After Marrying the Villainous Prime Minister in My Brother’s Stead - Chapter 35

35: Rouge, You Pushed Me Again!

Yan Luo followed Gu Que’s steps and asked her, “Have you ever tasted rouge?”

“…” Gu Que was once again stunned by her bizarre question. What’s there to eat about lipstick? “Eating rouge will make you sick.”

Yan Luo walked to the dressing table, took out a box of rouge from the vanity case, opened the lid, and applied it to her lips in front of Gu Que, saying, “Don’t you even know the joys of the boudoir?”

Gu Que felt like ten thousand horses were galloping wildly in her heart!

Before marriage, she had thought too simply. She originally believed that Prime Minister Yan had a cold and aloof personality, and after marriage, they would just treat each other with respect and live together peacefully.

But now, the supposedly cold and aloof Prime Minister Yan seemed oddly different. Gu Que stood frozen, not daring to move, as Yan Luo grabbed her hand and pulled her to the mirror.

Gu Que resisted, “I’m a man. How can I wear women’s rouge?”

The rouge in Yan Luo’s hand was locally made in Great Wei, different from modern lipstick. It was brightly colored, though it was unclear whether eating it would cause stomach issues.

“So what if you’re a man? We’re husband and wife. Just let me take a look. Or are you saying you don’t like me and are still thinking about Li Niang?” Yan Luo’s tone turned low, her brows furrowing in displeasure.

Gu Que was intimidated and abandoned her so-called dignity, sitting in front of the mirror to let her do as she pleased.

In an instant, Yan Luo’s gloom turned to sunshine. She dipped her fingertip into the rouge and gently dabbed it onto Gu Que’s lips.

Gu Que’s lips were thin, with a beautiful shape. Yan Luo watched intently as the pale pink lips were stained with a vibrant hue. Originally meant for feminine adornment, she was dressed in men’s robes.

Different attire gave off different impressions—light or heavy makeup, both suited her. Gu Que leaned toward delicate beauty, with fair skin, naturally dark eyebrows, and pink lips. With a change of color, her entire complexion transformed.

Gu Que frowned, but before she could admire herself, Yan Xiaoqi leaned in, blocking the mirror’s reflection.

As she sat down, Yan Luo lifted her chin and eagerly pressed closer. The two were tightly pressed together, as if merging into one.

The scent of matcha enveloped her, and Gu Que felt dazed. The sensation on her lips was different from last time.

Was she… sucking?

No, it hurt a little, but these were trivial matters. She was completely immersed in Yan Luo’s presence.

When Yan Luo finally released her, Gu Que’s lips were already numb.

She… she… she had been taken advantage of by an ancient person again…

This was deadly!

She glared angrily at Yan Luo, who smiled faintly. “My rouge is mixed with honey. It’s very sweet. Did you taste it?”

“No…” Gu Que was utterly depressed, feeling inexplicably that something was off. She was the “man,” so why was the initiative in the woman’s hands?

Was she really that weak?

After some thought, she realized it wasn’t about weakness. She had always seen Yan Luo as a sister-in-law and had no other thoughts.

But what about Yan Luo?

She saw Gu Que as her husband, her mind filled with thoughts of marital bliss—completely normal behavior, nothing wrong with it.

She sighed. Prime Minister Yan wasn’t wrong. The mistake was hers.

After tasting the rouge, Yan Luo let her go, saying, “Haven’t you played like this with other women before?”

Gu Que hung her head, half-sighing. Play what? She hadn’t even held hands with a woman before. But she couldn’t say that. To the outside world, she had “played” with women—after all, she even had children.

There was no way to clear her name now!

After a pause, Gu Que replied, “My feelings for the Prime Minister are genuine, not play. That word insults the Prime Minister. Between husband and wife, we are equals. The word ‘play’ shouldn’t be used.”

Yan Luo laughed and pinched her cheek. “I was just teasing you. Why so serious?”

From a certain perspective, the word “play” was quite fitting for a nobleman like Gu Que. Yan Luo wasn’t wrong. In this era, marriage wasn’t strictly monogamous. For women, it was inherently unfair.

Even if a royal princess married, her consort would still stray. In such an environment, no one remained pure.

It was like eating meat—you take a bite, he takes a bite. Who wouldn’t indulge if given the chance?

Yan Luo was used to it and didn’t care much. When she married, she had considered that Gu Yan might take concubines—even if he didn’t dare bring them into the household, he might keep them secretly.

