After Marrying the Villainous Prime Minister in My Brother’s Stead - Chapter 64

64: Portrait of a Beauty, I Like Your Face

The book had many praises for peach blossom eyes.

Yan Luo remembered some of them, but most descriptions in the book were unrealistic. She stared intently at Gu Que’s eyes—arched brows like distant mountains, almond-shaped eyes.

Leaning closer, she could see her own reflection in Gu Que’s eyes. Yan Luo adjusted her hair by the temples and said earnestly, “If you miss me, you’ll never find another like me.”

Gu Que shot back, “Can you find a second Gu Que?”

Of course not. Even Gu Que felt proud—she had Taobao!

The two sat quietly for a while before Yan Luo had to leave for work. Gu Que wasn’t in a hurry to go to the shop. During the New Year, everything was closed for the holiday, and businesses wouldn’t reopen until after the fifteenth.

Gu Que loved lazing around, lying in bed binge-watching dramas and snacking.

A few peaceful days passed. The weather during the New Year was clear, and every household held banquets, making it a lively time.

Then, out of nowhere, a thunderous explosion shook the ground. The Imperial Guards’ barracks, located near the palace gates, were completely obliterated. The blast sent debris flying over ten meters, even collapsing a section of the wall.

Fortunately, the barracks were empty during the day while the guards were on duty, so no one was injured.

But dozens of rooms were reduced to rubble. Prince Xiang rushed to the scene and was utterly dumbfounded. First, the city walls were bombed, and now his own headquarters were targeted.

Unable to contain his anger, Prince Xiang cursed, “Damn it! If I catch the culprit, I’ll skin them alive!”

No one responded. The wind swept up clouds of dust.

Back at the Gu residence, Gu Que was playing chess with Yan Luo, scratching her head in frustration when the news arrived. She froze.

Zhi Zhi emphasized, “No one was hurt.”

Gu Que looked at Yan Luo. Yan Luo kept her eyes on the chessboard, not glancing up, and said casually, “Next time. Tonight, we’ll blow up the Ministry of Justice prison.”

Zhi Zhi nodded eagerly. “I’ve already made arrangements. It’ll be spectacular—just one loud boom, and everything collapses. I heard the formula was provided by the Young Master. You’re truly amazing!”

Gu Que: “…” Thanks for the compliment.

“Prime Minister Yan, what’s your goal here?”

Yan Luo picked up a black chess piece, her lips curling slightly. “To throw the world into chaos.”

“There’s a saying: ‘Don’t preach kindness without experiencing others’ suffering.’ I shouldn’t advise you to be kind, but I hope you’ll show some mercy.” Gu Que felt guilty. She didn’t know what had happened in the past and wouldn’t judge, but chaos would only bring suffering to the people.

Yan Luo replied, “Since you don’t know, don’t speak. I find this quite amusing.”

Zhi Zhi chimed in, “The common people are fine. This doesn’t affect them. They’ll just watch the spectacle. Go to the taverns—no one’s panicking.”

Gu Que fell silent.

Zhi Zhi continued, “Now, the people know this is retribution for an old injustice, targeting the imperial family and the court. So, they’re just waiting to see what happens next.”

Yan Luo sighed inwardly at Young Master Gu’s ignorance. She placed a chess piece calmly and said, “Right now, our methods might seem ruthless, but they haven’t shaken the foundations or harmed innocent lives. Soon, the old grievances will resurface, and the Zhao family’s case will come to light. We’ll fish in troubled waters.”

Gu Que was puzzled and quickly poured Yan Luo some tea, eager to learn.

Yan Luo continued, “Zhao Chu’s mistake was speaking carelessly while drunk. But when drunk, one forgets their words, while others remember. So, who reported him? The truth will come out. As for public opinion, it depends on how the court handles it.”

Gu Que didn’t understand. “This is challenging imperial authority.”

Yan Luo nodded. “With enough leverage, it’s possible.”

“Are you trying to get Zhao Chu’s son to offer gunpowder as a bargaining chip? From a broader perspective, would the court value talent enough to tolerate this?” Gu Que was skeptical. Even if the emperor accepted now, he’d hold a grudge and seek revenge later. Wouldn’t that be suicidal?

Yan Luo smiled. “The Emperor won’t accept anyone from the Zhao family. There are two garrisons near the capital, guarding the outskirts.”

