Courtyard House: Rebirth of a Shopkeeper in 1937

While waiting for the banquet to begin, various family gossips and rumors mingled together, captivating Xingbao, who pondered the ups and downs of each family's fortunes. Just as he was engrossed in the conversation, Guixiang rushed over, grabbed his wrist, and said urgently with a hint of mischief, "Xingbao, stop chatting! Your brother-in-law's wedding procession will be here soon! What are you dawdling about? Hurry up, let's go block the door! If we're late and there's no time to prepare, and your brother-in-law just barges in, we won't get any red envelopes!"

Outside, the banquet was bustling and noisy, but inside, a gentle and tranquil scene unfolded. Grandma, Aunt, and Mother, along with several aunts and cousins, sat together, carefully combing Shanshan's hair, arranging her wedding dress, and meticulously preparing her for her wedding day. Every gesture was filled with warmth and blessings. Xingbao, along with Guixiang, a cousin, and a cousin-in-law, had been waiting early at the small door behind the main room. Their four little heads huddled together at the crack in the door, peeking out quietly, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the wedding procession, all hoping to complete the coveted task of blocking the door and collecting red envelopes.

The banquet had already officially begun in the main room, with lively voices drifting through the cracks in the door. Xingbao and his three siblings huddled by the door, peeking inside. As bowls of steaming delicacies were served one after another, their aromas filling the air, they couldn't help but swallow hard. Today's feast was abundant and complete, featuring ten dishes, symbolizing perfection and happiness. The first dishes served were refreshing and appetizing cold ginger salad and crispy peanuts. Then, one main dish after another took center stage: fragrant stir-fried pork tripe, fatty yet not greasy braised pork belly, a generously filled steamed pot of "Family Reunion" egg dumplings, flavorful boiled fish, firm and chewy pork belly, authentic-style pig's blood sausage, and sweet and soft fried dough balls. Finally, a plate of light and refreshing boiled cabbage was served, a balanced mix of meat and vegetables, a truly mouthwatering meal.

The atmosphere at the banquet was warm yet orderly, except at the head table where the atmosphere was relaxed and unhurried. The elders sat upright, slowly toasting and chatting, their laughter echoing as they leisurely discussed family matters and interpersonal relationships. At the other tables, however, the scene was entirely different. Guests ate quickly and efficiently; dishes were served fast, and plates were emptied even faster—almost as soon as a bowl was served, the tables were spotless, not a drop of soup remaining. It was as if a silent battle for food was raging between the tables. Everyone picked up food swiftly and decisively, their movements crisp yet measured. While eager to enjoy the food, they always thoughtfully considered the elderly and children at their tables. No one fought over the food or acted inappropriately, showcasing the simple and honest etiquette of a rural feast.

The docile Snowball darted between the tables, leisurely foraging for food, especially enjoying the bones that had fallen on the floor. Occasionally, it would be accidentally kicked by guests getting up, but it remained completely calm and composed, simply moving to a different spot and continuing to munch on its food. Its endearing clumsiness drew frequent glances and chuckles from the guests, adding a touch of liveliness and charm to the lively banquet.

As the farewell banquet drew to a close, a burst of lively firecrackers and the high-pitched strains of wedding suona horns suddenly erupted from the village entrance. The joyous melodies pierced through the clamor of the hall, standing out prominently. "They're here! The wedding procession is here!" The people in the main room instantly stirred, rising to their feet and peering outside. Xingbao and his companions peeked through the crack in the door and saw several uncles rushing out with firecrackers. In an instant, firecrackers exploded in unison, the crackling and popping sounds suddenly drowning out all the noise, making their ears ring. The sounds of firecrackers from the village entrance and in front of the gate converged, creating a deafening roar at the gate, a truly lively spectacle that only gradually subsided after a long while.

As soon as the firecrackers stopped, Guixiang snapped out of her daze, quickly grabbing Xingbao and urging her cousins ​​to brace the door together. Her little face was full of seriousness: "Hold on tight! We can't open the door until we get the red envelope!" Inside the small door, everyone stood ready, guarding the final checkpoint. At the same time, faint sobs could be heard from the inner room, mixed with the soft words of comfort from her aunt and cousin. It was Shanshan, reluctant to leave her family, unable to hide her reluctance and sorrow at getting married.

