After Marrying the Villainous Prime Minister in My Brother’s Stead - Chapter 41

41: Picking a Fight, Your Husband Can’t Keep His Hands to Himself!

The weather was gradually warming, and those who ran hot had already started wearing summer clothes. The fabric for summer attire was thin, and young girls liked cross-collared styles that exposed their necks for extra coolness.

Gu Que also had tailors make summer clothes for them. Since the Prime Minister loved red, she ordered more red fabric.

The weather wasn’t cold anymore, so Gu Que stopped warming the bed for the Prime Minister—though it had only been two days.

Yesterday, they were in the palace, and today, they had just returned.

Just two days, that’s all!

Gu Que guessed that the Prime Minister was about to start her theatrics again, so she tugged at her sleeve. “Let’s switch places.”

“Husband, it’s been over a month since we married. Have you grown tired of me?” Yan Luo raised an eyebrow, questioning as if she had suffered some grave injustice.

Why was she so dramatic?

Gu Que didn’t understand. When she first met the Prime Minister, she was as cold and untouchable as frost or snow, someone everyone revered. How had they ended up in this kind of tumultuous, over-the-top daily life?

She couldn’t figure it out and decided to consult a relationship expert on Taobao later.

Could it be that familiarity bred this kind of behavior?

Gu Que had a headache. Yan Luo turned her back, looking utterly wronged. “Is one month all the freshness you men have?”

“Stop making a fuss, alright? I admit I was wrong.” Gu Que sighed. How had things come to this?

She tugged at Yan Luo’s clothes. “Can you forgive me this once?”

“Fine.” Yan Luo agreed immediately, then flipped back over. “Come closer. Let’s snuggle while we sleep—it’s warmer!”

Gu Que was afraid but didn’t want to evade anymore. She was tired of this. How could someone so cold and aloof be so troublesome?

The two leaned against each other, and Yan Luo didn’t say another word, simply closing her eyes as she pressed against Gu Que.

The next morning, a court official submitted a memorial: The heir of Yongle Marquis Manor, Gu Yan, had filed a lawsuit against the patriarch of the Huo family.

The case was brought before the Ministry of Justice. The Minister of Justice, unsure how to handle it, reported the matter to the Emperor and Empress Dowager, requesting their decision in court.

The lawsuit had been filed late at night by a servant from the Gu household. The Minister of Justice had lost sleep over it—both parties involved were influential figures, and he didn’t know how to rule.

When the female Emperor heard Gu Yan’s name, she suddenly grew interested and asked Yan Luo what was going on.

The eldest son of the Huo family was also present. Sweat drenched his back as he wondered why the frail young master had sued his father.

Yan Luo replied, “Your Majesty, this subject is unaware.”

The Emperor was surprised. “You don’t know?”

Yan Luo said earnestly, “This subject truly does not know. If I had known, I would have advised against it. Elder Huo has contributed greatly to the court and is our senior. How could he act so recklessly?”

The Empress Dowager, seated behind a curtain, asked, “What is the reason for this dispute reaching the authorities?”

The Minister of Justice explained, “Elder Huo was unwell, and the Prime Minister, out of concern, sent a physician from her residence to examine him. Unexpectedly, Elder Huo detained the physician and even had her beaten. Young Master Gu, distressed by this, sued Elder Huo.”

“This Elder Huo… still as stubborn as ever…” The Empress Dowager sighed and asked Huo’s eldest son, “Is this what happened?”

Huo Zixu, the eldest son of the Huo family, shivered and hurriedly bowed. “Replying to the Empress Dowager, this subject failed in handling the matter. That physician was originally a servant of our household who had fled. When we happened to see her yesterday, my father punished her with a few strikes of the rod. Unexpectedly, Young Master Gu claimed she was a servant he had purchased, so this subject had no choice but to let her go.”

The Emperor laughed. “Whose hands is the deed of ownership in?”

Yan Luo replied, “Your Majesty, it is in my husband’s possession.”

“Then she belongs to the Gu family. Young Master Gu’s anger is justified. You should apologize to him—why make a spectacle of this?” The Emperor thought of Gu Que’s delicate, scholarly demeanor and wondered what she looked like when angry.

The thought intrigued her.

Huo Zixu quickly accepted the decree. “This subject will personally apologize to Young Master Gu.”

Thus, the matter was settled.

After returning to the manor, Huo Zixu reported the matter to his father. Elder Huo was so furious he smashed a teacup. “That ignorant child!”

