29. Marriage (Part Two)
◎The imperial decree was given before the wedding banquet; music and song filled the air as the newlyweds were welcomed. ◎
After being placed in the bridal sedan chair, the procession set off, and the dowry began to be carried out of the Shen residence one by one.
The onlookers counted the dowry items one by one, always thinking they were almost finished, only to find there were more at the end. They stared in amazement at the seemingly endless array of dowry items, marveling at its extravagance.
In fact, the dowry that Shi Yunzhu prepared was just the standard amount for a concubine's daughter getting married.
But as the wedding date approached, dowry items kept arriving from who-knows-where. In total, there were over a thousand items, all of them rare and precious, such as silks, satins, pearls, and precious stones.
It can be said that in the past ten years, apart from the princess's wedding, Shen Suqin's wedding was the most grand in terms of scale. Wherever the wedding procession went, it was met with surprised and envious glances.
As the auspicious hour approached, the wedding procession returned to the General's Mansion amidst the sounds of banging and clanging.
The general's mansion was sparsely populated, and there were no officials or colleagues who came to offer their congratulations, making it look quite deserted.
Xiao Pingchuan sat high on his horse, glanced around, and said loudly to the crowd of people who had come to watch the festivities: "Today is a joyous occasion. I, Xiao Pingchuan, am hosting a banquet. If you have the time, you are welcome to come and witness the ceremony."
Upon hearing this, there was a moment of silence, followed by someone asking loudly, "General, are you joking?"
Ordinary people like them, who could actually attend a general's wedding banquet? Nobody could believe it.
"The truth," Xiao Pingchuan replied.
"But we didn't prepare a gift." No one celebrates a wedding without bringing a gift.
"It's alright." Xiao Pingchuan waved to Xu Youcai, "Youcai, greet everyone."
Xu Youcai responded with "Yes".
"General, it's time to welcome the bride," the matchmaker reminded Xiao Pingchuan.
Xiao Pingchuan dismounted and, as was customary, fired three arrows at the bridal sedan chair with a series of "doo doo doo" sounds. He then lifted the curtain and personally helped Shen Suqin out of the sedan chair.
This time, the matchmaker didn't say anything about it being against the rules; she knew it would be useless to say anything.
The crowd escorted the two newlyweds into the mansion. This was their first time entering the home of a high-ranking official. It was grand, but a little smaller than they had imagined.
Arriving at the main hall, it was precisely the auspicious time.
There were no elders in the hall, only the memorial tablets of Xiao Pingchuan's parents placed on the offering table in the center.
Upon seeing this, the noisy crowd immediately fell silent.
Looking at the memorial tablets in the main hall and the desolate scene of the mansion with no relatives or friends, they suddenly understood why the general had let them in.
"The auspicious time has arrived; the newlyweds are to pay their respects to heaven and earth."
The master of ceremonies glanced at the sky and began chanting the lyrics.
Xiao Pingchuan took the handkerchief handed to him by the matchmaker, and he and Shen Suqin each took one end.
"First bow to Heaven and Earth."
If Shen Suqin hadn't really felt the reality of marriage before, then with the "bow to heaven and earth," her heart suddenly stirred, and she felt a strange, indescribable feeling.
She was transported to the Great Liang Dynasty all alone, without family or friends. Now, she knows very well that she has never truly settled down there.
Perhaps she should seriously consider this matter.
"Bowing to the parents twice."
Xiao Pingchuan lowered his head; above him were his parents, now separated by death.
From the moment he single-handedly took up the Black Flag Army until now, he has walked alone for thousands of days and nights, and he knows that this bow today does not mean anything.
But he clutched the red silk, thinking how wonderful it would be if she truly loved him, then everything he had done today would be real.
He will have a family again and will no longer be alone.
Unfortunately, they were all fake.
"Husband and wife bow to each other."
The two, holding bright red handkerchiefs, slowly turned around. They saw each other and noticed each other's festive red clothes and robes.
They both knew that with the blue sky above and the earth beneath their feet, bowing to each other in this way meant that no matter what happened in the future, they would be regarded as one, sharing both honor and disgrace.
Just as the two were about to bow down, a squad of imperial guards suddenly rushed out from below the hall, forcefully pushing the wedding party aside and clearing a path to the main hall.
"What are you doing?"
"At least wait until they're married."
Everyone felt indignant on Xiao Pingchuan's behalf, but the newcomer remained unmoved.
