After Marrying the Villainous Prime Minister in My Brother’s Stead - Chapter 45

45: Hug Me, Hold Me.

The “eat” in Yan Luo’s mouth was not the ordinary kind of eating. Gu Que understood clearly and glared at her twice: “Your words are becoming more and more thoughtless.”

Could she just casually “eat” someone?

Gu Que set the camera down, walked up to Yan Luo, and couldn’t help but poke her forehead: “What are you trying to pull?”

Gu Que was dead serious and began lecturing: “Am I the kind of person who gets paralyzed at the sight of beauty? Huo Chengru is a man, and I’m a man. If I were to ‘eat’ anyone, it’d be you.”

She pouted—men weren’t her type.

No appetite. She looked at Yan Luo, who was listening to her lecture with rapt attention, her eyes brimming with tenderness as she stared at Gu Que.

Gu Que flushed with embarrassment. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“My husband is handsome. Is it too much to look at him?” Yan Luo’s eyes were glued to Gu Que’s face, perfectly embodying the phrase “my husband is handsome.”

Gu Que’s cheeks turned red, and she turned away. “I’ll take a photo of you. You’ll look amazing. You don’t even need beauty filters.”

Yan Luo was puzzled. “What’s a beauty filter?”

“It’s like magic. It can whiten your skin, adjust your face shape, and make you look even prettier.” Gu Que’s fair face lit up with excitement. “But you don’t need it—you’re already stunning.”

Seeing her so happy, Yan Luo grew suspicious. How could such miraculous technology exist?

Gu Que noticed her skepticism and said, “Take out your treasure.”

Yan Luo didn’t budge. Gu Que pressed, “I won’t delete your videos. Trust me.”

“Trust you? Your novels say that trusting a man’s words is like believing a sow can climb a tree. So, no, I don’t trust you.” Yan Luo refused to fall for it.

Gu Que nearly blurted out: I’m not a man. But she swallowed the words and opted for a compromise. “Fine, you open your treasure, and I’ll teach you how to use it. Deal?”

Yan Luo hesitated. “Can it turn you into a woman?”

Gu Que: “…”

“No, and it can’t turn you into a man either. Open your treasure.” Gu Que kept a straight face.

Yan Luo muttered, “You’re being mean again. I’ll note this down in my little book.”

Gu Que: “…” Petty!

Yan Luo had locked her treasure away, with the key kept in a sachet she carried at all times—as if guarding against Gu Que like a thief.

Gu Que found her caution hilarious. “I’ll buy you a password-protected box. No need for a lock—just enter the code. Want one?”

“If you give it to me, I’ll take it.” Yan Luo opened the box and retrieved her treasure, pressing the power button to turn it on.

The screen lit up, dispelling the gloom in Yan Luo’s eyes. Gu Que leaned in. “Swipe your finger to the left.”

Yan Luo obeyed. Gu Que instructed, “See that pink square? Tap it.”

Yan Luo hovered her finger over the “Beauty Camera” text. “I’ve noticed that the books you read, and even the words on this thing, are much simpler than ours.”

When she read, she often had to guess the meaning of characters, but after figuring out a few, she realized they were much simpler than the complex characters used in Great Wei.

If these simplified characters were promoted…

Yan Luo suddenly paused, curling her lips in self-mockery. Great Wei is doomed. What’s the point of simplified characters now?

“Simple and easy to learn. Tap it.” Gu Que said casually. She had long noticed that traditional characters were used here.

Yan Luo tapped it, and Gu Que continued guiding her. “Tap ‘Agree.'”

Yan Luo was puzzled. “Why should I tap ‘Agree’?”

“You have to agree to enter.” Gu Que explained patiently.

Yan Luo tapped “Agree,” and another page popped up: “Allow access to device status.”

“Tap ‘I Understand,'” Gu Que prompted.

Yan Luo complied.

Next came a request to “Obtain device information.” Gu Que told her to tap “Always Allow.”

“Now tap the pink ‘Camera’ text,” Gu Que said.

Another prompt appeared: “Full experience.” Before Gu Que could speak, Yan Luo tapped “I Understand” and then “Always Allow.” Suddenly, her own face appeared on the screen.

