Di Ming

Chapter 285: On the Star-Picking Platform, the Dream of the Phoenix Comes True; Before the Mirror of Union, the Lotus Reflects Its Beauty.

The day before, Qin Liangyu sent people to the Zhu family to "make the bed" for the bride.

The visitor replaced all the bedding, sheets, pillows, and curtains in the master bedroom with new ones, even the chamber pot was replaced with a new one and red paper was pasted on it.

While the woman's family sent someone to perform the "bed-making ceremony," Zhu Yin also sent a pair of roosters, a dowry, and a banquet to the woman's family. This was the "bride-urging ceremony."

The Zhu family, numbering several hundred, was busy preparing for their master's wedding. The entire mansion was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, creating a festive atmosphere. A red carpet stretched from the main gate to the ceremonial gate, and colorful tents filled the entire Straw Hat Alley, extending for a mile.

The wedding invitations were sent out two days ago, totaling five hundred. Almost every prominent figure in the capital received an invitation. Even the Zheng family, Zhu Yin's political enemies, were not overlooked.

In recent years, Zhu Yin and Ning Caiwei have spent a considerable amount of money on gifts to cultivate relationships and connections. Today it's your family's wedding or birth, tomorrow it's someone's funeral or birthday celebration—every year they spend several thousand taels of silver.
It's time to take back the money after such a generous spending spree.

The stage in the central courtyard has been set up, and the Kunqu Opera troupe hired from Chunshu Hutong has already arrived at the mansion. Famous chefs, best men, entertainers, and matchmakers from Beijing have also been given silver.

Fish, meat, vegetables, fruits, wine, snacks, and tea—all were of the highest quality. The Zhu family was a prominent and wealthy household, so the banquet and gift-giving ceremony had to be conducted in a grand and impressive manner.

A live goose, bought from a hunter in the Western Hills, was also delivered to the mansion, honking loudly.

Early in the morning of the 12th, at the beginning of the Mao hour.

Zhu Yin bathed and burned incense, dressed in his wedding attire, and first went to the ancestral hall to offer sacrifices to the ancestors, informing them that he was getting married and hoping for their blessings.

As the head of his household and a high-ranking official in the imperial court, he naturally had to personally demonstrate proper etiquette. Regardless of his inner thoughts, he could not be perfunctory on the surface.

After washing his hands, Zhu Yin personally offered sacrifices and prayed before the altar:

"Ancestors above: Sun Yin respectfully informs our ancestral spirits... We humbly follow the ancient teachings and uphold the virtues of our ancestors... Through their blessings, we have been blessed with a good match and have been able to marry Ning Caiwei... We wish to form a bond of marriage and establish a lifelong commitment. We have chosen the auspicious day of the 12th of the ninth month to hold our wedding ceremony."

"...May our ancestors bless our newlyweds with great fortune and auspiciousness. May the couple be of one heart and mind, live a long and happy life together, have many descendants, and enjoy prosperity and fortune... We humbly offer this sacrifice!"

According to the ritual system, after the ancestral rites, there is also a "bride-offering ceremony." The groom's father or elders, in front of the ancestral tablets in the ancestral hall, give the groom instruction and admonitions.

The wedding ceremony is meant to teach the groom to follow the wedding traditions, uphold family values, live in harmony with his bride, be a good husband and father, and be an upright and honorable man.

In ancient times, marriage was far more than just a simple act of betrothal; it was a grand ceremony marking the beginning of a family.

However, Zhu Yin had no father, grandfather, uncles, or clan elders; he was the eldest in his family. Therefore, the "Jiaozi Ceremony" was omitted.

...

There are two flowers, one on each side.

While Zhu Yin was paying homage to his ancestors in the ancestral hall, Qin Liangyu was also dressing up her new bride Ning Caiwei, adorning her with headdresses and jewelry. This was called the "head-sweeping ceremony."

Then, while using thread to open Ning Caiwei's face, she gave instructions according to custom:

"...After this wedding celebration, my sister will officially become a member of the Zhu family. She must be filial to her elders and ancestors, virtuous and kind, a good wife and mother, and a good wife and mother..."