Habit makes things seem natural. She wouldn’t throw a tantrum over it. As for the twins, whether she accepted them or not, they were Gu Yan’s flesh and bl00d. Whether they entered the household or stayed outside, she didn’t care.

The household could afford to raise an extra child. The Yan family had many concubines, so there were many children. Growing up in such an environment, she saw nothing wrong with it.

Gu Yan’s premarital affairs were just a man’s nature. Since it was in their nature, why waste time and energy arguing?

She didn’t care!

Gu Que said seriously, “This should be taken seriously. Husband and wife are one; there’s no room for others.”

Yan Luo asked, “Will you never have other women in the future?”

“Never.” Gu Que raised her head to look at the Prime Minister’s playful expression. “Will you have other men in the future?”

Yan Luo laughed. Was this little girl’s brain really that simple? Or was she just not using it at all?

In Great Wei, if a wife dared to have other lovers, it would be considered infidelity and ridiculed by others.

She smiled and said, “No, I’m not interested in any man other than you. But I might have other women.”

“Ah…” Gu Que was once again shocked by the strange statement. Was she bisexual? No, no—her own thoughts were getting dirty. The Prime Minister was just joking.

She quickly suppressed her thoughts, not daring to continue down that path. It was too strange how her mind kept wandering.

Yan Luo continued to smile, pinching her cheek. “Little Gu, you’re so adorable.”

Not only was she good-looking, but also so cute!

Gu Que had been teased yet again…

After tasting the rouge, Yan Luo went to the study, satisfied. Gu Que sat alone in the bedroom, feeling gloomy.

Closing her eyes, she saw someone had messaged her on Taobao—the same person as before.

Big Scholar: I’ve saved up enough money.

Gu Que: Good, I’ll give it to you. By the way, do you have any poetry collections?

Big Scholar: What do you need poetry collections for?

Gu Que: For drinking games. They’ll come in handy.

Big Scholar: You play drinking games?

Gu Que: Hurry up and find some.

Big Scholar: Okay, wait a moment.

Gu Que opened her eyes and climbed onto the bed, touching her lips as if Yan Luo’s scent still lingered. Setting aside everything else, Yan Luo was an excellent wife.

Unfortunately, she had taken Gu Yan’s place. None of this belonged to her. In the future, she would have to leave.

Gu Que lay down for a while before the steward came to report some matters, so she forced herself to focus.

By the time she finished handling things, it was already Hai hour (9-11 PM). Yan Luo had eaten in the study, so Gu Que bought a self-heating hot pot and made do with a simple meal.

Yan Luo seemed to have slept too much during the day and didn’t return until late at night. Gu Que was already sound asleep but still remembered to make space for her, shrinking to one side.

The next morning, the Marquis and his wife arrived with Qingzhi. When the two children were placed together, they looked almost identical.

Yan Luo asked Gu Que, “Do you and your sister look alike too?”

Gu Que didn’t know, but since the Madam said they did, she had to agree. “Similar.”

“If your sister tied her hair and wore robes, would she look like you?” Yan Luo asked deliberately.

Gu Que didn’t answer. Yan Luo pressed further, “If you wore a dress, would you look like your sister?”

Gu Que frowned. Yan Luo added, “I’ve never met the Second Miss. Why don’t you put on a dress and let me see what she looks like?”

Pah! She was up to no good again! Gu Que, now wiser, looked up at her and said, “I’m a man. How can I wear women’s clothing? You’re just teasing me again. I know you just want to eat ice cream.”

Oh ho, she’s gotten smarter.

Yan Luo didn’t respond. Instead, she picked up Qiongju and held the child’s hand to touch Gu Que’s cheek, saying, “Your father is bullying your mother. Go complain to Grandma.”

Gu Que laughed. “Is Grandma coming today?”

“She is. Let’s tell Grandma that Daddy has done many bad things—bullying Mommy, not giving Mommy food to eat.” Yan Luo stroked Qiongju’s face, then Gu Que’s, and added, “There’s more, like refusing to consummate the marriage with Mommy…”

Before she could finish, Gu Que covered her mouth. Thankfully, the wet nurses had already left. If they had heard, it would’ve been so embarrassing.

Gu Que cared about her dignity too, even though Prime Minister Yan had already stripped most of it away. A little bit was better than nothing.

She covered Yan Luo’s mouth, but Yan Luo bit her hand, making her yank it back in pain. “You… you bit me!”

“I bit my husband. Is that going too far?” Yan Luo said righteously.

Gu Que was at a loss for words. Prime Minister Yan was being unreasonable, yet every word she said made sense.

