After Marrying the Villainous Prime Minister in My Brother’s Stead - Chapter 40

40: Drool, It’s All Drool. You Can Eat It Yourself!

In the State of Wei, women could serve as officials, but only men could inherit noble titles. The eldest branch of the Gu family had only Gu Yan. As long as he lived, the title belonged to his line.

Gu Que was dispensable, but Gu Yan had to return—not because the Marquis favored sons over daughters, but because such were the times.

Yan Luo sneered, “If Gu Yan comes back, would I even want him? How laughable. I don’t like freeloaders. If he wants to take the imperial exams, he should do it himself. It’d be best if he returns in the next few days—just in time for the exams.”

With that, she turned and left.

The Marquis of Yongle was utterly baffled. What did the Prime Minister mean by this?

Since she’d seen through the ruse but didn’t expose it, what exactly was her stance?

Yan Luo left the Marquis’s residence. Before she’d gone more than a few zhang, Leng Mian arrived on horseback, carrying a bundle.

Yan Luo ordered the coachman to change course and head to the Prince of Huaizhang’s mansion. The prince had died, and the household was in mourning.

The bundle in Leng Mian’s arms would come in handy!

The front of the Prince of Huaizhang’s mansion was crowded with carriages, and white funeral banners filled the view. The moment she entered, the sound of mourning music and wailing filled her ears.

The atmosphere at the gate was solemn, with sons and grandsons weeping and friends who’d come to pay their respects shedding tears alongside them. Just two days ago, the prince had been drinking with friends, and now he lay in a coffin—especially tragic since Princess Qing’an had passed away not long before, and now the prince was gone too.

Two funerals in half a month—this year had been ill-fated for the prince’s household.

Yan Luo entered with Leng Mian in tow. The prince’s eldest son, the heir, immediately set aside his duties to greet her. “Prime Minister.”

“My condolences, Young Master.” Yan Luo said mournfully, her eyes filled with sorrow.

The heir wiped his tears. “Your presence honors us. My father would be comforted to know you came.”

He led the Prime Minister inside. The courtyard was packed with people, all dressed in white mourning robes. The prince had many wives and concubines, and even more children—over a dozen sons and countless daughters. Now, they all knelt in the courtyard, weeping for their father.

The heir was the eldest legitimate son, just twenty years old—though his coming-of-age ceremony hadn’t yet been held when his father passed. The princess consort was only in her thirties, a noblewoman from a great family, kneeling before the spirit tablet and crying pitifully.

When Yan Luo reached the mourning hall, she curled her lips slightly and sighed. “The prince didn’t even live to see Princess Qing’an’s posthumous wedding.”

At this, the heir wept even harder. The princess consort rose and bowed to Yan Luo. “We are surprised and honored by your presence, Prime Minister.”

“They say I killed the prince, but everyone knows I gifted golden kumquat trees to many—Grand Tutor Huo, the Empress Dowager, and the Marchioness of Yongle. And yet, the incident happened with the tree given to His Majesty.” Yan Luo’s words carried hidden meaning.

Out of all the golden kumquat trees, why was it the one given to the emperor that caused the accident? Could it be that the target was the emperor, and the prince had merely taken the blow in his stead?

Many powerful officials were present in the mourning hall. When they heard the Prime Minister’s words, their expressions turned subtle.

Poisoning a prince and poisoning the emperor were two entirely different matters.

The princess consort was a woman who paid no attention to court affairs. Hearing this, she didn’t dare respond. The heir reacted quickly and interjected, “The Prime Minister has gone to great trouble. Please, rest for a moment and have some tea.”

“I came to offer tea to the prince. I heard he loved Laojunmei tea, so I brought a cup.” Yan Luo’s tone was somber as she gazed sorrowfully at the spirit tablet.

At this, Leng Mian handed her a cup of tea.

The teacup was gray—neither porcelain nor glass, nothing special.

Everyone watched closely as Yan Luo took the cup, her expression mournful. “With your passing, you will surely meet Emperor Wen of the previous dynasty. May you watch over Great Wei.”

May you watch as Great Wei meets its end under this emperor’s rule!

May you watch as the Empress Dowager dies without a burial place!

She smiled faintly and poured the tea onto the ground. Then, Leng Mian took the cup back.

It was a simple tea offering—nothing noteworthy. The onlookers, seeing no spectacle, dispersed one after another.

Yan Luo also prepared to leave. As she stepped out of the mourning hall, the steward announced the arrival of the Huo family patriarch, followed by the eldest son of the Huo family and Huo Chengru.

