After the large group photo, it was time for smaller ones. Lin Yuan and the others took photos with everyone before the auspicious hour arrived.
The three young ladies from the Civil Affairs Bureau packed up their photography equipment and returned to their car to retrieve the "little bees" (loudspeakers), party poppers, and several bronze fire basins.
The leader, wearing the "little bee" as a microphone, acted as the wedding officiant. Once everyone was in place, she announced loudly, "Distinguished guests, these are difficult times. As in ancient times, the wedding will be a simple ceremony. We welcome the bride and groom to enter, to hold the red silk, and to cross the fire basins."
"Patter patter patter..." Enthusiastic applause erupted.
Other residents of the community, including the neighborhood director Yang Hong, had also arrived. Wang Zhihai and Zhao Mengnan, who were handling guest reception outside, offered warm welcomes. It was a bit awkward to refuse them outright, as they were all neighbors.
"Fellow comrades, space is limited, so please bear with us and stand. Later, we will offer everyone a full cup of wine, a bowl of steaming fish soup, and fried fish pieces as compensation."
"It's alright, it's alright. We're just here to offer our blessings to the newlyweds. We're all from the same community, and this is a major life event. We had to come."
The guests had not come empty-handed; they all brought a fresh fish, mostly medium-sized, and some even brought large river shrimp.
"A red silk held by two people. Matchmaker ties the three lives, hand in hand till white hair. Borrowing heavenly fire to ignite a basin of flames, the newlyweds pass over the fire, for a bright and fiery life!"
Lin Yuan and Wu Tian held the red silk. There were no embroidered balls attached, but Aunt Mo Qingmei from Zeng Yilong's team had tied the red silk into a simple embroidered ball, connecting them, which served as a symbol.
They crossed three fire basins and arrived before the pavilion, where Lin Shouyi and Wang Yixin were already seated properly.
After Wu Tian wrapped the red silk around Lin Yuan's chest, the officiant loudly read the marriage vows:
"Two families united, one contract made, a blessed union forever, a perfect match. Behold this day, like blooming peach blossoms, fitting for the home and family; may future generations flourish and multiply, prospering greatly. With a vow of eternal love, inscribed on this paper, let the 'red leaf' pact be clearly recorded in the marriage register.
Do you both consent?"
Lin Yuan held Wu Tian's hand, his lips filled with a smile. "I do."
Wu Tian's face was burning hot. The snowflakes that landed on her face melted into mist, but she still said firmly, "I do too."
The officiant raised the marriage vows high. "This is witnessed! Heaven, earth, sun, moon, and stars bear witness!"
"Hooray, hooray! Brother Lin Yuan, Sister Wu Tian, may you be well!" Zhao Anjing's shouts were no longer the loudest. Jiang Ziqi waved her left hand incessantly, her tentacles wrapped around her almost uncontrollable.
"Good!"
"All the best, Captain!"
"..."
Many girls, unlike the carefree Jiang Ziqi, were on the verge of tears. They wished for a wedding like this too!
After the marriage vows were read, it was time for the next step.
"Groom and bride, bow to heaven and earth!
First bow to the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, the stone of three lives for destiny; one bow!
Second bow to the essence of the sun and moon, all things grow by its light; two bows!
Third bow to spring, summer, autumn, and winter, for timely rain and favorable wind, and abundant harvests; three bows!"
The couple turned sideways to face heaven and earth. The officiant recited a line, and they bowed. After bowing, they turned to face Lin Shouyi and Wang Yixin.
"Water has its source, trees have their roots; children never forget their parents' nurturing grace.
Bow to your elders!
First bow to parents who raised me; one bow!
Second bow to parents who taught me; two bows!
Third bow to harmonious relationships, turning yellow earth into gold; three bows!"
At this moment, Lin Shouyi and Wang Yixin were also immensely moved. Their son had grown up and married a wonderful woman. How could they not be happy?
"Meng Yue, have some tea!" Wang Yixin solemnly handed over the Mingqian Longjing tea that Lin Shouyi had brewed.
This represented respect and harmony. Wu Tian deserved this cup of tea.
"Elders serve tea, family harmony; descendants shall last forever!"
