After Marrying the Villainous Prime Minister in My Brother’s Stead - Chapter 44

44: Betrothal, Anger—The Kind That Can’t Be Coaxed!

Yan Luo was utterly innocent.

She was merely an onlooker. These words weren’t even her invention—she was just repeating what she’d heard. How did they suddenly become “lewd words”?

“I’m angry. The kind that can’t be coaxed.” Yan Luo huffed, then went to the bathroom to bathe.

Gu Que was left bewildered. Who was the modern one here?

Yan Luo was truly angry and couldn’t be placated. Gu Que tried twice but was rebuffed, so she got angry too, turning her back and ignoring her.

The two slept separately.

The next day, Yan Luo moved to the study.

Granny Sun was taken out of the mansion by Zhi Zhi and didn’t return until afternoon. But as soon as she came back, she fell ill.

Gu Que didn’t know what had happened. She thought of calling a doctor, but Granny Sun was a physician herself. After some deliberation, she still sent someone to fetch a doctor.

The doctor took her pulse but couldn’t discern the issue, diagnosing it as a “heart ailment” and prescribing tonic medicine.

Gu Que didn’t trust him and sent someone to find a better physician. The second doctor said her pulse was weak, likely due to her advanced age and the recent beating. She needed proper rest.

Gu Que had medicine prepared and stood by the bed for a while, instructing the maids to take good care of her. Since she was currently disguised as a man, she couldn’t get too close. After a while, she returned to her room.

She couldn’t just leave things like this, so she sent word to Yan Luo.

Yan Luo didn’t return. In fact, she came back even later than usual. When she finally entered the mansion, Gu Que was frantic and scolded her, “Why are you only coming back now?”

Yan Luo, still angry, ignored her and went straight to Granny Sun’s room. Standing by the bed, she said softly, “Huo Zheng is here.”

Huo Zheng? Gu Que didn’t know who that was, but strangely, Granny Sun stirred.

It was indeed odd. Yan Luo shooed Gu Que out and sat by the bed. “Huo Zheng wants to see you. He wants to ask how the Empress died, how Princess Qiongju died, how the Crown Prince died.”

Yan Luo glanced down briefly. Granny Sun slowly opened her eyes. Yan Luo smirked, “Oh? Playing dead?”

Granny Sun’s eyes were clouded, and it took effort to focus. The clarity she found was Yan Luo’s mocking expression.

Furious, she turned away, ignoring the madwoman.

The madwoman leaned close to her ear, “Granny, are you scared?”

Scared? Granny Sun faintly felt she was speaking to a demon. But this demon wasn’t wrong. Zhao Quan had betrayed his master first—he deserved this fate.

After a long silence, she closed her eyes and wept, “I just feel sorry for you.”

“Granny is so compassionate. Why pity me? I lack nothing, everyone fears me, the Empress Dowager is wary of me, the Emperor relies on me—I’m the all-powerful Prime Minister. What’s there to pity? Are you mocking me?” Yan Luo smiled coldly, her eyes glinting with frost.

Granny Sun covered her face and sobbed loudly.

Gu Que, outside the door, pushed it open and entered. “Prime Minister Yan.”

Yan Luo said indifferently, “I didn’t bully her. She’s crying on her own. You coax her—how annoying.”

She left, leaving Gu Que alone with the old woman.

Gu Que didn’t know what to say. After a moment’s thought, she asked, “I have a medical book here. Would you like to read it?”

Granny Sun didn’t respond. Gu Que sighed and tried again, “Is there anything you’d like to eat?”

The crying subsided a bit. Gu Que stayed, having Ting Lan bring sweet milk, pastries, and some tomatoes.

After Ting Lan left, Granny Sun sat up. “Bring them here.”

Gu Que moved a small table to the bed and handed her a piece of cream cake first. “Prime Minister Yan likes this, but I didn’t give her any.”

Granny Sun took a bite and raised an eyebrow. “Are you afraid of her?”

Gu Que shook her head. “No, she’s just fond of making a fuss.”

“Making a fuss?” Granny Sun was so shocked her mouth hung open. “She likes making a fuss?”

Gu Que nodded. “Yes, she keeps pestering me about having a child. It’s endless.”

Granny Sun burst out laughing, sipping the sweet milk to soothe her throat. It seemed she was gearing up for a long chat. “She’s not much of a talker.”

Gu Que shook her head again. “She talks a lot.” Though most of it was nonsense.

Granny Sun was baffled. “How does she make a fuss?”

