Chapter 31 Finally Wed (Part 2)

Chapter 31: Finally Married (Part 2)

After midday, the guests invited to the wedding of Lei Ding and Wu Qiu began to arrive one after another. As Wu Qiu was the new Ger and everyone feared he might overexert himself, Cui Nanshan and the others did not allow him to come out and help. Instead, they asked Yang Shu and a neighbor's friend, an elder Ger named Mr. Zhou, to accompany him while he dressed. Normally, an elder would have been there to pass on some "bedroom" advice. Mr. Zhou had rarely seen Wu Qiu in the past, especially since Wu Qiu had been recuperating and rarely went out over the last two months. Consequently, when Mr. Zhou entered the room and saw his baby bump, he was quite surprised. He smiled at Wu Qiu and said, "I originally intended to speak with you about marital matters, but it seems that won't be necessary now. How many months has it been?"

Wu Qiu’s face flushed red. "Thank you for your concern, sir. It has been nearly four months. When we first wed, we encountered natural disasters followed by the plague, so the celebration was delayed. Now that the child is stable, I discussed it with my husband and decided to set a few tables of food and wine to meet our relatives and friends."

He spoke with such gentleness and politeness that Mr. Zhou took a great liking to him. Just then, Yang Shu brought out Wu Qiu’s wedding robes. Mr. Zhou went over to help Yang Shu dress him, smiling as he spoke, "So that’s how it is. When we received the invitation a few days ago, we were quite puzzled, wondering how the eldest young master had suddenly changed his nature. Everyone in the neighborhood knows how Master Cui used to worry himself sick over his marriage. When I came today, I told my spouse that I must have a good look at what kind of person this new Ger is. Now that we’ve met, seeing your manner of speech, your conduct, and your figure, it’s no wonder he is so fond of you. Look, you’ve just changed into your wedding robes and haven't even applied makeup yet, but you already look divine."

Both Yang Shu and Mr. Zhou laughed, making Wu Qiu feel bashful, yet he couldn't help but steal a glance at the mirror on the table. He usually dressed plainly; in the past, it was because he didn't wish to stand out, and later it simply became a habit. Although he had many new clothes made after marrying Lei Ding, the fabrics chosen were mostly of subtle colors. Suddenly changing into vibrant red today made his skin appear radiant and fair as snow, looking exceptionally charming.

When he was pulled to the table to have his makeup applied, Mr. Zhou praised him even more incessantly. This caused Wu Qiu’s blush to seep through the white powder, earning him a compliment from Mr. Zhou that he looked better than rouge. Wu Qiu did not usually wear cosmetics, but now, after having his face threaded, a floral ornament pressed onto his forehead, his eyebrows traced, and lip rouge applied, he was as beautiful as someone stepping out of a painting.

Yang Shu had never seen Wu Qiu like this either. When Wu Qiu first entered her household, Xue An had just passed away, making it inappropriate to dress up; thus, she had never seen him this way over the years. Seeing him now, her heart felt even more tender. Fearing she might smudge his makeup or hair, she didn't dare cup his face with her hands, but simply stood by Mr. Zhou’s side, echoing his praises and sighing with emotion. When Wu Qiu wasn't looking, she turned away to wipe her tears. Although the Lei family would provide for her in her old age and she wouldn't have to part from Wu Qiu, she still felt the mixed emotions of a mother marrying off her boy—both relieved and reluctant to let go.

Wu Qiu had suffered for so many years and had finally met someone who knew his warmth and cold, someone who truly cherished him. She was happy for him.

When Wu Qiu’s pulse was first taken and it was discovered he was carrying a little Ger, Yang Shu had secretly worried for several days. She feared that Lei Xun and Cui Nanshan might not like it, and even more so that Lei Ding might only hope for a son and neglect Wu Qiu because of it. But after observing closely for two days, there were no such signs at all. Lei Ding continued to show meticulous care for Wu Qiu’s diet, daily life, words, and actions. Lei Xun and Cui Nanshan were also happy; moreover, the prenatal medicine given to Wu Qiu used only the finest ingredients. Only then did Yang Shu finally feel completely at ease; she no longer had to fear Wu Qiu being bullied.

