CHAPTER 203

Their palms met, slightly slippery due to sweat, but both of them held on tightly, accompanied by a subtle tremor.

Qin Yinong turned her head to glance at the red veil and whispered, "Don't be afraid."

As soon as she said those words, she wanted to cut off her own tongue. What nonsense did she just say? As if Tang Ruoyao was still afraid to marry her.

To her surprise, Tang Ruoyao's brain also malfunctioned, and she replied, "You too."

"You too" 

What?

Was Tang Ruoyao also telling her not to be afraid to marry her?

Hahaha.

Both of them laughed. Tang Ruoyao had the veil to cover her face, while Qin Yinong didn't, but she had already smiled brightly before and now looked a little more foolish.

The officiant, dressed in a red brocade robe, elongated his tone and loudly proclaimed, "A sandalwood carved into a jade saddle, the couple will step over it, ensuring safety at every step."

"Lift your foot," Qin Yinong held Tang Ruoyao's hand and carefully watched the path ahead, giving reminders.

[Crossing over a carved sandalwood "jade saddle" is a symbolic step to ensure the newlyweds' safety and prosperity in their marriage.]

They successfully crossed over.

Next, they had to step over the brazier with burning flames. Side by side, Qin Yinong and Tang Ruoyao walked past it, and Qin Yinong breathed a sigh of relief, even breaking into a sweat on her back.

[Stepping over a burning brazier is a ritual of walking over the burning coals represents purification and the overcoming of obstacles together as a couple.]

"Are you okay?" she asked Tang Ruoyao.Tang Ruoyao nodded.

Others couldn't hear what they were saying, but they could see their lip movements and actions.

Among the crowd, Wen Shuxian was just here for the fun and didn't mind the commotion. She jokingly said, "Wow! Whispering without even entering the ceremonial hall? Mr. Officiant, is this allowed? Isn't it against the rules?"

Weddings should be lively, and etiquette is not that strict. The officiant immediately responded, "Of course, it's allowed. It shows the affection between the couple."

Wen Shuxian: "Hahaha."

Her laughter was particularly infectious, and many people joined in, including Fu Yujun, who couldn't help but laugh a few times, shook her head, and had an expression of helplessness towards Wen Shuxian.

However, in the corner of her eye, Fu Yujun caught sight of a blank expression on a face. Guan Han stood about two body lengths away on her left side, looking somewhat out of place amidst the festive atmosphere. Except for when the bridal sedan chair came out earlier, she had lowered her eyes, showing no other reaction.

Fu Yujun's gaze shifted downward, noticing Guan Han's hand unconsciously clenched into a fist by her side, and a hint of amusement flashed in her eyes.

She withdrew her gaze.

Guan Han's eyes were fixed on the wedding, yet it seemed like she wasn't really watching the ceremony. Her soul seemed to have left her body, floating high in the sky, observing the wedding from the clouds, rolling and twisting like a Tianjin sesame pancakes.

[Tianjin sesame pancakes, also known as "Tianjin dazha", are a traditional snack from the city of Tianjin, China. They are made by twisting and shaping a dough of sesame seeds, flour, and other ingredients into intricate, twisted shapes before frying.

The comparison suggests that Guan Han's mind or "soul" is twisting and turning erratically, like the swirling, twisted shape of a Tianjin sesame pancake, as she observes the wedding from afar. This imagery conveys a sense of Guan Han being mentally and emotionally unsettled or distressed by witnessing the marriage of Qin Yinong and Tang Ruoyao.

The twisted, convoluted nature of the Tianjin sesame pancake is used as a vivid metaphor to depict Guan Han's inner turmoil and disorientation during this celebratory occasion, hinting at some unspoken history or feelings she may have towards the couple.]

Wuwuwu, her CP finally got married, and it's such a grand occasion.

Laughter filled the venue, making the two couples blush, but only Qin Yinong was visible.

Her reputation was probably beyond repair.

Feeling somewhat helpless, she smiled faintly and sighed.

Noticing Tang Ruoyao's suddenly tightened fingers, she realized how inappropriate her sigh was and quickly leaned in to explain, "I'm not... I'm just so happy. They're all laughing at me."

Tang Ruoyao wondered: They're all laughing at you, what does that have to do with you being happy?

