Chapter 1, The Change of the Wedding

Such grandeur is extremely rare in a small county town, and neighbors on both sides have come out to observe, yet the expressions on everyone's faces vary greatly

Several attendants helped the groom dismount, and then a matron lifted the sedan chair door to assist the bride out. Many people on the scene were taken aback, as the bride's delicate white hands were tightly bound behind her with red silk ribbons

Everyone was taken aback and simultaneously turned their faces to look at the speaker

The Fan family is prosperous and influential, and they have even produced a current Minister of State. When returning home to pay respects to their ancestors, they do so in a grand sedan chair carried by eight bearers. As a result, the locals have given him the nickname "Fan Eight Bearers." In calling him this way, they have even forgotten the minister's real name. It is said that Old Master Fan passed away ten years ago, leaving only Old Madam Fan alive. Fan Eight Bearers has sent people to invite her to the capital twice, but Old Madam Fan refuses to move, preferring to stay in the county with her eldest son. Today, the one getting married is none other than Fan Eight Bearers' nephew, Young Master Fan. Old Madam Fan dotes on him excessively, always complying with his wishes and fulfilling his requests. Therefore, this time, for her grandson's wedding, she cannot be careless. A grand banquet is being held, and not only are the neighboring villagers invited, but even passing guests who are willing to come and offer their congratulations can stay to enjoy the feast.

The young man in blue smiled and said: "I am merely passing by and would like to ask for a cup of celebratory wine to share in the joy."

The crowd shook their heads and gradually followed through the door

No one dares to refuse to pay, yet everyone hesitates, unwilling to take the lead.

The bride was untied and did not cry or fuss, obediently holding the red silk as she walked into the door, which greatly pleased Young Master Fan. However, as she stepped over the threshold, the bride accidentally tripped over her long dress, causing her veil to fall. Fortunately, she reacted quickly, raising her long sleeves to cover her face. A nearby maid swiftly picked it up and put it back on her, thus avoiding embarrassment. Young Master Fan shot a few glares at the maids but, being a day of great joy, restrained himself from losing his temper.

The neighbors all shook their heads and smiled wryly

What does a child know! The woman quickly pulled him back into her arms and covered his mouth, scolding in a low voice, "Don't tear your mouth apart! If the Fan family hears you, they'll set the dogs on you!"

The person looked around, did not respond, and simply sighed

Unexpectedly, the bride showed no signs of resistance and quietly followed the matron up the steps

The street in the small county town was bustling with activity, with the sound of suona horns resonating, gongs and drums creating a lively atmosphere, and the continuous crackle of firecrackers. The groom, dressed in ceremonial attire and wearing a gauze hat, appeared to be in his twenties, with a fair and plump complexion, riding a tall, proud horse. Following closely behind were several attendants in red clothing, along with four individuals carrying a large red bridal sedan chair. The long procession of wedding guests disappeared around one corner of the street, while the other end had yet to be seen, suggesting that a grand celebration was underway at a prominent family home.

The bride who has not yet entered the door was snatched away, and the Zhang family in the southern part of the city dared to be angry but did not dare to speak out

The wedding hall was decorated in an extravagant manner, with the elderly matriarch sitting joyfully at the top. Below her stood the master of the house and his wife, Madame Liu. Their son had been indulging in debauchery outside, and the master and his wife were already anxious, yet they dared not intervene due to the presence of the matriarch. Although the daughter-in-law was taken by force, at least their son was attentive; if he could show some ambition, they might soon be able to hold a grandchild.

The saying goes, "When one person ascends to the Dao, even the chickens and dogs rise to heaven." This is exemplified by the Fan family, who are not to be trifled with in Menjing County. Recently, the young master of the Fan family took a liking to a girl from the Bai family. Although the Bai family is not wealthy, they live a relatively comfortable life. Madam Bai passed away early, leaving behind only one daughter, affectionately named Xiao Bi, who has long been promised to the young master of the Zhang family in the south of the city. How could she accept another suitor? Moreover, the Fan family has a poor reputation, with the young master of the Fan family often associating with a group of debauched youths indulging in drinking, gambling, and other vices. Mr. Bai was naturally unwilling to marry his daughter to him, and thus he declined the proposal. This angered the young master of the Fan family, who then brought his servants to forcibly take her away. Mr. Bai was so enraged that he died on the spot, and Bai Xiao Bi wept bitterly, refusing to enter the bridal sedan chair, insisting on burying her father first; otherwise, she would rather die than comply.

