CHAPTER 202

On the day of the wedding, even the heavens were smiling, with rare sunshine and a clear blue sky.

The sky above was clear and cloudless, a transparent mirror-like surface of deep blue.

Since the ceremony was scheduled for the afternoon, the guests arrived in the afternoon. But as early as nine o'clock in the morning, the courtyard became lively.

Han Yuping's residence was a three-section compound, with a front courtyard, main residence, and rear courtyard. The temporarily unused front courtyard was used to receive guests, while the main residence, originally the daily living space for the elderly couple, now became the venue for the wedding and banquet. Tang Ruoyao and her roommate lived in the rear courtyard, where the bridal chamber was also arranged.

Tang Ruoyao was in her room when she heard the commotion outside, a mix of music and noisy voices. She thought of going out to see. Just as she had this thought, Wen Shuxian "whooshed" and turned her gaze towards her, alertly asking, "What are you trying to do?"

Tang Ruoyao: "..."

Wasn't it just that she wanted to sneak out to the front courtyard and take a look while they weren't paying attention? And she was joking! She didn't really plan to go!

Cui Jiaran raised her head from her phone and said, "Lao Fu has arrived."

Tang Ruoyao: "I..."

Wen Shuxian interrupted her, saying, "I'll go get her! You stay put!"

She instructed Cui Jiaran to keep an eye on her and swiftly rushed out like a gust of wind.

Tang Ruoyao fell silent for a moment and then added the second half of her sentence, "I just wanted to know what's happening out there."

Cui Jiaran said, "We'll find out when they come back."

She put down her phone and focused her attention on Tang Ruoyao.

Tang Ruoyao: "..."

Wen Shuxian took quite a long time this time, followed by the composed and dignified Fu Yujun. Fu Yujun and Tang Ruoyao exchanged a simple greeting, and Wen Shuxian had a blush on her face, her eyes shining as she looked at her two roommates who hadn't gone out. It was obvious she had something to say.

Fu Yujun, having noticed this as she walked over, knew what she wanted to say. Without much small talk, she found a seat and sat down.

With Cui Jiaran's prompt of "just say it," Wen Shuxian opened her mouth and excitedly said, "There are so many people outside! A whole crowd of them!"

Tang Ruoyao wondered, "Have the guests arrived?" Wasn't it supposed to be in the afternoon?

Wen Shuxian replied, "No, no, it's not the guests, it's a lot of people in red clothes. I don't know exactly what they're doing, oh, there's a band! They have a lot of instruments! Things like the guzheng, guqin, zheng, flute, xiao, and suona."

Originally, the sound of silk and bamboo that Tang Ruoyao heard was the rehearsal of the ceremonial music band.

Wen Shuxian said, "And there are sedan chairs! They're parked in the front courtyard."

Before Tang Ruoyao could speak, Cui Jiaran blurted out, "Are they carrying a grand sedan chair?"

Wen Shuxian vigorously nodded.

Cui Jiaran didn't want to listen to her anymore and excitedly ran out to see, shouting, "Ah, the sedan chair, here I come!"

Tang Ruoyao watched helplessly, thinking that she could only freely move around in her small backyard.

Wen Shuxian kept talking nonstop, and Tang Ruoyao listened with curiosity and couldn't help but feel embarrassed. Fu Yujun finally spoke up and interrupted her, saying, "You've said enough. What other surprises are there for Tang Tang later?"

Wen Shuxian was taken aback and quickly apologized, saying, "I'm sorry."

Tang Ruoyao said, "It's okay. Anyway, I can't see anything with my head covered."

Wenshu Xian laughed, "Hahaha."

Fu Yujun gave a helpless smile.

There was a faint shade of dark circles under her eyes. Tang Ruoyao suggested, "Why don't you take a nap first?"

Fu Yujun had a night shoot last night and came from the airport after dawn. She hadn't slept for a whole day and night. She readily agreed, "Okay."

Wen Shuxian said, "Let's just sleep in our room. It's right next door. I'll take you there."

Fu Yujun stood up and said, "Alright, let's go."