Yan Luo was startled. She deliberately widened her eyes, and the image on the screen did the same. But “she” looked even fairer, with smoother skin.

Yan Luo pointed the camera at Gu Que, and Gu Que appeared on the screen too.

Gu Que asked, “Are you scared?”

“A little…” Yan Luo didn’t dare underestimate it now.

Gu Que taught her how to switch cameras. “The first one is for selfies. You can also take pictures of others. Tap this to switch.”

Yan Luo followed her instructions and tapped the screen. The image immediately changed, and she couldn’t help but smile, her brows relaxing. “How does this work?”

“Magic,” Gu Que said mysteriously. She didn’t actually know the technical details herself.

After all, who cared about the inner workings of a phone when using it?

Yan Luo played with it on her own while Gu Que climbed onto the bed, leaving her to it. She’d deal with taking photos later.

The heavy rain lasted only half an hour before stopping, dispersing some of the heat. The skies cleared.

Yan Luo fiddled with the phone nonstop. By the time she looked up again, it was already dark.

Gu Que lay on the bed reading a novel, her lips curved in amusement. Yan Luo leaned over. “What are you reading?”

“A novel. Want it? It’s yours.” Gu Que laughed and generously handed it over. This wasn’t The Domineering Prince Falls for Me but a full-fledged harem intrigue story.

Yan Luo flipped through the pages and asked, “Are there any stories about two girls?”

“Two girls? Yuri?” Gu Que was baffled.

Yan Luo, however, was perfectly at ease. “The kind with sweet, soft girls. I don’t like reading about men.”

Gu Que stared at her, suspicion growing in her heart. “Do you like girls?”

“Of course. Don’t you?” Yan Luo turned the page. As she expected, it was in simplified characters. Was there another country whose language resembled Great Wei’s?

Yan Luo had seen foreign scripts before. As a child, she’d encountered multiple languages but never anything like the characters in this book. It was as if they were derived from Great Wei’s writing.

She didn’t ask, though, because it didn’t matter.

After glancing at the title, she handed it back. “Not interesting. Here.”

Gu Que asked, “What do you want, then?”

“Got anything like The Domineering Princess Falls for Me?” Yan Luo pinched the silly boy’s cheek. “Or a story about a girl disguised as a boy who takes a wife?”

“Your tastes are too niche.” Gu Que thought for a moment before asking, “Do you like girls?”

“Of course.” Yan Luo answered without hesitation.

Gu Que burst out laughing. She couldn’t help it—Prime Minister Yan liked girls… which meant Prime Minister Yan wouldn’t consummate their marriage because Gu Que was a “man.”

“Stop laughing.” Yan Luo scowled. “What’s so funny?”

Gu Que looked up and saw the blush on Yan Luo’s face. “Want me to find you a few pretty girls?”

“Tsk. How about giving me your sister? I’ll ensure your family’s future. How’s that?” Yan Luo smirked and poked Gu Que’s chest. “I like your face, but I don’t like that you’re a man. So, hand over your sister.”

“N-no, absolutely not!” Gu Que stammered. Who would offer themselves up like that? She immediately refused. “My sister is off-limits. I won’t betray her. Prime Minister Yan, there are so many women in the world. Why fixate on someone you don’t even know?”

“Among all the women in the world, I’ve taken a fancy to your second sister.” Yan Luo raised an eyebrow, taking in Gu Que’s flustered expression. Then she added, “Let’s go see her. Where in Jiangnan is she? In a few days, I’ll be touring Jiangnan on behalf of His Majesty. We can drop by.”

Gu Que panicked again. “I don’t have time. The shops are opening soon, and I need to oversee things.”

Yan Luo said seriously, “Just give me the address. I’ll go myself. What do young girls like? Clothes, jade, pretty hairpins? Help me decide.”

“Is bullying a patient fair?” Gu Que was furious. What kind of person was this? Not content with tormenting her at home, now she wanted to harass her sister-in-law too? She deserved a beating.

She really wanted to hit someone. Yan Luo was asking for it.

Yan Luo climbed onto the bed, leaning against the pillows. Her long legs stretched out as she shifted slightly toward the center, her gaze fixed on Gu Que. “I’ll find you a concubine. In exchange, give me your second sister. Deal?”

“No. Anyone but my sister.” Gu Que sighed.

