After Marrying the Villainous Prime Minister in My Brother’s Stead - Chapter 71

71: Mmm, Sister, Can I Kiss You?

Gu Yan’s health had greatly improved, but Gu Que couldn’t feel happy—she was weighed down with worry. Facing the Marquis, she forced a smile: “Of course, it’s good news.”

“It seems like good news, but in reality, it’s a disaster.” The Marquis of Yongle’s expression was grave as he handed the poem to Gu Que and said solemnly, “Yesterday, when he entered the city, someone tried to kidnap him. Fortunately, the Prime Minister’s people arrived in time.”

“Kidnap him? Why?” Gu Que couldn’t help but laugh. “He’s not a young girl.”

The Marquis of Yongle shot her a glance and said seriously, “They weren’t after Gu Yan—they were after you, Second Miss Gu. You should know who’s behind this.”

Gu Que was stunned. “Is the Emperor still not giving up?”

“I didn’t dare reveal anything about Gu Yan. Once the two of you return to your rightful places, who knows what the Emperor might do? But after yesterday’s incident, within three days, the Emperor will surely demand you. And the Huo family is still in mourning—they can’t do anything right now.” The Marquis of Yongle was utterly distressed. He had thought that once the engagement was settled, the Emperor would relent.

Even if the Emperor refused to give up, it wouldn’t matter—Gu Yan would return, the six rites of marriage would be completed within a month, and Gu Que would be married off immediately.

But no matter how he calculated, he never expected that Elder Huo would die.

Gu Que said, “The Emperor poisoned Elder Huo.”

The Marquis of Yongle looked up sharply. “Don’t speak nonsense.”

“The Prime Minister asked, and the Emperor didn’t deny it. Father, do you still approve of such a ruler?” Gu Que spoke bluntly.

The Marquis of Yongle hesitated. “No matter what, she is still the Emperor, the sovereign of Great Wei. And I am just a cripple.”

“Father, as long as you refuse to offer your daughter, this matter will pass,” Gu Que said. “With the Prime Minister here, the Emperor won’t dare act recklessly.”

Mentioning the Prime Minister, the Marquis of Yongle relaxed slightly and said only one thing: “For now, you cannot leave the Gu residence. To the outside world, let it be known that the Prime Minister favors you and has allowed you to stay.”

Only under the Prime Minister’s protection would the Emperor restrain herself. The Marquis’s estate had become the most dangerous place.

The Marquis of Yongle’s primary purpose in coming wasn’t to have the siblings return to their rightful places but to discuss how to resolve the issue with the Emperor.

Gu Que would remain where she was, while Gu Yan would stay at the Marquis’s estate for the time being. The Marquis left one final instruction: “Before you marry, you cannot divorce.”

With that one sentence, Gu Que’s last escape route was cut off.

Gu Que personally escorted the Marquis out of the residence. After he left, Tinglan hurriedly asked for details.

Gu Que didn’t hide anything—she trusted Tinglan completely.

Upon hearing the news, Tinglan was utterly stunned. “She’s the Emperor, the Son of Heaven. How can she forcibly take someone else’s wife? Kidnapping? How—how could she do such a thing?”

If an ordinary person had heard this, they would have scolded Tinglan for her disrespect. But Gu Que had no reverence for imperial authority in her mind. Right now, she felt nothing but disgust for the Empress.

She wished she could drop a bomb on the palace.

Fuming, Gu Que went to tinker with her drone.

After half a day of fiddling in the courtyard, the drone was up and flying, buzzing loudly. The maids were drawn to the spectacle, marveling at the little flying contraption.

Chunlu asked Tinglan, “Is that a bamboo dragonfly?”

Some bamboo dragonflies could fly with the wind for a while before falling.

Tinglan shook her head. “I don’t know. It looks impressive, though.”

Chunlu whispered, “Don’t you think this could be used to deliver things? Love letters, jewelry—how romantic would that be?”

Tinglan laughed. “Feeling lovesick? Should I ask the Prime Minister to marry you off tomorrow?”

“How mean! I was just making an observation. How could you say such a thing?” Chunlu blushed furiously.

