After Marrying the Villainous Prime Minister in My Brother’s Stead - Chapter 58

58: So Soft, Touch It Yourself.

Ting Lan had heard rumors and subconsciously assumed that Prime Minister Yan was either ugly, fierce-looking, or cold as ice.

However, rumors turned out to be false—so false, in fact, that reality was the complete opposite. Some unseen force seemed to be pushing things toward an irreversible direction.

Ting Lan said, “I feel like the two of you resemble a married couple—a real couple, regardless of gender.”

Gu Que understood her meaning and replied, “This position ultimately belongs to my elder brother.”

“Young Master, if the Prime Minister truly cares about you, will your elder brother even have a chance to survive?” Ting Lan dared to voice her thoughts. Given the Prime Minister’s temperament, if she discovered that the current “young master” was an impostor, the real one would have no path to survival.

“Young Master, you’re still young and lack the depth of scheming. Your mind is filled with rules, etiquette, and propriety—everything except an understanding of what love truly feels like.”

Gu Que looked up, startled by these unusual words. “Who taught you to say this?”

Ting Lan lowered her head in shame. “No one. I wanted to say it myself.”

“I don’t believe you. Did Grandma Sun tell you to say this?” Gu Que guessed. Prime Minister Yan was like a celestial being, with countless ways to keep her in check. She would never have Ting Lan deliver such a message.

“Young Master, I just feel that you and the Prime Minister have grown too close. In the future, it will be impossible to undo this.” Ting Lan’s eyes reddened.

Gu Que fell silent.

“The Prime Minister has returned!” someone suddenly called out.

Gu Que hurried to greet her, while Ting Lan remained standing where she was. Only after the young master had gone did she step outside.

At that moment, Grandma Sun approached and patted her shoulder. “You’re quite clever.”

Ting Lan was on the verge of tears. “How did you find out about the young master’s identity?”

“Pulse readings can distinguish between men and women,” Grandma Sun lied. In truth, the Prime Minister had told her, but she couldn’t betray that confidence. Besides, if this lie were exposed, the young girl might run away.

Sometimes, the truth wasn’t all that important. If both parties already knew, what was the point of laying everything bare?

Ting Lan wiped her tears. Grandma Sun comforted her, “Why are you crying? Isn’t the Prime Minister good?”

Ting Lan remained silent. Grandma Sun began boasting like a vendor praising her own wares: “The Prime Minister is beautiful, with a wonderful personality. Look, she even accepted these two children. Don’t be ungrateful. Do you know that if the Prime Minister hadn’t known your young master was a woman, she would never have taken in these children? As for the real young master—if he’s dead, so be it. If not, we’ll deal with it when he returns.”

“Then what will happen to my lady?” Ting Lan burst into tears.

Grandma Sun immediately wiped her tears and soothed her, “They can divorce.”

Yan Luo returned home, having spent the entire journey fiddling with her new treasure until it ran out of battery. As she stepped out of the carriage, she handed it to Gu Que. “It’s dead.”

Gu Que, relieved to see her unharmed, helped her down. “Why are you back so late?”

“I was handling a case. It ran long.” Yan Luo descended from the carriage.

The two walked back to the courtyard together. Grandma Sun had already left, and Ting Lan wasn’t waiting under the eaves either—only the young maids were on duty.

Yan Luo entered the room, followed by the maids, who helped her change her clothes, handed her a towel to wipe her hands, and finally presented her with a hand warmer.

Yan Luo sat down comfortably. Gu Que went to charge the device, and by the time she returned, the maids had already set out dinner.

The dishes had been reheated several times and didn’t taste as fresh, but neither of them complained. Gu Que asked about the case.

Yan Luo casually replied, “A case involving a serial rapist.”

Gu Que froze. Yan Luo also paused, realizing she’d come up with a lame excuse, and smiled faintly. “Do you believe me?”

Gu Que snorted and remained silent.

Like hell I believe you.

Yan Luo felt a pang of guilt—something rare for her. She’d told countless lies before, so why did this one make her uneasy?