But she did believe that Qin Yinong was happy. She was so happy that she couldn't even speak properly, looking silly and stunned.

Tang Ruoyao's heart softened greatly, and she couldn't help but rub Qin Yinong's smooth hand back with her fingertip. Qin Yinong moved her fingers slightly and responded with the same tenderness.

Wen Shuxian, always the curious one, exclaimed, "They're holding hands, they're holding hands!"

Tang Ruoyao: "..."

Qin Yinong's hand, which was about to intertwine its fingers with Tang Ruoyao's, froze in place.

Fu Yujun raised her hand and lightly tapped Wen Shuxian's head, whispering, "That's enough."

The officiant held back a smile, cleared his throat, and loudly announced, "Please follow me to the bridal chamber to prepare for the formal wedding ceremony."

The bridal chamber.

As soon as the guests entered, they saw a golden red "囍 (double happiness)" character pasted on the wall facing the door, with colorful decorations and a festive atmosphere.

Dragon and phoenix candles burned in pairs.

On the high platform, Han Yuping, Liang Shu, and Ji Shulan were seated in the front.

Although only three tables of guests were invited to the wedding banquet, including the sedan chair bearers, the dowry carriers, the ceremonial band, the fireworks handlers, the receptionists, the floor sweepers, and others, except for those cooking, everyone else crowded in to witness the ceremony. Even the gatekeeper who was supposed to welcome guests at the entrance sneaked in, making the scene spectacular.

The guests were whispering to each other.

The officiant reminded, "Marriage is sacred and solemn. Please maintain silence during the formal wedding ceremony."

The guests took their seats, and the high platform was ready.

Only the couple was nowhere to be seen.

Everyone looked around anxiously, but no one made a sound.

In an instant, the ceremonial singer Jiang Lao began, "The auspicious time has come to conduct the formal wedding ceremony."

Everyone turned their gaze towards the entrance, their eyes fixed.

Elder Jiang continued, "The couple enter the hall."

The figures of Qin Yinong and Tang Ruoyao appeared at the entrance, both wearing the same vibrant red wedding attire with a phoenix and dragon embroidered on it. Under the indoor lighting, the colors came to life, dazzling and radiant.

Qin Yinong's originally radiant appearance was even more dazzling under the backdrop of her wedding attire, resembling a blooming peach blossom, vibrant and resplendent. Her beauty was captivating, almost too dazzling to directly gaze upon. Tang Ruoyao covered her face with a red veil, revealing only a glimpse of her fair and rounded chin, like flawless jade, adding a touch of mysterious beauty.

Even Wen Shuxian and the other bridesmaids, who had seen the bride before, couldn't help but swallow nervously, wanting to catch another glimpse of the bride's true face.

Both of them stood tall and walked slowly, supporting each other as they crossed the threshold and entered the wedding hall.

Once inside, Qin Yinong stood on the left, Tang Ruoyao on the right, and each of them held one end of a colorful ribbon.

Elder Jiang held a red scroll in his hand, unfolded it, and read the marriage certificate: "Two families unite in marriage, forming a lifelong bond, a perfect match. Witness this day, where the peach blossoms thrive, a suitable home and family. May your love be fruitful for years to come. With this solemn pledge, I inscribe it on this scroll, preserving the covenant of love. This is the proof."

Elder Jiang proclaimed loudly, "Let all the guests bear witness."

The guests applauded enthusiastically.

Qin Yinong looked at Tang Ruoyao. Although she couldn't see Tang Ruoyao's expression, she knew that Tang Ruoyao must be looking at her too.

Jiang Lao closed the marriage certificate and sang out, "Now, let us perform the ceremony, and play the music—"

The music began.

Qin Yinong walked towards the center, and with Lin Ruohan's support, Tang Ruoyao also walked towards the center. The two of them faced the entrance, standing side by side, with a two-step distance between them.

The bridesmaids from both sides brought forward two brand new cushions and placed them in front of the couple. Qin Yinong helped Tang Ruoyao kneel down first, then knelt beside her.

Jiang Lao said, "Kneel and pay respects to heaven and earth—"

Qin and Tang simultaneously bowed, paying their respects.

Jiang Lao continued, "Bowing once more, and a third bow."

The couple followed his instructions, bowing three times.

Jiang Lao sang, "Rise, stand up, resume your positions."

