After Marrying My Ex-Fiancé’s Younger Brother

Meanwhile, back in the Ding’an Marquis Manor, Liu Chuirong’s mother, Madam Li, was beaming with delight as she examined the fine gifts before her.

They were from the Duke of Wei’s household—a formal betrothal gift for Liu Chuirong, along with a birthday invitation. The gifts filled the entire hallway.

Madam Li’s eyes shone with excitement, her smile unable to be contained.

“Madam, look at this sincerity from the Duke of Wei’s family,” her trusted servant flattered.

“Indeed! If it weren’t for the eldest young master’s accident years ago, how could such a good marriage have fallen into our hands? Rong’er truly has luck in disguise.”

“Once she returns from Qingzhou and after the eldest daughter’s wedding is done, it’ll be her turn next.”

Madam Li could already picture the scene of her daughter marrying into a noble household, elevating the family’s status. Just the thought of surpassing the main branch of the family filled her with glee.

But then, a hint of worry flickered in her eyes.

The servant woman beside her, Wang Momo, immediately caught on.

She knew Madam Li was concerned about Liu Chuirong’s rumored ill fate—people believed she carried a cursed destiny. If word spread to the Duke of Wei’s family, they might reconsider the marriage.

“Madam need not worry,” Wang Momo reassured her. “To outsiders, we will simply say that our young lady was sent to Qingzhou for health reasons. Even if the Duke’s family inquires, we will deny everything. They won’t be able to do anything about it.”

Madam Li’s smile returned.

“That’s true.”

She happily stored away the invitation, already envisioning the bright future ahead.

“Once Rong’er marries into the Duke of Wei’s household, we won’t have to bow to anyone anymore!”

Early the next morning, on the official road outside Qingzhou, a carriage jolted along the uneven path.

Inside the carriage, Liu Chuirong was shaken so violently that she felt dizzy, her stomach churning uncontrollably.

Seeing her lady’s discomfort, Lvzhu’s heart ached with anger, cursing the Li family a thousand times over.

The letter from the capital had arrived in Qingzhou long ago, yet the Li family only informed them yesterday. To ensure they returned on time, her lady had been forced to set out at dawn.

To make matters worse, they had to take the mountain roads to avoid delays for the eldest young lady’s wedding. And what was most infuriating—Old Madam had only arranged for a single coachman, without even a single escort.

“Miss, have some water.” Lvzhu poured a cup and handed it to Liu Chuirong.

Just as Liu Chuirong was about to take a sip, a sudden, sharp whistle cut through the forest, startling birds into chaotic flight.

The carriage came to an abrupt halt, throwing Liu Chuirong forward onto the seat with a heavy thud.

Lvzhu quickly helped her up and was about to scold the coachman when she lifted the curtain—and her face went pale.

Outside, four or five burly men surrounded the carriage, leaving no way out. Their coachman was nowhere to be seen.

The man leading the group had only one eye, a face full of scars and excess flesh, making him look utterly ruthless. Liu Chuirong followed Lvzhu’s gaze and immediately turned ashen.

“What… what do we do?” Liu Chuirong’s voice trembled, her delicate frame shaking uncontrollably with fear.

Lvzhu forced herself to stay calm and asked, “Sirs, why have you stopped our carriage?”

The one-eyed man let out a lecherous chuckle, revealing a set of yellowed, rotting teeth. His gaze swept over Lvzhu before finally landing greedily on Liu Chuirong’s delicate face.

“Such a pretty little thing,” he sneered. “Come with us and be our mountain queen!”

As he spoke, he reached out with his filthy hand to touch Liu Chuirong’s face.

She recoiled in terror, her face draining of all color.

“Don’t—don’t you dare! I am the second young lady of Ding’an Marquis Manor!” Liu Chuirong desperately invoked her noble status, hoping to scare them off.

“Ding’an Marquis Manor?” The one-eyed man paused for a moment before bursting into laughter. “I rule this mountain—I don’t give a damn about any marquis! Even if the Emperor himself were here, I wouldn’t bow to him!”

“That’s right, boss! This little lady’s got such tender skin, we should take her back and enjoy her properly!” another bandit chimed in, laughing wickedly.

“You—how dare you!” Lvzhu trembled with rage, but there was nothing she could do.

“Oh? This little maid’s got quite the temper—I like that!” One of the men grinned and started toward Lvzhu.

“Don’t come any closer!” Liu Chuirong instinctively shielded Lvzhu, her voice shaking. “If it’s money you want, I’ll give it to you!”

“Money?” The one-eyed man sneered. “What I want is you!”

“Stay back… stay back…” Liu Chuirong retreated step by step, until her foot reached the edge of a steep cliff.

“Miss, jump!” Lvzhu suddenly shouted, pushing Liu Chuirong with all her strength.

Caught off guard, Liu Chuirong let out a terrified cry as she plummeted down the cliff.

“Miss!” Lvzhu’s heart shattered with despair. Without hesitation, she leaped after her.

Below the cliff, a raging river churned violently. As Liu Chuirong fell, the wind roared in her ears, and Lvzhu’s cries echoed behind her.

Just when she thought she was doomed, a strong hand suddenly seized her wrist, yanking her back from the brink of death.

Dazed and breathless, Liu Chuirong opened her eyes—only to find herself hanging in midair, her wrist entangled in a thick vine.

Beneath her yawned a deep, abyss-like cave, its depths completely shrouded in darkness.

“Miss, are you alright?” Lvzhu’s voice called from above.

Looking up, Liu Chuirong saw that Lvzhu had also grabbed onto a vine, slowly sliding down.

With tremendous effort, the two finally managed to lower themselves into the cave safely.

Liu Chuirong coughed violently, her body aching as if her bones had been shattered.

“Miss, how are you feeling?” Lvzhu rushed to support her, eyes filled with worry.

“I… I’m fine…” Liu Chuirong weakly shook her head. Looking around, she realized they had fallen into a naturally formed cave. Thick vines draped over the entrance, concealing it almost entirely.

The cave was pitch black—so dark that she couldn’t see her own hand in front of her face. Only a faint sliver of light seeped through the opening above.

“Where… is this place?” Liu Chuirong’s voice trembled with fear.

“I don’t know…” Lvzhu clung to her arm, just as frightened. “Miss, what do we do now?”

Before either of them could think of a solution, a low, unfamiliar male voice suddenly echoed from the darkness:

“Who are you?”

Liu Chuirong and Lvzhu were terrified out of their wits. Clutching each other tightly, they stared in horror toward the direction of the voice.