MFBOWSBTMT Chapter 122

Ever since the Dragon Boat Festival, Huang Shuang and Tang Xiao had been very satisfied with Lu Xuesong.

 

Many people in Hedong Village envied them. Their two previous matchmaking attempts had failed, yet they ended up finding such a good match. With Lu Xuesong’s sturdy build, Tang Guo’er would certainly not be bullied in the future.

 

Lu Xuesong visited Hedong Village every ten days or every half a month. They no longer avoided other people’s eyes, as Huang Shuang and Tang Xiao had tacitly approved of their relationship. Let others see if they wished.

 

The hairpin Tang Guo’er wore today was carved by Lu Xuesong. Though he had learned a little from the old bamboo craftsman, his work wasn’t as refined as Lu Dongqing’s, but it was still quite good. Tang Guo’er liked it very much.

 

“Guo’er, is this enough papayas?” asked Aunt Fang from the village.

 

Tang Guo’er examined them carefully and replied, “It’s enough. Thirty jin, right? That’ll be ninety wen, Auntie. Please wait a moment.”

 

After speaking, Tang Guo’er went back into the house and took out his money pouch. He counted out ninety wen, cut a piece of string to thread them together, and handed it to Aunt Fang.

 

“Alright, alright.”

 

Aunt Fang was beaming with joy. The villagers all knew about Tang Guo’er buying fruits in the village. Earlier, he bought sweet oranges and persimmons, and now in the ninth month, he was buying papayas. He had even contributed to Boss Tang’s goat farm business. Everyone hoped he could help them make connections.

 

“Auntie, please bring another thirty jin in eight days. Make sure they’re still of good quality,” Tang Guo’er said with a smile.

 

“Of course! If they’re not sweet or tasty, you can definitely come find me!” Aunt Fang guaranteed.

 

Many villagers grow fruit trees. The Tang family themselves grow crabapples and persimmons, but these only bear fruit for two or three months. His Qiao-gege‘s family has peach trees that bear fruit from the fifth month until the beginning of the eighth month. Other times, they had to find other fruits.

 

In the third and fourth months, there are sweet oranges and mulberries. After asking around the village for a long time and discussing with Qiao Suiman, he finally decided that from the eighth to the tenth month, he would buy papayas and star fruits from the villagers. After these two fruits are out of season, it would be time for the crabapples and persimmons to be harvested.

 

Many households grow papaya and star fruit trees. The price Tang Guo’er offered was slightly lower than the market price, but it saved them the trouble of traveling to the market themselves, so many still came to him. After thinking it over for a few days, he decided to buy papayas from the Fang family and star fruit from a Tang clan relative.

 

Though some were unhappy, they didn’t dare say anything. The Fang family was poorer, with only an elderly and weak at home, and the Tang family were their own relatives. He had reasons for his choices, so things went smoothly.

 

Every day was busy. He wasn’t the only one tending to the family’s fruit trees, so he only received a small share of the money from selling crabapples and persimmons. The rest was kept by his parents. However, he earned a lot of money from picking and selling mulberries before. By the end of the New Year, he had saved up several taels of silver.

 

Tang Guo’er counted the silver in his hand once more, then happily continued sewing shoes and clothes.

 

The fabric for the wedding attire had already been delivered by Lu Xuesong. Miao Lianhua had embroidered a pattern of mandarin ducks playing in water on it, which was incredibly beautiful. The two wedding outfits were slightly different in style. After seeing them, Huang Shuang repeatedly exclaimed that if they were sold in town, they could fetch a lot of money. This showed how much effort his future mother-in-law had put into them.

 

Tang Guo’er has been learning embroidery since he was young, so it wasn’t difficult for him. He worked on it in his spare time and finished in just over a month.

 

Lu Xuesong brought a small basket of eggs. Tang Guo’er stood behind his parents while Huang Shuang smiled and handed the folded wedding attire and shoes to Lu Xuesong, asking, “Is everything well at home?”

 

Lu Xuesong nodded with a grin. “The new house is ready. It’s been aired out for half a month, and the well is done too.”

 

“Good, that’s good. Are the chickens and ducks all right?”

 

Huang Shuang knows that Lu Xuesong is raising several dozen chickens and ducks and cares about them very much. These days, it is rare to have so many poultry. Even in Hedong Village, having a dozen or so is considered a lot.

