On the third day of the Lunar New Year, the living room of the He family was filled with people. Besides their own family, Zhao Jianguo, Li Weidong, and a few brothers were also present, creating an atmosphere that was lively yet solemn.
Father He cleared his throat and looked at Chen Shuang. “Shuangshuang, we’ve invited everyone here today to discuss something with you.”
Chen Shuang put down her teacup, a little puzzled. “Dad, what is it?”
Mother He took over, her eyes full of affection. “Shuangshuang, it’s been some time since you and Yan Zhi registered your marriage, but you never had a wedding banquet. Back on the island, conditions weren’t suitable. Now that you’re home, we thought it’s time to give you a proper wedding.”
Chen Shuang was taken aback; she hadn’t considered this. In this era, many couples considered the registration itself as enough, without holding a wedding banquet. She looked at Yan Zhi and saw approval in his eyes.
“Mom, you don’t need to go through so much trouble…” Chen Shuang said softly.
“How could it be trouble?” He Qingqing interrupted eagerly. “Sister-in-law, a wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event! My brother married such a wonderful woman—we must give you a grand celebration!”
Zhao Jianguo also spoke up: “Sister-in-law, He Ge really deserves this. You two only had a simple registration on the island, and it was unfair to you.”
Li Weidong nodded. “Exactly! All the brothers in our courtyard have been looking forward to celebrating He Ge’s wedding!”
Zhou Ming chuckled, “Sister-in-law, you don’t know it, but He Ge was the most outstanding in our courtyard back then. So many girls had their eyes on him. Now that he’s married you, a wonderful wife, everyone has to see it!”
Chen Shuang felt a little embarrassed under their praise. Yan Zhi held her hand. “Shuangshuang, I want to give you a wedding too. Back then on the island, conditions were limited, and I know it was unfair to you.”
Seeing the sincerity in his eyes, Chen Shuang felt a warm glow in her heart and nodded. “Okay, we’ll do as you all say.”
“That’s wonderful!” Mother He exclaimed happily. “Then let’s pick a date. You’re already four months pregnant, Shuangshuang. Your belly isn’t too big yet—this is the perfect time.”
Father He thought for a moment. “How about the fifteenth day of the first lunar month? Lantern Festival, reunion, it’s very auspicious.”
“The fifteenth works!” Zhao Jianguo clapped. “We have about ten days to prepare; it’s enough time.”
And so it was decided. In the following days, the He family plunged into unprecedented busyness.
Mother He took charge of the banquet. Although supplies were scarce in this era, the family managed to gather some fine ingredients. Wang Ma was busy from morning till night, preparing various foods.
Father He handled the invitations. Besides relatives and friends, neighbors who were close, and his old comrades from the army, all were invited.
He Qingqing volunteered as the “chief coordinator.” Though inexperienced, her enthusiasm was high.
Yan Zhi, meanwhile, spent all his free time by Chen Shuang’s side. He knew that while the wedding preparations were lively, Chen Shuang was carrying triplets and mustn’t overexert herself.
“Shuangshuang, you just rest and take care of yourself. Leave everything else to us,” Yan Zhi told her every day.
Yet Chen Shuang wanted to participate. She quietly brought out some rare supplies from her space storage—high-quality silk for the wedding dress, dried seafood to enhance the banquet dishes, and a few bottles of aged wine.
“Where did these come from?” Mother He asked in surprise.
Chen Shuang had prepared an explanation in advance. “They were left by my parents and stored for a long time. I thought they’d be perfect for the wedding.”
Mother He was touched and held her hand. “Good child, how thoughtful of you.”
On the eleventh day of the first lunar month, the tailor came to measure Chen Shuang for her wedding dress. Considering her four-month pregnancy, the tailor suggested a loose-fitting qipao style.
“This fabric is excellent,” the master tailor said, eyes sparkling as he touched the silk. “I’ve been making clothes for decades, and I’ve never seen such smooth material.”
