The wedding party entered at the auspicious hour, firecrackers exploding incessantly.
Su Miaomiao watched as the young girls blocked the procession, while the rest of the onlookers enjoyed the spectacle, smiles on every face.
After so long.
Today was indeed the first happy occasion.
No wonder everyone was so delighted.
The girls blocking the door were merely going through the motions, adding to the festive atmosphere.
There were no real difficulties.
Just a few minor hurdles, and they passed with laughter.
The brothers Cheng Dazhuang and Cheng Dali, tall and strong, looked quite handsome in their newly bought wedding attire. Almost everyone praised their spirited appearance.
Yet, both were quite nervous.
Their smiles held a hint of silliness, appearing endearingly simple.
Su Miaomiao almost cried with laughter watching them overcome the challenges.
But upon seeing them successfully fetch the bride, she genuinely rejoiced for them.
The journey was not far at all.
It was merely from the backyard to the front yard, just a formality.
The bride's parents were teary-eyed, and everyone good-naturedly teased them.
“Oh dear, what’s there to cry about? It’s a joyous occasion, isn’t it? She’s only marrying a few steps away!”
“Exactly, exactly, stop crying. You’ll still see her every day, won’t you?”
“Indeed, you should be happy. Your daughter is marrying so well, and she’s close by. You’ll see her daily, it’s like gaining another son!”
Everyone nodded in agreement, successfully coaxing a smile from the bride’s parents. They indeed thought about it, she was marrying very close by.
Just a short distance.
If truth be told, they were still under the same roof, just a difference between front and back.
With everyone’s playful banter.
The slight sadness dissipated completely.
A banquet was set up in the backyard.
And in the front yard as well.
Su Miaomiao originally intended to sit with everyone in the backyard to eat.
Because Cai Shi and Xi Shi had asked her to stay and eat.
However, just as she was about to sit down.
Cheng Hao suddenly appeared from nowhere and whisked her away.
Cai Shi and Xi Shi, having just brought out dishes from inside, saw the young couple leaving.
Su Miaomiao even looked back at them, waving her hand to signal she was leaving first.
Cai Shi then put down the dishes, a mix of laughter and tears on her face, saying, “These two really can’t be apart for a moment.”
Xi Shi chimed in with a laugh, “Isn’t that the truth? They’ve been up since early morning. I bet Haozi couldn’t hold on any longer. It’s no wonder he’d look for Miaomiao.”
She then burst into laughter.
Everyone at the table joined in the laughter, praising their deep affection.
Cai Shi and Xi Shi nodded repeatedly, saying in unison, “Isn’t that right?”
They had never seen such an inseparable couple.
A little teasing was all it took.
Cai Shi and Xi Shi then cheerfully beckoned everyone to eat and drink well.
Their role today was to help with the preparations, and they would return to the front yard later.
The villagers of Shan’ao Village also welcomed them warmly, as everyone knew they were excellent cooks. They had grown accustomed to eating their food during everyday work.
If they had to cook for themselves, it truly wouldn't taste as good.
So, on this auspicious day.
They were the ones in charge of the cooking, with others assisting them.
This was how today’s delicious feast came about, giving everyone a treat.
Cai Shi and Xi Shi were praised all along the way.
However, they modestly smiled and said it was thanks to the young couple teaching them well.
“To be honest, we learn quickly, but our minds aren’t as flexible. It’s Miaomiao and Haozi’s young couple who can figure out any dish. An ordinary ingredient can taste completely different with a new preparation method!”
Cai Shi and Xi Shi truly admired the young couple immensely.
Everyone then sighed in agreement.
While the backyard was filled with good food and drink, the front yard became even more lively with the arrival of the bride.
The sound of firecrackers never ceased.
It attracted many onlookers. Uncle Ji, along with Laifu and other young men, distributed wedding candies. They didn't throw them, as they felt it was unsafe for everyone to crowd and snatch, and also rather impolite. Instead, they carried small round baskets filled with candies wrapped in red paper, offering them for people to take.
Good events were rare in those days, especially with so many people suffering from heatstroke recently.
There were almost more funerals than joyous occasions.
A rare happy event like this made everyone willing to come and share in the good fortune.
This further amplified the festivity.
Cheng Hao pulled Su Miaomiao along, running close to the wall, avoiding the crowded area.
“Phew… You really should take a good look at the bride later, I did a great job with her makeup…”
Su Miaomiao, pulled along by Cheng Hao towards the front yard, ran and laughed. She suddenly remembered how he used to pull her along like this when they were children.
A hint of nostalgia arose.
She was, however, beaming with joy.
Cheng Hao led her further in. Hearing her cheerful laughter, he glanced at her profile and saw her smiling, her eyes curved and sparkling.
“Why would I look at them?”
Cheng Hao pulled her further in, actually quite curious about the wedding rituals here.
He had arrived too late that day.
The timing was off.
He missed the part where he and Su Miaomiao were officially wed, and by the time he arrived, it was already the tea ceremony.
Cheng Hao felt a sense of regret.
But with a wedding happening right before his eyes, he genuinely wanted to witness it.
So that later…
Perhaps it was telepathy.
Su Miaomiao retorted, “I meant for you to look at their makeup!” while also thinking about her own nonsensical marriage, and felt a bit shortchanged.
She unconsciously pouted, unhappy, “I don’t think our marriage counts!”
Cheng Hao’s footsteps halted instantly upon hearing her words. He turned to look at her, shocked, “How can it not count? You say it doesn’t count, and it doesn’t count?”
Su Miaomiao almost bumped into him, but Cheng Hao shielded her in time. She touched her unbruised nose and mumbled, “We got married in such a muddled way! I had no sense of participation! It doesn’t count!”
Hearing the cheers from inside as the bride crossed the brazier, a wave of applause erupted.
Cheng Hao needed to be present as the groom’s family witness today, so he couldn't miss out.
He pulled Su Miaomiao further in and declared resolutely, “You can’t go back on this marriage. I’ll definitely make up for the wedding ceremony later!”
He hadn't intended to be so perfunctory in the first place; the wedding would definitely be held properly.
Hearing this, a smile gradually spread across Su Miaomiao’s face, her lips curving upwards, her heart filled with sweetness. She immediately said, “Then you must remember!”
Cheng Hao nodded with utmost seriousness, promising, “Of course, I won’t forget!”
Joke.
He had started imagining the scenarios for marrying her in his elementary school diary.
How could he be perfunctory?
It was just that his initial plans were too childish and embarrassing, and he certainly couldn’t let her know.
In the subsequent years, his diaries were constantly updated and supplemented. Only his ideas after entering high school were considered good, and some of those could be retained for future wedding planning.
But unfortunately.
What he had originally expected to be a sequential proposal and wedding was disrupted by their transmigration.
His original plans couldn't be realized in ancient times, but he didn't mind re-planning.
He would follow the customs here.
And give her the best!