After Marrying the Villainous Prime Minister in My Brother’s Stead - Chapter 62

62: Ethics, Gu Que, That’s Your Sister-in-Law!

In Yan Luo’s eyes, Gu Yan was nothing but trash.

Sacrificing her own life for such a person was utterly worthless.

Gu Que chuckled lightly, “Sister-in-law, do you think—”

“Shut up. Don’t call me ‘sister-in-law’—it’s embarrassing.” Yan Luo cut her off, her head throbbing at the mention of the term. “If you keep calling me ‘sister-in-law,’ how can I kiss or bite you? I don’t have the habit of playing around with my own sister-in-law.”

Gu Que: “…” This was going to be the death of her.

She pressed a hand to her forehead. “Gu Yan… isn’t actually that bad.”

“Do you want me to become a widow?” Yan Luo sneered.

Gu Que fell silent.

Qiong Ju sat on the couch, stretching her hand toward the table to grab some fruit, stuffing a handful into her mouth. Yan Luo watched her, her gaze steady. “Gu Que, I’ll give you two options. Either we divorce, and I cut ties with you completely, or I pretend I know nothing.”

Gu Que smiled bitterly. “Sister-in-law, do you think I’m worthy of you?”

Yan Luo countered, “Is Gu Yan worthy?”

“Neither of us is. Prime Minister Yan, with your peerless beauty, how could ordinary people like us ever be a match for you?” Gu Que looked at her. “For the past six months, I haven’t slept well. To be honest, you’re wonderful—the perfect wife in my eyes. But being with you… it can’t last. If my brother returns, and I’ve taken his place, how would we resolve that?”

“I’ve met him. If he were a terrible person, I could justify keeping you for myself. But he’s seriously ill…”

“You’re worrying over nothing. Don’t you think you’re being a bit foolish? The doctor said Gu Yan’s illness was congenital—he’s spent more days near death than alive.” Yan Luo’s tone was icy. “I only recognize the person I married.”

Yan Luo had already made her choice. Gu Que had no choice but to comply.

“Young Master, the madam requests your presence,” Ting Lan called softly from outside the door.

Gu Que responded, “I’m coming.”

Things had reached this point. She couldn’t bear to leave, yet her heart was torn, filled with an indescribable ache.

Yan Luo might have been standing still all along, neither advancing nor retreating.

Only Gu Que was trapped in the middle—passive in the marquis’s household, passive in her relationship with Yan Luo.

But now that everything was out in the open, she felt a weight lift from her chest. “Let’s go back and discuss this further.”

Yan Luo ignored her. “There’s nothing to discuss. Either divorce or stay.”

Gu Que halted, frustration written across her face. Yan Luo strode up to her, pressed a kiss to the corner of her lips without another word.

Gu Que: “…”

This was going to be the death of her.

The Marchioness of Yongle hadn’t seen Gu Que in months, mother and daughter had been avoiding each other, neither willing to face the other.

But now, they had no choice. Because Gu Yan’s health had improved significantly, the marchioness was eager to question Gu Que.

Gu Que was in no mood to be pleasant. The marchioness, however, greeted her with a smile. “He’s much better now—he can even walk. A few days ago, he walked around the courtyard for over an hour. The doctor says he’s recovering well. Soon, he’ll be able to move like a normal person.”

Gu Que retorted irritably, “Move like a normal person? I can do a lot more than that. I can run. If I pick up the pace, he won’t be able to catch me. How can he compare to me?”

“The Prime Minister kissed me. She’s decided it’s me. Do you think she wouldn’t notice if I left?”

The marchioness paled. “How could you let her kiss you? She’s your sister-in-law! Do you understand ethics and morality? Gu Que, that’s your sister-in-law!”

Gu Que laughed coldly. “You didn’t call her my sister-in-law when you made me marry her.”

“That was a proxy marriage!” The marchioness trembled with rage, barely stopping herself from pointing an accusing finger at Gu Que. “Stealing your elder brother’s wife—do you have no shame?”

