Chapter 28: The Wedding Ceremony
The newlyweds stepped out as firecrackers sounded once more. Jiang Chenghan did not let go of Yan Jingshu, instead half-supporting, half-holding his wrist as they walked out of the main hall under the reluctant gazes of the Dowager Lady Yan and the Duke of Anguo, heading toward the main gate.
The wedding matron found this somewhat improper, but since Yan Jingshu remained silent, obediently allowing Jiang Chenghan to hold him without resistance, and neither the Dowager Lady Yan nor the Duke of Anguo said anything—and given Jiang Chenghan’s tall, imposing stature—she dared not intervene. Thus, she kept quiet and followed them all the way to the gate.
According to tradition, the bride (or groom, in this case) must not touch the ground when leaving home and must be carried out by a male relative. The Duke of Anguo had selected a decently reliable distant cousin from Yan Jingshu’s side to carry him out.
Jiang Chenghan had only hastily studied the groom’s ceremonial duties and was unaware of the bride’s customs. As they neared the gate, he made to continue leading Yan Jingshu out directly, but the cousin remembered his duty and stepped forward, bending down to carry Yan Jingshu on his back.
The wedding matron quickly moved to assist, guiding Yan Jingshu onto the cousin’s back. Realizing this must be part of the bridal customs, Jiang Chenghan released Yan Jingshu and followed behind as they proceeded toward the gate.
However, after just a few steps, as the cousin carried Yan Jingshu over the threshold, he stumbled, failing to lift his foot high enough. Both he and Yan Jingshu nearly toppled over.
Gasps erupted from the onlookers, but luckily, Jiang Chenghan was right behind them. Sensing the mishap, he lunged forward in one swift motion, catching Yan Jingshu securely in his arms.
As for the cousin, now relieved of Yan Jingshu’s weight and with the matron steadying him, he only staggered slightly and avoided falling.
"...Are you alright?" Sensing Yan Jingshu’s arms tightening around his shoulders, Jiang Chenghan guessed he might have been frightened and spoke softly.
Yan Jingshu made no sound, only shaking his head slightly to indicate he was unharmed. Yet, his grip on Jiang Chenghan showed no sign of loosening.
Glancing at the cousin, who, though not fallen, had sprained his ankle and could no longer stand without support, Jiang Chenghan thought for a moment before asking the person in his arms, "Shall I carry you to the sedan chair?"
Since the cousin could no longer carry Yan Jingshu, and tradition seemed to dictate that Yan Jingshu couldn't walk out on his own—though Jiang Chenghan didn’t fully understand the reasoning—he saw no point in dwelling on it. Instead, he opted to ask Yan Jingshu directly. If acceptable, he would simply carry him out himself.
Though somewhat unconventional, Yan Jingshu naturally preferred Jiang Chenghan’s embrace over being carried by another. He had no objections.
Seeing Yan Jingshu nod, Jiang Chenghan wasted no time. Holding him securely, he strode out of the Duke of Anguo’s residence. The crowd erupted in teasing laughter, with Jiang Chenghan’s fellow soldiers leading the boisterous cheers.
Ignoring them, Jiang Chenghan descended the steps without a sideways glance and approached the bridal sedan. A maid had already opened the curtain. Stepping over the sedan poles, Jiang Chenghan bent slightly and effortlessly lifted Yan Jingshu inside, ensuring he was seated comfortably before stepping back and straightening up.
With the groom successfully retrieved, it was time to return for the wedding ceremony.
Jiang Chenghan walked to the front of the procession, mounted his horse, and flicked his whip to signal the departure. The long wedding entourage followed as he guided his horse at a leisurely pace.
The rented courtyard was only two streets away from the Duke of Anguo’s residence—not far by any means, but the procession moved slowly, taking nearly half half a shichen (1 hour) to arrive.
Jiang Chenghan dismounted, while Yan Jingshu was assisted out of the sedan. Each holding one end of a red silk ribbon, they entered together and proceeded to the main hall.
Though a wedding, Jiang Chenghan had few relatives or friends in the capital. Only his superior Kou Shijun and a few colleagues attended the banquet, making the occasion far quieter compared to the lively celebrations at the Duke of Anguo’s residence—almost desolate.
But Yan Jingshu had long known this would be the case and harbored no resentment. Besides, his mind was too preoccupied with other matters to dwell on such trivialities.
Following the officiant’s prompts, they bowed to heaven and earth, then proceeded to the bridal chamber. Only when seated on the wedding bed, the sudden silence around him, did Yan Jingshu realize how fiercely his heart was pounding.
Before he could steady his emotions, the bridal veil was lifted. Light flooded his vision, and Yan Jingshu instinctively looked up, meeting a pair of deep, bright eyes filled with gentle warmth. Unable to help himself, his own eyes curved into a smile, lips quirking slightly into a soft, serene expression.
From their first meeting, Jiang Chenghan had known Yan Jingshu was beautiful—elegant brows, striking eyes, lips like vermilion, skin like snow—yet without a trace of femininity. Instead, he exuded a transcendent grace, refined and noble, like the epitome of a "gentleman as pure as jade." Now, clad in crimson and gold wedding robes, his already exquisite features took on an even more captivating radiance, stunning Jiang Chenghan—who had always believed himself indifferent to appearances and, after two lifetimes, considered himself worldly—into a momentary daze.
Jiang Chenghan’s awed admiration was unmistakable, and Yan Jingshu, seeing it, felt both joy and a rush of warmth to his cheeks. Embarrassed, he lowered his head slightly, gaze shifting away.
Jiang Chenghan finally snapped out of his daze, coughing awkwardly before sitting down beside Yan Jingshu. Though the wedding ceremony was complete, the bridal chamber still had many rituals to follow—scattering the bed curtains, eating raw food, drinking the shared nuptial wine, and so on. It took another half an hour before all the formalities were finally completed.
[Scattering the bed curtains: guests toss coins, nuts, and fruits onto the marital bed to bless the couple with fertility and prosperity; Eating raw food: the bride and groom consume raw dumplings, symbolizing the wish for children; Drinking shared nuptial wine: the couple drinks from two cups tied together with red string, representing unity and harmony in marriage]
The wedding matron and her attendants withdrew, leaving only Jiang Chenghan, Yan Jingshu, and the two personal maids Yan Jingshu had brought as part of his dowry.
Jiang Chenghan stood up, about to say something to Yan Jingshu, when suddenly the window of the bridal chamber was loudly slapped from the outside. A rough male voice shouted, "Lao Jiang, what’s taking so long? Hurry up and come drink with us! Don’t forget you still owe us three rounds! If you don’t come out soon, we’ll barge in and drag you out—"
As the man spoke, several other voices joined in, teasing and egging him on.
Jiang Chenghan immediately recognized his colleagues and couldn’t help but look resigned. Raising his voice, he replied, "Got it, I’m coming."
Only then did the men outside leave, satisfied. Turning back, Jiang Chenghan said apologetically to Yan Jingshu, "Sorry if they startled you. They’re my friends, rough around the edges and not too concerned with etiquette, but they’re good people. They won’t do anything outrageous, so don’t worry."
Yan Jingshu was well acquainted with these friends of Jiang Chenghan’s. They were his sworn brothers, closer than blood relatives, and in his past life, they had even helped him. Naturally, he held no dislike or resentment toward them.
He smiled and said to Jiang Chenghan, "I know. It’s fine, I’m not bothered." Then he added, "They’re waiting for you, you should go. Don’t keep them too long."
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