After Marrying the Villainous Prime Minister in My Brother’s Stead - Chapter 55

55: Sister-in-law, Sister-in-law!

By conventional reasoning, what Gu Que needed to do now was catch the person who leaked the secret recipe and then take Spring Blossom to court.

The villains would be punished, the shop would be forced to close, but there was one problem—the secret recipe would be lost.

In the future, someone else would still make soap.

Yet Gu Que deliberately chose the opposite approach, leaving people puzzled.

Gu Que said, “It’s just a worthless formula. Prime Minister, do me a favor. Tomorrow, spread the recipe throughout the capital. Spring Blossom’s business will surely suffer. But new products like the silkworm silk and goat milk soap can still be sold. This way, it’ll also help raise awareness of the goat milk soap. Trading small for big—consider it as spending money on advertising.”

Yan Luo watched her calm and analytical demeanor, wanting to say something but unsure how to phrase it.

Yan Luo wanted to ask Gu Que: At the first moment, didn’t you think of revenge?

The two had different thoughts. Yan Luo had never interfered with Gu Que’s business, so she said, “Write down the recipe, and I’ll have someone take care of it immediately.”

Business matters were different from court affairs. If it were Yan Luo, the person who leaked the recipe would already be a corpse by now, and the same would go for the people at Spring Blossom.

Challenging her bottom line naturally came with a price.

After Gu Que wrote it down, Yan Luo ordered someone to handle it.

Overnight, the soap recipe spread throughout the capital.

Almost every literate person had a copy, and the effect was immediate. The crowd outside Spring Blossom dwindled by more than half, and even Gu Que’s shop had few customers.

The silkworm silk and goat milk soap was now available in unlimited quantities. By noon, a large crowd had gathered outside the shop. Ten taels of silver was an astronomical sum for ordinary people, but for the wealthy, it was a drop in the bucket.

Gu Que stood in front of the shop, her emotions fluctuating. A person’s mood changes with circumstances, and over time, it can subtly alter their temperament.

Watching the bustling crowd, one thought occupied her mind: What has Yan Luo been through?

Strangely enough, after hearing the Great Scholar’s words, she didn’t find Yan Luo terrifying, nor did she think Yan Luo had committed some grave sin.

Morality follows aesthetics—I’ve been bewitched. But she was willing to indulge in it. People have both good and evil sides. If you kill me and I retaliate, does that make me evil?

Gu Que couldn’t find an answer herself. She had teachers to impart knowledge, but no one to consult on this.

At this moment, she felt that everything she had learned had undergone a seismic shift. She realized how terribly wrong she had been.

Disgust might have made her feel better, but she simply couldn’t bring herself to feel it.

She stood in front of the shop for a long time. Most of the buyers were maids and servants—no noble guests were willing to squeeze through the crowd. Many bought ten sets at once. A hundred taels was a lot, but here, a single painting could cost that much.

By dusk, the crowd outside the shop was still large. Knowing it was time to close, Gu Que saw that today’s sales had already matched half a year’s worth.

Before the sun set, the shopkeeper closed the doors. Many who arrived late sighed in disappointment, while the soap shop next door remained deserted.

Gu Que entered through the back door. The shopkeeper was ecstatic—today’s revenue had exceeded ten thousand taels. Gu Que, however, remained calm. No matter how much they earned, it couldn’t fill the void inside her. The rows of numbers looked like unfamiliar characters, alien and dull.

Today had been hectic. Gu Que gave bonuses to the clerks and the shopkeeper, advising them to rest early as tomorrow would be just as busy.

Then she went home.

Yan Luo was lying in the courtyard, watching Zhi Zhi practice martial arts while offering critiques: “Your strikes lack strength, your wrist is weak. And that kick just now—no power at all. Didn’t you eat?”

What a noisy woman.

Gu Que smiled but hadn’t even approached when she heard another jab: “Oh dear, you’re just like the young master—weak and limp, like a lazy little dog.”

Dog young master?

Gu Que’s smile vanished. Zhi Zhi also stopped, helpless. “Dog—no, the young master is here.”

“The young master is back!” Yan Luo beamed, looking utterly delighted—clearly guilty.

