After Marrying the Villainous Prime Minister in My Brother’s Stead - Chapter 37

37: Strawberries, Do You Know Strawberries?

Yan Luo ate the cream cake with satisfaction and curiously asked Gu Que how it was made.

Gu Que didn’t feel like telling her and said, “A secret technique, not to be shared.”

Yan Luo asked, “Will you teach Qiong Ju how to make it in the future?”

Gu Que didn’t respond. Yan Luo continued on her own, “Then I’ll have Qiong Ju make it for me in the future.”

Gu Que: “…” Qiong Ju was barely a month old, and she was already being eyed for labor?

How ruthless!

After eating too much cake, Yan Luo had no appetite for dinner. Once she was full, she went to the study, leaving Gu Que alone.

Gu Que was perfectly content with this arrangement. She went to see Qiong Ju, touching her little face and moving her tiny arms and legs with some exercises.

With Yan Luo gone, Gu Que ate alone. But halfway through her meal, Ling Zhao arrived.

Since their marriage, Ling Zhao was the first guest from the Gu family. Gu Que set down her chopsticks and went to the front hall to meet him.

Ling Zhao worked at the Dali Temple, which was under the Ministry of Justice but operated independently without consulting the ministry. Ling Zhao had changed out of his official robes and was wearing a green round-collar robe, standing in the hall with his hands behind his back.

After they greeted each other, the maidservants withdrew. Ling Zhao asked first, “Has the Prime Minister returned?”

Gu Que nodded. “She’s in the study. Are you looking for Prime Minister Yan?”

“No, I’m here for you.” Ling Zhao’s expression was grim.

Gu Que had been living in blissful ignorance, shutting herself off from the outside world and enjoying her peaceful life. But behind her tranquility, chaos was unfolding elsewhere.

Two days ago, the eldest princess of the late emperor was arrested. Today, it was the second princess. Would the third princess be next tomorrow?

Ling Zhao was handling this case and knew there was no rebellion involved—it was simply Prime Minister Yan slaughtering the imperial princesses.

Ling Zhao gave a brief explanation. Gu Que smiled faintly. “You want me to persuade her?”

Ling Zhao fell silent, which was as good as agreement.

Gu Que said, “Husband and wife are one. Whatever she does, I will support her.”

Ling Zhao opened his mouth but couldn’t comprehend Gu Que’s stance.

Husband and wife were one, but that didn’t mean aiding and abetting tyranny. The Prime Minister’s actions were brutal. The two princesses had never interfered in politics, and their consorts rarely left their mansions or socialized. The charge of rebellion was utterly absurd.

There’s no crime for which a pretext cannot be found.

He took a deep breath and said, “She’s doing something wrong. You should advise her.”

“What’s wrong, and what’s right? Just because you say she’s wrong, does that make it so? What’s your basis for judging right and wrong?” Gu Que asked.

Ling Zhao looked at his bewitched cousin. “You’re harming her.”

Gu Que chuckled. “Where does her power come from?”

“From His Majesty,” Ling Zhao replied.

Gu Que continued, “Since it’s given by His Majesty, she’s serving the emperor as his official. She’s merely carrying out His Majesty’s orders. Why don’t you go advise His Majesty to stop? In the end, you’re just bullying the weak and fearing the strong.”

Ling Zhao laughed in frustration. “You’re being unreasonable.”

“Cousin, I’m the one reasoning here. You’re the one who’s not,” Gu Que said slowly, her face smiling.

She was smiling, and her smile resembled Yan Luo’s. Ling Zhao’s eyelids twitched as he barely recognized the person before him. He could no longer argue with his cousin.

In just a month, Gu Yan had improved significantly. Ling Zhao said, “Tomorrow, go to the teahouses and taverns, listen to the voices there. Don’t be a frog at the bottom of a well.”

Gu Que nodded. “I understand what you mean, cousin.”

Ling Zhao left, his disappointment unmistakable. Gu Que saw it clearly. Yet, the affairs of the world were hard to judge. Throughout history, nothing was absolute. Yan Luo was a subject, with the Emperor and the Empress Dowager above her. Moreover, the Prime Minister was aligned with the Emperor, while Ling Zhao might be leaning toward the Empress Dowager, leading to political disagreements with the Prime Minister.

As for the actions of the two princesses, Gu Que knew even less. Ling Zhao was right—she was indeed a frog at the bottom of a well, utterly ignorant of the outside world.

She looked up at the dark, hazy sky. Right and wrong—were they always so important?

Her decision to replace her elder brother and marry her sister-in-law was also wrong. But this wrong would continue, and she didn’t know when it would end. And when Gu Yan returned, there would inevitably be turmoil.

