WSMTATMC C60

Chapter 60

“Elder Liang, are you really not going?”

“No, no, I won’t go. With all of you gone, I can finally have a few peaceful days to myself.”

“You’ll be here alone, so please pay attention to your safety.”

“Go on now, go on.” Liang Boqing waved his hand, carrying his fishing pole and wooden bucket as he went out to fish.

Though he said he would be alone, in truth there were still attendants from Laizhou with him. Chen Xi had already instructed them to take extra care of him during this period. The only real worry was whether the old man would eat properly.

There were just seven days left before Lin Qiu’s wedding, so Wang Ying and the others planned to return to the town early to prepare.

Since Cao Kun and Lin Qiu’s marriage banquet was to be held in the county seat, the matter of “fetching the bride” became a problem.

The county was three days’ travel from Qingshui Town; even rushing hard on horseback would take two full days. It was impossible to receive the bride in the morning and return the same day for the wedding.

So, after discussion, both families agreed that they would settle Lin Qiu in the county ahead of time, so that the receiving ceremony could take place there directly.

By the time they returned to town, Madam Li and Chen Rong had already packed everything that was needed.

Apart from the dowry, there were also the items required for the wedding, filling no fewer than three horse carriages. And that was after much selection—otherwise, even more things would have been brought.

The carriages were prepared by Cao Kun. Thoughtful as he was, he had readied four covered coaches and three flat wagons, so that the whole party could travel comfortably.

The attendants sent to meet them were all trusted household workers. Before setting out, the steward had warned them again and again: once they reached the bride’s family, they absolutely must not lose face. If anything went wrong, the blame would fall squarely upon the one who had not shown proper respect.

As a result, every one of the lads was cautious to the extreme, terrified of saying the wrong thing and spoiling their master’s wedding.

After resting one night, the very next morning the group set out with Lin Qiu, heading toward the county for the wedding.

Quite a number of people went—everyone from the family, plus several clan relatives, leaving only the gatekeeper Lin Zi behind to watch the house.

Chen Rong and Madam Li took Lin Qiu and Wang Ying in one carriage, so that they could both care for Wang Ying and give Lin Qiu some last‑minute marital advice.

Chen Qingyan rode with his younger siblings in another carriage, while the other relatives divided into the remaining ones.

All along the journey Madam Li fretted over Wang Ying’s health. Wherever he sat she had thick quilts laid down beneath him, afraid the bumping would tire or hurt him.

Chen Rong held Wang Ying’s hand and asked, “It’s been more than four months now, hasn’t it? Do you still feel nauseous when you eat?”

“Not nauseous anymore—my appetite’s better. One meal now is more than two used to be, and my belly has already gained a whole round.”

“You’re carrying a child in your belly; when you eat, it’s for two mouths. Of course you must eat extra.”

Madam Li added, “In just over five more months the baby will be here. I wonder if it will be a boy or a girl. Have you two thought of a name yet?”

Wang Ying shook his head. “Not yet. Qingyan said we should wait for Elder Liang to help with the naming.”⁽¹⁾ After all, he was a literary scholar of the South; it would be a waste not to seek his help.

Madam Li asked again, “Have you felt the baby move yet?”

“Just last night! It was like having a kitten nestled inside—so amusing.”

“Ah ha ha ha ha!” Aunt and sister‑in‑law both burst into laughter.

Lin Qiu, sitting beside them, stared curiously at Wang Ying’s belly, unable to imagine what such a feeling could be like.

Once that subject was over, Wang Ying turned the conversation to Lin Qiu. “Your wedding is right around the corner. Mother wants to remind you of a few things.”

“Okay.” Lin Qiu obediently sat straight to listen to his mother and aunt.

“When you marry into the Cao family, you must always put your husband’s household first. Especially toward Cao Kun’s mother—you must treat her with respect.”

Chen Rong paused. “She raised Cao Kun all alone, which wasn’t easy. She’s a woman with her own strong ideas. In the future, discuss matters with her and avoid provoking her displeasure.”

“Yes, I understand.”

