After Marrying the Villainous Prime Minister in My Brother’s Stead - Chapter 39

39: No Power, You Call Out.

No matter how they tried to steer the conversation, the topic of taking the blame just wouldn’t go away. Gu Que was mentally exhausted. She wasn’t as afraid of Yan Luo as before, but she still glared at her fiercely and said, “Grandma said your body isn’t suitable for having children.”

“Oh.” Yan Luo responded, lowering her head slightly. After a brief pause, she added, “Since you listen to Grandma so much, she also said it wouldn’t interfere with consummating our marriage.”

“When your health improves, then we’ll… consummate.” Gu Que said, feeling utterly defeated. Weren’t ancient women supposed to be reserved and dignified? How did Yan Luo end up like this?

Puzzled, Gu Que watched as Yan Luo suddenly remarked, “That romance novel of yours is quite good. You should learn from that prince.”

“Learn what from him?” Gu Que asked, confused.

Yan Luo looked at her and smiled. “Spend more time being affectionate with your wife.”

Well, every sentence circled back to the topic of consummation. Gu Que had no choice but to shove the “Heavenly Voice” into Yan Luo’s hands and turn to leave.

After two steps, she remembered something and turned back to ask, “Why did you want me to come to the palace?”

“To make you forget about the kumquat incident. I was afraid someone might question you. Also…” Yan Luo paused, her tone turning cold. “Jinyang was just now urging the Empress Dowager to search the Gu residence.”

To retrieve clothes? What a joke. If they really wanted clothes, the Empress would have sent someone long ago. Why would Jinyang need to meddle?

Suddenly, Gu Que understood why the Prime Minister was angry—there were hidden meanings in those words. She asked, “Is she the Empress Dowager’s person?”

“The Empress Dowager is her birth mother, so of course she listens to her,” Yan Luo replied, exhaling lightly and relaxing her shoulders as she sat down on a couch. She continued, “You don’t involve yourself in these matters, but it’s good for you to know some things. Jinyang’s marriage depends on fate—it’s in the Emperor’s hands during the palace examination. Jinyang is anxious, which is why she’s scrambling to cling to the Empress Dowager.”

Logically, Jinyang’s status isn’t particularly noble, but she’s still a princess. Marrying into an ordinary aristocratic family would be more than enough. But this time, she might not even be matched with an aristocratic family.

When people are desperate, they make mistakes.

Gu Que didn’t fully grasp the significance of this. What was the point of mentioning it?

She stayed silent. Yan Luo massaged her temples and went on, “The Emperor and I joined forces to kill Prince Huaizhang. The Empress Dowager knows it was my doing but can’t find evidence, so she confined me to the palace. But after tonight, the officials will pressure her, and she’ll have to release me. Next comes the imperial examination—we can’t afford any more mistakes.”

“If you were the Empress Dowager, what would you do?”

Gu Que remained baffled and shook her head.

Yan Luo straightened up. “If I were the Empress Dowager, I’d plant Jinyang by your side.”

“Plant her by my side? For what?” Gu Que felt dizzy, as if the world were spinning. “To spy on me?”

“Half right—to spy on me. The goal is to make me uncomfortable. If the backyard is on fire, loopholes will eventually appear. My point is, I’d like you to skip this year’s exam.” Yan Luo smiled faintly. “I know your ambitions don’t lie in the court. There’s no need to wade into this mess.”

Gu Que sucked in a cold breath, her composure crumbling. “Do you really believe I have the ability to score as the top scholar?”

“The first time, if the Emperor hadn’t insisted the Tanhua needed both talent and looks, you would’ve been the top scholar. Among the remaining scholars from the north and south, your literary skills are the strongest. Let me also tell you—the one who advised the Emperor was Wen Fu. Wen Fu and I have opposing political views.” Yan Luo raised an eyebrow and sighed. “The best thing for you is to skip the exam.”

Gu Que gave her a cool look. “Who is Wen Fu? Did you offend her?”

“She’s in love with the Emperor, and the Emperor relies on me.” Yan Luo couldn’t suppress a smile. “Don’t worry, I won’t let you suffer losses. I’ll also explain to the Marquis and compensate the Marquis residence.”

What the Marquis of Yongle wanted was clear to her—nothing more than the future of the Hou residence and Gu Yan. And these things were no challenge for her.

“Fine. As long as the Marquis doesn’t mind.” Gu Que resigned herself. But she knew the imperial examination wouldn’t be so simple. Given Yan Luo’s temperament, she would surely retaliate.

After some thought, Gu Que said, “Prime Minister Yan, this year’s scholars are having a hard time.”

