Chapter 208

Chapter 208

Liu Chu and Ah Zhen went to prepare the bedding. Since this was a belated wedding night ceremony, they needed to have joyous candles, a decorated wedding bed, and a quilt.

Tong Sui was responsible for helping Lin Ningfang comb her hair.

Tong Sui had always been very skilled with her hands. When she got married, her hairstyle was very simple because her family’s circumstances were limited at the time, and there was no phoenix crown nor much gold and silver jewelry. This year, when her cousin got married, the bridal attendant gave her an especially elaborate and ornate hairstyle. Tong Sui watched closely and memorized the general technique.

She first combed through Lin Ningfang’s hair. The black, smooth strands slid across her palm like the finest silk.

The beauty in the mirror, resembling a magnolia flower, would occasionally drop a pair of tears. Tong Sui guessed what Lin Ningfang was crying about, remembering that when she got married, her mother had combed her hair. She didn’t try to comfort her.

After two attempts, she finally managed to style the bride’s hair into a bun.

“Put on the wedding dress first; we’ll put on the phoenix crown later,” Tong Sui said softly, gently holding Lin Ningfang’s shoulders.

Lin Ningfang felt a bit awkward. “Actually, it’s not necessary, I…”

Tong Sui said, “I want to see you in your wedding dress. I’m your second sister-in-law, and you’re my sister-in-law. It’s only right that I witness your ceremony. Not just you, but also Fourth Sister-in-law who will marry into the family tomorrow, and Fifth Sister-in-law who will join us in the future. I want to remember each of you in your wedding dresses.”

Liu Chu, who was changing the bedding to a bright red set, laughed and chimed in, “Yeah, I want to see too.”

Lin Ningfang finally allowed Tong Sui to help her put on the wedding dress.

Once the wedding dress was on and the bridal bed prepared, Tong Sui helped Lin Ningfang sit on the edge of the bed and happily placed the phoenix crown on her head.

The phoenix crown covered Lin Ningfang’s black hair, leaving only her beautifully painted face visible, with fine, moist eyelashes and eyes full of watery light.

Tong Sui bent her knees and kept watching Lin Ningfang until the bride’s face turned red with the shyness of a new bride, before she finally placed the veil over her face.

Once everything was ready, Tong Sui and Liu Chu stood to the side of the screen, waiting to witness the ceremony.

Ah Zhen went outside to invite the "groom" in.

Xiao Yan had changed into his groom’s attire in the west room. Usually, Third Younger Brother had a somewhat fierce look in his eyes, but when he met the gazes of his two elder sisters-in-law, he instinctively lowered his head, showing embarrassment and a hint of guilt.

This reaction allowed Tong Sui to calmly observe him.

Truth be told, none of the Xiao brothers were ugly, and Xiao Yan had a handsome and heroic appearance. Especially at this moment, with his eyes lowered, hiding his usual fierceness, he almost looked "obedient."

Seeing Xiao Yan hesitating and not daring to come closer, Liu Chu laughed and said, “Third Younger Brother, hurry up. There’s still work to do tomorrow.”

Xiao Yan nodded, circled the screen, hesitated for a moment, and then stood beside the bride at the bed.

Having attended several weddings this year, Tong Sui knew the traditional blessings the wedding matrons recited in the bridal chamber. She began to help direct the ceremony.

Xiao Yan’s hands trembled slightly as he lifted the veil, and when it fell, revealing Lin Ningfang in her phoenix crown, he was momentarily stunned.

Tong Sui and her sister-in-law witnessed the couple drinking from the wedding cup and then tactfully left.

As they walked back to the Marquis’s residence, Liu Chu asked Tong Sui quietly, “Do you think Ningfang has feelings for Third Younger Brother?”

Tong Sui wasn’t sure.

For Xiao Yan, it probably didn’t matter much whether he liked it or not. Lin Ningfang had resolved to be a good wife to him.

Liu Chu lived in the West Court, and Tong Sui accompanied her a little further. As Liu Chu turned to leave with A Fu, she noticed Xiao Zhen standing across the corridor.

A Fu smiled and excused herself, leaving first.

