After Marrying the Villainous Prime Minister in My Brother’s Stead - Chapter 61

61: Illness, I Am Gu Que, Not Gu Yan!

The room had a bed and furniture, not as luxurious as the Gu residence, but very practical.

The wardrobe stood in the corner. Every time Yan Luo came here, she was usually drawn to the air conditioning. But today, with more time to spare, she noticed it at a glance.

Yan Luo had imagined Gu Que in a dress—graceful, radiant, a beauty with captivating charm.

This beauty carried a secret, something alluring. Yet, if revealed, the allure would diminish.

Yan Luo shook her head. “I won’t tease you. I heard there will be fireworks at the city gates tonight. After dinner, we can watch from a high place.”

Gu Que nodded but didn’t respond. Just then, Granny Sun called from outside, “Young Master, Young Master!”

Gu Que hurried out. Granny Sun was calling her from the greenhouse. She entered and asked, “Where did you get this fabric? Get me some too. My herbs aren’t cold-resistant, but yours work well. Look, there’s even sunlight—so comfortable. If we had a house like this, wouldn’t it be wonderful?”

“The Emperor’s sunroom is very comfortable, but that’s his. We can’t use it.” Gu Que sighed.

Granny Sun waved her hand. “I think this place is perfect. I love farming. Why don’t I move here and manage it for you? It seems quiet, and I’ll work for free.”

Gu Que saw through her intentions—she just loved the greenhouse.

“If you want, I’ll have some made for you. But it’s too desolate here, and my space is limited. I can’t spare room for your herbs.”

Granny Sun insisted, “I like it here.”

Gu Que refused to relent. “Whatever you like, I’ll have it moved to your home. This place is too chaotic. I’ll give you everything.”

“Good, that’s good. I want this round thing,” Granny Sun pointed at the light bulb.

Gu Que sighed. “No, this can’t be moved.”

Granny Sun glared. “Then I’ll stay.”

Gu Que rubbed her forehead. “Fine, I’ll try to move it for you.”

“Deal. I’ll go take a look.” Granny Sun was satisfied.

Gu Que sighed inwardly. The elderly were like children.

Yan Luo hid inside, enjoying the warmth, while Gu Que went to the kitchen to help. Granny Sun wandered around, but many rooms were locked, and she couldn’t enter.

By dusk, the dishes were ready. Gu Que asked Yan Luo, “Would you like red wine?”

“No, I’ll have sweet milk.” Yan Luo knew her limits. Tonight would be sleepless, and alcohol would only hinder her.

Gu Que drank red wine, uncorking a bottle to share with Granny Sun. Xi Yu and Ting Lan preferred to eat in the kitchen, where there was plenty of food and freedom.

Granny Sun drank half the bottle and grew tipsy, grabbing Gu Que’s hand and rambling. “Her temper is terrible. When she was young, she was so naughty, the whole…”

Before she could finish, Yan Luo covered her mouth. “Granny’s drunk. I’ll help her to bed.”

As night fell, sounds of laughter and firecrackers filled the alley.

Then, fireworks bloomed in the sky, lighting up the night.

Yan Luo settled Granny Sun and returned to find the table cleared. Ting Lan and Xi Yu were in a corner, eating candy—lipstick-shaped candy.

Yan Luo had bought many snacks, piled in the room. Xi Yu had taken some for Ting Lan, and the two chattered about which ones were tastiest, happier than anyone else at that moment.

Gu Que was in the greenhouse, checking on the strawberry plants. With this year’s experience, they were doing much better than last year, promising a bountiful harvest.

Yan Luo called from outside, “Want to go watch the fireworks?”

“Yes, wait for me.” Gu Que turned on the heating lamps and checked everything before leaving.

The alley was lit with small lanterns, children running around in new clothes, clutching candy.

Gu Que brought out a box of candy and handed it to Yan Luo. “Give these to them. They’ll like you.”

At this moment, Yan Luo was just an ordinary person, no one knowing she was the Prime Minister. The children swarmed her, calling, “Sister, big sister, Happy New Year!”

Gu Que joined in, “Sister, Happy New Year!”

Yan Luo shot her a glare, cheeks flushing.

The box of candy was soon empty, and the children scattered, laughing and shouting.

The alley was lively, neighbors gathering to chat.

