Traveling through time as a peasant girl to turn things around

The Chai residence had been bustling with activity for four or five days, with people coming and going, busy with their work. Chai Tao had finished preparing the bright red dresses for the newlyweds—their wedding attire. Two couples were trying them on.

Wang Min was so happy looking at her two sons that she couldn't stop smiling! Jia He had lived for most of his life, and finally saw his sons get married. He would soon have grandchildren to hold, and he felt so happy!

Yeheng Guoguo was busy decorating the mansion. A coral tree and a rockery were placed in the middle of the courtyard at the main gate. Irises were planted on the rockery and covered with plastic sheets to prevent them from freezing in the cold weather.

Tables and benches were ready, placed against the wall. There were greenhouses, vegetables, and fruits. There was room for more than a dozen tables here. The main hall could accommodate over twenty, and the dining room for forty. We'd see when the time came. If we needed more, we could move to another area, perhaps to the courtyard.

The pigs, sheep, chickens, ducks, and fish brought back from the outskirts of Beijing were all raised by the emperor himself. The imperial chefs had already arrived to help prepare them, stewing, boiling, frying, deep-frying, and roasting them, using all their skills to ensure that this task was completed successfully.

People have already come to give gifts today. In the middle of the hall, Li Jingwen and Sun Qing are keeping accounts, recording daily expenses and income. Guoguo said to Ye Heng, "Let's go clear out the storeroom. It looks like there will be a lot of gifts." Ye Heng smiled. "Let's go. We'll clear a yard specifically for this time." "I have to remember to buy more red and yellow paper. Don't run out!" "Okay. I'll write the couplets this afternoon. I'm getting ready."

Prince Xiaodong arrived first, having arrived on the first day of preparation. He loved the braised meat noodles he ate three times a day, and the noodles here were so delicious—machine-made noodles, made with a hand-cranked machine. After eating, he went back to work.

Every day, the crowds of people arriving at mealtime were so numerous that Ye Heng couldn't turn them away. They were all officials he knew, his subordinates, and even nearby neighbors. They were so welcoming that they even brought food with them. Guoguo told Ye Heng to eat whenever they showed up! Outside the kitchen, a row of large pots cooked noodles simultaneously. Several of the pots were filled with meat stew, onions, ginger, garlic, and other condiments. The aroma wafted far, so enticing that it could be smelled from far outside the mansion.

Chai Zhen also said to his family, it's good to have a lively atmosphere! Old Mrs. Li: "Dad, I know. It's all because of Ye Heng's face. We don't have that many acquaintances at home." Huo Hua came five days in advance with his family. Guo Guo personally arranged for them to stay. Ye Heng arranged to do the accounting!

After eight days of busy work, three days before the wedding, the Chai family members donned new clothes, and a constant stream of people came to give gifts. Five people were still lining up to keep accounts. Everyone in the capital who knew Jiaxing came, and even Zhang Baohua had many acquaintances. The reception began that day, and everyone had to leave after the meal. They were not allowed to come back on the wedding day to reduce the pressure on that day.

The emperor came to eat the day before because the ministers were whispering in the court about how good the food tasted, and the emperor heard it, so he had meat noodles in the evening to satisfy his cravings!

On the day of the wedding, the Chai family got up before dawn and didn't let the children out. Guoguo waited until almost noon to pick them up. Ye Heng had everyone carry all the vegetables out of the space early in the morning.

The vegetables were fresh. Wang Xiaomin, Yang Yang, Minmin, and Xia Hua helped to wash and dress the children. Each of them looked like a handsome young prince or princess. Guoguo quickly took out a video camera and asked Hengheng to take pictures and Chai Donghua to record videos. Hengheng finally came back two days ago.

It was almost time, so Guoguo asked Shuhua, Pink, Blue, and Purple to help with the children, each holding one. They were not allowed to leave the children alone, as they were specifically looking after them today. Ye Hengdu held Shibao at the main gate to greet the guests. Guoguo, Xiahua, Fu Chaoxiao, Zuo Xiaoqing, and the others greeted the female guests. Huangbao and the others stood on the gate tower, watching the people coming and going below. Chai Donghua was filming, now in the main hall. He took photos along the way to the main gate, standing at a table facing the guests.

The time has come, and the welcoming team is about to set off. Chai Donghua follows one team, Hengheng follows Chai En, and their team

Go to the Regent's Palace, where Xu Yao is waiting to get into the sedan chair!

