MGBOWSBTMT Chapter 49

The distant sounds of firecrackers and suona horns filled the air, blending into a joyous clamor, accompanied by the excited shouts and exclamations of the crowd.

 

“The groom is here!”

 

“Mother, look! A big horse!”

 

“Good heavens, what a grand sight.”

 

The Qiao household buzzed with noise and activity. Lu Dongqing rode his horse, drawing closer and closer to the Qiao family’s courtyard gate, his heart pounding like thunder. He nervously rubbed his hands together, took a deep breath, tightened the reins, dismounted, and strode straight to the front door.

 

“Hey, hey, hey, it’s not that easy to get in.”

 

Chen Ping stood at the door, arms outstretched to block Lu Dongqing’s path. He laughed heartily and said, “If you want to marry the ge’r of our Xiahe Village, you’ll have to follow our customs!”

 

“That’s right! Forget the rest. First, down this bowl of wine!” Liu Tian stood on the other side and brought a bowl of wine from the Qiao family courtyard.

 

The wine was purchased by Qiao Ruifeng from a neighboring village. Although no one in the family particularly enjoyed it, drinking wine was an essential part of the celebration on such a joyous occasion, as per the village custom. Therefore, he brought back several jars of it.

 

Lu Dongqing understood and said in a deep and powerful voice, “Alright!”

 

He then took the bowl and gulped it down in a few hearty swallows. Turning the bowl upside down, he declared, “Not a drop left.”

 

“Excellent!”

 

“What spirit!”

 

“Wedding candies! I want wedding candies!”

 

Luo Hongmei, the matchmaker, came over from the Lu family today, bringing her little grandson with her. At this moment, he is shouting for candy, and the other children followed suit.

 

“I want candies too!”

 

“Candies! Candies!”

 

Chen Xiasheng, watching the lively scene, grinned mischievously and shouted loudly, “May Dongqing-ge and Xiao Man-gege live in harmony for a hundred years!”

 

“Happy wedding!”

 

“May you have a baby soon!”

 

A group of children followed suit and chattered. Lu Dongqing threw his head back and laughed, his heart swelling with joy at these auspicious blessings. For a moment, he nearly forgot his own surname.

 

Turning to Lu Huaqing, who came with him to fetch the bride, he said, “Huaqing-ge, please distribute the wedding candies!”

 

“Got it.”

 

Lu Huaqing nodded and grabbed a handful of red paper-wrapped wedding candies from the basket. With a flick of his wrist, he scattered the candies everywhere.

 

“Woo-hoo!”

 

“So many candies!”

 

The children cheered excitedly, while some adults also bent down eagerly to pick them up. Candies were a luxury and no one wanted to miss out.

 

“Look, aren’t these from Liao’s Shop in town?” a woman who had picked up a candy asked her husband in surprise.

 

“They are! Their candies are expensive! I recognize this design!”

 

“The Lu family is really sparing no expense, buying the finest of everything.”

 

“They even borrowed a horse-drawn carriage. How grand! And look, that’s a scholar from town!”

 

In the crowd, Butcher Wang pointed at Lu Huaqing, who was scattering the candies. His face was full of disbelief.

 

“How do you know?”

 

“Rui-xiaozi told me! This Lu family is incredible.”

 

“That’s right. I don’t know which of these two families is more fortunate. They were both so poor before, but they became so rich in such a short time.”

 

“Pity none of us got a share. I have children at home who can get married. If I had known earlier…”

 

“Tch.” Aunt Wang, Chen Xuesheng’s mother-in-law, scoffed. “As if you could match their fortunes. They were already betrothed before their luck turned. I say it’s their fates aligning!”

 

Aunt Wang was very fond of her son’s fulang, Chen Xuesheng, and she also liked Qiao Suiman. She shot back with a laugh. These people didn’t lift a finger to help the Qiao family before, yet now that they were prospering, they suddenly eyed them closely.

 

The newlyweds were in the midst of their wedding, and here they are, spouting such nonsense. How laughable.

 

The person being scolded immediately shut up, realizing that they had said something wrong, and forced an awkward laugh. “You’re right.”

