The lively wedding procession returned home, and the men who had been waiting, already hearing the drums from afar, lit firecrackers, filling the air with a loud crackling.

Children ran out to watch the commotion, covering their ears as they screamed in excitement and ducked into their parents’ arms. Soon, though, they were laughing happily, standing on their tiptoes to catch a glimpse of the new bridegroom.

The bright red wedding sedan chair stopped at the door, and the waiting matchmaker showered them with auspicious words. In this festive atmosphere, Zhou Song leaned into the sedan and lifted Shen Qingzhu out.

Shen Qingzhu wrapped his arms around Zhou Song’s neck, his fingertips unintentionally brushing against the back of Zhou Song’s neck—a sensitive spot that made Zhou Song slightly stiffen, his scent involuntarily growing stronger.

The scent of pine wood intensified in the air as Shen Qingzhu raised his gaze to look at Qian Yuan, meeting his gaze as it fell on him. There was something subtle in the look they exchanged.

“Oh my, the groom wants to gaze at his new bridegroom! There’ll be plenty of time to look in the future. For now, go perform the ceremony!” The matchmaker teased them as they gazed into each other’s eyes. Her words made the onlooking villagers laugh out loud.

With so many people watching, even Shen Qingzhu couldn’t help but feel a bit shy. He lowered his gaze, leaning a little closer to Zhou Song’s chest.

Zhou Song, even more flustered, felt the heat spreading from his neck to his face. Holding Shen Qingzhu a little more firmly, he took large strides into the house.

There were many guests, and the courtyard was filled with tables, each with a brazier by its side to ward off the cold.

As Zhou Song entered, he glanced around and noticed that his uncle’s family was seated at one of the tables inside, looking quite well-behaved. Even the usually rowdy Zhou Xiaofu was sitting obediently, likely attending out of concern for appearances.

Granny Zhou wasn’t visible, but Zhou Song figured she was likely inside the house. She valued her reputation, and though Zhou Song didn’t hold her in high regard, he knew that since she was family, it would’ve looked bad if she hadn’t shown up. Aunt Qian must have arranged for her to sit indoors, not out of respect, but simply to keep up appearances.

Entering the main hall, Zhou Song spotted Granny Zhou by the main table but quickly shifted his gaze away. Whether or not they respected him, he didn’t care as long as they didn’t cause trouble. Otherwise, he was more than willing to ignore them.

Granny Zhou was old now and no longer as domineering as before. When it came to her tall and unyielding grandson, she had no choice but to yield. If she didn’t push him around, he might even afford her some face.

Zhou Song set Shen Qingzhu down gently in front of the mat, then took the red silk ribbon from the matchmaker, handing one end to Shen Qingzhu. Holding the ribbon between them, the silk flower in the middle hung down slightly.

In front of them was the ceremonial table, with two unoccupied chairs on either side and two memorial tablets on the table, representing Zhou Song’s parents, who they would honor today.

Shen Qingzhu looked to Zhou Song, who was also looking at him, a bit of unease in his eyes, as if worried that Shen Qingzhu might find it inappropriate.

But Shen Qingzhu only smiled, saying nothing as he turned and stood on the other side of the mat, facing the doorway of the main hall.

Zhou Song was briefly stunned, then hurried to follow suit, a warmth rising in his chest. Not everyone would accept paying respects to two memorial tablets on their wedding day.

The village elder watched as they took their positions and called out, “First, bow to Heaven and Earth!”

They lifted their robes and knelt, bowing three times.

“Second, bow to the parents!”

The matchmaker helped Shen Qingzhu up, and they turned to face the tablets, kneeling and bowing three times.

With his forehead touching the edge of the mat, Zhou Song thought to himself, “Father, Mother, I’ve married the one I love. I’m no longer alone. You can rest easy now.”

“Bow to each other as husband and husband!”

Shen Qingzhu and Zhou Song faced each other and knelt. As they prepared to bow, they glanced at one another and couldn’t help but smile, bowing with joy in their hearts.

“Escort them to the bridal chamber!”

Before the village elder’s words had fully landed, the room was filled with loud cheers, especially from the group of men led by Lin Erzhu, who sounded as if they were the ones about to enter the bridal chamber.

Zhou Song shot a glare at Lin Erzhu, but Lin Erzhu, knowing that Zhou Song was in a good mood and wouldn’t actually trouble him, wasn’t fazed in the slightest.

Zhou Song picked up Shen Qingzhu, and with his ears tinged red, quickly left the room amid the cheering and teasing.

Once they were in the main room, the noise finally faded away, and Zhou Song gently set Shen Qingzhu down on the bed.

Knowing how delicate Kun Ze bodies can be, Zhou Song had Aunt Qian and the other aunts prepare several layers of bedding, personally testing it to ensure it was soft and comfortable.

Sitting down, Shen Qingzhu immediately felt the softness and recognized Zhou Song’s thoughtfulness.

“I need to go back and host the guests. Aunties will bring food for you later. If you feel tired after eating, you can lie down and rest.” Zhou Song knelt down in front of him, looking up and reminding him gently.

Shen Qingzhu nodded, “I know. Go ahead.”

Zhou Song nodded, but he hesitated, reluctant to leave, wanting to stay with him. But he couldn’t ignore the guests waiting outside.

Finally, with Shen Qingzhu’s smiling gaze encouraging him, Zhou Song held his hand for a moment, his face flushing as he stood and headed outside.

The cold air outside helped cool his flushed face, and he quickly turned back to shut the door behind him to keep the room warm.

