Chapter 90 Forging a Marriage "Why...only I am taking off my clothes..."
The wedding procession marched along with the sounds of banging and clanging, and from afar, the spirited groom could be seen on horseback.
A crowd had gathered at the entrance of the Cheng residence, including not only the wedding party but also many ordinary people and neighbors who had come to join in the fun.
Jiang Ce dismounted, and You Yu and Zheng Shaoyu scattered silver coins and celebratory flowers.
"Let's spread the joy!"
Several people helped Jiang Ce welcome his bride, led by Jiang Ji, followed by Xiao Huaiting, Zheng Shaoyu, and You Yu.
There were only Cheng Qingpei and Li Wu at the gate of the house, but they blocked the way so that the others could not get up at all.
Cheng Qingpei stood at the very front, with Li Wu standing beside him, her sleeves drooping and smiling.
Li Wu raised his hand to signal, and the servants behind him each took a piece of paper and went downstairs.
"Please solve these problems first, Jiang Erlang."
Jiang Ce was somewhat surprised: "Shouldn't it be a poem to urge you to get ready for the wedding?"
Cheng Qingpei said, "Jiang Erlang has too many helpers, so the 'bridal poem' might be too simple for you. Therefore, we will change the way we welcome the bride today."
Xiao Huaiting counted them and found there were twelve.
Zheng Shaoyu had already gone over to take a look, and when he saw the questions clearly, he was stunned and exclaimed, "This really requires knowledge of everything from astronomy to geography... It's too difficult!"
Jiang Ce was even more exasperated, and looked up to meet Li Wu's gaze.
"You did this on purpose, didn't you?"
Li Wu raised an eyebrow: "Jiang Erlang, since you've married someone else's daughter, you should be prepared for the consequences."
Jiang Ce stroked his long hat flap and chuckled, "Okay."
Originally there were only six paths, with him and Cheng Qingpei each contributing three. That evening, Xue Chenghuai found out, silently went inside, and added six more paths early the next morning.
The questions they set were at least "normal," and both of them pursed their lips when they received the questions set by Xue Chenghuai.
Unusual, profound, strange.
The two of them couldn't figure it out either, and when they asked Xue Chenghuai, he simply said, "If he's willing, it'll be easy to solve. If he's not, it's fate."
Several people were huddled together at the foot of the stone steps, trying to solve a puzzle. Jiang Ji walked up to Cheng Qingpei and smiled warmly, "Brother Cheng, it's been a long time—"
Cheng Qingpei smiled and said, "Brother Daoqing, today is not a good time for pleasantries."
"Brother Cheng, this is my second son's first time getting married," Jiang Ji said with a smirk.
“This is also my little sister’s first time getting married.” Cheng Qingpei gathered his sleeves and took in the sight of the group scratching their heads in frustration as they struggled to solve the problem. His eyes crinkled with laughter. “Instead of telling me these things, Brother Daoqing, why don’t you go and help Jiang Erlang solve the problem?”
Unexpectedly, Jiang Ji flicked his sleeve and stood beside him at the door, saying casually, "It's alright. It's his own choice to get married anyway. As his elder brother, this is all I can do to help."
The people below were still solving the problem.
Jiang Ce solved the tactical, astrological, and poetic problems himself, Xiao Huaiting solved the geography problems for him, and Zheng Shaoyu solved a math problem.
The rest were mostly solved, but a medical question stumped several people.
Yu, who was standing outside, took a look and explained.
Only two paths remained, leaving onlookers completely bewildered.
Someone joked, "It's almost noon now. If the groom can't solve it, he won't have time for the wedding ceremony and won't be able to enter the bridal chamber!"
Everyone started teasing him.
Zheng Shaoyu put his hands on his hips and shouted, "I can definitely solve it!"
After saying that, he comforted Jiang Ce, "Don't worry, we're here for you."
Jiang Ce lowered his eyes, but said, "I've solved it."
He read out the answer and asked, "How is it? Are they all correct?"
Cheng Qingpei smiled and said, "Okay, the first round is over."
"What!" Zheng Shaoyu's breath caught in his throat, and he staggered, half-collapsed onto Youyu.
They almost burned off all their hair, yet they still made it to the first round.
That's too cruel, too cruel.
Cheng Qingpei's smile deepened: "Please..."
He had barely uttered a word when a gust of wind swept past, and the crowd blocking the door behind him was scattered.
