After Marrying the Villainous Prime Minister in My Brother’s Stead - Chapter 36

36: Photo Deception, the Prime Minister’s Antics!

There are many unreasonable women in the world.

But a prime minister who acts unreasonably—there has never been one in ancient times, and there may never be one in the future!

Gu Que had had enough. She rolled over and lay flat, declaring, “The beautiful girl in my heart, my eyes, and my entire body is you.”

Yan Luo blinked slowly and asked, “Who are you?”

Lying flat wasn’t enough—she had to get up again. Gu Que, thoroughly exasperated, climbed out of bed once more. Standing on the footstool, she used its slight height to her advantage, leaned in, and quickly kissed Yan Luo on the cheek—light as a dragonfly’s touch, fleeting in an instant.

Yan Luo, however, was satisfied. “Tomorrow, I’ll take you to meet Princess Jinyang. You’ll see what she looks like.”

This time, it was Yan Luo’s turn to gaze at her with resentment. But Gu Que knew her limits and didn’t respond, simply lying back down to sleep.

This prime minister is utterly impossible!

Gu Que initially thought it was just casual talk, but the next afternoon, someone from the palace arrived to summon her for a chat.

“……” Gu Que sighed deeply at the sky. Zhi Zhi came to fetch her and added, “The Prime Minister said you should dress beautifully—wear red robes and a jade crown, as handsome as possible.”

This wasn’t just a palace visit—it was practically a beauty pageant.

Since the Prime Minister had spoken, Gu Que had no choice but to comply. She donned red robes, a jade crown, and adorned herself with jade pendants and sachets.

As she boarded the carriage, she glanced back at the Gu residence. At that moment, Zhi Zhi was stunned: The young master is truly handsome, like a noble orchid or a jade tree, so beautiful he doesn’t seem human—more like a celestial being who fell to the mortal realm.

Unaware of Zhi Zhi’s thoughts, Gu Que sat inside the carriage, her heart uneasy.

The Empress was the legitimate heir, though not the eldest. She had four older sisters (ranking fifth) and seven younger sisters. Princess Jinyang, the eighth princess, was seventeen this year, born to a singing girl.

Princess Jinyang was not favored. With the Empress Dowager around, her life wasn’t easy. But as a royal princess, she was still a cherished daughter of heaven. Rumors said her beauty was extraordinary, and her princess manor had long been prepared, waiting for her to move in after marriage.

Now, her marriage had become a tool for the Empress to placate scholars. But if a noble young master won the title of top scholar, her marriage wouldn’t be too bad.

The Empress and several elder princesses were enjoying themselves in the garden, where pear blossoms bloomed like snow covering the earth.

The younger princesses played board games, while the older ones, along with the Prime Minister and the Empress, played drinking games. Someone suggested summoning Young Master Gu, and a servant was immediately sent to fetch her.

By the time Gu Que arrived, the younger princesses had left, leaving only the adult princesses behind.

Gu Que walked in, stepping over pear blossoms strewn across the ground. The Great Wei Dynasty admired refined scholars, favoring gentle and elegant men. Dressed in red robes, with pear blossoms beneath her feet like white clouds, she resembled an immortal descending on auspicious clouds.

The elder princesses were all struck dumb. Even the Empress, holding an arrow, forgot to throw it. Only Yan Luo, standing to the side, urged her: “Your Majesty, it’s your turn.”

The Empress coughed lightly and threw the arrow toward the pot. Somehow, she missed, but as the sovereign, no one dared to comment.

Gu Que approached the group and bowed: “Your subject greets Your Majesty and the elder princesses.”

Her voice was soft, her tone gentle—pleasant to the ear.

The elder princesses snapped out of their daze at her words, especially Princess Jinyang. Her marriage was tied to the scholars, and Young Master Gu was one of them.

She thought: If only Young Master Gu could win first place. How wonderful that would be.

Alas, even if he had genuine talent, under the Prime Minister’s demands, he would never become the top scholar.

Princess Jinyang’s face fell. Yan Luo glanced at her briefly, a faint smile playing on her lips, then beckoned Gu Que over and asked, “Do you know how to play?”

Gu Que didn’t and shook her head.

“What? Young Master Gu doesn’t even know how to play arrow-throwing?”

Hearing the skepticism, Yan Luo was also puzzled. Noble youths learned this from childhood—how could Gu Que not know?

She was curious. Gu Que’s face flushed red.

Yan Luo immediately said, “It’s fine if she doesn’t know. It’s getting late—does Your Majesty wish to continue?”