Who was Granny Sun?

She was a physician-maid his wife had assigned to their daughter as part of her dowry. On the surface, she was a governess, but in truth, she was a highly skilled physician. After the fire in the Eastern Palace, Granny Sun had disappeared.

Now, this child had sued him. If Granny Sun were brought before the Empress Dowager, she wouldn’t survive.

Elder Huo’s face turned red with rage. He couldn’t catch his breath and fainted.

“Father! Father! Quick—call a physician!”

Gu Que received an apology gift from the Huo family but was utterly baffled. Huo Zixu had come personally to apologize, and she didn’t dare ask directly.

The young master’s eyes were clear and bright, full of spirit. Huo Zixu knew of his talent as a potential top scholar and didn’t say much, leaving after the apology.

Gu Que wanted to ask but didn’t dare. Instead, someone from the Marquis’s manor came to reprimand her on behalf of the Marquis.

Oh great, another scapegoat moment.

Gu Que was berated until her head spun. When she returned, she sat in a daze, turning the matter over in her mind.

Something didn’t add up. She hadn’t ordered anyone to file a lawsuit. Could it have been Granny?

No, Granny couldn’t mobilize the Gu household’s servants. She summoned the gatekeeper to question him.

She didn’t need to ask much—yesterday, someone had left the manor on the Prime Minister’s orders, using Gu Que’s token.

Well, well. Yan Luo was setting her up!

Gu Que was both furious and exasperated. Yan Luo wasn’t home, so she couldn’t confront her. After stewing in anger for a while, she decided to leave the manor and check on the renovations for her luxury soap shop.

The renovations were progressing quickly. Running a shop here was different from modern times—there were no fancy lights, but Gu Que had opted for glass materials that refracted sunlight into rainbow-like brilliance.

At night, lanterns would be used, creating an equally dazzling effect.

The craftsmen were meticulous, knowing that large pieces of glass were hard to come by. They worked carefully.

Even before opening, the shop had already attracted many onlookers. Some even asked where the glass came from, hoping to purchase some for themselves.

The craftsmen didn’t know—they were just following the blueprints. The luxury soap shop hadn’t even opened its doors, yet it was already gaining fame.

When Gu Que arrived, the entrance was crowded. She couldn’t even squeeze through—it was all men, and she didn’t want to push her way in. She wandered around outside, thinking of entering through the back door.

But as soon as she turned, someone grabbed her. “Young Master Gu, my master requests your presence.”

It was a palace eunuch, his voice high-pitched.

Gu Que didn’t dare refuse and followed him.

The female Emperor was in the carriage. With the Prime Minister handling affairs, her workload was lighter, so she often left the palace to amuse herself—and search for her “white moonlight.”

Gu Que boarded the carriage and bowed. The Emperor leaned against the window, her slender fingers lifting the curtain as she asked, “What brings you here, Young Master?”

“I came to buy some soap for the Prime Minister. Seeing so many people at the door, I thought I’d take a look. Has Your Majesty left the palace for leisure?” Gu Que kept a straight face, her usual liveliness dimmed.

The Emperor glanced at the crowd outside and sent someone to inquire. She side-eyed Gu Que. “You’re quite attentive.”

Gu Que didn’t respond, keeping her head down.

The Emperor found it dull but recalled how precious the Prime Minister considered her husband. Was a man really that great?

She didn’t understand. Gu Que remained silent.

The atmosphere grew awkward.

Soon, the eunuch returned. “The shop is under renovation. They’re using rare, luminous glass that shines like a rainbow. The commoners find it fascinating, so they’re crowding around to look.”

“A rainbow?” The Emperor’s eyes curved with amusement. “Bring some for me to see.”

“Your Majesty, they said it’s not for sale. The owner isn’t here, and the workers don’t dare make decisions.” the eunuch said hesitantly.

The Emperor felt disappointed. She wanted to see it, but the crowd blocked the entrance. She sighed, and the eunuch suddenly hatched a plan.

The eunuch exchanged some coins and began scattering them across the street. The crowd rushed to pick them up, leaving the shop entrance clear.

The Emperor pulled Gu Que along to see. Gu Que didn’t want to go—the craftsmen knew her. What if they gave her away?

But the craftsmen also went out to collect coins, leaving the shop empty.

In no time, the Emperor was inside, marveling at the large, transparent glass panels, their colors bright and vivid. The pieces were too big for her to carry.

Reluctantly, she took a look and ordered someone to stay behind, waiting for the owner to return so she could buy some for the palace.

