Liu Feng found it amusing.
He knew this was a unique "bride-blocking" custom from his hometown, intended to test the groom's sincerity and wisdom, adding fun and joy to the wedding. But these people were acting a little too realistically, and he was afraid that Liu Fei and the others might impulsively cause trouble.
So Liu Feng hurriedly rode forward, with Yun Yi and Feng Ling, the two young Taoist disciples, following closely behind, curiously observing everything.
The man in black looked at the groom riding a tall white horse and laughed, "Hehe, groom, how can you bring your bride home so easily? Today is a special day, and many people want to see your charm. We have a small test for you, and we hope the groom will accept it."
Upon hearing this, Liu Feng laughed heartily, lightly leaped down from his horse, and bowed, saying, "Fellow villagers, today is my wedding day, Liu Feng. Thank you all for your enthusiastic support. I am willing to accept this test. May I ask, how should the prize be given?"
The man in black smiled slightly, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes: "Then let's test the groom's wisdom, to see if he's all show and no substance?"
He waved, and a young man stepped forward, taking out a large cloth bag from his pocket, which was filled with colorful riddle slips: "Please draw a riddle. If you can answer it, you can pass without hindrance; if you can't answer it, you can only turn back, or leave enough lucky money."
Without hesitation, Liu Feng reached into his bag and pulled out a slip of paper. Everyone held their breath, eagerly awaiting his answer.
He slowly unfolded the slip of paper, his gaze sweeping over the riddle, a slight smile playing on his lips: "A creature born handsome, its heart unchanging for a thousand years; a flower blooming for a lifetime, its affection as deep as the sea. What is this?"
He smiled slightly, a glint of inspiration flashing in his eyes; he already had the answer in his heart.
However, he did not rush to reveal it. Instead, he slowly walked towards the bride's sedan chair, lowered his head and whispered to Yu Jingya, "Jingya, you are the flower of my life. My love for you is as deep as the sea."
He turned around, his voice clear and bright: "The answer is 'love'."
The crowd was momentarily stunned, then burst into applause. The man in black exclaimed, "As expected of the groom, he is indeed clever and quick-witted, managing to answer this question correctly!"
"Alright! No obstruction!" He waved his hand, and the line of people blocking the way began to disperse. However, the man in black added, "The groom is quite witty; given this situation, could he perhaps recite a poem to add to the festive atmosphere?"
"Reciting poetry?"
Liu Feng turned to look at the bride, who sat gracefully in the bridal sedan chair, holding an apple, adorned with a phoenix coronet and embroidered robes, her beauty breathtaking. Through the half-hidden light of the sunset, their eyes met, their love as tender as water.
A warm feeling welled up in his heart, and he immediately opened his mouth and composed a song:
Welcoming the Bride
The groom rides a horse, while the bride sits in a sedan chair.
Flowers line the roadside, and the wedding procession stretches for miles.
The sound of drums and music spread in all directions, and joyful songs filled the air.
The phoenix and the dragon sing in harmony; Heaven has ordained a propitious time for them.
…
The groom rides a horse, while the bride sits in a sedan chair.
The morning glow reflects the newlyweds, and the rain of flowers sprinkles the auspicious place.
The bridal sedan chair jingled with golden bells, and the phoenix coronet shone brightly on her beautiful figure.
The road ahead is long and arduous, but I wish to walk it with you.
…
He composed poems fluently, each word simple and unadorned, yet filled with emotion, moving all the guests present.
Someone in the crowd whispered a compliment: "This groom is truly a man of exceptional literary talent and dashing charm!"
Upon hearing this, the man in black couldn't help but laugh and say, "Indeed, they are a perfect match, a hero and a beauty! Today's groom and bride are a match made in heaven, destined for a long and happy life together!" As soon as he finished speaking, the guests echoed his sentiments, and laughter and applause rang out together.
Liu Feng turned around and looked at Yu Jingya sitting in the sedan chair, a gentle wave of emotion already rising in his heart.
As the command "Good things are coming" was given, the bridal sedan chair continued to move slowly forward, with the red carpet spread out beneath its feet. The surrounding blessings and the sound of gongs and drums intertwined, and the entire wedding was immersed in a strong atmosphere of joy and happiness.
Behind the wedding procession followed two strange men, one of whom asked, "Should we stop the wedding?"
Another person replied, "It's better to tear down ten temples than to break up one marriage. Let's wait until they've finished their wedding ceremony."
...
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