The groom, dressed in his wedding robes, had already entered the house. He stood in the courtyard, holding the second round of test questions, beaming with pride. The test questions shattered into pieces amidst his triumphant laughter.
"Thank you for your mercy, brother-in-law!"
Cheng Qingpei came to her senses and saw Jiang Ji standing under the veranda, laughing.
Zheng Shaoyu quickly pulled Xiao Huaiting inside, but Youyu was even faster and caught up with Jiang Ce.
Li Wu quickly said, "Hurry and catch up with them!"
Jiang Ji then leisurely walked to the door and began to spread the joy. He smiled at the servant holding the firecrackers and said, "Hurry up and light the firecrackers to celebrate!"
The servant stood there dumbfounded, then lit the firecracker in his hand and threw it out.
Firecrackers went off, and red fragments mixed with the smell of gunpowder scattered in the warm sunshine.
A group of people were chasing each other inside the Cheng residence.
Yu stepped down from the wall and pointed to the courtyard behind the corridor, saying, "There!"
Jiang Ce strode directly to the courtyard gate in a few steps. Cheng Huaizhu was blocking the gate with her arms crossed and the maids. He stopped, cupped his hands and said, "Miss Cheng, please step aside."
Cheng Huaizhu raised her chin: "No, if you're so capable, then go ahead and try."
The others are easy to deal with, but the girls are a real problem.
Jiang Ce was in a dilemma when the people chasing them arrived. He leaped up and used the straight green bamboo outside the wall to jump into the courtyard.
The few people still blocking the door were startled and their eyes widened.
Seeing him about to enter, Cheng Huaizhu quickly called out, "He's going in!"
Xue Chan was still leisurely drinking when she heard the shout, and everyone immediately panicked and tried to stop Jiang Ce.
"Girlhood! Girlhood! Girlhood!"
Seeing that he couldn't stop her, Yun Sheng immediately placed the veil on Xue Chan's head.
Before Xue Chan could even put her wine cup down, everything in front of her turned red, and she could vaguely see someone coming towards her.
Without saying a word, the other person picked her up and ran outside.
Cheng Huaizhu tried to stop him, but Zheng Shaoyu reacted quickly, pulling her arm aside until Jiang Ce and his men left the courtyard.
"ah!"
She angrily stomped on Zheng Shaoyu's foot, then lifted her skirt and chased after him.
Zheng Shaoyu let out a wail and limped along to the front hall.
Cheng Qingpei stood under the green bamboo, lost in thought.
When he arrived at the main hall, Xue Chan and Jiang Ce were already standing in the center, and Xue Chenghuai sat on them to receive a farewell tea.
The teacup was set down, and Xue Chenghuai's eyes were slightly red. He wanted to say something, but he couldn't. He opened his mouth, but only managed to utter some polite words with a slight choke.
The two knelt down to bid farewell and left.
Xue Chenghuai: "Qiao Niang!"
Xue Chan turned around, instinctively wanting to lift her veil, but the matchmaker standing next to her coughed, so she lowered her hand.
Xue Chenghuai managed to utter, "You...you must take good care of yourself..."
He could only manage to raise his hand weakly, unable to utter a single sentence: "Go..."
Jiang Ce wanted to turn his head to look at Xue Chan, but he only saw tears falling from under her veil onto the floor tiles.
He gripped the silk flower tightly in his hand.
The matchmaker and the best man led the two out of the Cheng residence.
Cheng Qingpei carried Xue Chan onto the bridal sedan chair, and the attendants sprinkled tea leaves and rice grains on the top of the chair. The long procession began to move again, and Li Wu mounted his horse and rode beside the sedan chair to escort it.
After they had gone some distance, the people of the Cheng residence scattered celebratory decorations and set off firecrackers, thus concluding the wedding procession.
Xue Chenghuai and the others were about to continue entertaining the guests in the front hall when Cheng Huaizhu stood in a daze in the cheerful yet empty courtyard.
She murmured, "I don't know if those things will last until tonight. I haven't eaten much today."
The wedding music gradually faded into the distance.
Xue Chan sat inside the bridal sedan chair and took out something wrapped in a silk handkerchief from her sleeve. It was something Cheng Huaizhu had slipped into her when there were many people around before they left.
She slowly opened it, and inside were three candies and two pieces of cake.
The long procession circled half of the capital city, praying to the gods for a "thousand years of life" before arriving at the Marquis of Wu'an's residence at dusk.
The bridal sedan chair entered the gate first, landing amidst the crackling of firecrackers.