Ning Caiwei followed the procedure and agreed to each request.

Although it's just a formality, if she wants a proper and grand wedding, she absolutely cannot skip it.

She's a nouveau riche, and if she doesn't make amends in terms of etiquette, she'll only attract more criticism.

"My sister is truly a peerless beauty, so lovely that I feel pity for her," Qin Liangyu said with a smile, looking at Ning Caiwei's flawless face.

She held a box of top-quality pearl powder in her hand, but looked somewhat troubled.

“Sister, with your naturally beautiful features, you don’t even need to apply pearl powder. It would only tarnish your natural beauty.”

She put down the pearl powder and took out a box of rouge from the treasure box, but then had to put it down again.

Ning Caiwei's lips were bright red and rosy, naturally red without any rouge.

Qin Liangyu was quite confident in her appearance. But when she saw Ning Caiwei, she finally believed that Ning Caiwei truly possessed stunning beauty.

Qin Liangyu could only give Ning Caiwei the most common "flying clouds" makeup style for brides today, and also painted a lotus flower decoration on her forehead.

Finally, he said, "You and Zhihu are truly a match made in heaven, a perfect couple. No one is more compatible than you. Today, the whole capital knows about this marriage, and countless people are envious of it."

Ning Caiwei looked at her radiant reflection in the bronze mirror before her and smiled broadly:

"I'm afraid many young ladies are gritting their teeth, perhaps laughing at me for having big feet, yet I still managed to marry into the Zhu family."

Qin Liangyu chuckled and said, "That's true. With Zhihu's marriage, many young ladies have given up their hopes, so naturally some people hate you. But most people are blessing you and want to help you make it a happy occasion."

"As for big feet... ha, those delicate noble ladies with bound feet, how could they know the benefits of our natural feet? You can't talk about ice with a summer insect."

As the two women were talking, a maid suddenly came in and reported, "Mr. Hao, the matchmaker, has arrived. He's here on behalf of the groom to urge the bride to leave the house."

Qin Liangyu nodded and said, "Please invite Mr. Hao to have tea in the flower hall. Tell him that the wedding procession will leave the house on time as soon as it arrives."

This is also part of the etiquette. Before the bride leaves her home and the groom goes to fetch her, the matchmaker must be present, firstly to urge the bride to leave, and secondly as a witness.

If there is no matchmaker to pave the way, and the groom comes directly to pick up the bride, but the bride deliberately delays coming out of the house, wouldn't the groom have to step in and urge her himself?

That would be embarrassing.

Qin Liangyu, being a responsible older sister, was worried that Ning Caiwei might not understand, so she kindly whispered:

"Younger sister, there are some private matters that your mother should tell you. But you are pitiful, having lost your mother at a young age. So, I will convey those words to you on behalf of your mother..."

As she spoke, her face flushed slightly as she took a scroll painting out of her sleeve.

Qin Liangyu had wanted to say those words a few days ago. But she was only nineteen years old and had only been married for three years. How could she have the thick skin of a middle-aged woman? Even though she was bold and outspoken, there were some things she found difficult to say.

Seeing that there was no time to delay any longer, he reluctantly told Ning Caiwei.

I bought this painting from that shady bookstore.

"Ah?" Ning Caiwei immediately understood what she meant. Seeing Qin Liangyu awkwardly about to open the scroll, she hurriedly said:
"Sister, I understand, you don't need to open it, you don't need to open it..."

As soon as she said it, Ning Caiwei realized it was inappropriate and immediately stopped.

"You know all this?" Qin Liangyu looked at Ning Caiwei in disbelief, her bright and beautiful eyes filled with astonishment.

Qin Liangyu could see clearly that this Caiwei girl's brow was still furrowed and her gait was reserved; she was likely still a virgin. How could she know this? Had she secretly seen erotic paintings herself?

Ning Caiwei felt terrible when she met Qin Liangyu's suspicious look.