Two teams of people beat drums and gongs. This is the largest welcoming team in the capital! Of course, except for the prince's wedding.

Maybe because there are so many people, it’s sunny and warm today, so tables are set up in the yard.

The female guests stayed in the backyard, and the male guests stayed in the front yard and the main hall.

Wang Min and Jia He sat in the main hall all morning, their minds groggy and drowsy, their smiles fading. Fortunately, Duke Lu's two daughters-in-law were there to help, watching over Wang Min, overwhelmed with joy. The daughters-in-law they had waited thirty years for finally arrived today.

"The auspicious time has arrived, the newlyweds are coming in!" Two couples came in one after the other. Chai Jingren rode a warhorse, but the red flower on his horse's head made the horse less majestic. Ma Yuru was also in the Regent's Palace. The two brothers brought their wives back at the same time. Ye Heng held Shibao in his arms. Shibao was the happiest today, laughing and calling out to the people around him. Now his eyes were fixed on the big horse sedan chair. Chai Donghua was busy recording the video. The newlyweds dismounted, opened the sedan chair, and welcomed their wives. Ma Yuru's parents came in the carriage behind, accompanied by Qin Han, Li Guang and several other fellow villagers, so they could be considered family members and acquaintances.

The royal guards were all wearing new uniforms, looking majestic and awe-inspiring, and they escorted the wedding procession to the gate of Chai Mansion!

Firecrackers blasted and fireworks bloomed not far away! Guoguo watched the scene. It was quite nice! The master of ceremonies—someone from the Ministry of Rites—cried out, “Please come in, two newlyweds!” Firecrackers exploded!

Chai Donghua deliberately stayed a few minutes longer to capture the beautiful images of the two couples! Hengheng took photos. Click, click, click, click, click!

Chai Donghua whispered, "Take a few more pictures of Xuyao!"

Arriving at the main hall, the Ministry of Rites shouted, "It's time for the wedding ceremony! The two couples are entering the hall!" Three kowtows were made, and the three couples' parents sat in the hall, flanked by the elders. The two couples finished their ceremony! Chai Donghua said, "Lift the veil for the bride and take a picture! We can't follow the etiquette; we need a picture as a souvenir." Ye Heng nodded. Heng Heng took the photos, Chai Donghua recorded them, and they also ordered a few photos of the couple!

The video recorder didn't stop until they were taken to the bridal chamber, and Chai Donghua began taking pictures. With his daughter and son-in-law, the whole family was there, the newlyweds holding their younger siblings. Ye Heng said, "In the afternoon, after the guests leave, we'll take pictures as a family."

Chai Donghua didn't care and kept taking pictures of his family!

It’s noisy, but dinner is served at noon, and things will stop noisy after eating.

Ministry of Rites: "The wedding banquet begins! Everyone, eat well and drink well!"

Teams of guards served food, while women served tea and wine. The dry rations were large white steamed buns and steamed buns!

First came the plates: six vegetarian dishes, followed by six meat dishes, symbolizing good luck. Sunflower seeds and sugar were also served. The women's table also had orange juice. After a short pause, a round of large dishes arrived. All you could eat.

Chicken, duck, fish, beef, lamb, pork, etc. Finally, there is soup. Whoever can drink it can drink it. There are tomato and seaweed soup, tofu and fish soup, and lamb meatball soup.

Everyone was surprised by the dishes on the table; in the past, dishes were served on plates, not in large bowls. The only water they had was tea, not soup.

Someone said, "My family is having a wedding soon, so I'm learning to cook like this. It's delicious and there's no waste, so why not?"

He also didn't forget to put melon seeds and candies into his pockets. They had never seen these candies before!

At the men's table, Duke Lu said, "The wine is delicious today, just like what we had during Chinese New Year!" Duke Huo said, "The dishes are delicious too!"

The lamb, seemingly a simple dish, is not prepared simply. It's roasted, and stuffed with seasonings prepared days earlier. I got up early this morning and set up a row of grills in an open space far from the mansion. They roasted it this morning, and then plated it after it was done. Every dish takes a lot of effort.

The wedding banquet lasted until sunset, and everyone went home one after another! It wasn't until the evening that all the guests were sent away! Old Mrs. Li and the elderly and children in her family were sent to the space to rest.

