In the blink of an eye, it was the day Lin Zhitang got married.
Since Lin Zhitang had no parents by her side, after discussing it, they decided that Eldest Aunt Lu, Second Aunt Lu, and Tian Jiaojiao would accompany her as her natal family.
Duan Xiuying, the Lu family’s eldest daughter-in-law, was a translator at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and often traveled with department leaders. She held considerable prestige within the Lu family.
Lu Yuanxue, the second aunt, worked together with her husband at the Ministry of Education.
Before dawn had even broken, Tian Jiaojiao dragged Lin Zhitang out of bed.
“Sister-in-law, it’s only five in the morning. Do we really have to get up this early?”
Lin Zhitang had gone to bed very late the night before, and now that she had been woken up, her mind was still foggy.
Although she knew today was her wedding day, wasn’t this a bit too early?
“Of course! Today is your big day. The bride has to dress up beautifully. Today, you’re going to be the prettiest bride!”
“Hurry up and stop lazing in bed. Did you get too excited to sleep last night? Are you especially excited for your wedding night tonight?” Tian Jiaojiao teased as she pulled Lin Zhitang upright.
When Tian Jiaojiao learned yesterday that Lin Zhitang and Lu Ming’an still had not consummated their marriage, she had been utterly shocked. She immediately told Lu Mingze to ask his younger brother whether something had happened to his “little brother.” Otherwise, how could a breathtaking beauty sleep beside him for so long without anything happening?
As expected of husband and wife, Lu Mingze and Tian Jiaojiao truly were a perfectly matched odd pair.
Lu Mingze’s questioning was not discreet in the slightest. On the spot, both Lu Ming’an and Lin Zhitang were embarrassed bright red.
Only after Lu Ming’an repeatedly explained himself did everyone finally believe him.
“Sister-in-law, I didn’t! Honestly, you really dare to say anything,” Lin Zhitang truly feared Tian Jiaojiao’s unrestrained mouth now.
“Alright, alright, you didn’t. I won’t say anymore. Hurry and wash up.”
Lin Zhitang patted her cheeks and went to freshen up. Today was her wedding, so naturally she wanted to dress herself up properly.
The breakfast Eldest Aunt prepared for her was tangyuan and dumplings. It was a tradition—girls leaving home for marriage ate tangyuan and dumplings to symbolize a harmonious and happy marriage.
After finishing breakfast, she changed into the wedding dress Lu Ming’an had brought back yesterday and applied her makeup.
After asking for Lin Zhitang’s opinion, they had Eldest Aunt comb her hair.
As she combed, she recited auspicious blessings.
“One comb for mutual respect and harmony,
Two combs for flying wing to wing,
Three combs for hearts forever joined.”
“Today you marry. May your life be peaceful, with happiness always by your side.”
Lin Zhitang’s hair was styled into a low bun ponytail, decorated with a red hairpin.
Looking at the fully dressed Lin Zhitang through the mirror, Duan Xiuying’s eyes turned red uncontrollably. She had daughters herself, and she truly pitied this child and sincerely hoped the two of them would live harmoniously together for a lifetime.
“So beautiful,” she said softly. Among all the girls she had met, Lin Zhitang was definitely among the most stunning.
“She’s too beautiful!” Tian Jiaojiao once again became mesmerized by Lin Zhitang’s beauty.
Once Lin Zhitang was ready, Eldest Aunt went out to inform the others. Soon, several sisters-in-law entered with their children to see the bride.
Although each sister-in-law had their own little thoughts, today was Lin Zhitang’s wedding, and no one would deliberately stir up trouble at such a time. Besides, looking at Lin Zhitang, they truly could not bring themselves to say she was not beautiful.
Lin Zhitang and Lu Ming’an’s wedding banquet would be held directly at the old residence, so many formalities had been skipped. Lu Ming’an only needed to come over from home to fetch her downstairs for the vows.
Very quickly, it was time for the groom to arrive.
Lin Zhitang sat on the bed while Eldest Aunt and Second Aunt accompanied her in the room. Tian Jiaojiao took the lead guarding the door, demanding red envelopes.
“They’re outside the room!”
“Ming’an, if you want to marry Tangtang, shouldn’t you show some sincerity?” Tian Jiaojiao spread out her hands and narrowed her eyes.
