Chapter 214 Getting Married
Xu Zhili felt a warmth in her heart as she looked at his earnest expression.
This man, who commands with composure on the battlefield, is so nervous about getting his marriage certificate that he can't sleep.
Upon arriving in the county town, the two went directly to the Civil Affairs Bureau.
The staff member was a woman in her forties who was exceptionally enthusiastic when she saw Xie Yunze's military uniform.
"A soldier getting married? That's wonderful!" The older woman smiled and took out a form. "Fill out this application form first."
Xie Yunze took the form and wrote with great care, stroke by stroke. Xu Zhili watched from the side and couldn't help but laugh: "Why are you writing so hard? You're going to tear the paper."
Xie Yunce smiled sheepishly: "I was afraid I would make a mistake and have to rewrite it, which would waste time."
After filling out the form and submitting the letters of introduction from the brigade and the military unit, the older sister carefully checked them and nodded: "The materials are complete, I will process your certificates right away."
Watching her older sister take out two pieces of red paper and carefully write their names on them with a brush, Xu Zhili suddenly felt a little dazed.
Such a simple procedure has bound the fates of two people together.
"Come on, put your handprint here." The older sister took out the inkpad.
Xie Yunze first pressed his handprint, then carefully held Xu Zhili's hand and pressed his red seal in her designated spot.
Two bright red handprints side by side symbolize that they have become a family.
"Congratulations to you both, you are now a legally married couple."
The older sister handed them their marriage certificate, saying, "May you grow old together in happiness and be forever united in heart."
Xie Yunze solemnly accepted the marriage certificate, as if he were receiving a precious treasure.
He took out the wedding candies he had prepared beforehand and handed them to the staff member: "Thank you, ma'am, please have some wedding candies."
Stepping out of the Civil Affairs Bureau, Xie Yunze let out a long sigh of relief, his forehead beaded with sweat. Xu Zhili took out a handkerchief to wipe his brow: "Was it really necessary to be so nervous?"
"As for it," Xie Yunze grasped her hand, "it's even more nerve-wracking than going to the front lines."
The two looked at each other and smiled, the sunlight warming them.
On the way back, Xie Yunce made a point of having the driver stop at the county's supply and marketing cooperative. He pulled Xu Zhili inside to buy her some things.
"This thermos is nice; you'll need it in winter."
"This fabric is perfect for making a new dress."
"I'll take these candies back and share them with the children."
Xie Yunze was buying things with great enthusiasm when Xu Zhili quickly pulled him back, saying, "That's enough, that's enough. Why are you buying so much?"
"I'm so happy." Xie Yunze's eyes sparkled. "I've finally married you. I wish I could move the entire supply and marketing cooperative to you."
Xu Zhili felt a sweet warmth in her heart, but she still advised him, "There's still a long way to go, take it slow."
It was already afternoon when we returned to the village.
As soon as the car entered the village, it was surrounded by a group of children.
"The bride is back!"
"Uncle Xie, do you have any candy?"
Xie Yunze smiled and handed out candy to the children, who cheered and ran off, shouting, "We're having wedding candy! We're having wedding candy!"
The Xu family courtyard was already packed with villagers who had come after hearing the news. Everyone wanted to share in the joy of the couple's upcoming marriage registration.
"They're back! They're back!" someone shouted, and the courtyard immediately became lively.
Xu's mother came forward and asked with concern, "Is it all taken care of?"
Xie Yunze took out the marriage certificate and said proudly, "It's done. Zhili and I are now a legally married couple."
The villagers gathered around, eager to see the bright red marriage certificate.
"Wow, this marriage certificate is so festive!"
"The characters are well-written, and the names look very well-matched when put together."
"When are you having the wedding banquet? We're all looking forward to attending!"
Xu Zhili felt embarrassed by everyone's comments, but Xie Yunze answered generously, "The banquet is scheduled for the 26th of the twelfth lunar month. Please be sure to come and join the fun!"
Aunt Li squeezed to the front and took Xu Zhili's hand: "Little Xu Zhili, Auntie made you a pair of pillowcases as a congratulatory gift."
She took out a pair of pillowcases embroidered with mandarin ducks, the stitches were fine and lifelike.
"This is too valuable, I can't accept it," Xu Zhili quickly declined.
"Take it, take it," Aunt Li insisted, "You've helped the sewing group so much, this is just a small token of my appreciation."
At this moment, Xie Xiazhu also arrived with Yaya.
She took out a red wool coat: "Zhili, this is a wedding gift I made especially for you. Try it on to see if it fits."
The wedding is scheduled for the 26th day of the twelfth lunar month, just in time for the New Year.
Xie Yunze returned home, where his family was busy preparing for the wedding, but he also came to Xu Zhili's new home every day to help with the preparations.
One evening, Xie Yunze and Xu Zhili were taking a walk at the entrance of the village, watching the snow scene under the setting sun.
"Are you nervous?" Xie Yunze asked softly.
Xu Zhili shook her head: "With you here, I'm not nervous."
Xie Yunze took out a small box from his pocket: "This was prepared separately. I want to put it on you personally at the wedding."
Xu Zhili opened the box, inside was a gold ring, small but exquisitely crafted.
"This is too valuable..." Xu Zhili said in surprise.
"Not as precious as you."
Xie Yunze said earnestly, "Sister, I know it's not easy being a military wife, but I promise that as long as I'm home, I won't let you suffer any grievances."
Xu Zhili leaned on his shoulder, feeling a sense of security and warmth.
On the 26th day of the twelfth lunar month, Xiangyang Brigade was exceptionally lively.
Although Xu Zhili and Xie Yunze's wedding was simple, it was full of warmth.
Xie Yunce was dressed in military uniform with a big red flower pinned to his chest, looking exceptionally handsome.
Xu Zhili looked beautiful and charming in the red wedding dress made by Xie Xiazhu.
The political commissar, acting as the officiant, read out the marriage certificate.
In front of all the villagers, the newlyweds exchanged rings and made their vows for life.
At the wedding, Xie Yunze bowed deeply to his mother-in-law and maternal grandparents in front of everyone: "Thank you, mother-in-law, grandparents, for entrusting Zhili to me. I will protect her with my life."
Both Xu's mother and her mother, Xu Nuoyan, wiped away tears and nodded repeatedly.
Although the banquet was simple, the atmosphere was lively.
The villagers spontaneously brought their best things from home, creating ten tables of sumptuous food and drink.
Xie Xiazhu also came with Ya Ya. She gave the newlyweds a pair of embroidered mandarin duck pillowcases, with fine and lifelike stitches.
Li Dacui arrived last, carrying a basket of eggs: "I was wrong before, this is just a small token of my appreciation."
Xu Zhili graciously accepted the gift: "Thank you, Sister Da Cui. Please come visit often in the future."
As night fell, the wedding concluded amidst laughter and joy.
Newlyweds Xu Zhili and Xie Yunze stood in the courtyard, gazing at the starry sky.
"I've finally married you," Xie Yunze said softly.
Xu Zhili leaned against him, savoring this hard-won happiness.
In the distance, the lights of the Xiangyang Brigade twinkled like the warmest starlight in the night sky.
In this special era, two people in love finally came together and began their new life.
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