After Marrying My Ex-Fiancé’s Younger Brother

After Madam Li left, Liu Chuirong sat on the edge of the bed, her heart surging like turbulent waves, her thoughts tangled like a knotted thread. She recalled Madam Li’s evasive gaze just moments ago—it was clear she was hiding something significant from her.

Lvzhu stepped lightly into the room, carrying a copper basin. Noticing her mistress’s troubled expression, she spoke in a soft, reassuring voice, “Miss, I overheard everything Madam said just now. Please don’t be too distressed. There will always be a way to uncover the truth behind this.”

Liu Chuirong took the warm towel Lvzhu handed her and gently wiped her hands, letting out a helpless sigh. “Lvzhu, find a time tomorrow to slip out and gather some information about the Duke of Wei’s residence.”

Since Madam Li was deliberately hiding the truth, it was unlikely she would learn anything useful within the marquis’s household.

Lvzhu agreed and helped Liu Chuirong wash up and settle in for the night.

The next morning, before the sky had fully brightened, Liu Chuirong was already up. The Old Madam lived in the Heart-Nourishing Courtyard at the southeastern corner, quite a distance from her own courtyard. If she arrived late, she would surely be scolded harshly by the Old Madam again.

At dawn, Madam Liu was already directing the maids to clear the courtyard of the accumulated snow. The broom sweeping across the stone floor made a sharp, rustling sound, like the piercing whistle of the wind.

Lvzhu walked gracefully out of the courtyard, holding a bronze, flower-engraved hand warmer. The charcoal inside had just been replenished, making it perfect to warm her mistress’s hands.

Madam Li had gone to great lengths for Liu Chuirong’s return. Not only had she had all the furnishings in the room carefully replaced, but she had also arranged for several first-class maids to serve her, clearly intending to win her favor.

However, Liu Chuirong found all of this to be fleeting and unreal. She feared that once her engagement with the Duke of Wei’s household was annulled, everything would vanish like smoke. The so-called mother-daughter bond was nothing more than a snowflake in the wind—momentary and without a trace.

She had pondered deeply last night. As long as the man she was to marry was not an uneducated scoundrel or a debauched wastrel, she might as well agree to the marriage.

Since ancient times, women in noble households rarely had the privilege of choosing their own husbands. Even if she refused the Duke of Wei’s family today, there would likely be a Duke Heng or a Duke Yan tomorrow. What difference did it make, whether it was sooner or later?

She did not expect true love, only a peaceful and stable life—that would be enough.

“Second Sister, are you going to pay respects to Grandmother? Perfect, let’s go together.”

The speaker was Liu Yifei, the daughter of Concubine Song. When Liu Chuirong had left the capital, Liu Yifei had been only six years old. Now at sixteen, she was a lively and energetic girl, completely different from her quiet and reserved mother. She was as cheerful as a sparrow in spring.

Today, Liu Yifei had styled her hair simply into a bun, like a fresh lily. She wore a jade magnolia hairpin and a pink jacket embroidered with golden auspicious clouds over a matching skirt. Her round face was as plump and adorable as a glutinous rice dumpling, making her instantly likable.

She cheerfully grabbed Liu Chuirong’s sleeve, glanced around mischievously to make sure no one was watching, then pulled out a small package of almond pastries from her sleeve and stuffed it into Liu Chuirong’s hand as if performing a magic trick.

“I saved these from yesterday’s kitchen delivery. I didn’t even eat one. They’re all for you.”

Seeing this playful gesture, Liu Chuirong felt a warmth rise in her heart, chasing away the morning chill.

“But it’s only one box, so don’t let Liu Yipan see it! You have to keep it safe, Second Sister.”

As they chatted, they arrived at the Heart-Nourishing Courtyard, just as Nanny Zhou lifted the curtain to step out and pour water.

Nanny Zhou was the Old Madam’s personal maid and had served in the marquis’s household for thirty years. She managed all the servants and was known for her swift and efficient work. Even the household’s madams had to show her respect.

She greeted Liu Chuirong and Liu Yifei with a cold expression. “The Old Madam is not up yet. Second Miss and Third Miss, please wait outside.” With that, she turned and left, leaving the two standing there.

The sky was still dim, and snowflakes drifted gently down. A few landed lightly on Liu Chuirong’s cloak, like fluttering butterflies.

As they stood outside, shivering from the cold, the snowflakes on their noses nearly turned to frost, resembling tiny strings of glistening pearls.

“Second Sister, let’s go inside. It’s freezing out here,” Liu Yifei sniffled, her red nose trembling as she spoke in a quivering voice.

Liu Chuirong was about to agree when she saw Liu Yipan approaching with delicate, swaying movements, as if she were a willow in the wind.

“Oh, Second Sister, Third Sister, you’re here early. But Grandmother isn’t up yet, and you’re already eager to go in? Are you trying to be annoying?” Liu Yipan said smugly.

Liu Yifei couldn’t help but retort, “Fourth Sister, what are you saying? We were just worried about being late and upsetting Grandmother.”

“Hmph, always putting on an act,” Liu Yipan scoffed.

Just then, Nanny Zhou returned and greeted Liu Yipan warmly. Her face softened like a spring breeze as she said, “Fourth Miss, you’re here. The Old Madam was just asking about you. Come in quickly, it’s cold outside.”

Then, turning to Liu Chuirong and Liu Yifei, her expression hardened, and her tone became stiff. “Second Miss and Third Miss may enter as well.”