Yan Luo laughed, wrapping an arm around Gu Que’s waist and pulling her close, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

The sudden intimacy startled Gu Que, who instinctively tried to move away. But as she shifted, Yan Luo lost her balance and tumbled onto her.

They tangled together.

Yan Luo pinned Gu Que down, her eyes shamelessly roaming. Gu Que was dressed modestly, with nothing revealing below the neck. But now, her clothes were askew, offering a glimpse of skin.

Yan Luo stared openly. Gu Que hurriedly covered her neck, but Yan Luo poked her chest instead.

Gu Que quickly shielded her chest. Yan Luo teased, “You’re a man. Why cover your chest? Got anything to hide?”

“Y-you…!” Gu Que stammered, her face burning with embarrassment. “Why must you always say such shameless things? Where’s a lady’s decorum?”

Yan Luo pressed against her, her hands wandering freely. “My decorum was eaten by my husband’s handsome face. Since you’re so good-looking, I want a taste.”

More shameless talk!

Gu Que felt breathless, panting for a moment before pushing at Yan Luo’s shoulders. “I’m your husband. Even if we consummate the marriage, I should be on top.”

Yan Luo burst out laughing, nearly collapsing. See? Tell one lie, and you’ll need countless more to cover it up. Gu Que lied every day, to the point of deluding herself.

Unable to resist, Yan Luo raised her hand. Gu Que’s eyes immediately followed, and she clutched her chest defensively, glaring: Don’t you dare.

Yan Luo smiled, her expression softening, and Gu Que was momentarily entranced.

She knew Yan Luo’s beauty carried an aura—aloof and untouchable, like a flower on a high peak. But now, her demeanor was flirtatious, exuding a different charm.

Was she teasing?

Or toying with her?

Gu Que couldn’t tell. But as time passed, her heartbeat grew erratic, her throat dry, and her body inexplicably warm.

A strange heat seeped into her limbs, making them weak.

Gu Que stared at Yan Luo, who stared back. Their expressions were different—gentleness clashing with coolness in an invisible standoff.

People with compatible personalities shared many common interests. Gu Que and Yan Luo were polar opposites, yet their daily life was harmonious. The storms outside never breached their home, which stood as a sanctuary supported by the two of them.

Yan Luo gazed into those bright, clear eyes and leaned in, her lips brushing Gu Que’s brow.

For a moment, Gu Que forgot to breathe, her nerves taut. Her brow burned, the heat spreading to her chest, where her heart pounded wildly.

She didn’t resist, allowing the kiss to trail from her brow to the corner of her lips.

They clung to each other until a cough sounded from outside. Gu Que snapped back to reality and shoved Yan Luo away.

Tinglan’s voice came from beyond the door: “Young Master, Prime Minister, would you like dinner?”

It was already dark, and the room hadn’t been lit, leaving it pitch-black.

The intimate atmosphere shattered. Yan Luo sat up straight and called for the maids to light the lamps. Gu Que, flustered, straightened her clothes and hurried out.

That was too close…

The rain had stopped, leaving the air fresh with the scent of grass. Gu Que stood at the doorway, gasping. Tinglan approached. “What were you doing earlier?”

Gu Que, still shaken, touched her lips but said nothing.

Tinglan didn’t press further. As a servant, she had no right to question her master, no matter how close they were.

She didn’t say it, but Gu Que understood. Tinglan had deliberately interrupted because she knew the Prime Minister saw Gu Que as the young master—but the truth was far more complicated.

Tinglan went to prepare dinner while Gu Que lingered outside before returning.

Yan Luo lounged on the bed, reading the novel. She didn’t look up at the noise.

Soon, maids filed in to set the table. Yan Luo rose and noticed Tinglan among them.

She glanced over, and though Tinglan didn’t realize it at first, she soon met Yan Luo’s icy gaze. Fear washed over her like a tidal wave.

Terrified, she bowed and hastily retreated. She knew the Prime Minister blamed her.

The room fell silent. Fish was served tonight, and Gu Que picked out the bones. With the maids dismissed, she had to do it herself.

After preparing a piece, she was about to eat when she noticed Yan Luo watching her intently.

Fine. You first.

