After Marrying the Villainous Prime Minister in My Brother’s Stead - Chapter 77

77: Qixi Festival, How Did You Become Enlightened?

Especially with the new emperor ascending the throne, Yan Luo found herself beset by enemies on all sides. Gu Yan still needed to recuperate, and after careful consideration, Gu Que decided to hold off on any moves for now.

Yan Luo ate half a bowl of ice cream, thoroughly satisfied, and pulled Gu Que to bed.

Gu Que asked her, “Are you wearing a skirt?”

Yan Luo pointed at the sky. “It’s too late.”

Gu Que snorted lightly. “Today, I just want to lie down too.”

Yan Luo generously said, “Then let’s lie down together.”

Gu Que refused, “That’s not what I meant.”

The two lay down together, and Gu Que started to complain, “I worked hard for over a year and only earned twenty thousand taels of silver.”

Yan Luo nestled close to her, her hand reaching for Gu Que’s waist. “Once the harvest comes in, I’ll pay you back forty thousand.”

In the intimacy of the bed, the two were very close. Gu Que scoffed, “I don’t believe a word of it. When the harvest comes in, you’ll probably say, ‘Are you really bringing up the word borrow with me?'”

Yan Luo pursed her lips and bit her.

Gu Que groaned softly, her tone lazy. “Hit a nerve, didn’t I?”

“Am I really that stingy?” Yan Luo pressed against her chest, indignant.

Gu Que sighed mournfully, “You’re always generous—except when it comes to giving. You might even say, ‘I’m the one supporting you, what do you need money for?'”

Yan Luo: “…”

Never mind, she continued kissing her.

Gu Que, bitten until it hurt, pinned her hands down. “Prime Minister Yan, it seems you’ve never cried before. I’ll do my best.”

“No, I don’t want to anymore,” Yan Luo panicked, her heart skipping a beat.

Gu Que ignored her, whispering in her ear, “Grandma told me to tie you up as punishment.”

Yan Luo frowned. “Whose side is she even on?”

“As the saying goes, ‘Heaven’s vengeance is slow but sure; self-inflicted wounds are beyond cure.’ Prime Minister Yan, you fall into the latter category.” Gu Que traced the skin on the inside of Yan Luo’s wrist with her fingertip, slowly and deliberately, until Yan Luo cried out that it tickled.

Yan Luo took a deep breath, tears welling in her eyes. “I was wrong.”

“You admit your mistakes so easily,” Gu Que was dumbfounded. “You’re the Prime Minister! Where’s your backbone?”

The bed curtains were filled with a fragrant haze, their breaths mingling, their skin pressed together. Yan Luo gazed at Gu Que with watery eyes. “With you here, what do I need backbone for?”

“You’re much tastier than backbone anyway.”

Gu Que looked into her eyes—clear as a spring, with no trace of the ruthlessness and venom others spoke of.

To the outside world, she was the fearsome “King of Hell,” but in Gu Que’s eyes, she was nothing but a tender, gentle woman.

She lowered her head and kissed the corner of Yan Luo’s lips.

After the kiss, Yan Luo asked, “Where’s your rope?”

Gu Que, caught up in the moment, was stunned by this abrupt question. What on earth was going on in Yan Luo’s mind?

Shouldn’t she be scared right now?

Why was she so eager?

Gu Que got out of bed and hurried off to find rope.

Eventually, she found a strip of black cloth in the cabinet. She wasn’t sure what it was originally for, but after sniffing it and confirming it had no strange odor, she decided it would do.

She brought it back to Yan Luo.

Yan Luo was exceptionally docile, offering her hands willingly.

Gu Que, however, hesitated. “You’re being so obedient, it makes me feel guilty.”

Yan Luo said, “Don’t feel guilty. Go ahead and tie me up. Tomorrow, I’ll go settle accounts with Grandma—rip out her herb garden and ask her whose side she’s really on.”

“You—” Gu Que threw the cloth strip aside. She couldn’t bring herself to involve an innocent third party.

Yan Luo reclined on the bed, taunting her. “Tie me up! Show some backbone, or Grandma will say I’m bullying you again. Gu Que, I’m letting you tie me up!”

Gu Que climbed back onto the bed and glared at her. “You’re just provoking me.”

Yan Luo sat up, tilting her chin defiantly. “Provoking? Do you even have any backbone?”

“You’re so annoying.” Gu Que got off the bed and picked up the cloth strip again.

Yan Luo frowned. “I’ll rip out Grandma’s herb garden.”

She was scared—her fear showing. Gu Que nearly laughed herself to death, wishing she could hold up a mirror for Yan Luo to see herself. “I’ll help Grandma replant it.”

