The wedding procession circled the village, a grand affair heading towards the Zhang family's residence. The Zhang house had been renovated, a new build with a spacious courtyard, exuding an air of prosperity.
From the entrance to the courtyard and into the house, everything was adorned in festive red. The three Zhang brothers, along with Lin Ruixue, were already waiting in the main hall.
As the Zhang parents had passed away early, the ceremony of paying respects to elders was performed before their memorial tablets.
After the rites were completed, Lin Ruixue and Qi Zhenzhen escorted Song Mingyue into the bridal chamber. The Zhang brothers, meanwhile, were busy entertaining the villagers who had come to celebrate.
The Zhang family was no longer what they used to be. The wedding was a grand affair, with a continuous feast. Anyone who came to offer congratulations was welcome to partake in the meal, making the atmosphere incredibly lively. Not only villagers from their own community but also many from neighboring villages came to join the festivities. Of course, the villagers were honest folk; no one truly came just to freeload. Everyone who attended brought gifts.
The Zhang brothers warmly welcomed the guests, creating a scene of joyous celebration.
In the east wing.
Song Mingyue sat on the bed, which was covered with several layers of quilts. The bed was a canopy bed specially made for Zhang Xiaoniu, draped with a bright red canopy, very auspicious.
Several women were in the room, likely female relatives from families with close ties to the Zhangs.
Lin Ruixue was clearly familiar with them, chatting and laughing.
"Little Niu is truly accomplished. Mingyue is the most outstanding girl in our village, with so many young men vying for her attention, yet Little Niu managed to win her heart."
"Of course, he's accomplished. I heard Little Niu brings home several taels of silver each month. For us, saving a few taels a year is already good."
"That's why marriage should be between families of similar standing. Er Niu and Ruixue are now running a noodle shop in the county town. The Zhang family is now a well-off and prosperous household."
"If you ask me, all of this has to do with the Qi family. Er Niu and Little Niu are close to Zhenzhen, which is how they got such good opportunities." Someone suddenly chimed in, "Speaking of which, isn't Ruixue Zhenzhen's adopted aunt? Er Niu marrying Ruixue makes him Zhenzhen's uncle-in-law. The Zhang family is doing well now, and they will do even better in the future."
The atmosphere suddenly turned quiet, and everyone looked at Qi Zhenzhen.
Qi Zhenzhen smiled faintly. "Aunt and Uncle-in-law are both capable people. Little Niu, in particular, gets up before dawn every day to practice his martial arts without fail. The iron blocks he ties to his legs alone weigh eighty jin."
The implication was that the Zhang family's current success was due to their own efforts.
Qi Zhenzhen glanced at the person who had spoken with a hint of sourness, then continued, "If such opportunities were given to Auntie's family, they probably wouldn't be of much use."
Everyone's attention was now fixed on this woman. They were all from the same village; everyone knew everyone else's situation. This woman's husband was a good-for-nothing, and she herself was lazy. She wouldn't wash the rice bowls until there was absolutely nothing left to eat from them, and by then, the bowls at the front would have already started to grow mold. Her two sons had perfectly inherited the 'good qualities' of their parents; they were the kind of people who wouldn't even lift a fallen oil bottle.
For such a family, even if they were given opportunities, they would be useless.
Therefore, it wasn't just the opportunities that led to the Zhang family's current prosperity.
The woman chuckled sheepishly and shrank back, no longer speaking proactively. If she continued, she would likely alienate everyone.
Everyone now understood. The Qi family's daughter was shrewd and not someone who could be easily taken advantage of. If one truly wanted to benefit, they had to interact with sincerity; otherwise, they would gain nothing.
During this time, a wife knocked and entered, bringing a few plates of pastries.
"Little Niu asked me to help deliver these, fearing Mingyue might be hungry and wanted her to have something to tide her over," the woman said with a smile. "Mingyue is truly blessed. The groom is so thoughtful of her, even with so many people outside trying to get him to drink."
Lin Ruixue took the pastries. "This boy. Is he afraid I, his sister-in-law, will mistreat his new wife? Would I let Mingyue go hungry? No, I must go and check. Ladies, please continue your chat. I'll be right back."
With that, she hurried out.
After searching around, she found Zhang Xiaoniu, holding a large bowl and drinking.
Lin Ruixue stamped her foot. Why didn't his three elder brothers help shield Little Niu? She was also negligent; she forgot to instruct them beforehand. If he continued drinking like this, he would be completely drunk. How would he consummate the marriage? A moment of spring night was worth a thousand pieces of gold; it would be too regrettable to miss it.
Zhang Erniu was merrily drinking at a nearby table, even gesturing as he played a guessing game.
As Lin Ruixue stood before him, the boisterous Zhang Erniu immediately became like a shy bride, causing everyone to burst into laughter.
"Aren't you going to keep an eye on Little Niu? There are so many guests. If he drinks through the rounds, won't he end up under the table?" Lin Ruixue lowered her voice. "Go find Eldest Brother and Third Brother, and help Little Niu fend off the drinks! If he truly gets drunk, I won't spare you."
Zhang Erniu slapped his forehead. He had truly forgotten about this. On such a joyous day, getting drunk...
When he married Lin Ruixue, he had been drunk. He had been exhausted and had caused her to take care of him all night. He had missed the consummation of their marriage and regretted it immensely. This time, it was his own brother's turn; he couldn't let him repeat his mistake.
"Wife, don't worry. I'll go keep an eye on him now," Zhang Erniu promised, patting his chest.
"Then I'll leave it to you. I'll go back to keep them company. They're not easy to handle, and I'm afraid Zhenzhen and the others won't be able to manage." Lin Ruixue turned and headed back.
The women in the room didn't stay long. Their main purpose for coming was to attend the feast. It wasn't appropriate to stay with the new bride the whole time.
After everyone had left, Song Mingyue sighed.
"Zhenzhen, these people are really something. They just say whatever comes to their minds, saying everything..." Song Mingyue mumbled. "I really don't know if they're doing it on purpose."
Teasing her was one thing, but they should at least be mindful. Zhenzhen wasn't married yet.
"Just think of it as a rehearsal," Qi Zhenzhen said calmly. "As for you, you're so shy. How will you consummate the marriage later?"
"Who says I'm shy? I'm not," Song Mingyue denied anxiously.
"Oh? You're not? Well, it doesn't matter. You'll have plenty of time to be shy later," Qi Zhenzhen said slowly.
Soon, the time Qi Zhenzhen spoke of arrived. The moon was high, the feast guests had dispersed, and Zhang Xiaoniu entered the room, reeking of alcohol.
"Mingyue, the water in the bathing room has been heated for you. Tell this rascal to wash up quickly before getting into bed," Lin Ruixue instructed. "Your second brother is drunk. I'll go take care of him first."
Zhang Xiaoniu stood by the bed. He had indeed drunk a lot earlier, but the later drinks had been taken by his three brothers, and those they couldn't substitute were replaced with plain water. Therefore, although he smelled of alcohol, he was quite sober. It was hard to believe that he had actually gotten married and started a family.
"How much longer are you going to stand there? Lift my veil. It's been on all day." Seeing that he was still not moving, Song Mingyue said playfully.