The marriage between the two families had been fraught with twists and turns. With the Huo family’s arrival, the spectators lingered—including Yan Luo herself.

Leng Mian watched as her eyebrows lifted slightly and kindly reminded her, “Elder Huo will break your legs.”

Yan Luo blinked slowly. “If they’re broken, they can be mended. It’s just a bit of pain.”

“Young Master Gu won’t want someone with broken legs.” Leng Mian continued, twisting the knife.

Yan Luo replied, “Would she dare refuse? Even if I died right now, she’d still kowtow and weep before my spirit tablet.”

As soon as she finished speaking, Elder Huo arrived. The two exchanged greetings. The old man’s face was dark, his aged steps unsteady. After the formalities, Yan Luo spoke first: “Is Your Excellency unwell?”

Elder Huo was nearly seventy. His deep-set eyes fixed on the smiling woman before him. “I heard the Empress Dowager detained you in the palace?”

The palace gates had been closed all day yesterday, only reopening at dusk. Several imperial relatives had returned to their mansions one after another, but not only had the Prime Minister not emerged, it was said that her husband, Gu Yan, had also been summoned to the palace.

That night, many officials had rushed to the palace to petition the emperor, and memorials had piled up like snowflakes—all pleading for the Prime Minister’s release.

When the Huo family heard, some had wanted to intervene, but Elder Huo had stopped them. He knew that with the Prime Minister’s abilities, as long as the Empress Dowager lacked evidence, she wouldn’t dare act rashly.

A woman who could overturn clouds and rain with a flip of her hand—the Empress Dowager feared her deeply.

With Yan Luo trapped in the palace, the pressure on the Empress Dowager had been immense. The ministers’ collective protest was no small matter.

Yan Luo remained calm. “I merely stayed two nights. You look rather pale—are you ill?”

“At my age, death is natural.” Elder Huo’s tone was mocking. Most of his children were already gone, and his wife had passed away years ago, following their daughter.

His daughter had burned to death, his wife had succumbed to depression, his second son had died of illness—yet he still lived, hale and hearty.

Even his granddaughter and grandson had died before him. What a joke!

As Elder Huo spoke, there was no sorrow or worry in his expression—only a sense of weary acceptance.

Yan Luo was momentarily dazed, suddenly reminded of her own mother, who had worn the same expression in the midst of the flames. Her heart clenched. She forced a smile. “I know an excellent physician. I’ll send her to your residence to examine you.”

“The Prime Minister is too kind. When a man is near death, medicine only prolongs the suffering.” Elder Huo’s words were casual. After exchanging pleasantries, he entered the mourning hall.

Yan Luo rarely lost her composure. After a few more questions, she still didn’t understand. She turned to Leng Mian: “Why isn’t he afraid of death?”

“When you’ve lived long enough and are utterly disillusioned, death holds no fear. Elder Huo has been through too much—he’s probably given up.” Leng Mian’s reply was blunt.

Elder Huo had lived through five reigns. His daughter had once been empress—he’d experienced the pinnacle of wealth and power. Now, in his old age, his perspective had shifted. The Huo family had gradually retreated from their status as imperial relatives, living quietly. Even so, they were still feared.

The Huo family’s influence in the court was vast. Elder Huo’s disciples were spread across the empire, and even the Prince of Huaizhang had once been his student.

Though he no longer held office, his name still carried weight in the court.

The master and servant departed. As Yan Luo boarded her carriage, she instructed Leng Mian: “Fetch Granny Sun and take her to the Huo residence.”

Leng Mian hesitated. “That might not be appropriate.”

Granny Sun had once been part of the Huo household. If she returned, it might arouse suspicion.

“It’s fine. She left the Huo family over twenty years ago. Elder Huo might remember her. I want him to recognize her. People need hope to keep living.” Yan Luo’s lips curved into a smile, but her eyes were icy, devoid of warmth.

Leng Mian acquiesced quietly.

Yan Luo went to the palace, while Leng Mian left the city.

At dusk, as birds returned to their nests, Yan Luo came home. Gu Que was waiting for her in the courtyard.

The moment she returned, the steward came to report. Yan Luo looked at Gu Que: “How can you be so lazy?”

She didn’t lift a finger to manage household affairs, content to laze about. Yan Luo was displeased, but Gu Que retorted, “They said these are internal matters—your responsibility.”

Yan Luo glared. “You’re just making excuses for your laziness. Careful, or I’ll make you kneel on an abacus.”

Gu Que rolled her eyes. “Then I won’t charge your devices anymore.”

Yan Luo immediately deflated. She led the steward to the study to talk.

