Dreaming back to 1949, the great powers were there to deceive us

Just when the two were being sweet, a tall foreigner walked in.

"Oh, sir, are you getting married? Your wife is very beautiful."

Hu Zhenhua's face flushed. "That's right, but I haven't proposed yet. Thank you for the compliment. My name is Hu Zhenhua, and this is my fiancée, Wang Cuicui. What's your name, sir?"

The foreigner shook hands with Lao Hu and kissed Wang Cuicui's hand.

This action scared the inexperienced girl. Old Hu suppressed his dissatisfaction with this bad foreigner and explained for a long time before he calmed Wang Cuicui down.

"My name is James. I'm from the United States and I'm the military attaché at the consulate in China."

Hu Zhenhua's eyes rolled.

Big Brother is going to conduct an atomic bomb test in August. Should I tell James about it and make things difficult for Big Brother?

The reason why Hu Zhenhua could remember this date was entirely because of the founding ceremony.

Big Brother's experiment took place more than a month before the founding ceremony.

Hu Zhenhua had an idea in mind and said with a smile,

"The United States is a good friend of China. The two countries forged a deep friendship during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. May the friendship between the two countries last forever!"

"May the friendship between our two countries last forever!"

Lao Hu saw the camera on James' shoulder and asked, "Mr. James, could you please do me a favor and take a picture for us?"

"It's my pleasure!"

The shop owner was very enthusiastic and quickly cleared out a space and hung a red curtain.

Hu Zhenhua and Wang Cuicui sat with the man on the left and the woman on the right, hand in hand and shoulder to shoulder.

'Click'!

This moment was recorded.

James was very excited. After fiddling with the camera, he asked, "When are you two planning on having your wedding? Can I have a drink?"

As soon as I heard this, I knew that he had been in China for quite some time and was well versed in Eastern allusions and knew how to make wine to please others.

Hu Zhenhua pondered for a moment.

"Mr. James, please wait a few minutes and I will answer your question later."

"Please do"

James is obviously an expert on China and is well-versed in traditional etiquette.

Old Hu pulled Wang Cuicui aside and said solemnly, "Cuicui, I've done many wrong things in the past, worse than animals, especially to you. After my death in Laojun Temple, I've decided to change my ways. Now, I solemnly propose to you, and I hope you'll agree on a voluntary basis."

Wang Zhenhua grabbed Wang Cuicui's hand and placed it on his chest: "If you seduce me and then abandon me, God will hate you."

Wang Cuicui blushed deeply, her voice trembling, "I used to resent it, but now I think following you is much better than staying in the Song family! I'm willing!"

Wang Cuicui lowered her head and added, "Mr.

In the Republic of China, Mr. also refers to husband!

Hu Zhenhua was so happy that he almost fainted.

"I do, too! I absolutely do!"

He pulled Wang Cuicui and walked in front of James, saying with a smile, "Mr. James, I can answer you now. Yes, right now, I want to marry Cuicui. However, we still lack a witness. It's really a headache."

James laughed heartily: "May I have the honor of being the witness?"

"It's an honor for Cuicui and me!"

James thought for a moment and asked, "Chinese or Western wedding?"

Hu Zhenhua and Wang Cuicui discussed for a moment and decided to hold a Western-style wedding.

No ring, a gold bracelet instead.

However, James could not bear without the Bible. He was a devout Christian. In such a sacred occasion as a wedding, there must be the most important witness, that is, God.

Old Hu sent a cart-puller to buy it. Fortunately, this place used to be an international concession, and there were many Western churches.

Taking advantage of this time, Lao Hu wants to make a 'marriage certificate', which is also a marriage certificate.

At that time, Wang Cuicui entered Song Shouyi's house as a concubine and there was no marriage certificate at all.

And Lao Hu is getting married.

In later times, without a "marriage certificate", it would be considered illegal cohabitation.

The marriage certificate was written by Li Wen from the tailor shop.

The format of marriage certificates in the Republic of China was relatively loose.

Writing is from right to left.