Qin and Tang stood up, with Qin Yinong rising first and then helping Tang Ruoyao up.

Jiang Lao sang, "Kneel and pay respects to the parents—"

The couple turned around, facing their parents, and knelt down properly.

Han Yuping had been happy for quite a few days since Qin Yinong's wedding. He was filled with joy during the preparations for the wedding, and even in his dreams at night, he would wake up with a smile, often teased by Liang Shu. But at this moment, when he saw the couple standing in the hall, especially when Qin Yinong raised her head and gratefully looked at him with those shining black eyes, Han Yuping suddenly felt a lump in his throat, and his eyes turned red.

Liang Shu, needless to say, had already wiped away her tears with a handkerchief.

Ji Shulan also tried to hold back her tears.

Jiang Lao said, "Bow—"

Qin and Tang both bent down, bowing in unison.

Jiang Lao deliberately slowed down his voice and sighed, "Bow once more, and a third bow—"

The "Book of Rites - Sacrifices to Heaven" states: "In the wedding ceremony, congratulations are not offered, as it signifies the succession of generations." The term "succession" refers to the cycle of life and death in the human world. At the time of the wedding, children establish their own families while parents decline. Therefore, congratulations are not offered.

Today, the parents' years have passed, and from now on, everyone focuses on their own families, making it impossible not to feel emotional.

After the third bow, they remained kneeling for a long time.

Han Yuping bit his lip, his eyes welling up with tears.

Liang Shu sobbed softly.

Ji Shulan covered her mouth with her palm.

Elder Jiang sang, "Rise, stand up, resume your positions."

Qin Yinong stood up, her eyes slightly red, and helped Tang Ruoyao to her feet.

The cushions were removed.

Qin and Tang stood facing each other.

The entire room fell silent, waiting for the highlight.

Finally, Elder Jiang took a deep breath and chanted, "Wife and husband, exchange bows—"

The two couple, gripping the ends of the colorful ribbons tightly, felt their hearts pounding in their throats. Their ears were filled with the sound of their own breath, deep inhales, and swallows, trying to restore clarity to their ears, not wanting to miss any crucial sounds.

As Jiang Lao uttered, "Bow—"

The two of them faced each other, bowing deeply.

"Rise."

They stood upright, separated by a red veil, gazing into each other's eyes.

"Bow again—"

"Rise."

"Three bows—"

"Rise, stand up."

Qin Yinong's hand holding the ribbon had already gone numb. Her mind was in a daze, and she instinctively took a step forward. Her heart was pounding, eager to hold Tang Ruoyao's hand.

When Jiang Lao saw her movement, he quickly sang the following line, "Thanking the guests—"

It wasn't over yet!

Qin Yinong snapped back to her senses, tightened her sweaty hand, and turned together with Tang Ruoyao towards the guests.

Jiang Lao said, "Bow, rise, bow again, rise, stand up."

Qin and Tang followed the instructions and completed the bows.

Qin Yinong looked at him.

Jiang Lao paused and said, "..."

Didn't she memorize the procedure perfectly? Why did she suddenly forget everything when it came to the bride?

Elder Jiang couldn't help but feel helpless and amused. His expression remained unchanged as he sang, "Escort to the bridal chamber—"

Qin Yinong remembered this part. She could finally get close to Tang Ruoyao and held her hand.

Their skins touched, and both of their hearts were moved.

Tang Ruoyao tightened her grip on Qin Yinong's hand and subtly leaned into her embrace. Qin Yinong restrained herself from the impulse to hug her tightly.

A few people held red lanterns and walked in front of the couple, leading the way for them. The bridesmaids, including Lin Ruohan, needed to walk behind the couple and accompany them to the bridal chamber, continuing with the following rituals.

With the couple in place, there was a small hiccup with the bridesmaids. Wen Shuxian cried uncontrollably, almost collapsing in her seat. In the end, Fu Yujun and Cui Jiaren helped her up, following behind Qin and Tang.

"Please."

The group left slowly, exiting from the back of the wedding hall and entering the backyard.

The crowd watched as they left.

The emcee elongated his voice and sang with ups and downs, "The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl meet in the heavens, and two beautiful people unite on earth. Today, the Qin and Jin families are joined together, may they be rich and prosperous for eternity! Please wait a moment, the bride will come out to greet you."