The drone only flew within the courtyard, its buzzing eventually losing its novelty. After a while, the maids dispersed to attend to their duties.

Tinglan quietly asked Gu Que, “What are you planning to do with this?”

Gu Que replied, “Attach explosives to it and blow her up.”

“With this? It wouldn’t even make it into the palace before being intercepted.” Tinglan nearly died laughing. “You’d be better off using it to send little gifts to the Prime Minister. Maybe then she wouldn’t be mad at you anymore.”

Gu Que’s mind was in turmoil, restless all day. She understood better than anyone the terrifying power of imperial authority. If it ever came to that, even the Prime Minister might not be able to stop it.

It might even endanger the Prime Minister.

The drone served as a distraction for the afternoon, easing her anxiety somewhat.

By dusk, she set the drone aside and headed to the kitchen to cook, with Tinglan shadowing her every step.

Gu Que refused to let herself stop moving. By the time the meal was ready, Yan Luo had returned.

Covered in grease, Gu Que went to bathe first. Yan Luo changed her clothes, and Tinglan seized the moment to recount the day’s events.

Yan Luo had already known since the day before but hadn’t told Gu Que. Gu Que was timid, and with only a day’s difference, it was better for the Marquis to break the news.

As her father, the Marquis would surely make plans for her. Yan Luo bided her time, waiting to see what the Marquis’s decision would be.

The Marquis of Yongle had staked all his bets on her—heartbreaking yet inevitable.

Tinglan anxiously said, “The young master is utterly devoted to you.”

Yan Luo glanced at her. “Whether her devotion is true or false, I know better than you.”

Tinglan felt as if needles were pricking her back and didn’t dare say more, quickly excusing herself.

Yan Luo reclined on the daybed by the window, her expression shifting. The Emperor had dared to act yesterday solely because the Marquis of Yongle’s household was in decline, with no powerful backer. Even if someone were taken into the palace, the Marquis wouldn’t dare protest.

If the Emperor learned that Gu Que was a woman disguised as a man, she would threaten the Marquis to offer his daughter to preserve the family.

No matter what, the Emperor would get Gu Que.

Tsk tsk tsk—her lustful heart refused to die.

Yan Luo sat quietly for a while. By the time Gu Que emerged, she was smiling at the sunset. Gu Que found it odd. “What are you smiling about?”

“Done bathing?” Yan Luo’s gaze settled on Gu Que’s soft, fair cheeks. She hooked a finger. “Come here. Let me kiss you.”

Gu Que obediently approached. Before she could sit, Yan Luo pulled her down into a long, lingering kiss.

After their intimate moment, the two had dinner.

No unhappy topics were broached during the meal—Yan Luo didn’t mention a word, and neither did Gu Que.

After dinner, Yan Luo headed to the study and asked if Gu Que wanted to come along.

Gu Que was curious. “Why should I go?”

Yan Luo smirked. “So you can see just how amazing your wife is.”

Gu Que covered her face, laughing, her cheeks flushing with shyness. “You’re utterly shameless.”

The word “wife” sounded oddly amusing and sweet.

Delighted, Gu Que trotted after Yan Luo, who reminded her, “It might get boring. Bring some snacks.”

Gu Que brought melon seeds and nuts.

Gu Que’s study was more like a boudoir—simple and functional, everything at a glance. Yan Luo’s was different. Hers was at least twice as large, divided into inner and outer chambers. The outer chamber was for discussions, and the inner chamber could still hear everything. Inside, there was a bed—Yan Luo’s usual sleeping spot.

Gu Que sat on the bed, spreading out her melon seeds and nuts, as sounds began to drift in from outside.

She perked up—voices soon filled the outer chamber.

Those who entered the study were Yan Luo’s confidants, here for secret matters unrelated to court affairs.

Yan Luo had established over a dozen gunpowder depots, all manned by trusted aides, each massive in scale—no less impressive than the court’s official ones.

That was one matter. Another was that Yan Luo had dealings with Prince Liang.

Gu Que was initially shocked but then recalled the unofficial histories and calmed down, accepting it peacefully.