Oops, the trick didn’t work this time. Yan Luo pursed her lips and reached for the blanket, but Gu Que tossed it off the bed first. “Who needs a blanket? This is fine.”

Now uncovered, Yan Luo grew even more nervous, her eyes darting around. “This isn’t very romantic.”

Gu Que said, “It’s not our first time. Who cares about romance?”

“You’re not as patient with me as you used to be.” Yan Luo seized on this point, straightening up. “Have you lost your patience for me?”

Gu Que felt a headache coming on. “Why are you so dramatic?”

Yan Luo argued, “This is called being coquettish! It’s part of the fun between lovers.”

Gu Que threw the cloth strip aside again and climbed onto the bed without another word. She began untying Yan Luo’s sash, silently thinking, Let’s see what else you can come up with.

She stripped off Yan Luo’s clothes, and Yan Luo blinked, then reached out to hug her.

The two tangled together.

In the heat of passion, they became inseparable.

The candles burned all night. Tinglan knew the two were together again. Prime Minister Yan disliked extinguishing the lights—if they were lit, it meant they weren’t sleeping.

But lately, the candles seemed to burn every night.

Tinglan found it strange. Had the Prime Minister changed her habits? Did she now sleep with the lights on?

At dawn, when it was time to attend court, Yan Luo leaned drowsily against the carriage. Wu Wu was eating a rice ball, her youthful energy making her hungry often. Recently, the mansion had taken to eating glutinous rice balls stuffed with meat, and Wu Wu had grabbed two before leaving.

Seeing the Prime Minister so tired, Wu Wu kindly asked, “Did you not sleep well?”

Yan Luo didn’t even open her eyes, humming in agreement. She had forgotten to take her medicine last night and now felt the strain.

It was all Gu Que’s fault for insisting on trying new positions.

With the new emperor’s ascension, turmoil spread everywhere. The new emperor acted decisively, purging the remnants of the deposed emperor’s faction and leaving many positions vacant. The Empress Dowager was eager to install her own people.

After a few days, the court was completely refreshed, and security around the city had loosened.

Gu Que could finally leave the city, but she changed into a dress, donned a veil, and quietly went to inspect the crops.

The watermelon vines had withered and could be pulled up to drain the fields for late-season rice planting. Thanks to this year’s weather, the rice harvest promised to be bountiful.

Gu Que toured the fields and found that, with last year’s experience, the stewards were doing well without her guidance.

On the way back to the city, it was already dark. The coachman whipped the horses to hurry, aiming to return before the city gates closed.

Once inside the city, lanterns and decorations were everywhere. Gu Que lifted the carriage curtain and asked the coachman curiously, “What’s the occasion today?”

“Today is the Qixi Festival, the day the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl meet.”

Gu Que suddenly understood. She entered through the back door and slipped quietly back to her bedroom, where Yan Luo was already waiting, reclining on the daybed reading a novel.

When Gu Que returned, Yan Luo didn’t look up, simply saying, “I’m cramming.”

“Cramming what?” Gu Que didn’t understand. She handed her veil to Tinglan and approached. Oh—it was an ancient yuri novel about an emperor and empress.

Gu Que had read it before. It was about a female emperor who disguised herself as a man and married an empress. The two hadn’t consummated their marriage initially, leading to misunderstandings, but eventually, they reconciled and had a sweet love story.

“This one’s pretty ordinary, nothing special. Are there any spicy scenes?” Gu Que sensed something amiss.

Yan Luo closed the book. “There’s a national priestess in it who loves telling raunchy jokes. I think it’s quite good.”

“You’re cramming this?” Gu Que was incredulous and couldn’t help mocking her. “You’re the Prime Minister of the court! Aren’t you afraid of being laughed at?”

“Tsk, people are already laughing at me for betraying my master. I’m in a bad mood.” Yan Luo tossed the book onto the table and smiled. “His Majesty invited you to the palace for the Qixi Festival.”

Gu Que was startled. “He invited Gu Que?”

Yan Luo nodded. “The Empress Dowager is curious about what kind of beauty you are. But I refused, saying you’re unwell. She wasn’t happy but didn’t press further. Gu Que, how do you attract so many admirers?”

“Aren’t you going out to play today?” Gu Que’s heart raced at first, but after hearing Yan Luo’s sarcastic remark, she relaxed. “Shall we go out?”

Yan Luo didn’t move, extending her hand. “Where’s my Qixi Festival gift? The book says there should be gifts for Qixi.”