Imagine building a transparent house with this glass—how wonderful that would be.

As the craftsmen began returning, Gu Que grabbed the Emperor and ran.

Once outside, the Emperor realized that Gu Que had dared to pull her along. How audacious!

She feigned ignorance, pretending nothing had happened. It was getting late, so she returned to the palace.

Gu Que stayed behind, entering the shop through the back door. She didn’t show her face, so the eunuch didn’t see her.

After briefly checking the progress and inspecting the work, she left through the back door again.

The eunuch was still waiting at the front.

When the Emperor returned to the palace, Yan Luo came to report. The Emperor pulled her aside and said, “I ran into your little husband today.”

Wen Fu happened to be nearby and held her breath to listen. Yan Luo asked, “Did Your Majesty leave the palace to look for women?”

“I was just looking around. Did you know your husband grabbed me?” The Emperor smirked. “Quite handsy, isn’t he?”

Yan Luo scoffed. “You’ve been eyeing him for days, yet you accuse him of being handsy. If he were truly handsy, he’d have clung to you long ago. Why did he grab you?”

The Emperor recounted the incident.

Scattering coins to see a spectacle was the behavior of a rogue. Yan Luo was used to it. She glanced at Wen Fu and deliberately said, “My husband is reserved. When he pulled Your Majesty, did he touch your hand?”

“No, he grabbed my sleeve.” the Emperor recalled.

Yan Luo’s lips curled. “No skin contact, so how is that ‘handsy’? Your Majesty’s attempt to sow discord is quite weak.”

Hearing this, the Emperor also felt like she was stirring trouble but didn’t admit it outright. Instead, she said, “I was just giving you a friendly reminder. By the way, what did you come to discuss?”

Yan Luo glanced at Wen Fu, and the Emperor immediately waved her away.

Wen Fu bowed and retreated.

With only the monarch and minister left in the hall, the doors closed. The moment they did, Wen Fu straightened her back, staring at the heavy doors.

Yan Luo’s advantage lay in having grown up with the Emperor—that was all. Her abilities were mediocre. A cruel official only knew how to torture people—anyone could do that.

Wen Fu was resentful but maintained a meek expression.

Yan Luo had come to discuss the power and military authority in Prince Huaizhang’s hands. These people were like infants who had lost their mother—how to deal with them was up to the Emperor.

In court, one needed their own connections. The Empress Dowager commanded loyalty because of the network she had built over the years. Prince Huaizhang was the same.

His death had been too sudden, and his heir was busy consolidating power. For the Emperor, they were now a scattered force—the perfect opportunity.

At this point, Wen Fu was useless. When it came to grand strategy, the seventeen-year-old Wen Fu was still too green. She lacked Yan Luo’s steadiness and decisiveness.

When Yan Luo struck, even the Emperor feared her.

One strike, one kill—effortless and untraceable. Afterward, even the Emperor was terrified. Thankfully, Yan Luo was loyal to her. Otherwise, with such a formidable enemy, she’d be waiting for death.

By the time Yan Luo left the palace, dusk was approaching. Wen Fu dutifully stood guard nearby. Yan Luo walked over. “Would Minister Wen like to visit my manor?”

Wen Fu was startled. Unsolicited kindness surely hid ulterior motives. She declined, making an excuse. “This official is on duty today and cannot leave. I must regretfully decline the Prime Minister’s invitation.”

Yan Luo smirked, not bothering to hide her mockery. “Minister Wen has given her body to the Emperor, so she wouldn’t know the appeal of men. Men may be fickle, but they give you status. What can the Emperor give you?”

“You—” Wen Fu flushed with humiliation. “This official has merely accompanied the Emperor for a few days. Is the Prime Minister so angry that she must slander me?”

Yan Luo smiled at her.

But smiles differed. Gu Que’s smile was pure, while her bedmate Yan Luo’s smile was chilling.

Yan Luo said, “The palace has matrons who specialize in examining women. Why don’t you try them? If you’re still a virgin, I’ll give you my head to kick.”

Wen Fu was speechless. Tears streamed down her face, pearly and pitiful.

Yan Luo was momentarily dazed, recalling how, years ago, her father had favored a palace maid. When her mother discovered it, the maid had cried just like this—delicate and fragile in her beauty.

She wondered—Gu Que was also a delicate woman. Would she cry like this?

Wen Fu’s tears made Yan Luo lose interest in talking. She said bluntly, “Cry all you want. I won’t disturb you.”