“I’ve thrown shame out the window. If you’re so upset, go ahead and expose me. Then the whole marquis’s household will face charges of deceiving the emperor.” Gu Que had lost her patience. As a modern person, she had no tolerance for blind filial piety. Enduring this far was already her limit, and now she was being provoked.

Everyone had their breaking point.

Gu Que knew what she was doing was wrong, but being constantly reminded of it was enough to make anyone snap.

The marchioness was too furious to speak, her eyes fixed on Gu Que as if she wanted to tear her apart. “He’s your brother,” she muttered.

Gu Que stayed silent, avoiding her gaze and trying to calm herself. “It’s not about whether I acknowledge him as my brother. It’s about whether Prime Minister Yan is willing to be the fool here. Do you not know her methods? Do you really think you can deceive her? From the moment we married, there was no turning back.”

You thought you could manipulate Prime Minister Yan, but in reality, you were the fools.

Gu Que found it laughable. In the end, she couldn’t bear to see the marchioness so distraught and tried to comfort her. “Divorce is the best path. Elder brother can remarry. Offending her would bring disaster upon the entire marquis’s household.”

The marchioness burst into tears. “You’ve left him with nothing…”

Gu Que: “…”

Well, she shouldn’t have bothered comforting her.

“You resent me now, but shouldn’t I resent you for forcing me to replace Gu Yan and ruining my life? He’s a person, but am I not one too? I’ve accepted your favoritism. But this mess is your doing. Whether we divorce or continue like this—it’s up to you.”

Gu Que turned and left.

The marchioness was self-righteous and selfish. Perhaps it was her actions that had driven the original Gu Que away.

Stepping out of the main chamber, Gu Que sighed deeply. Now that she’d made her choice, she felt much lighter, as if a weight had been lifted.

Today, many visitors came to the marquis’s estate to pay New Year’s respects—far more than in previous years. This was only Gu Que’s second New Year at the estate, and seeing the crowd at the gate made her laugh wryly.

People strive for higher positions, just as water flows downward. It was a simple truth.

As the heir, Gu Que was expected to receive clansmen. This year, most of the visitors were young scholars.

Their intentions were so obvious even a fool could see through them.

Among the clansmen, several had taken the imperial exams. Out of three attempts, two results were in—all failures. No injustice there.

When it came to scholarly pursuits, Gu Que was an outsider. But they dragged her into discussions about the classics, giving her a headache. She quietly sent someone to fetch Yan Luo.

As the Prime Minister, Yan Luo wasn’t confined to the inner quarters. Since Gu Que asked, she came.

At the sight of the Prime Minister, the young men broke out in cold sweat.

Standing side by side, the couple’s stunning looks complemented each other, like a painting of an immortal pair.

The youths didn’t dare lift their heads, utterly intimidated. Though they were from the Gu clan’s collateral branches, none had ever met the Prime Minister before. They knew their place and didn’t dare stare, terrified of her imposing aura.

Yan Luo had a screen set up in the hall and pulled Gu Que down to sit beside her. “If you have any questions, speak freely. Or shall I test you?”

With her here, Gu Que relaxed.

A few simple words from Yan Luo were enough to make everyone tremble. Gu Que smiled faintly, sipping her tea.

After examining them, Yan Luo frowned, clearly unimpressed.

There were many visitors—seven or eight in total. Yan Luo patiently tested each one, her smile deepening. Finally, she remarked, “No wonder you all failed. If people like you could pass, the Great Wei would have no future.”

Gu Que: “…” Did she have to be so ruthless?

The guests were jolted awake, their faces burning with shame. None dared stay any longer. Despite Gu Que’s offer of lunch, they hastily excused themselves and fled.

The hall was now eerily quiet.

Gu Que looked at Yan Luo. “Couldn’t you have been gentler?”

Yan Luo shook her head. “No. If they aren’t awakened now, they’ll only stray further. They’re not cut out for scholarship—just like you, hopelessly stupid.”

“You used to admire my literary talent.” Gu Que protested indignantly.

Yan Luo scoffed. “A fraud. I must have been blind.”

Gu Que was baffled. “How can you flip so quickly?”

“We’re about to divorce. Why should I spare your feelings?” Yan Luo retorted.

