The Lin family had welcomed a new addition, and over the past few days, families in Qi Shan Village who were on good terms with them had been visiting with gifts to show their goodwill.

With the weather turning cold, neither the mother who’d just given birth nor the newborn could be exposed to the wind. Those with careful minds didn’t enter the inner rooms, as the comings and goings could easily let in a draft.

When Wu Lanshu and Shen Qingzhu arrived, Aunt Qian had just seen off another neighbor. Spotting them, she quickly invited them in. “In this chilly weather, come inside quickly and warm up.”

Although no snow had fallen yet, the temperature seemed to drop by the day, with a cold, dry sting. Just stepping outside made their faces feel both cold and taut.

Wu Lanshu passed Aunt Qian a basket filled with some simple offerings. Aunt Qian accepted it graciously, not standing on ceremony, and ushered them into the warm house.

In the main room, a stove was lit, with a pot of tea kept warm on it. Aunt Qian poured them each a bowl of tea to warm up before she sat down herself. “I was just thinking the other day—good thing the baby came early. If the timing had coincided with Qingzhu and Song’s wedding, we’d all be running in two directions!”

Wu Lanshu smiled at this, replying, “Well, it would have been double the happiness.”

Aunt Qian chuckled, “Indeed, you’re right.”

After chatting for a bit and warming up, Aunt Qian asked, “Would you like to see the baby?”

Since it was chilly and she didn’t want them catching a draft, she hadn’t suggested it before. But now that they asked, Wu Lanshu looked over at her young master for his opinion.

Shen Qingzhu, who had never seen a newborn baby, was curious, but instead of agreeing immediately, he asked, “Is there any harm in visiting?”

Aunt Qian waved a hand dismissively. “No harm! We’re all family here. Just be careful not to let in too much cold air when you open the door.”

Since that was the case, they followed her to Liu Fang and the baby’s room.

To prevent drafts, a heavy cotton curtain was hung over the door. When Shen Qingzhu lifted it, he could feel its weight, making him careful not to let in too much cold air.

“Qingzhu and Aunt Wu are here.” Liu Fang, propped up against the head of the bed, spotted them before Lin Erzhu, who was rocking the baby to sleep beside her. “I’m sorry for being so ungracious; I’m still not well enough to get out of bed.”

“Don’t worry about formalities. Focus on your recovery,” Wu Lanshu said, raising her hand to stop her from adjusting herself too much.

“Yes, listen to Aunt Wu.” Shen Qingzhu glanced at her, noticing that she seemed to be in good spirits with a healthy glow. It looked like she was being well cared for, and with more rest, she’d be fine.

After exchanging greetings, Shen Qingzhu’s gaze drifted over to the small “bundle” in Lin Erzhu’s arms. From this distance, it didn’t even look like a baby.

Noticing this, Aunt Qian took the baby from Lin Erzhu and brought him over. “Take a look! We all say he’s the spitting image of Erzhu. What do you think?”

Shen Qingzhu leaned in. The baby, still so tiny, had a wrinkled little face, far from the chubby cuteness of older babies he’d seen before. Yet, in that tiny face, he could vaguely see some of Lin Erzhu’s features. Curious, he reached out and gently touched the baby’s cheek with his fingertip, surprised at how soft it felt, like tofu. He nodded, “Yes, he does look a bit like Erzhu.”

Aunt Qian saw his interest and offered, “Want to hold him?”

Shen Qingzhu quickly waved his hands and took a step back. “No, just looking is fine.”

Such a tiny, fragile little being, he was afraid he’d accidentally hurt him.

Instead, Wu Lanshu took the baby in her arms, rocking him gently as she recalled, “When Qingzhu was born, he was even smaller and thinner than this one, with a cry that sounded like a little kitten’s.”

Back then, her lady had secretly wiped her tears, fearing he might not survive. But who would’ve thought he’d grow up so strong, and now he was about to get married? Only, it was a pity that her lady wouldn’t get to see it.

Wu Lanshu’s eyes held a hint of sadness, but she quickly pushed it aside, not wanting to dampen the mood. “He was even tinier, and we didn’t dare to hold him.”

Naturally, Shen Qingzhu didn’t remember his own infancy, but he imagined he must have looked just as wrinkled, and thought to himself, “It’s definitely better to have grown up.”

“When our Erzhu was born, he was as sturdy as a little piglet, so heavy you could feel his weight,” Aunt Qian said with a smile.

Lin Erzhu pulled a face, “Mom, why do I get compared to a piglet, while a kitten sounds so much cuter!”

The group burst into laughter, lowering their voices to avoid disturbing the baby. Wu Lanshu patted the baby gently as he started to make a tiny pout.

Seeing the little one settle back to sleep, Aunt Qian glanced at Lin Erzhu. “What’s wrong with piglets? They’re just as chubby and adorable.”

Unable to argue, Lin Erzhu just made a reluctant face.

Aunt Qian, still smiling, warned him, saying he wouldn’t be allowed to take care of her precious grandson if he turned out as cheeky and restless as Lin Erzhu had been as a child.

Lin Erzhu argued back that he was simply “lively,” saying boys should be like that, so they’d be popular with future wives.

Aunt Qian gave him a look. “Just look at your Song, quiet and reserved, and he found such a fine husband in Qingzhu. You just make excuses for yourself.”

“That’s because Song got lucky. If it weren’t for meeting Shen Xiaolang, who knows if he’d still be alone now,” Lin Erzhu laughed, teasing his friend’s fortune in love.