The two ate in silence, and Gu Que didn’t ask again.

After dinner, Yan Luo wrapped herself in a cloak and hurried off. Gu Que went to look for Ting Lan, but the maid Chun Lu came to report, “Sister Ting Lan isn’t feeling well. She asked for leave.”

“Alright, don’t disturb her.” Gu Que also breathed a sigh of relief. If Ting Lan were here, she wouldn’t know how to face her.

The candlelight was bright but couldn’t compare to the glow of a lightbulb.

Gu Que sat by the round table, staring at the dressing table, where several hairpins were placed. She stood up, walked over, and picked one up, holding it tightly in her hand.

The hairpin was exquisite and elegant, adorned with genuine gemstones—not glass beads but natural treasures.

Ting Lan’s meaning today had been clear: she believed Gu Que had developed feelings over time and forgotten propriety.

The night was quiet, and the room was so silent that a pin drop could be heard. Apart from her, there was no one else. She clutched the hairpin tightly, as if it still carried Yan Luo’s warmth and scent.

Looking at her reflection in the mirror, she felt lost.

At this moment, she didn’t know what propriety was anymore—or where the boundaries lay.

Had she truly crossed the line?

If kissing was overstepping, then that was the only transgression.

Respecting the Prime Minister as an elder sister-in-law—since an elder sister-in-law was like a mother—was that wrong?

In this marriage, the goal had always been clear: wait for Gu Yan to return. But no one had told her how to interact with the Prime Minister in the meantime.

In daily life, how should she behave? Should she ignore her, sleep separately, maintain distance, or treat her coldly?

But what had the Prime Minister done wrong?

Treating her this way was deeply unfair.

For the first time, Gu Que felt truly lost. No one had taught her how to navigate this.

The Marquis of Yongle and his wife assumed she could handle her relationship with the Prime Minister appropriately—never imagining that emotions might come into play.

This time, she wanted to ask the Marquis: What if the Prime Minister falls in love with me? How should we handle it?

Should they offer her as a tribute or continue waiting for Gu Yan’s return?

Gu Que sat before the mirror, gripping the hairpin, motionless as she stared into her own eyes.

Ting Lan’s warning had forced her to reconsider this marriage.

—

The study was warmed by a charcoal brazier, and the desk was piled with intelligence reports from various regions. Yan Luo reviewed them one by one, finishing close to midnight.

When she opened the door, a biting wind rushed in. Zhi Zhi suggested, “Why don’t you rest here tonight? There’s a bed and blankets.”

Winter was bitterly cold, and the dead of night was the chilliest time. Any sensible person would choose to stay bundled under the covers—especially someone with poor health like Yan Luo.

As Yan Luo stepped over the threshold, the wind sneaked under her collar, making her gasp. Zhi Zhi immediately blocked her path. “Stay here. I’ll inform the young master. He’ll understand.”

Yan Luo hated the cold, and the walk from the study to the bedroom was too much to bear.

Zhi Zhi went to deliver the message. The lamp in the room was still lit, and Gu Que sat before the mirror, silent.

Zhi Zhi approached to relay the news. Gu Que seemed to snap out of a daze, stood up, and forced a smile. “Alright, I understand. Are you cold? Would you like some hot water?”

“I’ll have some tomorrow. I need to report back.” Zhi Zhi darted out quickly.

The moment she turned away, Gu Que’s smile vanished, replaced by a look of disappointment.

She’s not coming back.

Gu Que flopped onto the bed, not even bothering to undress before burrowing under the covers.

In the middle of the night, it began to snow. The wind howled against the windows. Yan Luo woke with a start and peered outside—the snowfall was heavy.

From the study, she didn’t need to open the window to see the snowscape. Yan Luo didn’t light a lamp. The world outside was a monochrome painting of darkness and white, breathtakingly beautiful—so beautiful that she wanted to drag Gu Que out to see it.

Unable to sleep, Yan Luo dressed and called for the maid on night duty. “Bring me a lantern.”