“Brother Song, you settled your bridegroom?” Lin Erzhu was waiting for him outside and approached him immediately.

Zhou Song had already returned to his usual composure and asked flatly, “Where’s your wife?”

“She went home to bring food for my wife. She’ll be back soon,” Lin Erzhu replied, pulling Zhou Song along. “Don’t change the subject, though. The brothers are all waiting!”

Zhou Song wasn’t much of a drinker and usually ended up helping everyone get home after they were drunk. But today was his big day, and he couldn’t keep declining.

The other young men felt the same way, determined to see him drink until he was thoroughly tipsy, just as they often ended up.

Lin Erzhu pulled Zhou Song to a table with other young men, giving him time to eat something before they started. They were rowdy but considerate enough not to be reckless with his health.

From the kitchen, steaming dishes began to arrive, carried by familiar villagers. Every table had plenty of food, including wild rabbit meat, which everyone knew Zhou Song had hunted himself.

The generous servings delighted the guests, who happily dug in, marveling at the feast. Who else would serve this much meat at a wedding?

“That boy doesn’t know how to save, giving all this to outsiders,” muttered Hu Lan, her voice tinged with habitual resentment.

“Just eat and don’t complain.” Zhou Dashan shot her a glare.

Hu Lan fell silent. After Zhou Song left the other day, she had complained about his hidden savings, only to be slapped by her husband. She was stunned. Though Zhou Dashan had always been rough, he had never laid a hand on her before. But at that moment, his red, furious eyes left her speechless.

Next to her, Zhou Xiaofu ate quietly, too. After his injuries healed, he had wanted his parents to confront Zhou Song on his behalf. But surprisingly, neither his father nor his usually protective mother supported him.

When he pushed too hard, his father kicked him to the ground, telling him to go if he dared, warning that Zhou Song might kill him.

Zhou Xiaofu wasn’t brave enough to face Zhou Song again. He still remembered how terrifyingly ruthless Zhou Song had been during their last encounter.

These days, the atmosphere at home felt different. His father was often irritable, his mother was quietly tearful, and his grandmother seemed lost in thought, no longer muttering about seeing Zhou Song.

Though Zhou Xiaofu sensed it had something to do with Zhou Song, he didn’t dare ask.

Biting down on a mouthful of meat, he muttered bitterly to himself. It was only because Zhou Song was Qian Yuan that he acted so proud!

But no matter how he felt, he could only swallow his grievances.

Inside the main hall, Zhou Song had already been coaxed into drinking quite a bit. With a good mood today, he didn’t turn down a single toast, and the young men drank heartily alongside him, enjoying the rare chance to celebrate.

The elders at the nearby tables watched with smiles, letting the young ones have their fun. It was good for them to be lively and happy.

In the end, the young men’s faces were flushed red, while Zhou Song, after being toasted by everyone, looked just as steady as ever, showing no sign of drunkenness.

The others refused to believe it, insisting on toasting him until he passed out, determined to prove they could out-drink him.

Aunt Qian had returned to eat with the other helpers, noticing that Lin Erzhu was already flushed but leaving him to enjoy himself. He had been taking good care of Liu Fang and the child lately, so she let him relax tonight.

Realizing the men would be occupied for a while, Aunt Qian and the other women began clearing the tables, packing up leftovers for the guests to take home. There was still plenty of food, and she made sure to set some aside for the helpers and the Zhou family.

As the women cleaned and washed dishes, a few uncles helped move the tables and benches to one side of the courtyard, organizing the borrowed items to be returned.

Though simple, there were many tasks, and with the early winter dusk, it was already getting dark by the time they finished.

“Thank you, Aunties, for all your help.” Zhou Song entered, still sober despite the amount he’d drunk.

“All done over there?” Aunt Qian had just lit an oil lamp and greeted him with a smile.

“It’s a rare happy day.” Zhou Song shook his head, not minding the ruckus, and addressed the women cleaning up, “There’s plenty of food left. Take some home with you. We couldn’t have managed without your help.”

“Nonsense, we’re all neighbors here. Just little things!”

“Exactly, we’re here to share in the joy!”

Each woman had watched Zhou Song grow up and didn’t mind lending a hand, especially since Zhou Song had shown such generosity over the past few days.

After thanking them, Aunt Qian patted his arm, “Does Shen Qingzhu need anything? I can make something quickly.”

“No, Aunt. Go on home and rest; I’ll take care of him.”

“Alright, then.” Aunt Qian glanced over. “Did Lin Erzhu get himself drunk?”

“No, he’s still awake, just sobering up outside.” Zhou Song looked over and saw him sitting under the eaves of the main hall.

Lin Erzhu knew his limits, knowing Liu Fang and the baby needed him at home, so he paced himself, keeping from passing out.

The other young men were still mostly sober, able to make it home on their own, and only two were carried away by friends.

After packing some food, Aunt Qian and the other women wrapped up, and Zhou Song and Lin Erzhu moved the tables outside the courtyard with the rest.

By now, night had fully fallen, and the helpers took their food and went home together.

Before leaving, Aunt Qian reminded Zhou Song that there was still chicken soup warming in the pot for him, and he promised to drink it before seeing them off.

As he closed the gate, the courtyard, which had been lively all day, returned to a quiet stillness. It felt almost like the old days when he was alone, but he knew that wasn’t the case anymore.

Zhou Song looked toward the main room, its candlelight glowing softly, his heart starting to beat fast. Pressing a hand to his chest, he turned on his heel and headed to the kitchen first.