Xiao Zhen held Tong Sui's hand and asked, "What's with all the secrecy? Where have you been for so long?"

Tong Sui looked at him and said, "Don’t you always claim to know everything? How come you can’t guess this time?"

Xiao Zhen said, "I don’t like guessing about what’s going on with you three sisters-in-law."

Tong Sui said, "Then don’t ask. It’s not like it concerns you anyway."

Xiao Zhen pulled her to a column, pressed her, and asked, "More poetry from the *Book of Songs*?"

Tong Sui hit him. "No, don’t ask."

Xiao Zhen smiled and continued leading her back.

Once they lay in bed, Xiao Zhen held her in his arms and asked, "Do you ever wish your wedding had been as grand as Fourth Younger Brother's?"

Tong Sui shook her head. "Their wedding banquet was just a normal affair for an aristocratic family in Luoyang. Ours was considered the best in the surrounding villages."

She had her special day; there’s no point in comparing with others.

Xiao Zhen felt a little uncomfortable. "I still want to give you the best possible life."

Tong Sui laughed at him. "Then we’d be in a never-ending competition. Fourth Younger Brother is the best at pleasing people. If he gives Fourth Younger Sister-in-law a big gold bracelet every year, are you going to give me an even bigger one?"

Xiao Zhen said, "It’s not impossible."

Tong Sui said, "Let’s get some sleep. I need to be ready to welcome Fourth Younger Sister-in-law tomorrow."

—

The next morning, the heads of both households of the Xiao Family gathered at the Marquis’s residence. Except for Mianmian and Qi Yao, the other children—Tong Shan, Zhang Chao, the eldest son, and Er Lang—were given time off but stayed since they were coming over for the banquet anyway.

That day, Tong Sui, Liu Chu, and Lin Ningfang were in charge of attending to the guests, while Madam He oversaw the kitchen. Xiao Yuchan supervised the maids serving tea, each busy with their tasks.

Xiao Yuchan made a round in the tea room and, as she headed toward the main courtyard, saw Qi Yao and the eldest son wearing red clothes, definitely up to something. She quickly chased after them.

Qi Yao wanted to sneak into the annex room where the firecrackers were stored to steal a string of red firecrackers to play with. Afraid of being seen by the elders, he ran fast, but after rounding the screen wall, he ran straight into someone's arms.

As Qi Yao stumbled backward, the person reached out in time to steady him.

Looking up, Qi Yao saw a handsome face and, blinking, had a sudden realization. "You’re the one who did the lion dance at Uncle Gui’s wedding, right? You were the male attendant."

Qiao Chang'an was standing nearby. Seeing this, his expression changed, and he pulled Qi Yao into his arms and spanked him. "You little rascal, causing trouble early in the morning!"

Just as Xiao Yuchan caught up, she witnessed this scene and laughed. She pointed at Qiao Chang'an and said, "You Qiao Erlai, who are you calling a rascal?"

Qiao Chang'an: "..."

Qi Yao took the opportunity to wriggle out of his arms and hid behind his mother.

Qiao Chang'an first apologized to Qi Yun. "Children hear nonsense and repeat it. Please don’t take it to heart."

Qi Yun smiled. "It’s fine. I’m indeed from a lion dance background; it’s a family trade and nothing to be ashamed of."

Realizing what her son had said, she dragged Qi Yao in front of her and spanked him. "This is the second son of the Loyal and Brave Marquis. If you dare to talk nonsense again, I’ll really give you a beating!"

Qi Yao protested, "You said it first. Last time, at Uncle Gui’s house, you and grandma were praising how handsome the lion dancer was."

Xiao Yuchan: "...Nonsense, I never said that. I'm busy! Go find your Second Uncle Lai!"

Leaving her son behind, Xiao Yuchan turned and ran inside.

Realizing he had caused trouble, Qi Yao forgot all about stealing the red firecrackers. He grabbed the eldest son and ran off.

Qiao Changan, knowing that Qi Yun wasn't the type to hold grudges, teased him, "Alright, even though my cousin spoke out of turn and offended you, she also complimented your good looks. Let's call it even."

