After Marrying the Villainous Prime Minister in My Brother’s Stead - Chapter 79

79: The Troublemaker, Yan Luo is the Sister-in-Law, Gu Que is the Younger Sister!

The eldest son of the Yongle Marquis, Gu Yan, had died. The mourning hall was set up in the Marquis’s residence, and Yan Luo temporarily moved into Gu Que’s former courtyard.

The second young lady, Gu Que, finally made an appearance. The crowd was astonished and marveled at the good fortune of the Marchioness, who had given birth to such a pair of beautiful children.

After court, the new emperor and her imperial consort arrived together.

The imperial procession stopped at the gates of the Marquis’s residence. Passersby dared not look directly, and many officials who had come to pay their respects out of regard for the Prime Minister knelt in reverence. The empress, holding her consort’s hand, walked into the Marquis’s residence with a faint smile.

Gu Que, dressed in mourning robes, stood beside Yan Luo, watching the affectionate emperor and consort with confusion. She quietly asked Yan Luo, “Why is she here?”

“To show off. My husband is dead, while she and hers are happily in love—she’s here to rub it in my face.” Yan Luo spoke slowly, her tone icy. Jin Yang had the audacity to come and provoke her.

Gu Que was displeased. “Let’s slap her face.”

Yan Luo was surprised. “Gu Que, you’ve improved.”

Gu Que replied, “She’s bullying you. I don’t like it.”

“Is that so? Slapping her face isn’t fun. Breaking her legs would be more interesting.” Yan Luo’s mind raced through various methods of “breaking legs,” chattering to Gu Que: “How should we do it? Beat her with a stick, chop her with a knife, sever her tendons with a sword, or push her into the lake?”

Gu Que rolled her eyes. “You call that fun? That’s just cruel.”

As soon as she finished speaking, the new emperor approached, stopping in front of Yan Luo but fixing her gaze on Gu Que. Frowning, she asked, “Is this the second young lady of the Gu family?”

Gu Que tilted her body slightly and bowed to the emperor. “This subject, Gu Que, greets Your Majesty.”

“You look so alike. If you were dressed in men’s robes, you’d be the spitting image of the heir, Gu Yan.” The emperor sighed mournfully, but her eyes remained fixed on Gu Que, not moving an inch.

Yan Luo took half a step forward, shielding Gu Que, and straightened her posture to meet the emperor’s gaze. “Has Your Majesty lost her mind? This is the second young lady of the Gu family. The one lying in the coffin is the heir, Gu Yan. You should know the difference.”

Yan Luo’s imposing aura far surpassed the emperor’s. In an instant, the difference between them was clear.

White funeral banners fluttered in the wind at the Marquis’s residence, with a sea of people kneeling in mourning. Only Yan Luo stood tall and unyielding. The emperor, unable to do anything about her, simply stepped into the mourning hall.

Yan Luo followed. The Yongle Marquis ordered someone to carry him inside, but Yan Luo stopped him. “Marquis.”

With the Prime Minister present, the new emperor dared not act recklessly.

The Yongle Marquis gave her a grateful smile.

Yan Luo entered the mourning hall, and only then did the imperial consort slowly approach, catching sight of the second young lady standing by the door in mourning robes.

One glance was enough to leave him stunned.

He didn’t dare linger and quickly entered. Gu Que finally looked up at the man—both of them were detestable.

The empress stood before the memorial tablet, her heart heavy with a strange feeling. Gu Que and the heir, Gu Yan, looked too much alike.

She approached the coffin, wanting to take a look. Yan Luo asked, “Does Your Majesty wish to open the coffin?”

The coffin had not yet been sealed. According to tradition, the nails for Gu Yan’s coffin would be driven in by Qing Zhi on the day of the funeral. The nails securing the lid were made of wood—seven in total. The first nail would be driven by the eldest son, the last by the eldest grandson.

But Gu Yan had no grandsons, so this matter would be discussed later.

The emperor could request to see the coffin, but Yan Luo would not allow it.

Her words were a refusal. The emperor, knowing better, did not press further but stood there for a long time, her expression bleak.

The imperial consort said, “Your Majesty, it’s getting late.”

Yan Luo added, “Your Majesty should return to the palace.”

The emperor snapped out of her daze and composed herself. “Return to the palace.”

After leaving the mourning hall, she exchanged a few words of encouragement with the Yongle Marquis before departing with her entourage.

Gu Que felt something was off and asked Yan Luo, “What does she want?”

“To open the coffin and examine the body.” Yan Luo smiled coldly.

Gu Que swallowed hard. “Is she insane?”