Resigned, Gu Que held the fish to Yan Luo’s lips. Yan Luo frowned. “It’s fishy.”

Gu Que knew she was being difficult. Suppressing a sigh, she said, “I’ll make it for you tomorrow. For today, just bear with it.”

Yan Luo finally took a bite, chewed, and swallowed before asking, “Tinglan’s not getting any younger. It’s time she married.”

“I’ve thought about it, but I’m not sure who’d be suitable.” Gu Que sighed. Tinglan had a good temperament and was meticulous. Honestly, Gu Que didn’t want to let her go. So many things had become routine, and losing Tinglan would leave a void.

Yan Luo set down her chopsticks and hesitated before saying, “Leng Mian would be a good match.”

Gu Que objected: “Leng Mian is a woman.”

“What if Tinglan likes women? Go ask her. If not, there’s always Wu Qing.” Yan Luo egged her on. “Leng Mian is skilled in martial arts. She might even be doting.”

Gu Que couldn’t help rolling her eyes. “No. Find someone else.”

Leng Mian and Wu Qing sounded like terrible names. Though she hadn’t met Wu Qing, Leng Mian’s personality was too harsh. Skilled in martial arts, she’d probably be a bully.

No way. Tinglan’s my only friend left. I can’t push her into a pit of fire.

Yan Luo said, “Tinglan’s a servant. She’ll never marry into nobility. A scholar might take her if he’s open-minded. But Wu Qing is a general, commanding thousands. She’s got wealth and status.”

The reasoning was sound, but Gu Que wasn’t convinced. “I can give her a dowry. She won’t starve. Generals face life-and-death battles. She might end up a widow.”

Yan Luo sneered. “Prime ministers face dangers too. You might end up a widower.”

“Ugh, don’t curse yourself!” Gu Que wanted to cover Yan Luo’s mouth. Her words could be sharp, but not this sharp.

Yan Luo said, “Marry her off quickly.”

Gu Que knew Yan Luo was upset about the earlier incident and tried to reason with her: “She’s the only one in the mansion who can make milk tea, taro balls, spaghetti, and cream cakes. If you send her away, who’ll make them for you?”

“Fine. Let her be a kitchen maid, then.” Yan Luo changed her tune.

Gu Que fell silent. Whose fault was this?

Hers, for losing control. Tinglan wasn’t wrong, and Yan Luo’s anger was justified. In any other household, a servant interrupting their masters’ intimacy wouldn’t just be married off—it’d be much worse.

Gu Que couldn’t think of a compromise, so she said, “I’ll find her a match, but it can’t be rushed. Marriage is a lifetime matter. If she’s unhappy, it’ll ruin her life.”

Yan Luo scoffed but didn’t insist.

After dinner, Yan Luo fiddled with her phone while Gu Que read a novel, listening to “celestial music.”

By 9 p.m., the phone died. Yan Luo went to charge it and stopped playing, dragging Gu Que to bed.

The night after the rain was exceptionally quiet. The maids on night duty slept in the outer room while the two lay stiffly on the bed, neither touching the other.

Gu Que relaxed and began to doze off. Just as her eyes closed, Yan Luo snuggled closer. “Husband…”

Gu Que knew exactly what she was up to. Can’t you cause trouble during the day instead?

“What is it…?”

Before she could finish, Yan Luo’s lips were on hers again.

After a long moment, Yan Luo pulled away. “Young Master, I have a terrible temper. The more others tell me not to do something, the more I’ll do it.”

Gu Que’s heart sank. Not just terrible—rebellious.

In modern times, a twenty-year-old girl was still a child, barely out of her rebellious phase.

She didn’t argue or defend Tinglan. With Yan Luo’s personality, the more you pleaded, the angrier she’d get.

Yan Luo blinked. “Sleep.”

She lay down, turning her back to Gu Que—clearly still upset.

Gu Que didn’t know what to say. She’s impossible to deal with. After all this time together, today was the first time she truly understood the rumors. The King of Hell is indeed terrifying.

The next day…

Yesterday’s rain had cooled the weather. Granny Sun had servants bring out a wicker chair and lounged under a tree. Gu Que arrived with a basket of strawberries.

“These are the last of the season. Grandmother, enjoy them while you can—we’ll have to wait until next year for more.”