"Uh... Sister, you've misunderstood. You must have misunderstood..."

Qin Liangyu smiled breezily, "It's alright, it's good that you understand. Since you've already seen it, I won't say anything more."

"No..." Ning Caiwei suddenly became tongue-tied and hurriedly explained, "I haven't seen it."

Qin Liangyu's expression became even more strange. She thought to herself, "You haven't seen the diagram, yet you claim to understand it. Could it be a real battle... No way, no way?"

Ning Caiwei was speechless and wished she could slap herself.

Tell you to talk too much!

Pretend you don't know, and just let Sister Liangyu open the painting and explain it to you. She's not embarrassed at all, so why should you be?

Ning Caiwei found it difficult to explain to Qin Liangyu. As a modern woman from a later era, nearing thirty, even if she had never had a boyfriend and was still a virgin, it was impossible for her to truly be ignorant.

Even if you haven't seen those movies or read those comics, you must have taken a physiology class, right? You're not stupid.

Seeing that Qin Liangyu's thoughts were getting even more distorted, Ning Caiwei could only force a bitter smile and say:
"Oh, I'm in business, you know, I deal in calligraphy and paintings too. Hmm, Tang Yin, Qiu Ying, and Wen Zhengming's spring paintings are all valuable, some genuine ones are worth a thousand gold pieces. I was worried that the shopkeeper might collude with the other party to cheat me with fakes, so of course I had to check them myself to be at ease, that's why I took a look, how disgusting."

"I see." Qin Liangyu nodded slightly. "It's disgusting... Heh. No wonder my sister is only fifteen, still unmarried, yet she's so skilled in calligraphy and painting without any formal training. So it's all for the sake of managing her business..."

She had no doubt about Ning Caiwei's words, because it was the most reasonable and easiest reason to accept.

But her next sentence almost made Ning Caiwei spit it out:
“There are so many fakes on the market these days. You’re a businesswoman, you’re probably tired of seeing fakes and know more about them than I do as a housewife. There’s no need for me to go through the trouble of reminding you.”

Ning Caiwei was about to say that she hadn't gotten tired of looking at it, but then she realized that it would be even more inappropriate, so she could only obediently shut her mouth, looking very aggrieved.

Qin Liangyu giggled and said, "It's just for business. There's nothing shameful about making money. Why are you so embarrassed? I won't tell anyone." "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone."

Ning Caiwei, however, was somewhat skeptical.

After spending more than ten days together, she had come to know that Qin Liangyu was a very outgoing and straightforward woman with a strong masculine personality. To put it nicely, she was dashing and heroic; to put it bluntly, she was a bit carefree.

Qin Liangyu was a very kind person, approachable, generous, and easy to get along with. However, it wouldn't be accurate to say she was someone who kept her mouth shut.

For example, she told herself embarrassing stories about Cen Xiubing, saying that Cen Xiubing often wet the bed when she was a child.

Will she one day tell Xiubing that she "loves to look at" pictures?

...

Hao Yunlai, dressed in a brand-new outfit, looked quite dashing. But he had no interest in drinking tea, nor in thinking about Zhu Yin's marriage.

He acted as matchmaker only to help Zhihu gain a reputation for generosity. He himself didn't benefit much; at most, he could use this last opportunity to make his presence felt.

Others are celebrating their wedding night, while I am grieving the loss of my exile. Our joys and sorrows are not the same.

He had already received the news. In a few days, he would be leaving Beijing for Chongqing Prefecture in Sichuan to become a minor prefect.

The power of a prefect and an imperial inspector are not comparable.

The Chongqing prefect was said to be a fourth-rank official, but in reality, he was just a young married woman. In Sichuan alone, there were a whole host of mothers-in-law above him.

The governor-general, governor, provincial inspector, provincial treasurer, councilor, provincial judge, deputy inspector, military commissioner, salt commissioner, education commissioner, and tea and horse censor all had more power than the prefect of Chongqing and could boss him around!