Chen Shuang chose a bright red silk with a subtle peony pattern, symbolizing wealth and good fortune. Because of her belly, the dress was designed with a high waist, flattering her figure without being tight.
“The bride is stunning,” the tailor commented while measuring, “With fair skin like hers, she’ll look radiant in red.”
After the measurements, Mother He brought out another piece of fabric—light pink silk Chen Shuang had taken from her space, intended for the toasting dress.
“You’ll wear this for the toasts—it’s gentle and elegant,” Mother He said.
The wedding preparations were in full swing. Zhao Jianguo and the others also took initiative, taking on the task of decorating the venue.
“He Ge, don’t worry. I’ll make sure the wedding looks beautiful!” Zhao Jianguo patted his chest.
“I’ll handle the drinks, and everyone will get only the best!” Li Weidong added.
Zhou Ming was in charge of invitations. “My handwriting is decent; leave this to me.”
Wang Tianyu, always practical, said, “I’ll run errands—whatever needs buying, I’ll get it.”
Watching everyone bustling about, Chen Shuang felt both touched and a little guilty. She turned to Mother He. “Mom, just keep it simple, don’t trouble everyone too much.”
“Not trouble at all,” Mother He laughed. “Shuangshuang, you’re officially a member of the He family, so this wedding must be grand. You don’t need to worry about anything—just be the bride.”
By the thirteenth day of the first lunar month, the wedding dress was ready. When Chen Shuang tried it on, the whole family gathered around.
The red qipao made her skin look even fairer. Though her belly had started to show, her posture was still elegant, and her demeanor graceful and dignified.
“So beautiful!” He Qingqing was the first to exclaim. “Sister-in-law, you’re stunning!”
Mother He’s eyes glimmered with tears. “Wonderful, my daughter-in-law is truly beautiful.”
Yan Zhi looked at Chen Shuang, his eyes fixed on her. He stepped forward and whispered, “Shuangshuang, you’re beautiful.”
Chen Shuang blushed. “You’re just flattering me.”
“I’m serious,” Yan Zhi said earnestly. “Shuangshuang, marrying you is the luckiest thing that’s ever happened to me.”
On the fourteenth day, everything was ready. Mother He still checked the details repeatedly.
“Are all the banquet dishes prepared?”
“All ready, don’t worry, Mom,” Wang Ma replied with a smile.
“Have all the invitations been delivered?”
“Yes, Dad personally delivered them,” Yan Zhi said.
“How’s the wedding venue?”
“Zhao Jianguo and the others have it set up; I’ll check it soon,” Yan Zhi answered.
Chen Shuang sat on the sofa, watching everyone bustling for her, feeling warm inside. She gently rubbed her belly and whispered, “Babies, tomorrow Mommy and Daddy will have our wedding. Even though you’re not born yet, you’re part of it.”
The little ones inside her moved softly, as if responding.
That night, Chen Shuang lay in bed, unable to sleep. Yan Zhi noticed her unease and asked softly, “What’s wrong? Nervous?”
“A little,” Chen Shuang admitted. “Thinking about so many people tomorrow makes me anxious.”
Yan Zhi held her close. “Don’t be nervous. I’m here. Tomorrow, just follow me, and you don’t need to worry about anything else.”
“Mm,” Chen Shuang leaned against his chest, gradually feeling at ease as she listened to his strong heartbeat.
The next day, the fifteenth day of the first lunar month—the Lantern Festival—the He household was bustling even before dawn. Wang Ma got up first to prepare breakfast, followed by Mother He, checking the final preparations.
Yan Zhi gently woke Chen Shuang. “Shuangshuang, it’s time to get up.”
She opened her eyes to see Yan Zhi already dressed, smiling at her warmly.
“Today is our big day,” he whispered, placing a kiss on her forehead.
Sitting up, a warm rush of happiness filled Chen Shuang’s heart. Today was her wedding with Yan Zhi—late, but finally here.
