After Marrying the Villainous Prime Minister in My Brother’s Stead - Chapter 69

69: Discovery – I Found an Extremely Revealing Red Dress.

Gu Que’s attitude made Yan Luo uneasy. “I’m not going to die. How could you curse me like that?”

Yet, Gu Que was panicking. Although the two of them had cleared the air and things were progressing smoothly and steadily, hearing about the outside world made her increasingly anxious.

Before, her anxiety stemmed from the fear that Prime Minister Yan would expose her true identity. But that fear wasn’t life-threatening—deep down, she knew Yan wouldn’t reveal her secret.

Life had been warm and comforting, making her feel more at ease.

After the truth came out, even if they weren’t completely in sync, their relationship was still better than before.

Now, her panic came from the future—the dread of knowing what was to come and the struggle to change the course of fate.

Every action Yan Luo took was tied to events from the past. Gu Que still didn’t know what had happened back then, nor could she pry open even the slightest crack to understand.

All she could do now was minimize the harm.

Those who deserved to die would die—it wasn’t a pity.

Those who deserved to live—that was the best outcome.

“Prime Minister Yan, it’s strange, but I feel like you’d cherish me. I think I’m very important to your future.”

Yan Luo smiled. “Indeed, you are important. I’ll agree to whatever you say.”

“Good. Write me a pledge. I’m not asking you to spare the innocent, but when the time comes, promise not to massacre the city.” Gu Que stated her purpose firmly. “I’m not stopping you from seeking revenge.”

Yan Luo was puzzled. “Why would I massacre a city?”

“I…” Gu Que couldn’t explain. She had forgotten to ask the scholar why.

With a sigh, she said, “I had a dream. After you lured Prince Liang into the city and killed him, you slaughtered all the civilians.”

Yan Luo laughed, sensing something amiss. It seemed Gu Que knew parts of her plan—though only fragments, it was still a secret.

She didn’t press further and quickly agreed. “Fine, I promise not to massacre the city.”

Gu Que had someone bring a brush and watched as Yan Luo wrote the pledge.

Once she had the pledge in hand, she relaxed significantly and leaned in to kiss Yan Luo. But Yan Luo pushed her away. “None of that. Where’s your treasure?”

“It’s about cannons. Your current ones are outdated. I have something more advanced.” Gu Que went to the cabinet, unlocked it, and pulled out some documents. “I’m not sure if they’ll match, but I’m certain they’re better than what you have now.”

They were indeed documents—printed on A4 paper, not bound like the previous books. The scholar had charged a high price, but Gu Que understood.

Yan Luo took the documents and saw they were all in simplified characters. She glanced at Gu Que but said nothing.

Gu Que’s secrets intrigued her, but she knew pushing too hard would make Gu Que unhappy.

Forget it. She wouldn’t ask.

“I’ll look through these first. I won’t be back tonight.” Yan Luo stood, holding the documents, satisfied. She turned to leave but paused, biting her lip as she walked back to Gu Que. “We’ll consummate tomorrow night.”

Gu Que teased her, “We already did. That was called…”

What was it called? Gu Que was too embarrassed to say and shooed Yan Luo away.

After Yan Luo left, Gu Que also settled down to read—about rice cultivation and related matters.

Both were busy with their own tasks, immersed in their work rather than lost in romance.

In contrast, the Empress was living it up, indulging in new pleasures every day. Wen Fu gradually faded from her sight.

Half a month later, news spread that the Wen family was arranging a marriage. The Empress generously offered to officiate.

Yan Luo found it hilarious. The Empress embodied the phrase “royalty is heartless”—once she was done with someone, she discarded them without a second thought, completely disregarding Wen Fu’s feelings.

After court one day, Yan Luo stopped Wen Fu. “I heard you’re getting married, Minister Wen.”

Wen Fu’s face paled, but she remained silent. Yan Luo said, “Do you even like men?”

Wen Fu lowered her head without answering.

Yan Luo smirked. “I’m trying to help you.”

Wen Fu finally looked up at the smirking woman before her. “Why help me?”

“You’ve been cast aside by Her Majesty. Pitiful. You competed with me, but I never saw you as a threat. After all these years with Her Majesty, I know her nature. When she said she loved you, it was just words. Even without that incident, even if she made you a noble consort, she’d have forgotten you soon enough. Wen Fu, you can use your brain, but don’t sacrifice your body.”

Wen Fu clenched her teeth, her face ashen. “Do I look ridiculous?”