Gu Que listed examples. By the time she finished, Granny Sun had finished her milk and, for some reason, was in a much better mood. Perhaps it was hearing all these amusing anecdotes. “She’s right to call you a troublemaker. She likes you, so you’re a troublemaker to her.”

“Likes me?” Gu Que laughed. Prime Minister Yan was a woman, and so was she. How could that be “like”?

She didn’t believe it. Granny Sun said, “Don’t indulge her. And don’t have a child—”

Wait, two women couldn’t have a child together. Granny Sun quickly corrected herself, “She’s just teasing you. By the way, what’s this ‘ice cream’ you mentioned?”

Gu Que sent someone to fetch one from the ice cellar. Meanwhile, Granny Sun told her stories about Yan Luo’s childhood—how she’d been a spoiled, willful little girl.

Gu Que chuckled.

A while later, the maid returned dejected. “I ran into the Prime Minister just now. She took it.”

Oh no. A thief had intercepted it.

Granny Sun scolded lightly, “Still the same. Some habits never change.”

As a child, Yan Luo had stolen snacks and been spanked by the Empress several times, yet she never reformed.

Gu Que sent someone to fetch another, but it was snatched again. Granny Sun laughed, even happily, tears glistening in her eyes. Gu Que felt a pang of unease and hurried to call the doctor.

Granny Sun grabbed her hand and pleaded, “Let her be. I’ll eat it tomorrow after she’s gone. Young Master, I’ve told you—don’t provoke her. She’s ill and can’t handle stress.”

Gu Que was startled and nodded obediently. “I’ll let her have her way.”

Prime Minister Yan wasn’t a bad person. What girl didn’t want to be pampered?

None of this was a big deal in Gu Que’s eyes. Besides, Prime Minister Yan had helped her a lot. It was just a shame that Yan Luo was her sister-in-law, not hers.

Granny Sun prescribed her own medicine and sent Gu Que away.

Back in her room, Ting Lan greeted her. “You’re back, Young Master. The hot water is ready. Would you like to bathe now?”

“Where’s Prime Minister Yan?” Gu Que glanced around.

Ting Lan replied, “Have you forgotten? She’s sleeping in the study.”

Only then did Gu Que remember that Yan Luo was still angry—prone to petty moods. She told Ting Lan to relay a message: “Ask Prime Minister Yan if two ice creams are enough to calm her down.”

Ting Lan went to deliver the message.

However, when she reached the study, Yan Luo wasn’t there. She’d left the mansion.

Ting Lan returned to report. Gu Que had already finished bathing and changed into soft sleeping robes. Hearing this, she could only tell Ting Lan to rest first.

The world was unfair to women. Fortunately, the current Emperor was a woman, giving hope to others and Prime Minister Yan a chance to shine.

Lying in bed, thinking of Yan Luo, Gu Que suddenly felt lighter. Life at the Gu residence was different from the Marquis’s estate. Here, she felt reliance and peace.

No matter how wicked Yan Luo was, her heart leaned toward Gu Que. Her parents might be kind, but their hearts were always biased.

The Marquis and his wife had raised her, and though it hadn’t been easy, she held no particular attachment to them.

Rolling over, her mind grew hazy. She closed her eyes, ready to sleep.

Suddenly, a ding-dong sounded—someone was messaging her.

Great Scholar: I saw the photos. I still want to buy it. I don’t think it’s a fake—it’s the real deal.

Gu Que: Not for sale.

Great Scholar: Let’s discuss this.

Gu Que: My wife would break my legs if she found out.

Great Scholar: Talk to your wife, then.

Gu Que: Discuss? She’d think I was giving it to a lover.

Great Scholar: Hahaha! You’re so henpecked!

Gu Que was too annoyed to reply. If this guy knew of Prime Minister Yan’s reputation, he’d be scared to death.

In the middle of the night, Yan Luo returned, burrowing under the covers and complaining of cold.

Gu Que was half-asleep but didn’t push her away, yielding the spot and scooting inward.

What happened after that, she didn’t remember.

When she woke the next morning, Yan Luo was still there. Curious, Gu Que watched as Yan Luo opened her eyes. “It’s a day off today. The Emperor summoned me to the palace for fun, but I refused. Want to go out instead?”

Gu Que had never left the city and didn’t know what the outside world was like. The idea was tempting. “Outside the city?”

“No, to the Huo residence. The Huo family called off Princess Qing’an’s engagement. They had a huge fight yesterday—let’s go watch the drama.” Yan Luo smiled, still drowsy. After speaking, she closed her eyes and went back to sleep.