Gu Que pretended not to hear and quickened her pace. “The Prime Minister returned early today.”

“There’s something I wanted to ask you.” Yan Luo toned it down a bit, but her hands were restless, immediately reaching out to pinch Gu Que’s cheek.

Zhi Zhi: “…” I feel like the Prime Minister takes liberties with the young master every day, but the young master never says anything.

Yan Luo dragged her little husband inside and slammed the door shut. Immediately, the young master’s voice could be heard:

“You—don’t bite me—ah—where are you touching?”

Zhi Zhi held her breath and pricked up her ears, her heart pounding. The next moment, Ting Lan walked out.

Ting Lan was distraught. The young master and the Prime Minister were getting closer and closer.

Inside the room, Gu Que sat on the bed, watching helplessly as Yan Luo approached. “If you were holding a feather duster, it’d be even more fitting.”

“Am I some shrew?” Yan Luo leaned over her, poking her chest. “Do you have me in your heart? Hmm, why are you so soft…”

Gu Que quickly pushed her away, covering her chest. “Men and women shouldn’t be too intimate.”

“I just touched you—through clothes, no less. Why don’t we consummate our marriage? I’ve never seen a man’s body before. Let me see what’s different.” Yan Luo spoke matter-of-factly, without a hint of shame.

After saying it, she paused and asked Gu Que, “Why don’t I feel embarrassed?”

Gu Que laughed in exasperation. “You’re asking me? Who should I ask?”

Yan Luo frowned, pondered for a moment, and said, “Young Master, it’s all your fault.”

Gu Que: “How is it my fault?”

Yan Luo: “You’re the one who gave me those novels to read.”

Gu Que: “You—you’re shifting blame.”

Yan Luo sighed. “Fine, kiss me, and I won’t be mad anymore.”

Gu Que stood up and reluctantly approached her. “How? Where? Lips or cheek?”

“Only children choose. Kiss both. And here, you can leave a strawberry.” Yan Luo pointed at her neck, looking at Gu Que with tender, spring-like warmth in her eyes.

Gu Que was dumbfounded. “I don’t know how.”

“Then let me teach you.” Yan Luo resigned herself to the task.

Gu Que took a step back, blocking Yan Luo’s advance. “I can do it myself. No need for lessons.”

After all, I’m a modern person. How embarrassing would it be to have an ancient teach me how to kiss?

Gu Que rolled up her sleeves, ready to take charge. Yan Luo teased her: “Are you preparing for a fight? If you don’t even know how to kiss, how did you manage to have a child?”

The courage she’d mustered was instantly crushed. Gu Que sighed. “Can we not mention Li Niang or the child?”

“Fine. Then I want something. Can you give it to me?” Yan Luo gazed at her earnestly, her eyes brimming with tenderness.

Gu Que felt uneasy. “As long as it’s not my body, you can have anything.”

“Cannons. Do you have any?” Yan Luo asked.

The Great Wei Dynasty was developing cannons. To Gu Que, they were primitive, far less lethal than modern ones. But modern firearms were illegal—she was a law-abiding citizen and wouldn’t break the law.

She asked Yan Luo, “Why do you think I’d have any?”

“Foreign merchants do.” Yan Luo said.

Gu Que hummed in acknowledgment. She knew nothing about cannons, though she’d seen war dramas. “How far along is your research?”

“Short range.” Yan Luo replied.

Gu Que wanted to ask how short, but since she knew nothing about it, the question would be pointless. But Taobao definitely didn’t sell cannons.

“Give me some time.” Gu Que wasn’t sure. Maybe she could buy some historical books on the subject. Craftsmen were ingenious—even a few hints might lead to major breakthroughs.

“What kind of enemy are you dealing with?”

“Enemy? I just ordered people to develop them. They haven’t even succeeded yet—what enemy?” Yan Luo sneered, her smile chillingly cold.

Gu Que’s heart skipped a beat, recalling the scholar’s words again: Slaughter an entire dynasty.

She took a deep breath, comforting herself: Maybe the Prime Minister is preparing to fight a foreign enemy.

“I’ll try.” She agreed.