“You just returned?”

Gu Que nodded. “Came back for New Year’s. How have you been?”

“This year’s been good. Where are you going?”

“To see the fireworks. What about you?”

“We won’t go. It’s too far. We can see from here.”

Gu Que smiled and led Yan Luo out. The night wasn’t cold, and the streets were crowded.

Here, without the internet or New Year’s shows, everyone came out to celebrate until midnight.

Gu Que asked, “Shall we stay up together?”

Yan Luo smirked. Stay up? Tonight would be more exciting than that. “Of course.”

They strolled leisurely, the wind gentle on their faces. Gu Que, warmed by wine, held Yan Luo’s cold hand, sharing her warmth.

The road seemed endless, like their life’s path, stretching far beyond sight.

After walking for a while, a thunderous boom shook the city.

Screams erupted as parents grabbed their children and fled home. Gu Que, panicked, pulled Yan Luo back.

Fear drove her to seek safety at home.

Back inside, Xi Yu and Ting Lan were pale. “What happened?”

Gu Que gasped for breath, while Yan Luo’s face flushed, clutching her chest. Gu Que helped her inside, and Ting Lan brought water.

Yan Luo couldn’t run. In her panic, Gu Que had forgotten. Filled with regret, she stayed by Yan Luo’s side, patting her back to soothe her.

Soon, Yan Luo’s breathing steadied, but she was weak. Gu Que didn’t dare leave, blaming herself for her thoughtlessness.

Yan Luo closed her eyes, leaning against Gu Que. “I’m dizzy.”

“Should I call Granny?” Ting Lan asked worriedly.

Xi Yu’s eyes darted, and she pulled Ting Lan to fetch Granny Sun.

Granny Sun was too drunk to wake. As they struggled, Zhi Zhi burst in, shouting, “Prime Minister, the city gate collapsed!”

The loud explosion had been the gate crumbling.

Ting Lan was puzzled. “How could it collapse? The city walls are sturdy.”

Inside, Yan Luo had fallen into a deep sleep, her breathing even, her face pale and unnatural.

Ting Lan relayed the message. “The Prime Minister is ill. Find a doctor.”

Zhi Zhi panicked. “Where’s Granny Sun?”

Xi Yu gritted her teeth. “Drunk.”

Zhi Zhi declared, “I’ll wake her.”

She rolled up her sleeves and marched in. Xi Yu and Ting Lan exchanged glances. “Will this end badly?”

They followed, only to hear Granny Sun say, “Don’t fuss. Let her sleep. Give her one pill…”

She pulled a pill from her sleeve and handed it to Zhi Zhi. “Let her rest. Why run around? Without the fate for it, just stay quiet.”

Ting Lan: “…”

Xi Yu pursed her lips. Granny was formidable.

Zhi Zhi gave the pill to Gu Que. “Granny says one pill and sleep. Don’t go out.”

Gu Que fed it to Yan Luo and sent everyone away, holding her close, heart full of guilt.

Outside, chaos reigned. The collapsed gate alarmed the Emperor and Empress Dowager. Imperial guards rushed to the scene, stunned by the half-ruined wall.

A strong smell of gunpowder hung in the air.

It had been blown up with explosives.

Amid the New Year’s revelry, many had been near the gate. Those quick to flee escaped, but the slow were buried, crying for help. Bystanders pulled at the rubble, the scene a mess.

Wen Fu arrived, the gunpowder stinging her eyes. First the imperial tombs, now the city wall.

Madness.

She was convinced the culprits were lunatics, determined to throw the world into chaos.

The Emperor, awaiting news in the palace, demanded, “Where’s the Prime Minister? Find her!”

Eunuchs rushed to the Gu residence, only to learn she wasn’t there.

Meanwhile, the Empress Dowager sent spies. The gate was a scene of woe. The fireworks had masked the explosion, and the perpetrators had vanished, leaving no clues.

The Emperor and Empress Dowager, for once united, vowed to find the culprits.

Yan Luo slept deeply, warmed by the room’s heat.

Gu Que, guilt-ridden, kept vigil. Outside, messengers came repeatedly, urging the Prime Minister to the palace.

“Prepare a carriage. We’re returning to the Gu residence.” Gu Que fretted.