“Watch what you say about your Song!” Aunt Qian scolded, giving him a light flick on the forehead.

Lin Erzhu rubbed his head and joked, “Ah, yes, we have Shen Xiaolang right here. Better not let him hear, or he’ll tell Song and get me into trouble!”

Shen Qingzhu smiled and nodded. “Don’t worry, I’ll be sure to tell him.”

Lin Erzhu gasped, “Oh no, even before the marriage, you’re already on his side!”

Aunt Qian laughed, pointing out that Shen Qingzhu would naturally stand with his future husband, not with Lin Erzhu.

Watching them laugh and talk, Liu Fang felt much better. She’d been resting in bed, cooped up indoors, and found their chatter a nice change.

However, since she still needed more rest and would tire quickly, they didn’t stay long, leaving after Shen Qingzhu advised her to focus on recovering and promised they’d visit again soon.

Leaving the room, they decided not to linger in the main hall, aware of all the visitors Aunt Qian had been hosting while also caring for the baby. They figured she could use a breather.

In the days to come, she’d likely be busy with wedding preparations as well.

As they stepped out, Wu Lanshu remarked, “With a new baby in the house, everyone may be a little busier, but it’s definitely a joyful time.”

Shen Qingzhu nodded with a smile. “We should get some soft fabric for baby clothes. The Lin family has been a great help since we came here, and they’ll also be helping us with the wedding. It’s a good way to show our appreciation.”

Aunt Qian was the practical type, and she’d likely refuse if they offered something directly. But if it was for the baby, she wouldn’t be able to turn it down.

Wu Lanshu had the same thought and agreed, saying with a smile, “Leave that to me. You just focus on anything else you need for the wedding.”

At her words, Shen Qingzhu lowered his eyes, smiling lightly.

——

In a blink, only a few days were left before Shen Qingzhu and Zhou Song’s wedding. Despite the preparations made in advance, there always seemed to be more to do, with each day feeling more rushed than the last.

Since it was customary for the betrothed to avoid each other in the days leading up to the wedding, Zhou Song hadn’t visited. When he wanted to send anything, he’d entrust someone else to take it over.

He’d arranged with the village headman to officiate the wedding, a respected elder who was perfect for the role.

Aside from the necessary items, Zhou Song had made a couple of trips into the mountains. Even though it was winter and wild game was scarce, he knew the landscape well enough to track down some small animals to add to the wedding feast.

The meat could be stored in the cold, allowing him to prepare ahead of time.

For the rest of the supplies, he’d left the shopping and preparation to the cook he’d hired, who would handle everything and bring it over. The ingredients would be ready to go on the wedding day.

To seat the guests, he’d borrowed tables, benches, bowls, and dishes. He’d even gone so far as to make a wagon, so his recently acquired cow would have a proper job.

As the wedding day drew closer, the whole village seemed to be in good spirits, looking forward to the event. Zhou Song was well-liked, and his tough upbringing had earned him the sympathy of the older villagers, who watched him grow from a boy making his way alone into the man he was today.

They were thrilled he’d finally found someone to share his life with, and they wished for him a future filled with joy, perhaps even with a child or two to liven things up.

Lin Erzhu brought some of the young men over to Zhou Song’s house, helping him decorate. The red lanterns and banners added a festive warmth, even to the typically quiet house.

The main room, set to be the bridal chamber, was adorned with red decor, little “double happiness” stickers, and red silk flowers on the furniture.

The bridal bed was left untouched for the women to arrange, with specific traditions and timings in mind.

“Has anyone gone to help at Qingzhu’s place?” Zhou Song asked Lin Erzhu as they took a break.

“Rest assured,” Lin Erzhu replied, putting up the final decoration on a window. “My mom has it all arranged, and Aunt Wang’s helping out too. By now, they’ve probably finished up there.”

Zhou Song, comforted by this, nodded. “Alright. Once this is done, let’s go pick up the tables and chairs we borrowed.”

Having invited plenty of guests, he didn’t have enough seating, so he’d arranged to borrow extras along with the necessary dishes and cutlery.

On their way to gather the furniture, Lin Erzhu caught the delicious aroma of something already cooking in the kitchen. He sniffed, “Hey, Song, we’re having some good food for lunch, right?”

Zhou Song turned and smiled. “Of course.”

The host always fed their helpers well, and there was no shortage of good food to keep everyone’s spirits up.

After a satisfying lunch, they resumed the preparations. Just before sunset, Aunt Qian arrived with a few of the village women to arrange the bridal chamber.

They placed dates, peanuts, longan, and lotus seeds on the ceremonial table, along with red candles carved with dragons and phoenixes.

They spread the red bedding and said auspicious phrases, their faces beaming.

With the final touches, the bridal room was complete. Standing at the door, Zhou Song took in the festive red glow, the perfectly laid bedding adorned with mandarin ducks in embroidery.

He felt his cheeks grow warm, so he turned away, listening to the sounds of people bustling around the house, all because he was about to marry the one person he couldn’t forget.

With his difficult past, he couldn’t believe everything was coming together so smoothly. He hadn’t dared to hope for this happiness.

“Song!”

He felt a pat on his shoulder as Lin Erzhu appeared beside him. “My mom wanted to know where you put the jugs and cups for the wedding toast.”

Zhou Song pulled himself back to the present and led Lin Erzhu inside. “They’re in the cupboard. I’ll get them.”