The Empress was also studying Gu Que. Her eyes were too pure, soothing to look at. The Empress felt a stir in her heart and couldn’t help but glance at her again. Yet, remembering that the young master was a man, her desire to possess the second Miss Gu grew even stronger.

The Empress’s gaze was possessive. Gu Que didn’t notice, but Yan Luo did. Because she understood the Empress’s thoughts all too well. The Yongle Marquis’s household was in for turbulent times.

She smiled faintly.

Gu Que’s heart skipped a beat. She’s scheming again.

The Empress said, “What’s the hurry? Let’s play a bit longer. The young master just arrived—let her rest. I’ll play a few more rounds with the Prime Minister.”

She glanced at Young Master Gu, then pulled the Prime Minister back into the game.

In the moment they turned away, Princess Jinyang stared at Gu Que, her eyes distant. So there really is such a handsome young man in the world.

A palace maid led Gu Que to a pavilion to sit, serving tea and snacks.

Gu Que was extremely reserved, her back straight, her posture dignified, every movement carefully controlled.

She tried to recall Yan Luo’s manner of drinking tea and took a small sip, her eyes fixed straight ahead, not daring to glance around. These were all princesses, and she was a “man”—an outsider. It wouldn’t be proper to look at other women.

Especially with Yan Luo present. If she so much as glanced at someone, Yan Luo would surely corner her and ask: “Is she pretty? Prettier than any woman you’ve been with before, right?”

The thought gave Gu Que a headache.

She avoided looking at the princesses, but the princesses huddled together, staring at her.

“I heard Young Master Gu also took the imperial exams and ranked third the first time. His Majesty said he was originally the top scholar, but there’s an old rule that the third rank must go to someone with both talent and looks, so he was demoted. If he takes the exams again, might he become the top scholar?” Princess Chaoyang, the second princess, wondered.

“But he’s already married, so it doesn’t count.”

Princess Jinyang’s expression darkened. Given the Prime Minister’s methods, there was no way Young Master Gu would ever become the top scholar.

What woman would willingly let her handsome husband go to another? If the late Emperor were still alive and favored her, she might have had a chance. But now, with the Empress on the throne and Yan Luo wielding immense power, she—a lowly princess—dared not compete with the Prime Minister.

She laughed at herself and sighed. “He really is handsome.”

A noble orchid, a jade tree—who wouldn’t like such a person?

Hearing this, the other princesses giggled. Meanwhile, Gu Que continued sipping tea, the tension in her brow easing slightly.

Soon, the Prime Minister returned, and the elder princesses immediately fell silent, their eyes still darting toward Young Master Gu.

Gu Que stood and left with the Prime Minister.

The Empress remained in the garden to rest and drink tea. The garden, once crowded, quickly emptied.

Princess Jinyang also left, her gaze downcast, her mood visibly low. She wasn’t good at hiding her feelings, and the palace maids noticed.

At the same time, Yan Luo and Gu Que strolled along the palace path.

Yan Luo asked Gu Que, “Is she pretty?”

Gu Que thought for a moment and said, “I don’t know.”

“You’re just afraid to admit she’s pretty, aren’t you?” Yan Luo didn’t believe her. Who wouldn’t like a beautiful person?

Gu Que looked at her. “I didn’t even glance at her. How would I know if she’s pretty or not?”

Yan Luo sighed dramatically. “Why didn’t you look?”

Gu Que replied, “I already have a wife. How could I look at another woman? That would be disloyal to you.”

Yan Luo was speechless. The girl’s words were sincere—there was no fault to find.

After walking a while longer, Yan Luo said, “Earlier, the elder princesses were staring at you.”

Gu Que nodded. “That’s because your husband is handsome. You should be proud.”

Yan Luo: “…” She’s improving!

Yan Luo left work early to eat strawberries in the greenhouse. Gu Que had no choice but to take her there. Shortly after leaving the palace, they ran into Ling Zhao.

Ling Zhao and Zhao Mingwu stood together in official robes, followed by a troop of soldiers. The Gu family’s carriage stopped, and the two immediately stepped forward to bow.

“Your humble officials greet the Prime Minister and Young Master Gu.”

Yan Luo nodded. “What are you two doing?”

Zhao Mingwu glanced at Gu Que—red robes, jade crown—and his eyes flashed with admiration. Meanwhile, Ling Zhao’s gaze lingered on the Prime Minister.

Zhao Mingwu rested his hand on the saber at his waist and replied, “There’s been a thief in the city. We’re searching for them.”

