A few days later, the Zhao family next door started to set up the wedding canopy.
Many people from the neighborhood went over to help. Mrs. Chen, who loved lively events, couldn’t go to the Zhao family as she was a widow, so she sat at the doorway doing needlework, chatting with the passersby.
By the end of the morning, she had gathered how much betrothal money the Zhao family gave, how much dowry Gu Mei prepared, and even what dishes would be served at the Zhao family’s banquet the next day.
During lunch, Mrs. Chen couldn’t resist sharing the gossip she heard.
"The Zhao family gave six taels and six coins in silver as betrothal money, saying it’s good luck."
"As for the bride’s side—" she glanced at Yun Jiao, "I heard that the bottom-drawer money is twenty taels, plus around ten taels of silver as dowry."
"It’s said that the dowry includes a silk comforter."
Yun Jiao listened without speaking.
Gu Chuan looked up at Mrs. Chen, also without speaking.
Mrs. Chen continued, "I also heard tomorrow’s banquet will be quite something."
"Each table will have a whole chicken, a fish, and a bowl of meat."
"Tsk tsk tsk, indeed Suo Zhu is their treasured child; Zhao Lizheng and his wife have really gone all out."
Although Liu Er was eating meat, he still felt tempted by Mrs. Chen’s words, "Mom, can I go to the banquet tomorrow?"
Mrs. Chen thought for a moment, "Yes, you and Xiao Chuan can go."
Both she and Yun Jiao were widowed, making it inappropriate for them to attend the wedding feast, and Jiang Youzhi was still unable to move, so only Liu Er and Gu Chuan could represent the family at the banquet.
The next day, it was bustling from early morning at the Zhao family, and the noise could be heard from the Jiang family’s courtyard.
After noon, the sound of drums and gongs roared outside, and Yun Jiao knew they were going to fetch the bride, so she went to the door to watch the commotion.
Suo Zhu sat proudly on a horse adorned with red flowers, in a bright red robe, radiant. Behind him were the flower sedan chair, the wedding matron, and the hired band from Zhao family.
Upon closer inspection, the horse looked familiar; it should be Liu Er’s horse that pulls carts.
Watching the procession disappear into the distance, Yun Jiao returned to her room.
Around the time of Shen, suddenly she heard firecrackers outside, and San Ya tugged Yun Jiao, "They’ve brought the bride back, Sister-in-law, let’s go see the bride."
Yun Jiao smiled and followed San Ya to the door, as the joyous, festive sound of Hundred Birds Greeting the Phoenix was deafening.
The village children were as excited as during the New Year, running towards the wedding procession, shouting, "Look at the bride, the bride is here!"
San Ya also excitedly ran along with the children.
Yun Jiao stood in place, watching the red flower sedan chair being carried over slowly from a distance.
The sedan chair came closer, and just as it was about to pass Yun Jiao, Gu Mei seemed to have a sixth sense and suddenly lifted a corner of the curtain, looking out.
The veil was lifted to the top of Gu Mei’s head.
Yun Jiao saw only a beautiful woman with stunning red lips, flashing a contemptuous smile at her, and then the curtain fell back down.
The flower sedan chair passed and arrived at the Zhao family, where the excitement seemed to peak instantly.
Suo Zhu’s elder nephew scattered a few handfuls of peanuts and dates at the doorstep, triggering a scramble among adults and children.
Xiao Chuan squeezed through the crowd and grabbed a few peanuts, running to Yun Jiao, holding them up, "Sister, you eat."
Yun Jiao patted his head, took one, and went inside smiling.
Gu Mei’s marriage left her without a ripple of emotion; to her, Gu Mei was merely an acquaintance.
There’s no such thing as family affection.