Diligence leads to mastery while playfulness breeds neglect—this teaching from her master had always been Wei Rao’s guiding principle in sword practice and martial arts.
Before the age of eleven, Wei Rao was merely a pampered young girl. Though fond of amusement like any other, her interests aligned with those of typical boudoir ladies, and she had never imagined herself wielding blades or practicing combat. It was only after falling severely ill from exposure to icy water—confined to bedrest with no relief from the constant physical discomfort—that she realized the importance of robust health and the necessity of self-preservation.
Emperor Yuanjia’s arrangement for her martial arts instructor was handled with utmost secrecy. Within the entire Cheng'an Marquis Manor, only her grandmother, Old Mrs. Wei, knew the master’s true identity. Everyone else mistook the instructor for a female physician sent by her maternal grandmother, specializing in women’s health.
The benefits of martial training were undeniable: restored physical vigor and the confidence to face ordinary assailants outdoors. Such evident advantages ensured Wei Rao never foolishly neglected her practice, even in her master’s absence.
After half an hour of sword practice and another quarter-hour of meditation, the sky began to brighten with dawn.
Wei Rao opened her eyes, feeling refreshed and invigorated rather than weary from the early martial routine.
Today marked the occasion for her and Lu Zhuo to serve tea to the elders of the Lu Family.
“Miss, shall we adjust your makeup?” Liuya inquired, holding out a cosmetics case.
In recent days, Lu Zhuo had appeared excessively haggard, prompting Wei Rao to maintain a demure, refined appearance—deliberately toning down her natural allure. Now, with Lu Zhuo on the verge of recovery, she saw no further need to conceal her radiance.
Before marriage, modesty was prudent; excessive charm might invite gossip for a young lady of her status. But as Lu Zhuo’s wife—a newlywed bride—embracing her beauty and grace was entirely justified.
Truth be told, Wei Rao had never enjoyed layering her face with heavy cosmetics.
“Change it. A light touch—no more feigning meekness,” she declared with a smile to her reflection.
Another advantage of this nominal marriage with Lu Zhuo was the freedom from worrying whether he or other Lu family members would approve of her choices. As long as she avoided tarnishing the Duke of Yingguo’s reputation, neither Lu Zhuo nor the Duchess of Yingguo could find fault with her—especially the Duchess, who regarded her wholeheartedly as Lu Zhuo’s lifesaver.
Blessed with naturally fine features, Wei Rao required only minimal enhancement. Liuya completed the light makeup swiftly.
Wei Rao rose, and two maids circled her to ensure every detail was impeccable. Satisfied, she smiled and stepped out of the inner chamber, passing through the East Side Room into the Hall.
Lu Zhuo was already seated in a northern-facing official’s armchair.
Newlyweds had specific ceremonial attire for tea-serving rituals. Lu Zhuo wore a round-collared brocade robe in the same vibrant red as his wedding gown, though simpler in design. The crimson hue accentuated his jade-like complexion, softening the lingering traces of illness. His slender, pale fingers held a teacup, bringing it to his thin lips.
Lu Zhuo sipped his tea with lowered eyelids, seemingly unaware of Wei Rao’s arrival.
Her gaze swept over his face, noting that he appeared even more spirited than he had the previous day.
Wei Rao couldn’t help wondering inwardly: Could Lu Zhuo’s rapid recovery truly be unrelated to the Marriage to ward off misfortune?
Fortunately, she had no intention of claiming credit—otherwise, such a dramatic improvement would inevitably be attributed to her influence.
“I am ready. Would the heir care to sit a while longer?” Wei Rao inquired politely after Lu Zhuo set down his cup.
Only then did Lu Zhuo turn his gaze toward her.Wei Rao's eyes sparkled as she tilted her head to avoid his gaze, like any shy bride in front of her husband.
In truth, Wei Rao wasn't putting on much of an act—it was just that her features were inherently alluring, and even an unintentional glance from her could easily lead those she looked at to entertain wild fantasies. With just a slight movement now, her enchanting and delicate charm emerged, perhaps even surpassing the genuine shyness and affection of a truly bashful beauty.
Lu Zhuo gave a faint smile.
The women at the Dragon Boat Banquet had actually believed Wei Rao needed to resort to tricks with hairpins to seduce noble sons. If they had witnessed her proper demeanor toward Qi Zhongkai or seen the deliberate display of coquettish tenderness she revealed now, a simple comparison would have made it clear that Wei Rao harbored not a shred of longing for Qi Zhongkai.
"Let's set off," Lu Zhuo said, setting down his teacup and rising to his feet.
The two walked toward the hall entrance simultaneously, falling into step side by side as they passed through the doorway.
After rounding the corridor and arriving at the front courtyard, they found A Gui already waiting there early. As the masters approached, A Gui first observed the Young Lord. Seeing him looking radiant and composed, with a steady gait that suggested a very restful night, A Gui felt immediately relieved. If the Young Lord had aggravated his illness by overexerting himself, the Duke would have surely skinned him alive.
