Chapter 39

Before dawn, Tao Yu was pulled from his bed. Huang Manjing brought in a large basin of scented water and soaked Tao Yu’s sleepy hands in it. “What day is it that you’re still sleepy? Wake up quickly!” Tao Yu, with his hands in the warm water, mumbled sleepily, “The wedding is in the evening. Waking up earlier just means waiting longer.” “Stop talking nonsense. Aren’t you going to get up and change into your wedding robes?” Huang Manjing urged, “I’ve brought hot water to the washroom for you. Go bathe quickly.” Tao Yu, being nagged by his mother, found it hard to stay sleepy. It was also his fault for being too excited last night, and for re-reading his picture book under the covers. He couldn’t sleep until midnight and had to light a sleeping aid incense to finally drift off. The after-effect was that he was even more groggy in the morning. “We shouldn’t have gotten married in winter. Bathing so early in the morning is too cold!” Huang Manjing took out the wedding robes sent from the city and checked them for any flaws. Hearing the sounds from the washroom, she couldn’t help but laugh. “Then why don’t you go tell your father to have the wedding postponed until next summer?” Tao Yu, soaking in the bathtub, thought about the preparations for the banquet outside. There was no turning back now. “Don’t soak in the water for too long, you’ll catch a cold.” Huang Manjing brought in a charcoal brazier. “Mom brought you another brazier. The room is very warm. Just put on your inner clothes and then the wedding robes.” “I’m coming out, I’m coming out.” Tao Yu, wearing a thin inner garment, ran back into the room, hugging his arms. He scurried to the charcoal brazier, rubbing his feet and hands to warm them. Huang Manjing took out a dry cloth to wipe his hair. Seeing that Tao Yu’s inner clothes were all a festive red, she smiled, “This red fabric is beautiful. It really makes you look more radiant.” Tao Yu couldn’t help but glance at himself in the bronze mirror. With red lips and white teeth, he did indeed look much more spirited. He thought rather smugly that such a delicate young man was too good for a rough old fellow like Huo Shu. “You look just like your little grandfather. He was famously handsome back then.” Tao Yu immediately snapped back to attention. He pursed his lips and whispered, “Didn’t mother never meet little grandfather?” Huang Manjing’s voice suddenly became a little melancholic. “I’ve seen his portrait, in your grandfather’s room.” Tao Yu rarely heard his mother talk about his little grandfather. It was said that his little grandfather died during childbirth when giving birth to his mother. Grandfather and little grandfather were very close, and little grandfather’s death was a great blow to Grandfather, causing him to be depressed for a long time. When little grandfather passed away, Grandfather was only in his early twenties, but he never remarried until today. Today, hearing his mother mention little grandfather voluntarily, she must be truly happy. He said, “Grandfather said that little grandfather was a noble young master back then. Wasn’t Grandfather a wandering doctor? How did he get involved with a noble young master? Every time I ask him, he never tells me.” Huang Manjing said, “Your grandfather’s family fell into decline, which is why he traveled around and became a doctor. In the past, his ancestors were even imperial physicians. Come to think of it, he did have quite a family background. When your grandfather traveled to Yuchang Prefecture, it was a place with many mountains and dangerous terrain, but also abundant mountain herbs. Your grandfather was passionate about medicine in his youth and stayed in Yuchang Prefecture for quite some time. Your little grandfather was from Yuchang Prefecture. He had a frail body since childhood, constantly taking medicine and seeing all sorts of doctors. At that time, Huang Yinsheng was collecting medicinal herbs in the mountains while also practicing medicine. On one hand, he could improve his medical skills by treating difficult cases, and on the other hand, he needed living expenses for his travels. By chance, he was invited to the Xiao family to treat Young Master Xiao. At that time, the young master of the Xiao family was in his prime. Although he was sickly, he was well-read and talented. Huang Yinsheng’s ancestors were also from a family of medical officials, so his talent was not lacking. Besides being a doctor and a patient, the two of them got along quite well. Over time, they developed feelings for each other. “The Xiao family was also a reasonable family. Seeing that the two were a perfect match, and that your grandfather’s medical skills were excellent, they believed he could take good care