Chapter 19: A Joyous Union on the Dragon Boat Festival—Ancient Town Ablaze with Festive Lights

“Master, Master, Young Master Shen’s bridal sedan has arrived!” a servant hurried in to report.

“Let the firecrackers sound, quickly!” Master Xu rose to his feet at once.

“Miss, your groom has arrived!” Xiaoling, hearing the crackling of firecrackers, ran in, unable to contain her joy.

In truth, Miss Xu had already heard the drums and gongs heralding the wedding procession from within her boudoir. Dressed in dazzling red, her face radiated happiness.

“I know. Go do what you’re supposed to,” she said gently.

“Yes, Miss, I understand.”

Young Master Shen and his entourage arrived at the gate of the Xu residence. Today, the family had arranged an elaborate celebration for their son-in-law’s arrival. As a renowned household in the area, their daughter’s marriage was a matter of utmost importance, so every detail was meticulously attended to.

“Hand out the wedding candies, hand them out before seeing the bride!” The crowd gathered at the gate, blocking the groom’s path.

“Xiaolong, quickly distribute the wedding sweets.”

“Wedding candies, everyone!” Dressed in splendid golden attire, Xiaolong grabbed the prepared treats and tossed them into the air. Children scrambled to snatch them as Young Master Shen, atop his fine steed, drew near the entrance.

After dismounting, Young Master Shen finally made it through the front gate, only to be stopped again at the inner gate. Testing the groom was a local custom in Shanyang County, and Young Master Shen met it with a cheerful smile, handing out sweets and red envelopes as he went.

At last, the groom entered the grand hall, where Master Xu and his wife sat in state, guests and relatives lining both sides.

“Father-in-law, mother-in-law, I, your son-in-law, pay my respects to all the esteemed relatives.” With that, he knelt on one knee and bowed.

The mother-in-law was increasingly pleased with her son-in-law, her face beaming as she glanced at Master Xu.

Master Xu immediately caught her meaning and said, “Dear son-in-law, rise quickly.”

“Go fetch the bride.”

Surrounded by the crowd, Young Master Shen proceeded to the rear courtyard, passing through the garden. The lotus pond was lush and verdant, white blossoms still tightly furled, their purity undisturbed. In the clear water, fish darted near the surface, and a few red dragonflies hovered, landing atop the lotus flowers. The scene brought to mind the verse, “The lotus just shows its sharp tips—already a dragonfly alights upon it.”

The winding paths of the back garden led them to the front of Miss Xu’s boudoir. Young Master Shen admired its elegance—the door was framed by a riot of blooming flowers, delicate roses unfurling in succession, and bold red wedding symbols adorned the doors and windows in an artful arrangement.

On the main gate, there was only the first half of a couplet. Xiaoling read aloud, “The first line says, ‘A lifelong union, enduring as the earth.’”

She sat at the threshold, grinning. “Young Master, my lady says that only if you complete this couplet can you win the beauty.”

Young Master Shen pondered for a moment, then replied with spirited confidence, “Xiaolong, bring me the ink.”

“Right away!”

Onlookers chattered, trying to match the couplet themselves, but none felt their attempts were up to par, so all eyes were fixed on the groom to see how he would respond.

With the rice paper spread out, Young Master Shen pressed it down and wrote with a vigorous hand. Everyone read aloud as he finished, “A hundred years as a perfect pair, together as lasting as the heavens.”

“An excellent couplet!”

Inside her chamber, Miss Xu was deeply pleased, her excitement barely contained as she told Xiaoling, “He’s passed the test. Let him in.”

“Young Master Shen, our lady says you may enter.”

Young Master Shen lifted the festive curtain and entered the boudoir, enveloped in fragrant scents. A familiar aroma stirred his heart, dopamine surging through his veins. The ornate dressing table held a brass mirror, reflecting him, and the rosewood furniture spoke of the family’s eminent status.

Beside the bed sat a woman in red, Miss Xu, adorned with a phoenix coronet and ceremonial robes, poised and radiant as a lotus emerging from water. On the bed, a pair of mandarin ducks frolicked, and his heart surged with emotion. He wished for nothing more than a private meeting with his bride to share tender words.

Suppressing his overwhelming joy, he proclaimed in a clear voice, “Wife, let us depart.”

Miss Xu nodded solemnly. Young Master Shen stepped forward and lifted her in his arms, striding out the door as jubilant drums resounded and firecrackers exploded outside.

After much anticipation, Miss Xu finally emerged, her red veil dazzling, her face half-hidden like a beauty behind a pipa. Amid cheers, she clung nervously to Young Master Shen’s neck as they walked toward the gate.

For the first time, the couple were in close embrace. Miss Xu’s heart raced, and in the strong arms of her husband, she felt an unprecedented sense of security. His solid muscles made her feel happier than ever in her new marriage.

“Take up the sedan!” the Xu family steward announced loudly, and the music of suona horns reverberated throughout the ancient town of Hexia. No one could have predicted that this perfectly matched pair would welcome a son, Shen Kun, who, in his prime, would become the first literary champion in Huai’an—a feat never before achieved.

Young Master Shen, brimming with delight, rode his fine horse, leading the procession down Bamboo Lane. A pack of children followed the bridal sedan, laughing and running, eager for free wedding sweets. The wedding party grew ever larger, parading through the streets and heading straight for the Shen residence.

Hearing the joyful music in every alleyway, neighbors knew the Shen family was celebrating. People praised Master Shen’s virtue, especially mentioning the young master’s exemplary conduct.

“That young master is such a good soul. My boy ran right into him once, and not only did he not get angry, he gave silver to help my son heal,” a matron told her neighbors.

“Master Shen is a man of integrity, fair in business and honest with everyone,” said a man carrying a load, puffing on his pipe.

“Master Xu certainly chose well, marrying his daughter to a golden son-in-law,” remarked Boss Jin, who sold bamboo wares on Bamboo Lane, raising his thumb in approval.

The bridal sedan crossed Chenggong Bridge, and the Shen residence was just steps away.

“Steward, set off the firecrackers,” Master Shen ordered.

“Coming, fire the crackers!” the steward called out.

The servants, eager for the festivities, began setting off firecrackers as soon as they heard the drums, their thunderous explosions echoing across the sky.

“Lower the sedan,” the steward directed, taking charge.

“The auspicious hour is here,” he announced, guiding the ceremony as the bride and groom stood before Master Shen and his wife.

The newlyweds bowed deeply to their neighbors. Young Master Shen spoke courteously, “I am grateful for the kindness of all my fellow villagers. Thank you.”

He and his bride knelt and bowed to his parents, their sincerity evident to all.

“Wonderful! Now let’s go enjoy the wedding feast,” said the crowd, dispersing gradually.

Young Master Shen took up the long weighing rod beside him and slowly approached the bride, who sat on the bed, her heart pounding, her face flushing red.

To learn what happens next, stay tuned for the following chapter.