“Blinded by love, unwilling to accept reality.” Yan Luo sneered. The new emperor could only deceive the Empress Dowager, paying lip service to filial piety. But in court, she was powerless, even the selection of consorts was dictated by the Empress Dowager.

Gu Que snorted. “Are all these princesses abnormal?”

“Abnormal? I think they’re just sick.” Yan Luo agreed.

Gu Que said, “You’re a princess too.”

Yan Luo’s brows furrowed instantly. “I’ve always been sick.”

Gu Que: “…”

That night, the two slept separately. Yan Luo, with her weak constitution, was exempt from keeping vigil. Gu Que stayed in the mourning hall until midnight, when Gu Ling took over.

Gu Ling, her eyes downcast, glanced at her sister, puzzled. How could this sister look so much like her brother? Both were equally beautiful. She touched her own face, feeling a pang of jealousy.

Unaware of her thoughts, Gu Que left with a lantern in hand. Tinglan followed behind, startled when she saw her heading toward her old courtyard. “Miss, wrong way.”

Gu Que’s former courtyard was near the outer residence. Now, it was deep within the inner residence, on a small hillside specially allocated by the Marquis.

The hillside had been formed from excavated soil when digging the pond. Over time, it became a scenic spot. Standing atop it, one could see the entire Marquis’s residence.

Gu Que paused, looking at the courtyard, her heart skipping a beat. She changed direction and headed for the hillside residence.

Lanterns brightened the entrance, and matrons stood guard. Spotting their mistress from afar, they opened the gates promptly.

The maids in the courtyard were newly purchased by the Marquis’s household and didn’t recognize the heir. Tinglan attended to Gu Que’s washing up.

It was too late, and Gu Que fell asleep as soon as she lay down. The emptiness beside her felt strange, but exhaustion quickly claimed her.

When she woke, the sky was bright. A maid informed her that the Prime Minister had arrived but, adhering to propriety, waited in the outer chamber.

Gu Que dressed and went out. The Prime Minister was playing with Qiong Ju in the courtyard. Qiong Ju toddled unsteadily, stubbornly chasing after the Prime Minister but unable to catch up, her lips quivering in frustration.

Yan Luo also wore white mourning robes, which added a touch of fragility to her demeanor.

Gu Que descended the steps. A single night felt like years had passed.

She held her breath, gazing at Yan Luo, who returned her look. “Second Young Lady is awake.”

Here, Yan Luo was the sister-in-law, and Gu Que the younger sister.

Seeing her, Gu Que couldn’t muster joy, but Yan Luo smiled warmly. “Have you eaten?”

Gu Que shook her head. Yan Luo said, “I haven’t either. Let’s have the meal served here and eat together.”

She instructed the wet nurse to take Qiong Ju away and entered the room with Gu Que.

The hillside residence was elevated, offering a view of the surroundings from the window. Yan Luo marveled, “When we return, let’s build a hillside residence too. Living there would be delightful.”

Gu Que had no such thoughts and only asked, “Did you sleep well last night?”

“Not really. It was quite dull alone.” Yan Luo closed the window, her expression sorrowful. “How about I come find you tonight?”

Gu Que frowned. “That might not be appropriate.”

Yan Luo countered, “Then you come to me?”

Gu Que said, “I wanted to last night.”

“Then why didn’t you?” Yan Luo stared at her.

Gu Que lowered her head. “I wanted to but didn’t dare.”

Yan Luo suddenly understood. “Ambitious but timid.”

Gu Que managed a faint smile. Yan Luo took her hand and led her to the table, whispering, “The second branch didn’t leave last night.”

“With you here, I’m not afraid.” Gu Que gripped her cold hand, realizing now that someone like Gu Yuanwei was nothing more than an ant to the Prime Minister—easily crushed with a flick of her fingers.

Praising her, Yan Luo’s expression softened. “I don’t want to sleep alone tonight. You have no idea how cold it is.”

Gu Que understood her meaning and agreed. “Then dismiss your maids. I’ll come to you tonight and warm your bed.”

Maids brought breakfast—plain congee and pastries. Yan Luo frowned, but Gu Que served her a bowl of congee. “Endure it a few more days. It’ll be better when we return.”

Yan Luo endured.

That day, more people came to pay their respects. The emperor’s visit the previous day had spurred many to follow suit.

Yan Luo refused to receive guests, as did Gu Que. The Marchioness had fainted from weeping multiple times and was resting in her chambers, while the Marquis attended to matters in the front courtyard.

Funeral affairs took precedence, delaying many other matters. Yan Luo postponed numerous tasks, and Leng Mian personally arrived to deliver a small silver box.