“Are you planning to mobilize them?” Gu Que asked.

Yan Luo shook her head. “Tongzhou is under my control; Nanping belongs to the Empress Dowager. It depends on which garrison the Emperor assigns to protect the capital.”

Gu Que said, “If the Emperor trusts you, he’ll deploy Tongzhou’s forces. That would benefit you, right?”

Zhi Zhi sighed. “You’re so naive. The Empress Dowager won’t let Tongzhou’s troops come. She’ll send her own people. Then, the entire capital will be under her control.”

Yan Luo shook her head again. “Perhaps half from each garrison. Either way, there’ll be a good show to watch.”

An undefended rear would be the real vulnerability.

Yan Luo was summoned to the palace again. The Empress was furious, having smashed many memorials. Prince Xiang stood nearby, seething but not daring to speak. Even the Empress Dowager remained silent.

At their first meeting, the Empress threatened, “I’ll exterminate Zhao Chu’s entire family!”

Yan Luo remained unruffled and smiled faintly. “Zhao Chu’s family was already wiped out by the late Emperor. You’re too late.”

“Yan Luo, don’t mock us. What should we do now?” Prince Xiang snapped, addressing her directly.

Yan Luo glanced at him coolly. “Whose garrison is it?”

Prince Xiang replied irritably, “Mine.”

Yan Luo asked again, “Who’s in charge of palace defenses?”

Prince Xiang’s anger waned. “Me.”

Yan Luo said, “Then why come to me? Can I deploy troops for you or rebuild your barracks? You’re lucky only your barracks were bombed and not the Emperor’s chambers.”

Her words sent chills down their spines. If things escalated further, the next target could be the Emperor’s palace.

The Empress turned pale. The Empress Dowager clenched her sleeves. Prince Xiang was speechless, staring blankly at Yan Luo.

Yan Luo maintained her gentle, dignified smile.

The courtiers gasped. The Empress Dowager was the first to react, slamming the imperial desk. “Outrageous! Has our Great Wei fallen to this? Will we even wake up tomorrow after tonight?”

Yan Luo chuckled. “I’d say… it’s unlikely. The palace defenses are managed by various commanders. How did the intruders get in? How did they plant explosives? Prince Xiang, what have you uncovered?”

“I—I’ve ordered an investigation,” Prince Xiang said weakly.

The Empress’s expression darkened as she looked at Prince Xiang. “Uncle, my life is in your hands. If you’re this incompetent, how can I trust you?”

“Your Majesty, I’m innocent!” Prince Xiang knelt in apology. “This time, it was my negligence. It won’t happen again. I’ll tighten defenses immediately to protect the palace, Your Majesty, and the Empress Dowager.”

Silence fell.

Yan Luo didn’t speak, observing the Empress and the Empress Dowager’s expressions. Even the Empress Dowager seemed displeased with Prince Xiang.

One more explosion, and the Imperial Guards would be finished.

Yan Luo smiled faintly, listening to Prince Xiang’s pleas while silently assessing the situation.

Oh dear, no one trusts Prince Xiang anymore.

Tsk tsk, how pitiful.

Yan Luo pretended not to hear but changed her mind. Instead of bombing the Ministry of Justice prison, why not target the Imperial Guards again? That would send Prince Xiang packing.

The courtiers dared not speak. Wen Fu, who had just arrived, stood in a corner, quietly watching. The officials all looked uneasy—except for Prime Minister Yan, who wore a faint smile, her fair face serene, her slender neck poised, calm and composed.

After lengthy discussions, the Empress decided to hunt down Zhao Chu’s son.

Yan Luo scoffed. “Your Majesty, this person is a fabrication. How do you plan to catch him? Do you have a portrait? The people aren’t panicking. If you start mass arrests now, the capital will descend into chaos. Besides, chasing a made-up criminal seems a bit…”

Unwise.

The Empress suddenly realized her folly and fell silent.

She had no leads.

The hall was quiet again.

After a long pause, someone proposed, “Why not strengthen defenses? Seal the palace gates, impose a curfew, and require travel permits and village endorsements for anyone entering the capital.”

The ministers agreed.

Yan Luo still didn’t speak. She thought blowing up the Ministry of Justice prison was still the better option.

Soon, the court adjourned, but the Empress kept Yan Luo behind for further discussion.

