readytorunbook Chapter 206 Viewing the Ceremony
Chapter 206 Viewing the Ceremony
Aunt Zhao came closer and said, "I was worried before, wondering if the old lady would be able to come to watch the ceremony. Thank God, she got better yesterday! We haven't had such a big happy event in Tushan Mansion for many years. It's really cause for celebration!" After saying that, she shook out a silk handkerchief and wiped the few tears from the corners of her eyes.
Tu Shan Hou looked at her and replied, "Grandma, please be happy for me. I hope you get better soon. Today, I have to ask Aunt Zhao to act as Lan Mei's, oh no, Lan Mei's family. Thank you Aunt Zhao for that."
Aunt Zhao put away her handkerchief and nodded repeatedly: "Look at my shallow eyes. Don't worry, I'm here. If anyone asks, I will say that she is a distant niece of our bird tribe. There are so many people in the bird tribe, and they give birth in batches. They can't remember who is who. It's enough for them to just know that Lan Mei is a rich lady with status!"
When I heard this, I realized that Tu Shan Hou disliked Lan Mei's low status, so he specially arranged for Aunt Zhao to raise her status and change her name. This matched the plot I knew. Isn't Lan Mei the maid who was going to tell Tu Shan Jing the truth and was killed by Tu Shan Hou in the end?
But at this moment, there is nothing threatening Tu Shanjing, so I can just watch from the sidelines. I don't care whether Lan Mei is a maid or a lady. My mission is to help that puppet survive the scrutiny and examination from waves of people today.
At this time, I heard the sound of talking and laughing outside the door. I looked up and saw that the puppet was walking in front of an old man in a very serious manner. Behind him, there was a bustling crowd of masters, young masters, ladies and young ladies in gorgeous clothes.
At this time, Aunt Zhao and Tushan Hou came forward to greet them with a smile, said a few polite words, and then stepped aside and sat down.
Jingye winked at me, and I dropped my hands and followed her to the side, keeping a low profile and paying attention to those distinguished guests.
The distinguished guests took their seats one after another. I only knew Li Rongchang and a few young men whom I had met at his house during the Chinese New Year. I didn't know anyone else. Chishui Fenglong was not among them. He probably went to Xiyan City and didn't have time to come back.
After Tushan Hou and Tushan Jing finished greeting everyone, the old lady came in wearing a gold and green floral brocade robe, a gold-engraved four-happiness and eight-treasure hairpin on her head, and a crane and cloud necklace inlaid with gold and rubies. She was holding a cane, followed by Xiaoyu and Miss Nanfeng on her left and right.
She walked slowly but steadily, the haggardness on her face was hidden by powder, and she looked around with powerful eyes.
Everyone stood up and saluted to congratulate her. She raised her hand and said, "No need to be polite. You have come from afar and are honored to be here. Please take a seat."
Xiaoyu waited for her to sit down, and she nodded to Aunt Zhao, who smiled at her, as if she understood everything. The puppet also sat next to her and looked at Tushan Hou who was waiting.
At this time, a voice shouted outside the door: "The auspicious time has arrived, play the music, and welcome the sedan chair!"
As soon as the voice fell, there was music and dancing outside, it was so lively. I remembered asking Xiao Wei, she said that Lan Mei was an orphan and had no family, so the steps of her mother crying and sending the sedan chair and her brother carrying her into the sedan chair could be omitted. I guess Tu Shanhou and the others would just carry the sedan chair from Aunt Zhao to here to save trouble, and that would be considered the sedan chair entering the house.
Sure enough, soon after, firecrackers were set off, and when the song was over, the sedan chair had already entered the door. A girl in full make-up appeared in my sight, pulling Lan Mei. I saw her gently lift her foot, step over a vermilion painted wooden saddle, walk slowly on the red carpet, and walk in with the help of the bridesmaid, standing on the right side of the wedding hall.
Xiao Xuan, who was holding the flower candle, asked Tushan Hou, who was hiding behind the pillar according to the rules, to come back and stood on the left.
The chief incense burner was an elderly man, who should be the great-uncle of Tushan Hou and Tushan Jing. He was full of energy and shouted, "Perform temple etiquette and play music!"
The musicians in the auditorium started playing music again. I saw Tushan Hou and Lan Mei burning incense and kneeling down, and finally they kowtowed to Aunt Zhao and Madam Tushan. This marked the completion of the ceremony.
The old man shouted again: "The ceremony is over, dismissal. Send her to the bridal chamber!"
Tushan Hou took the lead and walked in front, with two clever little girls holding dragon and phoenix candles to lead the way. He held colorful balls and silk ribbons, and Lan Mei walked behind, and they walked gracefully to the back hall.
I have asked about this process before, and I know that they will sit for a while and then leave, and the bride will have to change her makeup and treat the guests to "makeup change soup". After that, the bride and groom will perform the "paying respects" again, kneeling down to greet each other in order of closeness and seniority, which is known as "paying respects to the elders".
When they treat the guests to the "makeup-changing soup fruit", that's when I need to pay extra attention to Master Chang. Don't let him find a chance to chat with the puppet. They grew up together, and if there's anything unusual, I'm afraid Li Rongchang will notice it first.
I glanced at the guests and saw that they were all watching the ceremony with smiles, with some occasionally whispering to each other.
At this time, a fat old man accidentally broke a stool by sitting on it. Butler Hu gave me a look, and I moved another one from the corner to him.
Ruofeng and Ruiyang ran forward, saying nice things and picking up the broken stool. Fortunately, someone among the guests shouted, "Master Jia, you must be so happy to remember that your son is getting married, right?!" Everyone laughed. Master Jia patted his belly, and his flesh trembled under his satin robe. He smiled and said, "I'll invite you to my wedding next month! But we can't have such a grand ceremony!"
Madam Tushan had been looking over here. Upon hearing this, she smiled and said, "Is there going to be a happy event in Master Jia's family? We will then send two South China Sea coral trees and ten East China Sea night-shining pearls to add some joy to your house."
Mr. Jia was naturally delighted to receive such a valuable promise from her, and he probably thought in his heart that the fall was worth it.
At this time, the maids who had been waiting on the side came in one after another, holding cups of fragrant tea, and served the guests with the best Yuye Changqing tea.
Not long after, Tushan Hou came out from the back hall first. Someone who was familiar with him came up to him and joked, "Brother Hou, why hasn't the bride come out for everyone to see?"
Tu Shan Hou laughed and said, "I'm not in a hurry, why are you in a hurry? Wait!"
I saw Tu Shanjing's puppet also stood up, so I winked at Jingye and followed him quietly. A few old and young people also came to him, but they all said a few polite words of congratulations and walked away, which was very sensible.
At this time, Li Rongchang came over. My alarm bells were ringing. I saw him put his arm around Tushan Jing's puppet's shoulders and said with a smile, "Brother Jing, how is it? Your eldest brother is getting married, so it's your turn next, right? When can I attend your wedding?"
The puppet struggled slightly, raised the corner of his lips, and replied: "That depends on when you prepare the gift!"