The wedding day arrived swiftly. Before dawn had even broken, Jiang Nian was dragged from bed by her family to wash up, dress, and have her makeup done. Jiang Lao San's wife cooked a bowl of sweet tangyuan for her daughter.
After she finished the tangyuan, she personally combed Jiang Nian's hair and styled it, chanting as she worked:
"From the roots to the ends, may the couple's love last until their hair turns white."
The young maidens and married women of the village crowded into Jiang Nian's room, gazing enviously at the magnificent Fengguan Xiapei she wore.
A teenage girl gently ran her fingers over the shimmering wedding dress. "Nian Nian, where did you have this Fengguan Xiapei tailored? I want to wear something like this when I get married too."
Jiang Nian replied, "This was sent over from Qi Manor. I'll ask my husband about it when I see him and get back to you."
"Okay, Nian Nian, you must remember to ask!" the girl exclaimed with an excited laugh.
A married woman nearby commented, "What's the use of asking? How could families like ours in the countryside afford such fine wedding clothes?"
"I'll make my future husband buy it for me," the girl declared confidently. "I want to be like Sister Nian Nian and wear the most beautiful wedding dress when I marry."
When there was an event in the village, everyone came to help. Several large red lanterns hung in the yard, illuminating it brightly. The women were busy washing and scrubbing in the kitchen, while the men moved things back and forth. Though the village was small with just a few hundred residents, whenever there was a wedding or funeral, the entire village would pitch in.
Her three aunts had also returned with their children. The eldest aunt had some unresolved tension with her natal family over her daughter being a substitute bride, but she had to attend her niece's wedding despite her displeasure. At the very least, she maintained a cordial facade to avoid becoming the subject of gossip.
Laughter echoed both inside and outside the house. Soon, cheers erupted from outside the door.
"The groom is here!"
Everyone in the room hurriedly placed the red veil over Jiang Nian's head. Jiang Sui whispered to her, "Nian Nian, are you nervous?"
Jiang Nian chuckled softly. "Why should I be nervous?"
This wasn't her first time getting married. In both lifetimes, she had married the same man—was that fortune or misfortune?
Qi Heng entered with his brothers. Several villagers known for their drinking capacity blocked the main entrance, each holding a bowl of liquor.
"You must drink before entering."
Qi Heng's brothers proved their worth, each downing two large bowls of liquor. Qi Heng also picked up a bowl. Worried that his second brother might drink too much and delay the proceedings, Qi Xun watched him finish one bowl, then pushed him inside and drank the rest himself.
When they reached the bridal chamber, Qi Heng was stopped by a group of children led by Jiang Ya and Jiang Dou.
"Third Brother-in-law, give us Xi Qian! No Xi Qian, no entry!"
Qi Heng had come prepared. He glanced at Qi Mo, who grinned and pulled out a stack of Hong Feng from his pocket, waving them in the air.
"Little rascals, if you want Xi Qian, come get them from me!"
"Wow!" The children swarmed around Qi Mo. Seizing the opportunity, Qi Heng hurried into the room. Qi Xun stepped forward to knock on the door, but the girls inside crowded the doorway, refusing to let them in.
"Do you have Xi Qian? No Xi Qian, no opening the door!" Jiang Sui pressed against the door and shouted outside, eliciting laughter from everyone on both sides.
Jiang Lao San's wife laughed. "These children are so rowdy—forcing them to drink and demanding money. Let's not miss the auspicious hour."
A sister-in-law teased, "What, are you feeling sorry for your son-in-law already? Hahaha!"
Qi Heng slipped over a dozen Hong Feng through the door crack. Only then did the girls inside giggle and open the door, each offering words of blessing:
"Please come in, groom! May the bride and groom enjoy a harmonious union for a hundred years!"
"May you have a son early."
"May your home be filled with descendants and lasting happiness."
"May you enjoy wealth without worries, abundant offspring and blessings, and a long life."
Amidst the sweet blessings of the crowd, Qi Heng stepped forward to Jiang Nian. In a daze, he felt this scene seemed familiar.
"Why is the groom spacing out? Hurry and receive your bride!"
Jiang Nian stood before the bed, veiled in red, unable to see anything. Everything was just like her previous life—the only difference was her state of mind. In her past life, she was full of anticipation; in this life, she was calm and detached.
Qi Heng took her hand and led her out the door. "Nian Nian, I've come for you."
"Mm." Jiang Nian gave a slight smile.
The crowd surrounded the couple as they stepped out. Grandpa Jiang and Jiang Nǎinai, along with her parents, uncles, aunts, and other relatives, watched them.