Would Prime Minister Yan accept Gu Yan?

Yan Luo left through the back gate of the Gu residence, almost crossing paths with Ling Zhao, but Gu Que didn’t notice.

Gu Que was still tinkering with her soap. The shop had started selling it a few days ago, and it was expensive, mainly bought by wealthy families. These soaps weren’t just for bathing—they could also be used to wash the face, leaving the skin moisturized and smooth. They were even the best makeup removers.

Sales were booming, but there was a daily limit, so they sold out before noon.

A set of soap could last a long time, but she wanted to create a gift set that could be used as a present, making it even more appealing.

She pondered for a long time, wondering what kind of box would best convey luxury here. After a whole night of thinking, she still hadn’t decided.

By 9 p.m., Yan Luo returned.

As soon as she got back, Yan Luo went to bathe. She reeked of bl00d and spent a long time in the bath, remembering Gu Que’s perfume and sending someone to fetch it for her.

Gu Que waited until she was drowsy. She glanced at her watch—Yan Luo had been bathing for two hours…

Had she just crawled out of a mud pit?

Fortunately, when Yan Luo emerged, she smelled delightful. Yan Luo naturally carried a faint fragrance, one that was barely noticeable unless you got close. Today, however, the scent was strong.

Gu Que hadn’t bathed yet and was lazily leaning against a pillow, sipping milk tea while watching her. “Where did you go?”

“Met an old friend.” Yan Luo said, sitting in front of the mirror as maidservants used large towels to dry her freshly washed hair.

Two towels alternated until her hair was half-dry. Then Yan Luo dismissed them and walked over to Gu Que, spotting the sketches on the small table.

“What are you working on?”

“I want to make a gift set, but I’m not sure how to design it. Do you have any ideas?” Gu Que’s gaze wandered, drifting from Yan Luo’s lips to her chin, her slender neck, and then—to places best left undescribed.

With a quick glance, she immediately straightened her thoughts.

Yan Luo studied the sketches intently, letting Gu Que off the hook. She casually picked up the milk tea from the table and took a sip. Gu Que yelped, “That’s mine!”

“Just one sip, don’t be stingy. It’s quite sweet.” Yan Luo handed the sketches back to Gu Que and took another sip. “I’ll help you, but not for free.”

Gu Que was speechless and turned her head away. “Anything but ice cream is negotiable.”

Yan Luo laughed and called to her, “Young Master Gu, kiss me, and I’ll help you.”

Gu Que turned her head back, puzzled. “It’s that simple?”

“Simple,” Yan Luo nodded, leaning closer. “Young Master Gu, do you understand consummation?”

“Consummation? Of course I do.” Gu Que felt a bit flustered under Yan Luo’s overwhelming aura. The seventh daughter of the Yan family exuded an intimidating presence. Gu Que grew nervous and wanted to retreat, but Yan Luo pinched her chin, forcing her to look up.

Their eyes met, and Yan Luo’s gaze was filled with tender amusement.

Gu Que pursed her lips but didn’t panic. Instead, she leaned in and pressed her lips to Yan Luo’s.

Yan Luo was momentarily stunned. Had this little girl finally figured it out?

Gu Que was a modern person. She might not have eaten pork, but she’d seen pigs run. For a moment, she didn’t feel timid and boldly took the initiative.

Yan Luo was surprised—she hadn’t expected Gu Que to agree so quickly. In the blink of an eye, she went from being the active party to the passive one.

Well, she shouldn’t have praised her. It was just a perfunctory gesture.

But even a perfunctory agreement was still an agreement. How many people in the world actually follow through on their promises with sincerity? Gu Que was different—she was a tranquil and indifferent person, uninterested in romance or court affairs, yet she was incredibly interesting.

Any woman in the world would grow fond of her if they spent time with her.

Yan Luo didn’t dwell on it. If she asked herself how much sincerity she held for Gu Que…

Probably not even one percent!

She smiled to herself and called for a maid to bring writing materials, lecturing Gu Que: “You’re a man and don’t understand a woman’s heart. These items are luxuries, and since they’re luxuries, make them even more extravagant. Use rosewood to craft the boxes—rosewood is resilient and relatively lightweight. Also, embellish the boxes with gemstones.”

As she spoke, the maid brought the writing materials. Yan Luo picked up the brush and began sketching, saying, “Women love beauty. Who wouldn’t like…”

She suddenly paused and asked Gu Que, “Do you have glass boxes?”

Gu Que nodded. “Yes.” She could find them on Taobao, and they probably weren’t expensive.