Ju Tao and Xu Youcai exchanged a glance, both seeing anger in each other's eyes.
Without uttering a word, the two of them walked to the front of the hall, stood on either side of the imperial guards, and confronted them, making it seem as if no one was allowed to enter.
After glancing at the crowd outside the hall, Xiao Pingchuan instructed the master of ceremonies in a deep voice, "Continue."
The master of ceremonies, having received the instruction, shouted again, "Husband and wife bow to each other."
In front of everyone present, Xiao Pingchuan and Shen Suqin bowed to each other, as if the Imperial Guards who suddenly rushed out were just insignificant decorations.
"The ceremony is complete, and they are escorted to the bridal chamber."
After these words were spoken, Marquis Anping finally arrived late, walking from a distance under the gaze of everyone.
Xu Youcai tried to stop him, but Xiao Pingchuan waved his hand, signaling him to let him pass.
"Xiao Pingchuan, His Majesty wishes to see you. Immediately," Marquis Anping said bluntly as soon as he entered the room.
He was quite old, with a slightly hunched back, a face full of wrinkles, and a pair of cloudy eyes that were half-closed, occasionally flashing with a shrewd glint. It was clear at a glance that he was a calculating person.
These words caused an uproar at the scene.
This marriage was clearly arranged and bestowed by His Majesty, so why are they taking people away on the spot before the marriage is even completed?
The crowd was puzzled but dared not ask, only looking at Marquis Anping with questioning eyes.
Marquis Anping chuckled, "General Xiao harbors treacherous intentions; how can His Majesty allow it? I advise you all not to get involved in this mess, lest you lose your lives."
"What's the rush, Marquis Anping? Let me finish this wedding before I go with you." Xiao Pingchuan calmly instructed Xu Youcai, "Go and fetch the nuptial wine."
Only after drinking the nuptial wine were the two officially considered husband and wife.
After Xu Youcai left, he asked Shen Suqin, "Is it alright to drink the nuptial wine in public?"
Shen Suqin raised her hand, her fair, jade-like fingers lifting the bright red veil and revealing a radiant face. She looked up at him and said, "Why not?"
Looking at the bride with a face as beautiful as a spring peach, everyone present felt as if a dazzling rain of peach blossoms was about to hit them. Fine raindrops pattered on the branches, a gust of wind swept by, and peach blossoms danced in the air, a truly magnificent sight.
Xiao Pingchuan was also stunned for a moment. The most beautiful and breathtaking scenery he had ever seen was the golden sunset over the Shule River, but now he realized that it was not even a tenth as beautiful as the person in front of him.
"Wasn't it said that the woman who married into the family was a village girl?" someone in the hall asked in a low voice.
They came in just to watch the spectacle, having heard that the general was going to marry a village girl from the countryside.
A man dressed reasonably well replied, "That's ancient history. He's just living in seclusion with a wise man."
"Then why do people say she's not good enough for the general?"
"They're blind. Look how well-matched they are."
Xiao Pingchuan heard every word, and a rare smile appeared on his lips. He said, "After we drink the nuptial wine later, my wife and I will be inseparable. Please remember to offer your congratulations."
The audience burst into laughter, all feeling that although the general looked fierce, he was actually quite approachable.
Soon, Xu Youcai returned with the wine.
Each of them held a glass, raised their hands, lifted their glasses, and crossed their wrists, swallowing the spicy liquor in front of everyone.
The master of ceremonies was quick-witted and immediately announced loudly, "The decree before the wedding banquet has been issued, and the music and songs are played to welcome the newlyweds. The ceremony is complete. Congratulations to the newlyweds."
In response to the congratulatory message, everyone said in unison, "Congratulations, General."
"Congratulations, General! Congratulations, Madam! May you give birth to a son soon."
"May we be of one heart forever."
......
Seeing that the formalities were complete, Marquis Anping said with a dark face, word by word, "Now you should come to the palace with me, right? His Majesty is still waiting."
As he spoke, he clapped his hands at the Imperial Guards behind him, signaling them to come and take the man. The Imperial Guards responded and moved.
The noise below gradually subsided, and everyone looked at Xiao Pingchuan, who was dressed in wedding attire.
"Jin'an!" Shen Suqin called him by his courtesy name for the first time.
Xiao Pingchuan shook his head and said in a low voice, "Don't do anything. I know what I'm doing."
The Imperial Guards all gathered around, fearing that Xiao Pingchuan might suddenly escape.
"Tie him up." Marquis Anping raised his chin.
