The journey of the only child of a peasant family to take the imperial examination

Chapter 403: Qian Mansion Wedding Ceremony (Part 2)

The housekeeper of the mansion was transferred from the Qian Mansion. He had hosted many banquets in the Qian Mansion before and was experienced, so he could command everything in an orderly manner.

Fortunately, the housekeeper was there, otherwise Zhang Laoer and Xu really wouldn't know what to do today. They had never dealt with such a big situation before.

It was already bright outside, the morning mist had dissipated, and there was no wind or rain. It was a rare good day in winter.

The four-man sedan chair and horses used for the wedding were all prepared according to the specifications specified by the Qian family.

The groom's suit was also made by an embroiderer with excellent skills. The cuffs and belt were embroidered with gold thread. It was tailored to the body and fit perfectly, making the man look more upright.

Zhang Ping'an has grown a lot taller in recent years. He is now over seven feet tall, which was considered tall in ancient times, roughly equivalent to about 1.75 meters in modern times.

In addition, after settling down in Lin'an, the food was good and the nutrition was sufficient, so his hair grew very thick and shiny, and he no longer had to worry about baldness.

Today he used a jade crown to tie his hair up high, revealing a handsome face with thick eyebrows and dark eyes. Anyone who saw him would have to praise him as a handsome man!

When the people around saw the groom coming out, they all bowed to congratulate him, and Zhang Pingan also smiled and clasped his fists in return.

When Zhang Laoer and Xu saw their son so high-spirited, they couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment and felt very proud!

Xu's eyes were slightly red. After wiping the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief, she took the red hydrangea and tied it diagonally around her son. She said with a loving face, "Hurry up and go to meet the bride. Don't miss the auspicious time. After today, you will be an adult!"

Zhang Laoer's emotions were surging, but he tried his best to control them. With the calm demeanor of an elder, he walked over and patiently instructed, "Son, today is your big day, and you're having such a grand wedding. Dad is very happy! However, the Qian family has a lot of people, so it might not be easy to welcome the bride. If you have anything, please discuss it with Junhui and the others!"

Lin Junhui said in a clear voice: "Uncle, don't worry, I'm here, and I will definitely marry the bride safely today!"

"Oh, I'm really sorry to trouble you guys. Ping An is lucky to have classmates like you," Zhang Laoer said seriously.

Green Bean Eyes was very good at livening up the atmosphere, patting his chest loudly: "Uncle, you can rest assured!"

"It's a pity that Jinbao can't accompany me today. He and I have been friends since we were wearing open-crotch pants. It's such a pity," Zhang Pingan felt a little disappointed.

Speaking of this, Zhang Laoer also felt it was a pity: "From now on, you really can't eat meat of unknown origin. You can't be greedy for such a small bargain. Is Jinbao feeling better?"

"When I went to see him yesterday afternoon, his legs were so weak from diarrhea that he couldn't get out of bed. Grandma Jinbao felt very guilty. She is old now, and her nose and eyes are not as good as before. How could she know that it was a sick chicken? When Jinbao's parents finish their meal and leave this afternoon, I'll prepare some more gifts for them in return," said Zhang Pingan.

At this time, the butler came over, bowed and asked, "Master, shall we set off now?"

The meaning of asking this question is actually to secretly urge that time is almost up.

"Let's go," Zhang Ping'an straightened his clothes and strode out.

Lin Junhui and others followed.

After they went out, servants brought horses over. Not only Zhang Ping'an had one, but Lin Junhui and others also had one. However, Zhang Ping'an's was the best. After all, he was the protagonist today, and others certainly could not surpass him.

There were sixty-six people carrying the sedan chair and playing the music, which was also an auspicious number for good omen.

"Let's go!" Zhang Ping'an waved his hand and said loudly after getting on the horse.

The wedding procession was quite grand, and it was obvious that it was something only a wealthy family could do. According to the customs of Lin'an, the groom had to arrange for his servants to scatter candies and wedding money along the way.

