Abstinence Pei, don't be too sweet when chasing your wife

In the night at Qinglongpo, the stars are shining brightly, and the lanterns in the kiln sheds sway with a warm light.

The Pei family and the people from Qinglongpo sat together, and Aunt Zhang served freshly cooked osmanthus rice wine and sesame cakes.

Craftsman Chen took out his treasured pottery shards, tracing the Song Dynasty kiln patterns with his fingertips as he recounted the stories of the old kiln workers.

Gu Fanxing flipped through photos of the archaeological site on her tablet, pointing out the newly cleared remains of the artisan's living quarters to the Pei family, creating a warm and harmonious atmosphere.

Grandma Pei held Gu Fanxing's hand and sat down in the corner of the shed. She said softly, "Fanxing, I'm so happy for you and Luo Nan."

Last time you told us how you cleaned the kiln site under the scorching sun, how you stayed up all night repairing broken pottery shards, and how reluctant you were to give up the Qingning Kiln's heritage, I felt that you two were down-to-earth, shared the same values, and were people I could live with.”

She took out a warm, smooth jade pendant from her pocket and solemnly handed it to Gu Fanxing.

“This was passed down to me by my mother-in-law. Jade can protect people and also protect craftsmanship. Now I am passing it on to you, hoping that you and Luonan will support each other and grow old together. I also hope that you can always uphold your passion and do a good job in archaeology and the inheritance of intangible cultural heritage.”

Gu Fanxing accepted the jade pendant with both hands, her fingertips touching the cool and delicate texture of the jade, her heart filled with emotion.

"Thank you, Grandma. I will cherish every piece of pottery and every craft of Qingning Kiln, and live up to your expectations and the gifts of this land."

Pei's mother and Aunt Zhang chatted about the wedding details: "Aunt Zhang, Fanxing and Luonan want to have a simple and warm wedding, inviting close friends and villagers in Qinglongpo. What do you think?"

We wanted to incorporate archaeological and intangible cultural heritage elements into the wedding, using celadon tableware, pine branches and osmanthus flowers for the table centerpieces, and adding a few small pottery shards as decorations—it's both elegant and meaningful.

Aunt Zhang nodded quickly: "Great! The osmanthus will be in full bloom next month, so it would be perfect to hold a wedding in the osmanthus grove."

I'll be in charge of the wedding banquet food. I need to make two flavors of osmanthus cake that Fanxing loves: one with chopped walnuts and one with raisins.

I marinate the braised fish that Luonan loves three days in advance to ensure it's flavorful.

Master Chen can also fire a batch of small-sized celadon cups, engraving their names, wedding date, and the iconic kiln patterns of Qingning Kiln, to give to wedding guests—a unique gift that also promotes Qingning Kiln.

Pei's father then chatted with the village chief, craftsman Chen, and Gu Fanxing about the future of Qingning Kiln.

"I think we can deeply integrate archaeology, intangible cultural heritage preservation, and rural tourism."

The archaeological experience hall can be divided into three areas: the experience area allows visitors to clean simulated pottery shards with mini tools, the exhibition area displays complete replicas of Song Dynasty celadon and kiln tools, and the explanation area invites Fanxing to give regular lectures on pottery shard identification.

The intangible cultural heritage corridor will connect kiln sites, archaeological sites, and porcelain workshops, using pictures, texts, artifacts, and short videos to showcase the complete process from selecting clay to firing the kiln.

Parent-child experience programs could include "Little Archaeologist" and "Young Porcelain Maker" packages, allowing children to participate hands-on and planting the seeds of cultural inheritance from a young age.

The village chief and craftsman Chen's eyes lit up, and they quickly said, "This is a great idea! With your support, it will definitely be successful. It will not only allow the culture of Qingning Kiln to be passed down, but also boost the income of homestays and the sales of agricultural products in the village, making the villagers' lives better and better."

Gu Fanxing excitedly added, "I can compile a simplified archaeological experience manual, marking the usage and precautions of tools, and I can also contact seniors at the archaeological institute to donate a batch of obsolete old tools for display."

Regarding the intangible cultural heritage section, Master Chen and Lin Xiao can demonstrate their skills during the festival, teaching people how to carve simple kiln patterns on site.

Pei Luochuan, Ling Jiu'er, and Lin Xiao squatted by the kiln to experience kneading clay. Their hands clumsily pressed the clay repeatedly, and beads of sweat appeared on their foreheads: "I didn't know that kneading clay required so much force to get rid of the air bubbles. It's much harder than I imagined!"

