The jeep circled around Huaihua Village and returned to the Gu family home. By then, everyone was already waiting there, making the atmosphere particularly lively.

Sheng Zexi held Gu Jianing’s hand as they got out of the car. In front of both families’ elders and the portrait of their leader, they took their vows, promising to accompany each other for the rest of their lives as revolutionary partners.

“Wonderful!” Amidst a loud cheer, everyone clapped enthusiastically.

As dish after dish was brought to the table, the banquet began.

The villagers attending the wedding knew that Sheng Zexi and the Gu family held Gu Jianing in high regard, but they hadn’t expected such extravagance. Each table had ten dishes, symbolizing perfection, with five meat dishes and five vegetarian dishes.

Moreover, the meat dishes weren’t just lightly flavored with meat—they were substantial, with plenty of meat visible to the naked eye.

“This is really lavish. How much must this have cost?” someone exclaimed.

“Who cares how much it cost? We’re definitely going to eat our fill today.”

“That’s right, today we’re eating to our heart’s content.”

Lu Weixian was also shocked when he saw the spread of dishes, especially the meat dishes. He almost drooled at the sight.

He felt fortunate to have been invited by the Gu family today.

Lu Weixian had been in the countryside for over two years. His relationship with his family in the city wasn’t good, which was why he had been sent to the countryside in the first place. His family in the city seemed to act as if he didn’t exist, never sending him anything. Being young, Lu Weixian had lived a very frugal life these past two years, hardly ever eating meat.

As a result, he remained very thin.

Now, seeing the table full of food and meat, how could he not be overjoyed?

Especially when the meat touched his tongue, he nearly cried with happiness.

Gu Jianing was also led by Sheng Zexi to sit down and enjoy the banquet. After all, this was their wedding feast, so it was only natural for them to be present.

In the past, a bride like Gu Jianing wouldn’t have been allowed to attend the banquet; she would have had to stay in the bridal chamber.

Not long ago, when Wen Zhuqing married into the Bao family, wasn’t that the case?

But the Gu family and Sheng Zexi couldn’t bear to let Gu Jianing go hungry. Besides, this was a new society, different from the old feudal ways.

This time, the villagers of Huaihua Village ate to their heart’s content.

After returning to the educated youth point, Lu Weixian and another female educated youth who had been invited to the banquet were met with envious glances and sarcastic remarks.

However, neither of them paid much attention.

Having lived under the same roof for so long, they already knew who among them was genuine and who was not.

So, there was no need to deliberately curry favor.

No matter what others said, they would focus on living their own lives well.

After finishing her wedding banquet, Gu Jianing returned to the bridal chamber to rest.

Having been busy since early morning and feeling tense from nervousness, she was completely exhausted both physically and mentally. As soon as she had the chance to rest, she fell asleep.

When Sheng Zexi entered, he saw his young wife sleeping soundly.

He sat down slowly on the bed, gazing at his wife’s peaceful and beautiful sleeping face, his expression relaxed.

He leaned over gently and kissed Gu Jianing’s smooth forehead, then carefully tucked her in before leaving.

Gu Jianing slept deeply and didn’t wake up until dinnertime.

Gu Jianing was to join the army, and her train tickets were for the next day. Sheng Zexi had asked a comrade to help buy two sleeper tickets, as the train journey would take three days and two nights—a long trip.

Since the train was leaving early the next morning, they needed to pack their luggage that night.

The Gu family had prepared many things. After dinner, Gu Jianing was called into her parents’ room, where they gave her the betrothal money Sheng Zexi had provided, as well as the money and ration tickets that were originally meant for her.

Yao Chunhua had also prepared thick, brand-new cotton-padded clothes, jackets, and quilts.

“It’s the coldest time in the northwest right now. Remember to wear these cotton-padded clothes and jackets, and don’t find the quilt too troublesome to bring,” Yao Chunhua said, her eyes reddening. She couldn’t bear to part with her daughter, who had never been away from her side before. Now, she was going to the northwest, a place so far away and so cold.

“Mom, I know,” Gu Jianing said, stepping forward to hug her mother. Under her father’s longing gaze, she then hugged him as well.

These cotton-padded clothes, jackets, and quilts had been made by her mother day and night after learning of her impending marriage. How could she find them troublesome to bring?

Even if they were a burden, they were a sweet burden.

“Once you’re there, the only person you can rely on is Sheng Zexi. If you encounter any problems, discuss them together and don’t throw tantrums, understand?” Mr. Gu advised carefully.

“If you’re short of anything, call or write to us, and we’ll send it to you.”

“Yes, Mom and Dad, I understand.”

After leaving her parents’ room, her older brothers and sisters-in-law also gave her gifts.

Her eldest sister-in-law gave her a thick red scarf she had knitted herself. Gu Jianing tried it on, and it fit perfectly. It was warm and made her skin look even fairer and smoother.

Her eldest brother gave her a stack of ration tickets, all of which might be useful in the northwest.

“Sister-in-law, today is the last day of treatment. After this, you’ll be able to conceive. I hope that not long after I arrive in the northwest, I’ll hear good news from you and Big Brother,” Gu Jianing said.

“Ah, yes, yes. I’ll take your kind words as a blessing,” Yang Manman replied with a smile.

Recently, under her sister-in-law’s treatment, she had noticed significant changes in her body. She already had an idea of what was happening, but hearing the confirmation from her sister-in-law, who was a skilled doctor, gave her even more confidence.

Her sister-in-law truly had talent.

Perhaps, before long, she and her husband would welcome their child.

Her second brother and sister-in-law gave her a lot of cured meat, all of which her second brother had hunted in the mountains recently.

“I’ve heard that in the northwest, when heavy snow falls, the mountains get sealed off, and food becomes scarce. These are all cured and can last a long time.”

“Take all of it. If it’s not enough, let me know.”

“Second Brother, this is too much. Leave some for Second Sister-in-law. She just gave birth not long ago and needs to replenish her health.”

Second Sister-in-law Su Miao shook her head. “Ningning, just take it. If I need any, your Second Brother can always get more. It’s easier for us to get these things here. It won’t be as convenient for you over there.”

Unable to refuse, Gu Jianing had no choice but to accept.

As for her third brother, Gu Yunzhou, he directly handed her a small box. When she returned to her room and opened it, she found it filled with beautiful jade jewelry. Many of the pieces were of excellent quality and very pretty.

Gu Jianing couldn’t help but laugh and cry at the same time. She knew her third brother had collected these because he knew she loved beautiful accessories.

Although these items weren’t worth much now, in the future, their value would be significant.

The gifts from her three brothers and sisters-in-law were all thoughtful and precious.

Gu Jianing’s eyes grew slightly warm, deeply moved.