"So that’s how it is! It’s true that women are more knowledgeable about these household matters." Ye Zi’an said with a somewhat embarrassed smile, "I really thought too simplistically about it before. You really are more suitable for this."
"Of course, have you ever heard of a man managing household affairs?" Yang Chuxia smiled as she closed the box. She suddenly remembered that Ye Zi’an had mentioned going to pay respects to his parents in the morning, but it might be too late for that now.
With a hint of apology, she asked, "Brother An, I got up late today. Would it be inappropriate to go bow to our parents now?"
"Alright, alright, husband."
"Don’t forget next time."
Yang Chuxia rolled her eyes speechlessly, "I know, I know, I’m just not used to it yet, alright? So, is it too late for husband to bow to our parents now?"
Hearing Xiaxia call him husband, Ye Zi’an couldn’t help but grin from ear to ear, "I have an ancestral tablet for my parents at home, so it’s not a big deal if we’re a little late. What matters is our sincerity."
Yang Chuxia thought for a moment but shook her head, "That’s not good enough. Our parents’ graves aren’t that far away. I’ll go burn the incense first, and tomorrow we’ll get up early and bow in front of our parents’ graves."
"Alright, that works too."
After deciding with Ye Zi’an, Yang Chuxia asked Xiu’er to prepare some offerings.
The next day, just past 5:00 a.m, Ye Zi’an and Yang Chuxia headed toward the south of Yangshu Village. That was where the entire village’s cemetery was located. When someone from the village passed away, they were buried there, with each family’s ancestral tombs gathered in one area. It somewhat resembled a modern, neatly arranged cemetery.
"Father, mother, I’ve brought my wife to see you." As Ye Zi’an burned joss paper, he spoke softly, "My rank has been restored now, so you two can rest in peace."
"And from now on, your son is not alone. I have my wife and family. My father-in-law and mother-in-law treat me very well, like I am their own son. My uncle in the Capital City also thinks about me. You can rest assured and have a good time over there."
After finishing his words, Ye Zi’an bowed three times to his parents’ graves. Then, Yang Chuxia came forward and knelt down, "Father, mother, I am Yang Chuxia, but husband calls me Xiaxia. From now on, I’ll take good care of my husband. Please rest in peace!"
After Yang Chuxia finished her bows, Luo Linhao and his sister, who came with them, also came forward to bow.
"Aunt and uncle, I am Linhao. You probably haven’t seen me before. Oh, and let me tell you, my eyes weren’t always . Don’t laugh at my appearance. When my eyes are better, I’ll come to see you again. I am very handsome, even more handsome than my cousin. You know my cousin, right? Your son’s wife is not as beautiful as mine, but she’s not bad either. Rest well over there, and don’t be stingy with money. If you run out, I’ll send more over."
Yang Chuxia was speechless; this kid really didn’t know when to be serious. But with his words, the atmosphere, which had been somewhat melancholy, lightened up a bit.
On the day the bride returned to her parents’ house, Ms. Wang and Yang Dachuan were waiting eagerly at home early in the morning. Even more exaggerated, Ms. Wang had prepared all sorts of things the children liked the night before. That morning, she stood by her front door, watching Ye Zi’an’s house intently.
It was amusing because the two houses were actually quite close. With Ms. Wang staring like that, Yang Chuxia could see everything clearly from her small balcony. In that case, how could she bear to stay at home?