“I know. Don’t worry—the spring exam will proceed smoothly.” Yan Luo found it amusing. Gu Que was like a clay Buddha crossing a river—barely able to save herself—yet she still had time to worry about others.

Oh well, a hopelessly kind person.

Yan Luo dropped the subject and pulled Gu Que to bed. Gu Que protested, “I haven’t washed up yet.”

“Neither have I. Just think—the water here might make your skin rot.” Yan Luo said.

Gu Que blinked. Fine, no washing. They could deal with it tomorrow.

The bed in the palace wasn’t large—nothing compared to the one at home. It was meant for Yan Luo alone, but now there were two people, making it a bit cramped. At home, Gu Que slept with plenty of space between them, but here, they were practically shoulder to shoulder.

As soon as Gu Que lay down, Yan Luo suddenly spoke up: “Make some noise.”

Gu Que wasn’t stupid. She understood the implication and retorted, “You’re the woman. You should be the one making noise.”

Yan Luo frowned. She’d gotten smarter—harder to fool now. She countered, “I’m the Prime Minister, I must maintain decorum.”

“I’m a man. How could I be the one making noise?” Gu Que stood her ground.

Yan Luo rolled over, grabbed her hand, and suddenly took Gu Que’s earlobe between her teeth, biting down lightly. Gu Que winced. “Why are you biting me again?”

“Make noise, and I’ll stop. They want a show—you should give them one.” Yan Luo said matter-of-factly.

Gu Que covered her ear and, after a moment’s thought, leaned in closer. “Don’t move…”

“I’m not moving. What are you doing…?” Yan Luo was startled as Gu Que pinned her shoulders down and pressed a leg over hers. The position…

It looked exactly like one of those illustrations from the little books…

This Gu Que had actually read those books! Yan Luo immediately scolded, “Have you been looking at things you shouldn’t?”

Gu Que froze, then smirked mischievously. “Do you want to see? I’ve got something even more interesting. Want to take a look?”

Two people from different eras—let’s see who’s “naughtier.”

Yan Luo stared into Gu Que’s bright, sparkling eyes and suddenly felt her perception of her shift. There was something intriguing about it, and she really did want to see what Gu Que meant by “more interesting.”

To be honest, Gu Que was a classic goody-two-shoes—gentle and soft-spoken, the perfect candidate for a traditional wife, managing household affairs and tending to her husband.

But one day, the goody-two-shoes turned mischievous—not overtly, but in a sneaky way.

She knew that being with Gu Que would inevitably lead to conflicts due to their differing perspectives and backgrounds. But after being married for over a month, Gu Que seemed different from what she’d imagined.

She asked Gu Que, “Show me.”

Gu Que leaned over her shoulder and whispered, “Are you sure?”

Yan Luo wasn’t sleepy. She was wide awake and brimming with curiosity. “Yes.”

“I feel like I’m corrupting you,” Gu Que muttered to herself, suddenly regretting it. Yan Luo was already plenty mischievous—what if she became even worse after this?

She sat up. “I… I take it back.”

Yan Luo shot her a look. “Then should I kiss you?”

“Forget it. Just wait here.” Gu Que got out of bed, barefoot, and hurried to the outer chamber.

The sleeping quarters were divided into inner and outer chambers. They had been talking in the outer chamber earlier, while the bed was in the inner chamber. Gu Que rushed back out.

A moment later, she returned with something black and rectangular. Yan Luo’s eyes widened as the object suddenly lit up, displaying moving images.

Suddenly, with a click, her heart skipped a beat.

Gu Que handed the device to her, and her own face appeared on the screen.

Yan Luo’s gaze softened like water, hesitating to take it. “What is this?”

“Something fun. It can take photos and record videos. I’ll teach you how to use it later. Play with it yourself for now. What you wanted is here…” Gu Que exited the camera and opened a video. Immediately, an explicit scene unfolded.

Yan Luo was dumbfounded. The dignified Prime Minister of the court quickly flushed red. “They… they’re moving…”

“I’m going to sleep. Play with it yourself.” Gu Que smirked triumphantly, pulled the blanket over herself, and turned away, barely suppressing her laughter.

You tease me? Well, I can tease you too. Let’s see who’s better—an ancient like you or a modern person like me.

Gu Que happily closed her eyes to sleep, having muted the device. Yan Luo wouldn’t know how to turn the sound back on. The thought alone was enough to make her burst into laughter.

She covered her mouth, giggling silently.

But moments later, Yan Luo asked, “Why are there two girls?”