It’s not scary when a woman is unreasonable, but when every word she says is logical, you’re the one who ends up seeming unreasonable.

A short while later, the Huo family arrived first. The head of the Huo family came, along with several other members. When they saw Yan Luo holding a child, the Huo family head smiled.

“I’m relieved to see the Prime Minister well.”

Yan Luo returned the greeting as a junior. “Thank you for your concern. Today is the child’s full-month celebration. Your presence truly brings me joy.”

“People outside were saying the Prime Minister was unwell. I was worried, so I came today.” The Huo family head sighed slightly. “Burning down the examination hall—such a thing has never happened before. It’s truly hateful.”

“Elder Huo, you should think of it this way: it’s fortunate the hall wasn’t burned during the exams.” Yan Luo chuckled.

The Huo family head’s lips twitched. He hadn’t expected the Prime Minister to have such a sense of humor.

“There are many people here. Please join me in the study for a talk.” Yan Luo gestured politely.

Elder Huo seemed to realize something and hesitated for a moment before following Yan Luo out. The rest of the Huo family stayed in the hall, chatting and eating snacks.

Gu Que’s hospitality was unique. The hall was filled with pastries no one had ever seen before—milk crisps, bread, nuts—all unheard of outside.

As a token of gratitude, each household received a set of milk soap made from silk. The steward distributed them according to status—ten sets in total.

The Yan family arrived slightly later. The matriarch picked up Qingzhi and personally placed a silver necklace around his neck. The third madam, guided by a maid, did the same for Qiongju. Her movements were clumsy, making Qiongju pout and cry.

The Yan family’s first madam had sharp eyes and immediately took over, praising Qiongju: “This little one looks just like the heir. She’ll surely grow into a beauty.”

The rest of the Yan family chimed in. Fortunately, none of the Huo family noticed, and the Ling family’s ladies were entertained by the Marquis’s wife, so they didn’t see either.

Without Yan Luo present, the third madam couldn’t interact normally. The matriarch sent someone to fetch her, while Gu Que stepped forward to coax her, introducing herself first: “Mother, I am Xiaoqi’s husband.”

The third madam was dazed, her eyes vacant, but at the words “Xiaoqi’s husband,” she immediately looked up and grinned. “Ah, the Gu family’s heir! My son-in-law! You must treat Xiaoqi well. Her health is poor—be patient with her. She’s stubborn, so don’t argue with her. If she misbehaves, just scold her lightly.”

Even in madness, a mother’s love remained.

Touched, Gu Que had someone bring strawberries for her and said, “Xiaoqi went to buy candy. She’ll be back soon.”

“Xiaoqi loves candy too much. It’ll rot her teeth—don’t let her eat it.” The third madam took the strawberry, paused for a moment, then slowly put it in her mouth, her demeanor returning to normal.

The matriarch sighed in relief and gave Gu Que an appreciative glance. This young man was indeed different. With such a mother, Xiaoqi would have been looked down upon, but thankfully, this son-in-law didn’t mind.

Yan Luo arrived upon hearing the news. At the sight of her, the third madam’s lips curved. “Xiaoqi.”

“Mother, you’re here.” Yan Luo stepped forward to greet her. Gu Que retreated, but the third madam called out to her: “Xiaoyan, you must treat Xiaoqi well.”

Gu Que sucked in a breath. The third madam added, “Xiaoyan is so good-looking.”

Well, like mother, like daughter—same taste. Gu Que stepped aside. The ladies of the Gu and Ling families were busy doting on the children.

Prime Minister Yan had acknowledged the children, registering them under her name—a magnanimous gesture. What man wouldn’t envy Young Master Gu for marrying such a virtuous wife?

Ling Zhao also came. He was in the outer courtyard, hosted by the Marquis. They would meet during the banquet later.

Since it was a family banquet, not many attended. The ladies sat at one table, the men at another. However, by noon, gifts from various households began pouring in like flowing water—mostly sent by family members who didn’t stay long. The gifts were a token of goodwill, maintaining propriety.

The courtyard outside the gate was piled high with presents. Even Gu Que couldn’t help but purse her lips. She knew they were all for Prime Minister Yan. Otherwise, why would so many people send gifts uninvited to the insignificant Yongle Marquis’s household?

By the end of the day, the threshold had nearly been worn out. Gu Que spotted a famous inkstone, once used by a great master. How many true masters had there been in history?

Gu Que went online to ask Big Scholar: “A famous inkstone, at least a thousand years old. Want it?”

By her time, it was already ancient. By modern times, it would indeed be a millennium old.

