Wei Rao’s ears had been pinched red by Shou’an Jun.

But Wei Rao didn’t dare protest—it must have been her answer that gave her away, making her grandmother guess that she and Lu Zhuo hadn’t consummated their marriage.

“You little minx, trying to fool me like this. Do you think I’m that Old Madam Wei from your family?”

Shou’an Jun released Wei Rao’s ear and forcefully poked her forehead.

“It hurts…”

Unable to argue back, Wei Rao buried her head in the old lady’s embrace, complaining coquettishly.

Looking at the granddaughter in her arms—the most sensible and most heartbreaking of all her granddaughters—Shou’an Jun couldn’t bear to continue scolding her. Marriage was a matter between a man and a woman. With Lu Zhuo’s background and appearance, he would be a good match for any young lady in the capital. If Lu Zhuo had been willing to consummate the marriage, someone as clever as her granddaughter would have cooperated, even if just for his family’s status.

Conversely, since the two hadn’t been able to consummate their marriage, it must be because Lu Zhuo was unwilling. If Lu Zhuo was unwilling, could her granddaughter force a man to sleep with her?

Shou’an Jun felt wronged on Wei Rao’s behalf. Such a delicate and beautiful woman, yet Lu Zhuo rejected her so thoroughly—it was simply humiliating!

Stroking Wei Rao’s back lovingly with her palm and patting gently twice, Shou’an Jun smiled and spoke: “Raorao doesn’t need to fear grandmother’s worry. Actually, not consummating is quite good. That Lu Zhuo is arrogant and self-important in his heart, yet can still maintain a smiling face with others—this shows his extreme hypocrisy. With this kind of man, even if you consummated the marriage, it would be difficult to win his true heart. Better to act for five years than choose a good husband after the divorce.”

Wei Rao slowly raised her head, surprised: “You think this way?”

Shou’an Jun smiled: “Of course. Our Raorao is so wonderful, she deserves an even better man.”

Wei Rao let out a great sigh of relief—she had been afraid her grandmother would feel sorry for her.

“By the way, your aunt sent a letter a few days ago, saying after New Year, she’ll have your cousin come over to look at the capital’s business opportunities and bring your dowry supplements at the same time.”

Wei Rao didn’t want it: “It’s not a real marriage, why should Aunt spend money? When I divorce in the future and truly meet a man we like each other for a second marriage, my aunt can send gifts then. Even what you gave me makes me feel uneasy.”

Shou’an Jun: “What’s there to feel uneasy about? First marriages need dowry supplements, second marriages continue getting them. No matter how many times you marry, these are the intentions of us elders. Of course, grandmother doesn’t have as much money as your aunt—I’ve already given you the big share. For your second marriage, don’t expect me to continue giving you land and shops.”

Wei Rao was amused by the old lady.

Shou’an Jun inquired further about Wei Rao’s interactions with Duchess Ying and other elders. Learning that Duchess Ying truly liked Wei Rao, Shou’an Jun finally felt some comfort.

After the grandmother and granddaughter finished talking, Wei Rao returned to her courtyard. The leisure estate was far from the capital, and she and Lu Zhuo would be departing soon.

Lu Zhuo sat in the side room. Knowing Wei Rao wouldn’t delay long, he hadn’t lain down to rest.

Wei Rao lifted the curtain and entered. Remembering her agreement with Lu Zhuo, she said: “I couldn’t fool grandmother. She knows we’re pretending.”

Lu Zhuo couldn’t help but reflect on his performance, asking curiously: “How did the old lady see through it?”

He was confident there had been no flaws—no matter where Shou’an Jun’s gaze fell, his eyes looking at Wei Rao had always been gentle.

When he asked Wei Rao, she was still confused, not understanding which words she had said wrong.

Just thinking of the situation then—something about “going in” and “bean sprouts”—a blush quietly flew across Wei Rao’s snowy white cheeks.

Like a snow-white pear blossom suddenly transforming into a tender pink crabapple, full of feminine charm.

Seeing this, Lu Zhuo was mysteriously reminded of his mother’s private words with him, urging him to consummate the marriage.

Could it be that Shou’an Jun had also inquired about their consummation, and Wei Rao, lacking experience, had given herself away?