Wen Shuxian led the way in front. When they reached the doorway, she suddenly stopped, pulled Tang Ruoyao up from her chair, and held onto her arm tightly.

Fu Yujun asked, "...What's this?"

Wen Shuxian replied, "I'm afraid she'll run away!"

Fu Yujun said, "???" Run away from the wedding? She hated getting married so much that she would do that?

Tang Ruoyao: "..."

Fu Yujun inserted a pair of earplugs into her ears, taking the opportunity to rest. Tang Ruoyao continued to wait in her room, feeling bored. During that time, Ningning and Tang Fei came to see her twice, but Ji Shulan and Aunt Fang didn't. According to etiquette, they were considered the elders from Qin Yinong's side and would have to wait until the ceremony to meet.

She was quite bored, so she messaged Qin Yinong, but there was no reply for a long time. Qin Yinong was busy in the front courtyard, rushing around.

Reviewing the guest list, confirming the arrival time in the afternoon one by one, whether a car should be arranged for pick-up, and whether family members should be brought along. How many family members should be brought, spouse or children? The front courtyard is filled with dowry... or you can call it betrothal gifts. In any case, they are boxes tied with red silk ribbons, with bright red lacquer and gilded edges, shining brightly. Various auspicious objects are placed on the box surface, such as gold, silver, jade, all in pairs.

They also need to go through the afternoon schedule with the master of ceremonies repeatedly. Tang Ruoyao's part is simple. After covering her head, she will get on the bridal sedan chair, go through the ceremonial hall, and be escorted to the bridal chamber. Afterwards, she will come out to toast the guests. Qin Yinong's part is much more complicated. She has to lead the blindfolded Tang Ruoyao and not make a single mistake.

Qin Yinong has a good memory, but she's afraid of making mistakes. The master of ceremonies (MC) will quiz her on every step, and she'll need to answer each procedure fluently. When the master of ceremonies says it's fine, she has to go through it a few more times. Qin Jianing, the human kissing machine, also has her own task. She acts as the "maid who opens the sedan chair." After the sedan chair stops, she has to gently pull the bride's sleeve three times before the bride can get out of the sedan chair. It's a very important task. Ningning's jade-like face is tense as she listens attentively to the uncle master of ceremonies. She doesn't even go to the backyard, she runs to pull this sleeve and adjust that hem, simulating the process.

The role of the ceremonial singer, the Zan Li performer, was volunteered by Jiang Laomao. Jiang Lao is an experienced actor with excellent recitation skills and a touch of old-school style. He recites the lines fluently and with profound meaning.

At ten o'clock, Elder Jiang arrived, and Qin Yinong went to greet him personally. Naturally, they exchanged pleasantries, but before the chair was even warmed, a servant hurriedly called her away. She was initially worried about enduring ten hours, but now she felt that there wasn't enough time for her to prepare. What if she couldn't give Tang Ruoyao a perfect wedding?

At eleven o'clock, Tang Ruoyao had an early lunch and sat in front of the dressing table. Besides her, there were Liang Shu, her three roommates from Room 405, Tang Fei, and Ningning in the room, all quiet and not speaking.

Tang Ruoyao's long black straight hair was loose and flowing behind her. Liang Shu, the elegant elderly woman with a touch of white at her temples, had a faint smile on her lips. She took a wooden comb and, like in ancient times, combed Tang Ruoyao's hair while speaking:

"One comb through the head, no worries about wealth;

Two combs through the head, no illness or worries;

Three combs through the head, abundant blessings and longevity;

One more comb to the end, harmony and success;

Two combs to the end, soaring together like wings;

Three combs to the end, forever united in heart,

With both a head and an end, a lifetime of wealth and prosperity."

Only the voice of the elderly filled the room, carrying sincere blessings from the older generation, flowing gently through everyone's hearts like a tranquil stream. 

Tang Fei watched this scene before him, feeling a tingling in his nose, and his eyes well up with tears.

He raised his face slightly, his throat choked silently, and he let go of Ningning's hand. He whispered, "Sister Wen," and gestured for her to look after Ningning as he opened the door and left.

