By the end of October, Heilongjiang Province had already turned cool, and the wind blew, swirling up the withered leaves on the ground.
But the military compound was filled with a joyous atmosphere, dispelling all the chill.
The cafeteria was bustling with activity.
The cutting board was piled high with fresh vegetables, as well as pork and fish specially purchased by the logistics department.
A group of people were busy working around.
Wearing an apron and carrying a bunch of green vegetables, Wang Chunmei smiled and called to the military wives around her, "Sisters, come and lend a hand! Some of you are picking vegetables, some of you are washing vegetables. Today we have to make Commander Jiang and Xinghe's wedding a lively and joyous occasion!"
Several military wives immediately gathered around, sat on chairs and picked vegetables, chatting as they worked.
"Xinghe is a beautiful and kind-hearted girl who can also heal the sick and save lives. Commander Jiang is also a meritorious official of our military. The two of them are a perfect match, a match made in heaven!"
“That’s right!” another military wife nodded. “If Xinghe gives birth to two more children for Commander Jiang in a while, making a boy and a girl, life will be wonderful!”
Meanwhile, the soldiers were not idle on the open space outside the canteen.
They rolled up their sleeves, moved ladders, hung red lanterns, and pasted up big red "double happiness" characters, busy as bees.
Today is the day Xu Xinghe and Jiang Linchuan are holding their wedding banquet.
The military made a special announcement that, except for those on guard duty or with urgent work, everyone else could take a day off to share in the joy of the newlyweds.
Red lanterns were hung up one by one, making the whole courtyard glow red.
The bright red "double happiness" characters pasted on the doors and windows are particularly eye-catching, and even the cold wind seems to be infected by this festive atmosphere, blowing more gently.
On the other side, Xu Xinghe's courtyard was unusually quiet.
She sat upright in front of the dressing table, with Xiao Li, a nurse from the military hospital, standing beside her.
She's very skillful and knows how to braid elaborate hairstyles. I came here today specifically to style her hair.
Xiao Li took a comb and carefully combed Xu Xinghe's long hair. Her fingers moved nimbly through the strands of hair, and in no time, she had braided an exquisite bun and pinned it with a small flower made of red silk.
"Okay, Xinghe, look!" Xiao Li held her shoulders and made her look in the mirror.
Xu Xinghe looked up and saw that the girl in the mirror had beautiful eyebrows and eyes, and her face was lightly made up, which made her skin look even whiter and more delicate. Her already bright eyes were now even more shy and moist, and she had a charming look in her eyes.
Today she wore a tailor-made red cheongsam with a soft fox fur trim around the collar and cuffs, which was both windproof and elegant.
The cheongsam was made of the finest silk, clinging to her body and outlining her slender figure. The hem of the skirt was just past her knees, and she paired it with a pair of red leather shoes.
The red cheongsam accentuated her rosy lips and white teeth, and her eyes and brows were full of the charm of a bride, making her so beautiful that it was impossible to look away.
"Xinghe, you're so beautiful! You look even more gorgeous with makeup on! Wearing this red cheongsam, you look like a bride straight out of a painting!" Xiao Li couldn't help but exclaim, her eyes full of envy. "I wish I could be that beautiful."
Xu Xinghe looked at herself in the mirror, her cheeks slightly flushed.
She picked up the lipstick from the table, unscrewed the cap, and carefully applied it.
It was something she had brought from Shanghai; its color was bright but not ostentatious.
When applied to the lips, it instantly adds a touch of color.
Just then, a burst of laughter and footsteps came from outside the courtyard gate, and someone shouted, "Is the bride ready? The groom is here to pick her up!"
"Commander Jiang is here to get a wife!"
Xu Xinghe's heart skipped a beat. She hurriedly put down the lipstick, sat up straight nervously, and her palms were slightly sweaty.
Xiao Li helped her straighten the collar of her cheongsam. "Don't be nervous, we're all family here!"
No sooner had he finished speaking than the courtyard gate creaked open.
Jiang Linchuan walked in surrounded by a group of soldiers.
He was dressed in a crisp military uniform today, his epaulets gleaming, and a large red flower pinned to his chest, which made his posture even more upright.
The sharpness in his eyes and brows has lessened, replaced by a gentler look.
When he saw Xu Xinghe sitting in front of the dressing table, his eyes lit up instantly.
The surrounding soldiers also exclaimed in surprise.
"My goodness! Comrade Xu is so beautiful!"
"Commander Jiang is so lucky to have married such a beautiful woman!"
"What a perfect match!"
Everyone showered him with praise.
Jiang Linchuan strode to Xu Xinghe's side and extended his large hand, "Xinghe, I've come to pick you up."
Xu Xinghe looked up at him, her cheeks flushed, and gently placed her hand in his palm.
His warm and strong hands instantly gave her a strong sense of security.
According to local custom, the groom must put shoes on the bride first when picking her up from the wedding party.
Jiang Linchuan bent down, knelt on one knee, and carefully picked up Xu Xinghe's little leather shoes, helping her put them on.
Amidst the laughter of the crowd, he bent down and picked Xu Xinghe up in his arms.
In Northeast China, it is customary for the groom to carry the bride out of the house during the wedding procession, symbolizing that he will take good care of her and not let her suffer any grievances in the future.
Xu Xinghe gasped and instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing her cheek tightly against his chest, listening to his rapid heartbeat, her heart filled with sweetness.
It turns out that not only was he nervous, but he wasn't much better off; he just looked the part.
Upon seeing this, the people in the courtyard applauded and cheered.
"Commander Jiang, quickly carry the bride to the canteen, everyone is waiting to drink the wedding wine!"
"You'd better hold on tight, don't let the bride run away!"
Jiang Linchuan smiled and responded, picked up Xu Xinghe, and walked out of the courtyard surrounded by the crowd.
A gust of cold wind blew, and Xu Xinghe instinctively shrank into his arms.
Jiang Linchuan tightened his arms around her, using his military jacket to shield her, and strode towards the cafeteria.
The sunlight shone on the two of them, making the red flowers on their chests appear particularly vibrant.
Stepping into the cafeteria, it had already been completely renovated.
Several long tables were put together, covered with a clean and flat red cloth, along with enamel bowls and enamel mugs.
A pot of hot tea was placed in the center of each table, and several baskets of apples and oranges were piled up in the corner.
There were also candies specially reserved by the logistics department, all of which were rare items.
Besides being covered with large red "double happiness" characters, the walls also displayed banners wishing Comrade Jiang Linchuan and Comrade Xu Xinghe a happy marriage, creating a particularly ceremonial atmosphere.
The crowd escorted the two to the main table where they sat down.
Soon, the cafeteria gradually filled up with people.
Even at the entrance, several young soldiers who hadn't managed to get a spot were standing, all with smiles on their faces, waiting to drink the celebratory wine.
Political Commissar Wang cleared his throat and walked to the platform in front of the canteen.
He picked up the megaphone and said with a smile, "Comrades, quiet down! Today is the wedding day of Commander Jiang Linchuan and Comrade Xu Xinghe. As the officiant, I'd like to say a few words to everyone!"
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