PFC Chapter 224 The night of flowers and candles in the bridal chamber
Chapter 224 The night of flowers and candles in the bridal chamber
It was late at night, and Li Xiaoyun was picked up by her brother.
Li Xiangyang lay in bed, recalling every moment of his journey.
From his rebirth to meeting Li Xiaoyun, and now to their upcoming wedding, it all feels like it happened just yesterday.
Before dawn, firecrackers exploded in Xiaoliang Village.
Li Xiangyang got up early, changed into a newly made blue Zhongshan suit, and pinned a big red flower to his chest.
“Son,” Lin Zhi said, straightening his collar, tears welling in her eyes, “I never imagined this day would come so soon.”
“Mother…” Li Xiangyang choked up.
"Alright, alright," Linzhi wiped her eyes, "Today is a joyous occasion, don't cry, don't cry."
The courtyard was bustling with activity, filled with the sounds of gongs, drums, and laughter.
Wang Ergou, dressed in new clothes, stood ramrod straight: "Groom, it's time to go fetch the bride!"
Li Xiangyang nodded and set off excitedly.
The wedding procession was very large, with almost half the village coming to help.
When the group arrived at the educated youth settlement, the Li family's relatives who had accompanied the bride were already waiting at the door.
"You're here!" Mr. Li said with a smile, but his eyes were a little red.
"Dad, Mom, I've come to pick up Xiaoyun," Li Xiangyang said with a smile.
"Come in," Mother Li said, "Xiaoyun has everything ready."
The moment he pushed open the door, Li Xiangyang froze.
Li Xiaoyun, dressed in a bright red new dress and with a red veil covering her head, sat quietly by the bed.
Sunlight streamed through the window, gilding her with a golden hue.
At that moment, Li Xiangyang felt like the happiest person in the world.
"What are you daydreaming about, groom?" Wang Ergou jeered from outside. "Hurry up and bring the bride home!"
A burst of good-natured laughter erupted from the crowd.
Li Xiangyang stepped forward and gently took Li Xiaoyun's hand.
“Let’s go home,” he said softly.
Li Xiaoyun nodded through the red veil and let him lead her outside.
"The bride is out!" someone shouted, and the whole village erupted in excitement.
Standing at the door, Li's mother watched her daughter being helped onto the carriage and couldn't help but wipe her eyes.
Mr. Li patted her shoulder, his eyes also filled with tears.
Even the toughest father will soften when he sees his daughter getting married.
The carriage slowly set off, its wheels rolling over the dirt road covered with red paper.
Li Xiangyang rode alongside on horseback, glancing back at Li Xiaoyun in the carriage from time to time.
Although he couldn't see her expression through the red veil, he knew that she must be just as happy as he was at that moment.
When they returned to the Li family courtyard, an incense table had already been set up at the entrance.
Li's mother stood in front of the door, holding an incense burner in her hands, her eyes full of loving kindness.
Li Xiaohua, wearing a newly made red dress, skipped and hopped over, eager to see her new sister-in-law.
"Xiaohua, stop fooling around," Li's mother scolded softly, but her tone was tinged with amusement.
Li Xiangyang carefully helped Li Xiaoyun down from the carriage.
A red carpet had already been laid out in the courtyard, stretching from the main gate all the way to the entrance of the new house.
Li Xiangyang, holding Li Xiaoyun's hand, walked to the incense table under the watchful eyes of everyone.
The fragrance of sandalwood rises gently, and the spring breeze carries the scent of flowers.
“Bow to Heaven and Earth!”
The two bowed and respectfully kowtowed to heaven and earth.
“Bow to your parents!”
Li's mother sat upright in the armchair, watching her son and daughter-in-law kneel before her, tears streaming down her face.
Mr. and Mrs. Li, who were standing to the side, also had red eyes.
“Husband and wife bow to each other!”
“The ceremony is over!”
The sound of firecrackers rang out again, deafeningly loud.
The courtyard was already filled with a feast, and the aroma filled the air.
The village women carried dishes among the crowd, each with a joyful smile on their face.
Wang Ergou, raising his wine glass, took the lead in toasting: "Today is my brother's big day, everyone eat and drink to your heart's content!"
