Chapter 46: The Wedding Ceremony

The sound of firecrackers continued to echo, and the crowd was too far away to hear what she had said.

Uncle Wei watched with satisfaction, nodding to himself.

He thought that Yu Tingwan must be giving some caring instructions. The countryside had fewer formal customs, and given Wei Zhao’s condition, she was likely worried about him catching cold. What a thoughtful child.

Wei Zhao, however, had heard her. He had never met anyone as bold and unrestrained in their speech as Yu Tingwan.

The girl’s eyes were clear and honest – her thoughts were written all over her face. Even when she spoke flirtatious words, she didn’t hold back. Yet, apart from the time she applied medicine, she had never laid a hand on him.

Having heard such talk so often, Wei Zhao had grown used to it and paid it no mind. The ladies from the capital were certainly well-educated and reserved, but those from noble families were all skilled in scheming, hiding their true intentions behind a facade. Who knew what they were really thinking?

In comparison, Yu Tingwan was genuine.

Yu Tingwan straightened his wedding clothes and smoothed out the wrinkles.

Li Lian stuffed a red silk ribbon into Wei Zhao’s arms. Even if she didn’t approve of this marriage, she could only hope that the two would get along.

“Ah Lang, don’t keep your parents waiting. Take your wife’s hand and go next door for the ceremony.”

Wei Zhao glanced at the ribbon.

The red silk was old, even older than the wedding clothes he was wearing.

He let go, and it fell to the ground.

Li Lian: …

Are you doing this on purpose?!

She was fuming inside, feeling that Yu Tingwan deserved better! Marrying such a fine girl was your good fortune! How could you not cherish her?!

If it weren’t for… if it weren’t for Yu Tingwan being in a hurry to settle with you, she would have introduced some fine young men – what would Wei Zhao have to do with any of this!

All the elders remained silent, finding it too embarrassing to watch.

Yu Tingwan pursed her lips and stared straight at him.

“Husband, care to explain?”

The term “husband” made Wei Zhao’s eyelid twitch.

He said flatly, “I’ll say it one last time. I am not Wei Zhao.”

But still, no one believed him.

Li Lian quickly picked up the burning hot red silk and stuffed it back into Wei Zhao’s hands. “Alright, alright, you’re not, you’re not.”

She urged, “Hurry up, don’t miss the auspicious time.”

Yu Tingwan smiled. “Husband, you can hold it steady this time, right?”

Her voice was soft when she called him “husband,” but the strength in her hands when she struck packed quite a punch.

Wei Zhao sensed the threat in her tone. He lowered his eyelids, his thoughts unreadable.

He was tired and chose to compromise, reluctantly grunting in agreement.

“Mm.”

Yu Tingwan poked him again. “One end is mine.”

Wei Zhao hesitated for a moment before handing her half of the ribbon.

Li Lian: … Finally, some peace.

Aunt Wu, who was standing behind them, also sighed in relief. “Good things take time, good things take time! Alright, let’s go.”

Yu Tingwan’s vision went dark as the red veil fell over her head.

She tightly grasped the red silk, the other end held by the man she would share a bed with.

Yu Tingwan’s emotions were complex.

There was anticipation, joy, and also a sense of uncertainty.

She had been waiting for this moment for a long time.

When she was with the Hu family, she often thought that once she got married and had a home, she would have someone to care for her. She wouldn’t have to endure Madam Wang’s mistreatment anymore.

But Hu Dazhu always said:

«Wan’er, your uncle selfishly wants to keep you for a few more years. Once Erlang passes the imperial exams, the whole family will benefit. There will be no shortage of suitors in the future. Your uncle will choose the best for you, so that he can face your mother in the afterlife.»

And as for Hu Yaozhu:

He would avoid Madam Wang and stop her privately.

«Sister Wan, I have feelings for you. I will marry you after I achieve a high rank in the imperial examinations. Wait for me.»

Every time Hu Yaozu returned from the academy, he wore his scholar’s robes. He had never worked in the fields, exuding an air of scholarly refinement, with delicate features.