Gu Que was stunned. “When did I say I wanted a divorce?”

“Choosing not to stay means you want a divorce.” Yan Luo said.

Gu Que clicked her tongue. “You kissed me just earlier.”

“A farewell kiss, to leave a fond memory.” Yan Luo replied with a deliberate smile.

Gu Que snorted. “Keep talking, and I’ll cut off your novels.”

Yan Luo: “…” Well, now she was being unreasonable.

She raised an eyebrow. “Aren’t you nervous?”

Gu Que laughed in exasperation. “Have you forgotten? The novels I gave you—I’ve read them too. Do you think I’d be nervous over a plotline straight out of fiction?”

The maids outside didn’t dare move, the atmosphere in the hall growing tense.

But Yan Luo only smiled. “Next time, don’t read the ones you give me.”

Gu Que was too annoyed to engage further. How childish. She turned and walked away.

Yan Luo followed close behind, chattering nonstop. “Gu Que, I want something interesting. Last time, you mentioned TV dramas with kissing. Are there any with two girls?”

Gu Que kept walking, wishing she could shake her off. “No.”

Yan Luo was puzzled. “Why not?”

Gu Que said, “The state doesn’t allow it. Just like the Great Wei forbids relationships between women.”

“What a shame. But I want to watch. What should I do?” Yan Luo sighed.

Gu Que suddenly stopped and stared at her. “Haven’t you watched enough videos already?”

No one else was around. The silence was broken only by the blooming plum blossoms nearby, framing Yan Luo’s figure.

The sunlight illuminated Yan Luo’s flawless face—cold, elegant, and breathtaking.

Yan Luo looked innocent. “Don’t you think something’s missing?”

“What’s missing?” Gu Que asked curiously.

Yan Luo pursed her lips. “Have you watched them?”

Gu Que smiled faintly. “Do you think someone as proper as me would watch those?”

Tsk. Yan Luo nearly laughed. “Lusting after your sister-in-law is proper? Clearly, you’re the one defying ethics. But then again, I’ve never walked the conventional path. I quite like defying ethics too.”

Gu Que couldn’t outtalk her. “Seriously, what’s missing?”

Yan Luo said earnestly, “Aesthetic appeal. It should be poetic, picturesque. What they do lacks… finesse. Such things should be as beautiful as a painting.”

“You think this is poetry? Be glad you have anything to watch at all. Where else would you find ‘poetic’ content?” Gu Que couldn’t help but laugh. Since when did such things need to be poetic?

Yan Luo felt slighted. “I’ll draw you a few pictures. They’ll be plenty poetic.”

“Go ahead.” Gu Que found her utterly childish. A Prime Minister of the court complaining about modern videos not being artistic enough—ridiculous.

The clansmen had all been scared off by the Prime Minister. New Year’s lunch was a quiet affair.

That evening, a summons came from the palace—the emperor requested the Prime Minister’s presence.

When the eunuch arrived, Yan Luo was in her study admiring a newly acquired bone china piece. Its dull, lackluster glaze displeased her.

But she took it with her to the palace.

While she was at ease, the empress was frantic. In over a century of the dynasty’s history, no city wall had ever been blown up. To her, it was humiliating. How would the history books record this?

If it was recorded as destruction, it would imply her reign was unjust, provoking the people’s wrath.

If it was recorded as a heavenly strike, posterity would assume she was unfit for the throne, incurring divine punishment.

The empress was beside herself.

Prime Minister Yan strolled leisurely into the palace, handing the box to a servant before entering the hall. “Clean this. I’ll brew tea.”

The servant took the box with both hands. “Yes.”

Yan Luo entered the hall. The empress rose to greet her. “You’re finally here. I’ve been worried sick.”

Yan Luo glanced around. “Where’s Minister Wen?”

“Gone to the explosives department. What do you think we should do?” The empress was irritable, her dislike for Wen Fu barely concealed.

Yan Luo pretended not to notice. “Your Majesty is said to have excellent tea. Let me brew some while we talk.”

The empress frowned. “This is no time for tea.”