The box contained banknotes exchanged by Leng Mian.

Yan Luo took the box and inquired about the war.

Leng Mian reported, “Prince Xiang is skilled in warfare. With Tang Yuan dead, the Wei army is struggling. However, Prince Liang’s forces are few, and he hasn’t gained much advantage either. After Prince Xiang joined, the Liang army shifted strategy, no longer heading north but turning south, aiming to proclaim himself emperor and seize southern cities.”

Yan Luo said, “He’s finally shown some sense. Let him stir up trouble, but don’t let him cross the Huai River. Matters in the capital aren’t settled yet.”

This was only the second step. It would take time.

She examined the box, knowing Prince Liang was wealthy. The money inside was enough for many endeavors. She asked Leng Mian, “What about the gunpowder?”

“All given to Prince Liang. The silver notes he provided have been deposited in various banks in the capital. There won’t be any issues.”

Yan Luo looked at Leng Mian’s calm face and smiled. “Would you like to see your disciples?”

“This subordinate will check on them. Have they caused any trouble?” Leng Mian was worried, especially about Wu Wu, who was mischievous.

Yan Luo said meaningfully, “They’re fine. They’ve been hovering around Tinglan.”

Leng Mian didn’t understand but didn’t press further, leaving to find her disciples.

Yan Luo opened the silver box, dividing the money into three parts: one for the Huo family in Tongzhou, one for the Yan family, and the rest for Gu Que.

Gu Que had worked hard in business to ensure financial security.

After dinner, Yan Luo gave the silver box to Gu Que.

Gu Que was surprised. Yan Luo explained, “Your share from the gunpowder.”

Gu Que was puzzled. “What share?”

“Simple. I made cannons and sold them to Prince Liang. He paid me, and I’m giving you a third. It’s a fair amount.” Yan Luo stared at her intently. Gu Que’s fair skin looked even paler against the white robes, her cheeks tinged pink, exuding a delicate charm.

There was no merchant’s shrewdness or scholar’s refinement about her—just a pure simplicity, like a blank sheet of paper.

Gu Que accepted the box. “Thank you. This is mine now. There’s something else—I need to return the shops to the Marchioness.”

When she married, the Marchioness had given Gu Que several profitable shops from her dowry for her to manage. Gu Que had left them to the shopkeepers, receiving regular reports and discussing accounts with the Marchioness at year’s end.

These belonged to Gu Yan. Gu Que had never intended to keep them. Now that he was gone, she wanted to return them to the Marchioness.

Yan Luo’s expression darkened. “Are you giving them back voluntarily, or is she demanding them?”

“Voluntarily. I don’t want to see her, so it’s better to return everything. I’ve prepared all the earnings from these years to give back to her—less hassle.” Gu Que was afraid. Gu Yan had been the Marchioness’s treasure. With him gone, she didn’t want to argue over trivial matters.

“You… how much is it?” Yan Luo was curious, blinking at Gu Que.

Gu Que ignored her teasing. “Over a thousand taels.”

Yan Luo was disappointed. “You should return it. Such a paltry sum isn’t worth the trouble.”

“Prime Minister, a thousand taels is a lifetime’s earnings for ordinary folk.” Gu Que was astonished.

“Fine, do as you please. I’ll check on the front courtyard. Don’t forget to come find me tonight.” Yan Luo stood and left to see Gu Yuanwei. Gu Que was too self-aware, while Gu Yuanwei was the opposite.

Yan Luo arrived at the mourning hall just as Gu Yuanwei was there. Unlike the sorrowful household, his eyes held a hidden smile.

Having met all sorts of people—from emperors to street beggars—Yan Luo could read Gu Yuanwei’s emotions at a glance.

He was delighted. A dead nephew meant inheriting the title—what a joyous occasion.

Yan Luo approached. “Uncle seems happy?”

The address “Uncle” nearly scared Gu Yuanwei out of his wits. He had been happily chatting with colleagues about his nephew’s untimely death from a mere cold when Yan Luo appeared.

He quickly bowed. “Greetings, Prime Minister.”

“What were you discussing, Uncle?” Yan Luo smiled, neither angry nor upset.

The colleagues paled and retreated, hastily bidding the Prime Minister farewell, not daring to stay a moment longer.

Yan Luo’s skirt swayed as she stepped forward, observing Gu Yuanwei’s humble bow. “What makes you think you can compare to my son?”

In that instant, Gu Yuanwei realized—Gu Yan was dead, and Gu Qingzhi was just a baby, but his stepmother was Prime Minister Yan Luo.

Terrified, he nearly collapsed to his knees.