Lu Ming’an glanced at the brothers behind him, and they immediately stuffed red envelopes into the women’s hands.
“Sister-in-law, can you let me in now?”
“Nope. A few more,” Tian Jiaojiao said disdainfully, dissatisfied with the amount.
Lu Ming’an’s brothers handed over every last red envelope they had before the women finally opened the door.
Sitting on the bed, Lin Zhitang watched the man walking in.
The moment Lu Ming’an entered, his gaze immediately fell upon Lin Zhitang sitting on the bed.
Today, Lin Zhitang looked incredibly beautiful.
Unlike her usual simple attire, the red wedding dress made her extraordinarily eye-catching. Her brows curved gently as she smiled, instantly brightening anyone’s mood.
The brothers following behind Lu Ming’an all inhaled sharply in shock upon seeing such a radiant and exquisite Lin Zhitang.
The wife Lu Ming’an found was way too damn beautiful.
No wonder he always refused whenever they tried introducing him to women before. Turns out he simply looked down on the ones they introduced!
Most of Lu Ming’an’s brothers were children of military compound families. Their gazes toward Lin Zhitang were clear and upright, containing no improper thoughts—only pure admiration for beauty.
“Tangtang, I’m here to marry you.”
Lu Ming’an walked up to Lin Zhitang and extended his hand, his eyes filled with sincerity and cherishment.
Lin Zhitang stood and looked at Lu Ming’an. The smile on her lips deepened, and joy shone in her eyes.
“Mhm.”
She placed her hand in his.
She knew that from this day forward, she had a home of her own.
They would have adorable children, and the man before her would accompany her until they grew old together.
“Do I look beautiful?” Lin Zhitang spun once before Lu Ming’an and asked.
“You do.”
Lu Ming’an nodded.
At his answer, everyone burst into laughter.
Lin Zhitang and Lu Ming’an went downstairs. Under the witness of Old Master Lu and Father and Mother Lu, the two stood face to face and swore vows before the portrait of the great leader.
After the vows were completed, Lin Zhitang returned to the bridal room.
Since Tian Jiaojiao was the person Lin Zhitang was most familiar with, Lu Ming’an specifically asked her to stay and keep Lin Zhitang company so she would not be bored.
“Tangtang, this is my wedding gift for you.”
Tian Jiaojiao brought out a red four-piece bedding set. Such things were not easy to buy.
She had a generous personality, and since she liked Lin Zhitang very much—and she was also her husband’s younger brother’s wife—she naturally would not be stingy.
“Thank you, Sister-in-law.”
“It’s nothing. The important thing is that the color is festive.”
Although they had not known each other long, Lin Zhitang truly liked Tian Jiaojiao’s personality. She spoke honestly and directly, and being around her did not require worrying about hidden intentions.
Lin Zhitang also had no friends. Now, having such a close sister-in-law who could also become a friend felt very nice.
Dinner had been specially requested by Lu Ming’an for Mother Lu to prepare, and all the dishes were Lin Zhitang’s favorites.
“Zhitang, Ming’an specifically asked me to prepare these for you. Eat first. Mom will take Jiaojiao and leave now. Once you finish eating, just leave everything there and rest well. Ming’an won’t be done downstairs anytime soon.”
Although there were not too many guests today, most of them were relatives and close friends of the Lu family. Naturally, there would be endless toasts.
Lu Ming’an’s many brothers were also present. How could they not desperately try to get him drunk?
While Lin Zhitang ate quietly upstairs, downstairs Lu Ming’an accepted every drink offered to him.
“Ming’an, there’s no escaping today!”
“That’s right. You married such a beautiful wife, so you definitely have to drink more!”
As a soldier, Lu Ming’an always maintained a clear mind no matter where he was, and even when drinking, he usually kept moderation.
But today, anyone with eyes could see he was in an exceptionally good mood.
Going table by table to toast, no matter who offered him wine or blessings, he refused no one and truly drank quite a lot.
People in the military compound had heard bits and pieces about Lin Zhitang’s background. However, Old Master Lu clearly valued the Lin family’s young lady greatly. Although they said the wedding would be low-key, they still hosted twenty tables and invited all the necessary guests.
Everyone understood this was to give the young lady face and confidence—to tell everyone that this was the granddaughter-in-law officially acknowledged by the Lu family.