Chapter 95
September of the year Guiyou.
The refugees who fled from the north to the south have just experienced their first harvest after settling down. This means that the government will no longer distribute relief grains, and it also means that the people who settled down last year have taken root in this land and have been accepted by this land with tolerance.
Some families, upon first settling down in the area, hastily finalize their children's marriages in order to improve their lives, using marriage to exchange for or obtain more benefits and food rations. Others, however, only after nearly a year of settling down do they carefully consider marriage and make lifelong commitments.
Today, a wedding is taking place in Wupai Village, and the whole surrounding area knows about it.
The stars in the sky were still twinkling when the groom's relatives and friends arrived one after another.
Pang Zhishan was trusted by Xun Yi and served as a council member for this marriage.
Under the light of three or five torches, his dark and thin face shone somewhat. After counting the number of people present, he peeked into the kitchen and called out Chen Sanhe and Chen Lian, who were tending the fire and preparing breakfast.
"Now that everyone's here, I'll say a few words."
"Today is a joyous day for Xun, and we are all his uncles, aunts, and cousins, invited to help out. Be careful and do your best in your work today, and don't make any mistakes."
Everyone agreed.
Those who could come to help were all people who knew what was important and what wasn't. Pang Zhishan said a few words and then stopped emphasizing, "You all still remember the arrangements I made yesterday, what each of you was supposed to do today, right?"
"I'll say it again now, you all remember your tasks."
"Pang Dazhi, go to Wutou Village immediately to pick up the pork and fish you ordered. Remember, the total amount of meat is thirty catties and the fish is ten. Butcher Zhang promised to send a few large bones. Take a basket with you and walk quickly."
"Wang Songhu, Pang Qingshui, Pang Qi, Wang Jincai... you are all here to help carry the dowry during the wedding procession. Let me be clear from the start: you should eat well at breakfast. Don't try to save Xun boy some food, or you'll end up with weak legs and unable to carry the bride's dowry later!"
Everyone burst into laughter, and Pang Zhishan smiled as well, but quickly suppressed his smile and resumed his solemn demeanor.
Who will be in charge of the kitchen today? Who will wash the vegetables, who will chop them, and who will cook? How many dishes will be served at the banquet later, and what will they be like?
Who will move the tables, chairs, benches, bowls, and chopsticks needed for the banquet? Who will borrow them? What is the latest time they need to be borrowed from each household?
More importantly, he gave instructions on everything, including the time to depart for the mountain to fetch the bride and when to hold the wedding ceremony.
Busy at the foot of the mountain, busy on the mountain too.
Today, before the Xun family arrives to fetch the bride, the Shu family will also hold a banquet, called the "departure banquet."
Shu Yanrong and his family arrived at Wupai Village before dawn.
If marriage and weddings take place simultaneously in the same village, the villagers will both benefit and suffer.
On this day, most of the strong men in the village went to help at the Xun family's house, while the quick and efficient women stayed at the Shu family's house.
When Xu Zhen arrived at the Shu family, the first thing she did was check on Shu Wanxiu's complexion. The second thing she did was tell her that she was the bride today and didn't need to do any work. Fearing that Shu Wanxiu might feel restless, she specially assigned Shu Tingyi to look after her.
The aunties who came to help were already busy washing pots and vegetables. Shu Wanxiu sat in the bedroom listening to the sounds. Besides Shu Tingyi, who was with her, there were only dowry and betrothal gifts all over the room.
As dawn broke, Xu Zhen brought Shu Wanxiu a bowl of sweet soup with two poached eggs.
"Eat quickly, the matchmaker has arrived. After you finish eating, it's time to get ready."
Shu Wanxiu finished eating in a daze, and then Wang Longcui, the matchmaker, took the wedding favors and went into the house.
She was only seven or eight years older than Shu Wanxiu, but she already had both a son and a daughter, and was also very skilled at dressing up.
As she watched her lay out the items one by one, Shu Wanxiu slowly exhaled.
"Thank you for your trouble, sister-in-law." The voice was not composed.
Wang Longcui took a comb and went behind her to gently smooth her hair. "Don't be afraid, just close your eyes and let me do your hair."
Outside, the sounds of preparations for the banquet continued. Wang Longcui nimbly styled Shu Wanxiu's hair, and after neatly adorning it with hairpins, she then opened Shu Wanxiu's face and trimmed her eyebrows.
...
"Alright, are you satisfied now?"