He was twenty-four years old, one year older than Xiao Yuchan.

Gao Cunzhi, one of the young men who had followed the Xiao family from Lingshui Village early on, added, "Xiao Yuchan is quick to speak, and she likes giving us nicknames in the village, but there's no malice in it."

Qi Yun smiled, "Don't worry about it. A child's words don't carry weight. I truly didn't take it to heart. Come on, let's not delay. Let's check on Fourth Master Jiang and make sure we don't mess up his big day."

——

The groom going to receive the bride also followed an auspicious time. When the hour arrived, Xiao Ye was set to depart.

Today, Xiao Ye was dressed in a magnificent red, looking incredibly handsome in the sunlight—a charm that neither Xiao Zhen's smiles nor Xiao Yan's attempts at sincerity could match.

The four male attendants were Xiao She, Qiao Changan, Qi Yun, and Gao Cunzhi.

Sun Dian, Zhang Wengong, Tong Gui, and Jiang Tiankuo had also arrived. Sun Dian teased Xiao She, "You were the best man for all their weddings. By the time you marry, these men will all be fathers, and you'll probably struggle to gather enough groomsmen."

Xiao She replied, "If I can't find any, I'll still manage to bring my bride home by myself."

Madam He laughed, "Look at you, acting tough! Don't get beaten back by your in-laws!"

After the laughter, the four mounted their horses and followed Xiao Ye to receive the bride.

The groom would have lunch at the bride's home, while the Xiao family would host both lunch and dinner banquets. By now, all the guests had arrived, and the family members split up to entertain the guests.

Aside from relatives, there were also families of meritorious officials and military generals. Among the civil officials, the Xiao family had only invited Song Lan and Wei Qi, two ministers they met during their southern journey.

The Song family had only a father and son present, both seated in the front. The female guests Wei Qi brought were his wife, Madam Wei, and his twelve-year-old daughter.

The Wei family was a prominent clan in Jizhou, but when Wei Qi was appointed as minister, he only brought his wife and children to the capital, leaving the rest of the clan in Jizhou.

The young girls sat at one table, hosted by Xiao Yuchan along with Mianmian. Liu Chu and Lin Ningfang entertained the younger wives, while Tong Sui hosted several marquis' wives and the matriarchs, including Madam Wei.

Madam Fan sighed, "It's lively here with four cousins from two families, unlike our family, which only has a single heir."

Tong Sui smiled, "But you've raised him well. Commander Fan is worth more than their four cousins combined."

Madam Fan laughed, her face blooming like a chrysanthemum, "You're always so sweet!"

Madam Feng and Madam Lu exchanged glances and smiled politely.

Madam Fan glanced at Pan Yuerou, who was seated nearby, and asked Tong Sui, "You're both from Wei County. Did you know each other before?"

Tong Sui smiled and explained, "We've met a few times, but before we could get to know each other, the northern region became chaotic. I was busy in the military camp with my grandfather, and Yuerou was kept in the inner quarters. It wasn't until we entered the capital that we had the leisure to reconnect."

Pan Yuerou nodded, "Although I was in the inner quarters, I often heard about your brave deeds on the battlefield. I admire and respect you."

Tong Sui humbly replied, "I only know some archery. I owe whatever military merit I have to the Emperor's excellent command. Madam, you accompanied the Emperor in defending against foreign enemies on the grasslands in the early years. That's real bravery."

She looked at Madam Feng and Madam Lu, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law pair.

Madam Feng sighed as she reminisced about the battle that took place back then. They were all in Jizhou at the time and had firsthand experience with the dangers.

After praising Empress Guo, Madam Feng turned to Tong Sui and said, "Aman, don't be so modest. The Empress said you remind her of her younger self."

Madam Lu asked, "Is General Feng nearly seventy?"

Tong Sui replied, "Yes, my grandfather still hopes to serve the Emperor and unify the lands. If he goes to the battlefield, I must go with him to ensure his safety."

Madam Wei said, "Duke Xiao Zhen has the bravery of Lian Po and is fortunate to have encountered our Emperor. There will be plenty more opportunities for him to earn glory."

