After Marrying the Villainous Prime Minister in My Brother’s Stead - Chapter 76

76: Ascension to the Throne, the Passionate Prime Minister.

Gu Que had never experienced the taste of longing before. Now that she had, she felt restless and uneasy. Though there was nothing to do, she inexplicably found herself agitated.

A restless energy surged from her chest. Looking at her reflection in the mirror, her face appeared calm, but her heart was in turmoil.

Tinglan stood beside her, gazing at her face with a smile. “The young master is as handsome as ever.”

“Handsome?” Gu Que didn’t feel much about it—perhaps she had grown numb. Comparing the face of Prime Minister Yan to her own, she only felt equally at ease.

Tinglan said, “Yes, very handsome.”

“You should go back and sleep. I’ll wait alone.” Gu Que took a deep breath, her brows relaxing slightly. “I’m too restless to sleep. You should rest—who knows what might happen tomorrow.”

“I’ll stay with you,” Tinglan suggested. “I’ll sleep on the floor by the bed and chat with you until you fall asleep.”

Gu Que didn’t refuse. Tinglan brought over a quilt, and both lay down.

Gu Que remained silent, so Tinglan began talking about her own family.

Tinglan was born into servitude at the Marquis’s estate. Her parents were both servants there, and from birth, she was destined to serve the household.

But she was lucky. She was assigned to the young master’s chambers, and the madam, noticing her diligence, tasked her with looking after him. When she first learned that the young master was actually a woman, she was so frightened she couldn’t sleep for nights. But as time passed, it became normal. The young master entrusted her with all personal matters, making her the closest person to him.

Later, she followed him into the Gu residence.

Gu Que asked her, “You get along well with Zhizhi?”

“Her? She’s carefree and bold, but her martial arts are excellent, and she’s sweet-tongued. Young master, you don’t realize how much people like those who speak sweetly,” Tinglan laughed. “Look, the Prime Minister praises your looks every day. If you were sweeter with your words, wouldn’t she like you more? Think about it—if someone praised your beauty every day, wouldn’t you be happy all the time?”

Gu Que couldn’t help but laugh and turned to face Tinglan. “Do you like Zhizhi?”

“Of course! She’s such a cute younger sister.” Tinglan replied cheerfully.

Gu Que sighed. So, it was just sisterly affection. Tinglan wasn’t an open-minded woman and probably wouldn’t accept a female partner for life.

Compared to Zhizhi, Gu Que felt slightly better. Comparing oneself to others sometimes brought unexpected happiness.

She said, “Having a cute younger sister feels nice.”

The Marquis’s younger sisters were adorable, but she couldn’t get too close to them. She didn’t dare share her belongings with them, afraid they’d think her a monster.

Gu Que sighed deeply. Tinglan said, “Wuwu is also cute, but I think Zhizhi is prettier.”

“As the saying goes, ‘Fair skin hides three flaws.’ She’s fairer, so naturally, she looks better. But don’t let Wuwu hear that—she’ll get angry,” Gu Que said earnestly.

Tinglan burst into laughter, then hid under the covers to muffle it.

After laughing for a while, she asked, “Young master, why are all the Prime Minister’s people so adorable? Except for that Lengmian one—she’s terrifying.”

“She’s their master, so she’s strict. Zhizhi and Wuwu are just kids. Should I rename you and Chunlu?” Gu Que propped her chin on her hand, her lips curling mischievously.

Tinglan was curious. “What names?”

“How about ‘Guigui’? You’re older, so you’ll be ‘Guigui,’ and Chunlu is younger, so she’ll be ‘Suisui.’ How’s that?” Gu Que covered her face, laughing uncontrollably.

Tinglan angrily turned her back to Gu Que, ignoring her.

Gu Que apologized, “Just teasing you. Let’s sleep.”

“Goodnight, young master.” Tinglan said.

After their conversation, Gu Que felt much better. She pulled the covers over her head, forcing herself to sleep.

Even so, it was past midnight before she finally drifted off.

Early the next morning, word came from the Marquis’s estate—the guards had withdrawn. Gu Que didn’t dare delay. She scrambled out of bed, dressed, washed her face, and hurried back.

The Marquis’s estate was eerily quiet. Gu Que felt relieved as she entered through the main gate. A servant led her to see the Marquis.

The Marquis was in Gu Yan’s courtyard, playing chess at a stone table.

Gu Yan greeted her warmly, “Ah Que, you’re here. Have you eaten breakfast?”

“Not yet. I heard the guards were gone, so I came to check on you. Are you both alright?” Gu Que’s cheeks were flushed from rushing over.