Averting his gaze, Lu Zhuo said quietly: “If so, I should go apologize to the old lady.”

Wei Rao smiled lightly: “What crime does the heir have? You’re dignified and proper, not coveting my beauty. Grandmother is quite pleased. Unlike my grandmother, she values practical benefits more. Since we’ll divorce sooner or later anyway, if I can maintain my chastity, it will be more convenient for remarrying in the future.”

Lu Zhuo smiled: “On this point, both the young lady and old lady can rest assured. Aside from necessary acting, I will never take the slightest advantage of the young lady.”

Wei Rao: “Mm, since you’ve signed the contract, I naturally trust you. It’s getting late—let’s set off back to the city.”

The two went together to bid farewell to Shou’an Jun.

Shou’an Jun asked Lu Zhuo to speak privately in the side hall.

Wei Rao secretly clenched her hands—she had exaggerated her grandmother’s joy in front of Lu Zhuo; she hoped her grandmother wouldn’t give her away.

In the side hall, Lu Zhuo first apologized to Shou’an Jun: “Fourth Lady has the grace of bringing me fortune through our wedding. However, before marriage, I encountered Fourth Lady twice by chance, and neither of us had feelings. I didn’t want to force each other, so I chose the five-year agreement. For any impropriety, please forgive me, old lady.”

Shou’an Jun gestured for him to rise, smiling quite openly: “I know—Raorao told me everything. That girl doesn’t like constraints. Elite households have rules everywhere, which truly don’t suit Raorao. Initially, thanks to the old madam’s regard, your marriage was arranged for good fortune. Now that you’ve recovered and Raorao has found backing in a powerful family, you two have mutual benefits—neither owes the other.”

Lu Zhuo lowered his eyes to listen.

Shou’an Jun turned around, facing the window: “I asked you here to entrust Raorao’s safety to you for five years. She’s a young girl who thinks learning swordplay for a few years makes her fearless of everything, but human hearts are treacherous. Four years ago, she was lucky to escape with her life—next time, she might not be so fortunate. The Lu clan has loyally served the country, which I greatly admire. I beseech you, for the sake of your marital bond, to protect Raorao well and not let her be slaughtered again. After all, what do the grudges of elders have to do with her?”

As her words fell, Shou’an Jun sighed deeply.

Lu Zhuo thought of his grandmother. When grandmother went to Cheng’an Earl Mansion to propose marriage to him, her earnest words must have surpassed even Shou’an Jun’s now.

Lu Zhuo promised, “Old lady, rest assured. As long as Wei Rao is a Lu family daughter-in-law for one day, I will protect her for that day.”

Shou’an Jun smiled, her gaze circling Lu Zhuo’s face before her attitude became relaxed: “Raorao has a good heart, just a bit of a temper. If she offends you, please overlook it, considering her young age.”

Lu Zhuo said gently: “I’m five years older than her—it’s only proper.”

“What did my grandmother say to you?”

Once in the carriage, Wei Rao asked impatiently.

This was the first time Lu Zhuo had seen her so anxious. In their previous encounters before and after marriage, Wei Rao had always been composed and unhurried, including when Wei Rao cried about her grievances before his grandmother—even her tears fell gracefully and appropriately.

Lu Zhuo asked back: “What do you think the old lady would say to me?”

If Wei Rao could guess, would she need to ask him?

She frowned, studying Lu Zhuo’s expression.

Lu Zhuo pressed his lips together, his profile coldly gazing toward the curtain.

Wei Rao thought: Could it be that grandmother appeared magnanimous in front of her but blamed Lu Zhuo for the humiliation and scolded him?

“Whatever she said, you brought it on yourself,” Wei Rao leaned against the carriage wall, huffing.

Lu Zhuo’s lips curved upward as he glanced over: “Didn’t you say the old lady was very happy we became fake spouses? If so, why would you think the old lady would blame me?”

Wei Rao glared at him: “Grandmother is most protective of family. Shouldn’t she scold you for insulting me as greedy and afraid of losing?”

Lu Zhuo frowned: “You told the old lady about that too?”

Wei Rao naturally hadn’t said anything—she was just deliberately provoking him because she couldn’t stand his smugness. Seeing that Lu Zhuo indeed cared about his reputation, Wei Rao smiled, raising an eyebrow: “If you dare do it, are you afraid of me saying it?”