Prince Liang’s ambition was the throne. His fiefdom was wealthy—he had money to spare. Yan Luo supplied gunpowder, and the two collaborated seamlessly.

Gu Que muttered to herself: They’re all power players. She nervously nibbled on a nut.

But that wasn’t all. Yan Luo had done many things behind the Emperor’s back. To Gu Que, it was like listening to a story.

Next, an advisor brought up the Huo family. “The Emperor is growing impatient. She wants to fabricate charges against the Huo family.”

Gu Que’s heart skipped a beat.

Was the Empress planning to eradicate the root of the problem?

“What kind of charges?” Yan Luo was relaxed. When it came to schemes, the Emperor was no match for the late Emperor, who had pinned one outrageous charge after another on Emperor Wen’s loyal ministers—all impossible to refute.

The advisor lowered his voice. “Conspiring with Prince Liang.”

“Oh, how interesting. In that case, I have an idea. Have Prince Liang write a letter to Prince Xiang—an uncle concerned for his nephew. How touching.” Yan Luo raised an eyebrow. “Go quickly. It’ll take a month to complete. We must act before the Emperor does.”

Gu Que’s heart pounded. Were conspiracies and plots really decided so casually?

The advisor asked, “What if the Emperor acts within this month?”

“Tell Prince Liang to write a few more—to Prince Xiang, the deceased Prince Huaizhang, and a few generals with military power. Let’s make it a lively gathering—they can keep each other company in prison.”

Gu Que nearly died laughing. Yan Luo was utterly wicked.

But it was a kind of wickedness that was irresistibly charming.

The study didn’t quiet down until midnight. But Yan Luo wasn’t done—there were still piles of documents to review.

Gu Que had finished her melon seeds and was growing drowsy, but she didn’t disturb Yan Luo. Instead, she lay down to sleep.

They wouldn’t be returning tonight.

By the time Yan Luo finished, dawn was breaking. Gu Que was sound asleep. The moment Yan Luo approached, Gu Que instinctively scooted inward, utterly docile.

Yan Luo lay down and fell asleep almost instantly.

Less than half an hour later, Zhizhi came to rouse her. Yan Luo opened her eyes, and Gu Que woke up too, blinking blearily at her. “When did you get here?”

“I’m exhausted.” Yan Luo closed her eyes, ignoring Zhizhi, but not forgetting to tease Gu Que.

“I’m so tired. Kiss me.” Yan Luo found Gu Que’s hand and pulled her close without waiting for a response. Gu Que jolted awake, but before she could speak, her lips were sealed.

Zhizhi, assuming the Prime Minister hadn’t risen yet, pushed the door to enter. A maid stationed in the study stopped her. “The young master is inside too. Don’t barge in.”

Zhizhi took the hint and stuck out her tongue, then tiptoed to the window, eager to peek.

She wondered: What’s it like when girls kiss girls?

Is it fun?

Zhizhi pursed her lips, feeling a pang of envy. Tinglan arrived early with fresh clothes and happened to catch her spying.

Zhizhi was still a child, favored by the Prime Minister. No one stopped her no matter what she did. Besides, she was peering through the outer chamber’s window—there was no way she could see into the inner chamber.

The bed was in the inner chamber.

Her efforts were in vain.

Crouched awkwardly, Tinglan asked, “What are you looking at?”

Zhizhi countered, “Have you ever kissed a girl?”

“No. What are you up to?” Tinglan was baffled. “You’re too young to be thinking about such things.”

Zhizhi straightened up and turned to see Tinglan’s lovely face. Tinglan had grown up alongside Gu Que. Gu Que was beautiful, so others often overlooked Tinglan’s charms.

But Tinglan was indeed very pretty. Zhizhi blinked, a mischievous thought crossing her mind. “Sister Tinglan, can I kiss you?”

Tinglan froze. She was no longer an ignorant girl. That night, after witnessing her master’s wedding night and the disheveled bed, she had begun to understand.

Zhizhi’s words were downright shameless. Tinglan flushed with anger, turned, and ran off in tears.