Tang Ruoyao caught a glimpse of it and a faint sense of sadness welled up in her heart.

Even though she wanted to marry Qin Yinong so much, she still felt reluctant at this moment. It's no wonder there were so many "crying weddings" in ancient times.

After Liang Shu finished combing Tang Ruoyao's hair, the makeup artist hired by Qin Yinong approached and carefully applied makeup for Tang Ruoyao. Wen Shuxian and a few others chatted with her on the side. Ning Ning couldn't sit still and ran back to the front courtyard after a while. She reported to Qin Yinong, who had managed to take a break and drink some water, "Mommy is getting her makeup done!"

Qin Yinong lifted her up and sat her on her lap, asking, "What did they do?"

"Hair styling!"

Qin Yinong asked, "Anything else?"

Han Yuping, who was passing by, overheard and scolded while puffing his mustache and widening his eyes, "You're cheating again!"

Qin Yinong laughed and put down the cheating tool, saying, "Go and play, but don't go too far."

Han Yuping huffed, "Hmph!"

Qin Yinong responded with a "whatever" expression.

Han Yuping let out a heavier "hmph," but couldn't help but laugh after Qin Yinong left.

At eleven-thirty, the invited musicians and sedan chair bearers were seated for lunch to recharge for the busy afternoon and evening. Han Yuping, Liang Shu, Jiang Lao, Ji Shulan, Room 405, and others had a separate table. Qin Yinong sat at this table and toasted the bridesmaids.

She was a bit nervous and stumbled over her words of gratitude twice, finally downing the drink in one gulp, turning the cup upside down, not a drop left. Her sincerity was evident.

Qin Yinong went to another table to toast, and Wen Shuxian and Cui Jiaran whispered to each other, "Did you see Qin Yinong's face blush?"

Cui Jiaran confirmed, "I saw it."

The two of them exchanged a knowing look and chuckled.

Fu Yujun raised a glass of juice and took a sip, concealing a fleeting smile in her eyes.

Around one o'clock, the guests arrived one after another.

The first guest to arrive was unexpectedly Ji Yunyao.

Ji Yunyao wasn't originally on the intended guest list, but she had helped Qin Yinong a great deal. Qin Yinong considered her as part of her own circle but was also worried that Ji Yunyao would hold a grudge against her in the future. So she added her to the list.

Ji Yunyao presented the wedding invitation to the servant dressed in a red robe. One of the servants crisply said, "Miss Ji, please come in." and led the way.

Another servant hurried inside to inform someone.

Ji Yunyao looked around as she walked, observing the festive decorations with great interest.

Qin Yinong, who was already preparing for her makeup, heard Ji Yunyao's name and came out to meet her halfway.

Ji Yunyao no longer had a strange attitude. Instead, she courteously bowed to Qin Yinong and smiled, "Sister."

Qin Yinong smiled back and gestured for her to come in.

Ji Yunyao said, "Thank you for your trouble."

As they walked halfway, a servant came on behalf of Han Yuping to urge Qin Yinong to go for her makeup. Before Qin Yinong could say anything, Ji Yunyao took the initiative and said, "Sister, go ahead. I'll just wander around."

Afraid of running out of time, Qin Yinong had to leave in a hurry.

Ji Yunyao leisurely strolled around, plucking a red silk ribbon from a tree and tying it back in its original place. She stopped a servant running in the courtyard and asked, "Where is the bride?"

The servant, knowing she must be either a family member or a guest, readily answered, "She's in the backyard."

"How do I get there?"

"Take a left turn from over there, there's a door, just keep walking straight and you'll arrive." The servant pointed out the way for her.

"Thank you."

Following the direction the servant indicated, Ji Yunyao moved away from the bustling front courtyard and arrived at the relatively quiet backyard. The backyard was even more festive than the front, and Ji Yunyao walked slowly, occasionally caressing the red lanterns hanging from the corridor pillars, her fingertips brushing against the smooth red silk.

There were very few people in the backyard, and the room with the "囍" (double happiness) character pasted on it was quiet and soundless. Only one room could be heard with voices, and Ji Yunyao approached and recognized that one of them belonged to Tang Ruoyao.