“And Lord Ling?” Yan Luo smiled faintly, her eyes meeting Ling Zhao’s. Their gazes locked, and Ling Zhao’s hands, hidden in his sleeves, trembled uncontrollably.

Ling Zhao quickly lowered his eyes. “This official is assisting Lord Zhao.”

Gu Que asked curiously, “What kind of thief?”

Ling Zhao glanced at the Prime Minister. “Rumored to be a flower thief.”

Gu Que: “…” She’d often read about or seen such thieves in books and TV shows but never thought they actually existed.

The two still had work to do. After a few pleasantries, Yan Luo ordered the coachman to proceed. Suddenly, Zhao Mingwu spoke up: “Young Master, I have a few words I’d like to say to you.”

Here we go again. Gu Que had a headache. She looked at Yan Luo and pursed her lips: Help me refuse.

Yan Luo smiled lightly. “Fine. I’ll lend Young Master Gu to you for a moment.”

This, this, this… such a little troublemaker! Frustrated, Gu Que got out of the carriage and walked aside with Zhao Mingwu.

Zhao Mingwu pulled a jade pendant from his robes. “This was given to me by the second young lady. I found it recently and thought to return it to her if I ran into you.”

They exchanged private tokens?! Gu Que was shocked. She quickly took the pendant and said, “This must not be spoken of.”

Zhao Mingwu seemed reluctant. But when he met the young master’s bright eyes, he recalled the last time he’d seen the second young lady. Back then, she was still in good health and had given him the pendant, asking him to wait two more years. Unexpectedly, not long after, he heard she was critically ill and near death.

If the second young lady were healthy, she’d surely be even more beautiful than the young master!

After taking the pendant, Gu Que hurried back to the carriage.

She was utterly depressed. Every day, I’m taking the blame—for my brother, and now for my sister too. They say noblewomen of ancient times were reserved and dignified, but she even gave away a jade pendant. Where’s the dignity in that?

Once back in the carriage, Yan Luo asked, “What did you talk about?”

“Nothing much. Just small talk—asked after the Marquis’s health and how my sister is doing.” Gu Que didn’t want to talk anymore. She was tired, mostly just annoyed.

She didn’t like this body, didn’t like the original Gu Que, and especially didn’t like Gu Yan.

Gu Yan, in particular, is infuriating. If possible, I’d just leave. But without travel permits or identification, I can’t even leave the capital.

In modern times, she could have run away from home. But here, it was too hard, especially since she knew nothing of the outside world. She was like a blind person—leaving would be suicide.

She was irritated but didn’t show it.

Yan Luo studied her, not blinking. “You’re quite amusing when you’re frustrated.”

Gu Que said, “I’m not frustrated.”

“You are. Even if you try to hide it, your eyebrows give you away. You haven’t learned to conceal your emotions yet.” Yan Luo tapped Gu Que’s eyebrows with her fingertip, tracing the arch of her brows.

Such an innocent little girl, untouched by hardship, unaware of how cruel people can be.

“And your back is slightly hunched. Put the two together, and it’s clear you’re frustrated.”

Gu Que glanced at her. “Are you a psychologist?”

“What’s a psychologist?” Yan Luo didn’t understand, but she didn’t pause. Instead, she explained, “No matter where you are, you must learn to read people. You don’t need to stare—just glance, remember their demeanor, and think about it later. Someone like you is too obvious. If possible, you should learn to hide your emotions. Smiling would help.”

“I… I can’t smile right now.” Gu Que hesitated. “But I can learn.”

Yan Luo smiled. The girl’s dark eyes were earnest—who could refuse such an obedient student?

The topic ended there. Yan Luo casually brought up the earlier incident: “Zhao Mingwu and Ling Zhao weren’t investigating a flower thief. They were after rebels.”

Gu Que perked up and listened closely. Yan Luo continued, “The late Emperor had twelve daughters. The eldest, Princess Anping, was over thirty. A few days ago, the Empress ordered her execution. Her husband hanged himself, but their two children disappeared.”

“Did she do something wrong?” Gu Que didn’t understand.

Yan Luo said, “Being born into the imperial family is a crime in itself. Where do you think she went wrong?”

“They’re sisters, but also sovereign and subject. The sovereign commands, the subject obeys—even unto death. Her children fled, making them rebels. These things can’t be spoken of openly, so Ling Zhao called it a flower thief. You can’t trust their words.”

Gu Que understood. Since ancient times, new emperors purged their rivals. She asked Yan Luo, “Will there be others?”