Within the territory of Chongqing Prefecture, there were also Tusi (chieftains) of equal rank to the prefect, as well as the Pacification Commissioner of Shizhu and the Pacification Commissioner of Youyang. Below them were a bunch of smaller and medium-sized Tusi who were not so obedient.

In short, the local customs are complex, the tribes are numerous, and it borders the powerful Bozhou Pacification Commission to the south. A slight misstep could lead to disaster, resulting in anything from losing one's official position to losing one's life.

Sigh, Zheng consoled herself, saying that at most five years would be enough for her to return to the capital for a promotion. She had to endure five more years in the southwest.

Hao Yunlai drank a cup of tea in a depressed mood, but it tasted like alcohol.

He saw a dejected face reflected in the teacup, and suddenly a thought struck him.

Qin Liangyu!
Isn't Qin Liangyu the wife of the Pacification Commissioner of Shizhu? I can go to Chongqing to take up my post with her. As long as I get the help of the Shizhu chieftain, my job as the Prefect of Chongqing will be much easier, and I might even have a chance to make meritorious contributions and be transferred back to the capital ahead of schedule.

Thinking of this, Hao Yunlai's mood immediately improved a lot.

Seeing the festive decorations of the mansion, he was also filled with joy.

My dear Tiger, today is your joyous day, and I wish you and Lady Caiwei a long and happy life together. But do you know that the Emperor doesn't actually love you?

Sooner or later!
The Emperor and Empress will find an excuse, accuse you of a mistake, and bring you down from your pedestal. At best, you'll be demoted and exiled; at worst, your property will be confiscated and you'll be imprisoned!

Thinking about this, Hao Yunlai didn't know what to feel. He was both jealous of Zhu Yin and didn't want Zhu Yin to be above him. Yet, he also didn't want Zhu Yin to be too unlucky. Ideally, Zhu Yin would be demoted and sent to a remote post, but still be able to live a comfortable life and even enjoy a modest level of wealth.

Last night he had a dream where, although he himself had been demoted to prefect, his son, Zhihu, had been demoted to county magistrate, and coincidentally, to a county magistrate under his jurisdiction. How wonderful! Unfortunately, he woke up in his excitement; it was just a dream!

……

At the beginning of Chen Shi (7-9 AM), the sun rises in the east.

An auspicious day according to the Chinese calendar, favorable for marriage, building a new home, and traveling far away.

The main gate of the Gongbao Mansion was suddenly flung open. Then came the crackling sound of firecrackers.

Zhu Yin, dressed in a crimson brocade robe with a red sash and a flower-adorned gauze hat, rode a white horse with a carved saddle and led a wedding procession of sixty-four people. The joyous "Phoenix-Attracting Tune" was played as the procession set off in a grand and imposing manner.

Ning Qingchen, also dressed in a formal suit, chased after Zhu Yin out the door with Xiao Hei. Looking at Zhu Yin's retreating figure, she called out in a cute but fierce tone:
"They're off! They're finally going to pick up the bride! Little Tiger, have you really gotten a free meal this time? I wasn't wrong about you back then!"

Zhu Yin rode his horse as if traveling through clouds and mist. The autumn light was so brilliant, and the years were so peaceful.

He's really going to marry Caiwei. From now on, he'll be a husband. He'll truly be a married man.

This is the first time in two lifetimes.

Zhu Yin was overjoyed. Although he knew the bride very well, he suddenly felt a sense of mystery towards her. He hadn't seen Caiwei for over ten days; it felt like a lifetime had passed.

Caiwei, this is definitely a grand wedding. Are you satisfied?

His highest official position was Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, so he could naturally use ceremonial regalia for his wedding. Although the position of Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince was nominal, it was a real first-rank official. Zhu Yin voluntarily lowered his rank to use the ceremonial regalia of a second-rank official.

Umbrellas, green fans, plaques, gongs and drums, flags and spears led the way, followed by four colorful silk carriages carrying two sheep, two bottles of wine, and three kinds of livestock. The best man, dressed in formal attire and carrying colorful flags, walked beside Zhu Yin's horse, while the matchmaker, holding a wild goose, walked in front of Zhu Yin's horse.