Seeing her compliance, Yan Luo’s expression softened slightly. “Since you’re helping me, I’ll naturally help you too.” She liked that Gu Que knew her limits and wasn’t greedy. Gu Que was indeed a bit soft, but she’d already exceeded expectations in many surprising ways.

Gu Que glanced at her but didn’t respond. There was nothing she needed help with—her business was running smoothly.

She recounted the day’s events with the goat milk soap. Yan Luo understood: “Because for so long, only ten sets were sold daily, and even money couldn’t buy more. Suddenly offering unlimited quantities naturally attracted crowds. Ten taels is nothing. I suggest you open orders to other regions—don’t limit yourself to the capital. Think bigger.”

“That’s one thing. Second, you could purchase farmland to grow rice. Food is the people’s heaven—grain is indispensable. If your yield is several times higher, one acre of your land equals five acres for others. Third, I heard your seeds need to be soaked in a medicinal solution. You could sell pre-treated seeds—enormous profits.”

“You have many ways to make money. You should try them all.”

Gu Que was tempted and smiled. “Money can’t be earned all at once. Today, I was thinking about Prime Minister Yan.”

Yan Luo had just marveled at the girl’s capabilities when she heard this odd remark. “You were thinking about me?”

“About the misunderstandings surrounding you.” Gu Que’s face paled slightly. She wanted to voice the questions in her heart but feared crossing Yan Luo’s boundaries.

She wanted to know about her past but didn’t want to hurt her.

Yan Luo’s reputation was poor—no, terrible. Before, Gu Que hadn’t cared, and Yan Luo hadn’t bothered to address it. But now, Gu Que brought it up.

Yan Luo’s expression shifted, momentarily beyond her control. The brief lapse startled even her.

“Does Young Master Gu think I’m unworthy of you?”

Gu Que met her gaze, detecting a flicker of change—from shock to coldness. A hint of vulnerability.

Gu Que smiled. “Prime Minister Yan, why do you let yourself go and act recklessly?”

“Oh? I think it’s fine. Does the young master disagree?” Yan Luo’s tone was icy as she stepped forward, locking eyes with Gu Que. “Young Master, I understand what you want to say.”

Gu Que shook her head. “You don’t.”

She felt helpless. The words couldn’t be spoken aloud, and keeping them bottled up was agonizing.

“Xiao Qi, I…” Gu Que hesitated, unable to voice it directly. Yan Luo was proud—telling her outright that her methods were wrong would wound her pride.

The conversation ended there. Gu Que went to find books, while Yan Luo returned to her study.

The earlier exchange dissipated like smoke, leaving no trace.

After the Mid-Autumn Festival, Princess Jinyang married the top scholar, a joyous occasion.

The princess’s residence had long been prepared, awaiting its mistress. On the wedding day, guests filled the halls. Court officials came to offer congratulations, and noble families sent gifts. The Gu family had prepared theirs early.

Young Master Gu arrived with his wife but hadn’t even entered when he saw Princess Guangping speaking animatedly with the groom. The moment she spotted Young Master Gu, she turned and fled, ignoring the groom’s calls.

“Young Master Gu, it’s been a while. I’ve missed you dearly.” Prince Guangping eagerly greeted him.

Yan Luo blocked him. “Your Highness, my husband doesn’t like men.”

Prince Guangping froze, realizing his behavior had been misinterpreted. He quickly explained: “The young master and I share a bond. I admire his literary talent, his exquisite poetry. You’ve misunderstood.”

Gu Que blushed at the praise. If Yan Luo hadn’t been shielding her, she’d have wanted to vanish into the ground.

Yan Luo stood firm. “His literary talent, his exquisite poetry—they’re all mine. Your Highness, please keep your distance from my husband.”

Prince Guangping, amiable and generous, was well-liked by all at court.

Now, dumbfounded, he watched as the unreasonable Prime Minister led her little husband away, utterly baffled.

I don’t even have those inclinations. Why can’t we be friends?

Inside, court officials mingled everywhere, along with young princesses chatting and laughing. After two princesses were killed in succession, the remaining ones had become cautious, avoiding unnecessary conversations.

But the moment Gu Que appeared, all eyes turned to her.

“Whose young master is that?”

“Look—that’s the Prime Minister. Must be the Gu family’s young master.”