The Jiahe brothers looked after the outside. The guards helped clean the courtyard. The women were busy with the kitchen and the main hall. They divided the work and cooperated. The tables, chairs, benches, and dishes were all theirs, which were washed and sent to the warehouse. At midnight, the courtyard finally quieted down. Ye Heng ordered, "Secure the mansion!" The captain of the guards said, "Yes, Your Highness, don't worry. We have arranged for staff to take turns guarding the Princess's Mansion and our own palace." Ye Heng nodded.

The women in the family greeted each other and went to watch the newlyweds' wedding night. Guoguo whispered, "Auntie, you want to go too?" Wang Min chuckled and said, "To see. I'm worried."

Zuo Xiaoqian hadn't left yet, wanting to see the bridal chamber. She'd leave through the back door. Zhang Baohua said, "Let's see. It's okay."

A group of people quietly walked to the newlyweds' quarters. They watched quietly, haha. "They haven't slept yet!" Guoguo said, "They have to talk. There's a prelude!" "A moment in the bridal chamber is worth a thousand gold! Silly!" Huanhuan and Chai En knew someone was outside, and as soon as they approached the room, they both knew.

Inside, Huanhuan spoke affectionately, "Yu Ru," ashamed. Outside, Wang Min, utterly embarrassed, slowly left. Her daughters looked at her, then at the couple. When they arrived, the room was completely silent, preventing anyone from seeing what was going on inside. Chai En was so clever, how could he let anyone else see him?!

Waiting until there was no one outside, the two of them could enjoy their own world! The moon in the sky hid in the clouds, blushing with shame! [10,000 words omitted here.]

That night, Chai En finally got a taste of a woman’s charm, no, the charm of a girl. He was almost thirty years old, and he had just started to have sex. It was like he loved it!! Xuyao ​​could not sleep until dawn. Chai En was very excited. He got up to get some hot water and helped Xuyao ​​wash her body. Then he went to sleep with the girl! They did not wake up until lunch. When Xuyao ​​opened her eyes, she exclaimed, “Ahhhhhh!” She covered her eyes with her hands, feeling extremely embarrassed. Chai En’s deep and magnetic voice rang out, “Eat something, you’ll be hungry!” Xuyao ​​was embarrassed. Chai En: “Are you feeling unwell? Are you still feeling uncomfortable?” Chai Xuyao ​​looked at him without saying anything. Chai En sat down on the bed, picked up the girl, and whispered, “I’ll feed you. You haven’t eaten for two meals. Your body will be damaged!” He then leaned the girl against the head of the bed, walked to the table, brought out egg custard, and fed it to Xuyao. Chai En said, "Just tell me what you have to say. From now on, I will be your heaven and the head of the family. I will protect you and you will have a safe and smooth life!" Xu Yao looked at Chai En, laughed, and said, "Give me back my heaven, I need oxygen now! Give it to me." Chai En was dumbfounded. What is oxygen? He doesn't even know it, okay? Xu Yao said, "We will be a family from now on, right?" "Yes." Chai En said without hesitation. Xu Yao said again, "The two of us will form a family, you understand!" Chai En nodded, "I understand. Without you, I am single. With you, I have a family. Don't worry, my family only has one daughter-in-law in their lifetime and will not take concubines." "Well, there are indeed many men here who have many wives and concubines in their backyards. That is the bad nature of men! Humph, it's an insult to yourself to be a man. What do you mean there should be many women in the backyard? Bullshit. That's a reason for men to play with women! While playing with women, they are also insulting themselves. Give men dignity, bullshit, only people who are worse than pigs and dogs say that!"

Many of Chai En's ideas cannot keep up with Xuyao's thinking. He will learn and change slowly! Xuyao, again felt that it was meaningless to say these words, so she got up and washed herself. Chai En followed her. Xuyao ​​looked at her and said nothing. If she wanted to follow, then follow. She was not very familiar with this place. The mansion was too big and she had not yet visited it all. Xuyao ​​didn't think much about it and tidied herself up after washing. Hehe, she still didn't know how to do the hairstyle here. Chai En helped Xuyao ​​to tie her hair. With the hairpin, she looked like a great beauty from ancient times. Xuyao ​​put on her own light makeup, which was fresh, gentle and generous! There was a light in her eyes that the women here didn't have! Chai En smiled. This was the girl he liked. Now she was his woman. He smiled and said, "Let's go to the front yard for lunch!"