Shu Wanxiu slowly opened her eyes and saw her face in a small bronze mirror.
She could feel that she had applied makeup to her face, but even after seeing her reflection in the bronze mirror, Shu Wanxiu still couldn't quite recognize herself.
She tilted her head slightly to the left and right, and the person in the mirror moved accordingly.
Unbeknownst to Shu Wanxiu, Shu Tingyi, standing to her side, was already stunned.
Even the clearest bronze mirror cannot reflect as clearly as the human eye. Only by standing at Shu Tingyi's angle can one truly see how beautiful Shu Wanxiu is at this moment.
Shu Wanxiu is naturally fair-skinned, and with some makeup, her face appears even more like jade and her eyes as black as lacquer.
"It's so...so beautiful."
Shu Tingyi lingered, unwilling to look away.
Not long after the wedding banquet ended, the noisy wedding procession arrived outside.
Amidst the sound of firecrackers, Shu Wanxiu, dressed in her finest attire, covered her head with a veil and was helped into the main room by the matchmaker.
Before getting married, one must bid farewell to one's parents. Since Shu Wanxiu's parents had passed away, she bowed to the north and then bid farewell to Shu Yanrong and Xu Zhen.
Not to mention that Shu Yanrong and Xu Zhen had been helping with the wedding arrangements, their care and assistance during the escape from famine was already a life-saving grace.
"Wanxiu bids farewell to you both." The bright red veil concealed her tearful eyes, and her choked voice revealed her current state.
Xu Zhen helped her up with both hands, saying, "On such a joyous occasion, crying is not allowed."
"Go, go, go live a good life."
The matchmaker stepped forward and, together with Xu Zhen, helped her onto the oxcart, one on each side.
Today, Shu Shouyi wore new clothes and wandered around watching the excitement. Xu Zhen beckoned him over and said, "Your aunt is getting married, good boy. Do you remember what I told you yesterday? Follow the carriage to your Uncle Xun's house. No! It's your uncle's house."
Uncle... has my uncle really become my uncle-in-law?
Shu Shouyi glanced at his aunt, dressed in red, on the oxcart. Before he could think too much, a pair of large hands were already placed on his shoulders.
“Shouyi, you can follow the car or your uncle. If you can’t walk anymore, just say so, and your uncle will carry you.”
"Auntie."
"I will take good care of him."
All of these words came from Xun Yi's mouth.
Although he wasn't wearing makeup like Shu Wanxiu today, he was dressed in a festive manner.
Xu Zhen scrutinized him closely. It is said that people are in high spirits when they are happy, and at this moment everyone could see that he was radiant. However, Xu Zhen did not look at his appearance or attire, but only at the 'aura' he exuded.
"Wanxiu and Shouyi are both in your care."
This entrustment felt like a heavy burden.
Xun Yi nodded earnestly, "Don't worry."
The dowry items were carried out one by one, and joyful music played.
After passing the flat ground in front of the Shu family's house, there is a long slope ahead.
The matchmaker and the wedding attendant stood guard over Shu Wanxiu on either side of the oxcart, making it impossible for Xun Yi to get close enough to whisper anything.
However, the person in the car sat demurely, with a pair of slender hands folded on her lap.
He finally couldn't help but give him some advice.
“The wheels are moving fast downhill, Sister Cui Cui, could you please help me hold them up?”
All Shu Wanxiu could see was red. After Xun Yi's clear voice fell, she immediately understood and groped to put her hand on the armrest.
Lin Xinghua teased exaggeratedly, "Oh! Is this what it means for a husband and wife to be in harmony?"
"Hahaha……"
The surrounding laughter and mockery continued.
Shu Wanxiu's lips were dry and her cheeks were flushed. She didn't know whether to withdraw her delicate hand that had just been resting on the armrest or not.
Xun Yi blushed as well and clasped his hands in a gesture of apology.
"We can't let him off easily, Xi Guozi! We want to eat Xi Guozi!"
"That's right! We have to give out another round of celebratory fruit!"
So, before even leaving the house, Xiguo had already consumed quite a bit.
But after this round of laughter and commotion, the already cheerful atmosphere reached an even higher level.
Amidst the lively joy and the smiling faces of those around him, Xun Yi led the ox down the mountain.
The Shu and Xun families live very close to each other, and when it comes to weddings, they only care about creating a lively atmosphere rather than taking things easy.