Yan Luo was even more annoyed. Having to coax a grown woman every day was exhausting.

Once everyone left, the Empress asked for strategies. Yan Luo said she had none for now.

The Empress rubbed her temples. “I feel something’s off. It’s like this is deliberately targeting the court. Has she returned?”

Yan Luo stood in the hall, looking directly at the Empress. “Who does Your Majesty mean?”

“Qiong Ju,” the Empress murmured, her lips pale.

Yan Luo smiled faintly. “She’s been dead for over a decade. Let me think—thirteen or fourteen years? You’re scaring yourself.”

“She died in a fire. My uncle died first, then her. When she died, I went to see her. Though the body was burned beyond recognition, the shape was wrong. I knew her well…” The Empress trembled, her composure crumbling.

She hurried down from the throne and grabbed Yan Luo’s hands. “A-Yan, I think she was rescued and has come back for revenge…”

“Your Majesty!” Yan Luo snapped, pushing her away. “Do you realize what you’re saying? Qiong Ju died long ago. It was her death that allowed the late Emperor to ascend the throne. She’s dead.”

Yan Luo was usually gentle and rarely angry. The Empress was startled by her coldness and whispered, “It’s her… I feel it’s her. She wants to drag me down.”

“Your Majesty, stop this nonsense.” Yan Luo stared at her, softening her tone. “Why fear a dead woman? You’re the sovereign of Great Wei.”

The Empress suddenly calmed, her gaze vacant, but she still clung to Yan Luo’s hand. “A-Yan, I’m scared.”

“What is there to fear? You inherited the throne by divine will. There’s nothing to fear. Tighten security across the capital, and there’ll be no need for fear.” Yan Luo discreetly pulled her hand back and took half a step away, her eyes flashing with disgust.

Then, she bowed. “You’re the Son of Heaven. Why fear petty villains?”

The Empress seemed dazed, staring blankly at Yan Luo. “I am the Son of Heaven. Even if she’s alive, she’s the murderer of Empress Jingde.”

Yan Luo didn’t want to hear more. “Indeed. I’ll make arrangements.”

With that, she turned and left.

As she crossed the threshold, her smile deepened.

Son of Heaven?

Worthy of the title?

Wen Fu stood outside the hall. When the Prime Minister emerged, she approached eagerly. “Prime Minister, I’d like to invite you to the explosives division.”

Yan Luo glanced at her. “Ask the Emperor for an edict first. Then I’ll go.”

She walked past without another word.

No diamond, don’t handle porcelain.

Wen Fu chased after her. “Prime Minister, I have many questions. I hope for your guidance.”

Yan Luo didn’t even look at her and left directly.

Back at the ministry, silence reigned. As she entered, someone approached anxiously. Yan Luo reassured them, “Don’t worry. This place is safe.”

The Imperial Guards’ barracks were part of the palace complex. If the palace could be bombed, the ministry could be too.

The officials were uneasy, but Yan Luo returned to her office calmly. Lu Song came in.

“The explosives division is still under investigation. Many have been dismissed, including our people. Even Prince Xiang gained nothing. Right now, it’s a mess.” Lu Song reported, pleased. Though he hadn’t benefited, seeing his enemies in disarray was satisfying.

“Also, Wen Fu keeps hitting walls. She’s desperate to offload this headache.”

Yan Luo smiled. “Minister Lu, who do you think is behind this?”

Lu Song oversaw the Ministry of Justice and was familiar with all cases, including the Zhao family’s. He had submitted the memorial and knew more than Yan Luo.

After a moment’s thought, Lu Song answered cautiously, “When it happened, I was just a minor official. Zhao Chu claimed he was framed, that his confession was coerced. There were… some inconsistencies.”

He wanted to call it an injustice, but the term was too heavy and could backfire.

“So you think it’s the Zhao family?” Yan Luo asked.

“No, no. I don’t think they’re capable. The Zhao family was wiped out—over a hundred people. Anyone alive then is dead now. Who could stir up trouble? Besides, explosives are highly dangerous. Great Wei leads in explosives technology. In my opinion, it’s likely another country…” Lu Song trailed off.

Given the situation, it didn’t seem like an individual’s work.

Afraid the Prime Minister didn’t understand, Lu Song explained, “I’ve investigated the explosives division. They couldn’t produce that kind of firepower. If they can’t, how could ordinary people?”