Ji Yunyao was about to push the door open when she remembered that according to the etiquette she knew, as a relative on Qin Yinong's side, she was not allowed to enter. But she really wanted to see, so she hesitated at the door.

"Hey." Suddenly, a voice came from behind.

Ji Yunyao turned around.

In front of her stood a young woman with large, round eyes that were very spirited. She was holding a bright red apple in her hand.

Ji Yunyao found her somewhat familiar but couldn't remember who she was.

Before she could speak, the person in front of her had a look of astonishment, and after a while, she took two steps back without humility or arrogance and said, "Ms. Ji."

Ji Yunyao kept one hand behind her back and responded lightly with an "Hmm."

Just agreeing was enough. There was no need to understand who the other person was.

Wen Shuxian asked, "Ms. Ji, what are you doing here?"

Ji Yunyao: "I'm here as a guest."

Wen Shuxian: "Oh." She didn't want to be alone with Ji Yunyao and said, "Excuse me, can you step aside?"

Ji Yunyao made way for her.

Wen Shuxian walked to the door and was about to push it open when she heard someone behind her ask, "Who are you to Tang Ruoyao?"

Wen Shuxian held her breath and said, "I'm her roommate."

She didn't ask, "And you?" She didn't have the courage for that.

"What's your name?"

"Wen Shuxian."

Ji Yunyao responded with a casual "Hmm," indicating that she understood.

Wen Shuxian waited for a moment but didn't hear any further instructions from Ji Yunyao, so she quickly pushed the door open.

Taking advantage of the crack in the door, Ji Yunyao quickly peeked inside. There was a figure sitting in front of the dressing table wearing a bright red wedding gown, most likely Tang Ruoyao.

The image disappeared in an instant, and Ji Yunyao reluctantly withdrew her gaze.

Wen Shuxian closed the door.

Fu Yujun took the apple from her hand and clicked her tongue, saying, "It took you so long just to get that."

Wen Shuxian replied, "I ran into a bit of an unexpected situation."

At this time, no one had the leisure to pay attention to what unexpected situation she encountered, and judging from her expression, it didn't seem like a big deal. Wen Shuxian didn't want to dampen the mood any further, so she changed the subject.

The makeup was mostly done, and the group of people gathered around Tang Ruoyao.

Tang Ruoyao nervously asked, "How do I look?"

The three of them looked at each other, but no one spoke, making Tang Ruoyao even more anxious. Her fingers instinctively reached for the hem of her clothes, but she hesitated, afraid of wrinkling the smooth fabric, so she pulled her hand back into a fist.

Wen Shuxian then asked seriously, "Will there be a bride snatching at your wedding? The bride is so beautiful, I want to try snatching her."

Cui Jiaran raised her hand, saying, "Count me in."

Fu Yujun added, "And my ID card number."

This was already a confirmation, but Tang Ruoyao still worried, "Really?"

The three of them said in unison, "Really!"

Wen Shuxian said, "You are definitely the most beautiful bride. Cui Jiaran will definitely not be able to compare when she gets married in the future."

Cui Jiaran, who suddenly took the hit: "..." She swallowed the blood that surged to her throat and prioritized the overall situation. She replied, "Yes."

Fu Yujun, reliable and dependable, affirmed, "Very beautiful. Qin Yinong will be amazed when she sees you."

The wedding gown was as fiery as ever, enhancing the beauty of Tang Ruoyao, who was already naturally beautiful.

Tang Ruoyao released her clenched fist and shyly smiled, saying, "Thank you."

Wen Shuxian sighed, thinking to herself, 'When it rains, it pours. Tang is getting married.'

Cui Jiaran secretly pinched her as payback for her previous remark.

Fu Yujun reached out and tidied Tang Ruoyao's hair, her gaze warm and gentle, tinged with a hint of reluctance.

At three o'clock in the afternoon, all the guests arrived.

People were running in and out of Tang Ruoyao's room, and the voice of Wen Shuxian kept coming through, "Is it starting? Is it starting? I think I heard firecrackers. Did you hear them? I'll go check outside."