This round went to Gu Que.

After numerous defeats, she’d finally won once. Tinglan watched in secret, giving her a thumbs-up. Well done, Young Master! You’ve finally stood your ground!

Gu Que smiled faintly and instructed Tinglan: “We’re having barbecue tonight. Go make the arrangements.”

Tinglan cheerfully went to prepare. Meanwhile, in the study, the steward recounted how the Empress Dowager had sent people to search the residence the day before.

The Empress Dowager had soldiers—the Ministry of Justice had led the troops, and the two forces had merged, swaggering in arrogantly. Fortunately, Gu Que hadn’t been home yesterday, or she’d surely have had nightmares.

The Gu residence had its own guards, stationed near the back gate—several dozen men, some of whom had retired from the battlefield with the Marquis of Yongle.

Prime Minister Yan was no ordinary woman. She was the Prime Minister who openly defied the Empress Dowager, even sending her a flayed human face to intimidate her. Her residence wasn’t a place where just anyone could barge in.

The guards, several dozen strong, made an imposing sight when they lined up. After a long standoff, the Ministry of Justice officials proposed a compromise: they would enter to retrieve the Prime Minister’s golden kumquat trees.

Only then did the steward agree.

There were only two potted golden kumquat trees left in the residence, and all the fruit had been eaten by the Prime Minister—bare branches remained.

The officials were dumbfounded: “Where are the fruits…?”

The steward replied, “The Prime Minister ate them.”

The officials were at a complete loss. There had been so few golden kumquat trees to begin with. They’d hoped to find fruit here to test whether it was inherently poisonous, but now—nothing.

The steward reminded them, “The Prime Minister also gifted trees to the Huo family and the Marquis of Yongle. Perhaps you could…”

The officials gritted their teeth and split into two groups to investigate.

To their surprise, Elder Huo had also eaten all the golden kumquats from his tree—bare branches remained.

The Marquis of Yongle’s tree, however, was laden with fruit. The officials joyfully carried it back to the Ministry of Justice. The fruits were small and golden, quite charming.

But these fruits were supposedly poisonous. The officials avoided them like the plague, not daring to touch them, and sent them straight to the imperial physicians.

After examination, they found nothing wrong. The physicians were baffled. One even boldly tasted a fruit and waited several hours—perfectly fine, no issues whatsoever.

The fruit was harmless—there was nothing wrong with it!

In other words, the prince’s death had nothing to do with the golden kumquats!

When Yan Luo heard this, she laughed. “Ignorant fools.”

The steward didn’t dare respond. Yan Luo asked about the gifts sent to the Prince of Huaizhang’s mansion. The steward replied, “They were sent according to protocol.”

Yan Luo nodded and dismissed him.

Returning to the main courtyard, she caught the scent of barbecue. Yan Luo quickened her pace and saw the grill set up in the yard, with Gu Que, sleeves rolled up, busy cooking.

Normally clad in robes, only her hands were visible. But today, her arms were bare—pale as tender lotus roots. Yan Luo sat at the table where utensils were laid out, staring at those arms. Tsk, so white.

She thought of the milk soap—white as that bar.

As she watched, Gu Que handed her a skewer of grilled meat. She frowned. “I don’t like meat. I want tomatoes.”

“You…” Gu Que was taken aback. Yan Luo was staring at her with wide eyes. The Prime Minister, rumored to be frosty and ruthless as the King of Hell, was gazing at her with pitiful eyes—could anyone resist?

Gu Que tossed her a basket of cherry tomatoes. “These aren’t sour anymore. I soaked them in sugar for a long time.”

Yan Luo ate them leisurely, then brought up the Huo family’s marriage: “It probably won’t happen now.”

“Is someone in the Huo family dying?” Gu Que asked, surprised. For a descendant’s wedding to be canceled, there was only one reason: mourning.

In Great Wei, when parents died, sons observed a three-year mourning period—no marriages, no meat, strict adherence.

For grandparents, it was one year.

Yan Luo’s hand, holding a tomato, froze. Then, the small tomato burst between her fingers, juice dripping down her palm.

“What’s wrong…?” Gu Que exclaimed, grabbing a handkerchief to wipe her hands. In that instant, she met Yan Luo’s cold, murderous gaze and trembled in fear.

When she looked up again, Yan Luo was smiling. “I don’t want meat. Grill me a popsicle. Just one, okay?”

Gu Que sullenly released her hand and ignored her, returning to her cooking. As she lowered her head, she missed the killing intent in Yan Luo’s eyes.

