The military region's chefs and the village's skilled women worked together to design the menu, aiming to retain the simplicity and abundance of a rural banquet while also meeting the military region's standards for hosting banquets.
Su Yuzhen was extremely busy every day, taking care of the tofu shop business while also trying on wedding dresses and finalizing the wedding arrangements.
Xia Mengsheng became the liaison between the two families, traveling back and forth between the city and the countryside.
On the 28th day of the twelfth lunar month, the two families gathered in the main hall of the Su family home for their final discussion before the wedding.
Xia Weiguo pointed to the list and said.
"Regarding the guests, there are about twenty tables from the military region, mostly old comrades-in-arms and colleagues from Meng Sheng's work unit."
Su Jianguo nodded.
"We have many relatives and friends here, at least thirty tables. Add to that the villagers...we'll probably need to prepare sixty tables."
Sixty tables?
Mrs. Xia was slightly surprised.
"Can we accommodate so many people?"
Wang Xiulan said with a smile.
"Don't worry, Mother-in-law, it's common for banquets in our village to have dozens of tables. Neighbors and villagers will all come to help; it's best to have a lively and festive atmosphere."
Xia Weiguo burst into laughter.
"Great! I love this lively atmosphere! Those banquets at the military region are so boring, everyone's so pretentious!"
...
The morning of the 29th day of the twelfth lunar month.
Early in the morning.
"Yuzhen, get up quickly!"
Wang Xiulan knocked on her daughter's bedroom door.
"The Xia family's car arrived at eight o'clock, so hurry up and get ready."
Su Yuzhen opened her eyes groggily; it was still pitch black outside the window.
She rubbed her eyes and suddenly realized that today was the day she was trying on her wedding dress, and she instantly came to her senses.
"Mom, I'm up!"
As she responded, she picked up the dragon and phoenix jade pendant given to her by the Xia family from the bedside and gently stroked its warm, smooth surface.
This jade pendant has now become her most precious possession, and she doesn't even want to take it off when she sleeps.
Su Jianguo's voice could be heard coming from the courtyard, along with the sounds of Su Mingqiang and Su Mingfu talking in hushed tones.
Since the wedding date was set, the whole family has been busy as if wound up.
Su Yuzhen got dressed and opened the door. The cold air rushed in, but it also carried a festive feeling.
"Sis, here you go."
Su Mingfu handed over a steaming hot roasted sweet potato.
"Eat it while it's hot, we'll be busy soon."
Su Yuzhen took the sweet potato, and warmth spread from her palms to her heart.
"Yuzhen, come here."
Su Jianguo put down the axe and took out a red cloth bag from his pocket.
"This is what your father prepared for you."
Su Yuzhen opened it with curiosity, and inside was a pair of gold earrings, exquisitely crafted, sparkling in the morning light.
"Dad! How much will this cost?!"
She looked up in surprise.
Su Jianguo smiled.
“Now that our family is better off, how can my daughter’s wedding be shabby?”
His eyes were a little moist.
“You’re marrying the son of a commander; I can’t let you be looked down upon.”
Wang Xiulan came out of the kitchen, saw this scene, and wiped her eyes.
"Alright, alright, enough with the sentimentality so early in the morning. Yuzhen, come and eat, they'll be here soon."
The family sat around the square table in the main room, the steaming porridge and freshly steamed buns emitting an enticing aroma.
Just then, the door suddenly opened.
Su Yufen stepped into the courtyard, looking travel-worn, followed by two boys.
It was Da Mao and Er Mao.
"Big sister?"
Su Yuzhen got up in surprise.
"Why did you suddenly come back?"
Su Yufen pushed her two sons forward.
"Quickly, call for help!"
"Auntie!"
Da Mao bowed respectfully, but Er Mao rushed up and hugged Su Yuzhen's leg.
"My aunt is going to be a bride!"
Wang Xiulan came out upon hearing the noise and, upon seeing her daughter and grandson, burst into tears.
"You brat, you finally decided to come back!"
"Mom, I stayed up three nights in a row to finish the year-end accounting for our two stores."
Su Yufen rubbed her temples; there were obvious dark circles under her eyes.
"How could I, as the eldest sister, miss Yuzhen's wedding?"
Back when Su Jianguo was fully focused on developing the vegetable base, the two stores in Sijiu City had already been handed over to Su Yufen for management.
Su Yufen lived up to expectations, and the two stores grew bigger and bigger.
She even stayed at the shop.
It was precisely because Su Yufen had done a good job that Su Jianguo had time to set up the vegetable greenhouse.
With Su Yufen's return, the entire Su family is now together.
The day went by in a flash.
As evening fell, the Su family courtyard was already brightly decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, and large red "double happiness" characters were pasted all over the doors and windows.
A dozen or so skilled women in the village were busy in the courtyard preparing ingredients for tomorrow's banquet.
"Yuzhen, come and try on your wedding dress."
Wang Xiulan called out from the inner room.
Su Yuzhen entered the room and saw a bright red cheongsam spread on the bed, embroidered with exquisite phoenix patterns.
This was specially ordered by Mrs. Xia from the best tailor shop in Beijing.
"it's beautiful..."
She sighed softly, her fingers tracing the silky fabric.
"Hurry up and put it on so Mom can see it."
Tears welled up in Wang Xiulan's eyes.
When Su Yuzhen put on her wedding dress and stood in front of the mirror, she was stunned.
The woman in the mirror had bright eyes and white teeth. Her red wedding dress made her skin look as white as snow, and her long black hair was draped over her shoulders. She radiated youthful beauty.
"My daughter is so beautiful..."
Wang Xiulan wiped away her tears.
"When Meng Sheng sees him tomorrow, I guarantee he'll be completely mesmerized."
Just as the mother and daughter were immersed in joy, a commotion suddenly broke out outside the courtyard.
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