Wen Shuxian's excitement made Fu Yujun dizzy, so she said, "Don't hype up the tense atmosphere."

Wen Shuxian decided to stand outside the door and didn't come in.

Tang Ruoyao sat in a chair, unable to control the slight trembling. Fu Yujun handed her a dry handkerchief, and Tang Ruoyao wiped the sweat from her palms, whispering, "Thank you."

Fu Yujun said, "Don't be nervous."

Tang Ruoyao responded with a sound but continued to tremble.

Fu Yujun turned her head and drank her third glass of water, clenching her fingers tightly. Everyone in the room was nervous to the point of death.

Finally, the sound of firecrackers came clearly from the front yard, crackling and popping.

A servant guarding the entrance to the backyard came to report, "The bridal sedan has departed!"

Wen Shuxian exclaimed, "Oh my god! Ahhh!" She rushed into the room. "The bridal sedan is coming! What do we do?!"

Fu Yujun panicked for a moment but quickly calmed down, saying, "Stop shouting, close the door first."

Cui Jiaran had a bad feeling and checked the printed procedure, saying in a hurry, "We can't close it completely, leave it slightly ajar."

Wen Shuxian changed the tightly closed door to slightly ajar, then stood in place, feeling helpless.

Fu Yujun asked, "Where is the phoenix crown?"

[In traditional Chinese weddings, the "phoenix crown" (凤冠 fèng guān) is a ceremonial headdress worn by the bride. It is a highly revered and symbolic bridal headpiece that plays an important role in traditional Chinese weddings, representing the bride's elegance, honor, and the auspiciousness of the marriage.]

Wen Shuxian stepped forward, and together with Fu Yujun, carefully placed the resplendent phoenix crown on Tang Ruoyao's head. They had both tested it, and it was quite heavy. Fu Yujun asked, "Is it heavy? We can put it on again before we get on the sedan."

Tang Ruoyao shook her head, and the pendants on the phoenix crown swayed gently with her movements. Her face was as beautiful as a hibiscus flower, with eyebrows like willows and skin as fair as snow. Under the luxurious phoenix crown, her face appeared even more stunning.

Especially the indescribable feeling that belonged to a newlywed bride, it was truly captivating, leaving everyone stunned.

Wen Shuxian handed a large red apple to Tang Ruoyao, symbolizing peace and safety.

Wen Shuxian remembered the TV drama "Princess Pearl" and laughed, saying, "You can't eat it."

Tang Ruoyao pursed her lips, listening to the approaching wedding band, her fingers sweating profusely. She could barely hold onto the apple.

She couldn't decide whether she wanted it to be faster or slower.

The music stopped at the door.

According to the custom, Qin Yinong didn't personally come to welcome the bride. Instead, a "joyful maiden" was sent, and since both brides were present, the joyful maiden, Lin Ruohan, came directly.

Lin Ruohan was excited to receive this task. She hadn't slept much, just a couple of hours in the morning. She was always up for a good time, and this was a perfect opportunity for her. She raised her hand and laughed, saying, "Come on! Play louder! Let the bride hear it!"

The band played even more energetically, especially the suona, which stood out!

Inside, Tang Ruoyao's face turned crimson. The apple was really slipping from her grasp.

Wen Shuxian asked, "Who is it? Why does this voice sound so familiar?" She peeked through the crack in the door and was startled.

It wasn't an exaggeration to say that Tang Ruoyao's wedding was grand. There was Ji Yunyao in the front and Lin Ruohan in the back. According to the procedure, they were supposed to "block the sedan door," and now she was feeling a bit weak in the legs.

After a while of music, the sedan chair descended, and the sedan door faced outward.

Lin Ruohan said, "Stop."

The music ceased.

Lin Ruohan held a stack of red envelopes and slipped them under the slightly open door, saying, "The wedding entourage has arrived. Open the door!"

[In the context of a traditional Chinese wedding, the "wedding entourage" refers to the group of attendants and companions who accompany the bride and groom during the wedding ceremony and associated rituals.]

Wen Shuxian swiftly collected the red envelopes and looked at Fu Yujun. Fu Yujun let out a breath and said, "Open it."