“A man and a woman…” Gu Que refused to believe it and leaned over to look. Sure enough, it was two girls.

She froze. Did I buy the wrong one? Or did the seller make a mistake?

“Then give it back.” Gu Que reached out to take it.

Yan Luo refused, her lips curving into a smile. “No, it’s mine now.”

“No, listen—you have to believe me, I’m not into this…” Gu Que hurriedly explained. “I didn’t check before buying. Let’s switch to another one.”

Gu Que tried to grab it, but Yan Luo held firm. “Do you want to watch together?”

“Ugh, no, no, give it back…” Gu Que panicked and lunged for it.

Yan Luo laughed. “Once given, it’s mine. How can you take it back?”

Gu Que refused to back down. If she had to snatch it back, she would.

They tussled like children, Yan Luo eventually forced off the bed, standing barefoot beside it. “Call out once, and I’ll return it.”

Gu Que huffed. “You call out, and I’ll show you something even better.”

Yan Luo caught the key point. “You’re hiding something?”

Gu Que lifted her chin proudly. “So what if I am? It’s still mine.”

“I’m your lawfully wedded wife. What’s yours is mine. Our marriage was arranged by our parents and confirmed by matchmakers—have you forgotten?” Yan Luo stood her ground.

Gu Que glared helplessly. How long am I going to be stuck taking the blame for this? The matchmakers and parents had arranged this for Gu Yan, not her.

Yan Luo sneered. “We bowed to heaven and earth together. Have you forgotten?”

Oh no. That ceremony was with Gu Que, not Gu Yan.

Gu Que blinked slowly, feeling like ten thousand horses were galloping through her heart. Too exasperated to argue, she simply flopped onto the bed. But inwardly, she thought: Just wait until the battery dies. Let’s see how smug you’ll be then.

Moments after she lay down, a sultry moan suddenly filled the room.

She bolted upright like a fish leaping out of water. “Turn the volume down! They’ll hear!”

But instead of lowering, the sounds grew even louder. Yan Luo’s lips curled. “See? They’re helping you.”

Gu Que was utterly defeated, collapsing back onto the bed and clamping her hands over her ears. She even turned up the volume! This is the end of me…

Just die already, battery…

The noise wasn’t just heard by eavesdroppers—even those who didn’t want to hear it caught every sound.

The commotion was loud.

By dawn, the news had reached the Empress Dowager.

“Last night was quite lively. The noise was like thunder.”

The Empress Dowager coughed lightly. “Keep watching them.”

Meanwhile, inside the chamber, Yan Luo stared at the black, smooth surface of the device, tapping it repeatedly. It was working fine last night. Why won’t it turn on now?

Puzzled, she turned to Gu Que.

Gu Que was stifling laughter, unable to hide her amusement. Yan Luo narrowed her eyes. “Did you do this on purpose?”

“It’s been in your hands the whole time. When did I even touch it?” Gu Que buried her face in the blanket, shoulders shaking with silent laughter. Bullying an ancient is just too fun.

Yan Luo had held onto it even while sleeping—Gu Que never had a chance to interfere. She tapped the device again. Still nothing.

She looked at Gu Que pitifully. “You know what’s wrong, don’t you?”

Gu Que pressed her lips together, fighting back a grin. She’s acting again. Don’t fall for it. Hardening her heart, she said, “You crushed it while sleeping.”

Yan Luo protested, “No, I was holding it carefully. You’re lying.”

Gu Que snorted. “You definitely crushed it. It’s broken. Gone forever.”

“Gone…” Yan Luo murmured, biting her lip. Tears welled up and spilled over.

She’s crying…

Gu Que scrambled out of the blankets, frantically wiping her tears. “It’s just out of battery! I’ll get you a power bank, and it’ll work again. Don’t cry! The warm residence has a generator—we can recharge it there.”

Yan Luo kept crying, even sniffling childishly. “It’s broken!”

“It’s not broken! I’ll go get the power bank. We’ll leave the palace and go to the warm residence.” Gu Que was panicking. How did things escalate to tears?

“Really not broken?” Yan Luo pressed.

Her pale face was flushed, eyes red—she looked utterly wronged and heartbroken. Gu Que felt terrible. She nodded reassuringly. “Not broken. This thing needs electricity to work, just like how people need bl00d to live.”

Yan Luo lifted her head, wiping her own tears. “Then let’s leave the palace and go to the warm residence.”

Finally, the tears stopped. Gu Que felt like she’d survived a disaster. “Can we even leave?”

She also wanted to leave the palace and go home, but with the emperor’s uncle just dead, things wouldn’t be resolved so easily.