“Very ridiculous. But you still have a way out. Leave the capital. Once you’re out, you’ll be your own master—free to do as you please.” Yan Luo spoke leisurely, her eyes not on Wen Fu but on a bird flying overhead.

Wen Fu was stunned. “Leave the capital? If the Prime Minister is helping me, she must want something in return.”

“You were once favored. Becoming a Regional Military Commissioner would be well within your capabilities.”

Wen Fu gasped. “Regional Military Commissioner?”

The Regional Military Commissioner oversaw military and civil affairs.

Yan Luo nodded. “Yes. If you agree, I’ll arrange it. The south is unstable now. The Nanjing Regional Military Commissioner is crucial. Go there.”

Wen Fu’s expression shifted. “Why help me?”

“You seem pitiful. I only have one condition—give me some leeway in the future.” Yan Luo’s tone was light as she explained, “Prince Liang has blockaded the Huai River. Tangzhou, Caizhou, Yingzhou—they’re all in dire straits. The Nanjing Regional Military Commissioner is vital. Don’t worry, I’ll assign you assistants. Wen Fu, relying on others is useless. If the front falls, you know the consequences. But right now, Her Majesty is forcing a crossing of the Huai River to suppress the rebellion. Nanjing is the rear guard. The stakes are high. I’ll have someone explain the details. Remember—no one else must know of our conversation today.”

Wen Fu laughed bitterly. “I’m already at a dead end. Could it get any worse?”

Yan Luo shot her a glance. “If you don’t even believe in yourself, how can you turn the tide? I’m giving you a chance. What you do with it is up to you.”

With that, she walked away.

Wen Fu was left bewildered. Why would Yan Luo help her now?

What exactly did “leeway in the future” mean?

Yan Luo kept her word. Within days, she convinced the Empress to transfer Wen Fu to Nanjing. The Empress Dowager was displeased. “What does a little girl know?”

“Mother, Ah Fu is capable. I’ve read her proposals for military reform in Nanjing—every point was sound. She has talent. Don’t underestimate her. Besides, she’s my person. She’ll side with me in the future.” The Empress defended Wen Fu.

The decree was already issued, and the Empress Dowager couldn’t retract it. She only said, “Don’t let yourself be taken advantage of.”

For now, the relationship between mother and daughter had eased. The Nanping Army remained stationed outside the city, setting up checkpoints and tightening security.

By April, the weather had warmed, and strawberry season arrived. Gu Que opened a fruit shop specializing in strawberries.

The strawberries from the estate were slightly inferior to the ones Gu Que grew herself, but they still attracted many customers.

Strawberries were exorbitantly priced in the capital—at one point, a pound of strawberries cost an inch of gold. Despite this, Gu Que received ten pounds of strawberries from the Huo family’s young master.

The Huo family sent them to the Marquis’s residence, specifically for the Second Young Miss to enjoy. The Marquis had them delivered to the Gu residence.

Yan Luo accepted them on Gu Que’s behalf and ate the strawberries like a meal, skipping dinner entirely. Gu Que stomped her foot in frustration. “How could you accept gifts from him?”

“Did you know that when Elder Huo died, the Empress sent assassins after him? I ordered Leng Mian to save him. And now, instead of repaying the favor, he’s coveting another man’s woman.” Yan Luo sighed, popping a large strawberry into Gu Que’s mouth. “Tonight, we’ll plant strawberries too—big ones.”

Gu Que: “…”

That night, lost in passion, Gu Que forgot her earlier sarcasm about “planting strawberries.” She was swept away, forgetting everything.

It was like Li Qingzhao’s verse: Struggling to cross, struggling to cross, startling a shore of gulls and herons.

The next day after court, the Empress asked curiously, “Why do you two like leaving marks on each other’s necks so much?”

Yan Luo shamelessly tugged at her collar. “It’s proof of my husband’s love for me.”

The Empress pondered this. “Why do you have to show off so much?”

Yan Luo replied calmly, “A loving, sweet marriage—why not show it off?”

The Empress was envious and couldn’t help asking about the Second Young Miss of the Gu family, still harboring thoughts of summoning her to the palace.

Yan Luo lifted an eyelid. “She’s Huo Chengru’s fiancée. Rumor has it that once the mourning period is over, the two families will formalize the engagement.”

The Empress sneered. “The Huo family can barely protect themselves, yet they still dream of marrying?”

“Your Majesty, stealing another’s wife isn’t a good look,” Yan Luo deliberately reminded her.