On the third call from Lin Ruohan, the door opened.

Lin Ruohan stepped inside, not approaching too close, but standing four or five steps away. She slightly bowed and smiled, saying, "Bride, it's time to get on the sedan chair."

At this moment, Tang Ruoyao had to pretend to be unwilling to get married. She was actually very willing, but she couldn't show it. Fortunately, her roommates were reluctant to let her go and kept advising her.

T/N: You may skip every Italic part if you're not interested about Chinese Wedding Customs:)

[In traditional Chinese weddings, the bride often pretends to be reluctant or hesitant to go to the sedan chair (轿子 jiào zǐ) during the wedding procession. There are a few symbolic reasons behind this custom:  

1. Modesty and Humility: In traditional Chinese culture, it was considered virtuous for a woman to be modest and humble, especially on her wedding day. The bride's feigned reluctance to leave her family home and enter the groom's household is seen as a display of her virtue and propriety.  

2. Unwillingness to Leave Family: The bride is leaving her parents' home to join her husband's family, which represents a major life transition. The act of being "reluctant" to leave symbolizes the bride's emotional attachment to her family and the difficulty of this separation.  

3. Preservation of Innocence: The bride is transitioning from a maiden to a married woman, which was historically a significant change in status. The reluctance portrays the bride as still maintaining her youthful innocence, even as she embarks on this new chapter of life.  

4. Negotiation of Terms: In some regional customs, the bride's reluctance is a way to negotiate certain terms or arrangements with the groom's family before the wedding.  This could include requests for financial support, jewelry, or other concessions. 

This custom of the "reluctant bride" is deeply rooted in traditional Chinese cultural values related to femininity, family, and the significance of marriage. It is a symbolic gesture that adds an element of ritual and meaning to the wedding procession.]

Lin Ruohan repeated, "Bride, it's time to get on the sedan chair."

After three prompts, Wen Shuxian and Cui Jiaran let go of each other's hands, tears shimmering. Fu Yujun covered Tang Ruoyao's head with a red veil and whispered, "Let's go."

Somehow, Tang Ruoyao's eyes suddenly felt warm.

Tang Fei waited at the door, his eyes red from countless times crying in private. He bent down in front of Tang Ruoyao, and Tang Ruoyao slowly climbed onto his slightly slender shoulders.

Tang Fei lifted his sister onto his back and carried her into the bridal sedan.

[There are a few reasons why the bride's brother, Tang Fei, carries her into the flower sedan chair:

1. Tradition/Custom: In traditional Chinese weddings, it was common for the groom's family or male relatives to physically carry the bride into the sedan chair to begin the wedding procession. This was seen as a symbolic gesture of the groom/family accepting the bride.

2. Respect/Honor: By having her brother Tang Fei carry her, it shows respect and honor for the bride, Tang Ruoyao. As her sibling, he is displaying care and reverence for her on her wedding day.

3. Assistance: The bride may have needed physical assistance getting into the elevated sedan chair. Having her brother help her ensures she is settled in comfortably and securely before the procession begins.

4. Emotional Support: The passage mentions Tang Ruoyao's eyes feeling warm, implying she may be emotional. Having her brother help her into the sedan chair provides a moment of comfort and emotional support during this transitional ceremony.

So in short, the brother carrying the bride into the sedan chair is a traditional gesture of respect, care, and assistance on the bride's wedding day, reflecting cultural customs and the familial bonds between the two. It is a meaningful ritual within the larger wedding proceedings.]

Tang Ruoyao settled herself securely in the sedan chair, and Tang Fei's arms never let go, holding her tightly. Tang Ruoyao reached her hand towards his ear and gently rubbed it, and slowly, Tang Fei loosened his grip and walked away, his back turned to her.

Wen Shuxian and others scattered tea leaves and rice on top of the sedan chair, which had already been prepared in advance, and firecrackers went off.

Lin Ruohan elongated her voice and cheerfully announced, "The bride is getting on the sedan chair!"

The sedan chair bearers exerted their strength, and it was lifted with eight poles.

The music began to play.