She threw on her cloak and hurried out. The snow had already piled thickly on the ground, crunching underfoot in the silent night.

Yan Luo rushed to the bedroom, where the night-duty maid Chun Lu was startled by the shadowy figure until she recognized the Prime Minister. “Aren’t you cold?”

“Is the young master inside?” Yan Luo handed her the lantern and headed for the inner chamber.

Gu Que, half-asleep, emerged from the blankets, shivering. Just as she was about to burrow back in, Yan Luo walked in, her hair dusted with snow.

“It’s snowing?” Gu Que was instantly awake.

“Let’s go enjoy the snow.” Yan Luo approached, intending to pull her up but noticed she was still dressed. “Did you sleep in your clothes, or were you planning to sneak out?”

“I fell asleep because I was tired. It’s freezing—why would I go enjoy the snow in the middle of the night?” Gu Que burrowed deeper under the covers. Who in their right mind goes snow-gazing at this hour?

Outside, everything was white—the roofs, trees, and ground blanketed in snow. The courtyard lanterns were lit.

Gu Que shivered violently, watching the snow enthusiast and sighing inwardly. This wasn’t the vicious Prime Minister—this was an overgrown child throwing a tantrum.

A tea stove was set up. Gu Que hovered by the fire, refusing to budge. Yan Luo, unfazed by the cold, even removed her cloak. Gu Que stopped her. “Don’t take it off. I’ll fetch Grandma Sun.”

At the mention of Grandma Sun, Yan Luo grudgingly kept it on. “How about hot pot?”

Gu Que sighed and ordered the preparations: hot pot, broth, and ingredients. She fetched some tomatoes and meat herself.

Yan Luo ate the tomatoes; Gu Que focused on the meat and tripe. The maids brought two bottles of sweet milk, and the two ate by the window.

Gu Que yawned. Yan Luo seized the moment to pop a chili pepper into her mouth. Gu Que’s face turned red from the spice. “You’re despicable.”

“‘Only women and small-minded men are hard to please.’ I think it fits.” Yan Luo drank her milk, feeling utterly content.

The snow fell softly. Yan Luo suddenly said, “Recite some poetry for me.”

Gu Que gulped down milk, her face still burning, and ignored her.

The maids had all retreated. After being roused in the middle of the night, everyone was exhausted. Now, only Gu Que was left to keep the Prime Minister company.

“Young Master, do you think I’m nice?” Yan Luo mimicked Gu Que, picking up a piece of tripe, dipping it in the pot briefly, then coating it in sauce before slowly placing it in her mouth.

The strange eating method and sauce didn’t appeal to her. “I want cake.”

“There isn’t any right now. Ting Lan’s asleep.” Gu Que was annoyed, yawning twice before nibbling on a boneless chicken claw. She was sleepy but also craving food.

This is torture.

Gu Que waffled between choices, stuffing her face all the while. Yan Luo, in contrast, stared intently at Gu Que’s pink-white cheeks. “I really want to bite you.”

Gu Que snorted and offered her cheek. “Go ahead.”

“Oh ho, you’ve changed too—grown shameless.” Yan Luo pushed her face away disdainfully.

The snow fell heavier, and the world grew quieter.

Gu Que gazed at Yan Luo, a surge of impulse rising within her. “Can’t we just live peacefully like this?”

“Peacefully?” Yan Luo raised an eyebrow, a chill settling around her. What was peaceful living?

Her mother had once said that life in the palace was peaceful—with children and a husband who loved only her, no concubines to fight for favor.

And then? Everything was destroyed in a blaze.

Gu Que said, “Meeting you is the luckiest thing that’s ever happened to me.”

Yan Luo looked at her coolly. “This marriage was arranged by my mother. I don’t love you, but you’re adorable.”

Who could resist such a quirky, endearing girl?

The noble daughters of Great Wei were dignified, reserved, well-read, and versed in etiquette—perfect ladies. But from another perspective, these girls were largely useless, raised in isolation. If they stepped outside, they’d likely struggle to tell north from south.