Having checked on the Young Lord, A Gui couldn't resist stealing a glance at the Young Madam. But after just one look, he lowered his head as if scalded, his heart pounding erratically. The Young Madam had already been exceedingly beautiful in recent days, but after the consummation, she seemed to have bloomed suddenly to her fullest, so stunning that a mere mortal like him dared not gaze upon her recklessly.
Only at this moment did A Gui finally understand the profound intention behind the Duchess of Yingguo selecting the Fourth Young Lady for the Young Lord's Marriage to ward off misfortune.
With such a peerlessly beautiful fairy by his side, if the Young Lord could only open his eyes, each additional glance would be akin to inhaling a breath of immortal energy—enough to ward off even the gravest illness.
"Summon all the servants of the Hall of Pine and Moon to pay their respects to the Young Madam later," Lu Zhuo instructed with a smile.
A Gui nodded repeatedly.
Lu Zhuo then continued leading Wei Rao toward the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness, where the Duke and Duchess of Yingguo resided.
The Duke of Yingguo's Manor was one of the most prestigious noble households in the capital, with an immense estate. Even though Lu Zhuo's Hall of Pine and Moon was considered relatively close to the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness, it still took a quarter of an hour to walk there.
Lu Zhuo strolled as if meandering through a garden, unhurried and relaxed. Wei Rao walked beside him, silently memorizing everything she saw along the way. Though she had been married for several days, she had remained within the Hall of Pine and Moon without venturing out. In her maiden days, Wei Rao had never had the opportunity to visit the Duke of Yingguo's Manor as a guest.
"Following this path straight ahead leads to the West Garden. Should you find yourself with leisure in the future, Madam, you may pass the time there," Lu Zhuo suddenly remarked, his gaze gentle and his voice soft. Having signed the five-year Contract, Lu Zhuo intended to honor it. Once they left her Elegant Breeze Residence, he began his performance.
Wei Rao replied in a sweet, coquettish tone, "I happen to be free this afternoon. Would you accompany me for a stroll, Young Lord?"
Lu Zhuo looked ahead and agreed with a smile, "Very well."
Bitao followed behind the pair, watching as her young lady and the Young Lord acted as though it were all real, sending shivers down her spine.
They finally arrived before the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness.
The plaque bore the solemn and dignified characters "Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness," with a line of smaller script in the lower left corner explaining that it had been bestowed by the late emperor.
Wei Rao lifted her head to gaze at it, her thoughts drifting to Lu Zhuo's ancestors who had loyally served their country and died on the battlefield.Stepping under the plaque, Wei Rao let the feigned smile fade from her face.
In the main hall of Zhongyi Hall, all the elders and juniors of the four branches of the Duke of Yingguo's Manor had gathered, their eyes turning in unison toward the young couple.
"What a perfect match—the mother's discerning eye is truly remarkable," Second Madam praised with a smile.
Third Madam and Fourth Madam nodded in agreement, while He Shi, Lu Zhuo's mother, simply smiled. She had exhausted all fresh compliments for Wei Rao over the past few days. Though aware of the rumors swirling about Wei Rao, He Shi was thoroughly satisfied with her, for Wei Rao had saved her son's life—a debt that outweighed all else.
The madams were grateful for Wei Rao's role in the Marriage to ward off misfortune. As for Lu Zhuo's four cousins, none could help but stare dumbfounded at Wei Rao today. The more composed ones quickly averted their gazes upon realizing their lapse, but the younger ones, like Third Young Master Lu Cong, Fourth Young Master Lu Ze, and Fifth Young Master Lu Che, gaped openly at her.
The steadiest of them, Second Young Master Lu Ya, shot meaningful glances at his three younger brothers in turn.
All three youths flushed with embarrassment.
The Duchess of Yingguo smiled without comment; Wei Rao was simply too beautiful, and it was natural for young men, unaccustomed to such sights, to react this way.
"How are you feeling today, Shoucheng?" the Duchess first inquired after her eldest grandson's health.
Lu Zhuo replied with a smile, "Thanks to my wife's care, I am already much better."
Wei Rao shyly lowered her head.
The Duchess took this at face value, nodding in satisfaction before signaling Mama Miao with a look.
Mama Miao directed a young maid to lay out embroidered cushions.
Lu Zhuo and Wei Rao knelt side by side, first offering tea to the Duke and Duchess of Yingguo, then to He Shi, followed by Second Madam, Third Madam, and Fourth Master and Fourth Madam.
Once the ceremony concluded, everyone took their seats at separate tables to share the morning meal.
After breakfast, the Duchess summoned Wei Rao alone into the inner chamber for a talk, with Mama Miao standing guard outside the door.
"Rao Rao, how has Shoucheng treated you? Has he made you suffer in any way?"
Seated on the bed, the Duchess took Wei Rao's small hand in hers, her voice filled with concern. In truth, the Duchess was somewhat worried: her grandson's health was still too frail for marital relations, and with Wei Rao's striking beauty, could he restrain himself? She hoped he wouldn't act recklessly.