Madam Feng said, "Speaking of which, my father also wishes to meet Duke Xiao Zhen. Unfortunately, he is far away in Jizhou, and both he and Duke Xiao Zhen have the important task of training troops. Neither can leave their post."

Madam Lu smiled and said, "These great generals only get braver with age, while us old ladies just get less useful—our teeth don't even work properly anymore."

The topic then shifted to age.

Madam Fan glanced over at the next table where Xiao Yu Chan was sitting and asked Madam He, "Yu Chan is still young. Does she have any plans to remarry?"

Madam He replied, "I'd like to find her a good husband, but she's not willing. She says she just got to the capital and isn't ready to give up her life as a young lady in the Duke's residence. She doesn't want to marry and serve in-laws in someone else's home."

After speaking, Madam He habitually looked at her daughter-in-law to see if her words were appropriate.

Lin Ningfang smiled.

Satisfied, Madam He relaxed.

After the noon feast, the female guests went to the garden to listen to opera. There would be another banquet in the evening, so it was better to stay and enjoy the time rather than go home and return later.

Hosting guests was exhausting for Madam He, so she took a moment to find her daughter. The two of them lay on the daybed to relieve their fatigue.

When her back felt less sore, Madam He patted her daughter and said, "Some ladies asked about your marriage today. Are you really planning to stay single forever?"

Xiao Yu Chan replied, "Not at all, I'm just not in a hurry."

She wasn't as patient as her elder sister-in-law. She wanted a man to keep her company and planned to find a handsome, reliable man for herself.

However, according to the second sister-in-law and grandfather's opinion, the Great Yu Dynasty was far from true peace. As long as there were wars, their family might have to go to the battlefield. If they returned safely, their wealth and status would be secure. But if they lost a battle or even their lives, what would be left for them in this prosperous place?

And for her, even if she married a man with a good family background and skills thanks to her family's influence, if her natal family fell, would that man still treat her well?

Rather than suffer that humiliation, she'd wait a few more years and see.

Ever since returning to her natal home after her husband's death, Xiao Yu Chan realized that the safest place in the world was her own family. As long as the world remained unstable, she wouldn't leave. Other girls married into wealth and happiness, but if she rushed out in panic, that would be foolish. No handsome man could offer her the stability her family did.

——

As evening approached, the groom returned with the bride.

Tong Shan led Qi Yao, Zhang Chao led the eldest son, and Mianmian led the honest and obedient Er Lang. The six children came to the front to watch the fireworks and firecrackers.

The deafening explosions filled the air with white smoke. Once the noise subsided and the smoke cleared, the bridal sedan chair stopped steadily in front of the Marquis’s residence.

Xiao Zhen and others also came to witness the ceremony.

Fan Zhao pointed at Xiao Ye and said, "Look, being a groom makes one glow. Fourth Son's mouth is almost grinning to the back of his head!"

Xiao Ye: "It's you whose mouth is big enough to reach the back of your head, not me. My mouth isn't as big as Commander Fan's."

Fan Zhao was about to say more when he caught sight of the Yan family's jinshi who had come to escort the bride. Remembering that the Yan family was a scholarly family, he swallowed his crude words.

Following the wedding attendant’s instructions, Xiao Ye gave the sedan door a firm kick, but when it came to helping the bride step out, he was gentle and cautious, ready to assist at any moment.

The bride emerged, her head covered by a red veil, hidden from everyone's view.

Fan Zhao wanted to take a closer look but felt his shoe being stepped on. Looking down, he saw a kid trying to squeeze past him. Fan Zhao grabbed the back of the kid’s collar without thinking.

Qi Yao, frozen in place like a scared chick, could only look back.

Fan Zhao: "Whose kid are you? You stepped on my foot."

Qi Yao instinctively glanced at his second and third uncles standing opposite, but they were blocked by the bride and groom who were walking inside.

Kids know how to pick their battles. Seeing Fan Zhao’s tough look, Qi Yao quickly became compliant and started to explain, "I’m..."

Before he could finish, the eldest son, who had already pushed through, shouted, "Qi Yao, hurry up!"