The wedding attendant lifted the sedan chair curtain: "Young lady, welcome the bride out of the sedan chair."
A small hand tugged at Xue Chan's sleeve: "Sister Xue, let's get out of the sedan chair."
Xue Chan asked, "Is it A Yao?"
Dressed in her finest attire, Ayao smiled and replied, "Yes, yes."
As they stepped out of the sedan chair, Jiang Ce walked alongside her, with the matchmaker holding an umbrella on one side.
As the two walked, people around them scattered joyful gifts and flowers to ward off misfortune.
They stepped onto a vermilion lacquered wooden saddle and walked on a red felt carpet into the wedding hall.
Joyful music arose, and the master of ceremonies led the chant: "Kneel, bow, rise, kneel again, bow, rise."
The two kowtowed to heaven and earth and their parents while singing blessings.
When the couple rose to exchange vows, Jiang Ce bowed rather abruptly, accidentally hitting Xue Chan's phoenix crown.
He grimaced in pain, and everyone in the hall burst into laughter. Even the one who had praised him couldn't help but laugh as he finished the next sentence.
"The ceremony is complete. Dismiss your duties and proceed to the bridal chamber!"
The young maids, carrying dragon and phoenix candles, led the bride and groom to the bridal chamber, followed by many other people.
Xue Chan was led to sit on the bed, and Madam Quan handed the ceremonial scales to Jiang Ce with a smile, saying, "Please, groom, lift the veil!"
Jiang Ce was a little nervous; his palms, which were holding the veil, were already slightly damp. He took a breath and lifted the veil.
Xue Chan wore a high bun and a golden crown, with a golden phoenix holding a pearl as if about to take flight. Her temples were adorned with red, blue, and emerald pearls. The room was filled with crimson, and the flickering candlelight made her face radiant.
The two looked at each other. Xue Chan remained calm, but Jiang Ce's face turned bright red.
Someone inside the room put their arm around his shoulder and joked, "If you're this shy now, what will you be like on your wedding night?"
Jiang Ce's face flushed red instantly, reaching the tips of his ears, and he punched the other person.
Zheng Tan smiled and said, "Please, groom, sit down and let the matchmaker, Madam Quan, cut your hair and tie the knot!"
Jiang Ce was pressed down to sit next to Xue Chan.
Zheng Shaoyu shook Xiao Huaiting's arm and pointed at the uneasy Jiang Ce with a smile: "Look at him."
Xiao Huaiting's gaze fell on the two of them, and he smiled gently.
Madam Quan first pinched the small flower crown on Jiang Ce's hat, and then she said, "Scattering flowers and spreading good fortune!" The flowers on the crown scattered all over the bed.
The matchmaker and she each cut off a lock of hair from the back of their heads, and the two locks of hair were tied together with a red string and placed in a box.
"We became husband and wife, and our love is unwavering."
A maid brought over a bowl of meat, which Madam Quan cut in half and gave to the two of them.
"Sharing the same animal, husband and wife are one."
Yun Sheng fed the meat to Xue Chan's mouth and took a bite.
Yun Sheng stood to one side holding a wine cup with a gourd connected by a red rope, and Madam Quan poured the wine in.
The two sat facing each other, drinking and reciting poetry together.
"May your marriage be bound by fate, and may your wishes be fulfilled. May you share joys and sorrows, and never be separated."
After they finished their drinks, their eyes met when they looked up, and they both laughed.
Madam Quan said, "Please, you two, combine the two jade pieces and throw them under the bed."
As soon as the sound subsided, someone bent down to look and laughed, "One yin and one yang, a blessing from heaven and earth."
The matchmaker and Madam Quan exchanged a smile and spoke in unison.
"The ceremony is complete!"
Zheng Shaoyu immediately stepped forward and pulled Jiang Ce, laughing, "Groom, hurry up and go out to entertain the guests and have a drink!"
He and Youyu each lifted Jiang Ce up on either side and carried him outside. Jiang Ce was reluctant to leave and subconsciously grabbed Xue Chan's hand.
He gripped it tightly, his eyes shining, and said with a smile, "Wait for me to come back."
Zheng Shaoyu couldn't help but laugh and gently punched him: "The night is still long, and the bride won't run away."
After most of the people in the house had left, those remaining were mostly women. Zheng Tan waved his hand, and Lü Ying led the maids carrying trays and cups into the house.
This is a small banquet for the women.
Xue Chan sat at the head of the table, while Zheng Tan and Fang Youxi, along with two other girls, sat to eat. Soup, fruit, and sweet drinks were laid out on the table.