Gu Yan looked at her and smiled. “Ah Que, you’re truly beautiful.”

Gu Que: “…” Why did that sound just like the Prime Minister?

“Have you heard any news?”

The Marquis placed a chess piece leisurely. “We have. The new emperor has ascended. You two can relax now.”

Gu Que couldn’t muster any joy. She turned to Gu Yan. “Brother, are you feeling better?”

“Somewhat. I can finally see the sun again. I’ll have someone bring you some food.” Gu Yan smiled softly and placed another piece. “Father, you’ve lost.”

The Marquis frowned, stared at the board for a long time, then tossed the piece aside. “I won’t play with you anymore, you little rascal.”

Oh dear, sore loser.

The siblings exchanged a glance as the Marquis led Gu Que away, leaving Gu Yan alone to glare at the chessboard.

Was this fair?

Father wasn’t fair!

Father and daughter returned to the study to talk.

The Marquis spoke first, “This matter was pushed through entirely by the Prime Minister, but I don’t approve. Princess Jinyang has no talent for governance. The next phase will depend on the struggle between the Prime Minister and the Empress Dowager.”

Previously, it was a mother-daughter conflict. Now, it would be a battle between sovereign and subject.

Gu Que asked, “What about the deposed emperor?”

“The Empress Dowager is her mother. She’ll spare her life for now. What happens later, I don’t know,” the Marquis said meaningfully. “The Empress Dowager is ambitious. If the new emperor becomes a pawn, the deposed emperor might return one day.”

Gu Que knew the deposed emperor still had a chance—like the Ming dynasty’s Zhu Qizhen brothers. In the end, Zhu Qizhen reclaimed the throne.

She thought for a moment but didn’t speak. She didn’t know how to respond to these matters.

“What exactly is the Prime Minister’s intention? Of all people to support, why Princess Jinyang? Father, she’s no saint.” Gu Que felt uneasy. Jinyang was like a venomous snake lying in wait. Now that she was on the throne, she could strike at any moment.

But the Marquis said, “She’s also a pitiable person. Let’s hope she rules well.”

Gu Que fell silent. There was no reasoning with this.

Forget it. Since everything was fine, she might as well go home.

Gu Que returned home. Wuwu jumped out from the gatehouse. “Young master, are you well?”

Gu Que frowned. “Be more composed. Zhizhi is very composed.”

Wuwu said, “Then I’ll try to be more composed from now on.”

Gu Que laughed. A child with ambition—comparison truly spurred progress. She felt like laughing and pulled Wuwu along to play with the drone.

Wuwu asked, “What’s this?”

“It’s called ‘Guigui,’” Gu Que said with a raised brow.

Wuwu reached out to touch the drone. Suddenly, it took off, startling her so much she nearly punched it. Thankfully, she held back in time.

Wuwu watched the flying “Guigui” and declared firmly, “This could be used to deliver poison!”

Gu Que: “…” She’d been corrupted by the Prime Minister. What kind of strange ideas were these?

Gu Que refused to play with her anymore and flew the drone herself. Wuwu circled around, itching to try. Gu Que said, “Ten taels of silver, and I’ll let you play for a day.”

Wuwu gasped. “You’re robbing me! Do you know how hard it is to earn money killing people? In all my time serving the Prime Minister, I’ve only made twenty-four taels.”

“If you don’t want to, forget it.” Gu Que made a show of tucking the remote into her robes.

Wuwu peeked, reluctant to leave.

Gu Que nearly died laughing. Tinglan said, “Young master, this isn’t very fair.”

“Fine, fine. Go play, but don’t break it. I’ll teach you.” Gu Que laughed for a while, then pulled Wuwu over to learn.

The new emperor’s first act was to worship her ancestors.

At the ancestral temple, everyone rested. The new emperor found an excuse to speak with the Prime Minister.

“I owe my throne to you, Prime Minister,” the new emperor said with a smile.

Yan Luo didn’t even glance at her. “The Empress Dowager helped you. It has nothing to do with me.”

“Really? Without your help, could the Empress Dowager have managed this? Even if she controlled the palace yesterday, what about today? Prime Minister, you’ve held power all this time. If you could be controlled so easily, would you still be the Prime Minister?” The new emperor was no fool. She saw clearly that while the Empress Dowager controlled the palace, the Prime Minister controlled everything outside. The smooth procession to the ancestral temple was no accident.

Yan Luo smiled faintly. “Those who understand the times are true heroes. Should I have incited the ministers to defy you? Or called for loyalists to rise? Your Majesty, do you think I should have resisted?”

