After Marrying the Villainous Prime Minister in My Brother’s Stead - Chapter 34

34: Food—Have You Ever Eaten Anything Interesting?

“Consummation” is an ancient term for marital intimacy!

Gu Que blinked and turned her back, not daring to respond.

Two women consummating their marriage?

No, the tone had shifted—it didn’t sound right.

Yan Luo leaned against her head, shifting closer to her. “Turn around. I won’t eat you.”

Gu Que stayed still.

Yan Luo continued, “We’re husband and wife. Why are you so distant?”

Gu Que still refused to move, though she curled up slightly.

“Husband, you’re so far away—aren’t you cold?” Yan Luo suddenly became talkative, sighing softly.

Her voice was gentle, devoid of its usual chill, sounding helpless yet somewhat aggrieved.

“Do you not like me?” she asked. “Young Master, are you still thinking about Li Niang?”

Mentioning Li Niang finally made Gu Que unable to resist. She opened her eyes and turned to face Yan Luo.

A dim lamp flickered by the bed. Yan Luo lifted her gaze and saw the fair skin and dark hair of the person across from her. A smile curled her lips as she leaned in and pressed a light kiss to the corner of Gu Que’s mouth.

“Sleep,” she said triumphantly, closing her eyes.

Gu Que couldn’t sleep anymore…

This… this… this…

Who could endure this?

Yan Luo fell asleep quickly, while Gu Que lay awake, staring at the ceiling, feeling utterly frustrated.

News of Prime Minister Yan’s “impending death” spread rapidly. By the next day, the gates of the Gu residence were flooded with visitors, including even the Yan family matriarch, who came to pay her respects accompanied by younger family members.

Yan Luo was the most outstanding member of the Yan family. As long as she lived, the younger generations would have someone to rely on—not every child could possess her level of talent.

The matriarch arrived in a hurry, only to find Yan Luo reclining on a lounge chair, chatting with Zhi Zhi. Zhi Zhi wanted candy, but Yan Luo claimed not to have any, encouraging the child to go ask Gu Que for some.

If successful, they’d split it half and half.

Zhi Zhi was far more obedient than Leng Mian. After some whispering, the child trotted off, full of hope.

Zhi Zhi bowed to the matriarch, who immediately felt her worries dissipate. Though Yan Luo’s complexion was poor, she wasn’t at death’s door.

Yan Luo rose and invited the matriarch to sit on the veranda, ordering the maids to serve tea.

The matriarch studied her. After just three days, her complexion had worsened. Sighing, she said, “I heard about what happened that night and was terribly worried. You sent word that you were fine, and I believed you, but then the palace spread rumors that…”

“Grandmother, why trust outsiders? This time, it was my oversight. I didn’t expect them to be so ruthless. The deputy examiners were all pillars of the court.” Yan Luo sighed. “In truth, His Majesty was particularly concerned about this imperial examination and selected only upright scholars. Who would have thought it would bring them such misfortune?”

The matriarch understood. She grasped her granddaughter’s cold hands and said, “As long as you’re unharmed. I’ve sent people to offer condolences. I heard the scholars are causing an uproar, and His Majesty hasn’t made a decision yet.”

She didn’t mention that the scholars were directing their anger at Yan Luo.

“Mm. Don’t worry. This time, I’ll ensure our uncles benefit.” Yan Luo said, briefly analyzing the current political situation.

Unlike Gu Que, who paid no attention to worldly affairs, the matriarch was well-versed in court matters. Yan Luo’s words made perfect sense to her. The Empress Dowager and the female Emperor were locked in a fierce struggle. By stepping back, Yan Luo could watch the fight from a distance and gauge the Emperor’s capabilities.

The Emperor was surrounded by many capable individuals. It remained to be seen how this situation would resolve.

The matriarch breathed a sigh of relief. “Then you must be careful. By the way, why haven’t I seen the heir?”

“He’s in the study.” Yan Luo replied, thinking of Gu Que’s awkward shyness. A faint smile touched her lips. “Mother had excellent taste. He’s quite an interesting person.”

The matriarch smiled. Women tended to favor their husbands. This child, who never praised anyone, had actually broken precedent today.