“The one who fell ill during the imperial exams? He’s so handsome.”

“If he weren’t, would the Prime Minister have married him?”

“I heard the Prime Minister guards him fiercely.”

“The Prime Minister is here! The Prime Minister is here!”

Instantly, silence fell. Everyone lowered their heads as if facing the king of hell.

Gu Que caught whispers on the wind and glanced at the elegant woman beside her, her heart sinking. Yan Luo, however, strode straight to the princesses and bowed.

Gu Que followed suit.

“Prime Minister, no need for formalities.” The princesses didn’t dare accept the gesture.

Yan Luo straightened and led Gu Que away. Gu Que asked, “The princesses fear you.”

“You’re mistaken. What they fear isn’t me—it’s the imperial power behind me.”

“No, they fear your methods.” Gu Que stood her ground, rare firmness in her voice. “Your methods.”

Night fell quickly, the sky devoid of moon or stars, hinting at another overcast day tomorrow.

The two paused in the corridor. Yan Luo stood with her hands behind her back, a faint smile on her lips. “Oh? I think it’s fine. Why be merciful?”

“Isn’t mercy good?” Gu Que countered. History praised benevolent rulers—like Emperor Renzong of Song, renowned for his virtue.

Yan Luo said, “Mercy depends on the person. Should we show mercy to murderous demons? Gu Que, if you were killed and became a wandering ghost, would you forgive that person?”

Gu Que fell silent. But—but you’re still alive.

Don’t preach morality without walking in their shoes. If you endured their suffering, you might not be as kind.

Gu Que chose silence. “Prime Minister Yan, turn around and look.”

Yan Luo, puzzled, turned.

Under the lantern light, Gu Que’s face was flushed, her smile warm as spring. She gazed at Yan Luo: “See? I’m still here behind you.”

Yan Luo smirked coldly. “Will you stand here forever?”

Gu Que nodded. “If you choose goodness, I’ll never leave.”

Yan Luo’s eyes narrowed, her cold smile freezing. “And if I choose evil?”

Gu Que’s heart lurched. Yan Luo radiated icy hostility, her entire body bristling with thorns, slowly distancing herself.

“I’ll still be here. But I hope you’ll think of me. If you like me, think of me more.”

Yan Luo said, “Then I don’t like you anymore.”

Gu Que: “…” What kind of logic is this?

“If you can stop liking me so easily, then you’re fickle too. Before I fall deeper into your beauty trap, I should pull myself out. If you don’t like me, I won’t like you either.”

Gu Que turned and walked away.

Yan Luo: “…”

The princess’s wedding was lively, with scholars from the imperial exams attending. Poems and verses filled the air, creating a festive atmosphere.

Gu Que was dragged by Prince Guangping into the scholars’ circle and forced to drink three cups of wine. The alcohol loosened her tongue, and she recited over a dozen poems on the spot.

If Yan Luo hadn’t arrived in time, she might have spouted three hundred. Prince Guangping suggested continuing, but Yan Luo shot him a glare. The prince shivered, hastily stuffing the poems into his pocket, as if guarding a precious child.

Yan Luo hadn’t cared initially, but seeing his protectiveness, she glanced over. “Your Highness, may I take a look?”

Prince Guangping, slightly drunk, shook his head vigorously. “These were written for me by your husband. How can I give them to you?”

Yan Luo eyed him. “Fine. Since you cherish them so much, keep them.”

Prince Guangping nodded repeatedly, bowing as if seeing off an ancestor.

Once she was gone, he lovingly kissed the poems—once, twice.

On the second kiss, Zhi Zhi dropped from the sky, snatched them, and fled.

Prince Guangping stood dumbfounded. Where are the poems?

Vanished into thin air.

Gu Que, slightly tipsy, leaned against Yan Luo in silence, her eyes wide open. The carriage jolted, and she clung tighter. Yan Luo didn’t want her closeness and pushed her away. “Stay farther from me.”

Gu Que immediately sat upright, her gaze vacant but silent.

Yan Luo, initially angry, softened at her pitiful state. “What did you write earlier?”

Gu Que didn’t answer.

Yan Luo pressed, “Why did you drink so much?”

Still silent.