“It’s in your study. I knew you’d follow the trend.” Gu Que remembered she had prepared the gift early and instructed Tinglan to deliver it to the study on Qixi.

Tinglan must have already taken it over.

Yan Luo headed to the study, while Gu Que went to change.

The study was lit. When Yan Luo opened the door, she saw over a dozen transparent bottles on the desk, each containing what appeared to be real flowers.

Under the candlelight, the bottles shimmered, and the flowers inside seemed to float.

Yan Luo picked up one bottle and examined it closely. The flowers were real, but some looked a bit odd.

A maid nearby said, “Tinglan brought these today. She said these flowers will never wither.”

Yan Luo fell silent, studying the flowers. Never wither?

Suddenly, she smirked and hurled the bottle to the ground.

The maid jumped in fright, her face pale, and immediately knelt. “Prime Minister!”

“What are you afraid of? I just wanted to see if they were real.” Yan Luo stepped over the shattered pieces, crouched down, and picked up a flower, smiling faintly. “Just dried flowers.”

She was a little disappointed, but since Gu Que had put thought into it, she was also somewhat pleased.

After dismissing the maid, Yan Luo arranged the remaining bottles on the bookshelf, adding a splash of color to the otherwise somber decor.

Satisfied, Yan Luo called the maid back to clean up the shards and returned to eat.

Dinner was served in the courtyard. Zhi Zhi and Wu Wu buzzed around Tinglan, chirping about wanting to eat the “little bowl of ice” from last night.

Tinglan was setting the table, with two mosquitoes (Zhi Zhi and Wu Wu) trailing her, but she didn’t seem annoyed. Instead, she smiled brightly.

When Yan Luo returned, the two scattered like startled birds.

Gu Que asked Yan Luo, “Do you want to go out?”

“Not tonight. His Majesty might leave the palace.” Yan Luo took a sip of milk and smiled. “Let’s stay home and play. Have you ever been to a lantern festival?”

Gu Que had no friends. Had she ever been to a lantern festival?

Tinglan subtly shook her head at the Prime Minister.

Yan Luo immediately changed her tune. “Then let’s go out. You wear a dress, and we’ll go together—without Gu Yan.”

Gu Que laughed. “Alright, as you wish.”

With their plans set, both ate quickly. The lantern festival had a time limit, and if they were late, they’d miss it.

Both changed clothes. Yan Luo chose a red narrow-sleeved dress with a lotus pattern, while she picked a green diagonal-collared dress for Gu Que, perfectly covering the red marks on her chest.

Yan Luo had a keen eye for fashion, and Gu Que deferred to her entirely, even letting her apply makeup.

Gu Que’s beauty was striking at first glance, so she didn’t need much makeup. Yan Luo mixed a light lip color for her, barely noticeable in the evening light.

Her hairstyle was simple—just a single pearl hairpin.

Yan Luo explained, “The Great Wei values elegance and dislikes gaudiness. Few wear red, but I think it’s beautiful.”

Yan Luo was unconventional. If the world disliked something, she loved it. If the world opposed something, she did it anyway.

Gu Que finally understood why Yan Luo adored red.

Once dressed, they boarded the carriage and left, accompanied by Tinglan, Chun Lu, Zhi Zhi, and Wu Wu. The lively group headed out.

Shops would stay open late tonight, as it was customary for scholars and beauties to meet within the bounds of propriety.

With the new emperor’s ascension, the atmosphere was fresh. The court had organized a lantern festival, and some couples would even marry tonight, receiving blessings from the people.

Zhi Zhi, hearing this, tugged Tinglan’s sleeve, suggesting they “marry” too. Tinglan laughed. “That’s for scholars and beauties. Besides, we’re both women—they’d chase us out with sticks.”

Zhi Zhi backed down.

The carriage went straight to the festival. Upon arrival, the sight of countless lanterns of all colors, glowing together, was breathtaking.

Gu Que had seen recreations of the Tang Dynasty’s bustling nights in TV dramas, but witnessing it firsthand was nothing short of awe-inspiring.

Was it beautiful?

The beauty merged with the night, the collision of countless lights creating a stunning visual feast.

Only today did Gu Que realize that ancient beauty was something modernity couldn’t replicate.

Modern lanterns were dazzling but lacked purity. What she saw now was a beauty bestowed by nature itself.

Gu Que asked Yan Luo, “Did you bring the treasure?”

“You mean to take a picture?” Yan Luo was curious.

Gu Que nodded.

Yan Luo laughed. “This is nothing. The Lantern Festival during Shangyuan is far more spectacular. Besides, we can see this every year—why bother capturing it?”

Gu Que said, “I’ve never seen anything like this before.”