 

By the courtyard gate, Lu Dongqing had already downed his third bowl of wine. The men wanted to keep teasing him, but Qiao Ruifeng couldn’t stand it any longer. “That’s enough. We still have the wedding ceremony to attend to. Let’s finish it early so we can have dinner.”

 

Yu Ping also pulled back Liu Tian, who was getting carried away. “Alright, don’t delay the auspicious hour.”

 

With their intervention, no one blocked the way anymore. The wine had been drunk, the candies distributed and now it was time to fetch the bride and proceed to the ceremony.

 

Finally entering the Qiao household, Lu Dongqing stood outside Qiao Suiman’s door, taking a deep breath. Glancing down at the lover’s knot tied to his wedding robes, he knocked on the door at Qiao Ruifeng’s signal.

 

“Xiao Man, I’ve come to take you home.”

 

Qiao Suiman, who was in the room, blushed under everyone’s teasing gazes and nodded gently.

 

“The bride has nodded!” Feng Jie announced.

 

Chen Xuesheng, standing by the door, opened it with a smile. “The groom may enter!”

 

The couple, who hadn’t seen each other in a month, were finally reunited.

 

Lu Dongqing’s tall frame filled the doorway, blocking the light from outside. His eyes were fixed on Qiao Suiman, and he forgot to speak or move.

 

Dressed in wedding robes, Qiao Suiman sat gracefully on the bed. His fair complexion, and expressive eyes were brimming with affection and joy. His cheeks were rosy and his lips were full, which were slightly curled up at this moment.

 

Qiao Suiman’s eyes sparkled with even more joy. This man was indeed stunned again!

 

“Goodness, groom, don’t just stand there! Hurry and cover the bride’s head with the veil!”

 

Aunt Qian’s words made everyone burst into laughter. This Lu family’s son looked fierce and cold, but unexpectedly he’s a fool.

 

Lu Dongqing snapped out of his daze. Though embarrassed in front of so many people, he didn’t mind. He smiled and walked to Qiao Suiman, picking up the red veil that was placed beside him. When their eyes met, Lu Dongqing’s dark eyes seemed brighter than the stars at night. The smile at the corner of his lips reached his eyes, full of love.

 

“Xiao Man, we’re getting married.”

 

Qiao Suiman kept looking up at Lu Dongqing, his heart softening like a pool of water. He smiled broadly and nodded, “Yes.”

 

The red veil fell gently, blurring Qiao Suiman’s vision. Through the fabric, he could still vaguely make out Lu Dongqing’s fiery gaze fixed on him. He stood slowly, letting Lu Dongqing lead him to the main hall.

 

As soon as the two newlyweds stepped out of the room, Luo Hongmei, who had been waiting in the main hall, shouted loudly, “The newlyweds bid farewell!”

 

Qiao Ruifeng and Qin Yu sat at the head of the hall. The two, who had been in high spirits earlier, now had tears in their eyes.

 

Qiao Suiman and Lu Dongqing bowed together. Hearing Qin Yu’s quiet sobs, Qiao Suiman’s eyes welled up. Choking back tears, he said, “Ge, Qin Yu-ge, you’ve protected me all these years. I’ll never forget your kindness.”

 

Lu Dongqing tightened his grip on Qiao Suiman’s hand, as if to comfort him. “Qiao-da-ge, Qin Yu-ge, don’t worry. I’ll cherish Xiao Man from now on. If he says east, I won’t go west!”

 

Qiao Ruifeng couldn’t help but laugh at the sudden declaration, and even Qin Yu smiled through his tears. “Fine. With those words, we entrust Xiao Man to you.”

 

“Thank you, Da-ge!” Lu Dongqing responded loudly, causing the villagers to laugh.

 

They stepped out of the house hand in hand. Only then did Qiao Suiman truly feel he was leaving the home he lived in for over a decade. Tears pooled in his eyes, spilling over like a breached dam. He sniffled, trying hard not to sob aloud.

 

Suddenly, something round was pressed into his hand. Peeking through the veil, Qiao Suiman saw that Lu Dongqing had secretly slipped him a wedding candy. In a hushed voice, he whispered, “Eat it in the carriage. Don’t cry, alright?”