Wei Rao smiled, keeping her head lowered. "I am deeply grateful for your kindness, Old Madam. Since I entered the household, I have been cared for at every turn, and I am truly content. However, I am unworthy of the heir due to my limited talents. The heir has said he will honor the five-year agreement: during these five years, he will ensure I am treated with respect in all matters, and after that, we will part ways as agreed, with no further ties."
The smile on the Duchess's face froze instantly, so shocked that she released Wei Rao's hand.
Had the tender gaze her grandson had just cast upon Wei Rao all been an act?
"That wretched boy! I—"
Wei Rao swiftly grasped the Duchess's hand, shaking her head before the old lady could erupt in anger. With a gentle smile, she said, "Please don't be angry. When I proposed the five-year agreement to Grandmother, I anticipated this outcome. Truly, I hold no grudge against the heir. My maternal grandmother taught me that a marriage should be built on mutual affection. Forcing two people together only brings misery to both. Rather than having you compel the heir through filial duty and propriety, I prefer things as they are: he plays his part in this charade, and in private, we treat each other with courtesy. To be honest, I admire the heir's courage and dedication to serving the country, but I have no romantic feelings for him."
Gazing into Wei Rao's clear, sincere eyes, the Duchess found herself at a loss for words.She wanted to force her eldest grandson to consummate the marriage with Wei Rao, but Wei Rao didn’t even like her grandson. If her grandson were to lay hands on the young girl now, it would be nothing short of disgraceful.
But Wei Rao was such a good girl, and to let their family hold her back for five years in vain weighed heavily on the Duchess of Yingguo’s conscience.
“I... I am the one who has wronged you,” the Duchess of Yingguo sighed remorsefully.
Wei Rao shook her head again. “My reputation is already poor, and it was difficult for me to marry well. Being able to enjoy five years of honor under the prestige of the Duke’s Manor is actually a gain for me.”
The more she said this, the more ashamed the Duchess of Yingguo felt. She escorted Wei Rao out, then sternly summoned Lu Zhuo inside.
As they passed each other, Lu Zhuo glanced at Wei Rao.
Wei Rao returned his gaze with a look that said, “You’re on your own.”
“Kneel down!” the Duchess of Yingguo scolded Lu Zhuo, her tone filled with disappointment. “Rao Rao saved you through the Marriage to ward off misfortune, and yet you humiliated her like that. Is this how I raised you?”
Lu Zhuo had already anticipated that Wei Rao would reveal the truth. After all, his grandmother was privy to the confidentiality agreement.
He also hoped his grandmother would know that he and Wei Rao were merely pretending to be husband and wife, so she wouldn’t hold onto false expectations.
“Grandmother, I don’t like her. Not touching her is both a matter of respecting myself and respecting her,” Lu Zhuo stated frankly.
The Duchess of Yingguo narrowed her eyes, her expression cold. “You don’t like a beauty like Rao Rao? Then who do you like? Don’t tell me you’re still hung up on Miss Xie!”
Lu Zhuo chuckled. “Grandmother, where did you get that idea? I’ve never even met Miss Xie, so how could I be hung up on her? My dislike for Wei Rao is mutual—it’s a matter of incompatible temperaments, not related to appearances.”
The Duchess of Yingguo frowned. “How do you know Rao Rao dislikes you?”
Lu Zhuo replied, “If she truly wanted to marry me, with the favor of the Marriage to ward off misfortune, she could have directly demanded that I never divorce her. Would I have refused? The fact that she only asked for five years shows she has no feelings for me. If not for fear of public ridicule, she would have already sought a divorce.”
The Duchess of Yingguo argued, “She’s just a young girl. She did this because she’s reserved and afraid of being rejected, so she gave herself an honorable way out. And you actually agreed, breaking her heart.”
Lu Zhuo said, “Is that so? I didn’t notice.”
The Duchess of Yingguo was so furious she felt like giving her grandson a good beating.
Lu Zhuo, in turn, tried to reassure her. “Grandmother, I have my reasons for doing this. Please don’t interfere with the five-year agreement. I promise I won’t let her suffer any losses.”
The Duchess of Yingguo laughed in exasperation. “She’s already suffered a great loss by coming for the Marriage to ward off misfortune. How do you plan to make it up to her? Fine, fine, do as you please. Rao Rao is a good girl—if you don’t appreciate her, I do. Just remember one thing: play your part well. Make sure those jealous women and young ladies who speak ill of Rao Rao envy her immensely. Otherwise, don’t blame me for being harsh with you!”
With his own grandmother taking someone else’s side, what could Lu Zhuo say?
After taking his leave, Lu Zhuo stepped out and saw Wei Rao sitting on a chair, waiting for him like a dutiful wife.
“Why did you tell Old Madam the truth?”
After leaving the Loyalty Hall, when they reached a secluded path, Lu Zhuo suddenly stopped and turned to ask.
Wei Rao smiled faintly. “Old Madam asked me if you behaved improperly last night. What did you expect me to say, Young Master?”
Lu Zhuo pressed his lips together.
A Gui had wild imaginations, and now even his grandmother was worried. Did he really seem like a lustful man?
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