Gu Que was baffled, unsure what Yan Luo was thinking. Once Prince Huaizhang died, she’d known the Huo family would retract the engagement. Who’d want to marry a dead man?

Moreover, Princess Qing’an had killed Huo’s son’s beloved. There was hatred between them. Without her powerful father, the Huo family had nothing to fear and would withdraw. It seemed dishonorable but was pragmatic.

But what did this have to do with Prime Minister Yan? Why was she so eager to watch the spectacle?

Gu Que couldn’t figure it out. While she was lost in thought, Yan Luo suddenly opened her eyes again, grabbed her hand, and kissed her neck.

Her neck—not her brows, not her cheek, and certainly not her lips.

Gu Que was forced to tilt her head back. “Don’t leave a hickey…”

Yan Luo ignored her, nibbling for a while before letting go. She lay on her side, poking Gu Que’s chest. “It’s quite soft here…”

Gu Que swatted her hand away. “Stop touching me.”

“I’m touching my husband. That’s allowed.” Yan Luo sneered. “Did Li Niang ever touch you?”

Here we go again. Gu Que got up and called the maids to dress her. Yan Luo went back to sleep.

Once dressed, Gu Que remembered something. “Do you want to take photos?”

Yan Luo was asleep and didn’t respond. Gu Que quietly picked up the camera, tiptoed over, and gently pulled the blanket down slightly, revealing Yan Luo’s flawless face and the tantalizing glimpse below her neck…

Then—click.

Gu Que fled in delight, running outside and gasping for breath under the blue sky and white clouds. Her heart raced with excitement.

Ting Lan saw her clutching the black box and grinning foolishly. Her lips twitched. “What’s wrong with you?”

“Nothing.” Gu Que hugged the camera like a treasure. Glancing at Ting Lan, her mood suddenly improved.

Private photos—just the name was thrilling enough.

She smiled. Ting Lan didn’t understand. “As long as you’re happy. It’s a day off today. There are a few invitations at the door—all from poetry societies asking you to join them.”

That one poem at the banquet had cemented “Gu Yan’s” name in literary circles. Gu Yan was now a renowned poet.

“I’m not going. I have things to do. I’m heading out.” Gu Que rushed off without even eating breakfast. She was going to develop the photos.

Taking them wasn’t enough—she needed to print them, frame them, and display them in the study. How lovely.

Gu Que left in high spirits. Yan Luo slept an extra hour and woke to the sun high in the sky.

Her head ached. She sent someone to ask Granny Sun for painkillers.

The maid returned with Granny Sun in tow. After taking her pulse and scolding her, Granny Sun asked, “Why did you steal food again?”

Yan Luo was unrepentant. “This is my home. Everything here is mine. How is it stealing?”

“You—you’re impossible!” Granny Sun was so angry she rolled her eyes. “No more ice!”

Yan Luo didn’t respond. Ice cream was delicious. Besides, Gu Que wouldn’t let her have any either. Sigh—getting good food was so hard.

“Aren’t you going out today?” Granny Sun knew officials had days off—one every ten days. Since it was already mid-morning and Yan Luo hadn’t left, she probably wasn’t going out.

Yan Luo shook her head. “I’m going to the Huo residence.”

Granny Sun’s eyelid twitched. “What for?”

Yan Luo: “To watch the drama.”

“What drama?” Granny Sun sighed again. “Did something happen to the Huo family?”

Yan Luo explained. Granny Sun’s mouth twitched. “Elder Huo actually bent his knee? I thought he was unyielding. I want to go too. Can I?”

Yan Luo lazily yawned, refusing and mocking her: “Forgot about the beating you took?”

Granny Sun was speechless. “Can’t you speak nicely? I’ve noticed you’ve become even more infuriating since getting married.”

“Granny, I find Gu Que quite amusing—especially when she’s angry, like a little wronged wife. How can someone be so pretty? I want to strip her and see her in a dress.” Yan Luo raised an eyebrow, her tone light.

Granny Sun nearly fainted. “Be careful, or she’ll run off with someone else. I heard she had a fiancé before. Watch out.”

Yan Luo waved her off. “Her courage is the size of a mouse’s. She won’t run. And if she does, I’ll break her brother’s legs.”

Granny Sun: “I don’t want to talk to you anymore. I’m going back to the bamboo house.”

“Do you want another beating?” Yan Luo sighed. “Uncle is waiting outside the Gu residence for you. Eldest Uncle has asked me about you several times, probably planning to drag you back and torture you for information.”