Aside from the Empress, there were eleven elder princesses. Would none of them survive?

Yan Luo lifted the carriage curtain, her fingers pausing slightly. “I don’t know.”

Would the Empress stop?

Yan Luo smiled faintly. Sisters killing sisters—what an interesting story.

The carriage stopped, and the two stepped out. Xiyu opened the door to greet them, excited. “The watermelon seeds have sprouted! They look good!”

Then she noticed the woman beside Gu Que and immediately curtsied, not daring to be presumptuous.

She was only twelve, her voice crisp and youthful, her face still childlike, like the rising sun.

Yan Luo took Gu Que’s hand and walked past her, asking, “You have a good eye for servants. She’ll grow into a beauty.”

Gu Que reflexively replied, “She’s just a child.” Only twelve.

Yan Luo looked at her. “I was just complimenting her.”

Gu Que fell silent. Fine, whatever. Let her say what she wants.

Yan Luo headed into the strawberry greenhouse while Gu Que went to check on her watermelons. They went their separate ways, and Xiyu wisely followed Yan Luo, carrying a basket.

Yan Luo picked strawberries and popped them into her mouth. After swallowing, she asked, “How long have you been here?”

“Over a year. When I arrived, this was just an ordinary house. Later, there were strawberries, watermelons, and tomatoes.” Xiyu was nervous. From their earlier interaction, she could tell the young lady cared about this woman.

Yan Luo nodded. “Have any other young ladies visited here?”

“No,” Xiyu said.

Yan Luo ate a few more strawberries. “Did the strawberries only succeed this year?”

“Yes. The greenhouse next door also tried, but failed last year. This year, they tried twice—the other greenhouse failed, but this one succeeded.”

Yan Luo asked, “What else is planted here?”

“There are also apple trees. They’re supposed to grow big, red apples. I haven’t seen them, but I’ve seen pictures. They look wonderful!” Xiyu’s eyes curved with joy.

“Apples? What pictures?” Yan Luo was curious.

Xiyu asked, “Would you like to see?”

Yan Luo set down the strawberries and followed Xiyu out of the greenhouse.

Gu Que’s property was large. The backyard was empty, save for a few rooms where kumquats were grown—tiny fruits hanging from potted plants arranged indoors.

Yan Luo plucked one and ate it. It was sour. Xiyu said, “The young master said these are out of season, and the variety isn’t great. They didn’t grow well. But I think they’re nice—you can admire them and eat them too.”

“You’re right. I’ll take one with me later.” Yan Luo nodded. Gu Que had so many treasures.

One room held a desk, different from ordinary desks—brown, with many drawers on either side, smooth to the touch. Xiyu opened a drawer and took out a few photographs.

Yan Luo’s eyes fixed on them. “What are these?”

“Photographs.”

“Photo deception?” Yan Luo took the photos, her fingers brushing the smooth surface. “Painted?”

Gu Que was not only talented in literature but also in art. While others aimed for lifelike paintings, hers were identical.

Yan Luo was amazed. Xiyu handed her a camera. “This is what takes them. But we’re out of film. The young master said we’d need to buy more from foreign merchants.”

The camera was also out of batteries, just a black box to Yan Luo. But she took the photos anyway.

Such vivid images shouldn’t be hidden away.

Xiyu brought out a few more novelties: a flashlight that glowed in the dark, a pen that released ink on its own, and a syringe for injections—all strange and fascinating objects.

Yan Luo took them all. Xiyu hesitated. “You’re taking everything?”

These were worth a lot of silver. If she took them all, the young lady would be at a loss. The thought made Xiyu ache for her.

After collecting her loot, Yan Luo returned to picking strawberries. Gu Que came back and noticed Xiyu’s troubled expression. She quietly asked, “What’s wrong?”

“She took your photos, flashlight, pen, and syringe. I just showed them to her.” Xiyu’s face was pale, as if she’d committed a grave mistake.

Next time, I won’t show off so much. Thankfully, I didn’t take her to the other rooms.

To her surprise, Gu Que laughed. “Let her take them. It’s fine. I’ll bring more in a few days. If she wants them, she can have them.”

“Give her everything?” Xiyu’s brows relaxed. “I didn’t do anything wrong?”

“Not at all.” Gu Que patted her head. “Go on. I’ll find her.”

Xiyu hurried off, relieved. Gu Que entered the greenhouse and said, “In a few days, I’ll take your photo. How does that sound?”