The bridal sedan chair exited through the back gate, accompanied by the dowry, and circled around the expansive courtyard before entering through the main gate.

Wen Shuxian and others proceeded to the front courtyard to observe the ceremony, while Tang Fei followed the sedan chair, planning to leave midway and return, a custom known as "sending off the sedan."

[The "sending off" of the sedan chair marks an important transition point in the traditional Chinese wedding ceremony. It signals the symbolic departure of the bride from her family's home to be united with the groom's family through marriage.

This ceremonial "sending off" would likely involve some combination of rituals, blessings, music, or fanfare to commemorate the bride embarking on this journey to her new marital home. It is a significant milestone in the overall wedding proceedings.

So in summary, "sending off the sedan" refers to the formal, ceremonial departure of the bride's sedan chair as she begins the wedding procession to join her husband's family. It is a culturally significant moment within the traditional Chinese wedding customs.]

.......

Front courtyard.

Qin Yinong didn't look any better than Tang Ruoyao sitting in the bridal sedan chair. Today, she was dressed in bridal attire, like a red glow on the horizon. Her long hair was all tied up, secured with a red ribbon. With her ink-black hair against the red silk, she was exceptionally stunning, surpassing the beauty of the heavens and earth.

The music seemed to be both near and far, constantly heard but the sedan chair was nowhere in sight.

"Uncle," Qin Yinong lowered her voice and leaned closer to Han Yuping, expressing her worries, "Are you sure the sedan chair bearers won't get lost?"

What if they lose her bride?

Han Yuping: "..."

They're just going around in a circle, they won't get lost! What kind of people do you think they are?

Liang Shu stood together with Han Yuping, overheard the conversation, and struggled not to burst into laughter. She reassured, "Don't worry, she won't get lost."

Qin Yinong straightened up but continued to anxiously gaze towards the entrance, unable to contain her eagerness.

At this moment, she didn't resemble a composed international superstar at all, she was completely like an inexperienced young boy in love.

The guests who witnessed this couldn't help but secretly chuckle.

The three latecomers from Room 405 couldn't help but feel relieved and pleased when they saw Qin Yinong in such a restless state. The more she appeared like this, the more it showed her concern for Tang Tang. The grandeur of the occasion didn't matter as much as the sincerity in her heart.

Faint music gradually became clearer, and a procession with red lanterns leading the way appeared at the door. Qin Yinong craned her neck.

Lin Ruohan's voice was heard before she arrived, "The bridal sedan chair is entering the door!"

Qin Yinong's heart skipped a beat.

Fireworks welcomed the sedan chair, and the bride was adorned in red.

The sedan chair stopped on a seemingly endless red carpet. Tang Ruoyao lowered her gaze, looking at the sedan curtain gently swaying in the breeze. She tightly grasped the apple in her hand, held her breath, and felt her heartbeat slowly accelerating.

Ningning, in her elegant attire, stepped forward.

She glanced back at Qin Yinong, who withdrew her gaze from the sedan chair, and gave her an encouraging look. Ning Ning took a deep breath, rubbed her sweaty palm, and walked towards the sedan chair under the gaze of everyone.

The light under the canopy suddenly brightened as Ningning lifted the curtain. She looked at the woman in front of her, whose face was covered, hesitated for two seconds, and softly called out, "Mommy?"

Tang Ruoyao nervously responded with a "Hmm."

Ning Ning whispered again, "Qin Yinong is going to marry you."

While Tang Ruoyao remained seated inside the sedan chair, her heart exploded into fireworks.

Ningning would never directly address her as "Mommy." If she said it this way, it must have been instructed by Qin Yinong personally.

Ningning held onto her sleeve and gently tugged it three times.

[In traditional Chinese weddings, the act of tugging or pulling on the bride's sleeve three times carries several meanings:

1. Guidance and assistance: By tugging the sleeve, Ningning is gently guiding and assisting Tang Ruoyao, the bride, to step out of the sedan chair and proceed with the wedding ceremony. This represents helping the bride transition into her new role.

2. Encouragement and support: The three gentle tugs convey encouragement and emotional support from Ningning (who may be a bridesmaid or close family member) to the bride as she embarks on her marriage.