Any other girl, being gazed at with such passionate eyes, would have fallen head over heels.

But not Yu Tingwan.

She looked down on Hu Yaozu’s delicate nature – he struggled to even carry a bucket of water.

Wei Zhao walked out listlessly. Yu Tingwan couldn’t see the path clearly and had to worry about Wei Zhao stumbling and falling, so she followed closely behind him.

The two houses were close, and after turning a corner from the courtyard, they arrived at the Wei family’s home.

“The bride enters the house, bringing joy and prosperity!”

Uncle Wei’s voice rang out.

After entering the Wei family’s home, they walked a few more steps.

“The bride steps over the basin, warding off evil and ensuring smooth sailing.”

The Wei family wouldn’t dare intimidate their new daughter-in-law, and fearing she might burn her dress, they kept the fire small. Yu Tingwan lifted her skirt slightly and stepped over it.

The Wei couple had already changed into clean clothes and sat on either side. In the center was a wooden table covered with red paper.

Relatives from Hui Niang’s maternal family were also present, all craning their necks to watch.

The sound of footsteps drew closer.

Yu Tingwan took the evergreen branch that symbolized eternal marriage and harmony from Aunt Wu. She had brought it back from the old house earlier.

According to local custom, both sides needed to prepare one branch each – the bride had to bring hers from her family to her husband’s family.

Hui Niang had prepared two.

Yu Tingwan entered the main hall, guided by Li Lian to step forward and place her evergreen branch on the wooden table before the Wei couple.

Another evergreen branch was already on the wooden table. Now the two branches sat close together, and as Yu Tingwan moved, the peanuts hanging from the leaves swayed gently.

“Blessings of prosperity and love, double happiness arrives in pairs.”

Yu Tingwan was guided back to Wei Zhao’s side.

“The newlyweds bow – kneel!”

Yu Tingwan knelt, but Wei Zhao remained motionless, lost in thought.

“This won’t do, this won’t do!”

Hui Niang quickly interjected, “Uncle, I’m afraid it might strain my son’s wounds.”

Can’t you see he’s too weak to even walk?

Yet he’s so stubborn, refusing to use a crutch.

Uncle Wei quickly corrected himself, “I was being foolish. Husband and wife are one – it’s enough if the bride kneels on their behalf.”

“First bow to heaven and earth, with the sky as witness and the earth as proof.”

Yu Tingwan bent towards the door.

Wei Zhao didn’t move.

Uncle Wei frowned.

Let it be.

“Second bow to the parents, honoring the great kindness of nurturing, as heavy as a mountain.”

Yu Tingwan knelt with deep reverence, feeling extremely grateful to Hui Niang and Wei Shouzhong.

Wei Zhao kept his eyes half-lowered, still motionless.

Since his father’s death, apart from the ancestral tablets in the Duke’s family shrine, he hadn’t knelt to anyone.

Uncle Wei watched: …

Couldn’t you at least give a slight bow for appearance’s sake, or at the very least nod your head?

..Let it be.

“Third bow to each other, a perfect match blessed by heaven.”

The young woman turned to face Wei Zhao.

Wei Zhao slowly said, “I…”

His voice wasn’t loud, but all attention focused on him.

Hui Niang immediately stood up. “What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell somewhere?”

Li Lian didn’t want this joyous occasion turning into a funeral. “You’ve been out and standing for so long – should auntie bring you a stool to rest a while?”

Wei Zhao’s eyes were vacant as he said slowly, “I’m sleepy.”

Everyone: …

Yu Tingwan said gently, “Just bear with it.”

Wei Zhao opened his mouth. “But…”

Yu Tingwan didn’t want to hear it. As she bowed, she controlled her strength while rising on her toes to press down on Wei Zhao’s head.

Uncle Wei exclaimed excitedly, “The ceremony is complete!”

Wei Zhao almost laughed in frustration: …

Then he heard Yu Tingwan mutter under her breath, “Such a troublemaker!”