Gu Que’s strengths were precisely what they lacked. But she also had flaws—she knew nothing of romance or even basic etiquette.

If she were an ordinary girl, this marriage wouldn’t have happened.

The snow fell steadily, but the room was warm.

The two waited for dawn, watching the snowfall. Gu Que shared many novel things, even telling her that in another world, humans could land on the moon and map its orbit.

Yan Luo listened intently, her eyes fixed on Gu Que, not interrupting, her thoughts following along.

When electricity came up, Yan Luo asked, “How is it made? Can we do it here?”

“I don’t know how it’s made, but you should understand that this isn’t something meant for our time. That’s why I don’t dare show it to others.” Gu Que explained her concerns. When she first arrived, she’d also dreamed of generating electricity and bringing light to the night.

But gradually, she realized how naive that was. Times progressed. If electricity appeared now, what would happen later? Altering the course of history would be disastrous for future generations.

So, she’d found Warm Residence, creating a space of her own.

Gu Que said, “What I hate most here is how men can philander, frequent brothels, and take concubines.”

Yan Luo’s eyes lit up. “You mean monogamy?”

“Yes. Anyone who crosses the line violates the law. With evidence, they’d face consequences.” Gu Que grew animated. “Times will progress, and so will people’s thinking. Eventually, everything will change.”

She didn’t mention equality or the absence of dynasties. Rulers and commoners saw the world differently.

Yan Luo smiled faintly. “Who knows how long that will take.”

“I have books on law. If you’re interested, I can help. Oh, and I found books on cannons.” Gu Que remembered something important and excitedly went to fetch them. “I don’t understand them, but craftsmen might. If you can’t find certain materials, ask me—I might be able to help. To be honest, the cannons I’ve seen are incredibly powerful.”

Pride swelled in her heart—the might of her great homeland.

Handing the books to Yan Luo, Gu Que said eagerly, “There are diagrams and detailed explanations. A single cannon here could breach city walls. No matter how sturdy the fortress, one command could reduce it to ashes.”

“Young Master.” Yan Luo lowered her gaze, pausing on a page. Gu Que was indeed a rare talent. Meeting her had made achieving her goals twice as easy. But if…

She glanced at Gu Que, her lips curving. “If your sister died, would you be sad?”

Sad? Gu Que smiled mysteriously. Of course not.

They’d never met, and this sister had caused her so much trouble. Why would I be sad?

But she pretended otherwise, putting on a sorrowful expression. “My sister is frail. Of course I’d be sad.”

Yan Luo laughed, seeing through her. “Stop pretending. Wouldn’t you be thrilled?”

If Gu Yan died, Gu Que would become the real Gu Yan. Wasn’t that ideal?

Yan Luo thought it was perfect. Why not just kill Gu Yan?

Gu Que immediately protested, “How can you accuse me like that?”

“My mistake.” Yan Luo quickly backtracked, mimicking Gu Que’s earlier tone. “Our young master dotes on his sister dearly.”

So sarcastic. Gu Que ignored her and introduced something new: television dramas.

“They dramatize five thousand years of history. When I have time, I’ll find one about Li Bai. He was incredible—a literary icon.”

Yan Luo recalled the short videos. “Are those also TV dramas?”

“Those…” Gu Que hesitated. How to explain? “I’m not sure. I’m not a deity—I don’t know the stories behind them. But you’ll love binge-watching. Later, I’ll give you a tablet so you can watch dramas.”

Yan Luo scoffed. “I don’t have time. Give it to Grandma Sun.”

Gu Que chuckled. “There are kissing scenes in dramas.”

Yan Luo paused, shamelessly changing her tune. “I’ll take a look.”

Gu Que burst out laughing. “Why are you so perverted?”

Yan Luo sipped her milk calmly. “Because I don’t understand, I’m curious. How is that perverted? If I were, I’d go for hands-on experience. The Emperor has countless women—an endless supply. By the way, you were right: Wen Fu has fallen out of favor.”