Yan Luo suggested, “Use glass boxes to hold them, paired with your photo. Glass boxes are priceless.”

Glass beads were already rare, so a large glass box would be even more valuable.

With that, she tore up the previous sketch, dipped the brush in ink, and started anew. Gu Que held her breath as she watched Yan Luo’s brush dance like butterfly wings across the paper.

In moments, a rough outline took shape. Yan Luo continued working on the previous sketch, saying, “You have two options. You can see the results first. Do the glass boxes come in colors? Like a rainbow, vibrant and dazzling?”

“They can,” Gu Que nodded. If they used transparent boxes, the cost would be much lower.

With that, the problem was solved. She breathed a sigh of relief, only to notice that Yan Luo had finished her milk tea.

Wow, she really helped herself!

Gu Que used the sketches to search for similar items on Taobao. As for the rosewood boxes, she’d hire someone to craft them tomorrow.

The gift set issue was settled.

Gu Que went to bathe, and Yan Luo went to bed.

When Gu Que returned, Yan Luo was reading in bed. Gu Que glanced at the title—Records of the Grand Historian.

Of course. Slackers read novels in their free time, while overachievers read historical records.

Gu Que took off her shoes and climbed into bed. Yan Luo was on the inner side and pulled the blanket over Gu Que when she lay down.

Gu Que caught a whiff of the strong fragrance and sniffed before lying down. Yan Luo didn’t do anything else and simply settled in.

The couple closed their eyes to sleep, with no amorous atmosphere or conversation.

Gu Que opened her eyes, her lips twitching. “Cousin came to see me today.”

“I know,” Yan Luo said without opening her eyes. Ling Zhao was a few years older and the most outstanding young man in the Ling family. A two-time imperial examination graduate, he was even more accomplished than Gu Que. His excellence lay in his abilities—unlike others who left the capital to gain experience or joined the Hanlin Academy to stay close to the Emperor, Ling Zhao chose the Dali Temple, marching to the beat of his own drum.

Now, he had secured a place at the Dali Temple, forsaking the path to the Grand Secretariat.

He was aloof and proud, siding with neither the Emperor nor the Empress Dowager—a neutral party.

But Yan Luo didn’t like him. What was the use of being so high and mighty?

Tsk. Today, he came to corrupt Gu Que. Tomorrow, she’d have him banished from the capital.

Yan Luo knew everything Ling Zhao had said to Gu Que because everyone in the Gu residence knew who the true master of the household was.

It was Prime Minister Yan Luo. Though Gu Que was the “male head of the household,” she handled no domestic affairs, leaving everything to the Prime Minister. Comparatively, the servants were more familiar with Yan Luo.

Naturally, someone had relayed today’s conversation to Yan Luo.

Yan Luo didn’t bring it up because she didn’t care. What right did Ling Zhao have to judge her?

How laughable!

If Gu Que didn’t mention it, Yan Luo wouldn’t either. But now, she had.

Yan Luo turned onto her side and poked Gu Que’s soft cheek. “Young Master Gu, what do you want to say?”

“I don’t know what’s happening outside, and I don’t want to get involved. But as the heir of the Marquis’s household and your husband, I can’t remain a frog at the bottom of a well.” Gu Que said seriously.

Yan Luo nodded. “So?”

“I just wanted to ask you. You can tell me if you want, or not if you don’t.” Gu Que probed.

Fundamentally, she shouldn’t have asked. These were state secrets, and even between spouses, they shouldn’t be discussed.

Yan Luo chuckled, her finger sliding down to Gu Que’s lips and poking them. Gu Que shrank back.

Tsk. How bold to make demands while acting so stiff!

Yan Luo refused to indulge her. “Come closer, and I’ll tell you everything.”

Gu Que frowned, sighing inwardly. Yan Luo was treating her as Gu Yan. If she kept deceiving her like this, it would only harm her. One lie required countless more to cover it up.

She had a headache and reluctantly moved closer to Yan Luo.

The two lay facing each other on their sides. Yan Luo’s lips curled as she leaned in. “His Majesty said you’re a troublemaker, one who’ll lead me astray.”

Actually, troublemakers were quite interesting. Life was too dull, and spending time with one could be fun.

Like now—the more the troublemaker wanted to stay away, the more Yan Luo wanted to get close.

Let’s see who was the real troublemaker.

“How am I a troublemaker? His Majesty is the real troublemaker.” Gu Que grumbled. The Empress was already keeping an eye on her, and now she was driving a wedge between them. What a malicious woman.

She was unhappy, but there was nothing she could do—after all, that was the emperor.