She was just casually asking, but Big Scholar immediately replied: “Yes! Let me see it first.”

They settled the deal. Gu Que asked Yan Luo for the inkstone before it was stored away.

Gu Que now had another source of income. She picked out some items from the gifts, including a few emerald jewelry pieces, and listed them online. If someone bought them, great. If not, no loss.

But that evening, while Yan Luo was tallying the gift list, she noticed many items missing and naturally questioned Gu Que.

Gu Que’s mouth opened and closed: “I took them to sell for funds. The shop needs capital.”

Yan Luo found it odd: “If you’re short on silver, you can withdraw from the accounts. Why go through the trouble?”

“It’s different. Foreign merchants like these things. I’ll trade them for seeds.” Gu Que was barely holding on, her heart racing.

Yan Luo didn’t believe her but didn’t press further. Perhaps she had a lover and wanted to use the jewelry to curry favor. Gu Que was charming—people liked her.

Gu Que explained, but Yan Luo didn’t pursue it. She never cared much about such things. If Gu Que wanted them, she could take them.

The atmosphere in the room grew chilly. Gu Que sat at the round table, watching her work, faintly sensing her displeasure.

The usually cheerful woman wasn’t smiling today.

After some thought, Gu Que said, “How about I write you an IOU? Once the funds come in, I’ll repay you.”

Yan Luo paused her abacus and lifted her eyes to look at her. Without hiding her thoughts, she asked directly: “Aren’t these for your little lover? Why repay me?”

Yan Luo was different from others—blunt and unyielding. When unhappy, her words were barbed. When happy, her eyes would curve into smiles, and she might even kiss Gu Que to tease her.

“What lover…” Gu Que was dumbfounded. No wonder she was upset—she’d misunderstood. She pursed her lips, quickly formulating a response: “They really are for foreign merchants. They like these things. I’m trading them for novelties. What are you thinking? Would I really take your things for a lover? Do you think I’m that shameless?”

“Aren’t you?” Yan Luo stared at her.

Gu Que countered, “How am I shameless?”

“You already have children. Isn’t that shameless?” Yan Luo had the upper hand. If you’re willing to take the blame, then take more of it.

Gu Que was speechless again. She blinked at Yan Luo, as if to say: Can we not bring this up?

Yan Luo’s eyes replied: I will. Take the blame—you deserve it!

Gu Que slunk off to bathe. Yan Luo finished her tasks and calculated the time. The palace should be sending news soon.

Sure enough, just as Gu Que entered, a eunuch arrived: “His Majesty requests the Prime Minister’s presence for a discussion.”

The scholars had been pacified. A retake was inevitable. Within three days, the culprit had been found—a disgruntled examination hall worker who had tried to burn the deputy examiner to death. Unexpectedly, the wind had spread the flames, destroying several rooms.

Though the excuse was flimsy, the culprit had confessed. He was executed in the market square, and the scholars had witnessed it. What more could they say?

They would focus on retaking the exams. Additionally, the Emperor generously rewarded the scholars, covering their lodging and meals at several inns until the exams concluded.

Rumors also spread that Princess Jinyang, three years younger than the Emperor, would marry the top scholar.

For scholars from humble backgrounds, securing a future was their goal.

These solutions were proposed by Wen Fu, the Emperor’s attendant. Like the Prime Minister, Wen Fu had been a study companion, though she joined later. While the Prime Minister entered the Ministry of Justice, Wen Fu served the Emperor. Until recently, Wen Fu held no official position but attended the Emperor daily.

But yesterday, Wen Fu was appointed Palace Censor, responsible for disciplining officials who misbehaved during court assemblies.

Now, she could attend court. The Wen family had risen slightly. Such strategies surely weren’t Wen Fu’s alone—the Wen family must have had a hand in it.

Clearly, the Wen family was eager for a share of power.

Yan Luo entered the palace just as Wen Fu was leaving. Their carriages crossed paths, and Wen Fu stepped down to bow.

Under the palace lanterns, the seventeen-year-old girl—three years younger than Yan Luo—wore a yellow pleated skirt that accentuated her slender waist. Her face was oval, and the night breeze fluttered her clothes, lending her an elegant grace.

Seeing her, Yan Luo thought of Gu Que. They were similar in age, but Gu Que was trapped in men’s robes, devoid of freedom.

“Prime Minister.” Wen Fu looked up, her gaze profound and confident.

Yan Luo studied her: “You’ve worked hard. Once you enter court, it’ll be even harder.”