She had met the young heir. His unparalleled beauty and gentle demeanor made him seem like an immortal descended to earth. His smile could captivate even the maids.

He was a good person, but the matriarch worried—would he end up like his father, with a house full of concubines? Swallowing her words, she finally asked, “Have the two of you consummated your marriage?”

Such questions should have come from a mother, but the third madame was often deranged. As the matriarch, she had no choice but to ask. Yan Luo’s health was far from robust.

Yan Luo smiled without answering. The matriarch pressed on, “I heard the heir’s previous concubine bore him twins. What do you plan to do about that?”

“Naturally, they’ll be registered under my name. The eldest daughter is here in the residence, in the eastern chamber. Would you like to meet her? She’s quite adorable.” Yan Luo pointed to the eastern chamber. “I’ve kept her away for fear of passing on my illness. If you’d like to see her, I’ll have Tinglan take you.”

The matriarch’s face brightened. She patted Yan Luo’s hand and asked, “Have they been named?”

Yan Luo replied, “The eldest daughter is Gu Qiongju. The young master was named Qingzhi by the Marquis.”

“Qiongju…” The matriarch’s expression changed. “Why such a name?”

Yan Luo feigned ignorance. “What’s wrong with it? Isn’t it nice? Qiongju means ‘beautiful jade’—a fitting name for a girl.”

“It’s not good. Change it immediately. You don’t know what happened back then.” The matriarch grew tense, glancing around. Tinglan promptly led the maids away, leaving only the grandmother and granddaughter on the veranda.

The matriarch gripped Yan Luo’s hand tightly. “You were young then, but you must remember Emperor Wen’s favorite princess—Princess Qiongju. She was fair and lovely, the Empress’s eldest daughter. That year, a fire broke out in the central palace. The Empress perished in the flames, but the princess was saved. Everyone said it was her fault for playing and knocking over a candle. The Empress died protecting her. She’s an ill omen. Why would you choose such an inauspicious name?”

Yan Luo smiled faintly, her eyes like stars. “Just because she bore this name, does that mean no one else can use it?”

The matriarch stared at her. “Must you use it?”

Yan Luo nodded. “It’s already recorded in the family registry. She’s my daughter now.”

“Fine, have it your way.” The matriarch sighed deeply. “The Emperor detested Princess Qiongju the most. Have you thought about how to explain this?”

“Why explain? What name I give my daughter is my business. As long as it doesn’t violate taboos, even if the Emperor himself came, I wouldn’t fear him.” Yan Luo’s tone was icy, her lips pressed into a thin line, exuding coldness.

Not wanting to upset her further, the matriarch dropped the subject. “I won’t visit today. I’ll come for the full-month celebration. It wouldn’t do to arrive empty-handed and invite ridicule.”

Yan Luo smiled, her gaze catching sight of someone approaching. She stood. “Grandmother, have you tried the red fruit?”

“I had two. They were quite delicious—a rare treat. Your mother liked them too.” The matriarch beamed as she spotted her granddaughter’s husband approaching. She patted Yan Luo’s hand. “A marriage must be nurtured. Now that you have a daughter, don’t be willful. Don’t let people’s hearts grow cold.”

“Grandmother worries too much. There’s no one else in the Young Master’s chambers.” Yan Luo straightened, her eyes settling on the youth in a sapphire-blue round-collared robe. The young man’s attire was elegant and fresh, different from usual, his skin like snow, his eyes clear. Earlier, several maids had been entranced just watching him.

Gu Que approached and bowed to the matriarch. “Grandmother.”

The youth’s temperament was as gentle and unblemished as fine jade—utterly pleasing to the eye. The matriarch studied her and felt comforted. “I came to see how you both are doing.”

Gu Que wasn’t a newcomer anymore and had learned how to speak appropriately. “If you miss us, just send word. Why trouble yourself to make the trip?”

“Your filial piety warms my heart. Yesterday’s fruit was delicious.” The matriarch chuckled, having already noticed the clarity in the heir’s eyes.

A person’s goodness, wickedness, cunning, or malice could often be glimpsed in their eyes. Some were skilled at hiding it, but the Young Master’s gaze revealed a simple nature at once.

The Young Master was brilliant, yet the clarity in his eyes didn’t signify ignorance but rather his character. The matriarch liked him precisely because he was pure.