Ling Jiu'er smiled and handed him a bottle of mineral water: "Don't rush, just rub in one direction with even pressure. Just like cleaning pottery shards, you have to be patient."

Lin Xiao also picked up a piece of clay to demonstrate: "Look, you need to knead it clockwise three hundred times to make the clay smooth."

Pei Luochuan imitated him, saying, "So, firing porcelain, like archaeology, requires patience and meticulousness."

I want to fire a celadon piece shaped like a shard of pottery, inscribed with "Qingning Kiln Heritage," as a wedding gift for my sister-in-law and brother. Even if it's a little ugly, it's a token of my affection.

On the other side, Pei Luonan and Gu Fanxing stood side by side by the kiln, watching the orange-red flames flickering inside.

"Stars, thank you for agreeing to marry me."

Pei Luonan spoke softly, his fingertips gently caressing the celadon ring on her ring finger.

Gu Fanxing leaned on his shoulder and said with a smile, "I should be thanking you. Every time I encounter an archaeological problem, you help me look up information and find experts."

I want to promote intangible cultural heritage, and you've helped me connect with cultural and creative resources.

Being with you makes me feel happy and secure.

Luonan, I've made up my mind. The wedding will be held next month during the Osmanthus Festival. We'll also hold an 'Archaeology + Intangible Cultural Heritage' cultural festival during the wedding. I've already contacted Professor Li from the Provincial Institute of Archaeology, and he has agreed to give a lecture on pottery shard identification.

Also, Director Wang from the Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Center will bring his team to conduct skills exchanges.

Pei Luonan's eyes lit up: "That's a great idea! It combines a wedding with cultural promotion. I'll contact the media and highlight Professor Li and Director Wang's participation. We'll also design a cultural and creative gift package with archaeological tool models and celadon pendants. It's sure to be popular."

It was late at night, and the Pei family was staying at a guesthouse in the village.

Grandma Pei lay in bed, a smile unconsciously creeping onto her lips.

"Luonan has finally found happiness. Fanxing is down-to-earth and ambitious. She can protect the things passed down from our ancestors. She is a good daughter-in-law."

After tucking Grandma in, Pei's mother said softly, "Mom, don't worry. Fanxing is sensible and capable, and Luonan knows how to cherish things. They will definitely be happy."

Mr. Pei was sending a message to an old friend in the yard.

Pei Luochuan was drawing sketches of wedding gifts in his room, full of enthusiasm.

The Pei family was leaving early the next morning.

Gu Fanxing and Pei Luonan saw them off at the village entrance, where Grandma Pei held Gu Fanxing's hand, reluctant to part.

"We'll contact your relatives and friends as soon as we get back, and we'll definitely be there on time for the Osmanthus Festival next month. If you need any help, just give us a call anytime."

Mrs. Pei smiled and handed over a thick envelope: "Inside is a list of contact information for friends in the archaeology and intangible cultural heritage fields. They are all reliable people. You can contact them directly if you need anything in the future. We can keep in touch about the wedding and other cultural matters."

Pei Luochuan waved: "Goodbye, sister-in-law and brother! I'll bring a few history-loving friends next month, and we'll burn my wedding gifts for them!"

The car slowly drove away, raising a cloud of dust. Gu Fanxing and Pei Luonan stood at the village entrance, watching the car disappear at the end of the mountain road before turning around and walking back together.

“Luonan, I feel so happy,” Gu Fanxing said softly. “With the support and recognition of your family, the genuine help of the villagers, and the archaeological career you love, this life has been worthwhile.”

Pei Luonan gripped her hand tightly, feeling the warmth of her touch against his fingertips.

"Me too, Starry Night. With you by my side, with the kiln fire as my companion, and with the blessings of my family, this is the happiness I want."

The two walked side by side in the osmanthus grove, the sunlight shining on them, dappled light and shadow accompanied by the sweet fragrance spreading.

Osmanthus blossoms fell on their shoulders, and the light of the bonfire shone from afar, as if blessing them.

They know that next month's Osmanthus Festival will be a testament to their love, and also a new starting point for the archaeological excavation and intangible cultural heritage preservation of Qingning Kiln.

Witnessed by the kiln fire, osmanthus blossoms, and the archaeological site, they will make a lifelong promise to protect their passion, cultivate happiness, and ensure that the story of Qingning Kiln is passed down forever.

The kiln fire in Qinglongpo still burns brightly, and the fragrance of osmanthus remains strong. Pei Luonan and Gu Fanxing's love, like the kiln fire and osmanthus, will forever be warm and fragrant, becoming the most precious mark of time.