Yan Luo nodded. “Go on.”

“I think something’s off, but the Emperor insists it’s the Zhao family. The explosives division hasn’t dared to report the truth. Admitting the enemy is stronger would panic the entire empire. Wen Fu knows this, which is why she wants out. Who’d take it now?” Lu Song analyzed. “My colleagues also don’t believe it’s the Zhao family.”

“I understand, but don’t mention this to the Emperor. If she says it’s the Zhao family, then it is.” Yan Luo brushed him off. “By the way, have you visited the scene?”

“I tried, but was turned away. The Imperial Guards won’t let us interfere, saying they’ll handle it. I only went to the city gates and inquired about the gunpowder used. The amount was shocking. The explosives division’s usual output couldn’t produce such force. Frankly, I’ve been uneasy for days.” Lu Song looked troubled.

His words painted the explosives division as utterly incompetent.

Yan Luo smiled. “Keep it quiet to avoid panic. Just tighten security everywhere.”

Lu Song grimaced. “Prime Minister, you may not know, but my colleagues are all guessing—where’s next?”

The late Emperor’s tomb, the city gates, the Imperial Guards… Next, the Bureau of Military Affairs or the Secretariat?

Officials understood and grew more anxious. This wasn’t about the Zhao family.

After questioning, Yan Luo dismissed Lu Song and stayed alone in her office, her lips curling.

How amusing.

That evening, upon returning home, she found Gu Que playing in a sandpit in the yard, building something with space sand while the maids watched.

Yan Luo squatted by the pit and asked, “What are you playing?”

“Building a house, then blowing it up.” Gu Que didn’t look up.

Yan Luo: “The do-gooder wants to preach again? Too bad, I’m not in the mood. Second Miss, are you too free? Let me find you something to do.”

Gu Que was indeed idle. She’d received notice that shops were to remain closed, leaving her with even less to do.

Curious, she asked, “What kind of work?”

“Kneel on an abacus. Once it breaks, you can get up…” Yan Luo lifted Gu Que’s chin, her gaze icy. “Gu Que, don’t test my limits. I’m not a good person. If I kill you and dump your body in the wilderness, you’ll regret it.”

“Cut the act. Do you think I’m powerless? Remember where your things come from. What I give you, I can give to others—better things.” Gu Que wasn’t intimidated and met her gaze squarely. “Prime Minister Yan, though I’m a do-gooder, what I give you, I can give to someone else.”

Yan Luo smiled. “Is that so? Then don’t leave the house. How nice.”

Gu Que: “…” Can’t win against her!

They went inside. Yan Luo glanced at the colorful space sand and inexplicably smiled, grabbing a handful and tossing it back. “Store it in the warehouse.”

She’d accepted it.

Inside, Yan Luo changed clothes while Gu Que sat cross-legged on the couch. Since their identities were revealed, she’d become more relaxed and casual.

After changing, Yan Luo had the doors closed. Gu Que’s heart skipped a beat. She pointed outside. “It’s still daylight.”

“Second Miss.” Yan Luo sat beside her.

The term made Gu Que uneasy. She almost blurted out sister-in-law and tensed up. “Don’t call me that.”

Yan Luo reached out, tucking a loose strand of hair behind Gu Que’s ear. Her eyes reflected Gu Que’s delicate face. “Call me sister-in-law.”

Gu Que refused. “I won’t fall for that. Why should I?”

Yan Luo smiled. “Then you’d be a hypocritical beast.”

“You—you’re the beast!” Gu Que couldn’t sit still. How could someone so eagerly label others? She retorted, “Who’s the real beast? Who kissed whom first? Who pinned whom down? Who watched videos without blinking?”

Yan Luo was unfazed. “I’m the beast. Then what are you?”

“I…” Gu Que was speechless. “How can you be so shameless?”

Yan Luo smirked, her eyes glinting as she moved closer, caressing Gu Que’s face. “What use is shame? If I cared about reputation, would I be called the King of Hell?”

Her words were irrefutable. Gu Que laughed in exasperation. She’d met shameless people, but none as brazen as this.

Faced with such a person, what could she do?

Stoop to her level and be even more shameless?