Hearing the name, Fan Zhao shoved the kid toward Qi Ling, who was standing behind him. "Take care of your kid."

This was Qi Ling’s first time entering the Marquis’s residence, and he was left speechless.

Qi Yun pushed Qi Yao forward and explained, "Commander Fan misunderstood. This is Third Master Xiao's nephew."

Qi Yao, a little troublemaker, could handle being grabbed by the neck, but being casually assigned a dad made him snap. He stepped back, glared at Fan Zhao, and huffed, "You’re the one who’s his son! My dad’s a scholar from Pine Village in Wei County, and he’s way better-looking than you!"

Though he couldn’t remember what his late father looked like, his mother had told him that his father was the most handsome scholar in the area, even more attractive than his uncles.

Fan Zhao was left speechless.

Qi Ling was speechless.

Zhao Jin, standing nearby, burst out laughing.

Luo Xiao also said, "This kid has some nerve, scolding two people in one go."

Fan Zhao, though usually fierce, wouldn’t bicker with a child from a relative's family. He shouted at Xiao Yan across from him, "I thought you were tough, but your nephew is even tougher."

The surrounding noise was too loud, and Xiao Yan and Xiao Zhen couldn’t hear what the fuss was about. Zhao Jin wanted to explain but was slapped on the shoulder by Fan Zhao.

The women were all waiting in the bridal chamber to witness the ceremony.

After the new couple paid respects to heaven and earth, they quickly came over.

Liu Chu, Tong Sui, Lin Ningfang, and Xiao Yuchan, the four sisters-in-law, stood at the front, with the other ladies from various estates following behind.

Xiao Ye was much calmer than Xiao Yan had been the night before. He picked up the golden rod and gently lifted the edge of the veil, revealing Yan Mingxiu’s face.

Yan Mingxiu had a sweet appearance, and today, dressed in her wedding attire, her sweetness was tempered with a touch of brilliance.

Meeting Xiao Ye’s smiling and unabashedly amazed gaze, Yan Mingxiu shyly lowered her eyes, but a small smile lifted the corners of her lips, revealing two dimples.

Madam Feng smiled and said, "She has such a sweet smile." Madam Lu nodded and added, "Each of these four sisters-in-law is beautiful in her own way. I envy the four Xiao brothers for having such lovely wives."

Pan Yuerou, being a younger generation member, stood behind the senior ladies. Though she could still clearly see Yan Mingxiu's appearance. Noticing Xiao Ye's contented smile, Pan Yuerou bit her lip, her frustration simmering beneath the surface.

Apart from her family background, how was she inferior to Yan Mingxiu? Back then, Xiao Ye was nothing more than a humble farmer, working the land with his back to the sky and his face to the earth. So why did he seem to dislike her?

Xiao She might be simple-minded, but Pan Yuerou didn't believe that Xiao Ye hadn't noticed her feelings.

She glanced at the luxurious silk of her gown, smiled, and continued to observe the ceremony as if nothing had happened. Yet, she kept scanning Xiao Ye's face from time to time, hoping that he would feel some regret upon seeing her again, realizing that the new bride paled in comparison to her own beauty. After all, her father was now a deputy general of the second rank and was much more valued than the Yan family.

Unfortunately, Xiao Ye mostly greeted several elderly madams and spent the rest of his time looking at the new bride he had married.

——

As night fell, Fan Zhao and others still wanted to persuade Xiao Ye to drink more, but they were stopped by Xiao Zhen, Xiao Yan, and Xiao She. After all, they were his brothers and wouldn't let outsiders ruin their brother's wedding night.

Even so, when Xiao Ye was helped to the newlyweds' quarters by his attendants, he had already vomited twice.

Upon arriving, Xiao Ye first freshened up in the front courtyard, taking a thorough bath and carefully brushing his teeth and rinsing his mouth. He even peeled half a pomegranate to remove the smell of alcohol before putting on another red ceremonial robe to go to the new room in the backyard.

Yan Mingxiu had brought two maids as part of her dowry. Seeing the figure on the corridor, one maid waited outside while the other went to inform Yan Mingxiu.

