Chapter 17.2

Years in the military had made him stand tall and straight as a pine tree. Many spectators followed him in, including several from the Wang family. Luo Lan saw the Wang family’s youngest grandson dart outside, and soon after, Old Lady Wang arrived.

For a first marriage, the bride must be brought into the house by noon. So as soon as the groom and his entourage arrived, the eldest sister-in-law served a simple meal. To ensure there was enough, she also cooked noodles and stir-fried eggs with wood ear mushrooms.

Everyone was eager to see the bride and her dowry. Although local customs had long included dowries, if the bride’s dowry was entirely absent or insufficient, it would reflect poorly on her.

Old Lady Wang had already started gossiping outside among the crowd, claiming that Luo Lan’s dowry was nothing but items from her first marriage.

“Using our Wang family’s things for a second marriage? Even if she’s marrying into the city, she’s just using what our family didn’t want. What’s so great about that?”

“Hey, you haven’t even seen the dowry yet, so how do you know she’s using your things?”

“Exactly. Those things she took from the Wang family are now hers, not yours.”

Two women close to Luo Lan defended her, though they were not aware of the full extent of the dowry. Otherwise, their rebuttals might have been stronger.

“Even if it’s true, it’s still not fitting for a second marriage.”

“Yes, especially since the groom is from the city. He might be looked down upon because of this.”

Though their voices were not loud and their comments not harsh, their eyes clearly showed they were enjoying the spectacle. The two women defending Luo Lan were frustrated but had no means to counter the gossip. The sound of drums continued outside as they helped Luo Lan dress. They were the equivalent of modern-day bridesmaids.

Luo Lan didn’t go outside to hear the gossip, but she could guess what people were saying. With Old Lady Wang stirring up trouble, there were many people watching. Last night, when her brother helped move things, it was too late for anyone to notice. Today, everyone was curious if she was really using items from her first marriage.

“Just wait and see. Besides the bedding we took from the Wang family, I guarantee there isn’t even an extra mirror.”

Old Lady Wang’s comment was loud and clear, and it was overheard by Luo Lan’s nephews. The young men were quick to respond.

“Old Lady Wang, what are you saying?”

Old Lady Wang was unafraid, having come specifically to make things difficult for her former daughter-in-law. “I’m saying that Luo Lan is using the Wang family’s bedding for her second marriage.”

“Watch your mouth!”

Luo Lan’s eldest nephew was about to confront her, but his younger brothers stopped him. Their parents had instructed them not to cause trouble that day, but the young men could not stay silent when provoked. The eldest brother restrained him, but the matter couldn’t end there.

“Old Lady Wang, if my aunt’s dowry is different from what you claim, will you perform a celebratory song for her?”

“Then what if it’s just as I said, only the bedding and clothes from when you married into the Wang family?”

“Then we’ll work for you for three days without pay.”

“That’s interesting. Old Lady Wang, if you’re so sure, let’s make a bet.”

“Alright, let’s do that. Everyone, let’s give a round of applause.”

The crowd became animated, eager to see the spectacle. The enthusiasm for the bet seemed to surpass even the curiosity about the dowry itself.

“Let’s bet. Go and move the dowry now.”

The Wang family brothers sensed something was amiss but couldn’t quite pinpoint it. They could only watch as the situation escalated, with Wang Second Brother already contemplating how to make the Luo family’s four young men work to humiliate them.

“Just wait.”

The four young men, all strong and able-bodied, set up the drums and made their way into the house to move the dowry.

“Look at this, Old Lady Wang. You’re probably going to lose this bet,” someone remarked.

“Yes, with the four of them so confident, it seems the Old Lady Wang won’t be able to enjoy the show today,” another added.

The onlookers speculated that Luo Lan’s dowry must be impressive, given the way things were unfolding. Old LadyWang began to doubt herself, but it was too late to back out now.

“Humph, don’t let her grow in stature while diminishing my prestige. I don’t believe she has anything remarkable for a second marriage.”

The spectators weren’t too concerned about Old Lady Wang’s grumbling. The matter was about to reach its climax. Inside, the groom and his entourage had eaten most of the simple meal, while outside, the drums and fireworks continued to blaze. The bride was ready to step out, and the dowry was already being transported.

“Hey, will we get to see Old Lady Wang performing ‘The Sedan Chair’?”

“I think we will.”

The crowd was in high spirits, eager to witness the spectacle. Old Lady Wang, who had been about to protest, was silenced when she saw the dowry being moved out. The sight of a bicycle, adorned with red ribbons, caught everyone’s attention.

“Wow, a bicycle!”

“It’s brand new and looks like it’s for women. The city people really seem to treat Luo Lan well.”

“Absolutely. With this setup, it’s clear they value the bride. Some people wanted to see her fail but ended up as the joke themselves.”

Laughter erupted from the crowd, making Old Lady Wang’s face flush even more red than the bicycle’s ribbons. The laughter was like a slap in the face, leaving her feeling humiliated and desperate to escape.

“Oh, Luo Lan’s wedding is so splendid. Even the bedding is more beautiful than anything I’ve ever seen.”

“I’ve lived forty years and never seen anything like it. It looks so luxurious, maybe it’s wool?”

“Wool bedding?” Several women gasped in amazement.

“Wool is very high-end.”

“The groom is wearing a new wool sweater. Luo Lan must be wearing a new one too.”

“Of course, I saw her sister with wool yarn.”

“City folks have it good. In our rural weddings, it’s rare to see wool sweaters.”

“Indeed. Even having a new cloth dress is a luxury. Wool is something we can only dream of.”

The comments pricked Old Lady Wang’s heart, making her face turn pale with embarrassment. As Luo Lan’s nephews carried out her dowry, Old Lady Wang shrank back, trying to slip away unnoticed.

Her sons had already fled after seeing the dowry, and she, focusing only on escaping, was oblivious to their whereabouts. As she tried to leave quickly, the other women stopped her.

“Where do you think you’re going, Old Lady Wang?”

With so many of Luo Lan’s acquaintances around, it was impossible for her to slip away unnoticed. One woman spoke up while another grabbed her, pulling her back into the courtyard.

“Hurry up and sing ‘The Sedan Chair’!”

“Yes, sing it quickly!”

“Let’s get it done, to make it more lively.”

The drum team, hired for a high price, was set to perform. Wang Qing Shan had originally planned a low-key event, but she ended up adding a lively touch to the occasion. ‘The Sedan Chair’ was a famous piece, perfect for weddings.

As the bride prepared to leave, Old Lady Wang was forced into the spotlight. The crowd laughed as the drums began playing the festive tune, making her the center of the joke.

The lively music accompanied Luo Lan as she stepped out, beginning her new journey. Meanwhile, Old LadyWang , having endured the embarrassing performance, scrambled to leave, trying to forget the humiliations she had faced.