After two more questions went unanswered, Yan Luo gave up. This kind of drunkenness is oddly endearing.

After disembarking, Zhi Zhi galloped over with a crumpled paper. “Prime Minister, I stole it back.”

Meanwhile, Gu Que, as if nothing had happened, walked straight into the mansion, ignoring them both.

Zhi Zhi asked, “Prime Minister, is the young master angry?”

“Drunk.” Yan Luo followed Gu Que, curious where she was headed.

But before she could catch up, Leng Mian arrived with a box.

Yan Luo instructed Zhi Zhi, “Follow her. If she collapses, take her to the bedroom.”

“Prime Minister, news from the palace—the Emperor intends to make Wen Fu the Bright Consort. The Empress Dowager has agreed.”

Yan Luo frowned. “The Emperor is digging his own grave. What can I do? His foundation isn’t stable, yet he’s already indulging. Ignore it.”

Leng Mian said, “I have a plan.”

Under the night sky, Leng Mian’s figure was stern, her eyes sharp.

Yan Luo nodded immediately. “Do as you said. Do you know what comes next?”

“Give it to the Empress Dowager?” Leng Mian hesitated. “That might work.”

Yan Luo elaborated, “The Empress Dowager has many advisers under her wing?”

Leng Mian corrected, “Male favorites.”

Yan Luo insisted, “Advisers.”

Leng Mian stubbornly repeated, “Male favorites.”

“Fine, whatever. Wen Fu has never suffered—you know what to do.” Yan Luo gave up arguing. Hopeless.

Leng Mian left as quietly as she’d come, leaving the box behind.

Yan Luo circled it twice, then kicked it. “Uncle, why so quiet?”

The box clattered. Yan Luo crouched, poked it with a fair finger, then flipped it open.

Inside was a set of wine vessels.

Yan Luo brought the lantern closer, the dim light illuminating the contents. She wrinkled her nose. “So ugly.”

I don’t like it.

Back in the bedroom, Gu Que was already asleep. Yan Luo asked Ting Lan, “Did she wash up?”

“Yes.” Ting Lan lowered her head. “The young master is restless when drunk. She might disturb you.”

Yan Luo glanced at the peacefully sleeping figure and smiled. “No need. See how quiet she is? You may rest.”

Ting Lan hesitated, stealing a worried glance at the young master. How could you get drunk today of all days?

She dawdled, unwilling to leave. Yan Luo didn’t rush her, instead summoning maids to draw a bath.

Once Yan Luo left for the bath, Ting Lan rushed to the bed and shook Gu Que. “Young Master, wake up! Something terrible is about to happen!”

She shook so hard that Gu Que groggily opened her eyes, the world spinning, her stomach churning. “Sleepy…”

“Young Master, please wake up! Your secret will be exposed!”

Gu Que, irritated by the noise, covered her head and burrowed deeper under the covers.

Ting Lan stomped her foot. “Young Master, the Prime Minister is coming!”

“Let her come. It’s not like she’ll eat me.” Gu Que curled up, eyes closing.

Ting Lan clenched her fists. “Young Master, disaster is coming…”

“Sister Ting Lan.” A maid called softly from outside.

Reluctantly, Ting Lan left, tucking the blankets tightly around Gu Que and praying the Prime Minister wouldn’t touch her.

Drunk, Gu Que was quiet, wordlessly turning over to sleep.

Yan Luo returned from her bath to a silent room. Peeking in, she saw Gu Que curled into a cocoon—uncharacteristic behavior.

Drunkenness reveals true nature!

After drying her hair, Yan Luo approached the bed and tugged the blankets. “Gu Que. Gu Que.”

The covers were stuffy, and Gu Que’s face was flushed, her ears tinged red. She lay with her back to Yan Luo, offering only a silhouette.

Undeterred, Yan Luo pinched her ear. “Gu Que, you made a mistake today.”

Gu Que sat up, clutching the blankets, her vision swimming. Yan Luo deliberately provoked her, poking her chest. “You made a mistake.”

“Stop it.” Gu Que swatted her hand away, tilting her head to look. But her head was too heavy, and she toppled over, mumbling:

“Sister-in-law…”

Oh-ho! The truth comes out!