Li Wen spread out a piece of red paper and drew a dragon and a phoenix on each end, the dragon on the right and the phoenix on the left. A precious pearl was drawn on the top of the marriage certificate.

It means 'dragon and phoenix bring good luck'.

On the far right are Hu Zhenhua and Wang Cuicui’s birth dates and wedding dates.

According to Lao Hu's request, a space was left between the two people's birth dates to paste their photos.

Next, the book describes the fate of the two people.

In ancient times, people paid attention to the parents' orders and the matchmaker's words. Many men and women had never met each other before getting married, so the fate of the couple was mostly through the process of matchmaking, such as the matchmaker thinking that the two were a good match, or that their horoscopes were compatible.

As for Hu Zhenhua and Wang Cuicui, there is no way to write about them, so I will just skip them.

Further to the left is the marriage certificate and vows: "Today, we two families are united in marriage. We have signed this agreement, and our marriage will last forever, a match made in heaven. Behold, the peach blossoms of this day are radiant, a perfect match for the family. May your descendants prosper and flourish in the years to come. I hereby write on this long-lost paper, vowing to be together till old age, so that our pledge of love will be recorded in the genealogy of love." This is my testimony!

From the left: the couple getting married, witnesses (Li Wen, driver Hao San Ge), and the master of ceremonies (James).

Half an hour later, the Bible was returned.

There was no music, no flowers, no wine or friends.

James held the Bible, solemn and sacred.

Hu Zhenhua and Wang Cuicui held hands and stood directly in front of James without any entrance ceremony.

As if afraid that God wouldn't understand, James spoke first in English, then in Chinese: "Mr. Hu Zhenhua, do you take Ms. Wang Cuicui as your lawful wedded wife? For better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness or health, in joy or sorrow, I will love her unconditionally, strive to understand her, and trust her completely. Do you agree?"

Old Hu's blood boiled: "I am willing, very willing."

James turned to Wang Cuicui and spoke in English, then in Chinese: "Ms. Wang Cuicui, do you take Mr. Hu Zhenhua as your lawful wedded husband? For better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness or in health, in joy or sorrow, you will love him unconditionally, strive to understand him, and trust him completely. Do you accept this?"

Wang Cuicui blushed: "I do."

James remained serious: "If no one objects, I declare Mr. Hu Zhenhua and Ms. Wang Cuicui to be a legal couple!"

Li Wen and Hao San Ge clapped happily.

James spoke again: "Mr. Hu Zhenhua, please put the bracelet on your wife and you can kiss your wife."

Wearing a bracelet is not a big deal, but kissing is indeed a bit difficult for Wang Cuicui. She is a very traditional girl and was educated in the three virtues and four moral principles.

Hu Zhenhua was also a little embarrassed, but he had become much thicker-skinned now. He picked up Wang Cuicui's face and kissed her.

Wang Cuicui had no room to resist and quickly covered her face with her sleeves.

James handed the Bible and marriage certificate to Hu Zhenhua and Wang Cuicui, and then sang an English song, which translates to "grow old together" in Chinese.

After the ceremony, Lao Hu took out the three red envelopes he had just prepared and gave them to the three people present.

Brother Hao San’s mouth was almost grinning from ear to ear: Another big dollar in hand.

James was even more excited than the young couple. This was his first time hosting a wedding and also the most special one. Hu Zhenhua and his wife, who looked not wealthy at first glance, perfectly fulfilled their vow of "for richer or poorer".

Although this wedding was Western style, it was mixed with some Eastern elements.

After this experience, James felt that this was the authentic wedding process, and for this reason, he often had verbal battles with other foreigners.

Hu Zhenhua planned to hold a banquet to thank him, and James readily agreed, but Li Wen declined: the customer had an appointment.

It was a bit awkward when paying the bill because Lao Hu didn't bring enough money and could only pay with the remaining silk.

Wang Cuicui ordered two cheongsams and agreed to pick them up in three days.

The wedding can be Western style, but the food must be Chinese, mainly because Lao Hu and Wang Cuicui are not used to Western food.