Gu Que was filial, and Granny Sun was delighted. She had a maid take the basket and asked how things were lately.

The Gu residence was large. Though they lived under the same roof, the courtyards were separate, and they rarely saw each other. Granny Sun knew her place and didn’t intrude.

Gu Que stayed for a while after delivering the strawberries. Granny Sun asked about the child, and Gu Que answered in detail. Granny Sun said, “I’ll visit in a couple of days.”

As a physician, Granny Sun knew more than most. Her visit would be to check the child’s pulse.

Gu Que agreed with a smile. They chatted a bit longer before Gu Que left. Granny Sun continued sunbathing.

Once Gu Que was out of sight, Granny Sun sat up and murmured, “What a fine girl. A pity she can’t show her true self.”

The Empress had once said that good partners were rare, and even rarer were those who tolerated one’s quirks. She could only hope the girl would treat Prime Minister Yan well.

But with Yan Luo’s foul temper, few could endure it. Sooner or later, the girl would flee.

After leaving Granny Sun’s quarters, Gu Que went out to inspect the shops. Since the last incident, no one had dared to cause trouble, and business was still booming. The two shops operated separately, though the soap shop was more profitable. Low margins, but high volume.

While walking through the streets, she ran into Zhao Mingwu on patrol. They exchanged a few words. Zhao Mingwu seemed downcast, mentioning he’d been reassigned.

Gu Que didn’t pry, only wishing him well. Zhao Mingwu suddenly asked, “I heard the Second Young Lady is recuperating in Jiangnan. Could you tell me more?”

Gu Que’s expression turned cold. “You’re about to marry. Don’t overstep.”

Zhao Mingwu said, “The Second Young Lady and I are friends. She’s unwell…”

“Men and women shouldn’t interact freely. Don’t bring this up again.” Gu Que turned and left, remembering the jade pendant incident. “Magistrate Zhao, whatever happened between you and my sister is in the past. You were never friends.”

Zhao Mingwu’s face darkened as he watched Gu Que storm off. He didn’t understand why the once-friendly Young Master Gu, who used to bring him snacks and share everything, had become so distant.

Now, Gu Que avoided him like the plague.

Gu Que returned home in a foul mood. Zhao Mingwu was an emotional fool—no, a scumbag, eyeing the next dish while still eating.

The wet nurse brought Qiong Ju out to play. At three months old, the baby could smile. Her skin was snow-white, and she squinted in the sunlight.

Gu Que held her for a while before putting her down for a nap. Remembering she’d promised to cook fish for Yan Luo tonight, she didn’t sleep long and got up on time.

After removing her outer robe, she headed to the kitchen. Suddenly, Zhi Zhi rushed in. “Young Master! Young Master! Something terrible has happened!”

“What? Where’s the Prime Minister?”

“His Majesty and the Prime Minister were on an inspection tour outside the palace when assassins struck. The Prime Minister took a knife for His Majesty…”

Gu Que froze. “Where is she?”

Since when did a sickly person have the courage to take a knife for someone else? Had she lost her mind?

Zhi Zhi said, “She’s in the carriage. Go meet her.”

“By the time you ran here, she’d already be back.” Gu Que couldn’t help but criticize. What kind of errand is this?

She rushed to the mansion’s entrance, where an unusually large carriage stood parked. Gu Que didn’t bother inspecting it, stepping onto the footboard to climb inside.

Yan Luo was awake, propped up inside. A blanket covered her, her face pale and her lips bloodless—but she was smiling.

“Young Master, carry me inside.”

Gu Que: “…” I can’t. I really can’t.

If she could still joke, the injury couldn’t be serious. Gu Que hesitated. “I-I can’t carry you…”

Yan Luo teased her: “Am I fat? I’m only ninety pounds. How can you not carry me?”

“Then let me carry you on my back, okay?” Gu Que compromised. Carrying someone on her back was easier, and the bedroom was still far away.

Yan Luo threw off the blanket, revealing bloodstained clothes around her waist. She pointed at the wound. “Can you carry me like this?”

The bl00d made Gu Que’s heart clench. She shook her head dazedly. “N-no, I can’t…”

Yan Luo naturally spread her arms, her eyes tender. “Husband, hold me.”