As the hour drew near, the sounds of guests arriving and offering congratulations could be heard outside. Yang Shu and Mr. Zhou placed the bridal veil over Wu Qiu. With his vision obscured, Wu Qiu sat silently with his head bowed, a trace of nervousness gradually arising alongside an irrepressible anticipation in his heart. He stroked his belly, speaking to the child in his mind to bolster his own courage.

Because the ceremony was kept simple, rituals such as boarding the sedan chair or circling the carriage were omitted, saving Wu Qiu the trouble of fussing with the carriage. Wu Qiu was quite satisfied with this arrangement; even after sitting upright for just this short while, his waist already felt sore. Had they followed every detail of the etiquette meticulously, he feared he wouldn't have been able to endure it.

He heard the voices outside drawing closer. The young children of relatives and friends were chirping and singing auspicious wedding songs, and he unconsciously gripped his handkerchief tightly. Along with the wedding robes, a large red ceremonial veil had been made, but tucked in Wu Qiu’s sleeve was still his usual handkerchief—the one that used to belong to Lei Ding. Holding this cloth, his heart pounded fiercely. Lei Tan led several children, boisterously blocking the door and demanding that Lei Ding recite a "makeup-hastening poem" for the groom.

Lei Ding stuffed a handful of sweets into each child's hand and recited casually: "Beneath the jade tree, he leaves the dressing room; before the jade mirror, his beauty remains. Do not tread on the morning clouds to join our fates; the black-clad groom and ink-dark blooms meet the autumn air."

Yang Shu was also outside and exchanged greetings with Lei Ding, acting as the one to welcome the groom, before pushing the door open. Hearing the creak of the door hinges, Wu Qiu trembled slightly with nerves. After a moment, he heard footsteps and could vaguely see someone standing before him. Lei Ding reached out to him, took his hands, and pulled him slowly to his feet, not forgetting to comfort him in a low, smiling voice: "Qiu Er, do not be afraid. These are all familiar relatives and friends; there isn't much formality. Just follow me in a moment."

Wu Qiu nodded and was led out step by step by Lei Ding. Listening to the auspicious songs sung by the children, they walked into the prepared wedding marquee. Though called a marquee, it was actually a cleared and neatly decorated room in the eastern wing. Ancestral tablets were placed on the altar, with several chairs below for Lei Xun, Cui Nanshan, and Yang Shu to sit. The floor was covered with a bright red felt carpet, and a square table stood there, also draped in red cloth, upon which were placed bowls, chopsticks, wine pots, wine cups, scissors, and other necessary items.

Because Wu Qiu was pregnant, Lei Ding could not bear to make him constantly kneel and kowtow, so he decided to swap the kowtowing for standing bows. The two bowed to Heaven, Earth, and their ancestors, and then to the elders of both sides. By the time they were to bow to each other, Wu Qiu’s tears could no longer be held back. He was sensitive by nature, and since becoming pregnant, he was even more prone to overthinking and sentimentality. Even though his heart was filled with immense joy and he felt there was nothing to cry about—and he feared smudging his makeup—the teardrops fell in an endless stream, rolling down in succession.

When Lei Ding prepared to lift the veil, the guests all around stopped talking. The room became very quiet for a moment, allowing Lei Ding to hear Wu Qiu’s soft sobbing.

He knew Wu Qiu hoped everything today would be perfect, and he knew Wu Qiu did not want to show his less-than-perfect side in front of outsiders. Therefore, he first used the ceremonial lifting rod to lift only half of the veil. Wu Qiu happened to look up, and their eyes met. Lei Ding saw that Wu Qiu’s eyes were still brimming with unshed tears; the corners of his eyes and the tip of his nose were slightly red. The powder around his eyes had been partially washed away by tears, yet he did not look disheveled. Instead, it revealed the beauty mark at the corner of his eye. Coupled with the red veil partially draped over his head and the way he gazed wholeheartedly at Lei Ding alone, it further emphasized the irresistible charm in his eyes.