The Empress glared. “I’ll steal her anyway. What can you do?”

Yan Luo smiled faintly. “Steal her if you must. This subject will return to the office.”

“Prime Minister Yan, have you ever met the Second Young Miss?” The Empress was curious. The Prime Minister’s complexion had improved significantly lately. Rumor had it that frequent bedroom activities were good for one’s looks.

“I haven’t. They say she’s sickly—sallow and emaciated. Your Majesty will likely be disappointed.” Yan Luo’s tone was indifferent. “Not as good-looking as my husband.”

The Empress scowled. “Must you always brag about your husband?”

Yan Luo said, “Your Majesty asked first. If you don’t like it, I’ll return to the office.”

She left. The Empress sat on her throne, lost in thought for a long time before summoning her confidant.

“I heard the Gu family’s Second Young Miss will return in the summer. Have someone wait at the city gates and take her away in the Huo family’s name.”

Let’s see who Gu Que truly belongs to.

Yan Luo’s health had recovered quite well, and Granny Sun gradually felt at ease. She spent her days tending to her medicinal herbs, living comfortably.

Then one day, Yan Luo told her: “Gu Yan is coming back.”

“What? He’s not dead?” Granny Sun was shocked. “If he returns, what will happen to Gu Que?”

Yan Luo sipped her tea calmly. The bitterness made her frown—she wasn’t as refined and tea-loving as Gu Que claimed. After spending so much time with Gu Que, her tastes had changed. She no longer wanted tea; she craved those strange drinks of hers.

Gu Que had a treasure room filled with all kinds of drinks and snacks, but she wouldn’t let Yan Luo inside.

When Yan Luo asked where they came from, Gu Que said she traded them with foreign merchants for a floral crown. Yan Luo didn’t believe her and tried sneaking in to grab some, but she couldn’t even get past the door.

The lock on that room was bizarre—it didn’t need a key. Gu Que just pressed something randomly, and with a click, the door opened.

Yan Luo wanted to eat but couldn’t, nearly crying in frustration.

Setting down her tea, she sighed dramatically: “If Second Miss leaves, your herbs will die too. Think about it—do you know how to maintain these things? If they break, no one can fix them. And there’ll be no more surprises.”

“Your Highness, the more I listen, the sadder I feel. If the Empress were here, she’d surely help you.” Granny Sun hesitated. “Why don’t you just kill Gu Yan?”

“Think about it—if I kill Gu Yan for Gu Que’s sake, she’d be heartbroken. So, you help me. One dose of poison, and Gu Yan is gone. Oh, and when Gu Que asks, you say it was your own idea—nothing to do with the Prime Minister.” Yan Luo spoke with utmost seriousness, blinking innocently, as if to say: I’m completely innocent here.

It took Granny Sun a while to react. “You’re using me to do your dirty work.”

Yan Luo said nothing, just handed the teacup to Granny Sun. “Good Granny.”

Granny Sun refused to take it. “Just divorce him. Take Miss Gu back to your estate quietly. It’d be perfectly legitimate.”

“Granny, that’s too troublesome. Your poison would be much faster.” Yan Luo waved her hand dismissively.

Granny Sun sucked in a sharp breath. “Can’t you stop creating unnecessary bloodshed?”

“Think about it—she’s so beautiful. By the time I divorce, the Huo family would’ve already married her off. And Her Majesty is eyeing her too. A desirable woman has a hundred suitors—I have no advantage here.” Yan Luo sighed, turning to look at the greenhouse.

As she turned, Granny Sun caught sight of the red marks on her neck. Ah, young couples and their passion.

Granny Sun’s heart softened. “I have an idea.”

Yan Luo perked up. “I’m all ears.”

Granny Sun said, “Have Second Miss ‘disappear.’ After the divorce, take her in. Then she’ll be yours.”

“What kind of terrible idea is that? She deserves her own name—she’d never agree.” Yan Luo disagreed.

Granny Sun sighed deeply. This was truly a difficult situation—all because Gu Que was too damn likable.

“Well then, it’s hopeless. Might as well just poison Gu Yan.”

Yan Luo wholeheartedly agreed. Granny Sun waved her off. “I won’t kill anyone. Handle Gu Que’s affairs yourself. I’m too old for this nonsense.”

Yan Luo left in a huff. Back in the bedroom, Gu Que was tapping away on a calculator, tallying up the strawberry sales—far more profitable than soap.