“Sister, sister, I’m sorry! Don’t cry!” Zhizhi panicked and chased after her.

Tinglan tearfully handed the clothes to the study maid and fled, lifting her skirts as she ran.

Yan Luo emerged at the commotion. “What happened?”

Tinglan was already gone. The maid pointed at Zhizhi. “She bullied Sister Tinglan.”

Zhizhi’s face turned crimson with agitation, stomping her foot in frustration. “I didn’t! I just asked if I could kiss her! If she didn’t want to, I wouldn’t have forced her!”

Yan Luo’s expression darkened. She dismissed the maid and nearly dragged Zhizhi back by the ear.

“Why did you bully her?”

Zhizhi jumped in protest. “I didn’t! I was just curious—I wanted to know what it’s like when girls kiss girls.”

Yan Luo: “…”

Inside the room, Gu Que burst into laughter upon hearing the last part, unable to get up from the bed. Yan Luo was furious, twisting Zhizhi’s ear. “Who taught you that?”

Zhizhi was aggrieved. “I just saw how happy you and the young master looked when you hugged.”

One takes on the color of one’s company. Zhizhi’s words perfectly illustrated this truth.

Gu Que, still giggling, climbed out of bed and warned Yan Luo, “Next time, remember to hide from her. Don’t corrupt the child.”

Yan Luo didn’t laugh. Staring at Zhizhi, she said, “Go receive your punishment. Then apologize to Tinglan.”

Gu Que’s smile vanished. “Why hit her?”

“Shouldn’t she be punished for misbehaving?” Yan Luo glanced at Gu Que. “It’s the rule.”

Gu Que didn’t understand. Zhizhi, however, didn’t seem to mind. She nodded meekly and turned to leave, then suddenly remembered something. “Who will escort you, then?”

What a good kid—even after being punished, she’s still concerned about who will protect the one who punished her. Gu Que’s heart ached, and she wanted to plead for leniency. But Yan Luo said, “Your junior sister is here.”

At that, Zhizhi’s lips quivered as she walked out, suddenly bursting into tears.

Gu Que was baffled. Why was she crying now?

Yan Luo looked at her. “Her privilege has been taken away. Shouldn’t she cry?”

“Privilege?” Gu Que paused, then understood—being Yan Luo’s personal guard was Zhizhi’s privilege. Curious about Zhizhi’s junior sister, she asked Yan Luo, “Who is her junior sister?”

Yan Luo smiled faintly. “Guess?”

Gu Que frowned. “Mmm?”

Stalling for time, huh?

If Zhizhi is the senior sister, then the junior sister must be Wuwu.

Yan Luo was pleased. “You’re very clever.”

Gu Que nearly died laughing. “Who came up with these names? Were they even using their brains? Zhizhi Wuwu…”

“I did. Don’t they sound nice?” Yan Luo was displeased. Zhizhi and Wuwu were perfectly fine names.

Gu Que squatted on the ground, clutching her stomach. Starting the day with such hilarity made life truly joyful.

After laughing for a while, she asked Yan Luo, “What were their original names?”

Yan Luo thought carefully. “Zhizhi was originally called Luoluo, and Wuwu was Xifeng.”

“Such beautiful names, and you changed them to Zhizhi and Wuwu?” Gu Que could hardly believe the naming standards of the great literary talent. What a tragedy.

Yan Luo left for court, shooting Gu Que a fierce glare before departing. “I’ll eat you up tonight.”

Gu Que laughed until tears streamed down her face. Wiping them away, she stepped out of the study, refreshed and invigorated.

They say absurdity brings joy, and though the Prime Minister appeared so serious, she was downright hilarious. Luoluo and Xifeng were such elegant names—utterly ruined.

Gu Que couldn’t comprehend it.

Zhizhi?

Wuwu?

Lengmian?

Wuqing?

Still chuckling, Gu Que returned to her bedroom.

The day began with a delightfully amusing morning.

After washing up and eating breakfast, Gu Que changed into formal robes. Now that Gu Yan had returned, she couldn’t avoid meeting him.