3. Verbal cue: The three tugs serve as a non-verbal cue or signal to the bride, prompting her to take the next step in the wedding proceedings, such as exiting the sedan or beginning the next ritual.

4. Symbolic number: The number three holds auspicious meaning in Chinese culture, representing completeness, stability and growth. The three tugs imbue the gesture with extra symbolic weight.

Overall, this sleeve-tugging action demonstrates the care, support and guidance provided to the bride by her close relations during this important life transition. It is a subtle yet meaningful tradition within the elaborate choreography of a Chinese wedding ceremony.]

Tang Ruoyao took a deep breath and, with Lin Ruohan's support, bent down and stepped out of the sedan chair.

Elder Jiang, the person in charge of the ceremony, loudly proclaimed, "By the will of heaven and the harmony of earth, in accordance with the wishes of the parents and the vows of the couple, today, Qin Yinong and Tang Ruoyao will perform the grand wedding ceremony and become wives, uniting as one family.

We declare: Qin and Tang, united in marriage, pledge their eternal love and never to part. They will cherish and respect each other throughout their lives, like honored guests. With one heart and one virtue, wings entwined. May heaven and earth bless them, and may their ancestors be aware of this union. Let it be known to all the guests from all directions."

The guests from all directions enthusiastically applauded, shouting, "Excellent!"

The music resumed.

Qin Yinong held a colorful silk ribbon in her hand as she walked from one end of the red carpet to stand in front of Tang Ruoyao. She was now so close, yet her heart strangely calmed down, and her gaze towards Tang Ruoyao became particularly bright.

[In traditional Chinese wedding ceremonies, the groom holding a colorful silk ribbon has several symbolic meanings:

1. Unity and bonding: The silk ribbon represents the bond and unity between the bride and groom. By holding one end of the ribbon, the groom is physically and symbolically connecting himself to the bride.

2. Guidance and support: The ribbon serves as a guiding tool for the bride. The groom uses it to gently lead and guide the bride through the various ceremonial steps, providing support and direction.

3. Auspiciousness: The vibrant colors of the silk ribbon, such as red, gold, and green, are auspicious hues in Chinese culture that symbolize luck, prosperity, and fertility. The ribbon imbues the wedding with these positive associations.

4. Ritual choreography: The ribbon is an integral part of the carefully choreographed wedding rituals and processions. The groom holding the ribbon helps facilitate the smooth flow of the ceremonial sequence.

5. Symbolic gesture: As the groom presents the ribbon to the bride, it represents his pledge to care for and support his new wife. Accepting the ribbon signifies the bride's trust and commitment to the union.

So in essence, the silk ribbon held by the groom serves to physically and symbolically connect the couple, guide the bride, infuse the ceremony with auspiciousness, enable the ritual proceedings, and signify the groom's vow to his wife. It is a meaningful, time-honored tradition in Chinese weddings.]

She reached out her hand, offering one end of the red ribbon. Tang Ruoyao handed the apple to Ningning and then her slender, fair fingers gracefully took hold of the ribbon, clasping it tightly.

Suddenly, Qin Yinong made a surprising move that left everyone astonished.

Unexpectedly, she bent down and made eye contact with Tang Ruoyao under the veil.

Tang Ruoyao: "!!!"

Tang Ruoyao: "..."

Qin Yinong straightened up again, full of spirit, and couldn't help but break into a smile.

Yes, she was her bride, without a doubt.

The onlookers tried to fathom the meaning behind her actions, and many covered their faces. But in an instant, laughter filled the air.

In front of Tang Ruoyao, there was a crimson lacquered wooden saddle with an apple placed on it, symbolizing peace and safety.

Both of them had to cross over this saddle together. Qin Yinong was afraid that Tang Ruoyao might stumble, so she freed one hand to hold her, coincidentally, Tang Ruoyao reached out for her hand as well.

Their two damp palms clasped together.

Author's Note:

I feel like getting married myself while writing this, orz. More to come tomorrow~

To all the VIPs in the front row, are you all excited today, ahhhhh?

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