"My child, what nonsense are you speaking? Once you are married, you will be part of the Zhang family. How can you still live with your parents? Little Niu is an honest boy; you mustn't be unreasonable and bully him!" Madam Yu sighed, "Mother understands everything, but I'm still a little reluctant to let go. Once some time passes and I get used to it, it will be fine."
After a daughter married, she became someone else's family. If she was too close to her maiden family, it might displease her husband's family, affecting the relationship between the young couple.
Song Mingyue pouted, "Then I won't get married, okay? I'll stay home and accompany Father and Mother."
Madam Yu chuckled at Song Mingyue's childishness, "You silly girl, what are you talking about? If you really stayed with your father and me forever, we would worry even more. Which daughter doesn't get married when she reaches the age? What would people say? Could we bear it?"
As they spoke, the outside suddenly became lively. Judging by the time, the welcoming party should have arrived.
Madam Lu, who had gone out earlier, came back in, "Sister-in-law, Little Niu is here. He's waiting outside."
Madam Yu quickly adjusted Song Mingyue's phoenix coronet and robes, examined her closely, and reluctantly placed the veil over Song Mingyue's head.
A moment later, the sound of Little Niu calling at the second gate echoed.
Inside the gate, the younger generation of the Song family, led by Song Mingze, stood guard. It was customary not to let the groom enter easily during a wedding. They had to make things a little difficult for him, to let him know that their daughter was not easily won, and that he had to treat her well after marrying her.
The challenges were all common tactics used in rural weddings, done for fun and not out of line. The responses from outside were also appropriate, and red envelopes were passed in one by one.
Seeing that the time was almost right, Madam Lu signaled from the side, telling them to open the door and let them in.
"Wait, I haven't passed this test yet," Song Mingze suddenly said. "I have a couplet here. If they can match it, I'll open the door immediately."
Madam Lu was a little anxious. Wasn't this making things difficult? Zhang Xiaoniu had no education; how could he possibly match a couplet? But if he couldn't, it would be a great embarrassment.
She expected anger from outside, but there was none. Those inside the door only heard a clear, cold voice from outside, "Please present the couplet."
It wasn't Zhang Xiaoniu's voice; it must have been someone accompanying him. This was impeccable, as those who came with the groom were meant to help him deal with the bride's family's challenges.
Song Mingze cleared his throat, "I'm not trying to make things difficult. Today is a joyous occasion, meant to be festive and for everyone to have fun. My upper line is: Phoenix lands on the Wutong tree, Wutong tree lands on the phoenix."
"Pearl links with jade, jade links with pearl." Almost as soon as Song Mingze finished speaking, the response came from outside.
Most of the people present were from the countryside and had no idea if the couplet was matched well. They all looked at Song Mingze. He had presented the couplet, so he would definitely know if it was matched well.
Song Mingze was very excited. This was simply a surge of literary inspiration! The couplet was not only perfectly matched but also very fitting for the occasion. Most importantly, the other party had responded without any hesitation, as if it came to them naturally.
"Brother Ze, hurry up and say it! Has it passed or not? If it hasn't passed, tell them to think of another one quickly. If it has passed, we should open the door quickly and not delay the auspicious time," Madam Lu asked anxiously.
"It has passed, it has passed, it has passed! It's matched exceptionally well, much better than what I originally thought of. Listen, 'Pearl links with jade, jade links with pearl'—this is praising Xiaoniu and Mingyue. Good, good, good! Open the door quickly, open the door!" Song Mingze said somewhat incoherently.
The gatekeepers immediately removed the bolts, and seven people rushed in.
In the center was Zhang Xiaoniu, wearing a big red flower. The people beside him were all unfamiliar faces, but they were all well-dressed, tall, and handsome, exuding an air of grandeur.
Zhang Xiaoniu scanned the crowd and then slapped Song Mingze on the shoulder, "Brother, you guarded the door well."
Zhang Xiaoniu, who practiced martial arts daily, was strong and powerful. Even without exerting full force, that slap was enough for Song Mingze to bear.
Song Mingze winced, "Mingyue is our family's pampered daughter. How could you take her away so easily? I wasn't really making things difficult for you. If I were, I would have made you recite scriptures or compose impromptu poems!"
"Then I should thank you for showing mercy!" Zhang Xiaoniu said cheerfully. "But I'm not afraid. I guessed you would do this. We have a capable person among us. Compared to him, Brother, you would probably have to step aside."
"May I ask which gentleman matched the couplet just now?" Song Mingze asked politely, cupping his hands.
"Brother Ze, today is your sister's wedding day. Can you put aside your eagerness to learn?" Madam Lu quickly interjected. "They are here to welcome the bride!"
After speaking, she pulled Song Mingze aside, clearing a path for Zhang Xiaoniu and his companions.
At the last door, Zhang Xiaoniu straightened his robe, adjusted the big red flower on his chest, cleared his throat, and knocked.
"Mother, I've come to pick up Mingyue. Please open the door. Don't worry, I will cherish her with all my heart and never let her suffer any grievance. I will filial to you and Father. I am now your son," Zhang Xiaoniu said in a loud voice. His declaration was clearly heard by everyone inside and outside the room.
"Zhang Xiaoniu, remember, these are all your own words. If you dare to treat Mingyue poorly in the future, I won't let you off," Qi Zhenzhen said loudly. "Mingyue is like my own sister, and Aunt Yu treats me like her own daughter. You better think carefully."
"I, Zhang Xiaoniu, am a man of my word, and my promises are as good as gold! All the elders, villagers, and comrades present today are witnesses. If what I say differs from what I do, you don't need to find me; I will punish myself," Zhang Xiaoniu said casually.
"Xiaoniu, remember your words. I am entrusting Mingyue to you. She is my most precious pearl, and I hope she will remain a pearl in the future," Madam Yu said earnestly.
"Don't worry, Mother."
The door soon opened, and Zhang Xiaoniu strode in. Seeing the young woman dressed in her wedding finery on the kang, he was very excited.
"Mingyue, I'm here," Zhang Xiaoniu's voice softened considerably. "I've come to take you home."
Madam Lu pushed Song Mingze forward. According to custom, he was supposed to carry Song Mingyue to the bridal sedan chair. However, as soon as Zhang Xiaoniu entered, he swept Song Mingyue into his arms and, surrounded by the six men, strode out.
Only when they reached the courtyard did Madam Lu realize this was not according to custom. But she couldn't call them back, so she said with a wry smile, "Xiaoniu is so eager to marry our Mingyue that he couldn't wait to carry her away himself."
"Our family is not particular about such things. Brother Ze, hurry and follow them out. Zhenzhen, you should also look after them," Madam Yu said.
Song Mingze and Qi Zhenzhen, as members of the bride's escort party, also had to accompany them to Zhang's house.