of your little grandfather. Even though your grandfather had nothing, they agreed to the marriage. Their married life was also very harmonious, and your little grandfather’s health improved greatly, but later… then there was me…” Tao Yu saw his mother’s voice falter slightly, so he rubbed her hand to comfort her. “Your little grandfather’s health was not good, so he couldn’t travel far. He always said he wanted to see Jiangnan, but he never had the chance. A few years after he passed away, your grandfather brought me to Tongzhou. Later, I married your father, and your grandfather never mentioned returning to Yuchang.” Huang Manjing said, “These things should have been told to you. I didn’t have the chance to tell you before. In the blink of an eye, you’ve grown up and gotten married. You should know about our family’s past.” Having said that, she pinched Tao Yu’s face. “Alright, your hair is almost dry.” Tao Yu was about to speak when there was a commotion outside. His maternal cousins from the Ji family arrived. Several boys and girls of similar age squeezed into the room and called out in unison, “Sixth daughter, Brother Tao.” Tao Yu hadn’t seen his siblings gather like this for a long time, and a smile spread across his face as he greeted each of them. Huang Manjing said, “You’re all here, perfect. Help get little Tao ready.” “Okay. Sixth daughter, you go take care of things. The people from the Four Divisions and Six Bureaus are here!” As soon as Huang Manjing left, the cousins became lively. There were eight siblings in Ji Yangzong’s generation, and today his paternal and maternal cousins all came. Four of them rushed in, and the room instantly became lively. “Brother Tao, your wedding robes are too beautiful! The stitches are fine, the patterns are unique, and I’ve never seen this fabric before!” Li Ge’er from the eldest branch, seeing the crimson wedding robes hanging on the hanger, touched them with surprise and envy. “Are these homemade or from a fabric shop?” “They’re from Ten Mile Fabric Shop. The fabric was just brought in by the shopkeeper. There were only a few feet of this red fabric brought in this time. I rushed to get them all when they arrived.” Tao Yu’s eyebrows lifted happily. Of course, the patterns and fabric were special, as they were specially made for him by Sister Wu San. Others couldn’t buy them even with money. “I wish I could have such beautiful wedding robes when I get married.” Li Ge’er said regretfully, “Unfortunately, my little father measured me a few days ago and said he would make me a set himself. I’ll be getting married in about two years anyway, so it’s not like the size will matter even if it’s made now.” Yuan Hong, Tao Yu’s cousin from his fourth uncle’s family, said, “I heard that Brother Tao’s husband gave a betrothal gift of a full hundred and twenty taels. My father’s eyes widened when he heard about such a large gift. He already demands a high betrothal gift, and now with Brother Tao as a reference, he’ll probably have more to say.” Yuan Hong sighed, “If I have to meet my father’s requirements, I don’t know when I’ll find a match.” Ji Chun from the second branch was doing Tao Yu’s hair. “I don’t need fancy wedding robes, nor do I covet such a large betrothal gift. I wish I could get married and still live at home like Brother Tao. On a day of great joy like a wedding, it’s men who are happy, being able to take someone in. However, the bride’s family is sad because the daughters and sons have to leave home, and parents will have one less daughter or son.” At this point, they all empathized. “How did Sixth Uncle have such good taste in finding such a good son-in-law?” “Our Brother Tao has always had the best luck. I’ve never lacked snacks since I came here. This good fortune will last a lifetime!” Tao Yu looked at his siblings envying him. He said, “Then you guys never mentioned that I drank medicine every day as a child and wasn’t allowed to go out.” “Otherwise, I’ll exchange my health with you.” “Come on, let’s exchange! Whoever goes back on their word is a little dog.” The room filled with giggles. Ji Yangzong, passing by outside, heard the noise and shouted from the window, “Stop fooling around! It’s a wedding day! You’re all so old, it’s really unbecoming!” Hearing this, they finally covered their mouths and stopped laughing. —— Because he was marrying into the family, but not entirely, the rituals were a bit difficult to navigate and couldn’t be performed as usual. Therefore, when the time came, Huo Shu arrived with gongs and drums, and the wedding ceremony was held there. In the afternoon, relatives and friends from both sides began to arrive, and the spacious courtyard became increasingly lively. The weather was