Tea Wedding
Chapter 27: Tea Wedding
On the wedding day, the sky was clear and the breeze was gentle.
The Evening Fragrance Teahouse has been adorned with a fresh new look, yet retains its quaint elegance. The old locust tree at the entrance is festooned with red lanterns and colorful ribbons, while rows of blooming jasmine flowers line its sides, their fragrance intoxicating. Below the teahouse's plaque hangs a large red silk scroll, embroidered with the Chinese character "囍" (Happy Birthday) in gold thread.
The guests arrived early, mostly well-dressed relatives, friends and regular customers of the teahouse. They gathered in twos and threes, sipping tea and chatting, their faces filled with smiles of blessing.
Shen Qingci, wearing her wedding dress embroidered with jasmine flowers, sat in the backyard of the teahouse while Grandpa Chen covered her with a red veil. The veil was made of brocade and embroidered with a lotus pattern, symbolizing eternal love.
"Qingci girl, today is such a good day." Grandpa Chen's voice was a little choked with sobs. "If your grandmother knew about this, she would definitely be happy for you."
Shen Qingci's eyes also turned red, and she nodded gently: "Yes, I know."
Meanwhile, Gu Yanchen, dressed in a neatly tailored Mao suit, stood at the entrance of the teahouse to greet the guests. His face was filled with uncontrollable joy, but his eyes kept drifting towards the backyard, anticipating the sight of his bride.
When the auspicious time arrived, the melodious sound of the guzheng began to sound.
Gu Yanchen took Shen Qingci's hand and slowly walked into the teahouse. He gently lifted the red veil from Shen Qingci's head, revealing her face with a shy smile. The guests applauded and congratulated her, with applause and cheers rising one after another.
The wedding ceremony took place in the teahouse's main hall. On the altar in the main hall were tea sets, tea leaves, and a pair of red candles. The emcee, a respected veteran tea connoisseur, spoke in a gentle yet solemn voice: "Today, we gather at the 'Wanxiang Teahouse' to witness the beautiful marriage of Mr. Gu Yanchen and Miss Shen Qingci. Their love is as mellow and fragrant as tea. Having weathered the test of time, they have finally become a couple."
Next, there is the "tea ceremony".
Gu Yanchen and Shen Qingci brewed a cup of hot tea for both sets of parents. This tea was made with Taiping Houkui tea, symbolizing good luck and prosperity. The parents took the teacup, took a sip, and smiled with satisfaction. Then, they each gave their parents a generous red envelope.
They then offered tea to the elders and guests present. This cup of Heytea, a carefully blended jasmine honey tea, was refreshingly sweet and delicious, symbolizing sweetness and happiness. The guests accepted the cups and offered their well wishes.
After the ceremony, guests moved to the front and back courtyards of the teahouse for refreshments and lunch. The dishes on the table also incorporated elements of tea, including tea-flavored spare ribs, Longjing shrimp, and tea eggs. Each dish was unique and delicious.
In the afternoon, a small "tea party" was held in the teahouse. Gu Yanchen and Shen Qingci brewed different kinds of tea for the guests and shared their stories with tea, as well as their love stories.
As the sun sets and the wedding draws to a close, the guests leave one after another, each taking away a special tea-flavored wedding candy and a small jar of tea.
Gu Yanchen and Shen Qingci stood at the door of the teahouse, watching the guests leave.
"Are you tired today?" Gu Yanchen held Shen Qingci's hand and said with concern.
Shen Qingci shook his head and said with a smile: "I'm not tired, I'm very happy today. Thank you, Yan Chen, for giving me such a special wedding."
"This is the wedding I wanted too." Gu Yanchen lowered his head and kissed her forehead. "Qingci, I love you."
"I love you too."
The afterglow of the setting sun shone on them, warm and dazzling. The aroma of tea in the teahouse was still strong, and the air was filled with the smell of happiness.
Their love began with tea and ended with marriage. In the days to come, they will drink tea together, live together, and write their own chapter of happiness together in this teahouse filled with memories and the fragrance of tea.
(End of text)
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