The restaurant is not very big and only has one private room. Fortunately, it is three o'clock in the afternoon and no one is dining there.

Wang Cuicui was already starving. After the excitement of the wedding, Lao Hu could already hear her stomach protesting.

Brother Hao San was also hungry, as he did physical work.

He insisted on not going to the table, so Lao Hu had no choice but to order a few dishes for him and set up a separate table in the lobby.

In the private room, Wang Cuicui couldn't relax because James was there. Lao Hu, as a warm-hearted man, kept picking up dishes and adding rice for Wang Cuicui.

At the same time, I chatted with James about all sorts of things, including local customs and practices.

After more than ten minutes, Wang Cuicui was full, bowed thousands of times, and sat quietly aside.

Suddenly, two gunshots were heard outside. Wang Cuicui screamed, and Lao Hu quickly hugged her and kept comforting her.

It goes without saying that it was the military, police, and special agents who were arresting people.

The restaurant owner heard Wang Cuicui's scream and sent a plate of dessert to comfort the guest.

Hu Zhenhua felt very uncomfortable, as he had done many such stupid things as arresting people before.

Seeing the boss come in, he casually asked, "Boss, aren't you planning to go to the south to take shelter?"

"We are small business owners, and it's the same wherever we are."

That makes a lot of sense. No matter who is in power, the people still have to eat.

After Hu Zhenhua expressed his gratitude, he felt mixed emotions.

Perhaps many years later, small bosses will be labeled capitalist-roaders.

These small business owners represent economic vitality, provide a large number of jobs, and are the backbone of the national economy.

James' good mood was broken by the gunshot and he smoked in silence.

Old Hu drank one glass of wine after another, and had long forgotten about the fact that he couldn't drink because of his serious injury.

Seeing through but unable to change!

There is no greater pain in the world than this.

Suddenly, Lao Hu heard the newsboy on the street shouting: Extra, Extra, Commander-in-Chief Tang inspected the defense and delivered an important speech!

Hu Zhenhua was speechless.

The Nationalist government’s news agencies only reported good news and not bad news, and they spent all day promoting the fact that the river defense was impregnable and that the peace talks were making positive progress.

Lao Hu seriously suspects that this is a conspiracy by the top leaders, with the aim of selling off the industry and letting the lower-class people take over.

After the war broke out, all navigable ships left one after another, and the merchants and scholars who remained in the Magic City could not leave even if they wanted to.

The government only focuses on gold and silver, but does not realize that people are the greatest wealth.

Lao Hu put down his glass and looked at James: "When will your embassy be evacuated?"

James shook his head without saying anything, poured himself a glass of white wine, and drank it in one gulp. The spiciness almost suffocated him.

Lao Hu looked at him and laughed, "James, this is the wine a man should drink. Another glass!"

After coughing violently, James raised his glass again, but only took a small sip. "What kind of wine is this? It's too strong!"

"Daughter's Red! In Shaoxing, when a daughter is born, her parents bury wine in the yard. When she grows up and gets married, they dig it up and serve it to the guests. After seventeen or eighteen years of aging, the wine becomes rich in aroma and bright in color, hence the name Daughter's Red!"

"What if you give birth to a son?"

Old Hu was speechless. God knows what kind of wine is used to give birth to a son. However, his mind was still quite agile: "James, you have to know that men have to marry women, and the wine used in the banquet is the daughter's red wine prepared by the daughter's family!"

Old Hu was very proud of his quick wit.

James thought for a moment and then burst into laughter.

That makes so much sense!

Hu Zhenhua picked up his glass again and clinked it with James.

James spoke again: "So, the wine we are drinking now was prepared by Mrs. Hu?"

Lao Hu was speechless. What was this guy thinking?

However, there is nothing wrong with it, Lao Hu will not point it out: "Yes, my wife prepared it!"

At worst, I can let Cuicui pay the bill later. No problem.

James raised his glass to Wang Cuicui: "Mrs. Hu, thank you for the wine!"