Now, it seemed this marriage was a good one. As long as the young couple was affectionate, that was better than anything.

Gu Que said, “If you like it, I’ll send more in a few days.”

“Your kindness touches me. The Prime Minister’s health is poor—you must take good care of her. I heard the twins will soon be a month old. When is the celebration?” The matriarch was sharp. Xiao Qi’s health was frail—these twins must remain firmly in her grasp.

Gu Que hesitated, unsure of her meaning.

Yan Luo intercepted smoothly. “Don’t worry, we’ll invite you. You’ll have to bring gifts.”

The matriarch agreed cheerfully.

After some conversation, the matriarch prepared to leave. She was advanced in years and couldn’t stay out for long. Gu Que personally escorted her out.

Away from Yan Luo, the matriarch brought up the matter of Li Niang. “Logically, this isn’t something an old woman like me should mention, but your Gu family’s actions are utterly insulting!”

A pair of children appearing less than half a month after the wedding was nothing short of a slap to Xiao Qi’s face—and the Yan family’s. The third madam was often incoherent, so no one from the Yan family had come to speak up.

Gu Que hurriedly clarified her stance. “This was my mistake. I never meant to slight the Prime Minister. What’s done is done—there’s no point in dwelling on it. Rest assured, it won’t happen again.”

“Since Xiao Qi has acknowledged these children, the Yan family will accept them too. We’ll observe all the proper rites. But you must understand—these children belong solely to the Prime Minister now. They have nothing to do with anyone else.” The matriarch’s tone was stern. “And that woman will not be tolerated in the Gu household.”

Gu Que’s heart clenched under the pressure. She stiffly apologized repeatedly. The matriarch softened slightly. “This marriage was arranged by Xiao Qi’s mother. She’s ill now, but if she saw you mistreating her daughter, it would break her heart.”

“You’re right. I’ll treat her even better from now on.” Gu Que vowed earnestly.

The matriarch added a few more admonitions before boarding her carriage, her smile returning. “The Young Master has worked hard.”

Gu Que didn’t dare claim hardship, bowing repeatedly as if she wanted to press her face to the ground.

This was truly life-threatening—Gu Yan’s mistakes, yet she had to bear the consequences.

With the Yan family matriarch finally gone, Gu Que returned to the bedroom, exhausted. They said mothers-in-law were difficult, but in her case, it was the grandmother who was formidable.

She sighed. Yan Luo, reclining against a pillow, watched her and teased, “Tired already? You didn’t seem tired when you were fooling around with women.”

“……” Gu Que stared with wide, dark eyes. This was such a headache—why did she keep bringing this up?

Gu Que was speechless, but Yan Luo wasn’t done. She beckoned and asked, “Young Master, do women smell nice?”

Gu Que rolled her eyes, then suddenly had an epiphany. “Xiao Qi smells the nicest.”

In the Yan family, Yan Luo was the seventh child. Her mother and grandmother often called her Xiao Qi, and Gu Que followed suit. Actually, the name Xiao Qi was quite catchy.

Yan Luo’s lips twitched. This little girl had learned to banter. She eyed Gu Que. “Then why won’t you consummate the marriage with me?”

Gu Que nearly rolled her eyes again. Why was she so fixated on consummation? She sighed. “Why the rush?”

Yan Luo feigned shock. “If a marriage isn’t consummated, people will laugh. Today, Grandmother asked if we’d done it. I said yes.”

“You—you actually answered like that?” Gu Que gaped at the elegant, dignified beauty before her. Yan Luo was the epitome of propriety—why did marital customs elude her?

Yan Luo stared back intently. “Say it. Say what we ‘consummated.’”

Go on, let’s see how you wriggle out of this today.

Gu Que fell silent, simply staring back.

They locked eyes for a long moment before Yan Luo declared, “Tonight, we’ll consummate our marriage.”

“N-no, I’m not ready yet.” Gu Que stammered, her face flushing. She couldn’t meet Yan Luo’s gaze.

Yan Luo sat up slightly, her heart fluttering oddly. Teasing her was rather fun.

After a pause, her delicate finger pointed outside. “The weather’s lovely today.”