“Your Majesty is too impatient.” Yan Luo stood tall, her gaze piercing. “Restraint is essential. A collapsed wall is nothing. If an army were at our gates, you’d be jumping out of your skin.”

The empress flushed with shame. “I’m just anxious. You must have a solution.”

Yan Luo’s composure calmed the empress. Seeing her unshakable poise, the empress couldn’t help but envy her. A minister who shared her sovereign’s burdens was a blessing.

Servants brought the cleaned cups, a tea stove, and then withdrew, closing the doors.

The two sat opposite each other. Yan Luo washed her hands. “The case from the late emperor’s reign—have you looked into it?”

The empress nodded. “The Ministry of Justice submitted a report. There was a major case.”

The stove fire flickered to life. Yan Luo’s expression was icy. “Which one?”

“Early in the late emperor’s reign, Minister of War Zhao Chu was dissatisfied. Drunk, he claimed my father murdered his brother to seize the throne. The Zhao clan was exterminated, but some escaped.”

Yan Luo nodded. “Your Majesty’s plan?”

The empress smiled. “Zhao Chu’s son fled. Now he seeks revenge—desecrating the late emperor’s tomb, stealing his bones, destroying the city gates. A heinous crime. Whoever captures him will be rewarded with gold and a title.”

“A sound plan.” Yan Luo’s lips curled slightly. “Since Your Majesty has decided, is there still difficulty with this case?”

The empress frowned. “Handle both together?”

Yan Luo countered, “Or dredge up another old case?”

The empress had no reply.

The water boiled, bubbling vigorously. Yan Luo watched it, crumbling tea leaves into the pot. “One case is enough. A second would only make the late emperor seem tyrannical.”

One rebel versus two would paint very different pictures.

The empress fell silent. Yan Luo said no more, discarding the first brew when the tea was ready.

Finally, the empress spoke. “Prime Minister, proceed as you’ve said. And Wen Fu is inexperienced. Guide her.”

The empress favored Wen Fu deeply. Even without intimacy, her affection remained.

Yan Luo handed the first cup to the empress, smiling faintly. “As Your Majesty commands. But I’ve heard the Wen family is arranging her marriage. Are you willing to let her go?”

“Of course. I can’t keep her forever.” The empress blew on the tea, eyeing the dull gray cup with distaste. “This is hideous. Who sent it?”

“I made it.” Yan Luo said.

“Ah, that explains it.” The empress studied the cup, grimacing. The tea cooled. She took a sip. “Strange flavor.”

Yan Luo smiled silently. “Is Your Majesty still uneasy?”

“The Prime Minister’s methods are peerless.” The empress smiled.

“Since Your Majesty is at ease, I’ll return to my husband.” Yan Luo stood, glancing at the teacup. “A gift for you. Don’t disdain it.”

The empress was delighted, her worries dispelled. “Thank you, Prime Minister. It’s dark—travel safely.”

Prime Minister Yan smiled faintly.

Returning home, she found Gu Que asleep, her hair loose and spread across the pillow like ink.

Yan Luo leaned down, pinching her cheek. “Second Miss, your sister-in-law is back.”

Gu Que stirred, opening her eyes drowsily. Seeing her, she instinctively scooted over. Yan Luo gripped her shoulder. “Running away?”

“Sleeping. Are we going to the Yan family tomorrow?” Gu Que mumbled, rubbing her eyes.

Before she could finish, Yan Luo captured her lips.

In an instant, Gu Que was wide awake.

Yan Luo’s body was cold, her lips carrying the chill of winter. Gu Que shivered, but then Yan Luo’s tongue—

A French kiss?

Gu Que’s drowsiness vanished, her heart pounding. A sweet fragrance filled her senses.

After a long moment, Yan Luo pulled back. Gu Que touched her lips, smiling. Yan Luo asked, “Did it taste sweet?”

Gu Que raised an eyebrow. “How did you know?”

“Novels say sweetness means love. Disgust means indifference.” Yan Luo poked her raised brow. “You can’t bear to leave me.”

Gu Que didn’t answer, yawning and curling under the blankets. “You smell nice.”