Tinglan was hiding in her room and refused to come out. Gu Que went to look for her, but Chunlu said, “Young Master, don’t bother. She doesn’t want to see anyone right now.”

Gu Que didn’t press further. Tinglan was the most traditional of the ancient people she knew, while Yan Luo was the most liberal—even more open-minded than Gu Que, a modern person.

As she prepared to leave, a girl of about thirteen or fourteen darted out from the gatehouse. She wore her hair in twin buns and a fitted green outfit. Petite, she only came up to Gu Que’s shoulders.

“Young Master, I’m Wuwu. The Prime Minister said I’m to follow you these days.” Wuwu grinned, her dark skin contrasting with her bright, grape-like eyes.

She would have been even prettier with fairer skin.

Gu Que wanted to laugh, but mocking someone’s name was impolite, so she bit her lip hard and nodded. “Follow me.”

“Young Master, you’re so handsome. You’re the most attractive man Wuwu has ever seen.” Wuwu’s laughter was hearty, her eyes lively.

Gu Que smiled faintly. “You’re pretty too.”

“Really? Then tell me, who’s prettier—me or Zhizhi?” Wuwu stared at Gu Que expectantly.

Gu Que was speechless. What a bizarre question—no wonder Zhizhi had cried earlier.

“You’re both beautiful in your own ways.”

Wuwu pouted, visibly displeased.

Master and servant boarded the carriage to the Marquis’s estate.

Gu Que entered through the back gate. Since Gu Yan had only returned two days prior, few knew of it. As she was led inside, she spotted someone practicing martial arts under the corridor.

Siblings locked eyes from a distance. Wuwu remained guarding the courtyard entrance.

Gu Que approached, while Gu Yan stood motionless under the eaves, his sleeves fluttering. His cheeks had filled out, and he looked spirited.

In silent understanding, neither spoke. Gu Yan turned and entered the room. Gu Que followed, closing the door behind her.

Gu Yan smiled softly. “You’re back.”

Seeing his gentle expression, Gu Que felt a twinge of guilt and smiled faintly. “I only heard of your return yesterday.”

“I just got back and am still adjusting. Ah Que, I went out yesterday, and many praised you as a great poet. You’ve worked hard all these years.” Gu Yan spoke with brotherly affection. “From now on, you can wear women’s clothing again. We’ll find a day for me to divorce the Prime Minister.”

Gu Que didn’t respond immediately. “Did Father not tell you?”

“He did. I said we’d find a day, not that it must be done immediately. For now, I’ll remain here to recuperate, and you’ll be Gu Que again.” Gu Yan reached out and patted her head. “You’re so beautiful—even more than I imagined. If you wore a dress, you’d stun everyone. Your eyes are bright, like stars in the sky.”

His praise warmed the atmosphere, and Gu Que relaxed. “Will you go out?”

“We don’t look identical. I’ll stay here to recover and avoid outsiders. In two years, I’ll take the imperial exams. I’ll study seriously until then. A man must do something with his life, or he’ll have regrets.” Gu Yan’s tone was light, his gaze tender and doting. “You’re amazing. Placing as the Tanhua (third-ranked scholar) puts a lot of pressure on me.”

Gu Que blushed. “That was pure luck. You can do it too. Oh, I’ll return Qiongju and Qingzhi to you.”

“Not yet. I don’t want to risk passing on my illness.” Though improved, Gu Yan’s condition was far from cured.

Gu Que didn’t argue. Now wasn’t the time to draw attention.

Gu Yan asked after the two children and finally brought up Liniang. Gu Que answered frankly, “Father knows where she is. Ask him. I didn’t touch her.”

Gu Yan shook his head. “I asked Father to let her go, but he refused. He said if she leaves, she’d pose a danger to the Marquis’s household. It’s better for her to stay at the estate, where she’ll have food and shelter.”

Gu Que understood. Not all women were like the Prime Minister. It wasn’t easy for women to survive outside.

This was also why she had stopped running. Having a roof over her head was enough.

The siblings chatted a while longer until Gu Yan, exhausted from talking, began to fade. Gu Que took her leave.