But Madam Li pulled Lin Qiu’s hand anxiously. “Still, you don’t need to obey blindly. If she becomes harsh or tries to wear you down, that we would never allow! The sons and daughters of our household aren’t to be bullied wherever they marry! If there’s ever trouble, just send word back. Your cousin and cousin‑in‑law will surely come to stand up for you!”

Wang Ying chimed in, “That’s right. If Cao Kun dares mistreat you, Qingyan and I will definitely hold him accountable!”

Lin Qiu’s nose tingled with emotions; eyes reddened, he nodded, warmed beyond words by their concern.

After that, the elders even embarrassedly instructed him on the bridal chamber matters. Though Wang Ying had experience, hearing it spelled out by the elders still left him flushed with awkwardness.

Lin Qiu too felt abashed, his ears red to the roots. “Mother… you’ve said enough already…”

Chen Rong tapped him lightly on the head. “What we tell you is all useful—why be so shy?”

Wang Ying turned to look out the window. When he himself had married, no one had told him any of this—he and Chen Qingyan had simply fumbled their way forward through instinct.

After three days’ bumpy travel, they finally reached the county town. While queuing at the city gate, they saw Cao Kun already waiting.

He was on good terms with the gatekeepers, so after a brief inspection he had the whole party smoothly let through.

Cao Kun first had the workers drive the wagons to the inn to settle the guests. Once the guests were arranged, he gave out reward money to each worker.

“Thank you for your hard work!”

“What are you saying, Master? It was just a few days’ trip—nothing to speak of.”

“That’s right; being able to serve our master at his wedding is an honor!”

“Hahaha, come drink the wedding wine later—we’ll all have a fine time!”

The workers drove the carts away while Cao Kun said to his mother, “Later, please bring them to stay at the old house in the east. That will do for now.”

He then turned, “This journey must have tired you all.”

Chen Rong sighed, “Not too bad—it’s you, running about and preparing for so long, who deserve the pity.”

Cao Kun scratched his head with a smile. “This is only natural. A man marries but once in a lifetime; it must not be done carelessly.”

Lin Qiu lifted his head to look at him; their eyes met briefly before both shyly turned away, faint blushes coloring their cheeks. Cao Kun’s heart itched badly at the sight.

“Let’s get home first; I have more preparations to see to.”

The Cao family’s old estate was modest, only three main rooms and two side ones, enough for him and his mother, but small for hosting a wedding.

Fortunately, years before, Cao Kun had purchased a newer residence in the southern part of the city, with two courtyards, five main rooms plus side houses and rear quarters—enough to house three generations. It was perfectly suited as a wedding house.

When they arrived, Cao’s mother was present as well. She was tall, with streaks of white in her hair, clothed in a plain gray‑blue homespun robe.

At the sight of Chen Rong and the others, she did not smile much. She only said coolly, “This must be my in‑law lady. My memory isn’t good—we only met once before, I almost forgot.”

Chen Rong stepped forward eagerly to take her arm. “Sister in‑law, have you forgotten me already?”

But Madam Cao subtly pulled her arm away. “The journey was long and tiring, wasn’t it? Coming all this way is no small exertion. Please, go inside and rest.”

“It’s nothing. The young ones want this, so it’s no trouble for us elders to bear some fatigue.”

At the side, Cao Kun quickly bridged the moment: “I’ve had some simple food prepared for now, and this evening we’ll dine properly at the restaurant.”

Chen Rong demurred, “No need for so much trouble; a simple meal at home is fine.”

“It’s no trouble at all. I’ve already booked tables—come inside now.”

Wang Ying, walking at the rear with Chen Qingyan, couldn’t help but feel something. Sensitive as he was, he thought Madam Cao didn’t appear entirely pleased with this marriage.

He nudged his partner. Chen Qingyan bent his head close. “Brother, what is it?”

Wang Ying whispered, “Don’t you think Cao Kun’s mother doesn’t look very happy?”

“No, I don’t think so. You’re probably overthinking it.”

“I hope so.” This was their first meeting with Cao Kun’s mother. Perhaps it was only her nature to be reserved.

Inside, the house was tidy. East and west wings served as bedrooms, with the central hall room set with tables and chairs.