Fruits were served in the hall, and the guests patiently waited.

Outside the door, many onlookers and servants carried baskets filled with fruits, wedding treats, and snacks, distributing them to the people, creating an atmosphere of joy and laughter.

In the backyard.

Qin Yinong and Tang Ruoyao were no longer holding the colorful ribbon. Tang Ruoyao sat on the edge of the bed, while Qin Yinong stood. Lin Ruohan took over the servant's duties and brought a red tray with a pair of wedding scales on it.

[In a Chinese wedding, the wedding scales, also known as the "Dragon and Phoenix Wedding Scales" or "Wedding Balance," is a traditional ceremonial item. It consists of a small wooden or metal scale with two plates or pans hanging from it. The scale is often beautifully decorated with auspicious symbols and intricate carvings.

During the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom each hold one side of the scale while facing each other. The scale represents the balance and equality between the couple in their marriage. It symbolizes the harmony and mutual support they should provide to maintain a balanced relationship.

The scale is usually empty or may contain items such as red dates or peanuts, symbolizing wishes for fertility and a prosperous future. The act of lifting the lid of the wedding scales signifies the couple's satisfaction and contentment with each other.

The wedding scales hold cultural and symbolic significance, representing the hope for a harmonious and balanced union between the bride and groom in Chinese weddings.]

Lifting the lid of the wedding scales signifies satisfaction and contentment.

Qin Yinong slowly picked up the wooden wedding scales. It was light in material but felt heavy in her hands, as if it carried a thousand pounds.

She held it in her hands for a while, and the onlookers around her grew impatient. Lin Ruohan's heart skipped a beat, and she softly urged, "What are you doing? Don't tell me you suddenly changed your mind about getting married, like Ren Xingyue?"

Tang Ruoyao clenched her two hands together, trying not to squeeze them too tightly, but her knuckles turned white.

Why hasn't she lifted the veil yet?

Qin Yinong turned her face and looked at Jiang Lao, who was singing along with the ceremony. She asked seriously, "Do we need this many people?"

Jiang Lao replied, "What do you mean?"

Qin Yinong asked, "Can it just be me alone?"

Jiang Lao: "..."

Tang Ruoyao lowered her head, her cheeks flushed, even redder than the veil.

What was she saying? But... it still makes me very happy.

Qin Yinong asked seriously, "Really, can it just be me?"

Jiang Lao fell silent for a moment and said, "Yes."

Qin Yinong smiled brightly.

Lin Ruohan rolled her eyes again, thinking, Look at how proud you are.

She took the lead and led the crowd out.

Qin Yinong closed the door and approached Tang Ruoyao. Tang Ruoyao took a deep breath and looked at the pair of red embroidered shoes in front of her, unable to control herself as she clenched her fingers and bit her lip.

"Yaoyao?" Qin Yinong spoke softly, suppressing her emotions from beneath the lid.

"It's me." Tang Ruoyao replied.

Tang Ruoyao couldn't help but be amused, Is she still worried that she'll be swapped right under her nose?

Qin Yinong stared at the masked red veil and, with the wedding scales in her hand, gently lifted it up.

Her eyes instantly lit up and became passionate.

Tang Ruoyao lowered her head, feeling a bit shy. Slowly, she dared to lift her head and look at Qin Yinong.

She was pleased by Qin Yinong's obvious admiring gaze, her eyes shining as she looked at her, carefully examining her peach-like face. Qin Yinong softly said, "You look beautiful today."

It had been a whole day, and only now did she truly see her.

"You're the beautiful one." Qin Yinong sat down, completely removing the red lid and setting it aside.

Tang Ruoyao's features were originally plain, but with the embellishment of makeup, she lost some of her coldness and gained a touch of brightness. Her red lips and sparkling eyes exuded an indescribable charm.

The various pearls and gems on the phoenix crown shimmered under the candlelight, accentuating her skin's delicate beauty.

Her appearance was as stunning as the celestial stars.

Qin Yinong leaned in, gently kissing her, a brief touch.

She didn't dare to kiss deeply, as it would smudge her lipstick.

Tang Ruoyao looked at her, biting her lip, wanting to speak but hesitating.

Qin Yinong reacted after two seconds, smiling as she opened her arms and embraced her, resting her chin on Tang Ruoyao's shoulder, gently rubbing against her wife's smooth cheek.