As she stepped out of the courtyard, she ran into the Marchioness.

Gu Que greeted her as “Mother.”

The Marchioness ignored her, not even sparing a glance. Gu Que suddenly smiled. Fine. Silence was better than forced words.

She didn’t feel upset. Without affection, there was no sorrow.

Wuwu, however, stared at the Marchioness in shock and whispered, “Young Master, did you owe her a lot of money?”

“Let’s go home. I’ll treat you to something delicious.” Gu Que brushed off the gloom. Life was still manageable—at least for today, tomorrow, and the days after that, she could still be with the Prime Minister. Future problems could wait.

Gu Que had always been a procrastinator, and Yan Luo made it worse.

The next few days kept her busy. She inspected the crops in the fields and purchased large quantities of medicine, packing them into barrels to be sent out in batches.

By the time she finished, the weather had grown hotter. The war was at a stalemate, exhausting both sides.

Yan Luo paid it no mind. The pressing issue was the Emperor finally making a move against the Huo family.

A secret report claimed that before his death, Elder Huo had been in contact with Prince Liang. The Empress flew into a rage and ordered the Imperial Guards to surround the Huo residence.

Yan Luo, tasked with leading the guards, sighed inwardly. Why was she always stuck with the dirty work?

Huo Zixu glared at Yan Luo, teeth clenched, barely holding back curses.

Yan Luo sighed. “Don’t worry. The fun is yet to come. Hold on for two more days.”

With that, she left.

Huo Zhixu was baffled.

Sure enough, two days later, another secret report claimed Prince Xiang had exchanged letters with Prince Liang.

Prince Xiang protested his innocence vehemently.

Without hesitation, Yan Luo ordered his arrest. The Empress Dowager was furious, pointing at Yan Luo. “Are you rebelling?”

Yan Luo replied leisurely, “This is treason. Prince Liang’s handwritten letters can’t be fake.”

“Arresting someone without an investigation—Yan Luo, do you even see me as the Empress Dowager?”

Before she finished, Lu Song interjected, “In the case of Elder Huo, the Ministry of Justice didn’t interrogate, the Court of Judicial Review didn’t investigate, and the Censorate didn’t review. Yet the Huo residence was still surrounded, wasn’t it?”

The Empress Dowager choked on her words.

Yan Luo said, “Arrest first, ask questions later. Prince Xiang, don’t blame me. Blame the precedent.”

Prince Xiang’s face flushed red, fists clenched so tight he seemed ready to strangle Yan Luo.

Yan Luo, perfectly composed, blinked at him. “If you look at me like that, it’s as if I’ve wronged you. How about this—let the Ministry of Justice, the Court of Judicial Review, and the Censorate investigate together. Fair enough?”

The Empress frowned, unwilling.

The Empress Dowager nodded. “Make it so.”

The three departments took orders, and Prince Xiang was thrown into the newly built Ministry of Justice prison—its first distinguished guest, lodged in a premium “suite” designed by Yan Luo herself.

After delivering him, Yan Luo strolled leisurely back to her residence. Before she could leave the Ministry’s grounds, over a dozen black-clad assassins leaped out from an alley.

Wuwu, who had followed in the carriage, muttered excitedly, “Wow, this is intense! Master said one assassin’s head is worth one tael of silver. Let me count—one tael, two taels… ten taels… I’m gonna be rich! No wonder Zhizhi refused to go back. So much money!”

Yan Luo, impatient, shoved her out of the carriage. “Hurry up. Finish them in the time it takes an incense stick to burn, and I’ll double your pay.”

Wuwu drew her blade even faster.

Yan Luo shut the carriage door, listening to the clang of steel with closed eyes, punctuated by Wuwu’s running tally: “Seven taels… nine taels…”

Yan Luo smirked coldly.

Wuwu shouted, “I’ve earned twenty-four taels!”

Upon returning home, Wuwu went to the accounts office to collect her silver, while Yan Luo headed to her quarters.

But as soon as she entered the courtyard, a buzzing noise sounded overhead. She looked up to see a black monstrosity swooping toward her.