Madam Li and Chen Rong stayed with Lin Qiu in the east wing, while Chen Qingyan and Wang Ying occupied the west. The rest of the party remained at the inn and would only arrive on the wedding day.

Cao Kun bustled about making tea, washing fruit, serving hot noodle soup.

Chen Rong said, “You’ve tired yourself enough. Sit and eat something too.”

Cao Kun laughed cheerfully, wiping sweat from his brow. “Don’t worry—I’m not tired.” Compared to the harsh labors he did regularly, this was easy. Besides, he was entertaining his own husband‑to‑be and his in‑laws, so he hosted happily.

Chen Qingyan beckoned. “Sit down and eat as well. Afterwards, we should discuss the wedding process.”

“Yes.”

It was his elder brother‑in‑law who spoke; naturally he obeyed at once. Without Chen family’s fourth uncle, far away in Shanzhou, only Chen Qingyan was a man capable of presiding over family matters.

Before coming here, Qingyan had specifically sought out the advice of senior clansmen, since at his own wedding he had been desperately ill and barely knew the rites.

“According to Qingshui Town customs, the groom must fetch the bride at the hour of Yin (3–5 a.m.).⁽²⁾ There are three doors to pass through—the main gate, the chamber door, and the bedroom door. At each door, copper coins are scattered for good luck.”

The number of coins could vary—up to the host’s choice.

“I plan to scatter one hundred coins at each door—not too many, not too few, and certainly not stingy.”

Cao Kun had no objection; he was willing to spend.

“Then there is the tea ceremony and the change of address (greeting the elders as ‘father, mother’). Third Aunt prepared ten taels of silver in red packets. The amount isn’t for show, but to wish that you treat Qiu’er well and live in harmony.”

The Cao household likewise would need to prepare their share of “change of address” gifts for Lin Qiu, the amount depending on their own hearts.

Cao Kun reassured them, “Don’t worry, I’ll discuss it thoroughly with my mother.”

Chen Qingyan went on, “After receiving the bride, the rest follows county customs. What preparations will we need?”

“In the county, the custom is that on the wedding day, all relatives and friends gather at the groom’s family’s home for the feast and celebration. When the time comes, I’ll send for you, and all must come.”

Chen Qingyan smiled. “Good. We will certainly come.”

After talking for a while, Cao Kun noticed their fatigue and excused himself. “Rest here. I’ll head out to the workshop, and return later.”

“Go along then.” They all rose to see him out.

Madam Li sighed. “This Cao lad truly has no faults. His words and deeds are all excellent.”

“Indeed; otherwise we couldn’t have married our Qiu’er back into the county.”

Yet the thought of perhaps running into Lin Changbin on the wedding day left Chen Rong unsettled.

Lin Qiu too had considered this, and clasped her hand. “Mother, don’t worry. Even if I see him, I won’t acknowledge him. I’ll have him thrown out at once!”

“My poor child…”

Meanwhile, from the old house, Cao Kun went straight to the new residence. Several close brothers were still decorating—red silk draped across the courtyard, red paper characters of “double happiness” pasted on the windows and doors—everywhere festive.

“Brother Cao, you’re back! Did you fetch sister‑in‑law?”

“Yes. They’re resting now. Tonight I’ve booked tables at Changshun Restaurant, so be sure to come feast with us!”

“Of course!” The friends cheerfully agreed, pasting the last decorations before heading home.

Cao Kun came to the east room and knocked. “Mother, are you inside?”

“Yes.”

Pushing open the door, he saw his mother sitting on the bed, wiping her tears.

“What’s this about again? Your son is marrying, shouldn’t you be happy?”

“I’d be happy if you were marrying Caixia! But since you’re marrying some improper little ge’er⁾, how could I possibly be happy?”

Cao Kun’s face hardened. “Mother, what are you saying!”

notes:

1. Naming by Elder Liang – In historical Chinese contexts, naming a child was considered serious and auspicious. Scholars or literati of high standing were often asked to give names to ensure fortune, meaning, and cultural dignity. 
2. Hour of Yin (寅时) – Refers to the traditional Chinese timekeeping system, dividing the day into 12 double‑hours. The “Hour of Yin” was from 3:00–5:00 a.m., an auspicious time often associated with beginnings and weddings.