After Marrying the Villainous Prime Minister in My Brother’s Stead - Chapter 8

8: Foundation Makeup, Yan Luo as a Wife, Considerate and Thoughtful.

Ancient nobility was different from ordinary modern families. The Yongle Marquis’s household was a prominent clan, lacking nothing in food and clothing, and their expenditures were extravagant. Gu Que was surrounded by countless maidservants, and when she went out, she was always accompanied by many attendants.

For daily life, three to five maidservants attended to her closely. Tinglan was the head maid and the most favored—she arranged everything from dressing in the morning to retiring at night.

Yan Luo’s words just now implied that from now on, no maidservant would be allowed near Gu Que. Gu Que promptly gave her assurance, and Yan Luo smiled, saying nothing more.

She helped Gu Que change clothes, and as they stood close, their breaths mingled. Yan Luo caught a whiff of a sweet fragrance, unlike the musky scent of men—it wasn’t unpleasant but rather soothing.

Yan Luo’s arms encircled Gu Que’s slender waist. She measured it with her eyes—it was so narrow it could barely be grasped, even more delicate than her own.

As for Gu Que, her face was flushed crimson, like a rosy sunset. Yan Luo straightened up, tied the sash of the inner garment, and swept her gaze over Gu Que’s face. “No need to be nervous. You’ll get used to it in time.”

As a wife, Yan Luo was considerate and thoughtful, almost flawless in her actions.

Gu Que fidgeted awkwardly, while the maidservants stifled their laughter. Only Tinglan watched with trepidation. Earlier, the Prime Minister’s hands had glided around the young master’s waist. If this continued day after day, it would inevitably lead to a major incident sooner or later.

What kind of person was the Prime Minister? She was known as the “Smiling King of Hell.” Even the Marquis himself would tense up and grow solemn at the mention of her.

When marrying, one sought virtue. Regardless of family background, everyone wanted a bride who would benefit their household. The Prime Minister fit this criterion—except she was too formidable.

Who would truly rule the Gu residence in the future? In ordinary families, a woman of the Prime Minister’s age would have long been married off to a quiet corner of the world. But she was different—from the emperor down to the beggars on the street, everyone knew her name. Such a formidable figure was unsettling.

Tinglan’s mind raced with wild thoughts, while Yan Luo took the red round-collared robe from a maid, shaking it open with practiced elegance.

The morning light of spring spilled warmly into the room.

Once Gu Que was properly dressed, Yan Luo began her own makeup. Gu Que sat nearby, waiting for her. Applying makeup wasn’t something Yan Luo did herself—she had brought her own maidservants into the household. Their hands were deft, combing through her dark hair and applying hair oil until it gleamed lustrously.

After her hair was styled, Gu Que remembered something and hurriedly sent someone to fetch a red wooden box labeled “Makeup” from the study. Inside was foundation.

It was one of the gifts she had planned to gradually give Yan Luo. She had bought it beforehand and stored it in an antique-style makeup box to avoid arousing suspicion.

When the box arrived, Yan Luo had just finished styling her hair, which was now swept up into a high bun adorned with a single gold hairpin, exuding elegance and nobility. Her eyebrows were naturally dark without pencil, and her skin was fair without powder, giving her a gentle, unadorned beauty that contrasted with her usual dignified demeanor.

Gu Que discreetly handed her the foundation, mustering the courage to explain, “I made this—it can brighten the complexion. And this is rouge, to add some color.”

Behind the foundation was blush, stored in a palm-sized lacquered box. At a glance, it was clear these were homemade, unlike anything sold outside.

Yan Luo looked up. The young man before her was innocent and beautiful, stirring a sudden tightness in her chest. She had much to say, but Gu Que spoke again: “If you don’t know how to use it, I can demonstrate. But keep in mind, these products can harm the skin over time. I’ve included some cleansing water in the box—remember to use it.”

After this rambling explanation, Gu Que called Tinglan over, intending to demonstrate on her.

Tinglan was unaware of the situation between the two, but when she saw the young master smearing strange substances on her face, she turned pale with fright. Gu Que teased her, “Your face is already pale enough without makeup.”

The two of them often bantered like this. Tinglan relaxed a little after being teased and stuck out her tongue playfully. “Young Master, don’t ruin my face.”