Yan Luo said coolly, “Gu Yuanwei, though I care little for the title, it belongs to my son. Even if I fed it to dogs, I wouldn’t let others take it.”

Gu Yuanwei couldn’t hold on any longer and knelt, sweating profusely. “The Prime Minister exaggerates. This official wouldn’t dare compete with Qingzhi.”

“Gu Yuanwei, if anything happens to my son, I’ll ask the emperor to revoke the title and exterminate your entire family.” Yan Luo didn’t even glance at the kneeling man, her gaze steady.

“Prime Minister, this official understands.” Gu Yuanwei was terrified. Between the title and his life, he’d choose the latter. Yan Luo was the King of Hell—not to be trifled with.

Gu Yuanwei scrambled up and fled, tripping on a stone on the steps and falling flat on his face.

Zhi Zhi, hidden in the shadows, stifled her laughter.

Yan Luo looked at the memorial tablet, her heart heavy. The Gu family’s affairs were trivial, resolved in a few words.

The real challenge was how to take Gu Que back to the Prime Minister’s residence.

With Gu Yan dead, the Gu residence was now the Prime Minister’s residence.

Gu Que was an unmarried young lady. For her to move there was improper. Moreover, the Marquis wouldn’t allow it.

Would Yan Luo have to live at the Marquis’s residence?

Though proper, it would hinder her work.

You can’t have your cake and eat it too—one side would have to be sacrificed.

Yan Luo’s expression darkened.

That night, Gu Que sneaked to Yan Luo’s quarters. They lay together, doing nothing but holding each other.

The body was to be buried after seven days of mourning. Yan Luo took a month’s leave. The court was in turmoil as the Empress Dowager rushed to install her own people. Yan Luo paid no mind. She oversaw the Bureau of Military Affairs—military movements required her approval. No matter how many people the Empress Dowager placed, it was futile.

The six ministries operated smoothly. The Empress Dowager firmly controlled the court, while the new emperor couldn’t even review memorials.

Seven days later, Gu Yan’s body was sent to the Gu family ancestral graves. The Yongle Marquis escorted his son to the mountains in silence, while the Marchioness wept bitterly, moving others to tears.

Yan Luo didn’t go, stopping at the city gates. Gu Que accompanied the Marquis.

As the coffin was lowered into the ground, the Marquis shed a tear—his only son.

Gu Que knelt and took his hand. “Father, there’s still Qingzhi. And the Prime Minister. And me.”

From the moment the Yongle Marquis defied the imperial decree, Gu Que had regarded him as her father. Henceforth, she would fulfill the filial duties of the Gu siblings.

After the burial, the Marquis refused to leave. The Marchioness had fainted and was sent back. Gu Que stood by the Marquis’s side, keeping watch over Gu Yan with him.

It was the seventh-day memorial. Folklore said the deceased would return to see their family one last time on this night.

That evening, the Marquis stayed in his son’s room. Gu Que stood outside, where no lights were lit—ghosts feared light.

With light, they wouldn’t dare return.

At midnight, the leaves rustled. Gu Que suddenly wept. Had Gu Yan returned?

She waited until the leaves stilled, then turned away slowly.

Approaching Yan Luo’s courtyard, the gatekeepers, recognizing the second young lady, let her in.

The lights inside were still on—the Prime Minister wasn’t asleep.

As she walked in, a maid opened the door. Gu Que stepped over the threshold, and Yan Luo came out. They locked eyes.

Gu Que’s face was tear-streaked. Yan Luo, aware of the legend, teased her, “Did you see him?”

“No. I know it’s not real, but when the wind stirred, I hoped it was him.” Gu Que bit her lip, tears falling.

They had met only a few times, shared no deep sibling bond, yet she grieved.

Perhaps it was their twin connection—this body mourned, tugging at her heart.

Yan Luo stepped forward and embraced her, stroking her back gently. “Grieving proves you’re human, not a monster.”

“Prime Minister, I…” Gu Que faltered, unsure what to say, her heart aching. “One fewer person cares for me now.”

She deeply felt Gu Yan’s brotherly love.

Yan Luo froze, recalling when A’Weng died—she had felt the same fear.

This was family.

So she wasn’t a monster after all. Yan Luo smiled faintly, telling Gu Que, “You still have the Marquis. Think about it—he defied the decree for you. That’s true care.”

Gu Que gradually stopped crying. After venting, she felt better. She smiled. “I still have you, Prime Minister. If possible, I’d grow old with you.”

“Really?” Yan Luo murmured, dazed. Growing old—how far away was that?