Gu Que asked herself and admitted she couldn’t—even as a modern, open-minded person. She muttered, “This concubine cannot do it…”

Yan Luo didn’t hear and kept touching Gu Que—from her face to her ears, then her neck. When her hand drifted lower, Gu Que pushed her away. “Don’t touch me.”

Since their identities were revealed, Yan Luo hadn’t gotten a single kiss—less than before when she could kiss freely.

Yan Luo was displeased. If she couldn’t kiss, she’d force it. Her gaze lingered on Gu Que’s fair neck. “I think you don’t like me anymore.”

“I—I respect you, care for you, cherish you—but don’t like you.” Gu Que emphasized, even analyzing calmly: “Respect and like are the same. I like you and wish you success, but I haven’t thought of giving myself to you.”

Yan Luo listened, thinking the girl was deceiving herself—or rather, avoiding the truth. She tutted. “You won’t leave, yet you won’t let me be with others. You want to possess me. Under what circumstances would one want possession?”

Gu Que looked into her eyes. “Do you like me?”

Yan Luo smirked. “I like your face.”

Gu Que’s heart skipped a beat, a chill running down her spine. “Why are you so fixated on liking…”

She couldn’t finish. Yan Luo volunteered her secret: “Bone china requires beautiful skulls.”

“You wouldn’t… turn me into bone china, would you?” Gu Que stood up, her expression complicated.

Yan Luo gave her a sidelong glance. “Is that what you think of me?” Her eyes were full of grievance, as if accusing Gu Que of abandonment.

Gu Que, originally the victim, suddenly felt like the perpetrator under that gaze.

“Don’t look at me like that. I didn’t abandon you.” Gu Que couldn’t take it. “You really deserve an Oscar for Best Actress.”

Yan Luo ignored the unfamiliar term. Gu Que was strange, but she didn’t care to ask. She just wanted a kiss.

Pointing to her lips, Yan Luo waited. Gu Que frowned, wanting to flee. But Yan Luo leaned in. “Why run?”

Trapped, Gu Que resigned herself. “Come closer… closer.”

Their lips met.

It was tender.

Yan Luo was satisfied and pulled Gu Que to her study to show her the bone china. Gu Que refused—this was absurd.

Bored, Yan Luo decided to paint an artistic picture, constantly asking about poses.

Gu Que couldn’t bear to look, keeping her eyes shut. Yan Luo turned her head. “Look at my painting. You’ve never seen anything like it. Your comics are too tame.”

Gu Que ignored her, picking up a book to read. As she sat down, the Great Scholar messaged her again.

Great Scholar: I have something more advanced, but I’ll trade it for your floral crown.

Gu Que: That’s daylight robbery! Mine’s worth a fortune.

Great Scholar: Exclusive offer—no one else has it.

Gu Que hesitated. What is it?

Great Scholar: Based on your needs, something portable and feasible in ancient times. I’ve studied your floral crown—most can’t afford it. Think about it: who buys from you? Your sales are dismal. Give it to me, and I’ll find anything you want later.

Gu Que: Then translate that unofficial history for me.

Great Scholar: That’s tough. I barely understand it myself.

Gu Que didn’t reply.

Half a day later, the Great Scholar sent a compromise emoji: Fine. I’ll list it in the shop. Give me the crown.

Gu Que agreed.

When she opened her eyes, the painting was half done. Yan Luo was a skilled artist, her brushstrokes vivid and lifelike.

Gu Que leaned in. Yan Luo boasted, “Isn’t it beautiful?”

Suddenly inspired, Gu Que said, “Paint me a landscape, with your seal. Okay?”

As a historical figure, Yan Luo’s paintings would be antiques—possibly valuable. Maybe she could sell them.

“Selling it?” Yan Luo saw through her instantly. The girl had all the money she could spend, yet she still eyed profits.

“No, trading for something. Someone admires you.” Gu Que smiled. If the Scholar knew this was Prime Minister Yan’s work, he’d either laugh himself to death or die of fright.

Pleased, Gu Que’s joy showed. Yan Luo considered her words and said, “I’m exhausted, and you’re just watching?”

Gu Que offered generously, “One ice cream.”

Yan Luo scoffed. “You’re treating me like a beggar.”

Gu Que was skeptical. “Grandma would scold me to death.”

Yan Luo dipped her brush and drew the character “王” (king) on Gu Que’s forehead. “I’ll paint a beauty. Pose for me?”