After three rounds of wine, five flavors of food.
The atmosphere in the courtyard became increasingly lively.
Li Xiangyang smiled and made polite remarks, occasionally glancing at Li Xiaoyun beside him.
She had changed into a bright red cheongsam and was whispering something to Ma Hongxia, a shy smile on her face.
Just then, Zheng Defa, leaning on a cane and supported by his son, walked over.
Although the old man is advanced in years, he is in good spirits and his eyes are bright and piercing.
"Xiangyang!" Old Zheng's voice was full of energy. "Today is your special day! Here, this is a small token of my appreciation."
Old Zheng pulled a red envelope from his pocket and then gestured for his son to bring up a wooden box. "Here are some mountain goods I've treasured for years, a little something for you, as a token of good fortune."
"This is too valuable..."
Before he finished speaking, Ma Laosan walked over, followed by Cheng Shichang and Lin Shouye, all three carrying heavy gifts.
"Brother Li!" Old Ma laughed heartily, "Today is your big day, and I can't let you fall behind! Here, take this."
He stuffed a bulging red envelope into Li Xiangyang's hand: "Just a little something. Oh, and there are a few cases of good wine over there, drink as much as you like."
Cheng Shichang stepped forward with a smile: "Brother Li, this is silk I brought specially from the city; it'll be perfect for making clothes for your wife."
Lin Shouye then took out an exquisite box: "This is jewelry from abroad that Miss Anna asked me to bring."
Just then, Wang Jingyun walked over with her daughter, arm in arm, and handed her a red envelope: "Xiangyang, this is a small token of our appreciation from Ying'er and me."
……
As night fell, the guests gradually dispersed.
After seeing off the last group of guests, Li Xiangyang returned to the courtyard.
"It's time to go to the bridal chamber!" Wang Ergou suddenly appeared out of nowhere, stirring up trouble.
Li Xiaoyun blushed instantly, and her mother smiled and nudged her, saying, "Go on, today is your big day."
Inside the new house, red candles flickered, and paper-cut "double happiness" characters cast dappled shadows in the candlelight.
The bed was covered with a newly made bright red wedding quilt, embroidered with twin lotus flowers.
The moment the door closed, the noise outside seemed to disappear all at once.
"Xiaoyun," Li Xiangyang called softly.
Li Xiaoyun raised her head, her almond-shaped eyes filled with shyness and anticipation. She had specially applied light makeup today, her red lips and white teeth making her even more charming.
"You look beautiful today," Li Xiangyang said sincerely.
Li Xiaoyun lowered her head, a blush creeping onto her cheeks: "You look handsome today too."
Looking at the bride before him, Li Xiangyang felt an overwhelming surge of tenderness in his heart.
He gently pulled Li Xiaoyun into his arms, and could feel her rapid heartbeat.
The two stood embracing, neither of them speaking, yet they felt an unparalleled bliss in that moment.
"Xiangyang..." Li Xiaoyun whispered, "We're really husband and wife now."
“Yes,” Li Xiangyang nodded, “From now on, I will always take care of you and protect you.”
Li Xiaoyun rested her head against his chest, her voice soft: "I know, I believe you."
Outside the window, the night breeze gently blew by, and the moonlight poured in like water, adding a touch of romance to this spring night.
Only the flickering candlelight and the two people's rapid breathing remained in the room.
Li Xiangyang lowered his head and gently kissed her lips.
Li Xiaoyun was a little awkward at first, but she quickly became enthusiastic, wrapping her arms around his neck and throwing herself into the kiss.
The red candles flickered in the wind, and their shadows swayed on the wall.
Li Xiangyang turned around and gently pressed her down on the bed.
On the bright red wedding quilt, their shadows intertwined. He looked down at her, and saw that her face was as beautiful as a peach blossom, and her eyes were shimmering with tears.
At this moment, Li Xiaoyun possessed an indescribable charm and allure.
"Xiaoyun..." he called softly, his voice slightly hoarse.
Li Xiaoyun bit her lip and nodded gently.
She took the initiative to put her arms around his neck and pull him towards her.
……