Although Wu Qiu’s vision was partially blurred by tears, he could still see Lei Ding’s appearance, and his heart beat even faster. He saw Lei Ding lean forward slightly, coming closer to him. Amidst the cheers and applause of the surrounding guests, Lei Ding used a voice only the two of them could hear to whisper in his ear, praising him for being so beautiful.

Wu Qiu’s heart raced wildly, as if he had forgotten they had already lived together day and night for several months, and had instead returned to those days when he secretly admired him. Lei Ding lifted his veil; this moment was unique in his life. The tenderness in Lei Ding's eyes was bottomless, and Wu Qiu was so drowned in it that he could not pull himself out.

He suddenly really wanted to kiss Lei Ding. His body moved uncontrollably toward him, and he even stood slightly on his tiptoes. But then he realized there were many people around, and such intimacy in public might make them seem too frivolous. After a brief thought, he stood properly again, waiting for Lei Ding to take the items from the table.

His gaze was lingering and reluctant. Lei Ding, who shared the same thoughts, knew exactly what he wanted at a glance. While completely lifting the veil amidst the guests' congratulations, he whispered to ask if he wanted it.

Wu Qiu took a very quick glance around. He had tried his best to remind himself not to bite his lip for fear of smudging the lip rouge, but at this moment he forgot again, catching his lower lip between his teeth. After a moment of hesitation, he said softly, "Never mind, would this be inappropriate with so many people here?"

Lei Ding shook his head gently. "What does it matter? Isn't the most important thing today the two of us? We mustn't leave any regrets. When love is at its deepest, what is improper about this? No one will gossip."

Wu Qiu hadn't been very firm to begin with, and his heart longed to be close to Lei Ding. Hearing him say this, he tilted his blushing face up and closed his eyes. Lei Ding’s breath approached, and his waist was held by one of Lei Ding's hands, pulling him into a close embrace. Even so, Lei Ding naturally wouldn't let the two of them truly lose their composure in front of everyone; it was not a deep kiss, and he let go after only a short moment. Only then did Wu Qiu open his eyes, seeing his lip rouge smudged onto Lei Ding’s lips. Lei Ding hadn't worn any makeup, and now the sudden touch of red on his lips gave him a type of handsome beauty that shone through his refined temperament.

Wu Qiu was nearly dazed by the sight.

Yu Yuan and the others were cheering and shouting together nearby. The atmosphere in the wedding marquee was excellent, with no awkwardness arising from their intimacy. Wu Qiu felt relieved and steadied his mind, picking up the bowl and chopsticks before him. On the table sat a small porcelain dish containing two slices of boiled pork. Wu Qiu picked up a slice, dipped it into the salt and vinegar in his small bowl, and fed it to Lei Ding’s mouth. This was the ritual of "Tong Lao," the sharing of the bridal meat; from then on, through the trivialities of daily life, the two of them would live their lives together. Lei Ding bent down himself, not even requiring Wu Qiu to raise his hand too high, and took the slice of meat from the tips of the chopsticks.

His eyes were always filled with smiles, never looking away from Wu Qiu’s face. Wu Qiu couldn't help but smile along with him as he picked up the remaining slice of meat and put it into his own mouth.

He had never eaten such delicious meat. Though seasoned only with salt and vinegar, it became exceptionally tasty because it was laden with the expectations he and Lei Ding shared for a good life.

A tear fell into the bowl—salty, yet not bitter at all.

Lei Ding wiped Wu Qiu’s mouth, then picked up the wine pot on the table and poured a cup into each of two small cups. Wu Qiu was pregnant and should not drink alcohol, but the *hejin* ceremony—a ritual drink symbolizing union—meant that the two husbands would be joined as one from then on. It was for good luck, and skipping it would be a pity. So, Lei Ding had replaced the wine in the pot with honey water. He tied the two cup stems together with a red thread, took one cup himself, and handed the other to Wu Qiu. In unison, they solemnly vowed, “With heaven and earth as our witnesses, we hereby make this vow.”