“Prime Minister Yan, let’s go shopping on our day off, okay?” Gu Que spoke without looking up, planning to buy something nice for Yan Luo with the earnings—a little romantic gesture.

Yan Luo sat beside her, glancing at the ledger. “You made quite a profit. My husband is so capable.”

Gu Que’s lips curved up. “What do you want?”

“I want ice cream. The kind that fills you up.” Yan Luo propped her chin on her hand, gazing at Gu Que with admiration.

Gu Que nearly melted under her charm, bubbles of happiness rising in her chest—but she steeled herself. “No way. Don’t you get stomachaches during your period?”

“No, Granny has medicine for that.” Yan Luo sighed again. “You earn so much money, yet you won’t even buy me one ice cream?”

Gu Que silently turned up the calculator’s volume and kept pressing buttons, the machine blaring “Zero! Zero!” repeatedly.

Yan Luo, irritated, grabbed the calculator and kissed her on the lips—forcefully, without finesse.

“If you keep playing with that calculator, I’ll smash it. Tell me, who are you earning all this money for?” Yan Luo grumbled, deeply dissatisfied.

Oh boy, here we go again.

Gu Que lowered her head, silent, her lips still tingling from the bite. She didn’t dare look at the calculator anymore.

Yan Luo continued nagging: “Gu Que, we can discuss this properly.”

Gu Que kept playing the silent turtle—you talk, I won’t.

After Yan Luo rambled for a while with no reaction, she suddenly said: “Gu Yan is coming back.”

“Huh?” Gu Que was startled. She had planned to visit Gu Yan at the estate this spring, but the city lockdown delayed it. Was he really returning so soon?

For a moment, her heart was in turmoil. “Is he better now?”

“Don’t know. Granny said she’d poison him.” Yan Luo said deliberately.

Gu Que laughed, looking up at her with a smile. “Granny is kind—she wouldn’t do that. But you would. Prime Minister Yan, among the Thirty-Six Stratagems, there’s one called ‘Kill with a borrowed knife.’”

Yan Luo played dumb. “Granny said it. Go ask her if you don’t believe me.”

“I don’t believe her. Sister-in-law, if you divorce, I’m willing to stay by your side as Gu Que. Spare his life.” Gu Que steadied herself and spoke sincerely. “Now that I’m with you, I’ll stay. Even if you don’t love me, our agreement still stands. Prime Minister Yan, I’m willing to stay.”

Yan Luo was taken aback. “You don’t want to marry anymore?”

“I’m bent like a mosquito coil—who would I marry?” Gu Que scoffed. “No more marriages.”

Yan Luo was stunned. She didn’t understand why Gu Que had changed so much. Was she stupid?

“I don’t get it. Why not marry anymore?”

“With you here, how could I marry someone else?” Gu Que was baffled. Does Prime Minister Yan have some kind of mental deficiency?

Yan Luo argued: “I—I haven’t even eaten you yet.”

Gu Que was dumbfounded. “What kind of nonsense are you spouting?”

Yan Luo shrank back. “Just the truth.”

Gu Que was too angry to speak. Yan Luo, inexplicably happy, felt a surge of satisfaction and declared: “Then I’ll eat you tonight.”

“I’ll eat you tonight. I’m going to Granny for some medicine.” Gu Que stood up and left.

Yan Luo watched her go, smiling. The little girl isn’t leaving. No need to kill Gu Yan after all.

Divorce?

Seemed like too much trouble now.

Yan Luo lost herself in thought while Gu Que went to fetch the medicine. Granny Sun generously handed it over, giving a few instructions before asking: “What will you do when your brother returns?”

“The Prime Minister said we’d divorce, and I’d stay.” Gu Que had already made up her mind.

Granny Sun said, “I heard Her Majesty has her eye on you, and there’s still the Huo family’s marriage arrangement. What then?”

“Ah, right. The Huo family’s engagement. Elder Huo just passed—Huo Chengru is in mourning for a year. He won’t bring up marriage until next year. We still have a year; no rush. As for Her Majesty, I trust the Prime Minister will handle it.” Gu Que was unfazed. Things were always changing—cross the bridge when you get to it.

With Prince Liang’s attack imminent, marriage was the least of their worries.

“Young people should decide for themselves.” Granny Sun rubbed her temples. “I’m going to check on my herbs.”

After getting the medicine, Gu Que returned—only to find Yan Luo gone.

Yan Luo had left the estate to meet a guest.

Prince Liang had entered the capital.