Why were girls so prone to crying?

Gu Que never cried, nor did she ever look wronged. They must be putting on an act!

Yan Luo consoled herself. Returning to her office, she summoned her subordinates to issue orders. After work, someone from the Marquis’s manor came to invite her for a talk.

Yan Luo was tidying her desk. She looked up at the messenger. “Tell your Marquis that a secret is a secret. It shouldn’t be brought up repeatedly. If your Marquis exposes it, I’ll make sure everyone loses face.”

The steward shuddered, not daring to ask further, and scurried away.

Yan Luo was in a good mood—an excellent mood. She had been busy all day and didn’t leave until dark.

As usual, there were tails following her carriage. Zhi Zhi’s expression darkened, but Yan Luo reassured her. “Killing them will only bring more. You can’t kill them all.”

Zhi Zhi sulked. “Let me kill just one, please?”

“Being bloodthirsty at such a young age isn’t good. Fine, kill them all, and when we get back, have the Young Master give you milk candy.” Yan Luo sighed. “But remember, if you leave even one alive, I’ll replace you.”

Zhi Zhi’s face lit up with excitement. She drew her sword and charged out.

Yan Luo closed her eyes. The carriage suddenly stopped as the clashing of blades rang out, accompanied by occasional screams. Passersby fled in terror.

Zhi Zhi’s skills had been personally taught by Leng Mian. Her foundation was solid, and Leng Mian had trained her ruthlessly. A strict teacher produces outstanding students.

After the time it took to burn an incense stick, Zhi Zhi returned, gleefully waving her arms. “They were all trash.”

Yan Luo nodded, never having doubted Zhi Zhi’s abilities.

Back at home, Zhi Zhi excitedly went to find Ting Lan. Unlike Leng Mian, Zhi Zhi was a chatterbox. No one else would listen to her, but Ting Lan lent her an ear and occasionally responded.

Zhi Zhi told Ting Lan how many assassins she had killed today. Ting Lan’s face paled, but Zhi Zhi cheerfully patted her chest. “I’ll protect you from now on.”

As she chattered away, Gu Que was inside, tending to potted cherry tomatoes. Like the kumquats, but the fruits were red—festive and cheerful.

Without a word, Yan Luo plucked one and popped it into her mouth. Gu Que glared. “You’re really down-to-earth.”

“When in Rome,” Yan Luo said, reaching for another. This time, Gu Que was alert and shielded the tomatoes. “These are a gift for Elder Huo.”

At the mention of Elder Huo, Yan Luo blinked—once, then again under Gu Que’s stare. “You’re a pushover. I was just standing up for you.”

“You were standing up for me? Oh, please! You’re the one who picked the fight, and now I’m the one taking the blame.” Gu Que was furious. She must be going through a streak of bad luck lately—she had taken the fall for three different people in just one month.

This was ridiculous!

Yan Luo frowned. “You’re yelling at me!”

Gu Que: “…” Since when was stating facts considered yelling?

Never mind. Life was hard. Gu Que sighed.

After tending to the tomatoes, Gu Que had a servant carry them to the carriage. She pulled Yan Luo along to visit the Huo family and apologize to Elder Huo, lecturing her: “Respect the elderly and cherish the young.”

“We respect the elderly, but he doesn’t cherish the young. It’s mutual—he’s not at a disadvantage. No need for gifts. Let me eat them instead. They’re quite sweet.” Yan Luo raised an eyebrow, smiling.

Gu Que ignored her. “If you won’t go, I will. And I’ll tell Elder Huo that it was you who filed the lawsuit—not me.”

“Oh ho, you’ve turned wicked. Are you still my husband? Taking someone else’s side now.” Yan Luo pointed outside. “It’s dark already.”

Gu Que realized she was right but grumbled, “It’s your fault for coming back so late.”

Yan Luo felt slighted. Since returning, her husband hadn’t been as attentive as before—almost casual.

This was a bad sign!

She asked Gu Que, “You’ve changed. Before, you’d be thrilled when I came home, practically rushing to greet me. Today, you scolded me!”

Gu Que looked up. “What do you want, then?”

Gu Que had learned a lesson: When a woman was being unreasonable, don’t confront her head-on. Arguing back and forth would only escalate things, possibly even leading to her storming out.

So, in such moments, set aside your own thoughts and ask the woman what she wants.

Your opinion doesn’t matter—hers is the priority.

Yan Luo smiled faintly. “Then kneel on the abacus to apologize.”

