After Marrying My Ex-Fiancé’s Younger Brother

Liu Chuirong stood at the city gate, her heart suspended in midair, restless and uneasy.

Before she could fully collect her thoughts, the guard had already returned. Behind him followed a man clad in a black robe, standing over six feet tall. His sharp, hawk-like eyes gleamed with an icy light, exuding an intimidating aura as he strode toward her with determined steps.

“Lord Mo, this is the young lady,” the guard reported.

Lord Mo’s gaze was piercing as he swept his eyes over Liu Chuirong, his expression filled with scrutiny and suspicion.

“Young lady, did a man surnamed Shen give you this token?” His deep voice carried an imposing authority that was impossible to ignore.

“Yes, that’s right. I implore Lord Mo to lend us some assistance. My maid Lvzhu and I have unfortunately lost our travel permits. Once I return home, I will immediately visit the Household Registry Office to have them reissued. May I ask if that would be acceptable?” Liu Chuirong spoke urgently, her voice trembling slightly.

Mo Ran recalled that his lord was not usually so warm-hearted. However, a few days ago, he had sent a message via carrier pigeon, informing him that a young lady might soon seek assistance while holding his token.

Turning around, Mo Ran decisively ordered the guards behind him, “This young lady is a covert agent of Han Yasi. Please do us a favor.” As he spoke, he took out some silver pieces from his sleeve and handed them over.

The guards, eyes gleaming at the sight of money, sensibly led Liu Chuirong and Lvzhu through the side gate into the city.

Finally stepping into the capital, Liu Chuirong felt the weight on her heart ease. She let out a soft sigh of relief, as if a great burden had been lifted.

Handing the token back to Mo Ran, she expressed her gratitude, “Many thanks to Han Yasi for coming to our aid. Please return this token to its rightful owner.”

Mo Ran took the token and gave a slight nod. “Rest assured, the matter of the token will be handled properly. May I ask where your residence is? I will arrange for someone to escort you home.”

Liu Chuirong replied softly, “I have come to the capital to attend the ceremony at the Ding’an Marquis Manor. There is no need to trouble you further, my lord.”

“Very well, then. I shall take my leave,” Mo Ran said, turning to depart. As he reached the western side of Qianqiu Bridge, he subtly signaled a shadow guard who had been lurking in the darkness, instructing them to follow Liu Chuirong and Lvzhu in secret to ensure their safety.

By the time Liu Chuirong arrived at the marquis manor, it was already the hour of Shen[T/N: The Hour of Shen (申时, shēn shí) is a time period in traditional Chinese timekeeping that corresponds to 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM in the modern 24-hour system.]. The grand gate, built with intricate brick carvings, bore the golden characters “Ding’an Marquis Manor.” Under the glow of the setting sun, they shimmered brilliantly.

Since her eldest sister’s wedding was approaching, bright red lanterns were hung high on either side of the manor’s entrance, and celebratory characters were pasted on the stone lions by the gate. The entire scene was filled with joy, as dazzling as a sea of blooming spring flowers.

Housekeeper Cai, just about to leave for shopping, muttered under his breath while walking, his brows furrowed in worry. He had served the marquis manor for decades, once a capable and shrewd steward favored by his masters in his youth. However, as he aged and remained without children, his status within the household gradually declined. Now, the tedious task of procurement had fallen on him, filling his heart with dissatisfaction.

Carrying a basket, he stepped out of the residence and was momentarily stunned upon seeing Liu Chuirong and Lvzhu. His eyes flickered with confusion and caution.

A young lady stood before the marquis manor, donning a white hooded cloak over an elegant pale-yellow silk brocade dress, with a maidservant by her side. Housekeeper Cai thought to himself that she must be an esteemed guest here to attend the ceremony.

Quickly putting on a fawning yet slightly stiff smile, he stepped forward to greet them. “This young lady is…?”

Seeing Housekeeper Cai’s unrecognizing expression, Lvzhu felt a wave of irritation surge within her like an undercurrent. Her mistress had been away for years, yet the servants of the marquis manor no longer recognized her.

Liu Chuirong, however, took no offense. Even if she stood before her own mother, it might take a moment for her to be recognized—let alone a steward with no blood ties.

She looked at the now gray-haired, hunched-over Housekeeper Cai and spoke gently, “Housekeeper Cai, it’s me, Chuirong.”

As she finished speaking, she removed her straw hat, revealing an exquisitely beautiful face in the cold wind. Her oval-shaped face was framed by delicately arched brows, her eyes as clear as autumn waters. With a graceful posture and an elegant bearing, she resembled a blooming lotus.

Housekeeper Cai’s eyes widened in shock, his expression shifting from confusion to delight, with a fleeting trace of embarrassment. Quickly regaining composure, he put on a flattering smile and said, “Oh my, it’s the Second Young Miss! My old eyes must be failing me—I didn’t recognize you! The madam has been mentioning your return for days. I’ll go inform her right away.” With that, he hurriedly rushed into the manor.

Before long, a woman dressed in luxurious attire, meticulously adorned, stepped out.

“My dear Rong’er, you’ve finally returned! Let me take a good look at you—you’ve lost weight, far too much weight!”

This woman was none other than Liu Chuirong’s birth mother, Madam Li. Having been apart for so many years, even Liu Chuirong’s memories of her had grown faint.

Madam Li grasped Liu Chuirong’s hands tightly, scrutinizing her from head to toe, her eyes brimming with affection, almost overflowing like a breached dam. Yet beneath this tenderness, there was also an almost imperceptible trace of guilt.

“You child, why are you dressed so thinly? Was life in Qingzhou hard for you?” As she spoke, Madam Li gently brushed Liu Chuirong’s hair with rare tenderness.

A lump formed in Liu Chuirong’s throat, her eyes turning red. Her emotions churned, yet she didn’t know where to begin.

“Alright, alright, let’s not talk about upsetting things. What matters is that you’re back, you’re finally back.” Madam Li pulled Liu Chuirong into a tight embrace, as if afraid she would disappear again. The strength of her hold seemed to embed Liu Chuirong into her very being.

“Hurry, prepare a meal! Bring out the crystal osmanthus cakes that the young miss loves most,” Madam Li instructed the maids while leading Liu Chuirong toward the dining hall.

Faced with this sudden outpouring of maternal affection, Liu Chuirong felt uneasy, like a startled fawn.

As she looked at the woman bustling about, she noticed strands of white hair among the once jet-black locks. A pang of sorrow welled up in her chest, as if soaked in aged vinegar.