Gu Que immediately understood—she wanted ice cream again.

After all that, it was just about childish treats. Gu Que wanted to crack open her skull and see what was inside.

“Want ice cream?” She arched a brow.

The initiative had shifted to Gu Que. Yan Luo smiled faintly. She loved to smile, even when displeased.

Gu Que said, “Then let’s eat outside—sunbathing or by the fire. Pick one.”

Yan Luo pondered. “Then… by the fire.”

As long as she got her treat, the rest didn’t matter.

Gu Que bought a set and laid it out before Yan Luo, instructing Tinglan to prepare a charcoal brazier.

Tinglan was baffled. “A brazier? In this heat?”

Summer was approaching—why would they need a fire?

But she knew her master’s eccentricities. When the Young Master made unusual requests, it usually meant something was afoot. She didn’t dare question it and arranged for the brazier.

Yan Luo gazed at her ice cream, her expression softening. She couldn’t resist praising, “Young Master Gu…”

“Don’t waste your breath, Xiao Qi. Just one. All six are here—take your pick.” Gu Que stood, brushing nonexistent dust from her knees, eyeing the cunning Yan Luo with amusement.

Yan Luo’s eyes curved. “Young Master Gu, you’re so ugly. Disgustingly ugly.”

Gu Que knew her tricks. “Ugly or not, I’m your husband now. You’re stuck with me.”

Yan Luo nodded solemnly. “Since I’m stuck, let’s consummate the marriage.”

Gu Que reached for the ice cream. Yan Luo panicked. “Fine, no consummation!”

Gu Que relented, feigning sternness. “Choose wisely. Just one.”

Yan Luo glared.

Gu Que glared back, as if asking, Are you eating or not? If not, I’m taking it away.

Yan Luo shrank back.

A fire in late spring was unheard of—it would’ve been laughable if word got out. But the maids in the courtyard were tight-lipped.

For some reason, Yan Luo was particularly fond of the cat-shaped ice cream and chose it again.

After taking a bite, she motioned for Gu Que to join her, offering the half-eaten treat. “Don’t you like it?”

Gu Que eyed the ice cream warily, an inexplicable chill creeping up her spine.

Perhaps it was the fire—warm in front, cold behind.

Shrugging it off, she took a small bite. Yan Luo smiled. “Do you like it too?”

“I’ve had it often. I’m not obsessed.” Gu Que’s tone was pointed.

Yan Luo beamed, pretending not to understand as she studied Gu Que. Gu Que’s eyes were exceptionally clear—gazing into them brought inexplicable joy.

When only a third of the ice cream remained, Yan Luo handed it to Gu Que. “You finish it.”

Gu Que hesitated. It wasn’t that she minded sharing, but she suspected a trap.

As a modern person here, she had no particular advantages. She knew that mediocrity stayed mediocrity, regardless of environment.

Around Yan Luo, she had to be extra cautious. The clever woman often set traps, leaving Gu Que treading on eggshells.

Yet, the Prime Minister’s lips curled into a smile, radiant as spring.

Gu Que’s heart melted. Fine, it’s not poison.

She finished the rest. Yan Luo reached for the pig-shaped one. Gu Que opened her mouth to protest, but Yan Luo pointed at the stick in her hand. “You ate the last one.”

Ah, so that’s the trap.

Defeated, Gu Que let her have the pig-shaped one and handed the rest to Tinglan. “Lock the box and give me the key.”

Tinglan, who had witnessed the entire exchange, thought, What’s the point? The Prime Minister will sweet-talk the key out of you in no time.

Sigh. A woman’s heart is as deep as the ocean. The Young Master is still too green to outplay the Prime Minister.

Tinglan carried the box away.

After the ice cream, Yan Luo turned on the “Heavenly Melody” to listen to music, leaning against a pillow in utter contentment.

Gu Que left her to it and went to see Qiongju in the eastern chamber. The baby was already a month old, but the celebration had been postponed to avoid clashing with Gu Que’s exams.

It was rescheduled for two days later, with only close family invited. The Marquis intended it to be a simple affair—just a family dinner.

After all, this wasn’t exactly a glorious matter.

But the Yan family matriarch had declared she would attend, so the celebration had to be grander. However, given the circumstances, a lavish event was impossible—it would disrupt Yan Luo’s plans.