Yan Luo tugged her up. “And?”

Gu Que touched her lips, savoring the memory. “Was your heart racing?”

“Was yours?” Yan Luo smirked. “Mine wasn’t. Only the passive one’s heart races.”

Gu Que shot her a look. “Go wash up. I’ll wait for you.”

Yan Luo: “Wait for what?”

Gu Que: “To sleep beside you—just sleep, no mischief, sister-in-law!”

Yan Luo snorted. “I don’t like you anymore.”

Gu Que didn’t believe her, drowsily covering her eyes, lips curving.

It really was sweet.

How could it be so sweet?

Puzzled, Gu Que drifted off to sleep.

The second day of the New Year—time to return to the wife’s family.

The couple arrived together. Compared to yesterday’s quiet, today was lively. The Yan family had many branches. Yesterday, the clansmen visited; today, the married daughters returned.

Yan Luo was the seventh daughter. Her six elder sisters had all married early, their children running everywhere. Entering the estate, they were greeted by a crowd of playing children.

Gu Que panicked. “Will they pressure us about children?”

Yan Luo also sensed trouble. “Should’ve brought Qiong Ju.”

Gu Que looked at her. “Why didn’t you?”

Yan Luo: “Go back and get her?”

Gu Que: “Get? She’s a person, not an object.”

Yan Luo corrected herself: “Fetch?”

Gu Que: “It’s called carrying.”

Yan Luo turned to call Zhi Zhi. Gu Que stopped her. “No, she’s just a child herself. How can she carry a baby?”

“I’ll have her send word for the wet nurse to bring the child by carriage.” Yan Luo sighed. Visiting family was exhausting. She’d rather stay home.

They went to pay respects to the matriarch. The third madam sat in an armchair, smiling at Gu Que. “Xiao Yan, come here. Let me look at you.”

Gu Que stepped forward and bowed. “Mother.”

The room was crowded with married daughters, all eyeing the refined young master with admiration.

As an “outsider male,” Gu Que bowed and withdrew after greetings.

Yan Luo stayed. The third madam took her hand, asking about children. Yan Luo replied calmly, “The child is on the way. They’ll arrive soon.”

The eldest sister, now thirty, had a thirteen-year-old child. “I wondered why I didn’t see them. Did they come separately?”

Yan Luo nodded. “Delayed slightly.”

“I brought a gift. I thought you’d made me prepare for nothing.” The eldest sister smiled.

The women chatted amiably, discussing household matters, avoiding politics.

Gu Que, meanwhile, was struggling outside. As sons-in-law, the men’s topics were different. If it were court affairs, she might have contributed.

But they were discussing less savory subjects—like classmates taking concubines.

Gu Que was mortified. What did that have to do with them?

After a while, the conversation turned to the collapsed city wall. The well-informed linked it to an old injustice.

Gu Que perked up.

“The traitor Zhao Chu’s son escaped back then. Now he’s returned for revenge—first desecrating the late emperor’s tomb, then destroying the city gates, sowing chaos in the capital.”

Gu Que: “…”

Ridiculous rumors.

She couldn’t take it anymore and left for a walk.

Outside, the air was fresher. Servants stood along the corridors, awaiting orders. Gu Que wandered out to the outer courtyard, where people bustled about.

The inner and outer quarters were strictly separated. Without Yan Luo, Gu Que couldn’t enter the inner quarters.

By noon, her feet ached. Lunch was served in the outer courtyard—multiple tables, drinking games.

Gu Que: “…”

I want to go home.

Maybe Yan Luo would rescue her.

But by mealtime, no Yan Luo appeared.

Gu Que sighed. She’d have to save herself. The brothers-in-law were friendly, but after a few drinks, things took a turn.

They pulled her into lengthy conversations, their grips firm.

“Seventh brother-in-law, don’t be distant…”

“Seventh brother-in-law, let’s drink together.”

“Seventh brother-in-law, I heard you’re skilled in poetry. Let’s compose a verse.”

“Seventh brother-in-law…”

Gu Que: “…”

Damn it, Yan Luo, where are you?