Zhi Zhi, outside, said, “Granny said no outings. Wait a night. Besides, if the palace can’t find her, that’s their problem. The Prime Minister is ill—should they bully the sick? The Emperor only seeks her in crises, otherwise favoring Wen Fu. Let her serve in bed this time.”

Gu Que was persuaded. “There’s some truth to that.”

It was like a strike.

Gu Que let Yan Luo sleep.

At dawn, Granny Sun woke and sent for her medical kit.

Before sunrise, she gave Yan Luo acupuncture, scolding Gu Que, “Can’t you do anything right? She’s not normal! All you do is play. Others have children—what do you have?”

At first, Gu Que accepted the scolding, but as it veered off-topic, she grimaced.

After the needles, Yan Luo woke, alert. Seeing the long needles, she threatened, “I’ll needle you back one day.”

Granny Sun scoffed. “You? You might not outlive me.”

Yan Luo retorted, “You’re cursing me. Young Master, cut off her supplies.”

Gu Que stayed silent.

Only Xi Yu dared to ask, “What would you like to eat?”

Yan Luo mused, “Something sweet. Tomato and eggs with extra sugar.”

Gu Que nodded. “Make her tomato egg noodles. Ting Lan, help.”

Zhi Zhi played outside with the “beast,” kicking it, poking it—it ignored her. Xi Yu rode it, and Zhi Zhi immediately wanted a turn.

Xi Yu huffed, “Asking for others’ things so rudely.”

Zhi Zhi: “…” Such a sharp tongue.

New Year’s breakfast should’ve been dumplings, but no one cared. They ate as they pleased.

After the cheerful meal, Yan Luo left to handle business. Gu Que watched her go, and Granny Sun kicked her. “Follow her!”

Gu Que hurried after.

The city gate was a ruin, a tragic sight.

Gu Que asked, “Are you happy?”

Yan Luo: “Quite. It’s lively.”

Gu Que: “They’re innocent.”

Yan Luo glanced at her. “Did commoners die?”

Gu Que: “Didn’t they?”

Zhi Zhi cut in, “No. Only guards. Do you know how hard it was to gather those scum? One had ten concubines! I’d have stabbed him, but didn’t want to dirty my hands, so I brought him here.”

Gu Que’s lips twitched.

As Yan Luo approached, Wen Fu greeted her, “Prime Minister.”

Zhi Zhi scowled but quieted at Yan Luo’s look.

Wen Fu, exhausted, reported, “The fireworks’ mix was wrong. They ignited explosives, not fireworks.”

Yan Luo asked, “Where were they from?”

Wen Fu swallowed. “The explosives bureau. But I’ve only been in charge for half a month. I didn’t know.”

“Half a month is plenty to learn everything. If you can’t find proof, no one can help you,” Yan Luo said, eyeing the rubble. “When were these fireworks made? By whom? Transported how? Have you checked?”

Wen Fu admitted, “Not yet. So far, over a hundred guards died, dozens injured. No commoners.”

Yan Luo smiled. “What were you doing all night? Counting casualties? Wen Fu, outside the bedroom, you’re an official.”

Wen Fu bowed. “You’re right. I’ll investigate.”

“Find out why the mix was wrong. That’s your priority,” Yan Luo ordered.

Wen Fu paused. “You mean they were swapped?”

Yan Luo said nothing, her icy demeanor answer enough.

Gu Que, listening, admired Yan Luo’s commanding presence—more imposing than the Emperor’s.

After Wen Fu left, Yan Luo noticed Gu Que’s smile. “What’s funny?”

“You’re amazing. You scolded her senseless,” Gu Que said, eyes shining with admiration.

Yan Luo sneered. “She’s a sycophant with no real skill. The explosives bureau is doomed.”

Gu Que asked, “Do you want it?”

“Why? I have better,” Yan Luo winked.

Gu Que melted. “Stop flirting. Maintain your image.”

Just then, the deputy commander arrived, bowing. “Prime Minister.”

“Have they dug everyone out?” Yan Luo asked coldly.

“Last night, 389 were on duty. 160 died, 30 injured.”

Yan Luo nodded. “Send compensation to the families. What of the fireworks deliverers?”

“They returned to the bureau last night. Vanished after the incident.”

Yan Luo smiled. “How impressive. A whole night, and you can’t find a few men. Summon Lu Song.”