The final decision rested with the Prime Minister.

Qiongju had grown plumper, her little face round as she played by herself on the bed. At this age, she didn’t recognize people and showed no reaction to Gu Que—no smiles yet.

Babies usually started smiling at three months. Gu Que remembered a relative whose baby was so adorable, grinning at just three months, especially when seeing its parents.

Just two more months to go.

With nothing else to do, Gu Que played with Qiongju for a while. Meanwhile, Yan Luo left the bedroom for the study.

Yan Luo was busy, working until midnight before returning. As usual, Gu Que had made space for her. Yan Luo lay down and reached out to hug her.

Gu Que dodged, curling into a ball and presenting only her back.

Yan Luo sighed. Exhausted, she closed her eyes and fell asleep.

One more day of leave!

Yan Luo woke early to write invitations. The gilded floral cards were exquisite, their gold accents exuding luxury. As she wrote, she chatted with Gu Que. “Do you have any confidantes you’d like to invite?”

Gu Que stayed silent. Confidantes? I don’t even have friends, let alone romantic ones. Single as can be.

Ten invitations—for the Yan, Ling, and Huo families. No one else was invited, though they could come if they wished.

Once done, Yan Luo asked, “Have you prepared the menu?”

“I don’t know the customs. You decide, and I’ll adjust as needed. Is that alright?” Gu Que tensed. “Are you planning the full-month celebration?”

“Indeed. Since it’s already a joke, let’s turn it into a grand one.” Yan Luo arranged the invitations and summoned the steward. “Deliver these before noon.”

It was already rushed. Any later would seem discourteous. The steward understood and dispatched ten servants to ensure timely delivery.

Yan Luo had no pressing matters today and discussed the menu with Gu Que. Though inexperienced, Gu Que could prepare novel dishes, so Yan Luo wanted to include a few to refresh the palate.

The three families weren’t outsiders, so the arrangements followed family banquet customs—men and women seated separately, with different dishes.

After hours of discussion, they finalized the plan. Gu Que would make the afternoon arrangements, while Yan Luo lounged under the eaves, basking in the sun.

The warmth and soothing music lulled her into drowsiness.

Soon, she truly slept, drifting into memories of her childhood. She was small, her brother even smaller—just learning to walk. She led, he followed.

They ran along the central palace corridors, their mother watching from the steps, her gaze tender.

It felt like yesterday. She was still a child, doted on by her mother, given everything she desired—yet also warned not to indulge in cold treats.

Gu Que fussed over her just like her mother had—Don’t indulge in cold treats.

Gu Que was younger, so why did she nag so much?

She slept deeply, the sunset’s glow warming her cheeks and rousing her.

Opening her eyes, she saw Gu Que seated at a round table, a cup and a green pastry before her.

Gu Que brought over a cup of milk. “Drink this.”

Yan Luo, still groggy, hesitated before accepting the cup and taking a sip. Before she could catch her breath, Gu Que presented the pastry. “Butter cookies. Matcha flavor.”

Matcha? Yan Luo guessed it was a type of tea. She took a bite—rich in dairy, with a peculiar aftertaste.

After one cookie and a cup of milk, she was fully awake. The setting sun cast a comfortable glow, leaving her refreshed and free of fatigue.

Gu Que returned to the table to work on the menu.

The room was serene. Yan Luo didn’t speak, savoring the unusual tranquility—comfortable in body and mind, the atmosphere soothing.

She didn’t disturb Gu Que, remaining on the lounge chair, eyes closed, soaking in the peace.

Much later, Gu Que set down her brush and handed the menu to a maid. “Follow this. Leave the desserts to Tinglan—she knows how to prepare them. Everyone obeys her.”

“Yes, my lady.” The maid accepted the list and hurried off.

Once alone, Yan Luo rose and stepped inside, watching Gu Que tidy the table. She’s so diligent.

As Yan Luo observed her movements, she suddenly spoke. “Young Master, have you ever eaten something… interesting?”

“What?” Gu Que looked up blankly, meeting Yan Luo’s mischievous smile.

She realized—Xiao Qi was up to no good again. Gu Que turned and walked away, putting distance between them.