“No matter. I’ll bring you out every year from now on.” Yan Luo added another item to her mental list: taking Gu Que to the lantern festival annually.

Gu Que wore a veil, so her face wasn’t visible. However, many nobles were out tonight, and those familiar with her family’s affairs would guess the woman beside her was the second daughter of the Gu family.

Some said the deposed emperor had been too harsh on the Gu family, which was why Prime Minister Yan had turned cold.

As the two walked ahead, Zhi Zhi and Wu Wu each carried a lantern, adding to the festive atmosphere.

At the heart of the festival, the crowd was so dense they couldn’t push through. The group paused, and suddenly, someone called out, “Xiao Qi!”

Yan Luo looked up. It was the eldest daughter of the Yan family, calling from a second-floor window of a tavern opposite the festival’s main stage.

She glanced at Gu Que. “Shall we go?”

“Let’s join her. The eldest daughter isn’t a bad person.” Gu Que agreed.

While they deliberated, the eldest daughter’s maid came to escort them.

The tavern’s best seats had been reserved in advance. Yan Luo hadn’t planned to come out, so they would’ve been stuck outside. The two followed the maid upstairs.

The eldest daughter had the prime spot, her window directly facing the stage with a clear view.

She yielded her seat to them and glanced behind the Prime Minister. “Did the Young Master not come?”

“He’s fallen ill. I brought the second daughter out to see the sights. Eldest Sister, please keep this quiet.” Yan Luo’s tone was grave.

The Gu family’s affairs were widely known. Rumors swirled that the second daughter’s beauty was so captivating that the deposed emperor had lost all reason.

The eldest daughter understood and nodded, though she couldn’t resist stealing another glance at the second daughter. Kindly, she said, “There’s no one else here. The second daughter can remove her veil to relax.”

Gu Que didn’t move, but Yan Luo turned and took off the veil for her. “Eldest Sister is right.”

Gu Que tensed, instinctively gripping Yan Luo’s wrist. Yan Luo smiled. “What’s there to fear? You just said Eldest Sister is kind.”

With the veil off, the eldest daughter stared, struck by Gu Que’s beauty—her face like a lotus, eyes like stars, skin delicate and glowing. She sighed. “I thought the Young Master was handsome, but the second daughter is truly stunning. She looks so much like him.”

Yan Luo casually handed the veil to a maid. “They’re twins, after all.”

The eldest daughter believed Yan Luo’s words without question. But seeing the second daughter’s nervous expression, she stopped staring and turned her attention to the stage.

Tonight was Qixi, a night for talented scholars and beauties. Many newlywed couples were eager to participate, especially since there were prizes—a bolt of high-quality fabric that could make two new outfits.

With such rewards, the scene was lively.

But standing beside two such beauties, the eldest daughter found everyone else lacking.

It was their fault for being too beautiful—her standards had been raised. She decided to put some distance between them.

After a few steps, she remembered something and pulled Yan Luo aside. “Is the engagement between the second daughter and the Huo family still valid?”

Yan Luo caught her meaning. “What if it isn’t?”

The eldest daughter chided, “Don’t glare at me. A maiden sought by a hundred families isn’t something to be ashamed of. I’m just asking.”

Her husband had a younger brother who had passed the imperial exams last year and now served in the Hanlin Academy. If the second daughter’s engagement fell through, she planned to propose a match.

Yan Luo was displeased. “Even if it’s canceled, she won’t marry your brother-in-law.”

“You—oh dear.” The eldest daughter’s scheme was exposed, and she blushed, tugging Yan Luo’s wrist. “Keep your voice down. How is her illness? She looks fine to me—has she recovered?”

“Eldest Sister, drop the idea.” Yan Luo shook her off, visibly annoyed.

The eldest daughter hastily grabbed her. “Don’t be angry! She’s nineteen already—an old maid. The Huo boy won’t be out of mourning until next year. I’m just thinking of her.”

Yan Luo stopped. “Eldest Sister makes a fair point.”

The eldest daughter sighed in relief. But then Yan Luo added, “Your brother-in-law is too ugly.”

“Xiao Qi! How is he ugly? He’s much handsomer than the Tanhua (third-place scholar). Of course, he can’t compare to your husband, but he’s still quite dashing.” The eldest daughter was indignant. Yan Luo was clearly being biased.

Yan Luo was about to retort when Gu Que approached, forcing her to change the subject. “Did Eldest Sister come alone?”

“I got separated from your brother-in-law. He’ll find me.” The eldest daughter let the matter drop.

“Then wait for him. We’re going down to enjoy the festival.” Yan Luo led Gu Que away.

