In the morning, after a light breakfast, Li Feng tended to the family’s dogs and horses as usual, then rode out to fetch the bride.
The bridal procession had been arranged through a matchmaker. Hai Youtian was their family’s chosen match, and even though the proposal had been accepted, a matchmaker was still needed to formalize the engagement. The procedure differed little from the norm.
The two families lived some distance apart. Li Feng departed at dawn, making the round trip through crowded streets, weaving along different paths, and returning just in time for the wedding ceremony.
Shun Ge’er had been ready for some time, his face carefully powdered, with a touch of rouge over the pregnancy mark. He spent the remaining hours pacing the room, unable to sit still or focus on anything.
Lu Liu said, “Waiting for the right hour can feel long. When I went with your elder brother, we left the room, circled the village, returned to the stronghold, and the time passed before we knew it. At home, we barely sat down to eat, and by then the banquet was over—the day was done.”
Shun Ge’er, tense, asked, “What do we even say when we meet tonight?”
Lu Liu replied, “Anything. You don’t have to wait until nightfall. You’ll meet at the wedding ceremony, and you’ll likely escort him to the bridal chamber—or maybe not, since you’re the groom by marriage. He’s the man; he’ll stay to entertain guests, and you’ll remain outside.”
Shun Ge’er’s tension increased. He was eager for the hour to pass, to escape the anxious waiting. Yet when he realized he would soon meet Hai Youtian, he felt a strong resistance, more akin to fear than anything he could articulate.
On the wedding day, San Shui Lane was far from the mountain stronghold. The house quickly became lively. Lu Yang came by to play, teasing Shun Ge’er like Lu Liu, leaving him red-faced.
Before long, visitors came in turns. Once the two little ones were left behind, Shun Ge’er had no time to think of anything else.
Guests arrived gradually. The local tooth merchant distributed a few invitations, and Manager Cai brought a few assistants, presenting a gift.
The Hai family had no relatives nearby. Typically, the bride’s family didn’t attend the wedding feast after the marriage, but Li Feng escorted them over to liven things up.
The musical troupe followed the bridal procession, and the sound indicated the guests’ arrival.
Lu Liu ran out, saw the procession approaching, and quickly called Li Fei to watch the children. He took Shun Ge’er out to the main hall for the ceremony.
Li Feng had completed the bride-fetching task, bringing Hai Youtian home. Together with Lu Liu, he stayed in the main hall to oversee things. Guests had not yet been seated, chatting nearby in festive tones.
Lu Liu, having never been involved in such festivities while at the Lu family estate, had only seen them a few times at Li’s stronghold. He now understood that such joy came from the goodwill accumulated over time.
To make the household lively, guests had to speak warmly, exchanging repeated phrases with enthusiasm, creating a high-spirited atmosphere during the ceremony.
Lu Liu and Li Feng joined in, shouting congratulations, clapping, while the musicians supported the scene in the yard. Both newlyweds went uncovered, their cheeks bright red. After the ceremony, they walked around the bridal chamber, then, awaiting the seating of guests, returned to toast and celebrate with them.
Hai Youtian sat at the Hai family’s table, with Manager Cai and his assistants.
Shun Ge’er approached to offer a toast, then they moved to other tables.
At their own table, Lu Liu was polite, not rushing to eat, speaking to invite others to enjoy the meal, engaging in customary light conversation.
Since everyone at the table was family, their attention focused more on the Hai family and Manager Cai’s group. After the guests enjoyed themselves, Lu Liu and Li Feng accompanied them out to see them off.
Manager Cai’s group lived nearby, so they left on their own.
Li Feng needed to hurry with the carriage, escorting the Hai family back.
Lu Liu returned home to help his mother clean inside and out. With everyone pitching in—including the hired helpers—the courtyard was tidied in over half an hour.
Meanwhile, Shun Ge’er lingered outside, being chased back by his mother and then his elder sister-in-law. When his elder brother returned home, Shun Ge’er hesitated, unsure if he should approach him—he knew that spoiling his whims could ruin the ceremony.
Shun Ge’er hid outside while others busied themselves. Hai Youtian, uneasy in the house, followed him out, politely helping with chores since he was now part of the household.
Eventually, they had to enter the rooms. That night, the household was quiet; even normal conversation was whispered.
Lu Liu gathered the children back inside for Li Fei to rest. Caring for them had exhausted him these past two days.
The two little ones, unaware of the day’s events, followed the adults wherever they went. They had been cooped up at home and were eager to explore outside.
They knew to stay with Li Feng. On the kang, they lounged, waiting to be picked up, wanting to fly and wander once in his arms.
Lu Liu carried Xiaomai. Li Feng’s eyes followed him as Zhuangzhuang playfully slapped him.
Li Feng muttered, “…Ingrate.”
Lu Liu freed one hand to tap Zhuangzhuang’s bottom. Thick clothing muted the impact; Zhuangzhuang smiled and drooled a little.
Lu Liu softened, squeezing his hand gently.
Holding the children single-handedly was tiring; he focused on Xiaomai, with Li Feng helping, wary of slipping and falling. Yet Zhuangzhuang insisted on being held too.
They walked and coaxed them along. Departing quietly, they returned noisily. Once back, Lu Liu sat, finally able to hold both children at once.
Li Feng fetched water and helped settle the children. The couple then washed up. Exhausted from the past days, they went to bed early.
Lu Liu knew Li Feng would struggle to sleep, so he stayed up, talking with him.
Li Feng said, “My father passed too early. Shun Ge’er is the youngest at home. I’m his elder brother, often acting as a father. Now my brother is married—it feels like a child getting married. My heart isn’t at ease. Once I adjust over the next few days, I’ll be fine.”
Lu Liu massaged his ears, helping him relax.
“So, will you take Hai Youtian out to work these days?”
Li Feng shook his head, “Not yet. I want them to grow close first. With a full house, they might feel shy.”
He added, “Tomorrow, let them hang out at the snack shop. Let Zao Ge’er rest a few days. During the New Year, he’s been managing the shop alone and deserves a break.”
Lu Liu agreed, mentioning He Qingzao’s situation.
Since his divorce, he was free but unwilling to return home. Back in the village, his family offered no protection. Now, divorced from the newly qualified scholar Liu Youli, his family was even less welcoming. He had no choice but to make a living outside.
Lu Liu said, “We all have homes, keeping busy and lively behind closed doors. Zao Ge’er is alone, too lonely. I tested his thoughts through a matchmaker, related to Shun Ge’er. He’s hesitant to remarry, thinking his circumstances won’t attract a good match. I tried to reassure him, suggesting he regard me as a godfather. That way he has a home, can live with us for now, and when the right person comes along, he can marry from our family.”