Granny Sun pondered her sarcastic words and said, “The Gu family isn’t bad. That little young master is quite filial. She promised me ice cream today. Where is she? I’ll go find her.”

“Granny, I want some too…” Yan Luo pouted, her eyes pitiful.

Granny Sun stood and called a maid to prepare medicine—adding bitter herbs to teach Yan Luo a lesson.

By the time the medicine was ready, Gu Que had returned. The bitter smell made her cover her nose. “Did someone spill a vat of bitter herbs?”

Yan Luo was still in bed, reading a novel. She beckoned to her little husband. “Husband, you’re back.”

“Speak properly. Don’t be so clingy.” Gu Que took the medicine from the maid and handed it to Yan Luo. “Drink.”

Yan Luo pinched her nose. “Granny said I need medicine to have a baby. Why do I have to drink it and not you?”

Gu Que’s eyes widened. “Granny prescribed this for a baby?”

Yan Luo nodded pitifully.

Gu Que’s heart softened completely. She poured out the medicine. “No more drinking.”

All this talk about babies—couldn’t they live without one?

Gu Que was furious. Yan Luo watched her expression—her small face flushed pink, her eyes unblinking.

Tsk tsk tsk. An angry softie was just too adorable.

Her anger made Yan Luo want to laugh. Seeing it was getting late, she decided to get up.

Gu Que hurried to help her, holding her wrist, hand in hand, arm against arm—intimate beyond words.

Yan Luo glanced at her, lips curving. Where were the boundaries?

Once ready, they boarded the carriage to the Huo residence.

At the Huo residence, Elder Huo received them, along with his grandson Huo Chengru. Huo Chengru had been clamoring to join the army, but his uncle refused. As his younger uncle’s only descendant, if something happened to him, he’d have no face to meet his brother in the afterlife.

Early summer was warm. The usual hot tea for guests was replaced with cool drinks. Yan Luo said, “If Elder Huo trusts me, why not entrust him to me? He can start as a foot soldier in the Tongzhou camp—better than being thousands of miles from home.”

The Tongzhou camp was the Emperor’s army—no, more accurately, it was under Prime Minister Yan’s control. Elder Huo saw the implications clearly: if Huo Chengru entered the camp, he’d be under Yan Luo’s command.

It would mean the Huo family aligning with Prime Minister Yan.

Elder Huo smiled without answering. Huo’s eldest uncle also remained silent. Huo Chengru looked at his uncle, then his grandfather, understanding the gravity of the situation, and stayed quiet.

Gu Que sensed the awkwardness. Yan Luo smiled. “If Elder Huo isn’t willing, forget it. I was just making conversation. Young Master Huo’s marital prospects are bleak—no family in the capital would dare marry their daughter to him now.”

The Huo family’s reputation had suffered, a far cry from its former glory. Elder Huo, out of love for his grandson, had sacrificed the family’s standing to break off the engagement.

The Huo family was caught in the middle—too proud to seek alliances.

Yan Luo continued, “I have a good match. Is the Huo family interested?”

Huo’s eldest uncle was tempted. Elder Huo asked first, “Which family’s daughter?”

Yan Luo: “The second daughter of the Gu family—Gu Que, my husband’s twin sister. They say twins look alike. Judging by my husband, the second young lady must be quite beautiful.”

Gu Que: “…” What kind of game was this?

Elder Huo was stunned, glancing at the silent young man. “Young Master Gu is eighteen this year?”

Gu Que nodded. “Not yet past my birthday.” Seventeen years old.

The young man was exceptionally handsome. During the flower-adorned parade after the imperial exams, many had praised his looks. The Gu family was strict, and Gu Que had been raised in seclusion, unknown to the world.

Huo Chengru stared at Gu Que’s fair face, his gaze sharp. Gu Que blushed under his scrutiny. Yan Luo smiled faintly. “Young Master Huo, stop staring. Have you made up your mind?”

“What’s Prime Minister Yan’s motive for arranging this?” Huo Chengru couldn’t remain as composed as his grandfather. “Using your sister-in-law as a bargaining chip—doesn’t the young master mind?”

Yan Luo was unfazed. “The Emperor has taken a liking to the second young lady. The Marquis doesn’t want to offer his daughter for favor. So, I thought if the Huo and Gu families marry, the Emperor will give up. Young Master, rest assured—the second young lady is magnanimous. She’d even acknowledge a child from an outside affair.”

Elder Huo’s beard twitched. The Emperor’s fondness for women was no secret. He glanced at his grandson. “Are you willing?”

Huo Chengru smiled. “The young master is handsome, so the second young lady must be stunning. I accept this match.”