The new emperor laughed. “The Prime Minister is indeed the Prime Minister. I thought you were loyal to the royal family. Now I see you’re only loyal to yourself.”

“Your Majesty is mistaken. I am loyal to Great Wei.” Yan Luo replied dismissively.

Indeed, Jinyang was much smarter than the deposed emperor. Or rather, she was more cunning, while the deposed emperor had been lost in indulgence.

After the rituals, they returned to the palace to receive the ministers’ congratulations.

By dusk, the ceremonies were over. The older ministers, exhausted from fear and physical strain, collapsed and couldn’t rise.

Guards carried them away, followed by imperial physicians.

That evening, the new emperor held a banquet.

Yan Luo didn’t return home until late at night, slightly drunk. Gu Que hurried to greet her.

Yan Luo, tipsy, looked at Gu Que and grinned foolishly. “Gu Er, you’re so beautiful.”

“Stop biting me, or we’ll fall…” Gu Que gritted her teeth, stopping to wrap her arms around Yan Luo’s waist. She sighed deeply. “Prime Minister.”

“I’m here, I’m here.” Yan Luo’s eyes crinkled with laughter, her hands wandering mischievously toward Gu Que’s ears.

Annoyed, Gu Que said, “Keep touching, and I’ll tie your hands.”

They stood in the middle of the path, refusing to move. The eunuch watched the drunken Prime Minister for a long moment, confirming she was truly drunk before leaving.

Once the gate closed, Yan Luo opened her eyes, her gaze sharp.

Back in the bedroom, Gu Que exhaled heavily and pinched Yan Luo’s ear. “Drinking again? Do you want to live or not?”

Yan Luo sat up on the bed, staring at her intently. “I’m drunk. Is this how you treat me?”

“Being drunk doesn’t excuse you.” Gu Que retorted, frowning.

Yan Luo huffed. “I’m always right. I, Yan Luo, am inherently right. How dare you bully me?”

Gu Que was speechless. Yan Luo stared at her. “If you bully me, I’ll tell Grandma.”

“Grandma will beat you with a feather duster,” Gu Que shot back. “Can your body even handle alcohol?”

Yan Luo straightened. “Say that again.”

Gu Que repeated, “Grandma said she’d beat you with a feather duster.”

“Gu Er, are you rebelling?” Yan Luo’s voice suddenly rose, her aura intimidating.

Gu Que laughed. Others feared and respected her, but she found Yan Luo adorable. Perhaps intimacy made her seem like an ordinary woman.

Gu Que turned to fetch the feather duster.

Yan Luo panicked, shrinking into a corner. Suddenly, she remembered what Grandma had once told her.

If she didn’t nap and ran around, her mother would whip her with a cane. It hurt. She touched her cheek and called out, “Gu Er, I’m going to sleep!”

Gu Que returned with the duster to find Yan Luo buried under the covers, pretending to sleep.

Gu Que couldn’t help but laugh. She leaned over and asked, “Will you drink again?”

Yan Luo shook her head vigorously. “No more.”

Gu Que pressed, “What if you do?”

Yan Luo hid under the covers, silent.

Gu Que tugged at the blanket. Yan Luo, flustered, said, “I won’t, I really won’t. If I do, I’ll sleep in the study!”

“Sleeping in the study is no good,” Gu Que disagreed. “Choose something else.”

Half the blanket was pulled away. Yan Luo, unable to hide, wrapped her arms around Gu Que’s neck and pulled her onto the bed.

Enough talking—kisses first.

Gu Que protested, “You haven’t bathed…”

“Later.” Yan Luo clung to her, refusing to let go.

Gu Que: “…” The passionate Prime Minister.

Yan Luo had nearly been beaten the previous night. When she woke, she was still wary. She turned to look at the sleeping figure beside her, pursed her lips, and pinched her cheek.

“Gu Er, Gu Er.”

Gu Que was roused but ignored her, rolling over to continue sleeping.

Yan Luo grumbled, “I’m the one who should be tired.”

Gu Que muttered, “You just lay there. Wasn’t it comfortable?”

Yan Luo fell silent. If she admitted it wasn’t, she might suffer even more tonight.

Yan Luo hurried off to court.

Today was the new emperor’s first court session, and it was crucial. The Empress Dowager had even placed her own seat beside the throne, making her regency overt.

The new emperor stared at the chair, her gaze dark. But quickly, she smiled and helped the Empress Dowager to her seat, waiting until she was settled before sitting down herself.

The new emperor was filial, warming the Empress Dowager’s heart.