 

As if coaxing a child.

 

Qiao Suiman’s heart ached and swelled with sweetness. “Mm,” he replied, letting Lu Dongqing carefully help him into the carriage.

 

Seated inside and surrounded by his dowry chests, Qiao Suiman watched as Lu Dongqing rode ahead on horseback, leading the procession slowly toward the western end of the village. Behind them, the villagers’ blessings rang out endlessly.

 

Qiao Suiman unwrapped the candy wrapper, revealing the round candy inside. He suddenly chuckled and put the candy in his mouth. The sweet taste dispelled his feeling of reluctance.

 

Qiao Suiman secretly lifted the veil and looked around the carriage. Before Lu Dongqing mentioned borrowing a carriage to bring him home, he’d never imagined that one day he would be able to ride in such a magnificent carriage. He hadn’t even ridden a donkey cart before.

 

This is wonderful. It’s so nice to be Lu Dongqing’s fulang.

 

Moreover, he said that if Qiao Suiman said east, he wouldn’t go west. Qiao Suiman chuckled again. That meant he’ll be like Qin Yu-ge, whose words even da-ge wouldn’t oppose.

 

The carriage swayed gently as it arrived at the Lu family home. After bowing to heaven and earth, Qiao Suiman was escorted to the bridal chamber to wait.

 

The bed was spread with embroidered sheets made by Miao Lianhua, exquisite and luxurious. The women and fulang who had entered earlier marveled at them, showering it with praise. Some even said they will ask Miao Lianhua to make wedding quilts for their children in the future.

 

Qiao Suiman had no idea what was going on outside. He could only vaguely hear the sound of food being prepared. He felt his stomach and found himself hungry after a busy day.

 

The door opened and someone entered. Qiao Suiman straightened instantly, looking over warily.

 

“Don’t be afraid. I’m Dongqing’s cousin-in-law, you can call me Yan-jie. He was worried you’d be hungry, so he asked me to bring you some food.”

 

So that’s how it is. Qiao Suiman was relieved and said, “Thank you, Yan-jie.”

 

Lifting the veil, he saw a woman who was about the same age as his Qin Yu-ge, with a gentle and soft temperament. Suddenly self-conscious, Qiao Suiman forced a smile.

 

“Go ahead and eat,” Meng Yan sensed his discomfort. “Don’t be nervous. We’re all family now. I’ll go out and greet the guests first, then come back for the bowls and chopsticks.”

 

Qiao Suiman gave her a grateful look, “Mm, alright.”

 

After Meng Yan left, Qiao Suiman patted his chest. Good heavens, he had never met someone so gentle before. He was afraid of being too casual and offending her, but from her tone, she seemed easy to get along with.

 

Qiao Suiman looked at the food on the table again. There were fine flour steamed buns, stewed meat, stir-fried chicken, chives and egg, and other green vegetables. It’s the same dishes as before, and he took a little of each.

 

The aroma made his stomach growl. Picking up his chopsticks, he ate carefully, mindful of not smudging his makeup.

 

Not long after he finished, Meng Yan returned to collect the empty dishes. Qiao Suiman sat back on the bed, his head drooping as drowsiness set in.

 

Just as he was about to topple backward, the door opened.

 

Lu Dongqing walked in, reeking of alcohol. Qiao Suiman, who is sensitive to the smell, wrinkled his nose. Drinking at weddings was unavoidable, but since Lu Dongqing isn’t a drunkard like his father, he didn’t mind.

 

“Had too much?” Qiao Suiman asked softly.

 

Lu Dongqing tugged at his collar, feeling a little hot. “Not too much.”

 

Then he stood motionless by the bed, picked up the veil rod, and slowly lifted the red veil.

 

Qiao Suiman’s eyes were full of emotion. Even after a whole day, he was just as beautiful as before. Setting aside the veil and rod, Lu Dongqing sat down on the bed and slowly approached Qiao Suiman.

 

Qiao Suiman didn’t know where to look, his eyelashes fluttering. Finally, he closed his eyes.