Gu Que: “…”

“You’ve never had hands-on experience?” Gu Que couldn’t stop laughing.

Yan Luo remained unruffled. Want to mock me? Have you? But she held her tongue—after all, the other woman had children.

“No. Should we try sometime?” Yan Luo said seriously.

Gu Que’s laughter died. She silently cooked a piece of tripe and ate it. “Delicious.”

“Young Master, do you think…”

“You’re prettier than Li Niang.” Gu Que cut her off.

Yan Luo: “…”

The snow piled higher. Yan Luo gazed outside. “I don’t feel like attending court today.”

Gu Que was puzzled. Didn’t officials get caned for skipping court without reason?

Then Yan Luo added, “I’m unwell. I have a fever.”

Ah, the classic sickly excuse. Gu Que asked, “What will you do at home instead?”

“There’s plenty to do in the snow. We can have snowball fights, build snowmen, admire the snow while brewing tea.” Yan Luo listed.

Gu Que rolled her eyes. “The Emperor will have you beaten.”

“Have you ever been caned?” Yan Luo suddenly asked. Gu Que was so well-behaved and rule-abiding that she probably hadn’t.

Gu Que froze. “How did you know?”

Yan Luo was surprised. “You have?”

Gu Que had been caned—when she first arrived and tried to run away. Who’d want to stay here pretending to be a man? Disgusting.

She’d packed her bags and tried to sneak out of the city but was caught at the gates for lacking a travel pass. The Marquis’s household had to retrieve her.

She’d been beaten upon returning—a memory she’d never forget.

Gu Que muttered, “It hurt so much.”

Yan Luo laughed. “Why were you beaten?”

“I tried to run away—to go have fun.” Gu Que flushed, remembering how foolish she’d been. Live and learn. Now she knew running away wasn’t easy.

Yan Luo was intrigued. Was it for fun, or was she escaping?

Gu Que’s personality was a mix of restlessness and contentment. She wasn’t one for outings, yet she was always cheerful, without a care in the world. Was it because of her social circle?

Gu Que’s identity was awkward. Interacting with men risked exposing her body, and as a “man,” she couldn’t get too close to women due to propriety.

Gradually, she’d become a lone wolf.

Yan Luo understood her predicament but didn’t press. “Poetry clubs are fun. You could join one—just stay away from the Prince of Guangping. He likes sharing beds with men.”

Gu Que was stunned. “Sleeping together?”

“Yes. Like-minded people often share beds, just like girls who sleep together when they’re happy.” Yan Luo explained. “You’ve never experienced it, so you wouldn’t know.”

Gu Que asked, “Is it homosexuality?”

“You’re overthinking it.” Yan Luo chuckled. “Great Wei doesn’t have such customs. It’s just a scholar’s thing.”

Gu Que pursed her lips. “I won’t go. I don’t sleep with others.”

Yan Luo covered her mouth, laughing, and pinched her cheek. “You sleep with me.”

“It’s dawn.” Gu Que leaned back, avoiding her touch. “Time for court.”

Yan Luo stood. “Not going. I’ll have Zhi Zhi request leave. I’m busy today.”

She headed for the bed. “Husband, it’s late. Let’s rest.”

Gu Que called for servants to clean up, then followed Yan Luo, watching her climb into bed helplessly. “What are you busy with today?”

“Cannons. Such an important matter—no time for that lustful girl. I heard she’s fallen for another palace maid, showering her with gifts. Husband, why is she so promiscuous?” Yan Luo sighed. “I envy her.”

Gu Que stayed silent. Envy my foot. It’s your own heart itching for action.

Yan Luo rolled over and beckoned. “That night when I was drunk, I accidentally touched your chest. So soft. Is that how men are?”

Gu Que: “…”

“Stop talking nonsense.” Gu Que covered her mouth sternly.

All bark, no bite. Yan Luo wasn’t fooled. Instead, she poked Gu Que’s chest teasingly. “Touch it yourself.”