Tang Ruoyao hugged her tightly.

Both of them became overwhelmed with excitement, their embrace so strong that it seemed as if they wanted to merge into each other's bones and blood.

Even words seemed unnecessary.

Lin Ruohan knocked on the door from outside, urging with laughter, "Are you done yet? You still have guests to meet later. Are you going straight to the bridal chamber?"

Tang Ruoyao blushed.

Qin Yinong kissed her temple and moved her mouth close to her ear as if wanting to say something, but in the end, she felt too embarrassed. She whispered softly, "I'll go open the door."

Tang Ruoyao responded with a sound of agreement and released her.

The door opened from the inside, and Qin Yinong stood at the entrance.

Lin Ruohan teased her, "You can't wait, huh? Isn't this too fast?"

Qin Yinong couldn't be bothered with her and stepped aside to let everyone in.

Elder Jiang sang, "Serve the wine, exchange the ceremonial cups."

Dividing a gourd into two halves is called a "ceremonial cup," so exchanging ceremonial cups refers to the newlyweds toasting each other.

This time, Ningning held the tray, which contained two interconnected ceremonial cups, standing behind Room 405 and Lin Ruohan. She was small in stature, but she held it very steadily, without any trembling.

She turned out to be more capable than their two mothers.

Wen Shuxian and Lin Ruohan poured the wine and handed it to Tang Ruoyao and Qin Yinong.

Qin Yinong and Tang Ruoyao raised the ceremonial cups, aligning them with their eyebrows, and drank only half.

Qin Yinong's expression remained unchanged, while Tang Ruoyao slightly furrowed her brows because the wine was bitter.

Since Tang Ruoyao had just finished filming a new movie, most of the wedding preparations were taken care of by Qin Yinong. She was not aware of these small details, nor did she know that Qin Yinong had tried this wine several times in private.

There is a saying that gourds are bitter, and bitter wine is poured inside them, symbolizing that the couple should share joys and sorrows together in their future life, hand in hand. It carries a beautiful meaning.

When Han Yuping and Qin Yinong discussed it, they thought it was a good idea, so they kept it as part of the ceremony.

Jiang Lao sang, "Exchange the cups."

The two of them handed the ceremonial cups back to Wen Shuxian and Lin Ruohan, exchanged cups, and raised them to align with their eyebrows, drinking the other's remaining half, signifying that they were now inseparable from each other.

They gazed at each other for a few seconds, their eyes filled with affection.

No one interrupted, allowing them to regain their composure. They reached out and joined the two cups together, forming a complete gourd, which Lin Ruohan tied with a ribbon and placed back on the tray.

The bridesmaids and Ningning stepped back, leaving the space for the newlyweds.

Jiang Lao sang, "Unveil the bride's red ribbon."

According to the traditional practice, it should have been the groom who untied the bride's red ribbon. However, at this moment, it was Tang Ruoyao who reached out while Qin Yinong cooperatively lowered her head slightly. Tang Ruoyao untied a red ribbon from her hair, and the two of them smiled at each other.

They were both brides, inseparable from each other.

Elder Jiang's voice grew emotional as he sang "Bind of hair."

Wen Shuxian's eyes turned red once again.

Fu Yujun was afraid she would start crying, so she promptly took over her task.

Ningning held a tray containing scissors and a silk pouch.

Lin Ruohan took the scissors and separated a strand of hair from Qin Yinong's hair, cut it, and placed it in the tray.

Fu Yujun did the same with a strand of Tang Ruoyao's hair.

Qin Yinong picked up the hair, and Tang Ruoyao handed over the red ribbon. Qin Yinong tied the two strands of hair together, Lin Ruohan presented the silk pouch, Qin Yinong placed the hair inside the pouch, tied it tightly, and returned it to Lin Ruohan, who then placed it back on the tray.

Binding hair symbolized the union of husband and wife, with unwavering love. May your heart be like mine, never disappointing, full of longing.

Only the final ritual remained.

Qin Yinong remembered it firmly and did not make any more movements.

Jiang Lao sang, "Exchange vows."

The two of them sat side by side, Tang Ruoyao extended one hand, palm facing down, and Qin Yinong placed her hand on top, palm facing up. Their hands clasped together, signifying a lifetime of trust and commitment.