A lifetime was too long. Yan Luo found it tedious. She released Gu Que.

As she let go, Gu Que pulled her back, nuzzling her ear. “Yan Luo, if I were gone, would you miss me?”

Yan Luo countered, “If I were gone, would you die?”

After her mother lost her father’s love, she chose to end her life.

What about Gu Que?

Gu Que held her tightly, biting her ear and whispering, “If you died, I’d follow. If you stopped loving me, I’d leave.”

Was Gu Que a lovesick fool? Yan Luo didn’t think so.

On the contrary, Gu Que was clear-headed. She knew her sacrifices and her rewards. If love ever faded, she would leave without hesitation.

Love was a game—either both won, or both lost.

Yan Luo excelled at schemes, weaving countless plots to ensnare everyone step by step. But she had made one mistake—dragging Gu Que into the game.

Gu Que was a celestial maiden, untainted by worldly dust. She shouldn’t have descended to earth, sullied by mortal filth.

Yan Luo regretted it. But Gu Que had willingly stepped in.

Yan Luo said, “Only death would stop me from loving you.”

She would die. Those stained with bl00d didn’t deserve to live.

Gazing at Gu Que’s pure face, her heart swelled with satisfaction. In this life, she had ensnared Gu Que’s heart and soul—more thrilling than killing.

Gu Que thought of that book—Yan Luo’s final fate remained a mystery.

“Yan Luo, I’m not sad anymore.” Gu Que smiled.

Yan Luo asked, “Leaving?”

Gu Que glanced at the sky. “It’s too dark. I’ll stay.”

“Go wash up.” Yan Luo released her.

The maids and matrons in the courtyard had all been replaced after Gu Yan’s death. The current servants didn’t recognize Gu Que.

After washing up, Gu Que squeezed into Yan Luo’s bed.

The room was quiet. Gu Que closed her eyes—it was very late.

Tonight, Yan Luo was unusually still, pondering Gu Que’s words: If you died, I’d follow.

Was Gu Que stupid?

Her brain must be faulty.

Because of those words, Yan Luo didn’t sleep all night. Gu Que slept soundly.

The two lying together reached the Yongle Marquis’s ears. He was stunned and sent someone to fetch Gu Que.

Gu Que simply said it had been too late last night.

The Marquis nodded. “When will the Prime Minister return to her residence?”

“I don’t know. Qiong Ju and Qingzhi are still at her place. I’d like to stay there for a while.” Gu Que felt guilty.

“Very well. Take Qingzhi and Qiong Ju with you. My thought is to leave the children at the Prime Minister’s residence—under her protection, nothing could be better.” The Marquis understood better than anyone that the Marquis’s residence was just an empty title—its glory long faded.

Gu Que liked being with the Prime Minister, who wouldn’t mistreat her. Though ruthless, the Prime Minister had once been the brightest talent in the capital. Such a mother was a rare blessing.

Gu Que took note and returned to pack her belongings. She hadn’t spoken to the Prime Minister when the gatekeeper announced the arrival of the sociable Prince Guangping.

Prince Guangping, upon hearing of Heir Gu’s death, had rushed back from out of town but arrived a day late.

Entering the residence, he wept. The Marquis had no patience for juniors, so Yan Luo received him. Before she even got close, she heard the prince’s wails.

Wu Wu was curious. “Did he like the Young Master?”

“No, he liked the heir’s poetry.” Yan Luo had a headache. This man was hard to dismiss. She sent Wu Wu to fetch Gu Que, instructing her to write a poem for Prince Guangping to send him off.

Wu Wu hurried off. Yan Luo went to greet the prince.

A man crying more bitterly than a woman—if not for his wife, Yan Luo might have suspected he was in love with Gu Que.

Gu Que had many admirers, and her followers were numerous. Many literati, including renowned scholars, had come to the mourning hall. Some even escorted Gu Yan to his burial, watching him laid to rest.

After Gu Yan’s death, more came to mourn than for Elder Huo—all because of Gu Que’s influence.

The prince wept incessantly, regretting his travels and the delays at checkpoints that prevented his timely return.

Yan Luo’s head throbbed. She had no choice but to say, “Before his passing, the heir left a poem for you.”

The prince stopped crying, overjoyed. “For me?”

Yan Luo nodded. “Your Highness, wait a moment. I’ll have someone fetch it.”

Prince Guangping finally sat down to drink tea.

Yan Luo massaged her temples. Gu Que was truly a troublemaker, bewitching men and women alike.

The late emperor’s two daughters had been infatuated. Finally meeting the normal Prince Guangping, even he was reduced to tears by her poetry.

A troublemaker!