The head of the Imperial Guards, holding a thick hemp rope, was about to tie up Xiao Pingchuan.
Xiao Pingchuan gently pulled the handkerchief from Shen Suqin's hand, and the heavy flower ball on the handkerchief fell to the ground with a "thud".
He swung his handkerchief sharply, sending the pom-pom flying towards the flag bearer's face, but he pulled it back just before it hit. The tail of the handkerchief, however, smacked heavily against the Marquis of Anping's shoulder with a "smack," nearly causing him to stumble and fall.
All was quiet.
Marquis Anping, realizing Xiao Pingchuan's humiliation was intentional, said in a fit of anger and frustration, "Xiao Pingchuan, do you want to rebel?"
Xiao Pingchuan, with the sunlight outside the door behind him, carefully folded the bright red handkerchief in his hand, placed it on the table, and then turned to him and said, "You jest, Lord Marquis."
Shen Suqin walked to his side and said gently, "I'll be waiting for you to come home."
"Alright." Xiao Pingchuan's voice was gentle, but it instantly turned cold when he turned to look at Marquis Anping. "Let's go, Marquis. Do you intend to stay and drink the wedding wine?"
Marquis Anping gritted his teeth, "Tie him up tighter, so he won't misbehave."
Unexpectedly, Shen Suqin interrupted him, saying, "My lord, my husband is a first-rank general personally appointed by His Majesty. It was merely a matter of delivering the imperial edict. Does Your Majesty really think he has no rank or grade?"
The law does not apply to high-ranking officials; under no circumstances can Marquis Anping bind someone and bring them to His Majesty.
As he spoke, Xiao Pingchuan coughed lightly in agreement, and Xu Youcai immediately drew his sword. The cold light flashed, and Marquis Anping was startled.
This time he was completely speechless. He stiffened his neck, snorted coldly, and said, "Please, General."
Xiao Pingchuan ignored him and summoned Xu Youcai, instructing him, "Before I return to the manor, everything at home and in the north shall be done according to Madam's orders."
"Yes, General."
Having received the reply, Xiao Pingchuan nodded to Shen Suqin and followed Marquis Anping out the door.
After the person left, the common people below looked at each other, unsure whether to stay or leave.
Shen Suqin smiled and raised her voice, "Ladies and gentlemen, the wedding banquet will proceed as planned. Today, I, Shen Suqin, will drink with you all." Then, she instructed Xu Youcai, "Brother Xu, let's start the banquet when the time comes. Since the general is hosting a banquet for the guests, we can't let him break his promise."
"Don't forget to invite your brothers to join you at the table and share in the joy."
Xu Youcai looked at her intently, clasped his hands in a fist and said, "On behalf of my brothers, I thank you, Madam."
Shen Suqin patted him on the shoulder.
The banquet was held as scheduled, and Shen Suqin changed into a less fussy outfit to toast everyone.
This time, her makeup was much simpler, and she removed all her hairpins and ornaments, pulling her hair up high. She looked both approachable and carefree.
The banquet was set up in the general's front courtyard. She walked among the guests, took the wine glass handed to her by Xu Youcai, and raised her voice: "Thank you all for coming today. This first glass is a toast to everyone on behalf of my husband."
After speaking, she raised her chin, turned the glass upside down, and drank it all.
Those present were all ordinary people, living a quiet life, always minding their own business and surrounded by well-behaved individuals. They had never seen a woman so out in public, speaking loudly and drinking so heavily; it was truly an eye-opener.
So for a moment, no one reacted and just stared at her blankly.
"This second cup is on me. Today is a joyous day for me, and I am fortunate to meet you all. It would be perfect to have some good wine to accompany it."
After saying that, he turned the glass upside down and drank it all.
This time, someone in the audience realized what was happening and shouted, "That was awesome!"
Shen Suqin smiled, raised her wine glass, and said slowly but firmly, “The third glass,” she looked around, “I drink with you all to wish my husband a safe return.”
Everyone was taken aback. Of course, on a wedding day, it's the bride who toasts and greets the guests. It's only because General Xiao, the groom, was forcibly summoned to the palace.
Living right under the emperor's nose, they had heard a lot about the power struggles and intrigues within the court, and it was no secret that the Black Flag Army's military power was highly coveted.
It's truly heartbreaking to see a general who isn't high and mighty, but a genuine hero who defends his country, forced into this situation.
Everyone stood up, drank the cup with righteous indignation, and said, "May the general return safely!"
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