Street Stories: A True Account of a Group of Blind Men in the Underworld

The weather was fine, with a gentle breeze.

The sound of gongs and drums resounded throughout the village of Xinan, and firecrackers crackled and popped incessantly, filling the entire village with a festive atmosphere.

The Qiao Family Compound was brightly decorated with lanterns and colorful ribbons, with red silk ribbons wrapped around the roof beams, creating a dazzling red atmosphere. The compound and its surrounding area were packed with people, all of whom were villagers who had come to offer their heartfelt congratulations.

Village chief Wu Chao was busy running around as the general manager, his round face covered in sweat, but he couldn't stop smiling.

Kong Laosan spread out paper and ground ink, then picked up his brush and wrote down a series of wedding couplets and the character for "happiness." His brushstrokes were vigorous, and every word was a blessing.

Even villagers from neighboring villages who had received Qiao Yang's kindness came to offer their congratulations, bringing eggs, rice noodles, and local specialties. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and joy, making it incredibly lively.

Today is the auspicious day of Qiao Yang's marriage to Su Yue.

The Qiao family home was packed with neighbors, young and old, all wearing genuine smiles.

Everyone knows that today's groom is not only a good storyteller and a wise judge, but also an upright and honest man with a strong backbone.

Back then, he risked his life to guide the militia supporting the front lines in the foggy weather, risked his life to deliver a message to the puppet troops to surrender during the attack on the county town, and went into the town in the middle of the night to get medicine for the villagers... Every single one of these deeds is remembered by everyone.

Within a radius of hundreds of miles, everyone praised him as a patriotic, kind-hearted, and upright man. Along the way, he was respected and praised by everyone.

At this moment, Qiao Yang was dressed in a bright red wedding robe, with a tall and handsome figure.

The once calm and decisive gaze, tinged with a hint of sharpness, has softened today, softening with a gentle warmth reminiscent of everyday life.

Master Liu Shang, along with his fellow disciples An Tai and Li You, stood to the side, all looking energetic and radiant.

Liu Shang patted Qiao Yang's shoulder solemnly, his voice steady and powerful:

"You've lived your life with a clear conscience, never failing heaven and earth, nor the people. Now you've married a wonderful wife. This is what makes a truly upright and honorable man! Your master wishes you both a lifetime of happiness and peace!"

"Qiao Yang, you're riding high today!" An Tai grinned broadly. "From saving someone in Tangshan a few days ago to getting married today, it's only been a few days, it's been fantastic! I wish you and Miss Su a long and happy marriage, and many children!"

Li You looked at Qiao Yang with admiration:

"Brother, you've shown everyone through your actions that fate is never determined by heaven, but entirely by one's own efforts! On your wedding day, I wish you both a long and happy life together!"

Qiao Yang nodded with a smile, his gaze fixed on the south. He had waited far too long for this day.

Wu Hushi, who had made things difficult for him and maliciously framed him back then, has long since lost her reputation and become a laughing stock in the village since the framing was exposed.

At this moment, he could only huddle in a corner, watching the lively celebration of the Qiao family, feeling both regret and resentment, but he dared not say a word.

Su Yue's family lived far away, so according to the custom of "arranging a marriage" in Baodi, the Qiao family had settled her in an inn in the county town last night, just waiting for the auspicious time to welcome her.

Before long, the sound of suona horns grew louder as the wedding procession returned in a lively and bustling manner.

The brightly decorated red float came to a steady stop at the entrance of the Qiao Family Compound with a "whoosh" from the driver.

A slender and gentle figure, supported by Ms. Wen Jing who had come all the way from Tianjin, slowly stepped off the float and entered the courtyard.

Today, Su Yue was dressed in a phoenix coronet and embroidered robe, adorned with pearls and jade, and her red skirt trailed on the ground, radiating beauty.

Even though her face couldn't be seen through the veil, her dignified figure and gentle demeanor alone were enough to tell that she was an exceptionally beautiful woman.

She walked slowly, yet each step was exceptionally firm, as she walked towards the man to whom she had entrusted her life.

Qiao Yang stepped forward and held her hand tightly.

Through a layer of soft red silk, the moment the two fingers touched, a warm feeling shot straight from the hands to the heart, both burning and reassuring.