 

“They’re all fine. Thanks to the methods Tang Yuan-dage taught me earlier, the chickens and ducks are laying more and more eggs.”

 

Tang Guo’er smiled sweetly, making Lu Xuesong’s heart flutter. Huang Shuang and Tang Xiao had nothing else to say, so they said, “Guo’er, see him out.”

 

“Yes, Mother.”

 

The two left the Tang family courtyard and strolled slowly toward the village entrance.

 

“Guo’er,” Lu Xuesong’s gaze was warm and sincere, “Just another month and a half.”

 

Tang Guo’er knew Lu Xuesong was referring to their wedding date. He lowered his head and smiled. “Yes. Next month, you won’t be able to come see me.”

 

“I know.”

 

Lu Xuesong smiled. It was the village custom, so he couldn’t complain. Though it would be hard not to see him for a month, once they are married, they could see each other every day.

 

In the second month, the weather was still cold, and there were few people on the road. Lu Xuesong exhaled a warm breath, tightened his hold on the bundle of wedding clothes, and asked expectantly, “Guo’er, I’ll come see you again in a few days.”

 

“Alright.”

 

They walked side by side. Lu Xuesong held the wedding clothes with one hand, while his other hand slowly moved to Tang Guo’er’s side, with the back of his hand touching the back of Tang Guo’er’s hand.

 

Tang Guo’er lowered his head and secretly smiled but didn’t pull away. Sure enough, the next moment, Lu Xuesong took his hand and held it gently.

 

From the corner of his eye, Tang Guo’er saw that although Lu Xuesong looked composed, his eyes kept shifting elsewhere, unable to look straight at him.

 

Tang Guo’er burst out laughing, squeezed Lu Xuesong’s hand back, and said with a laugh, “Why aren’t you looking at me?”

 

Lu Xuesong’s mind exploded like fireworks. He turned to face Tang Guo’er. “Guo’er, you, you, I…”

 

“I never said you couldn’t hold my hand.”

 

Tang Guo’er’s face flushed slightly, and he also became shy.

 

Lu Xuesong was overjoyed and didn’t know what to say. He could only grin foolishly.

 

When they reached the village entrance, Tang Guo’er chatted and laughed with Lu Xuesong for a while, but it was time to leave. He let go first and said reluctantly, “You should go back now.”

 

“Mn. Guo’er, wait for me to come for you.”

 

“I know.”

 

Tang Guo’er returned home with a beaming smile. He rushed into his room, buried his face in the pillow, and screamed silently.

 

Lu Xuesong is so good. He likes him so much.

 

On the other side, Lu Xuesong returned home while still grinning foolishly. Fortunately, Miao Lianhua didn’t see him or she would definitely tease him.

 

Days passed in anticipation, and soon it was the fourth month. Lu Xuesong inspected the new house over and over. The wedding quilt was spread out, the wooden chest and large wardrobe were in place and adorned with double happiness symbols, and the windows were the same.

 

Satisfied that everything was in order, he left the room and went to the kitchen. The ingredients for the wedding banquet were neatly arranged on the stove and nothing was missing. Only then did Lu Xuesong feel at ease.

 

Miao Lianhua was sweeping the courtyard, Lu Dongqing was chopping wood, and Qiao Suiman was happily eating tanghulu.

 

Lu Xuesong smiled. He only needed to wait until the day after tomorrow to go to Hedong Village and marry Tang Guo’er.

 

Early in the morning, firecrackers crackled noisily at the Tang family home in Hedong Village. Tang Guo’er had been woken up before dawn to wash and dress. He rubbed his eyes and yawned.

 

Yesterday, his second brother’s fulang came to teach him about the wedding night and even brought a picture book. He blushed while looking at it and was still feeling excited when it was time to sleep. Eventually, he drifted off but dreamed of things that made his face burn, so he didn’t sleep soundly.

 

The Tang family has many relatives who gathered in Tang Guo’er’s room, laughing and chattering nonstop. Tang Guo’er changed into his wedding clothes and let the a-mo and aunties apply makeup to his face, but his mind was still in a daze.

