Zhuque Street in the capital seemed to be ignited by the morning glow. Red silk poured out from the majestic vermilion gates of the Shen Mansion, like a rushing red river, overflowing the bluestone pavement and winding to the horizon. The golden "囍" (double happiness) character shone brightly in the sunlight, illuminating every joyful face. The deafening sound of gongs and drums, and the high-pitched suona horns, made the air feel hot, the sound waves carrying the sulfurous smell of firecrackers and the clamor of the crowd, sweeping through the entire street.
"The bride is here!"
The children's cheerful cheers pierced through the clamor. Sixteen strong sedan chair bearers, dressed in brand-new red jackets, carried the magnificent eight-bearer sedan chair on their shoulders, their steps steady as mountains. The sedan chair curtains, embroidered with gold thread, shimmered and sparkled, and the hanging tassels swayed gently with the chair, scattering glittering gold dust. Beads of sweat rolling down the bearers' arms fell onto the smooth blue bricks, instantly crushed by countless pairs of eager feet, blending into the boiling joyous atmosphere.
Inside the sedan chair, Lin Qingwan sat gracefully amidst a soft, crimson carpet. A heavy veil obscured her vision, leaving her in an endless, heart-pounding darkness. However, unlike the usual trepidation and bewilderment of a bride, her heart was filled with a warm, overflowing joy, almost bursting from her chest. Her fingertips unconsciously traced the smooth jade bracelet hidden in her sleeve—Yuewei's keepsake, her anchor of peace at this moment. She could clearly hear the deafening clamor outside, the sounds seemingly carrying Shen Wenbai's presence. She knew that every step closer meant getting closer to him. Her red lips curved subtly beneath the veil, tracing a sweet and resolute arc known only to herself.
The gates of the Shen Mansion swung open, unleashing a torrent of clamor and wealth. The front courtyard was already teeming with dignitaries, nobles, wealthy merchants, and even foreign travelers from afar. The aroma of fine wine and delicacies, the sweet scent of cosmetics, and the gleam of gold and jewels intertwined to create a dazzling spectacle of extravagance.
Inside the main hall, enormous dragon and phoenix red candles burned brightly, their wax dripping like gold. The groom, Shen Wenbai, stood before the hall, his auspicious red robes accentuating his handsome face and upright posture. A gentle smile played on his lips as he bowed to the guests, his demeanor composed and elegant. However, when the bridal sedan chair, carrying his heart's desire, finally landed steadily outside the door, the gentle light in his eyes instantly ignited, like a deep pool ignited by a spark, bursting forth with a fervent and focused brilliance. That light pierced through the guests and the clamor of the hall, fixing firmly on the direction of the sedan chair curtain, making no attempt to conceal the anticipation and deep affection within. This gaze even brought a knowing smile to his composed and steady elder brother, Shen Wenqing, standing beside him, while his sister-in-law, He Mingzhu, holding the babbling Shen Rui, beamed with joy.
"The auspicious time has arrived—!"
The master of ceremonies' loud pronouncements were like a command, and the hall instantly quieted down, with all eyes focused on the magnificent sedan chair.
The curtain stirred. A foot adorned with bright red shoes embroidered with gold mandarin ducks landed steadily on the spread-out red carpet. Then, Lin Qingwan, the bride, dressed in an elaborate wedding gown and covered with a red veil, emerged gracefully, supported by the matchmaker. Her figure was slender, and though her steps were slow, they carried an inner calm and strength. Beneath the red veil, no one could see her face; only the composure emanating from her posture and the subtle joy she exuded made Shen Wenbai's eyes shine even brighter.
"I bow to Heaven and Earth—!"
The newlyweds turned and bowed deeply to the vast blue sky outside the hall. Their movements were perfectly synchronized, filled with reverence and gratitude for the union ordained by heaven and earth.
"Second bow to the parents—!"