Jiang Nian's nose tingled with emotion. She knelt on the ground and kowtowed to them.
"Grandpa, Grandma, Father, Mother, uncles, aunts—Nian Nian bids you farewell. Please take good care of yourselves."
"Nian Nian, you must come home often. Don't forget your aunts and me."
The aunts shed tears. Watching the girl they had raised from childhood now getting married—how could they not feel sorrowful?
Jiang Feng's wife wiped her tears. "Alright, let Nian Nian go now. We mustn't miss the auspicious hour."
Qi Heng cupped his hands respectfully. "Grandpa, Grandma, Father, Mother, uncles, and aunts, please rest assured. I will take good care of her."
"Good, you may go." Grandpa Jiang waved, his eyes red. Jiang Feng wanted to carry his sister out, but Qi Heng preemptively lifted Jiang Nian into his arms, strode out the door, and placed her inside the bridal sedan. The wedding matron waved her handkerchief.
"The bride departs!"
Amidst the lively music and clamor, the procession set off for home. The Jiang residence suddenly fell silent. Jiang Sui and Jiang Xiaomai burst into tears, running after the sedan.
"Nian Nian, come back often! We'll be waiting for you!"
Grandpa Jiang sighed. "Alright, let's tidy up the courtyard and gather the belongings. Return whatever needs to be returned."
Due to the large number of guests, the tables and chairs borrowed from villagers had to be returned. The Jiang family worked in silence.
At the Qi residence, every seat was filled. Because the Crown Prince was in attendance, all the local officials, big and small, had come. The Qi family's maids and servants were so busy they could hardly stand still, shuttling back and forth with fine wine and delicacies.
Madam Qi and Liu Shi entertained the female guests, while groups of elegant ladies chatted and laughed merrily. Prefect Qi hosted the Crown Prince in the front courtyard, and the eldest son, Qi Ji, greeted guests at the entrance.
The Crown Prince was accompanied by a young woman—none other than Hong Ling, whom Prefect Qi had presented to him last time. Hong Ling leaned delicately against the Crown Prince, listening to the conversations with a charming smile.
One official remarked with a laugh, "I heard Prefect Qi arranged for his son to marry a peasant girl. I wonder what kind of peasant girl could catch Prefect Qi's eye."
Prefect Qi replied indifferently, "As long as my son is happy."
Another official insinuated threateningly, "Back then, the Crown Prince intended to arrange a marriage for the Second Young Master Qi. Yet for the sake of this peasant girl, Prefect Qi even declined the Crown Prince's offer. Does this mean you hold no regard for His Highness?"
The atmosphere instantly grew tense. The Crown Prince curled his lips into a cold smile, and the crowd fell silent, not daring to breathe.
"Your Highness," Hong Ling blinked, clinging to the Crown Prince's arm coquettishly, her voice sickly sweet. "I heard Prefect Qi allowed his son to marry the peasant girl out of gratitude. If he had truly accepted Your Highness's arranged marriage, that would be social climbing. Prefect Qi would then be seen as untrustworthy and ungrateful. Would Your Highness dare to employ such a person?"
The Crown Prince laughed heartily, pulling her into an embrace with one arm. "Ling'er is right. Prefect Qi values promises and upholds integrity. If he were truly one to cling to power and curry favor, then others could also tempt him with authority another time. I dare not employ such a person."
Prefect Qi and Hong Ling exchanged a fleeting glance before both looked away. The others shifted the conversation, and the atmosphere gradually eased.
The wedding procession drew nearer, and a servant rushed back panting to report, "The Second Young Master is almost here. Quickly, prepare to welcome the bride."
Hearing this, the Crown Prince also grew enthusiastic. "Everyone, accompany me to take a look."
Prefect Qi led the Crown Prince to the wedding hall to wait. Prefect Qi cupped his hands and said, "Your Highness, please take the seat of honor."
"No need." The Crown Prince sat in a lower seat. "It's your son's wedding. It wouldn't be appropriate for me to sit above."
Prefect Qi rolled his eyes inwardly. So you do know it's inappropriate. If not for you, would our family have gotten into so much trouble?
"In that case, I shall obey rather than stand on ceremony." Prefect Qi and his wife took the main seats.
The bridal sedan chair landed, and Qi Heng lifted the curtain, helping her step down.
"Nian Nian, be careful."
Jiang Nian placed her hand in his large palm and was led through the door. Second Young Master Qi first bowed to the Crown Prince.
"Your servant pays respects to the Crown Prince."
Jiang Nian also inclined her body slightly. The Crown Prince watched the newlyweds before him with keen interest.
"Rise."