A short while later, a clear and steady male voice came from the doorway: "Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, I've come to pick up Shanshan!"

Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw the brother-in-law standing at the gate, dressed in a brand-new black long gown and mandarin jacket, tall and dignified, looking both respectable and composed. The elders in the main room all stood up, their faces beaming with smiles. The eldest uncle, his face flushed, quickly stepped forward to greet him, his tone warm and joyful: "Jiande, you must be tired from your journey! Come in quickly, come and have a drink with Shanshan's uncles, grandfather, and all the great-uncles."

The brother-in-law stepped forward as instructed, respectfully and politely greeting each of the elders at the head table, offering them toasts and greetings with impeccable manners and humility. After the toasting ceremony was completed, the matchmaker hurriedly stepped forward, smiling and urging, "Father-in-law, it's getting late, and the journey for the wedding is still long. We can't delay the auspicious time! We can have Jiande come back another day to enjoy drinks with all the elders."

Upon hearing this, the eldest uncle smiled and nodded in agreement: "Alright, then let's come at the appointed time. Shanshan has been waiting for quite some time."

As soon as the words were spoken, joyous shouts erupted throughout the main room: "Carry the bride! Carry the bride!" The noisy shouts, filled with the festive atmosphere, completely kicked off the main event of the wedding.

Minxingbao, Guixiang, and their two cousins ​​pressed themselves tightly against the door, leaning forward slightly, straining with all their might, holding their breath and straining their ears, their hearts filled with anticipation. The four of them huddled together in low voices, whispering and guessing how big the red envelope their brother-in-law would prepare, each secretly calculating in their hearts, hoping to get a generous and auspicious gift.

Just as the group was whispering among themselves, the brother-in-law's gentle and cheerful voice came from outside the door again, with a hint of a smile and sincerity: "My dear brothers and sisters, I've come to pick up Shanshan. Please open the door."

Finally, the main attraction appeared! The four of them instantly perked up, raising their voices in unison and shouting excitedly and in unison, "Open the door if you give us a red envelope! No red envelope, absolutely no door!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jiande, standing outside the door, chuckled softly, his tone unusually accommodating: "Alright, alright, I'll get them for you all, everyone gets a share!"

As soon as she finished speaking, two bulging red paper packets were slipped through the crack in the door, carrying a faint scent of red paper, and landed on the floor inside the doorway. Gui Xiang, quick as a flash, bent down to pick them up, weighed them in her hand, and exchanged glances with the three people beside her. They all shook their heads and exclaimed in unison, "Not enough! Two are too few, we want more!"

The brother-in-law, both helpless and indulgent, smiled and pulled out two more red envelopes, slipping them through the crack in the door again. This time, the four red envelopes were firmly in their hands, generously sized and brimming with joy. The four exchanged glances, all their faces filled with satisfaction. No longer insisting, they released their grip on the door, reached out and opened it, warmly and happily greeting, "Brother-in-law, come in quickly!"

After the formalities of entering the house and bidding farewell to the elders were completed, the relatives and neighbors outside joined together to carefully carry out the neatly arranged dowry items. A brand-new rice transplanter, a load of new rice seeds, chests, bedding, various fabrics, snacks, and daily necessities were carried out of the main room one by one and placed steadily and neatly on the red-painted four-wheeled wedding car. The items were full but arranged in an orderly manner, dignified and lively.

After the dowry was fully loaded into the car and securely tied, the auspicious hour arrived precisely on time. Brother Dashan stepped forward, carefully bent down, and steadily carried Sister Shanshan, dressed in her wedding gown and adorned with red bridal ornaments, on his back. Sister Shanshan's eyes were slightly red; she frequently looked back at her home and relatives, her eyes filled with deep reluctance yet also revealing anticipation for her new life. Amidst the joyous sounds of firecrackers and the well wishes and farewells of relatives and friends, Brother Dashan gently placed her into the newly decorated red-lacquered wedding car, and a perfect wedding ceremony slowly came to a close.