“Prime Minister, this is the explosives bureau’s matter. The Ministry of Justice…”

Yan Luo stared. “If you refuse, let the bureau handle it.”

Zhi Zhi mocked, “They’ll take forever. Minister Lu is skilled. Don’t refuse a favor.”

Yan Luo silenced her. “I’ll see the Emperor.”

Gu Que followed.

Yan Luo told her, “After the palace, I’ll visit the Marquis’s for New Year’s. Wait for me there.”

“Can you return?” Gu Que doubted it.

Yan Luo glared. “Don’t jinx me. If I can’t, I’ll have Granny needle you too.”

They parted. Gu Que changed clothes, packed two sets for Yan Luo, and went to the Marquis’s with Ting Lan.

Despite New Year’s, the night’s events had unsettled everyone. The Marquis pored over diagrams, calculating the explosives’ force.

Gu Que was led to his study.

The Marquis, once a general, mused, “The explosives must’ve improved. Before, it’d take much more to breach the gate.”

Gu Que agreed. “Likely improved.”

The Marquis eyed her. “You don’t understand explosives. The city wall is sturdy—a firework mishap couldn’t destroy it. This was deliberate. And no commoners died—it’s eerie, like divine punishment.”

Gu Que stayed silent.

The Marquis pointed at the diagram. “This is one of the capital’s nine gates, symbolizing our defenses. If the culprits aren’t found, panic will spread.”

Gu Que nodded. “The Prime Minister ordered Minister Lu to investigate, but the guards refused.”

“Lu Song obeys the Prime Minister; the guards serve the Prince of Xiang. They’re at odds. The Ministry won’t intervene—it’ll be the courts.”

The Marquis analyzed, then added, “If you learn the explosives’ origin, tell me. Such power could win wars.”

Gu Que hesitated. “Father, I know little of defense. Our nation…”

She glanced at the map. The Wei was small, one of seven states, like the Warring States period.

How strong was the Wei? Its military?

These were distant concepts to her.

The Marquis brightened. “We’re a power, allied with…”

Gu Que tuned out. The late Emperor had led campaigns, earning admiration. But he’d usurped the throne—a fact the Marquis ignored.

Bored, Gu Que left.

Outside, she met the second branch coming to pay respects. Gu Yuanwei looked haggard, likely sleepless. He asked about the incident.

Gu Que shared only the basics.

Hearing only soldiers died, Gu Yuanwei paled. “No commoners?”

“None. They’d gathered farther away to watch. A few were hurt but treated.”

Gu Yuanwei, still pale, rushed to the study.

Gu Que ignored him, playing with the children.

The two children, rarely together, sat in matching New Year’s clothes. Suddenly, Qiong Ju slapped Qing Zhi.

The sound was sharp.

Gu Que froze. Qing Zhi burst into tears.

Yan Luo entered, seeing this. She clapped. “Well done, my girl.”

Encouraged, Qiong Ju slapped again. Everyone stared, even Yan Luo.

She recalled her brother testing her as a child—first a tentative hit, then a harder one if unstopped.

But she’d been older, not crying.

Yan Luo’s gaze softened. She picked up Qiong Ju. “So strong. Let’s get candy.”

Gu Que: “…” What kind of mother…

The nursemaid comforted Qing Zhi as Gu Que chased Yan Luo. “Prime Minister!”

Yan Luo took Qiong Ju to Gu Que’s courtyard. Ting Lan had tea and snacks ready.

Yan Luo changed, then joined them. Qiong Ju happily ate treats.

Gu Que asked her about matters in the palace.

“Nothing major. Let’s not talk about this during the New Year. Qiongju is so wonderful.” Yan Luo climbed onto the couch and gently patted the little girl’s cheek in encouragement, saying to Gu Que, “She resembles my younger brother.”

This statement unveiled those past events.

Gu Que didn’t ask further, but Yan Luo looked up at her: “Gu Que, did I call you wrongly?”

Gu Que pursed her lips and smiled. “No, you didn’t. I am Gu Que, not Gu Yan.”

Yan Luo scoffed, “A young girl is so adorable. If Qingzhi were to die, I wouldn’t make Qiongju pretend to be him to fight for some meaningless title.”

For the sake of a worthless thing, is it worth it?