“I’m innocent. She can’t just keep me locked up like this. Besides, I’m not alone—the Empress Dowager can’t stop me.” Yan Luo handed the device back to Gu Que with a warning: “Don’t touch it. If anything inside disappears, you’ll be kneeling on an abacus.”

Great, another thing to threaten me with!

Gu Que sighed in frustration. Yan Luo fetched her clothes and then said tenderly, “Let me help you dress.”

Just moments ago, she had been the domineering Prime Minister, but now she was a doting wife. Gu Que couldn’t keep up with the sudden shift and froze for a moment.

Yan Luo smoothly transitioned, helping Gu Que into her clothes and shoes.

They skipped breakfast and left immediately. When palace attendants tried to stop them, Yan Luo merely glanced at them, and they recoiled in fear, not daring to block their way.

The Gu family’s carriage was still waiting outside the palace gates. The two boarded and departed.

Once inside the carriage, Yan Luo said, “We can’t go to the warm residence. I’ll send someone to fetch it. Does Zhi Zhi understand?”

“Yes, send her.” Gu Que understood her concern. The kumquats had been moved from the warm residence, and now they were openly leaving the palace—they were definitely being followed.

Going straight to the warm residence would draw the Empress Dowager’s attention to that place.

Zhi Zhi left halfway. As a child, she was quick and nimble, easily shaking off any pursuers.

Gu Que and Yan Luo returned home to bathe and change. Ting Lan prepared food and, following the young master’s instructions, brought freshly brewed milk to the bathing chamber.

Gu Que fiddled with the phone outside. Without power, it wouldn’t turn on, and even if it did, she couldn’t delete anything. Since there were no durians or washboards in this era, the only thing she could kneel on was an abacus.

She tossed the phone onto the table and sighed deeply. Ting Lan asked, “Young Master, are you troubled?”

“Too many things…” Gu Que rubbed her eyes and whispered to Ting Lan, “Lately, she always wants to kiss me.”

“It must be you who wants to kiss the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is dignified—how could she have such thoughts?” Ting Lan didn’t believe her. The Prime Minister was indifferent to men and always busy—when would she have time for such things?

Gu Que protested, “It’s true! Why don’t you believe me?”

“It’s not that I don’t believe you, but it just doesn’t seem likely. Young Master, you must understand that women are reserved. They wouldn’t casually kiss others, and the Prime Minister is a noble lady—she doesn’t seem like the type to take initiative.” Ting Lan tried to explain.

The Prime Minister was cold and aloof, like an immortal untouched by worldly desires. Would she really initiate a kiss?

Ting Lan couldn’t even imagine such a scene.

Gu Que gave up arguing. Maybe I should install a surveillance camera in the room to capture the Prime Minister’s antics. Then Ting Lan would believe me.

Yan Luo finished bathing and stepped out. The master and servant immediately fell silent. Gu Que went to wash up, while Ting Lan approached the Prime Minister and asked, “Breakfast is ready. What would you like?”

“Tomato pasta.” Yan Luo answered habitually.

To an outsider, this would sound like a strange dish, but Ting Lan didn’t find it odd and went to prepare it.

If the Prime Minister was having pasta, the young master would likely eat the same. Ting Lan ordered two servings of tomato pasta.

After breakfast, Zhi Zhi returned and handed Gu Que a black cloth-wrapped bundle.

Yan Luo’s eyes lit up immediately. Gu Que took it and headed inside, with Yan Luo following closely behind.

Zhi Zhi pulled Ting Lan aside. “Sister, I’m hungry.”

“There’s food in the kitchen. Go take a look.” Ting Lan replied absentmindedly, then curiously asked, “What did you bring back?”

“I don’t know. I didn’t look.” Zhi Zhi cheerfully ran off to the kitchen.

Inside the room, Gu Que plugged in the phone and pressed the power button. After a few moments, the screen lit up, and Yan Luo smiled.

Gu Que handed it to her. “The power bank can recharge it two or three times. In a few days, I’ll bring you a new one, and you can return the old one to me.”

“Understood. Go do your work.” Yan Luo was unusually generous.

Gu Que had things to attend to, but with so many eyes watching the Gu residence, she couldn’t leave. She stayed indoors and remembered the kumquats, asking Yan Luo how to handle them.

“Just leave them here.” Yan Luo finally looked up at her, her gaze soft as water. “Don’t worry. By now, there probably aren’t any kumquats left.”

“Would Elder Huo eat them too?” Gu Que asked, puzzled.