 

For breakfast, he only had a bowl of noodles. At noon, when the banquet began noisily outside, only Tang Ting stayed in the room with him.

 

Tang Ting first expressed surprise at Tang Guo’er’s attire today, then said gloomily, “Guo’er, who will I play with after you’re gone?”

 

Tang Guo’er threw a piece of preserved fruit into his mouth. “I’ll come back. I still need to buy fruits.”

 

“Then take me to the drink shop next time,” Tang Ting immediately said.

 

“Grandfather won’t allow it. In a few months, you’ll be married off too. He’ll only scold me for letting you run about.”

 

Tang Guo’er smiled happily and sat on the bed.

 

The two chatted casually, and soon, all the aunties and a-mos returned to the room. Tang Guo’er knew that Lu Xuesong was almost there.

 

Thinking of Lu Xuesong reminded him of the dreams he had last night. His heart pounded, and he quickly grabbed Tang Ting’s arm. “Is my makeup still okay?”

 

Before Tang Ting could answer, a little cousin said, “Guo’er-ge, you look so pretty today, not fierce at all.”

 

Everyone in the room burst into laughter. Tang Guo’er glared at his little cousin. “When have I ever been fierce!”

 

“No, no,” an auntie covered the little cousin’s mouth. “He’s talking nonsense. Our Guo’er is always this pretty.”

 

Tang Guo’er humphed. Previously, his little cousin wanted to go into the river to catch fish, but he didn’t allow it and scolded him a few times. The child still remembers it.

 

After a while, he smiled again. This cousin is going to roll on their new bed later.[mfn]There is a Chinese wedding tradition where a young boy will be invited to roll on the newlywed’s bed to bless them with an abundance of children.[/mfn]

 

The firecrackers outside grew louder, accompanied by the sound of conversations and chatter.

 

Lu Xuesong has arrived.

 

Tang Guo’er immediately sat up straight. Everyone in the room found places to stand, leaving a path for the groom.

 

Tang Guo’er’s heart was beating like a drum. It felt like a long time before he heard the sound of the door opening.

 

He tightly gripped his veil and looked toward the door. Lu Xuesong was standing there with his back to the light, and a smile on his face. Tang Guo’er immediately felt less nervous. His lips curved, his brows and eyes crinkling with joy.

 

“Guo’er, I’ve come to fetch you,” Lu Xuesong said loudly.

 

Tang Guo’er nodded heavily.

 

Tang Ting and the relatives immediately cheered. Tang Guo’er blushed, looking up to meet Lu Xuesong’s gaze as he approached.

 

Once the veil was placed over his head, Tang Guo’er could no longer see the way. He could only be led out by Lu Xuesong.

 

Hearing Huang Shuang and his sisters-in-law sobbing, Tang Guo’er’s nose stung, and only then did he feel truly sad.

 

The donkey cart slowly made its way to Xiahe Village. Tears dripped from Tang Guo’er’s face and spread into his wedding clothes. The more Tang Guo’er thought about it, the sadder he became, and he couldn’t help crying aloud.

 

The curtain was lifted, and Lu Xuesong handed in a stick of tanghulu, and said softly, “Guo’er, don’t cry. We’ll be back in a few days.”

 

But he still couldn’t be at home every day.

 

Tang Guo’er sniffled. “Then, in the future, you must take me back often. All right?”

 

“Of course,” Lu Xuesong replied without hesitation.

 

Tang Guo’er smiled through his tears, his mood improving. He nibbled on the tanghulu. It’s sour and sweet, just like his feelings.

 

When they arrived at the Lu family home, Tang Guo’er felt around the new bed here and there. After a while, he sat properly and heard the door open.

 

It was Qiao-gege bringing him food.

 

Tang Guo’er’s stomach immediately growled at the smell of the food. After eating, Qiao Suiman took the bowls and chopsticks away. With no one to talk to, he grew bored and looked around the room on his own.

 

The room was newly built, and everything was good. Tang Guo’er grew happier. This would be his and Lu Xuesong’s home from now on.

 

The noise outside drew closer. Lu Xuesong entered the room. The little cousin rolled around on the new bed in front of everyone, and the matchmaker scattered red dates and longans. After more commotion, the crowd gradually dispersed.