The court session was eerily silent. No one dared speak out of turn. Yan Luo played dumb, letting the Empress Dowager and her faction take the lead. The Duke of Wei was pleased, but in the end, the Empress Dowager handed command of the Imperial Guards to the Prime Minister.

The Duke of Wei was furious, but the Empress Dowager ignored him. The Imperial Guards controlled the palace gates—over ten thousand men. The Duke had long coveted this position, and now it had been snatched away.

Next, the Empress Dowager ordered a search for Prince Xiang, offering a reward for information.

After court, the Empress Dowager detained Yan Luo, hinting at an alliance.

Yan Luo agreed to everything.

Before she could leave, news arrived from Prince Xiang’s estate—the prince’s son had been murdered, his head severed and left at the estate’s gates.

The Empress Dowager was shocked. Yan Luo feigned surprise as well. The Empress Dowager immediately ordered an investigation.

Yan Luo paid no mind. She bowed and withdrew.

The weather was still hot. Stepping out of the hall, she was already sweating. Yan Luo boarded her carriage and returned to her office.

At home, Zhizhi was enjoying ice cream in the heat, while Wuwu toiled, drenched in sweat.

That evening, Zhizhi flaunted her treat. Wuwu, exhausted, blinked enviously. “Let’s switch?”

Zhizhi refused. “I follow the young master; you follow the Prime Minister. That’s the arrangement. Switching without permission would earn us a beating.”

Wuwu stormed off. Zhizhi covered her mouth, giggling. Staying home in the heat was so comfortable.

Wuwu went to play with “Guigui.” Gu Que was watering the plants while Granny Sun nagged, instructing her which plants needed more water and which could be neglected.

By the time she finished, it was dark. Zhizhi came to call her for dinner. Granny Sun reclined in her chair, watching Zhizhi and beckoning her over.

Zhizhi ran over and crouched beside her. “Grandma.”

“Looking at your complexion—rosy and bright—I’d say you’ve got a romance blooming,” Granny Sun said, studying her face closely. “You’ve gained weight, just like the Prime Minister did back then.”

Zhizhi pinched her cheeks, confused. Gu Que laughed. “Better cherish it.”

Zhizhi didn’t understand. Granny Sun patted her cheek. “If someone feeds you, just marry them.”

Zhizhi: “…”

Gu Que burst out laughing and called Zhizhi to dinner.

Yan Luo had returned earlier and was sitting by the window, leaning against a pillow, her gaze distant. When Gu Que approached, she suddenly snapped out of it and smiled. “Husband, you look even more handsome today.”

When things were fine, it was “Gu Er.” When she wanted something, it was “husband.”

Such a schemer.

Gu Que glared at her. “You still owe me something.”

“I’ll wear it for you later,” Yan Luo said, pulling her down to sit. “Lend me some money.”

Gu Que inhaled sharply. “No. I’m poor. You’re the rich one.”

“I’ll pay you back after the harvest,” Yan Luo coaxed, pinching her waist and pulling her closer.

“Just say what you want. Don’t cling like this.” Gu Que couldn’t take it anymore. Yan Luo teased her relentlessly. “Where’s your money?”

“I don’t have cash on hand, but you do. I know you’ve got savings in the bank. It’s not much—just twenty thousand taels.” Yan Luo poked her chest. “I know exactly how much you have.”

Gu Que swatted her hand away. “Are you spying on my privacy?”

“Privacy? Last night, you stripped naked and let me look. How is that spying?” Yan Luo didn’t understand.

Gu Que’s face flushed. “Not that kind of privacy—my secrets.”

“Will you lend it or not?” Yan Luo’s expression suddenly turned cold. “All household expenses come from my money. Have you contributed?”

Oh no, she was keeping accounts now. Gu Que was at a disadvantage. “Fine, I’ll lend it—no, I’ll give it to you. Happy?”

Yan Luo finally smiled. “That’s more like it.”

Gu Que had lost twenty thousand taels for no reason. She asked Yan Luo what the money was for. Yan Luo hesitated, and Gu Que sensed trouble. “What are you planning?”

Yan Luo whispered, “A gift.”

“For whom?” Gu Que’s head throbbed.

Yan Luo said, “For someone to use as capital to stir chaos. That person is brainless and easy to fool.”

Gu Que: “…” Was that unlucky Prince Xiang?

Currently, Prince Liang was at a disadvantage in the war. If Prince Xiang joined the fray, half the empire would be in chaos.

Gu Que sighed. “Why must you use my money for gifts?”