The man who had thrown the south into chaos was now right here in the capital.

Yan Luo was dressed in black, wearing a cloak as she quietly entered a tavern. Prince Liang was waiting on the second floor. Leng Mian stood guard outside, separated by a folding screen. Once seated, the negotiations began.

Prince Liang wore dark robes embroidered with gold, his sleeves tight for archery. Several sword-bearing guards flanked him. Once settled, he spoke first: “Where is it?”

“It’s here. Where is your item?” Yan Luo smiled.

“Aren’t you afraid of choking on your greed?” Prince Liang scoffed.

Yan Luo replied, “Don’t you know about the grain stores in the south? Or the Nanping military camp?”

Prince Liang stiffened. Yan Luo feigned indifference. “If you’re unwilling, I’ll leave. Do you know that even Her Majesty is eager to get her hands on what I have?”

“Five thousand soldiers—that’s too much.” Prince Liang winced at the cost.

Yan Luo shrugged. “If you refuse, I won’t force you. But Your Highness, you’re already at the point of no return. If you hesitate now, you’ll face utter defeat.”

Prince Liang sighed. “Fine. Take the military token. Hand over the goods. But if you deceive me—”

“I’ll also give you the craftsmen skilled in this art. Satisfied?” Yan Luo interrupted.

Prince Liang frowned. “What do you need soldiers for?”

“To play with.” Yan Luo smirked.

Prince Liang was baffled. “How?”

“That’s my business. You should leave soon.” Yan Luo had no intention of revealing her plans.

The exchange was made. Yan Luo left the tavern, while Prince Liang immediately ordered his men to inspect the goods.

Gunpowder was invaluable in warfare—Prince Liang had only dared rebel because he possessed cannons. But he knew there was always something better, and after hearing of several gunpowder-related incidents in the capital, his interest was piqued.

Now that the goods were in his hands, he was both thrilled and suspicious.

The craftsman quickly examined them, his expression turning awed. “Your Highness, this—this is extraordinary! Far superior to your current cannons!”

By the time Yan Luo returned to the estate, it was already late at night, the moon hanging high.

Gu Que was still calculating accounts, the click-clack of the calculator never stopping—until Yan Luo approached.

Their eyes met. Gu Que studied her. “Did you go do something bad?”

“Did I?” Yan Luo touched her cheek, then leaned down, bringing her face close to Gu Que’s. “Don’t you like it when I do bad things?”

Gu Que turned off the calculator and closed the ledger. “No, I prefer you gentle.”

“I like it when you do bad things.” Yan Luo sat down, picking up the calculator and pressing the zero button a few times. Pointing at the digit, she said, “I know what this zero means.”

Gu Que chuckled. “That’s you.”

Yan Luo sneered. “You’ve got some nerve.”

“Not at all. By the way, have you read any new novels lately? You haven’t been spouting your usual outrageous lines—it feels strange.” Gu Que sighed, resting her head on the table as she gazed at Yan Luo. She reached out to trace her brow. “Can you translate a book for me?”

“Why me?” Yan Luo was puzzled.

Gu Que made up an excuse on the spot: “Your handwriting is beautiful. If you translate it into vernacular, I’d love to read it. I’ll buy you more novels in return?”

“No.” Yan Luo refused haughtily.

Gu Que wrapped her arms around Yan Luo’s waist. “What about manga? I’ll find you ones with kissing scenes.”

Yan Luo still refused.

Gu Que tried nibbling her ear. “Short videos?”

Yan Luo paused. Gu Que pressed eagerly, “I’ll give you all of them?”

Yan Luo remained unmoved. “I’m tired of them. Not interesting. But I did see something new.”

“What?” Gu Que’s heart skipped a beat. Did she discover something else?

Yan Luo leaned in, whispering in her ear: “I saw a very revealing red dress in your wardrobe.”

Gu Que: “…”

“Are you going to wear it?” Gu Que asked, inexplicably excited.

Yan Luo was confused. “Isn’t it for you?”

Gu Que froze. “That was for you! I spent so much money on it! Why would I wear it? You’re the one with the long legs, slim waist, and killer aura.”

“Oh.” Yan Luo’s eyes darkened with understanding, her gaze turning inscrutable as she studied Gu Que. “But why is that dress so revealing?”

“Because… because…” Gu Que stumbled, unable to explain. “I just thought your legs would look good in it.”

Yan Luo stared at her, a cold smile playing on her lips. “You wear it. I’ll watch.”