"Two hearts in love, a match made in heaven. In heaven, we wish to be birds flying wing to wing; on earth, we wish to be trees with branches intertwined!
Husband and wife bow to each other!
One bow, share blessings, endure hardships together.
Two bows, conjugal love, soon to bear noble children!
Three bows, grow old together, united in heart forever!"
The crimson gauze hat and the phoenix coronet touched each other in harmony.
"The newlyweds drink the *he jin* wine together!" After the officiant finished, Wu Mengyao and Sun Qin each brought a small cup of wine, less than an ounce, and handed them to Wu Tian and Lin Yuan.
*He jin* wine is the crossed-arm wine. The couple had to entwine their arms before drinking.
Seeing that they had finished drinking, the officiant quickly announced, "The ceremony is complete!"
"Bang, bang, bang!" Three small party poppers sounded, signaling the end of the wedding.
"The newlyweds have completed the ceremony. Everyone, please eat now. We have fragrant and delicious fish soup, spicy and refreshing chopped chili fish head! There's also grilled fish and fried fish pieces. Eat up, eat up!" Following Lin Yuan's instructions, Zeng Yilong began inviting everyone to eat as the ceremony concluded.
"Comrades, please wait a moment. Stay and have a meal," Lin Yuan called out to the Civil Affairs Bureau staff who were preparing to leave.
"This..." The leader hesitated. At this moment, Ying Tianlong walked over and said gently, "It's fine, please stay and eat. I'll inform your department head."
"Since that's the case, we gratefully accept. We also wish Comrade Lin Yuan and Comrade Wu Tian a happy wedding!" Having received assurance from their superior's superior, the three young ladies regained their lively spirits and joined the crowd, holding bowls, slurping fish soup, and gnawing on grilled fish.
The entire community, numbering just over a hundred people, came forward one by one to toast Lin Yuan. Of course, the rules of the safety zone could not be violated. Once the set amount was reached, the wine in the cups turned into tea.
"Happy wedding!"
"Happy wedding, Captain!"
"Happy wedding, Brother Lin Yuan, Sister Wu Tian!"
"Happy wedding, Old Lin!"
"Happy wedding..."
"..."
Lin Yuan patiently and sincerely replied to each person, chatting with old acquaintances. Wu Tian watched from the side, occasionally giggling, and exchanged a few words with her close friends when they arrived.
The wedding attire would be returned tomorrow, as long as it was kept undamaged. The red silk did not need to be returned; Lin Yuan had traded a jade bracelet for it.
Just as he finished replying and was about to rest, he saw Wang Xiaoxin drinking fish soup not far away.
He frowned and walked over with Wu Tian.
"What's up, Old Wang? Why are you squatting here alone, like a middle-aged person who's seen through the world?"
Wang Xiaoxin was clearly lost in thought. Lin Yuan's voice startled her, and she replied flusteredly, "No, nothing. I was just contemplating life."
This guy likely had something on her mind. However, Lin Yuan couldn't interfere too much. He simply said, "Alright, alright, don't be so melancholic here. Come and eat with us. It's lively!" He knew that if she had something to say, she would say it; he didn't need to ask.
Pulled to sit in the tent, Wang Xiaoxin remained silent, looking at Lin Yuan's back, her fingers twisting together, clearly conflicted.
"No, if I do this, I won't be able to find that most important thing."
Her murmured words went unheard. Jiang Ziqi was still excitedly discussing her own life events with Lin Yuan and the others, completely oblivious to this scene.
The wedding banquet concluded at 11 o'clock, with all guests happy and parting amicably. The remaining debris was also cleaned up by others, which earned Lin Yuan's praise for the community members' conduct.
The night grew deep and quiet.
Tonight, Jiang Ziqi was thoughtful and didn't sleep with them, instead going to sleep with Mu Qing Tian and Cao Xueqin. Was it not more stimulating for Lin Yuan to be with the stunning beauty Cao Xueqin?
"Husband~"
Lin Yuan: (=ﾟДﾟ=)
This is too exciting!
"Wife~ The spring night is short, let us not waste the good times, hehehe (º﹃º)"
"Mmm~"
(The text that should be omitted is omitted here~)