Chapter 21: An Embrace of True Affection, Honest Hearts Revealed—Revelry and Laughter Ring Through the Banquet Hall

The guests who had come to offer their congratulations walked up the stone-paved street, chatting and laughing. Below the river, the Imperial Banquet Restaurant on Hexia Street bustled with activity. Master Shen had long ago slipped silver to the waiters, ensuring the celebratory firecrackers filled the air with festivity. Master Song stood at the entrance, greeting the arriving guests.

“Upstairs, please, honored guests!” the waiter called out enthusiastically, leading the way.

“Waiter, give us a private room,” a few boatmen approached and requested.

“Honored guests, my apologies, the entire second and third floors have been reserved for a private event today, and the small halls are gone. If you wish to dine here, only the first floor is available for open seating,” the waiter replied, bowing in apology.

The boatmen, hearing this, turned and disappeared into the depths of Lake Mouth Street. Meanwhile, the guests here for the celebration continued to make their way upstairs, where they cracked sunflower seeds and chatted merrily. The upper floors were lively beyond compare.

Master Shen, brimming with joy, made the rounds, greeting guests and accepting their well-wishes, his heart blooming with happiness. Today his son would marry the eldest daughter of the Xu family—what greater delight could there be?

“Master, the auspicious hour has arrived. It’s time to begin the banquet,” the steward approached to remind him.

“Very good. But why has Brother Wu not arrived yet? He promised he’d be here,” Master Shen said, glancing toward Wu’s designated seat and peering anxiously outside.

He looked downstairs and, all of a sudden, saw a figure hurrying up to the third floor. Recognizing the newcomer, Master Shen’s face brightened—it was Brother Wu himself.

“Shen, my brother, congratulations! Forgive my tardiness,” Wu apologized as he hurried over. “The magistrate sent for some goods at the last minute; I dared not delay.”

“I’m grateful you still remembered my son’s happy day. Please, come, take your seat,” Master Shen replied, then immediately instructed the steward, “Inform Master Song to begin serving the dishes.”

“At once,” the steward replied. After calling down to the kitchen, he turned to the assembled guests and announced, “May I have your attention, please. Master Shen will now offer a word of thanks.”

On Lake Mouth Street, no place was livelier than the Imperial Banquet Restaurant. Master Shen stepped forward and addressed the guests with heartfelt enthusiasm: “Today, Song’s Restaurant is filled with honored guests. It is also the Dragon Boat Festival. I wish you all peace, health, and prosperity. Today is also the wedding day of my son, Shen Wei. Some of you watched him grow up, some of you guided him into adulthood. As the head of this family, I am deeply grateful. I feel especially fortunate that the matchmaker connected our Shen family with the Xu family, making this wonderful union possible. All my gratitude is contained in this cup. Let the wedding wine flow; tonight, we shall not leave until we’re drunk!”

“Hear, hear!”

In the kitchen, Master Song heard Shen’s speech and immediately ordered the first course: Family Reunion. Its meaning was obvious and known to all. This dish was a medley of golden-fried tofu skin, fresh seafood, bamboo shoots, quail eggs, and more—a true “Family Reunion,” as the people of Shanyang County called it.

“First course coming up!” Ten beautiful young women, dressed in festive attire, appeared on the upper floor, delighting the guests, who praised the owner’s business sense.

“Their skin is so delicate—a gentle pinch would yield water,” the men commented, their gazes drawn to graceful curves, while the women lavished praise on the exquisite dishes.

Meanwhile, in the bridal chamber, Young Master Shen lifted Miss Xu’s red veil. Their eyes met, igniting instant longing. With a single sentence, the young master filled the room with warmth, making Miss Xu flush with heat.

He set aside his hat and swept her into his arms. “I’ve been waiting for this day for so long!”

It was her first time being held so tightly by a man, and she trembled from head to toe. But as she met his burning gaze, she felt herself melting. Suddenly, his lips brushed hers in a gentle kiss, and his hands began to unfasten her robe.

“Gather the blossoms while they bloom—do not wait until the branches are bare,” she recalled. No longer avoiding him, she closed her eyes and surrendered to the tenderness of their two-person world. Her lips, which had trembled just moments before, now moved eagerly under his, their tongues entwined in a passionate dance.

Sensing the moment was right, Young Master Shen, his hands trembling, slipped out of his clothing, gathered her close, and carried her to the bed, drawing the bed curtains closed.

“In heaven, may we be two birds flying together,” she whispered, unable to express all the emotions surging within her.

He answered her with kisses, “On earth, may we be branches forever entwined.”

It was a hot summer night, and beneath the crimson sheets, the last barriers fell away. Like dry wood meeting fire, passion flared between them—his kisses trailed down her body, her limbs writhed in pleasure. He pulled forth every ounce of desire, and their joy reached its peak, their souls united as one.

Suddenly, Miss Xu’s nails dug deep into his back, and a wave of heat crashed over her. Overcome by sensation, she clung tightly to his strong body, her cries piercing the bridal chamber.

Not far away, Lady Shen heard the sounds from within and could not hide her smile. “Thank heaven for blessing the Shen family with a son and daughter-in-law. I must go to the temple and give thanks for this divine protection.”

She stepped delicately on her bound feet into the front hall. “Come, everyone, it’s time for the wedding feast!”

The tables in the front hall had long been set with fine wine and dishes. The restaurant presented four grand courses, including their famous specialty: Lion’s Head meatballs.

“Tonight, everyone sits at one table. With the young master’s marriage, you all have a young mistress now,” Lady Shen declared, raising her cup. “Thank you, everyone. Without you, the Shen family would not be what it is today.”

“Madam, you honor us too much. We wish the young master a sweet and loving marriage, and may they soon have a son!”

“Thank you for your kind wishes! Eat and drink your fill—the wine will not run dry!”

“Blessings on Madam!” the front hall erupted in cheers.

The sounds of celebration drifted into the bridal chamber. Time passed unnoticed. On the wedding bed, Young Master Shen held Miss Xu close, their eyes gazing at each other with deep affection.

“Our happy days begin now. From today onward, you have the final say in this family,” Miss Xu said, hiding her white, soft chest beneath the sheets.

“My lady, from this day forward, I, Shen Wei, shall follow wherever you lead,” he declared, raising his hand in a vow.

“Quiet down—walls have ears,” she whispered.

Just as she spoke, a loud voice sounded from outside the bridal chamber.

“Who’s out there?”

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