“With that ‘photo deception’ thing?” Yan Luo didn’t understand. What use was that little gadget?

Gu Que nodded. “In a few days, once I get more film. A small one you can keep on your desk in the bedroom or study.”

Yan Luo popped another small strawberry into her mouth and said, “You could open a shop. If you could capture people like that, your business would thrive.”

Watching Yan Luo’s greedy expression, Gu Que smiled. “Aren’t you afraid it’ll steal your soul?”

Yan Luo ate another strawberry. “I don’t believe in ghosts. I’m telling you—one photo for one tael of silver. Your business would do even better than the soap shop.”

“Alright, but—you can’t eat anymore.” Gu Que snatched the strawberry from her hand. “How many have you had? Doesn’t your stomach hurt?”

“It doesn’t.” Yan Luo’s voice was low. “You’re so controlling.”

They picked some strawberries, and Gu Que generously gifted Yan Luo all the kumquats. It should have been a happy occasion, but Yan Luo sighed dramatically. “You’re so generous. What if you change your heart later? What will I do?”

Gu Que shuddered.

She said, “I won’t change my heart.”

Yan Luo poked Gu Que’s chest with the flashlight. “All men are fickle. But it’s fine. First, give me all your treasures. Once I’ve drained you dry, even if you change your heart, I won’t be afraid.”

“You…” Gu Que was speechless. Then Yan Luo added, “No, if you change your heart, I’ll lock you in bed. You won’t go anywhere.”

A menace. Better she torment me alone than harm others.

Yan Luo returned home laden with seven pots of kumquats. While the fruits were still good, she sent one to the Empress, one to the Yan residence, and one to the Yongle Marchioness.

Four remained. She secretly sent one to Elder Huo and reluctantly gave another to the Empress Dowager.

That left two. She ate all the fruits and left the plants to bask in the sun under the eaves.

The next day, Gu Que saw them and was dumbfounded. After nurturing them for half a year, they’re just… gone?

Yan Luo had left for court, escaping before Gu Que could confront her.

Furious and helpless, Gu Que watched as Yan Luo went to the Ministry of Justice and then straight to Princess Chaoyang’s residence—the second daughter of the late Emperor.

Just yesterday, they’d been playing arrow-throwing together. Yan Luo didn’t go alone—she brought soldiers.

In less time than it took to drink a cup of tea, the princess’s residence was surrounded. Yan Luo strode in.

Princess Chaoyang stared at Yan Luo in disbelief, her lips trembling. “Prime Minister Yan, what are you doing?”

Yan Luo smiled faintly. “By His Majesty’s order, I’ve come to invite the princess to the palace for a chat.”

“A chat…” Princess Chaoyang turned pale with rage. Seeing Yan Luo’s lotus-like face and gentle smile, she abandoned all decorum and lunged at her.

Before she could get close, someone kicked her away. Zhi Zhi appeared as if from thin air, drawing her sword and pressing it to Chaoyang’s chest. “How dare you!”

Princess Chaoyang lay sprawled on the ground, glaring hatefully at Yan Luo. “Treacherous villain!”

Yan Luo looked at her, her smile warm as spring sunshine. “Thank you for the auspicious words.”

She turned away, and attendants immediately hauled Princess Chaoyang up, roughly shoving her out of the residence.

The late spring sunlight was lovely. Yan Luo found herself missing yesterday’s kumquats. Such a pity there were so few. If I’d known, I wouldn’t have given them away.

After delivering the princess to the palace, soldiers ransacked the residence. Who could have imagined that yesterday’s playmates would today turn on each other with blades?

At dusk, Yan Luo returned home from work. Gu Que sat in the courtyard eating pastries—she was hungry and didn’t know when Yan Luo would return, so she snacked to tide herself over.

But Yan Luo came back unusually early. Seeing the white pastry glistening in the sunset, she asked curiously, “What’s this?”

“Cream cake,” Gu Que said irritably, eyeing her. “Why are you back so early?”

“I finished killing people, so I came back. Can I have a bite?” Yan Luo stared at the cream cake, its sweet aroma telling her it must be delicious—even sweeter than sweet milk.

She reached for it, but Gu Que swiftly moved the plate away. “It’s almost dinnertime. No more snacks.”

Yan Luo sighed and said meaningfully, “I killed several people today.”

Gu Que’s arms trembled slightly. She’s never even killed a chicken.

Yan Luo gazed pitifully at Gu Que. “If I don’t get to eat, I’ll be unhappy. Should I go back and kill a few more?”