Once downstairs, the eldest daughter clutched her chest and sighed. “Why is she so unreasonable? How is he ugly?”

So unreasonable!

After stewing for a while, her husband arrived, and she mentioned the matter.

To her surprise, he refused. “A girl that beautiful won’t come cheap. The Prime Minister dotes on her—she won’t marry her off easily. We’d need to make a proper offer.”

The eldest daughter realized he was right and sighed.

Such a beautiful girl, yet so unlucky.

The two left the tavern. Zhi Zhi and Wu Wu were still crowded around the stage, squeezing in but unable to get out, leaving Tinglan stomping her feet in frustration outside.

Wu Wu, being small, slipped through the crowd, but Zhi Zhi was stuck, jumping in place.

Wu Wu teased her. “This is what you get for eating so much.”

The group moved on, but Tinglan hesitated, looking back repeatedly.

Ahead, Gu Que held Yan Luo’s hand and asked, “What did the eldest daughter say to upset you?”

“She asked if the engagement between the Huo and Gu families still stands. If it’s canceled, she wants to propose her brother-in-law as a match for you.” Yan Luo explained.

Gu Que was stunned. “Why is everyone eyeing me?”

“First, you’re beautiful. Second, you have me as your sister-in-law. Whether it’s looks or career prospects, you’re the ideal match for scholars. Plus, you’re a girl once loved by an emperor. If an emperor couldn’t have you, but someone else could, it would elevate his status.” Yan Luo elaborated.

The festival was packed, shoulder to shoulder. Gu Que’s veil spared her much trouble.

Gu Que understood the sentiment, but hearing it now disgusted her.

Yan Luo smiled. “Their admiration doesn’t bother me. They’re just infatuated—unlike the deposed emperor.”

The deposed emperor was truly despicable, resorting to underhanded methods.

Gu Que fell silent, unconsciously touching her face. “Why don’t they like you?”

She thought Yan Luo was even more beautiful.

Yan Luo countered, “Who would love the King of Hell? Don’t forget, when we married, everyone pitied you for wedding the King of Hell.”

Gu Que understood—it was because she was easy to bully!

“I’ll rely on you from now on—openly and properly.”

Yan Luo chuckled. “You can lean on me.”

“Prime Minister Yan, I want to do many things, but now isn’t the time. Once you become emperor, I can accomplish much—textile industries, irrigation for farmlands. I’m not useless; I can do many things.” Gu Que spoke to herself. But for now, the emperor was Yan Luo’s enemy. Any achievements would only endear the people to her foe.

So, she would wait.

Gu Que knew she was being selfish, but this was reality.

She couldn’t help Yan Luo, but she wouldn’t hold her back.

She firmly believed that one day, Prime Minister Yan would become a wise ruler.

Her name would be remembered for millennia, rewriting that unofficial history.

The lantern festival was lively, with couples everywhere. It was rare to see two women out together like them.

As they walked, they bought trinkets. Gu Que was fascinated by the lanterns in various shapes, buying one after another until her hands were full. Wu Wu and Tinglan were soon carrying piles of items.

Finally, Zhi Zhi caught up and took Tinglan’s load, while Wu Wu complained, “What about me?”

Zhi Zhi ignored her.

Wu Wu fumed.

Gu Que bought so much that she gave Zhi Zhi and Wu Wu a tael of silver to spend.

With money from their master, Wu Wu was overjoyed, but Zhi Zhi handed her share to Tinglan, saying, “Let’s go buy something.”

Abandoned, Wu Wu was dumbfounded. She looked at her money, then at the Young Master. “Why didn’t you give Tinglan any?”

Gu Que laughed. “You wouldn’t understand.”

Wu Wu turned to the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister smiled faintly. “You wouldn’t understand.”

Wu Wu felt her world crumbling.

Yan Luo and Gu Que returned home.

Back at the mansion, it was already late. After washing up, Tinglan entered to attend to them. The two exchanged a glance, and Gu Que asked Tinglan, “Did you have fun? What did you buy?”

“Just some cheap little things and some pastries.” Tinglan smiled.

Gu Que said, “Then go rest. We’re going to sleep—no need to attend to us.”

Tinglan glanced at the Young Master, then at the Prime Minister. The atmosphere was oddly tense, so she didn’t dare say more and withdrew with a bow.

In the room, the two climbed into bed and nestled together. Gu Que asked Yan Luo, “How did you become enlightened?”

“You’re beautiful—more so than most. I like looking at pretty faces.” Yan Luo gazed at her and added, “Beautiful things are pleasing to the eye.”