entering. I didn’t even get a word in.”

Hearing this, the Empress slumped onto her throne, frustration boiling over. She slammed the imperial desk. “They’re trying to burn Prime Minister Yan to death! If not for Lengmian, she’d already be dead. Damn them!”

“If anything happens to Prime Minister Yan, I won’t let them off!”

“Send all the palace physicians to the Gu residence. All of them!”

The attendant obeyed, dispatching every on-duty physician to the Gu household.

That night, the Gu residence was brightly lit, packed with physicians. The gates were wide open, carriages lined up outside.

Physicians entered to examine the Prime Minister, waves of them going in and out, all leaving dejected.

Gu Que, initially unconcerned, grew uneasy at their grim expressions. She couldn’t sit still and approached to ask what was wrong.

The physicians huddled together to discuss treatment. Seeing the young master’s anxious face, the eldest physician sighed. “The Prime Minister’s pulse is faint, sometimes disappearing entirely…”

A weak, intermittent pulse was a sign of impending death.

Gu Que froze. Then, tears suddenly streamed down her face. The physicians’ comforting words died on their lips.

Ah…

One of them returned to the palace to report. The news quickly reached the Empress Dowager.

The Empress Dowager had just retired for the night. Upon hearing the news, she threw back the bed curtains and demanded, “Is this true?”

“It is. Her Majesty flew into a rage and sent all the physicians. Several diagnosed her together—it can’t be false. Moreover, Young Master Gu wept. It must be real.”

The Empress Dowager couldn’t stay lying down. She stood. “Prepare my carriage. I’ll go see for myself.”

Seeing is believing; hearing is doubtful. A few days prior, Prime Minister Yan had sent her a grand “gift.” Now, it was time to see the joke for herself.

Once Yan Luo died, the Emperor would become more obedient.

The Empress Dowager’s carriage arrived at the Gu residence just as the Emperor did. The night was deep, the air damp with dew. Mother and daughter were of one mind.

The Emperor bowed to the Empress Dowager but didn’t wait for a response before hurrying to the bedchamber.

Gu Que had stopped crying and stood under the eaves, listening to the physicians debate prescriptions. They tossed around medical terms she barely understood, though she caught some.

One said, “The dosage is too strong. If she can’t endure it…”

Another replied, “Too weak won’t work—it’d be like drinking nothing.”

After a hushed discussion, Gu Que stopped listening and turned to check on Yan Luo.

Zhi Zhi burst in like a gust of wind. “Young Master, Her Majesty and the Empress Dowager have arrived!”

Gu Que remained calm. “Come with me to greet them.”

Zhi Zhi nearly jumped out of her skin. Gu Que handed her a piece of White Rabbit milk candy. “What’s there to fear?”

Zhi Zhi took the candy, unwrapped it, and marveled at the rich, sweet aroma. “It’s so fragrant, so sweet!”

Before the Empress Dowager arrived, she popped it into her mouth, savoring the delicious flavor. Emboldened, she followed the young master to welcome the distinguished guests.

Just outside the courtyard, the Emperor rushed past them without a glance, heading straight for the house.

Next came the Empress Dowager, leisurely surrounded by attendants, wrapped in a cloak. The jewels in her hair glittered under the candlelight, dazzlingly bright.

Judging by her attire, Gu Que knew she was here to gloat. She bowed in greeting, pretending not to notice.

The Empress Dowager studied the young man, first struck by his stunning beauty—his youthful handsomeness was a sight to behold. Feigning pity, she said, “Young Master Gu, you must grieve with restraint.”

Gu Que: “…” Restrain your mother. My wife is alive and well.

The Empress Dowager swept past her into the house.

Gu Que followed closely. Crossing the threshold, she heard the Emperor’s soft sobs. “Yan Luo, Yan Luo… If I’d known this would happen, I wouldn’t have sent you to the examination hall…”

Her murmurs were heartfelt. The Empress Dowager sighed and stepped forward, drawing back the bed curtains. Yan Luo lay asleep, her face pale, lips devoid of color.

With another sigh, the Empress Dowager patted the Emperor’s shoulder. “Your Majesty, let the physicians examine her again. You’re the Emperor—compose yourself. Don’t succumb to grief.”

Gu Que’s lips twitched. She prayed Yan Luo wouldn’t laugh.

Seriously, in such a sorrowful atmosphere, why tempt her to laugh?

After deliberation, the physicians finalized a prescription and presented it to Young Master Gu, timidly asking, “If the young master agrees…”

“Very well. Prepare the medicine.” Gu Que pretended to glance at it before handing it back. “Thank you for your hard work.”

The physician trembled as he accepted the prescription and respectfully withdrew to brew the medicine.

The Empress Dowager lingered briefly. Seeing everyone busy and the Emperor weeping like a child, she soon led her away.

Her purpose—paying a visit—was accomplished. It was time to leave.

The crowd departed en masse. Gu Que exhaled in relief, instructing Tinglan to monitor the physicians while she slipped back into the room.

Maidservants still attended inside. Zhi Zhi lay sprawled on a beam overhead. Spotting Gu Que’s return, she rolled back into position.

“Everyone, leave us.” Gu Que ordered, her voice weary. She lifted the bed curtain and whispered, “They’re gone.”

The figure on the bed immediately opened her eyes and sighed. “Taking leave is so hard. I saw you give Zhi Zhi candy.”

Zhi Zhi on the beam raised an eyebrow, peering down.

Gu Que, like a magician, produced a candy and handed it to Yan Luo. “They’ll spread word that you’re dead.”

“Dead is dead. What’s there to fear? They’ve been hoping for my death. Only when I die will they act recklessly. Don’t worry.” Yan Luo sat up, accepting the candy. Unwrapping it, she smiled at the rabbit printed on the paper. “Your drawings are lovely.”

Gu Que didn’t explain. She sat on the edge of the bed, silent, watching her eat the candy.

Yan Luo, eating candy, resembled a child—her eyes alight with curiosity and delight. Gu Que smiled too. “You look beautiful when you smile.”

“Mhm.” Yan Luo accepted the compliment cheerfully. The candy was so sweet it made her sleepy. Covering a yawn, she asked, “Are you tired?”

Gu Que nodded. “Exhausted. Do you want to sleep?”

“Sleep. Ignore them. Dump the medicine if they bring it.” Yan Luo scooted over, her slender legs peeking out from under the covers, toes exposed. She pulled the blanket up, tugging Gu Que down beside her.

Zhi Zhi on the beam coughed softly.

Gu Que bolted upright like a carp leaping out of water. “An—an assassin!”

Zhi Zhi dropped down, clutching her sword, and scurried out sheepishly.

Watching the dark figure dart past, Gu Que looked up at the beam. “Sh-she was up there?”

Silent as a ghost—utterly terrifying! What if she sneaked into the bathing room…

Gu Que shuddered, glancing at Yan Luo, who lay with her eyes closed, unperturbed. “Will she always barge in like this?”

What happened to proper etiquette? Eaten by ghosts?

“With Her Majesty here, Zhi Zhi was worried and kept watch. It won’t happen again.” Yan Luo recalled Gu Que’s words before their marriage and added, eyes still shut, “From now on, she won’t enter without your permission.”

Gu Que felt uneasy but held her tongue, lying back down.

Yan Luo, however, said, “Today, Granny mentioned my health won’t interfere with consummation.”