Gu Que exhaled in relief. This way, when Gu Yan returned, she could keep her own name and not become a nameless nobody.

“I’ll ask Minister Lu from the Ministry of Justice to be the matchmaker and inquire about the Marquis’s thoughts. This must be kept quiet.” Elder Huo said. The Huo family had just broken off the engagement with Prince Huaizhang’s household. If word got out, the Huo family would be ridiculed.

For now, they had to proceed discreetly, exchange betrothal gifts, complete the six rites, and marry once the second young lady returned.

Surely the Emperor wouldn’t snatch a married woman!

The two families’ marriage was verbally settled. Before leaving, Gu Que glanced at Huo Chengru.

Huo Chengru, trained in martial arts, had a wheat-colored complexion and sharp eyes—unlike Gu Que’s scholarly peers. He exuded strength.

After observing him, Gu Que tucked the impression away. She didn’t like men like this. Then she glanced at Yan Luo beside her. Privately, she thought—Prime Minister Yan was much more attractive.

People’s appearances differed, and so did perceptions. Huo Chengru was good-looking, but not comforting.

Prime Minister Yan’s beauty was soothing—easy on the eyes, calming to the heart.

The two left without staying for lunch. Since it was late and returning would take time, Gu Que suggested eating at a restaurant.

It was peak dining hours, and the restaurant was crowded—especially after the imperial exams. The capital was abuzz with discussions about the tumultuous yet ultimately satisfying outcome.

They alighted at the restaurant’s entrance. Yan Luo wore a veil to avoid recognition. Zhi Zhi followed, scanning for tails.

A private room was available on the second floor. The waiter led them inside.

The weather was stifling. Zhi Zhi opened the window for air. Yan Luo removed her veil and stood by the window.

This street was lined with restaurants and teahouses—a lively sight.

The three ate a simple meal. As they left the restaurant, the air grew heavy. Zhi Zhi remarked, “It’s going to rain.”

Gu Que said, “Let’s hurry back.”

They rushed home. Just as they arrived, a thunderclap split the sky, startling Zhi Zhi into crouching and covering her head.

Yan Luo teased her, “You’re too short to be struck.”

“Prime Minister, you’re so tall—you’d be hit first!” Zhi Zhi retorted angrily.

Gu Que laughed, watching the dark clouds gather. She said to Yan Luo, “Let’s go inside quickly.”

Summer storms were sudden, with lightning and thunder—no time for outings. At times like these, the pleasures of the boudoir became all the more important.

If a couple was refined, they could play chess by the window with two cups of tea, and the afternoon would pass unnoticed.

But Gu Que didn’t consider herself a scholar. She had no interest in chess or tea. Instead, she took out her camera to take photos.

Yan Luo leaned against a soft pillow, watching her lazily. “Aren’t you going to ask about the second young lady’s marriage?”

“The engagement Princess Qing’an secured must be good. My sister will surely like it.” Gu Que fiddled with the camera, her slender fingers pressing buttons without looking up at Yan Luo.

Yan Luo smiled faintly. “Do you like this match?”

The Huo family was strict—better than Zhao Mingwu. Elder Huo admired the Marquis’s character, while Huo Chengru was drawn to the second young lady’s beauty. Youth was shallow—unlike the elders’ deeper considerations.

So, as long as Yan Luo proposed it, the Huo family would agree. Right now, aside from the desperate Marquis, no one would dare send their daughter to the Huo family.

The two families hit it off immediately, and the involved parties seemed quite pleased.

Gu Que continued adjusting her camera, saying offhandedly, “It’s much better than the Zhao family.”

That Zhao Mingwu was just weird!

“Do you think Huo Chengru is handsome?” Yan Luo, bored, grabbed a handful of nuts and idly crushed them—imagining it was Gu Que’s face.

Gu Que still didn’t look up. “Quite handsome. A tough guy.”

Yan Luo tossed the nuts to the ground and stepped on them, the crunching sound muffled by the pouring rain outside.

Gu Que didn’t hear it.

Yan Luo asked, “Do you like him?”

“Why would I like him? Besides, he’s not my type.” Gu Que sighed and snapped a photo of Yan Luo, then checked the image.

Hmm—something was off. Frost glinted in Yan Luo’s eyes, her lips curled slightly.

Oh no. She was angry.

The weather in June was as changeable as a child’s face—and so was the Prime Minister’s mood.

Yan Luo asked, “Not your type… Are you going to eat him?”

Gu Que’s eyes widened. “Ugh, nonsense! I’d rather eat you than him.”