favorable, with no rain. Although the ground was muddy, it was warmer without rain. When they heard the sound of firecrackers and the beating of gongs and drums, all the guests stood up from their tables to see the groom. “This kid, he still has that stern face on his wedding day.” “Stern face or not, he’s undeniably heroic. Tall and strong, he’s quite capable.” The villagers watched the lively scene, eating wedding candies and chattering. Amidst the sound of firecrackers, the bride and groom in the hall bowed to Yuan Huiru and the Ji couple. Tao Yu, wearing a bridal veil, was helped out of the room. He could only see his feet and nothing else. Although it was his own home, his cousin told him that there was a fire basin prepared outside and that he had to step over it. He was led into the courtyard, walking cautiously, afraid that he might accidentally step into the fire basin and be laughed at by the guests. When he heard the elder of the clan chant about stepping over the fire basin, he slightly lifted the hem of his clothes, preparing to walk over. Unexpectedly, his body suddenly became airborne, and the surroundings erupted. Tao Yu nestled in Huo Shu’s arms, his face flushed red under the bridal veil. He had just found the veil inconvenient, as he couldn’t see what Huo Shu looked like today. Now, he was grateful for the red veil, otherwise, he would have been even more embarrassed. Huo Shu ignored the crowd’s teasing. He only looked at the young man wrapped tightly in the wedding robes. After picking him up and confirming it was the person under the veil, he strode towards the hall. He worried that he might have been switched with someone else, so he had to be cautious. Entering the hall, Huo Shu put him down. He was worried that the person beside him couldn’t see and might fall, so he wanted to hold his hand. Unfortunately, the officiant gave him a red silk ribbon, and they had to each hold one end. Due to the etiquette, he could only do so, but he also shortened the distance between the red ribbons. Perhaps it was because he slept late and woke up early, and had washed his hair that morning, Tao Yu felt a little dizzy. He listened to the officiant say to bow to heaven and earth, then bow to the elders. During the couple’s bow, he became a little clearer and looked down to see Huo Shu’s large feet. After a round of commotion, Tao Yu was sent back to the room. Previously, his siblings had accompanied him to get ready. After the ceremony, they all went out to chat and eat. The room became quiet, leaving him alone. Tao Yu sat obediently by the bed for a while. Listening to the dishes being announced outside, he couldn’t help but swallow, touching his stomach. He first took off the bridal veil. The heavy robes made him feel breathless. He slowly walked to the table and was about to ask for a cup of water when the door suddenly creaked open. He quickly wanted to return to the bedside, but then he saw his mother enter. “After you finish eating, wipe your mouth and reapply some color with the red paper. I’ll come back later to clear the dishes.” Tao Yu saw his mother bring in a lot of food, including chicken, duck, fish, and seafood. Although there wasn’t much on each plate, the variety was complete, filling half the table. He quickly scurried over and pulled up a stool to sit at the table. “Didn’t you say you couldn’t eat during the wedding?” “Huo Shu asked me to get it for you.” Huang Manjing said as she served the dishes, “He’s really spoiling you, afraid you’ll go hungry.” Tao Yu felt a little embarrassed. “I just mentioned it to him earlier, saying that I wouldn’t be able to eat at the banquet myself and would only get leftovers. I didn’t expect him to remember.” Despite his embarrassment, his chopsticks didn’t stay idle. He popped a piece of braised meat into his mouth. After a whole morning of activity, he hadn’t eaten a single bite, and his stomach was already very empty. “Where is he?” “Look how anxious you are. Aren’t you afraid of being laughed at? He’s outside with your father, greeting relatives and toasting.” Tao Yu laughed at this. “I’m afraid no one would dare to refuse his toast.” Huang Manjing also laughed. “Indeed, even the wine officials wouldn’t dare to challenge him.” Tao Yu closed the door and ate chicken wings and peeled shrimp inside, his stomach bulging. He was completely satisfied with the morning. He washed his hands and wiped his face, then, following his mother’s instructions, he took the red paper and smeared it on his lips. Outside, the clinking of glasses continued, and the sky gradually darkened. After he was mostly ready, he put the bridal veil back on and sat upright by the bed again. Almost everyone in the village had come today, along with