Yan Luo didn’t eat meat—she didn’t even like fish. This made barbecue unappealing to her.

She didn’t enjoy it, complaining for half an hour that the smell alone made her nauseous.

Gu Que couldn’t stand her antics and blurted out, “Are you pregnant?”

Yan Luo’s face flushed. She snorted and walked away.

This round went to Gu Que again.

Tinglan watched the battle, heart pounding, as the Prime Minister arrived cheerfully but left in a huff.

The Prime Minister, usually so refined, had dropped her pretenses—adorably so!

The “adorable” Prime Minister had just returned to her courtyard when Leng Mian rushed in, alarmed: “Elder Huo has detained Granny Sun in the mansion. He says if you don’t go, he’ll…”

“He’ll hit her?” Yan Luo touched her own face. As a child, she’d seen Elder Huo beat his son.

Hiss… That had looked painful.

What a tyrannical old man!

Yan Luo paused, then thought of the softhearted fool. She turned back.

Gu Que was eating happily, chewing like a hamster. Yan Luo shamelessly sidled up to her and cooed, “Husband.”

Gu Que shuddered, hastily swallowing the meat in her mouth. “Other than popsicles, anything else is fine.”

“Deal.” Yan Luo smiled. “Granny Sun’s been detained. Go get her out for me, okay?”

“Granny Sun?” Gu Que remembered the physician. “Who’s holding her?”

“Elder Huo.”

Gu Que asked, “How do I get her out?”

“Bring strawberries and popsicles. Try that.” Yan Luo mused. “Elder Huo is a glutton. Say some nice things—tell him he saved your life and ask him to be merciful.”

Gu Que took a sip of beer and glared. “What did Granny Sun do wrong?”

Yan Luo thought for a moment. “She ran away years ago and got caught. Probably getting beaten half to death—what are you drinking?”

Gu Que handed her the beer. “Granny Sun is from the Huo family?”

“A born servant of the Huo family, but her contract is in her own hands now. Technically, she’s not theirs anymore. But Elder Huo has never been reasonable. I can’t go—you handle it.” Yan Luo sipped the beer, her eyes suddenly lighting up. “Alcohol? Strange alcohol.”

Gu Que wasn’t as calculating. She wiped her mouth with a handkerchief from Tinglan and said, “Fine, I’ll go. Have Zhizhi accompany me.”

“Good. Remember not to argue with him. Elder Huo’s unreasonable—oh, hurry! Granny Sun might be beaten to death…” Yan Luo urged Gu Que, snatching her beer when she tried to drink again and bringing it to her own lips.

Gu Que smirked. “It’s all drool. Enjoy it yourself.”

Yan Luo considered this and felt shortchanged. She stood, walked up to Gu Que, and kissed the corner of her lips without warning.

The maids in the courtyard covered their eyes. Tinglan turned away, her heart racing.

Since when does the Prime Minister kiss people so boldly? So shameless!

The “shameless” Prime Minister didn’t stop at a kiss—her tongue darted out.

We’ll share the drool. No one loses!

Gu Que arrived at the Huo residence with a visiting card, Zhizhi following behind with a basket of strawberries and an icebox.

The gatekeeper let them in politely, and the eldest son of the Huo family came to greet them. “Young Master Gu, what brings you here so late?”

“I heard Elder Huo is holding my physician. To be frank, I was planning to send her to Jiangnan to treat my sister’s illness.” Gu Que bowed respectfully, her attitude humble.

The eldest son was stunned. “This is a Huo family matter.”

“Her contract is in my hands, so she’s part of the Gu household.” Gu Que stood her ground, her expression cooling. “I don’t know what she did wrong, but I’ve come to apologize on her behalf.”

Zhizhi stepped forward and handed the box to a Huo family servant. Gu Que said, “The strawberries are homegrown—sweet and refreshing. The popsicles are also homemade. Just small treats, but I think Elder Huo will like them.”

Hearing that the contract was with the Gu family, the eldest son was at a loss. “Please wait a moment. I’ll consult my father.”

Gu Que nodded. “Thank you.”

The eldest son hurried off. An attendant led Gu Que to the parlor to wait.

This was Gu Que’s first time visiting the Huo residence. Though she appeared calm, she was nervous inside. Zhizhi stood expressionless, hand on her sword, radiating an unapproachable aura.

After a while, Gu Que grew impatient and stood to ask for an update.

A maid went to hurry things along.

By now, the night was deep, and most households had extinguished their lights.

Gu Que asked three times before Elder Huo finally appeared. His first question was how she knew Granny Sun.