So a lot of young boys gathered on both sides of the street early in the morning. Most of them were children from ordinary families in other places. They didn't think it was shameful to pick up candies and wedding money on the ground.

Beggars are not allowed to come here. This is also an established rule. Beggars are not allowed to come to the east side of the city.

The housekeeper had arranged these trivial matters early on, so Zhang Ping'an didn't have to worry about them.

Anyone who picks up wedding money and candies, no matter whether they are adults or children, will say a few auspicious words.

Everyone loves to hear words of blessing, and Zhang Pingan was in a very good mood along the way.

Green Bean Eyes was envious: "It seems that I really can't put it off any longer, next year! Next year at the latest! I must get married. Others who have no money and no land are single. For me, who has money, a house, land, and even a reputation, it's unacceptable to remain single!"

Xiao Yifei was a little curious: "Brother Ge, you're already an adult, and like you said, you're not bad, so why haven't you gotten married yet? Could it be..."

After saying that, he glanced down at the other person with a suggestive look in his eyes.

Green Bean Eyes immediately exploded and clarified: "I didn't, don't doubt me, I'm fine! I just want to wait a few years to see if there is a more suitable person to marry. After all, there is only one position for the original wife, and I am not someone who can be liked by everyone!"

"Oh, you have quite high standards. You've dragged it on for several years, but you do have some ambition," Lin Junhui teased with a smile.

Green Bean Eyes raised his chin and said proudly: "Of course!"

Zhang Ping'an watched the bickering among them, and his smile deepened.

The two houses were not far apart, and even though the team was large and moved slowly, they arrived in fifteen minutes.

The gate of the Qian Mansion had already been decorated with lights and colorful lanterns, and carriages were stopping at the gate one after another. They were all people coming to congratulate. Just from the guests' attire, one could tell that they were all of high status.

My eldest brother-in-law Qian Ying, along with several clan brothers, as well as the housekeeper and servants, were at the door to welcome the guests.

Seeing the wedding party coming, he quickly asked the housekeeper to go forward to greet them.

"Second uncle, please come this way," the housekeeper stepped forward and bowed.

Then he led the wedding procession to the main gate.

Zhang Ping'an lifted his clothes, dismounted, walked up the steps, and then bowed to the Qian brothers and greeted each other.

"My dear uncles, today is an auspicious day. Thanks to your kindness, Zhang Ping'an has come to marry your daughter. May our two families be forever united in love!"

Lin Junhui and his companions also dismounted and stepped forward together.

Qian Ying smiled and said, "To marry the daughter of our Qian family, you have to see if you can pass the test of us brothers-in-law. As the saying goes, a man of talent and a woman of beauty are a match made in heaven. My second sister is kind and elegant, and has a beauty that can captivate fish and geese. I wonder if you are the one with talent!"

"It's up to my uncle to decide," Zhang Ping'an made a gesture of invitation.

"How about composing a poem first, on the theme of this auspicious day?"

Zhang Pingan cupped his hands and said, "Why not?"

After a moment's thought, he held his head high and recited, "Red candles burn brightly in the hall, golden cups clink and the mandarin ducks drink intoxicatingly. A hundred years of love begins now, and we'll share this cup year after year."

The voice is clear and resounding.

Some people around couldn't help but praise: "Good!"

Lin Junhui and Green Bean Eyes also chimed in, "Well done! The artistic conception and charm are all there. Brother Qian, you must do as you say and let us in!"

Xiao Yifei was helping to distribute red envelopes. Anyone under the age of fifteen could get one, and he was very busy.

Naturally, those who received the red envelope also had to help speak well of the other party.

Qian Ying didn't feel embarrassed at all and said with a smile, "I'm a soft-hearted person and I can't bear to see others in trouble. You've passed this hurdle! But we have many brothers in the Qian family, so it won't be so easy in the future!"