Just as Gu Que was about to proceed, Yan Luo suddenly spoke: “Why not demonstrate on me, Young Master?”

“Huh?” Gu Que was stunned. Earlier, she had worried that the Prime Minister might resist—after all, a noblewoman’s face was important and not to be touched casually, let alone smeared with unfamiliar powders. That was why she had suggested a demonstration.

Yan Luo stood, her skirt cascading to the floor like rippling waves. “Young Master.”

She called twice before Gu Que slowly approached. Meeting Yan Luo’s clear eyes, she smiled sheepishly. “Then please sit. I’ll try.” Feeling this wasn’t quite proper, she added, “This is my first time applying makeup for someone. My technique is clumsy—please bear with me.”

Yan Luo obediently sat down, tilting her face upward. Her gaze was gentle. “We are husband and wife now, one and the same. There’s no need for such formality.”

The more Yan Luo spoke like this, the more uneasy Gu Que felt. She had married in her brother’s stead—how could this be a real marriage?

The first step in makeup was basic skincare, which Yan Luo had already done. Next was primer. Gu Que dabbed some onto Yan Luo’s face, gently smoothing it downward with her fingertips, applying the lightest pressure. As her fingers brushed against the soft skin, Gu Que’s heart raced with nervous excitement.

Her movements were slow and tender. The attending maids watched quietly, while Tinglan held her breath—the scene was harmonious, an intimate moment between the two.

Tinglan cautiously gestured to the other maids with her chin, signaling them to leave.

The maids exchanged smiles and tiptoed out. Tinglan was the last to go, closing the door behind her.

Outside, Lengmian, Yan Luo’s stoic attendant, asked, “Why close the door?”

The other maids giggled. “The Prime Minister and the Young Master are getting along well. It’s awkward for us to be inside.”

Hearing this, Lengmian frowned. What was so strange about two women being inside? Adding a few more women shouldn’t matter.

If anything, this seemed suspicious. Without overthinking, she strode forward to push the door open, but the others blocked her. “Don’t go in! Don’t!”

“Let go.” Lengmian insisted.

A dispute nearly broke out until Tinglan, eyeing the tall and imposing Lengmian, said, “When we left, the Prime Minister didn’t object. If you barge in now, she’ll be displeased.”

Lengmian turned to the speaker—a girl in a green narrow-sleeved blouse, delicate yet sharp-eyed.

Seeing Lengmian hesitate, Tinglan relaxed slightly and whispered, “All of us came out. Why don’t you trust so many of us?”

Five or six people stood under the eaves, all glaring at Lengmian indignantly.

Outnumbered, Lengmian backed down and returned to her post to wait.

Outside, peace was restored. Inside, things were wrapping up. The final step was lipstick. Gu Que suggested Yan Luo apply it herself.

Truthfully, she didn’t know how to apply lipstick for someone else—one wrong move and it would smudge, feeling almost sacrilegious.

Gazing at her reflection in the bronze mirror, her appearance transformed from usual, especially the eyeshadow, Yan Luo felt a shock beyond words. After admiring the meticulous work, she glanced down at the young man’s sleeves, where his hands were hidden.

Those hands were remarkable. The concoctions they created were even more dazzling.

Gu Que’s task was complete. She returned to her seat, while Yan Luo made the final touches herself, applying lip color before summoning the maids to attend to her.

Hearing the call, Lengmian entered first, striding in with a stern expression that froze the moment she saw Yan Luo.

Yan Luo stood and, noticing her stiffness, asked, “What’s wrong?”

Lengmian opened her mouth but no sound came out. She closed it, then after a pause, said, “You look exceptionally beautiful today.”

Having served Yan Luo for years, Lengmian was blunt by nature. This was the first time she had ever complimented the Prime Minister’s beauty.

Despite their long acquaintance, Yan Luo’s cheeks tinged pink. She lifted her chin slightly and glanced at Gu Que, instructing Lengmian, “Greet the Young Master.”

Lengmian had never shown Gu Que respect, never bowing when they met. By teaching her to observe etiquette, Yan Luo was giving Gu Que face.

Gu Que smiled faintly.

After her initial surprise, Lengmian bowed solemnly to Gu Que. “Your subordinate, Lengmian, greets the Young Master.”

