052. The Night of the Grand Wedding

Mei Rong shot him a glance, then twisted her body and nimbly jumped out of the carriage, striding briskly toward the group of beggars. Her bearing was bold and spirited, yet after a few steps, she swayed her hips, her movements as gentle as a willow bending in the breeze.

The beggars evidently knew her; they exchanged greetings and gathered around, murmuring for a while. Then one of them gave a vigorous wave, and the disciples of the Beggar Sect immediately stopped their performance and begging song. They listened intently as Mei Rong chattered on; soon, smiles spread across their faces. Several elderly beggars, who seemed to be leaders, nodded repeatedly and glanced toward the carriage, cupping their hands in greeting to Li Xi.

Li Xi responded with a smile, hastily urging his horse forward so as not to see Mei Rong's bewitching face.

The disciples of the Beggar Sect lined up along the street, singing a blessing song in unison. The lyrics were muddled, but the melody was passionate and lively, full of joy. Singing and dancing, they followed the newlywed carriage for a stretch before stopping to converse again. Suddenly, a sharp cry rang out, and the crowd scattered like startled birds and beasts.

Yang Zan had no siblings, no close relatives save for the old lady. Once Cui Yingying alighted, Guo Zhonggong and his companions spontaneously took on the role of Yang’s family. They exited through the small gate, then returned through the main entrance, meticulously wiping every path Cui Yingying had walked, ensuring the bride would not retrace her steps—a gesture wishing the couple lasting harmony.

They bowed to a makeshift pigsty, then to the stove, then to the gods above and earth below, ancestors and forebears, and finally, the couple bowed to each other.

Afterward, they bowed to Yang’s old mother and to the guests present. The “guest bowing” concluded, and the bride was escorted into the bridal chamber.

Throughout this, Li Xi was manipulated like a wooden puppet, moved about by others. The endless, intricate rituals left him utterly exhausted, as if drained from within.

At last, the moment to enter the bridal chamber arrived. Thankfully, there was no “bridal prank” segment. Instead, a new act called “teasing the bride” was introduced. Li Xi stared wide-eyed; it turned out “teasing the bride” was simply another name for the bridal prank.

When Guo Zhonggong and his group had finished their playful torment of the newlyweds, Li Xi felt as if he had fallen apart, his body no longer his own. Yet the ordeal was not over. There was still the nuptial wine to drink, another round of bows, then sitting on the bed to wait as a throng of enthusiastic aunties entered, tossing a string of ten coins engraved with “Long Life and Wealth” onto the bed.

It was said these coins were not to be removed that night. Li Xi gazed at the bed covered in golden coins, feeling oddly proud. With so much money on the bed, surely sleep was unnecessary tonight; if sleep was not needed, perhaps certain duties could be skipped, and he would not have to rack his brain to entertain the bride sitting opposite him.

After all the commotion, the bride seemed thoroughly exhausted—why was she silent? Ah, she was waiting for him to unveil her headdress. The veil was made of silk, covering not only her head but nearly her entire body.

Delighted, Li Xi was about to lift the veil—this was the moment he had most anticipated throughout the wedding.

Should he simply pull it off with his hand, or use a stick to lift it? Li Xi hesitated, thinking a stick would add more charm. But where would he find a stick in the bridal chamber?

He scratched his head and stepped to the door, opening it to look outside. As he did, there was a thud, and two people tumbled in—Ru Hua and Si Yu, the two maids, fell into the room like two plump radishes, Ru Hua landing atop Si Yu. The silly girls stared blankly at Li Xi and the bride seated on the bed.

“Are you here to eavesdrop?” Li Xi was in unusually good spirits tonight.

“Oh no, we have something to report,” the two clumsy maids stammered, sounding as if they were lying.

“What is it? Speak,” Li Xi said with a smile. To Ru Hua and Si Yu, this seemed like the prelude to being kicked out.

“Someone outside requests to see you,” Ru Hua said.

“It’s brought by Brother Wangcai,” Si Yu added.

“He’s holding his head high,” Ru Hua said.

“Seems to be someone from the palace,” Si Yu said.

One after the other, they spoke, and as the last sentence was uttered, Li Xi had already vanished. The two maids looked at each other, and after a long moment, a breeze swept past.

Wangcai had brought someone—a man in his twenties, slender, dressed in a blue robe and cap, looking sharp and proud. He held a wooden box in one hand, the other behind his back, toe tapping the ground, head raised as if gazing at the stars. But upon seeing Li Xi, his arrogance vanished instantly.

“I am here at the command of Commissioner Chen to present a wedding gift, wishing the newlyweds harmony and lifelong companionship.”

Li Xi was taken aback. “Which Commissioner Chen?”

The visitor replied, “Perhaps Lieutenant Yang is unaware—Lord Chen Hongzhi has been appointed as the new Commissioner of Lingnan. From now on, you will be colleagues.”

Li Xi was surprised. Chen Hongzhi had served well as the Left Street Merit Officer; why had he suddenly been posted as Commissioner? Could it be due to mishandling the matter at Xuanzhen Abbey? The emperor’s sister-in-law truly was formidable.

“Oh, I have been out of touch. I did not know Lord Chen is now Commissioner of Lingnan. I shall visit to pay my respects in due course.”

“No need for that. Lord Chen has already headed south to take up his post. If fate brings you to Guangzhou, you may thank him then.”

The visitor presented the wooden box with both hands. Li Xi took it, making polite conversation while instructing Wangcai to bring a tray of gold and silver for the guest. The man accepted without hesitation, producing a pouch from his sleeve and sweeping the gold and silver inside, weighing it with satisfaction.

He then reminded Li Xi, “Why not open the box and see what Lord Chen has gifted you?”

Though opening a gift in front of the giver might be considered impolite, with the guest’s permission, it was permissible.

Inside the box was a bronze token and an official letter. The token appeared ordinary, inscribed with “Monastic Registry.” The letter bore the seal of the Left Street Merit Officer. Li Xi opened it and was startled—it was an official warrant appointing him as a subordinate inspector under the Merit Officer. Seeing the doubt on Li Xi’s face, the visitor smiled slightly.

“No need to be surprised, Lieutenant Yang. This is an authentic warrant issued by Lord Chen before he left office. Inspector posts among the monks are usually elected by the monks themselves, while the court periodically sends officials to supervise. Inspectors may be appointed by the emperor or by the Merit Officer—either way, it is a coveted position. Once you are appointed, you need only observe as you travel; when you reach Shaozhou in Lingnan, submit a report to the new Merit Officer. If you wish to continue, you may do so; if not, simply return the warrant via courier.”

Fearing Li Xi might not grasp Lord Chen’s intention, the visitor candidly explained, “Lieutenant Yang, you are but a ninth-rank officer, traveling thousands of miles. If you rely on the official supply at the courier stations, the rations will barely fill a tooth. With this warrant, your food and lodging along the way will be provided by the monks and Taoists. Who in the realm is wealthier than the temples and abbeys? Eat their food, drink their wine, take their goods—it eases the court’s burden and solves your own troubles. You are doing a great service, Lieutenant Yang.”