Turning to the elderly couple in the hall, Mr. and Mrs. Shen were beaming with contentment. Mrs. Shen's eyes, though moist with longing for her daughter Yuewei far away in Jiangnan, were softened by the sight of the perfect couple before her, especially the overflowing happiness in her son's eyes. Mr. Shen stroked his beard, smiling and nodding repeatedly. The hall was filled with the deepest blessings for the newlyweds.
"Husband and wife bow to each other—!"
At this moment, the clamor seemed to vanish completely. Shen Wenbai and Lin Qingwan stood facing each other, separated by the red silk symbolizing their union. Shen Wenbai's gaze seemed to carry warmth, penetrating the red silk and gently enveloping her. Lin Qingwan could clearly feel the burning intensity and tenderness in his gaze. The two bowed slowly at the same time, their movements tacit and solemn. Just as their heads lowered slightly, a barely audible sigh of satisfaction escaped from Shen Wenbai's lips, a sound only he could hear. Lin Qingwan, beneath her veil, had cheeks already flushed crimson, her heart pounding like a drum, yet her lips were turned up in a smile. This bow was the most solemn confirmation and surrender of two hearts that had long pledged themselves to each other, witnessed by heaven and earth and their kin.
"The ceremony is complete! Lead them to the bridal chamber!"
A louder roar erupted, filled with blessings and laughter that echoed through the sky. Surrounded by the crowd and their well-meaning cheers, Shen Wenbai carefully, with an almost protective gesture, took the other end of the red ribbon and led Lin Qingwan towards their new home in the backyard. His steps were steady, each one filled with reverence. The red ribbon stretched taut between them, like an invisible bond, tightly connecting their hearts.
In the courtyard, the enormous South Sea red coral tree, more than half a person tall and resembling solidified flames, had its red silk veil removed, revealing its breathtaking beauty under the sunlight, drawing gasps of amazement from the guests.
"Brother Wenbai, what a generous gesture! Congratulations!"
"Master Shen and his wife are truly a match made in heaven!"
Shen Wenbai responded with a smile, his gaze frequently lingering tenderly on the direction the red ribbon trailed beside him. The steward, Shen Fu, promptly announced the arrival of the congratulatory gifts from Miss Shen Yuewei of Jiangnan—elegant brocade, warm writing implements, and precious ancient books, each item carefully chosen, eliciting cheers from Shen Wensong, praise from Shen Wenqing, and admiration from He Mingzhu. Mother Shen smiled as she looked at the gifts, her longing for her daughter slightly soothed by the thoughtful present, and a sense of fulfillment towards her son and daughter-in-law growing stronger.
The clamor was shut out by the heavy, carved wooden doors, leaving only the soft crackling of burning red candles and a tranquil, sweet aroma—a blend of sandalwood, new wood, and silk—in the bridal chamber. The room was a dazzling red, a warm and enchanting shade.
Lin Qingwan sat upright on the edge of the bed, her heart still pounding. The veil blocked her view, but it couldn't block out the approaching, steady, and familiar footsteps. Each step felt like it was treading on her heart. She knew it was him.
The door was gently pushed open, carrying the lingering warmth of the lively atmosphere outside and a faint smell of alcohol. Footsteps stopped in front of her. She could feel that focused, smiling gaze, which, even through the red silk, made her body slightly flushed.
Then, the cool steelyard tip gently probed the edge of the veil. The movement carried a solemn tenderness, and then a gentle force slowly lifted it upwards.
The red silk slid down like a curtain.
The flickering candlelight instantly flooded her vision, bringing a warm, dizzying glow. Her vision cleared, and the first thing she saw was a pair of eyes brimming with starlight and laughter—Shen Wenbai stood holding scales, gazing down at her with focused, bright eyes, as if admiring a rare treasure, making no attempt to hide his amazement and satisfaction. Gone was his usual gentle composure; at this moment, his eyes were clean, open, and filled with the undisguised love and joy unique to a newlywed.
"Qingwan." He spoke, his voice deep and mellow, carrying a hint of tipsiness and barely suppressed joy, clearly calling her name as if plucking a string in his heart.
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