Chapter 20: The Sound of Drums and Gongs Welcomes the Bride; Candlelight in the Bridal Chamber Stirs the Heart

“Master, Master, Young Master Shen’s bridal sedan has arrived!” A servant rushed in with the news.

“Light the firecrackers! Quickly!” Master Xu sprang to his feet.

“Miss, the groom is here!” Xiao Ling, overjoyed by the sound of firecrackers, ran inside.

In truth, Miss Xu, dressed in a splendid red gown, had already heard the festive drums and gongs outside her boudoir, her face radiant with happiness.

“I know. Go and do what you’re supposed to do,” she replied serenely.

“Yes, Miss, I understand.”

Young Master Shen and his entourage arrived at the entrance of the Xu residence, which was magnificently decorated for the occasion of the son-in-law’s arrival. As one of the most renowned families in the area, the Xu household had spared no effort, for a daughter’s wedding was of utmost importance; every detail had been meticulously attended to.

“Hand out the wedding sweets! Only after giving out the sweets can you see the bride!” The crowd at the gates blocked the groom’s path, unwilling to let him approach.

“Xiao Long, distribute the sweets.”

“Wedding sweets, everyone!” Dressed in gold, Xiao Long grabbed a handful of prepared treats and tossed them into the air. The children clamored and scrambled for them, while Young Master Shen, tall and handsome, drew closer to the main gate.

After dismounting, he finally managed to enter, only to be stopped at the second gate. This custom of teasing the groom was a tradition in Shanyang County, and Young Master Shen faced it all with a gracious smile, handing out more sweets and red envelopes as the crowd demanded.

At last, the groom reached the grand hall, where Master Xu and his wife sat in state, surrounded by family and friends.

“Father-in-law, mother-in-law, and honored elders, I offer my respects,” he declared, dropping to one knee and kowtowing.

The bride’s mother, watching her son-in-law, grew ever more delighted, beaming as she exchanged a glance with Master Xu.

Catching her cue, Master Xu said, “Worthy son-in-law, please rise.”

“Time to receive the bride!”

With much fanfare, Young Master Shen was escorted to the rear courtyard, passing through the garden where lush lotus leaves blanketed the pond, pristine white buds poised to bloom. In the crystal-clear water, fish swam close to the surface, and several red dragonflies hovered above the lotus flowers—a scene that called to mind the poetic line, “The lotus just reveals its pointed tip, and already a dragonfly rests upon it.”

Winding through the secluded garden paths, they finally reached the door of Miss Xu’s boudoir. Young Master Shen admired the elegant surroundings—flowers blooming in riotous color, roses opening in succession, and ingenious red wedding symbols pasted upon the windows and door.

On the main door hung a single poetic couplet. Xiao Ling read aloud, “The upper line reads: ‘A union of true love, everlasting as the earth.’”

She sat by the entrance, grinning, “Young Master, my lady says you must match this couplet before you may claim your bride.”

Young Master Shen paused for a moment, then, in high spirits, called out, “Xiao Long, prepare the ink for me.”

“At once!”

The onlookers murmured and tried their own answers, but none were satisfied with their attempts, so all eyes turned to the groom, awaiting his response.

Spreading out a sheet of rice paper, the young master pressed it flat with a paperweight and wrote with a flourish. The crowd read aloud, “A pair bound for a hundred years, together as long as the heavens endure.”

“A fine couplet indeed!”

Within the boudoir, Miss Xu was thoroughly pleased. Her excitement barely contained, she whispered to Xiao Ling, “He’s passed the test. Let him in.”

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

He lifted the festive door curtain and stepped into the room, which was filled with a familiar fragrance that set his heart racing. On the ornate dressing table, a bronze mirror reflected his image, while the rosewood furniture spoke of the household’s wealth and status.

Seated at the side, resplendent in red, was Miss Xu, her phoenix coronet and bridal robe perfectly arranged, her graceful form as radiant as a lotus just emerged from water. The embroidered mandarin ducks frolicking on the bed symbolized conjugal bliss, and the sight stirred the groom’s heart with a longing to steal a private moment with his bride.

Concealing his joy, he declared, “My dear, let us go.”

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

At last, Miss Xu emerged, shyly clutching her pipa and half-hiding her face beneath the brilliant red bridal veil. Amid cheers and laughter, she clung to Young Master Shen’s neck as they made their way toward the gate, her heart pounding with nervous excitement at the couple’s first close embrace. In the strong arms of her new husband, she felt an overwhelming sense of safety and happiness.

“Lift the sedan!” the Xu family steward called out. At once, the blaring of suona horns filled the ancient town of Hexia. No one could have predicted that this perfect union would, the following year, bless them with a son named Shen Kun, who would grow up to become Huai’an’s first Imperial Scholar—a feat never before achieved.

Young Master Shen, brimming with joy, mounted his steed, leading the lively procession down Bamboo Lane. A pack of children followed the bridal sedan, laughing and running, eager for more wedding sweets. The wedding party thus swelled in size, parading through the streets with music and fanfare straight toward the Shen residence.

The festive music of the suona carried through every alley and lane, announcing to all that the Shen family was celebrating a wedding. The townsfolk praised Master Shen’s virtue, especially the young master, whose character was widely admired.

“The young master is a kind soul. That time my boy bumped into him, not only did he not get angry, but he even gave us silver to treat my son’s injury,” a woman told her neighbors.

“Master Shen is a man of integrity, fair in business dealings, honest with everyone, young and old,” remarked a man with a carrying pole, puffing on his pipe.

“And Old Master Xu has good judgment to choose such a golden son-in-law,” said Boss Jin, the bamboo merchant on Bamboo Lane, giving a thumbs-up.

The bridal sedan crossed Chenggong Bridge, and the Shen residence was now just a step away.

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

“Here we go, light them up!” the steward shouted.

The eager servants, moved by the excitement, had already begun setting off firecrackers as soon as the music reached their ears. Instantly, the crackling explosions echoed across the sky.

“Lower the sedan,” the steward commanded, taking charge of the proceedings.

“The auspicious hour is here.” The steward began the formalities, guiding the bride and groom to stand before Master Shen and his wife.

Facing their neighbors, the bride and groom bowed deeply. Young Master Shen addressed the crowd with courtesy, “I am deeply grateful for the kindness of our friends and neighbors. Thank you all.”

He and his bride knelt to his parents, offering solemn bows that moved all who watched.

“Alright then, let’s go enjoy the wedding banquet!” The onlookers began to disperse.

Young Master Shen took up the long weighing pole beside him and approached his bride seated on the bed. Miss Xu’s heart pounded and her face flushed crimson.

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