They were truly surrounded by a retinue, exuding an air of grandeur and prestige, which had long attracted crowds of onlookers on the street.

As the wedding procession passed through Qipan Street, the Five Cities Military Command, eager to curry favor, had already sent men to clear the way and tidy the streets.

On Chang'an Street, countless people lined the streets to watch Zhu Yin's wedding procession.

Many shops along the street even voluntarily hung up vermilion lanterns and colorful silks to bless Mr. Zhu Yin. This shows Zhu Yin's prestige among the people.

However, many young women felt extremely disappointed when they saw Zhu Yin looking so cheerful and happy. Some even became heartbroken and self-pitying.

This is a bit too high-profile for such a large occasion.

But weddings can be high-profile. The more high-profile, the more respectable, and the more money you can receive in gifts.

Along the way, more and more people followed the wedding procession, and by the time the procession reached Dongjiangmi Lane, it had grown into a dense crowd of over a thousand people.

When they arrived at the residence of the Pacification Commissioner of Shizhu, the sunlight had just climbed onto the lanterns in front of the residence. Upon seeing the procession arrive, the people inside the residence immediately lit firecrackers.

At the same time, the band hired by the mansion played joyful music.

"Time to give out lucky money!" At the master of ceremonies' command, two men immediately took winnowing baskets and scattered the ten-cash copper coins inside towards the entrance of the mansion.

Everyone immediately started scrambling for the lucky money.

Amidst the deafening sounds of gongs, drums, and firecrackers, Zhu Yin's white horse came to a stop in front of the mansion. The best man stepped forward and announced loudly:

"The groom's wedding procession has arrived—please, matchmaker, return the greetings!"

The matchmaker, holding up a goose, announced, "The groom has arrived—please open the main gate!"

Immediately, the mansion gates slowly opened, and a group of people escorted Hao Yunlai, the matchmaker, out. Hao Yunlai, the matchmaker, announced loudly:
"The bride and groom woke up late today and are still getting ready. Please wait a moment, groom!"

This doesn't mean the bride actually gets up late, but rather that she still gets up late on her wedding day, indicating that she's not in a hurry to get married, isn't desperate to get married, and doesn't want to leave home.

A maidservant in the mansion called out loudly, "Groom, groom, don't rush the wedding!"

The best man said, "Good food is never too late, and a good woman never has to worry about getting married. Bride, please leave your chamber at your leisure, and groom, please wait patiently for your bride. Please perform the goose-offering ceremony!"

The matchmaker immediately stepped forward with the goose in her arms and handed the goose cage to Qin Liangyu's maid.

The maid took the goose and held it high.

On the steps, Qin Liangyu's maid announced in a loud voice, "May I ask, groom, is the poem to urge you to get ready for the wedding?"

Another maidservant held paper and pen, ready to take notes. Yet another maidservant carried a gift tray.

Zhu Yin chuckled, took off the mutton-fat jade pendant from his waist and handed it to the matchmaker. The matchmaker stepped forward and placed the jade pendant on the gift tray.

Then Zhu Yin recited: "On the Star-Picking Platform, I dream of flying phoenixes; before the Mirror of Union, I see lotus blossoms. Tonight, we worship the auspicious moon together; tonight, we trim the red candle wicks together."

"Bravo!" A cheer erupted from the crowd. Many people didn't understand poetry and couldn't tell if it was good or not. But as long as it was Mr. Zhihu's poem, it was bound to be good; cheers were enough.

Hao Yunlai couldn't help but exclaim, "Zhihu's poem is elegant and refined, with natural allusions. It has the magic of Huang Tingjian turning iron into gold. I am no match for it!"

The maid smiled and said, "The poem urging you to get ready is perfect! Young master, please come inside and perform the traditional bowing and yielding ceremony with your bride!"

P.S.: Gentlemen, please be patient; the wedding will be completely over in the next chapter. All the poems in this book are original and will never be written using AI. This poem took over twenty minutes to write.

(End of this chapter)