“How about I kneel on a durian instead?” Gu Que was both angry and amused. “Who made me the scapegoat?”

Yan Luo: “Me.”

Gu Que pressed on: “Who refused to go apologize with me?”

Yan Luo pointed at herself: “Also me.”

Gu Que frowned. “It’s all you, so why should I kneel on the abacus?”

“Hmm, that makes sense. You’re so wronged—how about we kneel together?” Yan Luo pondered, then muttered, “Am I really that unreasonable?”

Gu Que was so mad she laughed. She really didn’t know what to say. “Why are you so unreasonable?”

“Why should I be reasonable with you? I spend all day being reasonable with others. When I come home, I don’t want to be reasonable. Besides, you married me to spoil me—why should I be reasonable?” Yan Luo was just as adamant, raising an eyebrow in challenge.

“Wait, that line sounds familiar…” Gu Que touched her ear, suddenly realizing. “Can you not quote romance novel lines?”

Damn it, she was about to lose it.

Yan Luo, however, asked, “Why not? Others are husbands who dote on their wives. Why can’t you?”

“They’re domineering princes. I’m just an ordinary person.” Gu Que suddenly felt she had no ground to stand on. They were all husbands—why couldn’t she dote like others?

Wait, no. She was being led astray.

She argued, “Those are fictional stories. You can’t take them seriously.”

Yan Luo scoffed. “You just don’t want to pamper your wife. Fine, fine. I’ll sleep in the study tonight. I’ll come back when you admit you were wrong.”

“How is this my fault?” Gu Que didn’t get it. “I took the blame, and now I’m supposed to happily accept it and greet you with a smile when you come home?”

Was she that pathetic?

Yan Luo stopped and turned back. “Is it too much to ask you to yield to your wife?”

Gu Que fell silent.

“You know it’s not too much, so why argue?” Yan Luo pressed her advantage.

Gu Que’s head throbbed. She rubbed her temples. “Fine, it’s my fault.”

“Then give me this pot of tomatoes as an apology gift.” Yan Luo’s lips curled.

Gu Que surrendered completely, covering her eyes. “Take it, take it. Just get it out of my sight.”

Gu Yan, come back soon! Your wife is your responsibility to pamper.

Yan Luo smiled triumphantly and had the tomatoes moved to her study, along with dinner.

With her prize secured, it was time to console the scapegoat. Yan Luo walked over to Gu Que and pinched her cheeks. “I’ll go to the Huo residence with you tomorrow.”

Gu Que didn’t respond. She truly couldn’t predict Yan Luo’s next words. It was clearly her fault, yet somehow, by the end, it always became Gu Que’s fault.

How had such a spoiled personality developed?

Gu Que wanted to scream. She waved her hand. “Go eat. There’s sweet and sour mandarin fish for dinner.”

Only then did Yan Luo smile contentedly. But the moment she stepped into the study, her smile vanished. “Any movements from Elder Huo?”

Granny Sun was alive. Elder Huo wouldn’t let this go. The fire in the Eastern Palace, the disappearance of Princess Qiongju—these were his obsessions.

When people had too much free time, they overthought things, even to the point of seeking death.

Keeping busy made life fulfilling.

That night, the two slept in separate rooms.

The next morning, the tomatoes were returned.

Well, not exactly—the tomatoes were gone. Like the kumquat tree, the plant stood bare on the porch, basking in the sun.

Glutton!

Gu Que couldn’t bear to look at it. After breakfast, she went to the shop. Since she didn’t have to take the imperial exams, there was no need to study. Better to open the shop sooner.

She also needed to buy some film—she had promised to take Yan Luo’s photo.

Before leaving, she sent someone to the office to ask if Yan Luo could return early tonight.

Spring was radiant, with flowers blooming everywhere. Many people ventured out of the city for outings, and the streets were bustling—a lively scene.

The good weather lifted spirits. The soap shop’s entrance was still packed. At just a few dozen coins apiece, the soap was cheap—far more affordable than incense. People clamored to buy it.

Gu Que didn’t get out of the carriage. She knew the Emperor had left people here. As long as the Emperor’s lustful heart remained, there would be trouble.

As she watched, a group of men suddenly surrounded the soap shop. In an instant, the customers fled in terror. Gu Que’s heart leaped into her throat.

Were they here to cause trouble?

The leader was a man in his thirties dressed in green. After entering, he said something, and then his men began smashing things.

Amid the cacophony of shattering objects, the shop was left in ruins.