C3 A Harmonious and Warm Home
Marriage is meant to be a serious yet beautiful affair, but no one expected a small town like this to secretly harbor such an unspeakable "mistaken marriage."
The next day.
Yan Li's internal clock woke her up. At first, she was confused by the unfamiliar surroundings, but then the memories of the "absurd" event slowly came back to her. What puzzled her more was how she fell asleep last night. It seemed like she had a blackout. She only remembered a "delicate beauty" lifting her veil, and then she fainted.
Though she only caught a glimpse of her husband, that one look was enough to etch him into her memory. He was extraordinarily "handsome," far surpassing her own looks.
"I'm Ayuv, here to assist you with your morning routine. The young master instructed me to be your personal maid from now on."
At that moment, a maid named Ayuv entered, lifting the curtain.
Yan Li looked at the well-featured maid before her and suddenly realized she had transformed from a self-reliant farm girl to a young madam with maids at her service.
This was truly the life of the wealthy—no need to toil under the sun to enjoy a privileged life. It was no wonder people would go to great lengths to marry into a wealthy family, and why those from her village isolated her. This was the root of it all—a marriage that made others green with envy.
"Ayuv, I'm new to the Luo Mansion and there are many things I don't understand. I hope you can guide me."
After all, she was someone who had traveled from the modern world, and her innate sense of superiority wasn't that strong. She wouldn't arrogantly assume the role of the protagonist. Besides, she was a new bride, and her understanding of the Luo Mansion was limited to basic knowledge about Luo Tingye. She knew nothing about the inner workings of the household.
Ayuv respectfully accepted the task.
Yan Li smacked her lips. He really was a straightforward person, but she liked that. She just wanted to live a peaceful life.
Ayuv was quite skilled at attending to her needs. In no time, he had gathered her long hair, which had been hanging down her back, into a beautiful updo. Unlike young girls who could wear their hair down, married women had to wear their hair up, distinguishing their status through their hairstyles.
Ayuv reached into the jewelry box and pulled out a gold hairpin adorned with a double happiness motif, ready to place it in her hair.
"Wait, let's switch it for that jade hairpin instead."
It wasn't that Yan Li disliked the gold hairpin; it just felt too flashy and eye-catching. The jade hairpin, on the other hand, was simple yet elegant.
"Yes, ma'am."
Ayuv complied, setting aside the gold hairpin and replacing it with the jade one.
As Yan Li looked at her reflection, now with her hair styled like a married woman, she was filled with mixed emotions. In her previous life, she hadn't even had a boyfriend, and now, in less than a year in this new world, she was married. And to a frail husband, no less. Thinking of him brought a twinge of regret to her eyes. He was exceptionally handsome but unfortunately not long for this world—truly a case of the heavens being jealous of talent.
"Cough, cough, my dear, it's time for breakfast. We should also pay our respects to Father soon."
Just as her thoughts began to drift, Luo Tingye approached. His slender, graceful hand lightly formed a fist against his lips as he coughed, deepening Yan Li's sense of pity.
Luo Tingye's eyes flickered with amusement from an angle she couldn't see. Her expression was... endearing. As his father had said, she was quite beautiful. While not the most stunning in the world, her smile had a captivating charm.
His gaze lingered on the jade hairpin nestled in her dark hair, his eyes brightening slightly. Compared to gold, the jade hairpin better highlighted her grace, and it seemed to suit her perfectly.
Yan Li's vision blurred for a moment, and two words popped into her mind: stunning beauty.
In her modern life, she had seen handsome men, but never one like this. His jet-black hair was tied up high, adorned with a simple hairpin. His attire was understated yet elegant, and his features were striking without being superficial. If only his complexion were a bit rosier, he would be the epitome of a refined gentleman.
What a pity, truly a pity.
Yan Li sighed inwardly but spoke reassuringly, "Don't worry, your illness will be cured. Even if it can't be completely healed, I'll make sure you're comfortable. I'll bring flowers from my garden; they might not be medicinal, but their fragrance is refreshing."
After all, they were "husband and wife," and she felt a sense of unity in that role.
She was skilled at growing flowers. While the scent of flowers couldn't cure diseases, inhaling their beneficial aromas could ease physical discomfort.
Luo Tingye was taken aback, murmuring softly, "Really?"
She didn't despise him? Unlike what people outside said yesterday, that he was "incapable," not just of fathering children, but even of performing marital duties.
Yan Li didn't dwell on that. Instead, she carefully helped him to the table. "Don't underestimate the power of flowers. They can purify the air, reduce noise, regulate temperature, and some can even be used medicinally to prevent and treat illnesses."
Breakfast was already set on the table, and Yan Li shifted the conversation to the meal.
"These meat buns look good. Here, try one... This porridge is just right, not too thick or thin... If we had some side dishes, it would be even more appetizing. But don't worry, I'll make some for you tomorrow. You'll love it, I promise."
Her tendency to chatter was starting again.
However, Luo Tingye was prepared for it, occasionally responding with, "Really?" "Sure." "Thank you, my dear."
Meanwhile, Zuo and Ayuv watched in amazement at this warm and harmonious scene.
"Sis, am I seeing things? Is the Young Master actually chatting with the Great Young Madam?"
"You're not alone. I feel like I'm seeing things too."
The siblings had been serving in the mansion for at least seven or eight years, so they knew the Young Master well. Normally, even when speaking with the Master, he would only respond with a few words before retreating due to his frail health. Seeing him engage in such a lengthy conversation, especially with someone as unfamiliar as this "woman," was unprecedented.
Could it be? Is the Eldest Young Master fond of the new Great Young Madam? Zuo and Ayuv pondered.
However, they didn't notice that Yan Li's once-tense fingers had quietly relaxed.
Yan Li mused that she wasn't quite ready to be a wife, but fortunately, Luo Tingye seemed easy to get along with. Besides being reserved and frail, he didn't seem too difficult. The days ahead might not be so tough after all.
Luo Tingye noticed her relaxed fingers, a flicker of something crossing his eyes, but he said nothing.
Instead, he remarked, "We'll be serving tea shortly. Just follow my lead."
Yan Li was taken aback. He actually mentioned that? It was one of her concerns—how could a farm girl know the mansion's customs? His words reassured her that Luo Tingye wasn't a bad person.
She smiled warmly, genuinely grateful. "Understood, my husband."