The two of them locked eyes and nodded.

After a moment, they let go and sat up straight.

Jiang Lao sang, "The wedding ceremony is complete—"

Before the words had even finished, Qin Yinong immediately grabbed Tang Ruoyao's hand again. Ningning looked down at her own empty hand and came over to hold Tang Ruoyao's other hand. Tang Ruoyao couldn't help but smile and reached up to pat Ningning's head.

Elder Jiang was getting older, and this whole process had exhausted him. He gave his final instructions, "Prepare for the greeting ceremony."

With Elder Jiang's status and position, if it weren't for Qin Yinong, very few people could have convinced him to participate, let alone go through all this trouble. Qin Yinong was grateful and first let go of Tang Ruoyao's hand, personally escorting Jiang Lao back to the reception hall to rest.

When she returned, she removed Tang Ruoyao's phoenix coronet. The two of them helped each other remove the shoulder cape, and they proceeded to the reception hall to greet their elders and guests.

Qin Yinong already knew that Tang Ruoyao had been preoccupied with the fact that Han Yuping and Liang Shu hadn't given her red envelopes. On the way to the reception hall, she pinched Tang Ruoyao's palm and teased, "Now you can collect your red envelopes, and not just one."

Tang Ruoyao scolded her, "You're so annoying."

It was just playful banter between the two lovers, but Qin Yinong showed a slightly serious expression. "On our first day of marriage, you're already calling me annoying," she said with a hint of sadness. "Do you really find me annoying?"

Tang Ruoyao: "..."

Wen Shuxian and Lin Ruohan had already returned to the reception hall. Tang Ruoyao looked around and only saw the figure of a cleaning maid in the distance. She lowered her voice and said, "I love you."

Qin Yinong pressed for an answer, "What do you love?"

Tang Ruoyao blushed and said, "I love you, alright?"

Qin Yinong was on the verge of tears, feeling aggrieved, "You're bullying me."

Tang Ruoyao: "..."

Qin Yinong's words amused her to the point where she wanted to laugh. Little did she know that Qin Yinong would say the next sentence, "My wife, why are you bullying me?"

Tang Ruoyao: "Hahaha."

What kind of address was "my wife"?

That's what people in ancient times called each other, right? Don't modern people say "wife"?

Would Qin Yinong call herself a wife? Tang Ruoyao suddenly thought of this and couldn't find it in herself to laugh anymore.

Her heart wasn't ready for this.

Qin Yinong's smile towards her seemed like she had anticipated it. Tang Ruoyao also smiled, with a hint of profound meaning in her smile. Her red lips slightly parted, and Tang Ruoyao had a gut feeling that she was about to be called "wife." Her heart started beating faster, and her vision became a bit blurry.

Ah ah ah! Don't call her now, she still has important matters to attend to later.

Qin Yinong's expression softened as she said, "Madam."

Not "wife," but the impact wasn't much different. Some modern people still use this term, especially the older generation, like Han Yuping, who often called Liang Shu that.

Tang Ruoyao felt like she exploded into fireworks and soared into the sky in an instant. Her cheeks heated up, becoming even redder against the backdrop of the red lanterns. Her ears turned completely red.

Qin Yinong's eyes curved with a smile as she reached out and hugged her. Tang Ruoyao buried her burning cheeks in Qin Yinong's embrace.

Not far away, Lin Ruohan coughed.

Qin Yinong didn't let go and raised her head, saying lightly, "Don't look if it's improper, where are your manners?"

Lin Ruohan amusedly replied, "You have manners? Hugging and embracing in front of so many people, that's improper. Do you understand?"

Qin Yinong retorted, "Who said there are so many people..."

Before she could finish her sentence, a row of people appeared behind Lin Ruohan as if they had sprouted like radishes.

Wen Shuxian, Fu Yujun, Cui Jiaran, Ningning, and a few other familiar faces, even Ji Yunyao came out, wearing a look of enjoying the spectacle.

Qin Yinong: "..."

She had lost all face today, and now Tang Ruoyao had to be with her too, who couldn't even lift her head anymore.

Qin Yinong looked pleadingly at the group, her gaze gentle, and said, "Everyone, would you please..."

The onlookers graciously stepped back, leaving only Lin Ruohan stubbornly staying in place.

Qin Yinong glared at her.

