Chapter 13: The Wedding Night!
Shen Youchu sat stiffly at the table, eyeing the meat dishes nervously. Having never eaten meat at home, she hesitated. “I… I’ll just have the flatbread.”
Chen Shi shook his head. “No. Now that you’re married to me, you eat properly. This is fried chitterlings, ever had it before?”
Shen Youchu whispered, “I’ve heard of fried sausage…”
Chen Shi laughed. “Wrong! Totally different. One word apart, but worlds away. Fried chitterlings are made by cleaning pig intestines, stuffing them with minced liver, fat, starch, and ginger, then tying them up and steaming them. After drying, they’re brushed with chili oil, sliced thick, and deep-fried. It’s an old capital specialty!”
He grinned. “Only the discerning appreciate chitterlings, understand?”
Tian Xiulan watched with delight. “Husband, look at our boy! Marriage has changed him. The old reckless Chen Shi is actually doting on his wife now!”
Old Chen snorted, downing a shot of sweet potato liquor. “Of course! My blood runs in him, did you expect less?”
Chen Maihua rushed in, panting. “Mom, Yu Shui said her brother brought her lunch today. Since it’s my brother’s wedding, she won’t join us. Maybe next time when he gets better food.”
Tian Xiulan sighed. “That Foolish Pillar… rough around the edges, but so good to his sister. Well, let’s eat then!”
Maihua suddenly gasped. “Wait, where’s my sheep bell? Brother, give it back!”
Chen Shi stuck out his tongue. “I’ll return it tomorrow!”
“Enough! Food can’t even shut you up?”
Grumbling, Maihua stabbed a piece of chitterlings.
After the meal, Chen Shi led Shen Youchu to the eastern chamber and shut the door. In one swift motion, he pulled her into his arms.
Shen Youchu froze, her peach-blossom eyes glistening with nervous tears.
Chen Shi chuckled. “Why so tense? You’re my wife now.” He gestured around. “Like the room? Tell me what to change, and I’ll fix it.”
Shen Youchu glanced around, the spacious room had a heated kang bed (2m x 3m), two camphorwood chests, thick quilts, and a portrait on the wall. A basin stand sat in the corner.
Compared to her rural home, this was unimaginable luxury. “I… I never dreamed I’d live somewhere so nice.”
Chen Shi pinched her cheek. “I’ll take you clothes-shopping soon. But first…” His hands wandered lower.
Tian Xiulan barged in with a chamber pot. “Forgot this! Or will you run to the outhouse at midnight?”
Chen Shi flushed. “Mom! Knock first!”
Tian Xiulan scoffed. “I birthed you, since when do I knock?” She turned to Shen Youchu. “Let me show you how to make the bed. This brat’s fussy, wrinkles keep him up all night. And don’t forget to wash his feet. There’s hot water on the stove…”
Chen Shi groaned through her endless instructions. Finally alone, he lunged for Shen Youchu.
“Time for those round things to apologize for hitting me!”
Shen Youchu trembled, tears welling as Chen Shi’s reflection filled her eyes.
Amused by her helplessness, Chen Shi tore her clothes open.
By the time they finished, dawn neared.
Chen Shi lay satisfied, kneading soft mounds as he mused: The ancients spoke of life’s three joys, wedding night, academic success, and meeting old friends afar.
A night of spring’s pleasures is worth a fortune!
Once Shen Youchu slept, Chen Shi explored his 10m³ storage space, a barren room with blank walls.
But the comparison system promised expansion. What should I store?
Before sunrise, Chen Shi reached for warmth but found emptiness.
Shen Youchu stood by the bed, holding a steaming towel. Her peach-blossom eyes flinched when he woke, last night’s “lessons” had left their mark.
“You’re awake? I warmed your clothes by the stove. The towel’s hot too… May I wash your face?”
Chen Shi pointed to his cheek. “Proceed.”
She dabbed carefully, then whispered, “May I dress you too?”
Chen Shi blinked. This girl…
Shen Youchu added, “Mom said… A husband is heaven. I must serve you well.”
Mother-in-law’s teachings are impeccable. Chen Shi decided to gift her generously during their home visit.
Shen Youchu fetched his cotton-padded clothes from the quilt and helped him into them, then knelt to slide on his shoes.
Such devotion… Truly a Sichuan gem.
Whistling, Chen Shi stepped out.
Tian Xiulan beamed at his refreshed look. “My baby’s grown up! Tired from last night? I poached you an egg, eat up!”
In this era, even workers rarely ate breakfast. This egg was true privilege.
Chen Shi devoured it, last night’s “exercise” had left him starving.
A voice called outside: “Old Chen’s family! You home?”
Tian Xiulan hurried out. “Aunt Yi? What’s the matter?”
Aunt Yi smiled. “We’re short hands for Jia Dongxu’s banquet today. Foolish Pillar’s cooking, but we need help washing veggies. Since your family’s… struggling, we thought you’d like to pitch in. He’ll spare some leftovers.”
Tian Xiulan nodded eagerly. “How kind! We haven’t seen meat in months. I’ll come now.”
“On duty. His health… well, the job needs him.”
Aunt Yi sighed. “So hard…”
Tian Xiulan shrugged. “That’s rail work for you. From afar, they look like beggars; up close, scrap collectors! Not like your Yi Zhonghai.”
Aunt Yi’s eyes gleamed with pride.
Chen Shi smirked. His mom had omitted the last line of the railroaders’ rhyme:
“From afar, beggars; up close, scrap men, but inspect closely, and you’ll see: they’re the engine crew!”
After all, in the age of steam locomotives, men like Old Chen shoveled coal in cramped, sooty cabs, the unsung giants of the rails.