Yan Mingxiu first thought of the bee that Xiao Ye "caught" during their last meeting at Baima Temple. What had drilled into his heart was clearly not something proper.

It was just that he was too handsome, and she couldn't get angry at him, only feeling flustered instead.

"You all may leave."

After entering the room, Xiao Ye first sent the two maids away.

Yan Mingxiu sat on the bed, her head bowed, too nervous to meet his gaze.

Xiao Ye stood by the screen, watching her for a moment before bringing a stool and sitting down to face her.

Yan Mingxiu became even more nervous, turned her head to the side, and the soft glow of the wedding canopy cast a rosy hue over her porcelain skin, making her cheeks and neck flush with color.

Xiao Ye looked her up and down and said with a smile, "Have you been sitting here all this time since I left?"

Yan Mingxiu glanced at him and said softly, "No, I haven't."

Xiao Ye: "Are you still mad about the bee incident?"

Yan Mingxiu lowered her eyes and remained silent.

Xiao Ye: "As soon as I got home, my second brother reported me to my second brother, and I was beaten up badly by him. He almost stripped my clothes and made me apologize with a rod on my back at your family's door."

Yan Mingxiu looked at his hand resting on his knee and asked, "Is that really true?"

Xiao Ye: "It is. My second brother even tattooed something on my back. Guess what it was?"

While the part about being beaten was somewhat believable, the tattoo was pure nonsense. Yan Mingxiu finally glared at him and turned away, not wanting to listen anymore.

Xiao Ye: "Can't guess? Let me tell you then. He tattooed 'No Bees Allowed' here."

Yan Mingxiu's shoulders trembled, and she burst into laughter.

Xiao Ye watched her laugh, seeing her dimples deepen and then fade, her face flushed red.

Xiao Ye: "Do you know why I mentioned the bee that day?"

Yan Mingxiu shook her head.

Xiao Ye: "Because after my second sister-in-law met you, she told me you were sweeter than honey. If you're that sweet, you'd probably attract bees!"

Yan Mingxiu’s face was burning, and she couldn’t handle his intense gaze anymore, so she scooted toward the corner of the bed.

Xiao Ye moved the stool along with her.

Yan Mingxiu couldn't stand it anymore and raised her hands to cover her face.

Xiao Ye: "You’re blushing already? You’ll have to deal with me staring at you for the rest of your life. Are you gonna cover your face every day?"

Yan Mingxiu: "Stop talking."

Xiao Ye: "On our wedding night, if we don't talk, what should we do?"

Yan Mingxiu: "..."

Xiao Ye: "Fine, since you're in a hurry, I won't hold back anymore."

Yan Mingxiu quickly interrupted, "I’m not in a hurry! Go on, please."

Xiao Ye: "Alright, then let me tell you about my second sister-in-law. Don't be fooled by her serious appearance; she often tricks me."

Yan Mingxiu asked, curious, "How did she trick you?"

Xiao Ye: "Take this matter for example, how can a person be sweeter than honey? I ate honey when I was little, and it gave me a toothache. If you were really that sweet, I wouldn't dare to kiss you."

Yan Mingxiu: "..."

She tried to get up, but before she could, Xiao Ye pulled her down onto his lap.

Yan Mingxiu nervously closed her eyes, instinctively pushing against his shoulders with her hands.

Xiao Ye leaned in and gave her a deep kiss on the neck.

Yan Mingxiu's arms were shaking as she pushed him.

After the kiss, Xiao Ye whispered in her ear, teasingly, "Not sweet, but definitely fragrant."

Yan Mingxiu was too flustered to resist, and she let him take control.

The stool was too cramped, so Xiao Ye lifted her onto the bed, where she sank into the soft mattress. Xiao Ye steadied himself with one hand and placed her hand on his chest. "My brother’s such a dork. I told him a bee flew into my heart, but he searched for it on my back—of course, he couldn’t find it."

Yan Mingxiu was both embarrassed and amused.

Xiao Ye: "Can you feel it?"

Yan Mingxiu bit her lip. He kept using the imaginary bee to tease her.

Xiao Ye: "It must be hiding somewhere else. Why don’t you check?"

Yan Mingxiu: "..."