Is Elder Huo also a foodie? Yan Luo didn’t answer, only smiling slightly. “Him? He wouldn’t, but Huo Chengru would. Do you have any more?”

“No, I gave them all to you.” Gu Que met Yan Luo’s tender expression and suddenly felt a sweet, inexplicable joy.

The more she looked at her, the happier she became.

The little conflict from last night vanished. Gu Que’s eyes sparkled. Yan Luo, skilled at reading people, immediately sensed her mood.

She leaned in and kissed the corner of Gu Que’s lips. “I’ll go to the Marquis residence to see Qingzhi. You go play with Qiongju. I won’t be back for lunch—I’ll probably return to the palace.”

Gu Que’s legs went weak from the kiss but didn’t protest. Yan Luo wasn’t an ordinary person and couldn’t spend every day idling at home.

They parted ways. Gu Que went to the study to tinker with her gadgets, thinking about how to expand the soap business. She suddenly remembered the glass boxes but had forgotten to ask the Prime Minister’s opinion.

However, the Prime Minister was too busy for trivial matters. She’d send the glass boxes to the shop another day to test the waters.

As she pondered the glass boxes, Yan Luo arrived at the Yongle Hou residence. She had told Gu Que she was coming to see Qingzhi, so she did just that. The nursemaid was tending to him.

Compared to Qiongju, Qingzhi was much calmer, lying still without even kicking his legs.

One glance—boring.

Two glances—still not moving. Even more boring.

Yan Luo couldn’t help but wonder, Who will Qingzhi take after? They say nephews resemble their uncles—please don’t let him inherit his rogue uncle’s temperament.

After a few perfunctory looks, she lost interest. At least she could report back to Gu Que. She had a servant lead her to the Marquis.

The Marquis was brewing tea in the courtyard. Yan Luo arrived just in time for a cup. She glanced at the maidservants around them, and the Marquis immediately dismissed them.

Yan Luo disliked beating around the bush and got straight to the point: “I don’t want the young master to take the imperial exams this year.”

The Marquis’s hand, holding the teacup, froze. Unlike Gu Que, he understood far more. Yan Luo wasn’t an ordinary woman—she was the Prime Minister. If she said this, she had her reasons.

He asked, “Is it because of Princess Jinyang?”

First, Princess Jinyang had married the top scholar. Then, the emperor had executed two princesses in a row. Marrying into the imperial family was clearly no blessing.

But one thing puzzled him—his “son” was already a married man. Why the need for caution?

“If the Marquis agrees, I can ensure Gu Yan enters the court immediately upon his return.” Yan Luo smiled faintly, her dark eyes piercing. “Did the Marquis take me for a fool? Would I not know whether the person lying beside me is a man or a woman?”

The Marquis frowned and massaged his temples, waiting for her to continue.

Yan Luo was never merciful. Seeing his silence, she sneered. “The Marquis thought he could deceive me, but did he never consider that once Gu Yan returned, I would find out?”

The Marquis felt a chill run down his spine. “No one can predict the future. We can only deal with the present. The Prime Minister is wise—I watched you grow up. Since you’ve uncovered the truth, I won’t hide it anymore. She is Gu Que, Gu Yan’s twin sister. Their appearances are similar—others might not tell them apart, but a spouse would. Since you’ve brought it up, you must already have a plan.”

“Gu Que is talented, but she’s not suited for the court.” Yan Luo spoke frankly. “Her temperament is too soft—she’d be easily bullied. I don’t know Gu Yan’s personality, but she cannot be dragged into this turmoil.”

“Does the Prime Minister wish to meet Gu Yan?” The Marquis relaxed slightly. As long as Yan Luo didn’t make an issue of it, things would be easier.

Yan Luo scoffed. “Why would I? The one who bowed to heaven and earth with me was Gu Que.”

The Marquis was momentarily dazed. How did this shift to Gu Que? The marriage ceremony had been a farce—it couldn’t be real.

“Since you already know, I’ll have Gu Yan return to recuperate.”

The Prime Minister’s meaning was clear: Gu Que couldn’t take the exams. If she couldn’t serve as an official, then Gu Yan’s return wouldn’t cause any conflicts.

Though he lamented the lost opportunity for an official career, the Prime Minister’s concerns mirrored his own. If Gu Que truly ranked first, things would become complicated. Given the Empress Dowager’s hostility toward Yan Luo, she might indeed force Princess Jinyang into the Gu family as a second wife.

How does a little girl like Gu Que attract so much romantic trouble?

“Gu Yan is returning?” Yan Luo’s tone turned grave, her breath hitching for a moment.