The oxcart would circle the entire village before finally arriving at the Xun family's house.
The route had been planned a few days in advance, and as soon as we reached the foot of the mountain, children blocked the road and asked for lucky fruit.
The matchmaker was carrying a bamboo basket lined with oiled paper. She had just left the Shu family's house, and the basket was piled high with dirt.
It contained peanuts, melon seeds, dried fruit, small pieces of maltose wrapped in glutinous rice paper, and copper coins.
When someone blocked her way, she would step forward and distribute celebratory fruits.
Having received prior instructions, Wang Longcui was very generous in distributing the food, grabbing handfuls and giving them to the children.
If anyone is lucky enough to receive a copper coin from the randomly distributed lucky fruit, it would be a joyous occasion that would make them jump for joy.
The scene before Shu Wanxiu was still a sea of red, but that didn't stop her from smiling as she listened to the children's laughter.
They stopped countless times along the way, and just as Shu Wanxiu had gotten used to these frequent pauses, she suddenly heard Wang Longcui's soft voice in her ear.
"arrive."
Almost immediately, the car came to a complete stop.
Wang Longcui helped her down from the oxcart and slipped a piece of red silk into her hand. Shu Wanxiu only realized a moment later that the other end of the cloth was in Xun Yi's hand.
My palms were sweating uncontrollably, soaking the silk cloth, but fortunately the bridal chamber wasn't far away.
According to custom, the groom should not stay in the bridal chamber for too long before the wedding ceremony.
"It's still a quarter of an hour before noon, and there's still a long time before the wedding ceremony. The lunch will be served, so eat more and don't go hungry. I'll keep Shouyi with me," Xun Yi whispered.
Seeing that Shu Wanxiu nodded her head twice under the veil, he knew that Shu Wanxiu had heard him.
"I'm going out. If anything happens, tell Sister-in-law Cui Cui."
The matchmaker will stay by the bride's side until the wedding ceremony.
The door creaked shut from the outside, and Shu Wanxiu knew that Xun Yi had gone out.
Wang Longcui, having been through similar experiences, knew that several hours before the wedding ceremony would be difficult for the newlyweds, so she talked to Shu Wanxiu to relieve their boredom.
She first whispered to Shu Wanxiu that there was no one else in the room, and then told her about the furnishings in the room one by one.
"The wooden bed and cabinets were all newly made, the windows were covered with paper, and a dressing table was placed near the window."
"Several tables were set up outside. There was a small feast at noon, and a large feast after the wedding ceremony in the evening."
“I have been a matchmaker many times, and in recent years, apart from Xun Ai’s wedding, there has never been a more lively and generous wedding than today.”
Shu Wanxiu responded occasionally, and the conversation was fairly even.
At noon, Chen Sanhe brought in food, including rice and vegetables. Wang Longcui ate with Shu Wanxiu. Since Shu Wanxiu couldn't see, she picked up food for her.
In the afternoon, more women from the village came into the bridal chamber to chat with her, and Xun Ai also stayed with her for two hours.
Time slips away unnoticed.
As the sun was about to set, with only a sliver of light remaining on the horizon, Xun Yi entered the bridal chamber again. This time, he invited the bride out to perform the wedding ceremony.
Each of them held one end of a red silk ribbon and slowly walked to the main hall of the Xun family.
The Xun family has no clan here, and the officiant at today's wedding is Pang Zhishan.
The banquet would only begin after the wedding ceremony, and those who came to eat would observe the ceremony from outside the Xun family's main hall.
The seats that should normally be occupied by the Xun and Shu families in the main hall are now empty.
Pang Zhishan addressed the newlyweds, after which he sang: "First bow to Heaven and Earth—"
Xun Yi and Shu Wanxiu both bowed.
"Second bow to the parents—"
Just like when Shu Wanxiu left home, the two bowed in the direction of the north.
"Husband and wife bow to each other—"
"The ceremony is complete! Lead them to the bridal chamber—"
The surrounding noise and cheers distracted Shu Wanxiu, and she almost tripped by the door.
"Watch out!" A pair of strong arms steadied her.
Good-natured laughter surged like a wave, overwhelming everything else.
The newlyweds blushed crimson.
Lin Xinghua waited with a smile in the bridal chamber, saying, "Please, groom, remove the veil from the bride's head."
She handed him a scale.
Xun Yi's hands trembled slightly, but his eyes were bright.