Gu Que repeated Yan Luo’s instructions, then added, “The Prime Minister kindly sent her personal physician to treat you. How could you detain her? This is no way to treat a guest.”

The seemingly gentle young master’s sharp words left Elder Huo speechless. He ordered his son to release the woman.

Just as Yan Luo had predicted, Elder Huo had resorted to violence again.

Gu Que’s impression of the old man soured completely. Before leaving, she said, “Is arbitrary punishment the Huo family’s way?”

Elder Huo was taken aback. As he opened his mouth to retort, the angry young master strode off. He could only turn to his son. “Since when is he so rude?”

The eldest son wasn’t as bold as his father. Guiltily, he said, “That’s the Gu family’s person. You beat their servant, and they still brought gifts. Don’t push your luck.”

“But she’s our family’s…” Elder Huo’s beard quivered with anger. “Tomorrow, I’ll settle this with Yan Luo.”

Gu Que brought Granny Sun back to the residence and wanted to call a physician, but Yan Luo waved her off. “I’ve been sick so often I’ve learned medicine. I can treat her. You’ve worked hard—go rest.”

Gu Que was upset, especially since Granny Sun was elderly. How could she endure this? Her expression darkened. Yan Luo pushed her out the door. “Don’t be angry. It’s bad for your health.”

“Fine. Do you have medicine?” Gu Que, ever the softie, was still worried.

Yan Luo found her nagging annoying and shooed her away, closing the door. The person on the bed opened her eyes and glared. “Are you out of your mind?”

“Granny, he wants to die. This way, Huo Chengru can’t marry for a year, and the matter will be dropped.” Yan Luo sighed.

Granny Sun winced in pain. “Let him die, then. He still blames you for knocking over the candle.”

She was from the Huo family, having entered the palace with their daughter. During the fire, she’d been there—but Zhao Quan had restrained her, preventing her from helping.

Yan Luo said, “Death would be a mercy.”

Granny Sun fell silent, lying still with her eyes closed. Suddenly, she remarked, “Your little husband has backbone. Daring to stand up to Elder Huo—not bad.”

Yan Luo pinched the bridge of her nose. “Now that Elder Huo knows you’re alive, he’ll make a fuss. Maybe he’ll stop being suicidal.”

“Couldn’t you have just meddled in the wedding?” Granny Sun grumbled.

Yan Luo was indifferent. “No. Not my problem.”

“You—get out!” Granny Sun’s chest heaved with anger. She massaged it and threatened, “I’ll tell your little husband you’ve killed many people.”

Yan Luo lifted an eyebrow. “Go ahead. Tell her I’ve also made bone china from their remains. She already knows I killed the Prince of Huaizhang—do you think she’ll be scared of that?”

“Yan Luo!” Granny Sun seethed, her eyes daggers. “What about the beating I took?”

Yan Luo thought for a moment. “Here, you can eat things you won’t find outside. Gu Que’s storeroom is full of delicacies—help yourself.”

Granny Sun controlled her temper. “Like what?”

Yan Luo shook her head. “No idea.”

“Why not?” Granny Sun remembered the sweet milk.

Yan Luo sighed. “She won’t let me in. Stingy. But you might get to go—she respects you.”

Granny Sun believed her and groaned. “Elder Huo is depressed. His body is old, and his thoughts are making it worse. If he lightens up, he might live a few more years.”

Yan Luo’s gaze darkened. Then Granny Sun added, “Scram. Send your husband to take care of me. Looking at you pisses me off.”

Yan Luo was driven out. At the door, she asked, “Need medicine?”

“Get lost!”

“As you wish.”

Gu Que arranged a set of soaps in a rainbow-colored glass box, labeled them, and placed them on the table.

When Yan Luo returned, she was struck by the sight—the glass box shimmering like a rainbow under the lamplight. She stood by the table, examining it closely.

“How’s Granny Sun?” Gu Que asked, concerned.

Yan Luo replied, “Fine. Just told me to get lost. Assign two maids to tend to her. Don’t go yourself—she’ll scold you.”

Granny Sun wants to see you? Not happening!

Unaware of Yan Luo’s scheming, Gu Que asked if she needed painkillers—there were some left in her medical kit.

“No. Let her suffer.” Yan Luo was petty.

Gu Que ignored her. While Yan Luo bathed, she quietly summoned Tinglan, handed her the medicine, explained the dosage, and added, “Don’t tell the Prime Minister.”

Tinglan slipped away. Gu Que returned to the room, and Yan Luo emerged shortly after.

They went to bed.

Yan Luo asked, “Why haven’t you been warming my bed lately?”