Gu Que smiled in acknowledgment and called Tinglan in, saying, “I’ve prepared some small gifts. You may choose for yourselves.”

They were items she had bought from the Taobao system—soap, hairpins, foundation, lipstick, and even some silver.

Tinglan sprang into action, directing two young maids to fetch the gifts while others brought in breakfast.

The morning meal included soup dumplings, pastries, side dishes, soy milk, and milk. The soy milk was freshly ground, sweetened with sugar, and fragrant. The milk was reconstituted from powdered milk, rich and sweet.

Yan Luo chose the milk. She took a spoonful and remarked, “It tastes like cow’s milk.”

She murmured to herself, but Gu Que couldn’t help smiling and leaning in. “A glass every day is good for health—it can reduce fatigue.”

“Really?” Yan Luo smiled back, meeting Gu Que’s eyes. The young man was pure-hearted, his intentions transparent, his thoughts meticulous.

In human interactions, sincerity is visible. Gu Que’s heart was already devoted to Yan Luo. Though these were small gestures, they revealed her true feelings.

“Speech during meals disrupts digestion.” Gu Que said only this before falling silent, guessing that Yan Luo had many rules and not wanting to break them.

After breakfast, Tinglan returned with a box. Yan Luo glanced inside—it was filled with soap bars, similar to what she used.

Gu Que was generous to her subordinates. Though soap wasn’t expensive to buy, it was highly sought after, often resold at exorbitant prices, making it a rare commodity.

Fragrant and cleansing, what young woman wouldn’t love it?

Each maid in the courtyard received a bar, and in Yan Luo’s presence, they couldn’t hide their delight. Gu Que rested her chin on her hand, not finding them childish but rather charmed by their joy. Something so ordinary in the modern world could bring such happiness here.

Tinglan wrapped the last bar in oiled paper and handed it to Lengmian, who refused. “I don’t need such fragrant things.”

“If you don’t want it, can I have it? I’d love an extra.” Tinglan playfully snatched it back, “confiscating” the soap in front of everyone.

Lengmian didn’t even look at it until Yan Luo spoke: “Lengmian, this is a gift from the Young Master. Accept it.”

Only then did Lengmian reluctantly take it. Tinglan huffed and thrust it into her hands, along with a pouch containing a silver coin. The pouch itself was plain, nothing special.

With the gifts distributed, everyone in the courtyard was beaming—especially Yan Luo’s maids, who now looked at Gu Que with newfound admiration.

Gu Que took it in stride, showing no pride. Instead, she checked the time and prepared to escort Yan Luo to the Marquis’s residence to meet her parents.

In the carriage, they sat close, knees touching. With only the two of them inside, Yan Luo mentioned tomorrow’s agenda: “Tomorrow, the residence will host a banquet for court officials. They were too busy to attend yesterday, so I’ve arranged a feast. Your mentor, Master Ji, will also attend. I can introduce you to some dignitaries.”

In short, important officials would be visiting tomorrow, providing a chance to mingle and make connections.

Gu Que understood and nodded. “Understood.”

“I’ve reviewed your imperial examination essays. Your insights on reform are profound—I admire them greatly.” Yan Luo’s voice was soft, her usual sharpness softened into feminine gentleness, pleasant to the ear.

Gu Que listened attentively, waiting for what came next.

After a pause, Yan Luo continued, “His Majesty also approved. However, in future exams, I hope you’ll temper your boldness.”

Advocating reform was commendable, but a closer reading revealed interference in matters best left alone, potentially offending the nobility.

If Yan Luo had written such an essay, it would’ve been fine. But for a young newcomer, it risked making enemies.

“I’ll remember that.” Gu Que didn’t argue. In truth, she had long forgotten the essay’s contents. If Yan Luo pressed further, she might slip up—better to say no more.

The journey passed in silence. When they arrived at the Marquis’s residence, the carriage stopped. Gu Que stepped down and waited for Yan Luo.

But Yan Luo remained in the carriage, glancing at her with a hint of hesitation. Oblivious, Gu Que stood frozen.

Lengmian, who had followed, stepped forward to remind her, “Aren’t you going to help her down?”

How could someone who lacked such basic courtesy have passed the imperial exams?