20demayo Chapter 143 Sister-in-law Enters the House
Chapter 143 Sister-in-law Enters the House
On the sixteenth day of the eighth lunar month, before the sun had fully shone on the earth and the sky was just beginning to lighten with the first hint of dawn, the entire Su family home was already bustling with activity. Today was the auspicious day of the eldest son's wedding!
At this moment, the eldest son of the Su family, along with several friends—Su Muyang, Ye Beichen, and the village chief's nephews—were busily decorating the carriage that would soon be used to fetch the bride. Some climbed up and down to hang colorful ribbons, some carefully arranged flowers, and others meticulously wiped the carriage. Everyone was full of energy, their faces beaming with joy.
Meanwhile, the women of the household were also busy at work. Su Yuning and Princess Wan'er were working together to decorate the brand-new bridal chamber. Su Yuning gracefully stepped onto a stool, her hands steadily holding the red paper-cut window decorations and the character for "double happiness," meticulously and attentively attaching them to the window and walls, leaving no detail overlooked, not even the tiniest corner. Her focused expression was as if she were sculpting a peerless treasure, a sight that moved everyone present.
Meanwhile, Princess Wan'er was intently selecting various delicacies from a wide array of dried fruits, including red dates, peanuts, longans, and lotus seeds. Then, with her skillful hands, she ingeniously arranged these fruits into exquisite fruit platters. These platters, like blooming flowers, were vibrant and tempting, emitting an alluring aroma. The auspicious meanings behind each type of dried fruit—the wish for the newlyweds to have a child soon and live a happy and fulfilling life—made this gesture all the more precious.
Just then, a burst of laughter and chatter came from outside. It turned out that the village chief's wife and the chubby girl had heard about the lively scene and rushed over to help. The chubby girl was indeed quick and efficient; in the blink of an eye, she joined the other women in making the beds in the new house. She skillfully arranged the bedding while murmuring sincere and beautiful blessings, filling the room with a warm and peaceful atmosphere.
At the same time, the village chief's wife, holding a colorful and beautifully patterned curtain, walked to the door frame with a smile. With practiced ease, she deftly waved her arm, and the curtain, like a graceful butterfly, hung elegantly above the door frame. Then, she said to everyone with a beaming smile, "Look, everyone! Now that this curtain is up, our lives as a young couple will surely be as prosperous as a blazing fire and as sweet as honey!" Her words immediately filled the room with joyful laughter, and everyone's face beamed with happiness.
Just as everyone was busy at work, the family's little one, not to be outdone, joined in. This adorable little guy took on the important task of helping the newlyweds roll around on the bed. He excitedly rolled around on the bed, chanting, "Rolling on the bed, rolling on the bed, two mandarin ducks, first son, then daughter..." His clear, childlike voice echoed in the room, making everyone present burst into laughter.
In Qinghe Village, sunlight filtered through the dappled leaves, casting shimmering shadows. The young woman sat quietly, her beautiful face enhanced by her aunt's skillful hands. Her aunt was like an experienced and skilled makeup artist, every movement meticulous and precise. Holding an eyebrow pencil, she gently traced the outline of the young woman's eyebrows, as if sculpting a precious work of art. The young woman's younger sister stood obediently beside her aunt, occasionally handing her makeup tools and tidying her sister's stray hairs, her eyes filled with envy and blessing.
Meanwhile, Miss Leng's father sat alone on the doorstep, silently smoking his pipe. The rising smoke blurred his weathered face. He was like a silent statue, utterly speechless, yet his heart churned with complex emotions. Faint sobs came from the kitchen; Miss Leng's mother was secretly wiping away tears. She busily prepared egg drop soup, her tears dripping incessantly into the steaming pot, as if the soup had absorbed all her reluctance and sorrow.
In the courtyard, the young girl's daughter was completely unaware of the upcoming wedding. Like a carefree little bird, she happily kicked a shuttlecock, her clear, melodious laughter echoing throughout the yard. The shuttlecock soared and tumbled in the air, sometimes leaping high, sometimes landing lightly, as if sharing the little girl's joy.
At this moment, the aunt stopped what she was doing, looked at Miss Leng, and asked softly, "Girl, what will happen to your daughter now that you're married? Are you planning to leave her with your parents or take her to your husband's family?" Miss Leng lowered her head slightly, a hint of helplessness flashing in her eyes, and slowly said, "I originally thought of taking the child with me, but my husband's family is very adamant, like they have hearts of stone, and they absolutely refuse to accept her. I have no choice but to leave the child with my parents for now and ask them to help take care of her." After saying this, she couldn't help but let out a long sigh.
"Since your in-laws are so heartless, why did you marry them? Are you going to be their free nanny?" Upon hearing this, the aunt's face immediately turned as dark as a storm cloud.
“Sister, living at your parents’ house all the time isn’t a long-term solution. The gossip from the villagers is like a series of sharp knives. I just couldn’t stand it, so I had no choice but to get married.” The younger sister hurriedly defended her older sister, her words filled with heartache for her.
“You two are hesitant to speak up, but when the wedding party arrives, I will say it: the groom must take the bride and child away together!” The aunt said solemnly, as if it were an unshakable belief in her heart.
"Stop making trouble for no reason. They should be grateful that they're marrying my girl!" The old man frowned, his face as gloomy as the sky before a storm. He glared at the cold girl's aunt with a stern look and retorted without any politeness.
The old man's rebuke made Leng's aunt's face show a hint of displeasure, but she didn't dare to retaliate. She just pursed her lips and remained silent. For a moment, the atmosphere became somewhat awkward and heavy.