Yan Luo said matter-of-factly, “Because it doesn’t hurt me to spend it.”

Gu Que was utterly defeated. Suppressing her anger, she said, “I’ll deal with you tonight.”

Yan Luo wasn’t afraid. She even stroked Gu Que’s brows provocatively. “You’re so beautiful.”

The maids set dinner. The two sat down to eat. The summer heat made for light, refreshing dishes. Yan Luo preferred vegetables but occasionally ate fish and shrimp. She especially loved the crayfish Gu Que peeled for her.

Gu Que peeled shrimp; Yan Luo ate shrimp.

After dinner, Yan Luo left again. Gu Que went for a walk alone.

Yan Luo took the banknotes Gu Que had given her and went out. Gu Que didn’t know. She stayed in the courtyard, lost in thought. Business at the shops had picked up, and the fruit store was doing well. She considered opening a tavern or a dessert shop.

But considering the coming turmoil, she dismissed the idea. Growing grain might be better. After all, even in chaos, people needed to eat.

They could live without fruit or fragrant soap, but not without food.

Yan Luo went out to meet someone, arranging for the silver to be withdrawn in batches and transported out of the city, passing through Prince Xiang’s territory.

Such wealth would tempt anyone. If Prince Xiang seized it, he’d surely make a comeback. The Empress Dowager wanted him dead, so he wouldn’t return. Whether he joined Prince Liang or struck out on his own remained to be seen.

Yan Luo felt exhausted. The man was too stupid.

It was getting late. Yan Luo bought some food and pastries from a restaurant and headed home with Wuwu.

In the carriage, Wuwu complained, “Zhizhi stayed home and played. Look, she’s even gained weight. I heard she gets to eat ice cream. Prime Minister, do you know what that is?”

At the mention of ice cream, Yan Luo grew jealous. “That’s a frozen dessert the young master makes. But she won’t let me have any.”

Wuwu was envious. “Why does Zhizhi get to eat it?”

Yan Luo sighed dramatically. “Probably because the young master likes her.”

But Wuwu was smarter this time and didn’t take the bait. She muttered, “It’s because your health is poor.”

Yan Luo’s eyes narrowed, fixed on Wuwu.

Wuwu shrank back, wishing she could leap out of the carriage to escape the Prime Minister’s presence.

The night was stifling. When they returned to the courtyard, they found Zhizhi squatting at the door, eating something. Wuwu bounded over. “What are you eating?”

Zhizhi held a bowl and a spoon, caught red-handed.

Being older, she took pity. “Sister Tinglan made it. Go find her. But don’t let the Prime Minister know.”

Yan Luo, standing behind Wuwu with her hands clasped behind her back: “…” What crime had she committed? Why did everyone hide treats from her?

The pitiful Prime Minister went inside to find Gu Que.

Gu Que was eating ice cream—made from store-bought powder, so the texture was mediocre.

Seeing her return, Gu Que sympathetically scooped a spoonful and held it to her lips. “Where did you go?”

Suddenly, Yan Luo wasn’t angry anymore. She sat down slowly. “Handled some business. What were you thinking about?”

“Nothing much. Do you think I should resume being Gu Que?” Gu Que felt it was the perfect time to revert to her true identity, now that the threat was gone.

Yan Luo took a bite of the ice cream, her teeth aching from the cold, but she still glanced at Gu Que. “Then you won’t be able to live in this courtyard anymore—or even in this residence.”

That was the difference. This bedroom belonged to Young Master Gu and the Prime Minister. If Gu Que stopped pretending, she’d have to move out.

To Yan Luo, she preferred things as they were. Coming home to see Gu Que, with occasional surprises, always brought her joy.

Seeing Gu Que made her forget her fatigue.

Moving out, even under the same roof, meant they might not see each other as easily.

Gu Que was puzzled. “I wouldn’t have to move.”

Yan Luo looked at her. “Sisters-in-law living together? You’d be the laughingstock.”

Gu Que hesitated. “Then we could switch courtyards. You move in with me. How about that?”

Yan Luo refused. “I like it here. I don’t want to move.”

Gu Que sighed. “You just don’t want me to leave.”

“Exactly. Stay, and you can do whatever you want. If the sky falls, I’ll hold it up.” Yan Luo savored the ice cream, noticing tiny ice crystals that hadn’t blended in—like pebbles mixed into flour.

It wasn’t as smooth as store-bought ice cream.

She glanced at the bowl but kept eating. Something was better than nothing.

Gu Que, however, was troubled. She didn’t want to move out either. With so many eyes around, her secret might be exposed.