The group sat together, chatting and laughing.
At the banquet, Jiang Ce was forced to drink quite a bit. But he was happy, laughing with every drink he took, his lips never drooping.
By the time the servants helped him back, Xue Chan's banquet had already ended.
The servant knocked on the door, and Yingyue opened it. Yunsheng and Chutao were removing Xue Chan's crown and hairpins.
"Come in quickly."
"My lady, are you well?" The servant helped Jiang Ce in and sat him on the bed.
After removing her hairpins and jewelry, Xue Chan got up and had someone fetch a basin of water. She waved her hand, and everyone in the room left.
Jiang Ce leaned against the bed frame, and a red figure appeared in his hazy vision.
As she approached, he reached out and wrapped his arms around her waist, burying his face in her soft belly.
Xue Chan was still holding a wrung-out towel in her hand. When she lowered her eyes, her dark hair came into view.
She reached out and cupped Jiang Ce's face in her hands, and he gently rubbed against her soft palms. His cheeks flushed crimson, even the back of his ears turned red, and his palms were burning hot.
"They drank a lot of your liquor?"
Jiang Ce swayed his head again, his eyes glazed with drunkenness, and smiled at Xue Chan.
"It was all worth it."
Xue Chan pursed her lips and wiped his face.
Jiang Ce was feeling dizzy and about to collapse, so she supported his shoulder and helped him sit up, saying, "Shall we have someone change your clothes?"
Jiang Ce stared blankly at the dragon and phoenix candles, frowned, and said in a fussing tone, "I don't want them to take them off!"
Xue Chan saw through it but didn't say anything: "Get up, I'll help you take it off."
Jiang Ce was led by her to stand under the clothes rack, his arms outstretched, letting Xue Chan untie his belt, outer robe buttons, inner robe, and undershirt.
She unraveled the layers one by one, her movements steady and efficient. Jiang Ce, on the other hand, initially felt dizzy and had some mischievous thoughts, but became increasingly shy as he unraveled the layers.
Xue Chan continued to untie the belt of his inner garment. With a flick of her finger, she felt a chill on her body as her chest was exposed.
Jiang Ce grabbed her wrist, covered his chest with one hand, and turned his face away, saying, "No, no, don't untie it..."
Xue Chan was a little confused and asked him, "Didn't you ask me to help you untie it? Why don't you want it anymore now?"
Jiang Ce first looked down and saw himself half-covered, then his gaze fell on Xue Chan. She stood in front of him, dressed neatly from head to toe.
He had drunk too much and was feeling dizzy, so he actually asked her that question.
"Why... am I the only one taking my clothes off?"
Xue Chan chuckled and asked him, "What, do you think it's unfair?"
Jiang Ce did not answer.
Xue Chan took two steps back, then raised her eyes with a smile.
She took off the red-gold pendant from her wedding robe, and with a "clink," the pendant was casually tossed to the ground, rolling to his feet.
Jiang Ce tensed up, his breathing slowed considerably. He was dizzy, and all he could see was her wedding robe falling to the ground.
He instinctively lowered his head and looked down, not daring to look at her.
Phoenix and peony patterned brocade long-sleeved shirt, vermilion persimmon calyx patterned long-fronted shirt, light red patterned short shirt, light gold narrow-sleeved shirt, dawn red ruyi-patterned skirt with gold flecks...
One by one, they were piled up at his feet.
Jiang Ce regained some of his senses and wanted to escape from this small space.
Xue Chan tilted her head and smiled at him. Her makeup, still not completely washed off, was still bright and beautiful, and her eyes were deep and dark.
Jiang Ce's gaze fell upon her: her pale neck, her rounded shoulders, clad only in a crimson bodice and a light blue long skirt. The room was filled with the crimson glow of the fire, and the two colors seemed to reflect each other, making the red appear even deeper and the white even brighter.
He glanced at it once, then quickly looked away.
Xue Chan pressed closer, and he retreated step by step. She reached out and blocked him in front of the wardrobe, making him lean against it.
Jiang Ce lowered his head and turned it away, avoiding looking directly at her.
A splash of red drifted to the ground, silently piling up on the clothes.
She reached out her hand, stopped it on his chest, and smiled.
"Oh? Your heart is beating really fast."
With nowhere to run, Jiang Ce closed his eyes.
Xue Chan leaned closer, her teasing voice reaching his ears.
"Would you like to solve the last one?"
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