Just then, a cheerful and loud suona horn blared through the sky, breaking the silence. The lively suona troupe marched towards the Leng family's gate, attracting passersby to stop and watch. Before long, the procession arrived at the gate, and the groom, beaming with joy, leaped from his horse and strode into his father-in-law's house to greet his beautiful bride.
"Dear Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, please accept my bow! I have come today to welcome my bride!" The eldest son of the Su family respectfully greeted his two elders, his tone sincere and polite.
However, before the old man could respond, the aunt suddenly stepped forward, blocking the eldest son's path. She put on a stern face and said seriously, "Hmph, marrying our bride won't be so easy! First, answer me one question: will the bride's daughter come with her, or will she stay with her parents?"
Upon hearing this question, the eldest son of the Su family's eyes lit up immediately, and without the slightest hesitation, he blurted out, "Of course I'll take her! Don't worry, Auntie, I will treat her like my own daughter, cherish her, love her, and give her the best of everything! I will absolutely not let her suffer even the slightest grievance or harm!" After saying these words, as if to prove his determination, the eldest son of the Su family patted his broad and sturdy chest forcefully, making a crisp and loud sound.
The aunt's initially worried expression was instantly replaced by surprise. She stared wide-eyed at the eldest son of the Su family, seemingly unable to believe the answer she had just heard. After a moment, she quickly asked, "Is that really true? You can't just be saying that to make us happy!"
The eldest son of the Su family immediately nodded repeatedly and said solemnly, "Auntie, how could I lie to you! Every word I said is from the bottom of my heart, absolutely true! My mind has already been made up, there is not a single lie in it!"
Just then, the aunt exclaimed loudly, "Good lad! You're so responsible! I didn't misjudge you!" As she spoke, she gave the eldest son of the Su family a thumbs-up with a broad smile, her eyes full of admiration and approval. The Leng couple, who had been standing silently beside the aunt listening to everything, could no longer contain their joy. They exchanged a glance and burst into laughter, their laughter seemingly able to pierce the clouds, their joy displayed without reservation on their faces, which were slightly furrowed with smiles.
Just then, the young lady's younger sister said with a grin, "Brother-in-law, you can't come to marry my sister empty-handed, can you? You have to give me a big red envelope, right?" She then winked mischievously, looking quite adorable.
The eldest son of the Su family nodded hurriedly and replied, "Of course, it's all prepared!" He then quickly reached into his pocket. A moment later, he pulled out several prepared red envelopes, first handing one to the bride's younger sister, then smilingly giving another to his aunt. However, at that moment, he suddenly noticed a timid little girl standing to the side. She was dressed simply, her large eyes blinking curiously as she looked in their direction. The eldest son's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly took another red envelope from his pocket, gently placing it in the little girl's hand and tenderly patting her head.
After doing all this, the eldest son of the Su family finally got everyone's permission to go inside and greet his beautiful bride.
"Miss Leng, marry me! I'll treat you well!"
"The auspicious time has arrived! Let's go!" someone in the wedding procession shouted. Then, Miss Leng's uncle set off firecrackers at the door, while her aunt carefully helped the bride, whose head was covered with a red veil, onto the carriage. As for the eldest son of the Su family, he simply pulled his little daughter onto the horse and took her with him. Then, the group happily headed towards Xinghua Village.
As the wedding procession slowly arrived at Xinghua Village, the once peaceful and tranquil village was instantly engulfed by deafening firecrackers. In an instant, the entire village erupted in excitement. As if under a spell, people flocked to the Su family home from all directions, eager to join the fun and catch a glimpse of the beautiful bride.
"Haha, today is a joyous day! My older brother is finally getting married! Fellow matchmakers, let's give them a warm round of applause to send them our sincerest blessings!" Standing in the crowd, Su Muyang shouted excitedly with a beaming smile. Before he finished speaking, thunderous applause and cheers erupted, rising and falling, echoing through the sky.
Immediately afterwards, Su Muyang casually tossed his long, glossy black hair and then announced with a smile, "Alright, now I solemnly announce that the bride and groom shall begin their wedding ceremony! First bow to heaven and earth—" With his command, the newlyweds, dressed in their finest attire, holding red ribbons, slowly turned around and solemnly performed a grand bow facing the door.
"Second bow to the parents—" Su Muyang called out again, raising his voice. Upon hearing the instruction, the newlyweds immediately changed direction and faced the Su family patriarch and matriarch, who were sitting upright in the hall. They bowed deeply and respectfully to express their respect and gratitude to their elders.
"Finally, the couple bows to each other—" Su Muyang winked playfully at everyone, deliberately drawing out his words. Seeing this, the surrounding relatives and friends laughed and pushed the newlyweds together. The two seemed a little shy and embarrassed, but still exchanged a glance and bowed slightly to complete this ritual symbolizing their commitment to each other.
"The ceremony is complete, escort her to the bridal chamber!" Su Muyang said earnestly. As soon as he finished speaking, the eldest son of the Su family swept the bride up in a princess carry and carried her to the bridal chamber. The others happily followed, asking for wedding candy.
At the bustling town market, Yang Yuyan was busy setting up her stall, selling various fresh mountain produce she had picked. Sunlight shone on her, highlighting the fine beads of sweat on her forehead. Just then, a group of villagers from Xinghua Village strolled by. Yang Yuyan's heart tightened, fearing they might gossip about her, so she quickly lowered her head and pretended to be focused on tidying up her goods.