 

The next moment, a tender kiss landed on the corner of his lips. It’s a tender touch that finally made up for the regret of not kissing on the day of the Qixi Festival.

 

After satisfying his craving, Lu Dongqing suddenly remembered what he still needed to do. “I smell like alcohol. I’ll go wash up first. Do you want to wash up too?”

 

“I’ll just wash my face. Where… where will you wash?”

 

“There’s a washroom next door. I’ll bring you a basin of water.”

 

With that, Lu Dongqing untied the sash at his waist and removed the love knot. Remembering something, he handed it to Qiao Suiman like a treasure. “I knew you’d understand what I meant. I asked my mother to teach me, but mine turned out ugly, so I gave you the one she made.”

 

Now Qiao Suiman was surprised. “You made this yourself?”

 

“Mm. I wanted to make one for you, but it didn’t turn out well, so I wore this one instead.”

 

“I guessed it was meant to be worn.” Qiao Suiman smiled sweetly. Though Lu Dongqing didn’t ask his elder brother to relay the message, he understood the intention and tied it to his wedding robes early that morning.

 

A surge of heat rushed through Lu Dongqing. He removed his wedding robes, leaving only his undergarments, his muscular frame even more pronounced. There was no one else in the newly built room, so going to the bathroom like this wasn’t a big deal.

 

Qiao Suiman lowered his head, too shy to look. When Lu Dongqing returned with water, he washed his face, removed his wedding robes, and waited for Lu Dongqing in only his undergarments.

 

The thought of what was to come made his face burn hotter. Clutching his hands nervously, he didn’t dare move.

 

This was the scene that Lu Dongqing saw when he came back. His fulang was waiting in the candlelight, biting his lips gently, and the look in his eyes was like water that wanted to draw him in.

 

Before the wedding, Lu Huaqing had given him an illustrated manual. Combined with what he’d seen during their days as refugees, he knew what to do next. At that moment, he returned to the bedside and finally fulfilled his wish to embrace Qiao Suiman.

 

Gentle kisses landed on his face and neck before returning to his lips, growing fervent and hungry. Qiao Suiman kept his eyes shut, whimpering occasionally under Lu Dongqing’s attack. Their tongues tangled, and a trail of saliva escaped at the corner of his mouth.

 

A pair of large hands undid his undergarment. The hands, calloused from years of working with bamboo, glided over his skin, sending shivers down his spine. Qiao Suiman bit his lip to suppress any sound, but Lu Dongqing gently stopped him.

 

The undergarment slipped off completely. His waist was lifted, and finally, it entered him.

 

Qiao Suiman’s eyes were filled with tears, which were licked away by the man on top of him. He trembled and said, “It hurts…”

 

“Xiao Man, it won’t hurt for long. Don’t be afraid, okay?”

 

Lu Dongqing cradled the back of Qiao Suiman’s head and slowly began to move, whispering softly to him.

 

Qiao Suiman opened his eyes. The tenderness in Lu Dongqing’s gaze eased his fear. Wrapping his arms around Lu Dongqing’s neck, he nuzzled against his chest. “It… doesn’t hurt anymore.”

 

“Xiao Man!”

 

Having tasted the sweetness, Lu Dongqing remained gentle and upright. Gradually, Qiao Suiman occasionally let out a few pleasurable moans, prompting him to speed up his movements.

 

The embroidered mandarin duck quilt tossed and turned as the lovers merged like fish in water. Only when the red candles had burned to their ends did the room finally quieted down.

 

Qiao Suiman had already fallen asleep. Lu Dongqing put on his clothes and went to get some water. He gently washed him clean before hugging him and falling asleep again.

 

—

 

Author’s note [陳皮皮梅]:

I’m exhausted, this got locked[mfn]Refers to the platform’s content moderation system locking/chapter for potential policy violations, requiring edits.[/mfn] several times, so I had to change it to this version (cry loudly).

 

Please leave reviews~ Surviving in the V-system[mfn]refers to the platform’s paid chapter model, where readers must pay to access locked (“VIP”) chapters.[/mfn] is too tough (crying-laughing)

 

 

 

 

 

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