This bond is a promise of lifelong companionship, never to be separated.

The auspicious time has arrived; the main hall is filled with guests.

The emcee, He Quan, holding a red silk ribbon, loudly proclaimed:

"A match made in heaven, a union sealed by earth. The auspicious hour has arrived; we respectfully invite the newlyweds to bow to heaven and earth—"

The two bowed side by side. They were not worshipping gods or Buddhas, but the vastness of heaven and earth, the righteous path of humanity, and the common people and the moral principles in their hearts.

May the weather be favorable, the home peaceful, and the newlyweds blessed with good fortune and a lifetime of tranquility!

"Bowing to the parents twice—"

Both sets of parents sat upright in the hall, their faces beaming with joy as they looked at the newlyweds, their eyes filled with satisfaction.

The Qiao family raised such a fine son, and the Su family raised such a fine daughter; both families were completely satisfied and had no further worries.

"May you be filial to your parents and enjoy lasting blessings. Wishing the newlyweds and their family good health and longevity!"

"Husband and wife bow to each other—"

Their eyes met, and a thousand words were unspoken. Qiao Yang gazed at the tenderness in her eyes, and Su Yue looked at the deep affection in his. No words were needed; their hearts were already in sync.

He was willing to bear the storms of the world for her, and she was willing to keep the lights on in their home for him; he worked tirelessly for the common people, and she followed him for the greater good.

May your love be harmonious and lasting, and may you grow old together in happiness. Wishing the newlyweds a long and happy marriage and many children!

The ceremony is complete!

The entire audience erupted in thunderous applause and cheers.

"good!"

"A perfect match, a match made in heaven!"

"Wishing Mr. Qiao and Ms. Su a long and happy marriage, and a lifetime of love!"

"A kind heart paired with good karma will surely bring a house full of children and grandchildren, and endless blessings!"

Before entering the bridal chamber, Qiao Yang held Su Yue's hand tightly, stood before everyone, and spoke in a clear and powerful voice that echoed throughout the courtyard:

"I, Qiao Yang, have never believed in destiny being predetermined by heaven, nor in fortune or misfortune depending on gods or Buddhas. I only believe that divination is static, but people are dynamic, and destiny is something we create step by step!"

He turned to look at Su Yue beside him, his face full of tenderness:

"Today I have settled down and started a family, and met a good man. This is not a blessing from heaven, but a result of mutual respect and conscience."

"From now on, I will treat everyone with kindness, protect my wife with sincerity, stand tall as a person, and only care about the common people and my own conscience!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the cheers and exclamations grew even louder.

This is a true master.

Without relying on the protection of gods and Buddhas, nor borrowing the power of ghosts and monsters,

With his skills, conscience, and sense of responsibility,

They forged their own bright path through sheer willpower!

Inside the bridal chamber, red candles burned brightly, their flickering flames creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

With a gentle lift of her bridal veil, Su Yue's gentle and beautiful face was revealed. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes were filled with tears, and she gazed tenderly at the person in front of her.

"Qiao Yang..."

Qiao Yang gently stretched out his long arm and pulled her into a steady embrace, bringing a reassuring strength.

Su Yue chuckled softly, her eyes crinkling: "You can save the world from peril, and you can certainly protect your own family's peace and stability."

The journey through the world is long and the land is vast. From this day forward...

With a beautiful woman by my side, righteousness in my heart, integrity in my spine, and destiny in my hands!

They do not believe in ghosts or gods, nor do they concern themselves with fate. They rely solely on their skills, their sincere hearts, and their sense of responsibility to walk their own path, protect their own people, and safeguard this idyllic world.

Even if storms and turbulent waves arise on the road ahead, Qiao Yang dares to walk with his beloved, stand tall and upright, and sweep away all injustice!

In this life, I will live up to the expectations of all living beings, to my own conscience, and to the expectations of those before me.

He will surely walk this great path of humanity with a smooth and glorious path, unstoppable and without any danger!

Let's see what kind of brilliance Qiao Yang will create in his storytelling and fortune-telling career after marriage, with Su Yue's understanding and support!

(The next chapter is "An Expedition Before the Honeymoon is Over")