After Wang Cuicui returned the gift, she stayed quietly aside again.

After drinking too much, the two drunkards leaned against each other, their arms around each other's shoulders.

Old Hu's eyes widened, and he stuck out his tongue. "If we're talking about strong liquor, it has to be vodka. That stuff, once you take a sip, it's like... like..."

The alcohol content of vodka is said to be 97 or 98 degrees. Lao Hu has only heard of it but has never tasted it, so he seriously doubts the authenticity of this alcohol content.

I thought for a long time but couldn't find the right words.

Suddenly, Lao Hu had an idea and said, "It's like an atomic bomb!"

"Yes, it's the atomic bomb, bang!"

James wiggled his fingers. "NO, NO, NO, polar bears don't have atomic bombs!"

That arrogance soars to the sky!

Hu Zhenhua leaned on James's shoulder again and said, "Just because there's nothing now doesn't mean there won't be in a few months!"

James' head felt heavy as he continued to refute, "Impossible! According to our estimates, it will take at least five years for polar bears to make a breakthrough!"

"You underestimated the polar bear's methods. At most, we have six months left. No, three to five months. Bang!"

The wine glass fell to the ground and shattered.

James was startled.

It was just drunken talk just now, but now, he is much more sober!

Polar bears are going to explode an atomic bomb within six months!

How can it be!

The CIA didn't get a clue!

James poured Lao Hu a glass of wine and asked, "How did you know?"

Old Hu almost fell under the table, his tongue sticking out: "I just know it."

James pulled Lao Hu to a chair and said, "My friend, if you can't tell me the reason, you are deceiving your friends! I will be very sad."

Lao Hu raised his glass again, "Cheers, my friend!"

James quickly joined in with a drink.

After drinking his daughter's red wine, Old Hu started to talk nonsense again: "In the future, the country of gentlemen will have it, the country of romance will have it, and we Chinese must have it too. Without the atomic bomb, we cannot be called a great power!"

James was extremely anxious, but he couldn't show it too obviously. "No, no, no, researching the atomic bomb requires strong scientific and technological capabilities. Polar bears don't have it, England doesn't have it, and France doesn't have it either!"

What this means is that it is even less likely for you in China to have it.

"What's so difficult about it? It's just three steps!"

"Which three steps?"

"Prospect, concentrate, and ignite!"

James was speechless. From the meaning of this sentence, it seemed as if anyone could figure it out.

Lao Hu started to dribble under the table again. James wanted to continue chatting, but Wang Cuicui stepped forward and said, "Sorry, Mr. James, my husband is drunk!"

Wang Cuicui shouted, and Brother Hao San hurried in and took Hu Zhenhua from James's hand.

After taking only a few steps, Lao Hu felt dizzy.

He spat it out with a "wow" sound.

The whole private room was filled with it.

The shop owner also came in.

A drunk, a liberty man, and a lady.

Who should I ask to settle the bill?

The shop owner set his eyes on James, but didn't dare to speak!

In the past, James would have definitely yelled "SHIT!"

Now he wanted to extract information from Lao Hu and was eager to spend more time with him. He took out a few rice bills and handed them over, "No need for change!"

Third Brother Hao stared at the rice in James's hand with his eyes wide open.

This is foreign currency, hard currency!

But he could only take a look, because Lao Hu had already paid a day's wages in advance.

James cursed his bad luck and handed over the smallest denomination of RMB.

5 meters yuan!

Brother Hao San was not reserved at all and kept thanking him!

After putting Lao Hu on the rickshaw, James asked, "Mrs. Hu, the photos can be developed tomorrow. Where should I send them?"

Wang Cuicui was dumbfounded! How could she know where Lao Hu lived?

Fortunately, Hao Sange came to the rescue in time. He got 5 meters, so he naturally had to perform well. "I know, if you need me, I can pick you up tomorrow!"

"Okay, pick me up at the consulate at 2pm tomorrow!"

"Okay, sir!"

Brother Hao San pulled the rickshaw and ran away.

Just in case, James stopped a passing rickshaw and followed it.