Frowning, she looked utterly aggrieved. Yan Luo was amused and leaned in, their noses touching. She said, “I am the Prime Minister, not a kind person. I act without mercy. If you think I’m evil, you can say so directly.”

Gu Que asked her, “Would you change?”

“No.”

Gu Que: “…” Then why bother saying anything?

Yan Luo said, “The two princesses are daughters of the imperial family, born into wealth and privilege. They enjoy glory and riches, but they also face corresponding dangers. The Emperor wants to kill them—this is a contest between ruler and subject. How do outsiders view it? Who do you think is right and who is wrong?”

“I don’t know. I don’t know the details, let alone the inside story. I can’t answer your question.” Gu Que replied honestly. Since ancient times, when a new emperor ascended the throne, they would purge the court. Each ruler brought their own ministers. Here, with a woman as emperor, the princesses also had opportunities. Why was the empress killing her sisters?

Gu Que suddenly understood—Ling Zhao might be right, but the Prime Minister wasn’t wrong either. It was just that their positions differed, leading to different perspectives.

Yan Luo was amused. “Not knowing the inside story means not taking a stance. You have self-awareness, unlike Ling Zhao, who thinks he knows everything and judges freely. How ridiculous.”

When she said “ridiculous,” the smile in her eyes was deep, yet it sent a chill down Gu Que’s spine.

“Let’s sleep,” Gu Que said, no longer wanting to ask. These were tangled problems that wouldn’t be resolved no matter how many times she asked.

Yan Luo reached out, resting her hand on Gu Que’s waist. “Why is your waist so slender?”

Here we go again…

Gu Que shifted her legs back slightly. Suddenly, the weight at her waist lifted—Yan Luo’s hand moved to her thigh. Gu Que immediately grabbed the wandering hand. “What are you doing?”

Yan Luo looked at her. “I’m touching my husband. What’s wrong with that?”

“You, you—” Gu Que stammered, unable to get another word out, her face flushing red.

This wasn’t just a simple kiss anymore—it was crossing a line. Gu Que refused, turning her back to her. Sleep!

Yan Luo laughed, genuinely this time, without any pretense. “Is it too much for me to touch my husband?”

Gu Que stayed silent, like a turtle retreating into its shell. Yan Luo leaned closer. “Come here. I won’t touch you anymore.”

Gu Que didn’t move. Yan Luo threatened, “We haven’t consummated our marriage yet. Should I ask my mother if a man refusing to consummate means he doesn’t like me?”

Ask Third Madam?

How embarrassing. Gu Que immediately turned back, opening her eyes to see Yan Luo’s fair skin in the dim light.

Yan Luo smirked and moved closer. “Do you know strawberries?”

“Strawberries?” Gu Que was momentarily confused. “You want to eat strawberries?”

Asking for strawberries in the middle of the night—what was she up to?

Gu Que felt like she was about to be tormented to death.

Yan Luo chuckled softly. Her nightgown was thin, and somehow, the collar of Gu Que’s robe had loosened, revealing a glimpse of skin below her neck. Yan Luo poked Gu Que’s neck with her finger. “Strawberries here.”

“You—” Gu Que was shocked. “How do you know about that?” There was no concept of “strawberries” in ancient times.

Yan Luo stared at her. Gu Que was beautiful everywhere—her pretty eyes, delicate nose, and lips that always seemed to invite a kiss. Now, lying in bed, she saw things she shouldn’t have, exuding temptation at every turn.

She studied her slowly and said, “Your romance novels.”

A thunderclap exploded in Gu Que’s mind. “You—you read my novels?”

“I did. Are the things in the books true?” Yan Luo naturally extended her index finger, prying open Gu Que’s collar and tapping her collarbone. “If I bite your neck, will it leave a mark?”

Gu Que said irritably, “How would I know? I’ve never tried it.”

Yan Luo blinked with “thirst for knowledge” and leaned closer to Gu Que. “Don’t move. Let me try.”

“No! How am I supposed to face people tomorrow?” Gu Que immediately covered her neck in protest.

The two locked eyes—Gu Que flustered and annoyed, Yan Luo smiling lightly, as calm as ever.

Yan Luo loved to smile. When she smiled at Gu Que, it was like ice melting, carrying a gentle warmth.

Gu Que didn’t dare blink, her heart in her throat, afraid her secret would be discovered.

“You don’t leave the residence, and the maids wouldn’t dare stare at you. Since I’m inviting you so earnestly, why do you still refuse? Could it be that you’re still thinking about Li Niang?” Yan Luo said pitifully, her fingers brushing the back of Gu Que’s hand, which was guarding her neck. Then, her pinky hooked around Gu Que’s index finger, tugging lightly.