Lu Zhuo clenched his hands.

She was already of age, considered a grown young lady, yet why did she still have such a childish temper, running to elders to tattle over the smallest things?

However, because of his momentary verbal slip, even his grandmother had scolded him, yet Shou’an Jun didn’t mention it at all, only hoping he would take good care of Wei Rao. Lu Zhuo sincerely admired Shou’an Jun’s composure.

Thinking of Shou’an Jun, Lu Zhuo didn’t want to argue with Wei Rao anymore: “The old lady called me over for two things. First, she hopes I’ll protect you completely. Second, she said you have a big temper and hopes I won’t hold it against you. I agreed to both requests.”

Wei Rao’s smile froze. After a while, she turned her head away: “Old people just like to worry needlessly.”

Lu Zhuo didn’t respond further.

The carriage fell silent. Wei Rao adjusted her position to nap when Bitao suddenly exclaimed outside the window: “It’s snowing!”

Hearing this, Wei Rao lifted the curtain. The howling cold wind from morning had lessened considerably, but snowflakes were drifting down from the gloomy sky—it looked like it would be heavy snow.

In the distant fields, a group of farm children were chasing and playing. On the country roads, villagers who had finished buying New Year goods were gradually heading home.

The New Year atmosphere was palpable. When they passed through Cloud Mist Town again, Zhang’s shop was still open. Wei Rao had Bitao buy five packages of candied hawthorn—five skewers each—for the four households of the Lu family, plus Duke Ying and his wife.

The snowflakes grew larger. By the time the master and servants returned to Duke Ying Mansion, the ground was already covered with a layer of snow.

Wei Rao put on her cloak, preparing to personally distribute the candied hawthorn. It wasn’t anything precious, just a small token of her consideration.

Lu Zhuo had just finished washing his hands and came to the door to admire the snow when he saw Wei Rao appear in the corridor with her maid Bitao.

Lu Zhuo looked toward A’Gui.

A’Gui ran out, pattering, smiling as he asked: “Young madam, with such heavy snow, where are you going?”

Wei Rao looked back, her gaze moving past A’Gui to see Lu Zhuo under the eaves, still wearing that crimson brocade robe, standing in the snowy landscape like a proud red tassel on a spear tip.

“I brought some snacks to let the old madam and others try something fresh,” Wei Rao said softly.

A’Gui turned to look at the young master.

Lu Zhuo said to Wei Rao, “Let’s go together.”

Hearing this, A’Gui hurried to prepare an umbrella.

Lu Zhuo didn’t let A’Gui follow. He took the umbrella and came to Wei Rao’s side. When they were about to leave the corridor, Lu Zhuo stepped out first, opened the umbrella, and stood on the steps at the corridor entrance, looking back at Wei Rao.

Since they needed to act like a harmonious couple, naturally, they should share an umbrella.

Wei Rao understood and smiled as she stepped under his umbrella.

Bitao walked behind them, holding an umbrella in one hand and a food box in the other, maintaining a distance of five or six steps. In her eyes, though the young master and mistress were squeezed under one umbrella and looked like a fairy couple, there was still more than a foot of distance between them, clearly separated. Where were these like real spouses? At this time, they should be arm against arm, close together—that would be sweet.

“Young madam, you have snow on your shoulder.”

After following silently for a while, Bitao couldn’t help but remind them. Though she called “young madam,” she was reminding the young master that the umbrella was held too centered, causing snow to fall on both their outer shoulders.

Lu Zhuo kept his eyes straight ahead, unable to see Wei Rao’s other shoulder. He thought he had already tilted the umbrella toward Wei Rao as much as possible, not expecting that it was still…

He continued tilting the umbrella surface toward Wei Rao.

Like a straight bamboo stalk with its main trunk upright, suddenly growing a crooked branch from the side, it looked awkward no matter how you looked at it.

Bitao quickened her pace, saying quietly from behind her masters: “Young master, miss, if you’re going to pretend, at least make it believable. Standing so far apart, who are you fooling?”

Lu Zhuo’s grip on the umbrella handle tightened slightly.

Wei Rao moved closer to him with obvious reluctance.