Today, they were supposed to visit their parents this morning, but Old Lady Li knew that it wasn't allowed there. So she sent word that the two of them could sleep in as long as they wanted. Wang Min had no objections and followed her mother's instructions.

Guoguo and Yeheng came with the kids and had lunch together. It was annoying that we didn't eat together earlier.

The children ran around and played, their laughter and laughter making a noise. Shibao was Yeheng's personal charm. Yeheng thought it was best to hold the children while they were still young. He wouldn't be able to hold them when they grew up, just like the second, third, fourth, and fifth babies, who wouldn't let him hold them, rarely spending the entire day away from him. They were happily playing on their own. The triplets would occasionally ask him for a hug. Jiubao mostly walked on his own, and Guoguo rarely held him. His son rarely let Shuhua and the others hold him.

Xuyao ​​saw Guoguo and called out, "Hello, Auntie!" "Did you get enough sleep?" Haha. Xuyao: "I did." Chai En: "Hello, sister." "Well, brother, be good to Xuyao!" "Don't worry, I will." Guoguo urged, "If there's anything, let's discuss it!" "I know, I understand. Girls need to be cherished and pampered." She glanced at Xuyao. Xuyao ​​nodded and said, "That's right, I don't know how I got caught up in your temptation. I was thinking of relying on my parents!" Guoguo laughed and said, "From now on, if you're willing, just change someone and rely on Chai En." Hahaha. Everyone in the hall heard this. Fu Chaoxia thought about it, but still didn't quite understand.

This is something that many people don't understand, but they are smart enough not to ask.

A group of people entered the main hall and bowed to the elders. Xuyao ​​offered tea to the elders as a way of recognizing them. Huanhuan and Ma Yuru were already sitting in the main hall. Xuyao ​​did not offer tea because he thought they were of the same generation. Huanhuan and Ma Yuru were still waiting for his brother to offer them tea, but he didn't wait. Guoguo explained, "In our place, people of the same generation don't need to offer tea. Just offer a cup of tea to the elders. From now on, there will be no need for this at any time." Chai Zhen also said quickly, "Our family doesn't need these red tapes. Let's all sit down." Xuyao ​​looked at the people in the room and sat down next to Chai En.

Old Man Chai spoke, "Xuyao ​​is my eldest granddaughter, and I'm happy to see her marry Chai En! I'm her grandfather, and I hope everyone in the Chai family will help. My granddaughter has been pampered by the whole family since she was born. She's never done anything wrong, and no one has ever said a single unpleasant word to her. If there's anything wrong, just speak openly and don't do anything behind the scenes. My granddaughter knows what to do. Furthermore, her knowledge isn't just for everyone, and she deserves everyone's respect. Haha, I've never said a single unpleasant word to my granddaughter. She's sensible, reasonable, and knowledgeable! If I were to say more, it would take days, so I won't say much today! We're all family, so let's just get along! Haha, let's eat." Old Mr. Li Jingwen also spoke, "Haha, Xuyao, haha, this girl is so generous and unconventional. If she were a man, she would be the top scholar in the imperial examination. Haha, I can't even catch up! I often listen to her teach the children, and it's so beneficial! I won't say much more." After hearing this, Xuyao ​​stood up and said, "Xuyao ​​thanks all the elders for their kindness. Hahaha, I am so happy. I won't say much. I'll toast to the elders and peers with a glass of wine. I'll drink it first as a toast." He drank the wine in his hand in one gulp. "Thank you!" Chai En felt that Xuyao ​​was straightforward and good at talking. He smiled and stood up and said, "Xiangyu toasts to the elders! I won't say much. All my gratitude is in the wine. Thank you." Old Man Chai, "Okay, cheers." Li Jingwen: "Cheers." Chai Zhen: "Cheers." Chai Ping'an said nothing, but one sentence, "I am satisfied with my two granddaughters-in-law! Cheers! Hahaha!" Ye Heng: "Let me say one thing, Ma Yuru and Xuyao ​​are both talented women, each with their own learning. Once they enter the Chai family, they are members of the Chai family. I hope that our family will be as harmonious as always! Let's eat."

No one said anything and started eating. Ye Heng fed the two children, while Guo Guo ate alone. The family was happy and harmonious. Ye Heng gave the highest praise. Ma Yuru was also happy. Although she came from a poor family, the Chai family did not despise her and treated her and her parents well.

Three days later, it will be New Year's Day.

[In this section, I didn't write much about weddings. Please think about how ancient weddings have become better. Thank you.]