Lin Ruohan finally left, laughing all the way.

Qin Yinong was truly annoyed by her.

After Qin and Tang composed themselves, they proceeded to the wedding hall.

The arrangement in the hall was the same as before, with three main seats placed on a high platform.

Elder Jiang sang, "Perform the ceremonial bow, play the music—"

The music began to play.

Lin Ruohan, as capable as ever, came over with a tray at this moment. The bottom was lined with red silk, and inside were two cups of tea.

First, they paid respects to the couple Han Yuping and his wife.

Formally, they were the elders on Tang Ruoyao's side, so Tang Ruoyao accompanied Qin Yinong to pay respects. But in reality, it was Tang Ruoyao who followed Qin Yinong's lead. They had discussed it beforehand, and Qin Yinong had long lost any feelings for Qin Hongjian and had completely let go. So they decided to treat Han Yuping as their father.

But Han Yuping was unaware of all this. He treated Tang Ruoyao as his goddaughter, so by all means, they should call him "godfather." After all, being a godfather was like being a father, and now he even had a daughter. Han Yuping was very content.

He sat up straight, the previous melancholy gone, and eagerly awaited their change of address.

Qin Yinong handed him the tea, kneeling on both knees in front of him, and said respectfully, "Dad, please have some tea."

Han Yuping was stunned for a moment.

He was already in his sixties, and he had never experienced anything like this before, not even when his father used to chase him with a pair of tongs and beat him. Tears suddenly filled his eyes. Although it wasn't Liang Shu's turn yet, she was already crying with tears of joy. Seeing Han Yuping standing there in a daze, she quickly pulled her hand away and lightly hit his arm to remind him.

"The tea, the tea."

Han Yuping wiped his face, took the tea, and drank it all in one gulp. He laughed, and his wrinkles deepened. He placed the cup back on the tray and said, "Good, good, good."

He said "good" three times in a row.

Qin Yinong smiled through her tears.

Liang Shu added, "The red envelope."

"Oh, oh." Han Yuping hurriedly took out a red envelope from his pocket and placed it in the tray. Then he turned to look at Liang Shu and whispered, "Do I need to say anything else?"

Liang Shu couldn't bear to look at him straight in the eye and said softly, "No need."

Han Yuping beamed with joy and sat there happily.

Tang Ruoyao followed to pay respects and said, "Dad, please have some tea."

Han Yuping smiled and replied, "Good child."

He received the tea with both hands, treated them equally, and drank it all. Then he handed over a red envelope.

Qin Yinong paid respects to Liang Shu, saying, "Mom, please have some tea."

Liang Shu cried gracefully, wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief, placed a red envelope in each tray, and sincerely blessed them, "I hope you two will support each other and grow old together."

"We will."

Finally, they paid respects to Ji Shulan.

The newlyweds bid farewell to the guests from both sides.

The music at the venue suddenly became lively.

Lin Ruohan took the colorful ribbon with the wedding ceremony's ornamental ball and handed it to Tang Ruoyao, then quickly retreated into the crowd.

Jiang Lao laughed and sang, "The bride throws the embroidered ball—"

[In traditional Chinese weddings, the "embroidered ball" (繡球) is an important symbolic item. Here are some key details about it:

1. The embroidered ball is typically made of colorful fabrics, threads, and ribbons. It is elaborately decorated and represents good luck, happiness, and fertility.

2. During the wedding ceremony, the bride will toss the embroidered ball into the crowd of unmarried women. The woman who catches it is believed to be the next one to get married.

3. The tossing of the embroidered ball is a popular wedding custom that originated in ancient China. It symbolizes the bride passing on her good fortune in love to the next bride-to-be.

4. The embroidered ball is often passed down from generation to generation in the bride's family, adding to its sentimental value.

5. The colors, patterns, and decorations of the embroidered ball can vary by region and family tradition, but the core meaning of wishing good luck in love remains the same.

So in the context of this Chinese wedding scene, the embroidered ball tossing is a crucial part of the traditional ceremony that brings excitement and anticipation for the next lucky bride.]

Author's Note:

The wedding chamber scene will continue tomorrow~

To all the VIPs in the front row, are you still enjoying the show?

[Note]: The marriage certificate is from the Republic of China era. Also, this wedding is a mix of different eras, not specific to any one dynasty. And that's it!

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