Next was the middle finger!

Gu Que shuddered, regret turning her stomach. She never should have left those novels in the bedroom. Next time, she’d read them only in the study.

What a disaster!

Gu Que closed her eyes, feeling the warm breath against her face. Yan Luo suddenly kissed the corner of her lips.

Gu Que opened her eyes and saw those cool eyes gazing at her. The touch of warm skin made her whole body go weak.

Yan Luo’s lips were slightly cool, but her tongue was warm, carrying her tenderness. Gu Que trembled slightly.

The spring night wasn’t cold, and there was no wind. The surroundings were utterly silent—the maids on night duty slept in the outer room, hearing nothing.

The world seemed to hold only the two of them.

After who knew how long, Yan Luo released her lips and kissed the delicate skin of her neck…

Gu Que panicked, feeling like a leaf floating in the air—lifted by the wind, swaying, tossed about. Yan Luo was that wind, controlling her.

Their relationship was lawful, recognized by the world. Anything they did was natural and proper.

As for Gu Yan—let him stay sick!

Yan Luo left early in the morning. Gu Que sat alone at the table eating breakfast. She planned to visit the shop today and didn’t intend to stay at the residence.

But her neck… She asked Tinglan, “Have you seen my romance novels?”

“The ones with yellow and green covers?” Tinglan tried her best to describe them.

“Did you put them away?” Gu Que asked urgently.

Tinglan shook her head. “No. I saw the Prime Minister take them.”

Gu Que sighed. Why was Yan Luo even snatching her novels? This was going to be the death of her!

That novel’s plot was about a domineering prince falling in love with her… Would Yan Luo imitate the tropes from it?

The thought was terrifying. Gu Que lost her appetite and quickly changed into a high-collared robe to cover her neck before leaving the house.

The weather wasn’t too hot today, so the high collar served as a decent cover.

The tavern was already closed, and craftsmen were renovating the shop. She hired someone to make wooden boxes and went to a gemstone shop to buy jewels. Finally, she returned to the soap shop.

Before noon, most of the soaps in the shop were sold out. She didn’t go inside—just from the shelves, she could tell which products were popular.

The goat milk soap was limited to ten sets a day. Once sold out, there were no more. Recently, she had to fulfill orders for the merchant guild, so the shop could only supply ten sets.

Members of the guild had been coming to collect their orders these past few days. Some who liked the soap even wanted more, but the shopkeeper, following Gu Que’s instructions, refused, saying there was no more.

Rare things were always more sought after.

Traveling by carriage was slow, and after a few trips, the day was over.

Gu Que sighed. She had wanted to visit teahouses and taverns, but it seemed there was no time today. She prepared to return home but noticed many more soldiers on the main street than usual.

At this hour, people were usually heading home for dinner. Why were there so many soldiers out today?

Gu Que glanced but didn’t linger to watch the commotion. She headed home.

She was someone who liked to join in on the excitement, but after yesterday’s events, she had grown a bit wiser. Some things weren’t as simple as they seemed on the surface—undercurrents lurked beneath, and a single misstep could cost one’s head.

The power struggle between the Empress Dowager and the emperor only brought suffering to the common people and the scholars who had recently passed the imperial examinations.

When Gu Que returned home, Yan Luo still hadn’t come back. She took the opportunity to buy the rainbow-colored glass boxes and waited for Yan Luo’s return.

She waited for a long time, but there was no sign of her. Usually, Yan Luo would return before dark. She sent people to inquire at the government office and the palace.

At 9 p.m., the person sent to the palace returned, saying the palace gates were tightly shut, with no news coming out.

A short while later, the person sent to the government office also returned—the Prime Minister wasn’t there.

The palace gates were shut… Gu Que’s face paled. Since ancient times, closed palace gates never signaled anything good. Was there a coup?

“Go keep an eye on the palace gates and see if any news comes out.” Gu Que said without panicking. Over the past year, she had gradually adapted to this heart-stopping lifestyle. Yan Luo was a figure who stirred storms at the center of power—such turbulent events were likely to continue in the future.

There was nothing she could do. Not being a burden was the greatest help she could offer the Prime Minister.

Gu Que ate dinner alone and went to bed at the usual time, forcing herself to stay calm.

She didn’t let her thoughts run wild. She closed her eyes, cleared her mind, and slept.

At first, she couldn’t fall asleep, but by the early hours of the morning, she drifted off.

When she woke up, the other side of the bed was empty. Gu Que couldn’t sit still any longer. She dressed and washed up, then returned to the Marquis’s residence to ask the Marquis.

The Marquis of Yongle had connections in the court and likely knew more than she did.