some outsiders who were friends with Ji Yangzong, filling dozens of tables for the banquet. There weren’t many opportunities for such a lively banquet. Ji Yangzong, leading his son-in-law, toasted each table, looking very proud. Huo Shu didn’t say any fancy words. Ji Yangzong would introduce who someone was, and he would respectfully call them by their name and raise a glass. Ge Liang, as Huo Shu’s guest, was afraid that Huo Shu couldn’t handle it and helped him block some of the drinks. After going around, seeing that it was getting late and the banquet was in its second half, Ji Yangzong very considerately waved his hand and told Huo Shu to go ahead. With Huo Shu’s appearance, no one dared to suggest going to tease the newlyweds, thus skipping that customary event. Huo Shu looked at the tightly closed door with festive characters on it. He took a breath. This was the first time he had entered this room through the door. Upon opening it, he saw red ribbons and window decorations everywhere, making it look like a different room altogether, completely refreshed. He walked directly to the bedside and looked at the person on the bed, his brows twitching. The person who should have been sitting by the bed waiting for the groom was now slumped on the bed, sleeping soundly, with no sign of wedding jitters. Huo Shu found it amusing. He bent down gently, intending to pull the quilt over the young man lying on the bed. However, as soon as the corner of the quilt touched him, Tao Yu, who was lying with his legs bent, opened his eyes. He looked at Huo Shu groggily, still a bit confused for a moment, but then quickly came to his senses. “You, you… is everything over outside?” Tao Yu quickly sat up, hastily tidying his hair and clothes. “I ate a little something and got sleepy, so I accidentally fell asleep.” Huo Shu grabbed his busy hands. “Are you full?” Tao Yu paused at this, his face blushing as he nodded. “Why are your lips so red?” Tao Yu pursed his lips at this. “It’s from the red paper. D-doesn’t it look good?” Huo Shu looked closely at Tao Yu’s lips, which resembled crabapples in April. He didn’t respond, but stood up and suddenly unfastened his belt. Tao Yu saw Huo Shu suddenly take off his clothes, and his face flushed instantly. He quickly looked away, but couldn’t help but leave a sliver of his vision to see what Huo Shu looked like with his clothes off. Huo Shu casually threw the wedding robes aside, wearing only a crimson inner garment. Although he was free from the restraint of the belt, the loosened inner garment actually made his broad shoulders and straight posture even more prominent. Seeing the person who had taken off his clothes walk closer to him, Tao Yu’s face turned extremely red, and his heart pounded like a drum. This, this person, why is he not wearing… no, no, he wanted to say why did he come in like this, wasn’t he too hasty? He tightened the corner of his clothes. “N-no! We haven’t had the wedding cup yet.” “What do you mean no?” Huo Shu raised his sleeve. “The wedding robes smell of wine. Don’t you feel it’s stuffy if you don’t drink?” “Ah?” Tao Yu opened his mouth blankly at this, his face turning even redder. He was truly muddled from sleep. He tilted his chin up and smiled at Huo Shu, pursing his lips. “I thought you were tired and wanted to go to sleep.” Huo Shu looked at the young man in the wedding robes. After waking up, he seemed even softer than usual. Thinking that he saw him wake up every day, he felt as if everything held hope. He reached out his hand to Tao Yu. The young man blinked in confusion and placed his hand in his palm. Huo Shu led him to the table, poured two cups of wine, and performed the ritual of drinking the wedding cup. Tao Yu had always disliked drinking. Seeing Huo Shu elegantly drain his cup like pouring water, he swallowed the wine in one gulp, and tears welled up in his eyes from the spiciness. The wine had the flavor of peaches. This was wine made from the fermented peaches he had picked from the yard in the past. It was buried under the peach tree and was unearthed yesterday to be drunk during the wedding cup ceremony. However, no matter how good the wine smelled, he couldn’t discern its taste, only the strong, spicy sensation. “Where is my bridal veil?” Now that the wine was drunk, Tao Yu belatedly touched his head, realizing he had forgotten to ask the groom to lift the veil. Huo Shu picked up the bridal veil from the foot of the bed. Tao Yu took it. “How about I put it on and you lift it once?” “A mere formality.” Tao Yu looked at the upright figure. “Are these all mere formalities? Then what isn’t a mere formality?” Huo Shu raised an eyebrow, bent down, and scooped Tao Yu up by the waist. “The bridal chamber is not.”