Wen Fu stood tall. At Yan Luo’s slight smile, she smiled too. “No matter how hard, it can’t compare to the Prime Minister’s toils. When I heard the terrible news, I nearly wept. Thankfully, the Prime Minister is unharmed.”

“Thank you for your concern. It’s late—you should leave the palace. By the way, you’re seventeen. Are you engaged?” Yan Luo’s tone carried hidden meaning.

Wen Fu’s expression shifted. “The Prime Minister is too kind. I am not betrothed.”

“Is that so?” Yan Luo smiled. “I am already married—to a handsome, gentle man. You should visit the Gu residence someday. He has many interesting things to show you.”

Wen Fu, skilled in reading people, was stunned. Was this… bragging about her husband?

The carriage began moving. Yan Luo lowered the curtain, her smile fading, her eyes darkening.

Relying on beauty to serve the Emperor—how long could that last? For someone like the Emperor, how could she remain devoted to one person?

Digging her own grave!

When Yan Luo met the Emperor, her robes were half-open. Yan Luo averted her eyes and said coldly, “Your Majesty, have some self-respect.”

The Emperor glanced up to see Yan Luo’s pale face. Sheepishly, she adjusted her clothes. “Must you be so rigid? Are you like this with your husband too?”

So old-fashioned, so boring!

Yan Luo turned slightly, looking away briefly before meeting the Emperor’s gaze again. “My husband respects himself. He wouldn’t expose himself like Your Majesty.”

The Emperor frowned: “That term describes men. Why use it for me?”

Yan Luo ignored her. “Your Majesty handled this matter well. However, my husband is also taking the exams. Please don’t name him as the top scholar.”

The Emperor rolled her eyes. “No. His essays are excellent. I’ll make him the top scholar and have you and Jinyang share a husband.”

“Why did Your Majesty summon me?” Yan Luo was impatient.

The Emperor ordered a seat for her and recounted recent events. “You walked through the gates of hell, and the Empress Dowager was thrilled. I heard she’s already discussing candidates for the new Prime Minister. If not for your household’s banquet today, she’d still be gloating. By the way, the imperial physicians said you were done for. How did you recover?”

“Incompetent physicians, that’s all. I was just unconscious for two days—far from dying.” Yan Luo sat down to sip tea, blaming the physicians for misdiagnosing her pulse.

The Emperor fumed. “Incompetents! I’ll banish them from the palace. They made me cry for two days.”

Yan Luo wasn’t moved. Setting down her cup, she asked, “Did Your Majesty gain anything?”

“Don’t even ask. By the time I suppressed the matter, the Empress Dowager had already assigned her people. I was too late.” The Emperor sighed, blaming Yan Luo. “Your fainting cost me dearly.”

Yan Luo smiled faintly. “There’s plenty of time. I’ll reclaim it for Your Majesty. With the Tongzhou garrison under your control, what is there to fear?”

A few civil officials were nothing compared to military power!

The Emperor felt somewhat comforted and chatted with Yan Luo for a while. Yan Luo endured the small talk.

As the palace gates were about to close, Yan Luo finally returned to the residence.

Gu Que, as usual, was already in bed, wearing apricot sleeping robes and leaning against a soft pillow, reading a novel. She didn’t care for local storybooks—modern fiction was more to her taste.

When Yan Luo returned, Gu Que tucked the novel into a hidden compartment in the bed and gazed at her with clear, bright eyes. “Is everything settled?”

“Just a few days of slacking.” Yan Luo looked at those eyes and inexplicably felt the urge to pinch them. She smiled first and beckoned. “What were you doing?”

“Reading.” Gu Que lifted the blanket to get out of bed.

But as she approached, Yan Luo pinched her cheek. “His Majesty says whoever becomes the top scholar will marry Princess Jinyang. Young Master Gu, would you like that?”

Again with this…

Gu Que pushed her hand away. Yan Luo frowned. “You pushed me again!”

“Go wash up quickly. Do you have court tomorrow?” Gu Que couldn’t take her capriciousness anymore. If this continued, she’d become the “villain” in Yan Luo’s stories again.

Yan Luo snorted. “Princess Jinyang is very beautiful.”

Princess Jinyang’s mother was a stunning songstress favored by the late Emperor. She had inherited her mother’s looks.

Gu Que rolled her eyes and immediately said, “In my heart, the Prime Minister is the most beautiful woman.”

Unexpectedly, Yan Luo stared at her for a long moment before asking mournfully, “Then in your eyes, who is the most beautiful woman?”

Gu Que: “…” What’s the difference between “in my heart” and “in my eyes”?