He extended the scale rod under the cover and lifted it little by little. After revealing the smooth chin, he used a clever trick to completely remove the cover.
The beautiful woman has long, arched eyebrows that reach her temples, and eyes as clear as water.
When she looked at her lover with her delicate eyebrows, her eyes were brimming with affection.
Everyone present, regardless of gender, was stunned.
Xun Yi was even more so; he was so elated that he didn't know how the rest of the process would go.
In a daze, Lin Xinghua pushed and shoved her out of the bridal chamber, and once outside the door, she was pulled to offer toasts.
No matter who I look at, what lingers in my mind is always that face as beautiful as a peach blossom.
Inside the bridal chamber, the matchmaker Wang Longcui and the bride's maid Lin Xinghua had both gone out to enjoy the banquet.
Xun Ai brought in a sumptuous meal to dine with his newlywed sister-in-law. Seeing that Shu Wanxiu was worried about Shu Shouyi, she brought Shu Shouyi in as well.
There was fish and meat on the table, and Xun Ai often served food to Shu Shouyi.
If you put fish meat in his bowl, he will carefully remove the fish bones.
Shu Shouyi ate more and more slowly, and after finishing the piece of fish that Xun Aixin had put on top of his bowl, he put the bowl down.
"Auntie, I'm done eating."
He usually has a good appetite, which surprised Shu Wanxiu. But when she looked down at his two stuffed pockets and protruding belly, she immediately understood.
How many celebratory fruits did you eat today?
He smiled but did not answer.
It's not rebellion, it's that I've lost count myself.
Shu Wanxiu found it both amusing and exasperating, "Eating so much, aren't you afraid of getting sick from overeating?!"
This couldn't go on, so she emptied both of Shu Shouyi's bulging pockets.
"You are not allowed to eat any snacks today. Your aunt will return some of these to you every day from now on."
Although her tone was stern, her voice was not loud, and Xun Ai listened with a smile, feeling that her sister-in-law was extremely gentle.
As the hour of Xu (7-9 PM) passed, the banquet outside ended, and the neighbors who had helped clean up the leftovers gradually returned home.
Shu Shouyi ate, drank, and played all day, and fell asleep exhausted.
Shu Wanxiu held him in her arms.
Having just arrived, she didn't know where to place Shu Shouyi, and since no one else could sleep on the wedding bed, she had no choice but to do so.
Xun Yi saw off his guests and neighbors, and the last people he saw off were his in-laws, his sister, his brother-in-law, and his niece.
Putting everything else aside, Ni'er was only a few months old, and Xun Yi was extremely worried about her.
Xun Ai, sitting on the oxcart, waved to him, "Brother, please wait. There are so many of us, and we're in a cart, so you don't need to worry."
Wu Zheng also said that the current weather is good because it's neither raining nor snowing, making it easy to travel.
Unable to fight city hall, Xun Yi helped them cross the stream.
The noise subsided immediately, and Xun Yi, who had been entertaining guests all day, felt it even more deeply than Shu Wanxiu.
However, while it was deserted outside, the red candles inside the bridal chamber were burning brightly.
Xun Yi stepped into the bridal chamber and saw Shu Wanxiu holding the child, sitting under the candlelight. He immediately opened his mouth to apologize.
Having just gotten married, he bit his cheek several times before finally calling out "Wife".
"There are three rooms in the house. We live in one, Xun Ai lives in one, and the other has already been prepared for Shouyi."
"Now that the guests have left... Madam, would you like to come with me to take a look? If anything is missing, we can go out and get it together next time."
The word "wife" sent a jolt of unease through Shu Wanxiu's mind; she had no idea how to face Xun Yi alone.
She was more than happy to go see Shu Shouyi's room together.
Xun Yi stepped forward and took Shu Shouyi from her arms. "Watch your step, come with me."
After moving from his aunt's thin arm to another strong and reliable one, Shu Shouyi turned his head, found a comfortable lying position, and slept even more soundly.
The room outside the bridal chamber was deserted, but that didn't mean there were no lights on.
The torches used for the evening banquet were still hanging everywhere and had not been extinguished, and the road leading to Shu Shouyi's house was brightly lit.
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Author's note: Writing about marriage was really difficult; it took me a long time to finish it.
Although we haven't even gotten to the wedding night yet [please][please]
But I will definitely write it today, I definitely will! I'll post it as soon as I finish writing it.
If I don't post this, I'll be [clown][clown]
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