 

Only Tang Guo’er and Lu Xuesong remained in the room. Lu Xuesong lifted the veil and immediately embraced him, rubbing his cheek against Tang Guo’er’s shoulder. He chuckled softly, “Guo’er, Guo’er, I’ve finally married you.”

 

Tang Guo’er’s neck was tickled from the rubbing. He said softly, “We should wash up.”

 

Lu Xuesong stood up and said quickly. “I’ll go fetch water.”

 

After a while, Lu Xuesong returned with two buckets of water. They took off their wedding clothes, leaving only their thin inner garments.

 

Tang Guo’er’s face turned almost as red as the wedding clothes. He mumbled, “Are you washing up in the room too?”

 

Lu Xuesong looked at Tang Guo’er in confusion, as if he didn’t understand what he meant.

 

Tang Guo’er opened and closed her mouth. They are married, so washing together shouldn’t be a problem.

 

Tang Guo’er washed his face first. Lu Xuesong had already finished undressing and was wiping himself down. Tang Guo’er accidentally glanced over and was immediately startled. How was it different from the picture book? It was… much… much… bigger.

 

Lu Xuesong finished wiping himself down in a few moves, put on his inner garments, and sat back on the bed.

 

It is their first night. Afraid that Tang Guo’er would be shy, he turned around and only turned back after Tang Guo’er finished washing.

 

When Tang Guo’er returned to the bed, Lu Xuesong immediately hugged him. They faced each other, and Lu Xuesong leaned closer and closer until he gently nibbled Tang Guo’er’s lips.

 

Images from the picture book flashed through Tang Guo’er’s mind. Without thinking, he wrapped his arms around Lu Xuesong’s neck and was immediately pressed down onto the bed.

 

His clothes loosened. Tang Guo’er’s eyelids fluttered slightly. His hands tightly gripped the quilt beneath him, and he let out a few soft moans.

 

Little did he know that in Lu Xuesong’s eyes, his appearance is a hundred times more captivating than those in the picture book.

 

The moon hung high in the sky before the commotion in the room finally stopped.  Tang Guo’er was completely exhausted, his face and body covered in fine sweat. He could only let Lu Xuesong wipe him down.

 

“Hu, hu.” Tang Guo’er panted heavily and glared at Lu Xuesong, his cheeks puffed.

 

It was pleasurable, but he really couldn’t take it for too long.

 

Lu Xuesong lowered his eyes and smiled. “It’s my fault for tiring you out.”

 

Then he stole another kiss on Tang Guo’er’s face.

 

Tang Guo’er could do nothing about him. He was also extremely tired. Finding a comfortable position in Lu Xuesong’s arms, he fell asleep quickly.

 

After waiting for a year, he finally married him. Lu Xuesong’s heart felt so full it might overflow. He hugged Tang Guo’er tightly and stroked his face with his hands. After a long time, he closed his eyes in satisfaction.

 

As expected, they woke up late the next day. Tang Guo’er hurriedly served tea to Miao Lianhua and unexpectedly received a silver hairpin. His smile remained on his face the whole day.

 

At home, he had his father, mother, older brother, and sister-in-law doting on him. Here, Miao Lianhua treated him very well. Lu Dongqing and Qiao Suiman were just like his own older brother and sister-in-law. Tang Guo’er felt incredibly fortunate that he forgot to be angry with Lu Xuesong.

 

After walking around the house, and even though he already knew that Lu Xuesong raised many chickens and ducks, Tang Guo’er was still amazed when he actually saw them. There were four full chicken and duck pens. This is all silver!

 

“Should we go cut grass?” Tang Guo’er asked.

 

With so many chickens and ducks, how much do they eat every day?

 

“We’ve cut a lot. It’s in the storage room. We won’t cut more for the next few days.”

 

Lu Xuesong said with a smile, “I’ll take you around the village and show you our land.”

 

“Alright.”

 

Lu Xuesong has been in Xiahe Village for a few years and has become familiar with everyone his age in the village. Tang Guo’er visited a few households with him. He is good-looking and sweet-tongued, so the a-mo and aunties in those families liked him very much and gave him many snacks.

 

When they passed by Butcher Wang’s house, they went to greet him and bought two jin of meat. They had already prepared sugar and wine, and were just waiting to take them to Hedong Village on the day of their return visit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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