They drank the honey water in one gulp, its sweetness reaching straight to the heart.

Finally, Lei Ding took scissors, cut a lock of hair from each of them, twisted them into a *heji* knot—a symbol of marriage—placed it in a small brocade pouch, and handed it to Wu Qiu. “From now on, you, my husband, will keep this. We have tied our hair as a vow, pledging eternal unity of heart.”

This was the final step of their wedding ceremony, but the ripples in Wu Qiu’s heart had not yet settled. He carefully cradled the pouch. Last night, he had even asked Lei Ding whether, upon receiving this item, he should say a few auspicious words, and Lei Ding had taught him a couple of phrases. But now, at this moment, he couldn’t think of anything else. He only choked out a single “Yes.”

Lei Ding’s heart softened utterly. He reached out to stroke Wu Qiu’s hair.

With the announcement of “Ceremony complete,” they were now truly husband and husband.

Since the guests were few and all were familiar relatives and friends, everyone was informal. Lei Ding led Wu Qiu to meet a few family elders, then pulled him to sit beside him for the meal. With fewer people, the banquet dishes were prepared exquisitely. After the half-day of activity and feeling at ease today, Wu Qiu’s appetite had improved greatly, and he ate heartily. Everyone knew Wu Qiu was already pregnant; the elders naturally didn’t need to be told, and Lei Ding’s friends were all polite and tactful. So, no one tried to force drinks on them, only symbolically having Lei Ding drink two small cups as a token gesture. To let Wu Qiu rest well, no one stayed long. After the guests dispersed and a few of the men helped clean up the remnants, the medical clinic returned to the quiet of night, and the hour was still not too late. After seeing off the guests, Lei Ding returned to the room to find that Wu Qiu hadn’t even taken off his wedding robes yet. He was sitting by the bed, holding the pouch containing their hair, examining it closely under the lamp.

All the candles in the room had been replaced with carved red ones; even the bed’s gauze curtains and bedding had been changed to red, a far cry from the plain colors usually in Lei Ding’s room. But Wu Qiu sitting amidst it all made for a striking picture. Lei Ding came over, sat down beside Wu Qiu, and wrapped his arms around him. Without a word, he first sought Wu Qiu’s lips. Unlike the brief, restrained taste during the wedding ceremony when emotions overflowed, this kiss was simple and lingering. Lei Ding could hear Wu Qiu’s soft, urgent panting. They parted briefly, and soon Wu Qiu threw himself forward, clinging to Lei Ding for a second kiss.

Tonight was their wedding night.

Thinking of this, Wu Qiu remembered the little one in his belly and couldn’t help feeling a twinge of regret. But then he recalled people saying that after the first three months, the pregnancy stabilizes, so it probably wouldn’t matter. He tentatively rubbed against Lei Ding, softening his voice to coo, “My husband.”

Lei Ding hadn’t drunk much to begin with. Hearing this, and seeing Wu Qiu dressed in bright red wedding robes, lowering his head in the soft glow filtering through the red gauze curtains while clutching his handkerchief, Lei Ding’s throat tightened, and he subtly shifted his position.

Seemingly unmoved, Wu Qiu frowned and pressed closer, leaning against him from behind, resting his chin on Lei Ding’s shoulder.

Lei Ding turned his head to kiss him and asked, “Are you tired, Qiu Er? Let me help you change clothes and massage your waist and legs, so you won’t feel sore tomorrow. Did you eat enough tonight?”

Wu Qiu didn’t answer, his warm breath spilling over Lei Ding’s cheek. Lei Ding waited patiently for a long moment before a whisper, so soft it made one’s heart tremble, drifted into his ear: “Tonight is our wedding night, *gege*… don’t you want to?”

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Author’s Note: Qiu Bao wasn’t this prone to crying before—it’s just that he’s too excited today + pregnancy hormones at play.

No need to worry about Qiu Bao’s health, because Lei Ding wouldn’t dare (heehee). In a couple more months, there will be normal sexual activity!

Qiu Bao being this proactive isn’t entirely for himself~ More on that next chapter, hehe.