Chapter 94 The Wedding
That day, Xia Qianqian felt that time flew by, and she didn't know what she had been busy with until it got dark.
During the day, villagers flocked to the Lu family's house in waves.
Everyone was struggling financially, so the gifts they brought weren't particularly valuable. There were a few still-warm eggs, a handkerchief filled with the aroma of millet, and a basket full of sweet potatoes.
With a smile on her face, Lu's mother, along with Lu Zheng and Xia Qianqian, accepted the gifts one by one.
Mother Lu invited, "You must come to the banquet tomorrow."
The villagers readily agreed, and in the afternoon, they returned to the Lu family's courtyard. This time, they brought their own tables, benches, bowls, chopsticks, and other items.
As soon as the women entered the courtyard, they started working without Lu's mother having to say a word.
They sat together, chatting as they boiled water to wash the dishes, their laughter echoing in the courtyard.
As the last rays of sunlight faded into the distance, everything needed for tomorrow's wedding was finally prepared.
Lu Zheng carried a basin of hot water into the room: "I prepared hot water for you. Quickly soak your feet. You have to get up early tomorrow morning."
Nowadays, weddings no longer follow the old-fashioned formalities; everyone advocates for revolutionary weddings, recognizing that women hold up half the sky.
So, at this important wedding, it wasn't just the men who were busy greeting guests; the women also had to take on the responsibility of entertaining them. Even Daya and Erya were assigned the task of serving their friends.
Xia Qianqian nodded. She placed the red wedding dress she would wear tomorrow on the bed, then looked up at Lu Zheng with a faint smile on her face: "Don't worry, I'll rest in a bit and make sure I don't miss the auspicious time tomorrow."
Lu Zheng's tone carried a hint of apology: "Qianqian, I'm afraid I can't stay with you tonight. The brothers have already arrived, and I need to go to the front to make some arrangements."
Xia Qianqian naturally knew that Lu Zheng would be extremely busy today, from preparations during the day to arranging for guests from afar in the evening; he was practically never on his feet.
Even so, he still thought about her.
She smiled understandingly: "Go ahead, business is important. I'm a grown woman, I can take care of myself, you don't need to worry."
Seeing how sensible she was, Lu Zheng felt even more comforted. He reached out and ruffled her hair before turning to leave, saying, "I'll go now."
I slept without any dreams.
As soon as the rooster crowed, Xia Qianqian got out of bed. Still sleepy, she hurriedly put on her coat and was about to wash up when she heard footsteps outside.
Before she could react, Sister Wufu, who specialized in helping people with their hair and makeup, walked in.
Xia Qianqian secretly rejoiced, "What a close call! I almost got trapped in bed!"
She quickly took out the red envelope she had prepared beforehand from her pocket and respectfully handed it to Sister Wufu.
Sister Wufu accepted the red envelope with a smile, muttering auspicious words as she quickly helped Xia Qianqian with her makeup and dressing.
Just as I finished putting my hair up, the door creaked open.
Lin Shulan walked in, and upon seeing her daughter in her red wedding dress, she could no longer hold back her tears.
She stroked her daughter's face: "Qianqian, from now on you're a member of the Lu family. When you get to your husband's family, you must take good care of him, be filial to your mother-in-law, and get along well with everyone in the family..."
Before she could finish speaking, she burst into tears.
Looking at her graceful daughter, Lin Shulan felt a pang of sadness. This child had finally returned to her side, and she, as her mother, had barely warmed her heart before she was about to marry someone else.
Fortunately, Xia Qianqian understood her thoughts and quickly grasped Lin Shulan's slightly cool hand: "Mom, don't be sad. Although your daughter is married, she will always be your daughter. Moreover, I am not 'marrying' into someone else's family; I am taking Lu Zheng with me to take care of you."
Lin Shulan, who was immersed in sadness, was amused by her words and laughed: "You silly girl, you have such a sweet tongue! What kind of new bride talks like that? Aren't you afraid people will laugh at you? Aren't you ashamed?"
She put a red velvet flower in Xia Qianqian's hair and said, "Alright, alright, Mom knows you mean well. But you can't be so outspoken in public."
Xia Qianqian was already dressed up. Her bright red wedding dress made her skin look as white as snow and her features as beautiful as a painting. She exuded an indescribable radiance and charm.
"Crackling and popping—" A burst of festive firecrackers suddenly exploded, and red paper scraps scattered like flowers in the sky. Accompanied by the noise, the door was pulled open.
Xia Damin slowly squatted down in front of his sister, and Xia Qianqian leaned on his broad back. He stood up, steadily carried his sister on his back, and walked step by step into the wedding tent that had been set up.
In the center of the wedding tent, Lu Zheng was already waiting. He was dressed in a smart dark blue Zhongshan suit, his eyes fixed on the two of them, filled with an intense and unwavering love.
After his sister regained her footing, Xia Damin looked at the man who was about to marry her, his face showing a hint of reluctance. He spoke in a gruff voice, "Lu Zheng, this is my only sister. I'm entrusting her to you today! If you dare to treat her badly, I won't let you off the hook!"
As soon as he finished speaking, good-natured laughter erupted from the crowd.
Lu Zheng solemnly took Xia Qianqian's hand, looked up at Xia Damin, and said firmly, "Brother-in-law, rest assured, in my life, Qianqian is the only one in my heart and eyes. I will cherish her with my life. If anything goes wrong, you don't need to lift a finger, I will take my own life!"
When the villagers of Xiangyang Village heard Lu Zheng's resounding words, cheers and applause rose and fell. Lu Zheng's brothers were even more excited, clapping their hands loudly. They all thought to themselves: "Big brother is indeed big brother. He speaks with such domineering power!"
Seeing that the atmosphere was just right, the production team leader cleared his throat, strode to the front, and began to solemnly read the marriage vows.
"We come from all corners of the country, united by a common revolutionary goal! Comrade Lu Zheng and Comrade Xia Qianqian are legally married today! We hope that in your future life you will respect and love each other, help each other, continue to carry forward the revolutionary spirit, and serve the people wholeheartedly!"
As soon as the words were spoken, thunderous applause once again resounded throughout the wedding tent. Under the guidance of the village officials, Xia Qianqian and Lu Zheng first bowed deeply to their parents to express their gratitude for their upbringing, and then bowed to the revolutionary masses present.
The festive atmosphere was in full swing, with villagers busy serving dishes and setting out bowls, preparing for the feast.
Just then, a sharp shout of cursing suddenly came from outside the courtyard gate.
"You heartless, rotten-hearted dogs! You've ruined my Huang family so badly, and you still have the nerve to hold a banquet here! Today, I'll smash this wretched place to pieces!"
A group of men with menacing expressions, carrying sickles, hoes, and other weapons, stormed in.
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