For the next moments, Chen Shuang felt like she was dreaming, surrounded by everyone. Mother He styled her hair, Wang Ma applied her makeup, and He Qingqing ran around handing things.
“One, comb to the end; two, comb until gray hairs align with the eyebrows; three, comb for grandchildren to fill the house,” Mother He chanted auspicious phrases while combing her hair.
In the mirror, Chen Shuang wore a red flower in her hair, her face like a peach blossom. The red qipao made her radiant and captivating.
“The bride is truly beautiful!” He Qingqing exclaimed sincerely.
Outside, firecrackers sounded—the wedding procession had arrived. Though Chen Shuang already lived with the He family, according to custom, Yan Zhi still had to “pick her up” from her parental home.
Dressed in a new military uniform with a big red flower on his chest, Yan Zhi walked in with Zhao Jianguo and others. The moment he saw Chen Shuang, his eyes lit up.
“Shuangshuang,” he said, taking her hand, “I’ve come to get you.”
Chen Shuang nodded, eyes glistening.
Following a simplified ritual, Yan Zhi and Chen Shuang bowed to Father and Mother He, then headed together to the wedding venue—the activity center of the courtyard.
Along the way, firecrackers popped constantly, and neighbors came out to watch.
“The bride is so beautiful!”
“He’s a lucky man!”
“Wishing you a long and happy life together!”
Blessings came from all sides. Chen Shuang was carefully guided by Yan Zhi as they walked step by step to their wedding.
The activity center was decorated with festive cheer: red drapes, double happiness symbols, fresh flowers—everywhere radiating joy. Guests were seated and applauded as the couple arrived.
The wedding was simple yet solemn. Under the host’s guidance, the couple bowed to the portrait of Chairman Mao, then to their parents, and finally to each other.
“Comrades Yan Zhi and Chen Shuang, from today, you are revolutionary partners. Help each other, progress together, and contribute to socialist construction!” the host proclaimed firmly.
“We will,” Yan Zhi said, holding Chen Shuang’s hand seriously.
Chen Shuang nodded. “We will.”
Next came the toasting ceremony. Chen Shuang changed into her light pink dress and toasted table by table with Yan Zhi.
“Congratulations, He Ge and sister-in-law, may you be of one heart forever!” Zhao Jianguo stood first.
“Thank you,” they replied, raising their glasses.
“Wishing you an early birth of noble children…oh, you’re already expecting! Then may mother and child be safe!” Li Weidong said.
“Thank you,” Chen Shuang responded with a smile.
When they reached the grandparents’ table, they held her hands tightly. “Shuangshuang, from now on, you’re family. Come visit often.”
“I will, Grandpa and Grandma,” Chen Shuang replied earnestly.
The wedding proceeded smoothly. Though simple, it was warm and solemn. Looking at the guests and her beloved husband, Chen Shuang felt full of happiness.
She knew this long-awaited wedding was more than a ritual—it was the He family’s recognition and acceptance of her. From now on, she was officially their daughter-in-law, and Yan Zhi’s lawful wife.
That night, after the guests had left and the house was quiet, Chen Shuang sat in the newly decorated bedroom, which the He family had arranged to reflect the festive atmosphere.
Yan Zhi entered, gently closing the door. He came to her side and held her hand. “Tired?”
“A bit, but very happy,” Chen Shuang leaned on his shoulder. “Yan Zhi, thank you for giving me a wedding.”
“It’s my duty,” Yan Zhi hugged her. “Shuangshuang, from now on, we are truly husband and wife. I’ll take care of you and the children, for life.”
“I believe you,” Chen Shuang whispered.
Outside, the Lantern Festival moon shone full and bright. Inside, the newlyweds sat together, feeling the sweetness and joy of their marriage.
This long-awaited wedding had finally come to a perfect conclusion, and a new chapter of their life began.