The young man in the blue robe closed his folding fan and lowered his voice, saying: "Is it possible that the bride is not willing?"

Everyone feared the power of the Fan family, and they approached with forced smiles to offer their congratulations. The young man in blue snapped open his fan with a "pa" sound, seemingly indifferent as he waved it.

Seeing him dressed exceptionally well and being the first to show respect, the butler immediately courteously allowed him to enter

The person shook his head: "It is better not to drink this wedding wine."

The butler's expression turned unfavorable

The bride's sedan chair soon arrived outside the groom's house, with high steps and a magnificent vermilion gate. It is truly unexpected that such a wealthy family exists in the small town of Menjing County. At this moment, the inside of the gate was bustling with a festive atmosphere, and both sides of the steps were crowded with people.

A bow to heaven and earth

Upon seeing the bride, the young man in blue slightly frowned and was about to speak when he heard an elderly voice from behind say: "This is not good, this girl is destined to bring misfortune to her husband"

The young man in blue smiled as he looked around at the crowd, closed his folding fan, and stepped forward to clasp his fists in salute: "How could I miss such a good occasion? I happened to pass through your county and came specifically to congratulate the host."

The bride, adorned in splendid makeup, wore a large red wedding veil that obscured her face. From her petite figure, she appeared quite endearing. A young man in blue observed her closely, lightly tapping his palm with the handle of his fan, and remarked: "Indeed, she possesses some beauty; no wonder Young Master Fan wishes to elope with her. However, it seems to me that she does not appear to be unwilling."

After Young Master Fan and the bride entered, the steward stood at the entrance, with an air of arrogance: "Today is a joyous occasion for our young master, and the Minister has also sent gifts to congratulate him. Thanks to the kind support of the villagers, our esteemed matriarch has specifically instructed that all villagers and passing guests present today, regardless of their names or origins, are invited to come inside for a cup of celebratory wine and to join in the festivities"

The child has indeed fallen silent

The story begins in a small county named Menjing, but it is unclear which dynasty or era it belongs to.

That person was leaning against the door frame, standing at the entrance in a timid manner. He was over seventy years old, dressed in tattered clothes, with a face covered in dust and a head full of white hair. What was even more striking were his eyes, which were murky to the point that it was almost impossible to distinguish the whites from the pupils. He was indeed the blind old man who pushed the stone mill at the Fan family every day.

Young Master Fan could not wait to bow down.

Upon hearing her relent, Young Master Fan was overjoyed and indeed provided funds for the burial of Lord Bai. With the intention of pleasing her, the arrangements were made quite splendidly. Bai Xiaobi wept by her father's grave for three days, while Young Master Fan was not foolish; he had people keep a close watch on her at all times. Even when it came time for her to enter the bridal sedan chair, her hands were bound, as he feared any unforeseen circumstances might lead to a loss of both person and wealth.

The neighbors initially came out of fear of the power of the Fan family, but now, upon witnessing the situation, they all lowered their heads to conceal their expressions of indignation, while many also harbored concerns

That person said: "Fan Baotai has become a high official, and his family is not to be trifled with. Bai Gong was driven to death by them the other day. The young lady is left helpless and alone, and lives are at stake. Even the county magistrate dares not intervene. What can be done if one does not comply? One must resign to fate."

In the front row of the crowd, a young man in blue waved his folding fan and remarked, "I did not expect that Menjing County still has such old customs, how interesting."

At this moment, the bride's hands were bound, making her movements quite inconvenient. She could only rely on the matrons for support and guidance, and could not even hold the red silk. Young Master Fan probably also felt that it was inappropriate to enter the wedding hall in this manner, so he waved his hand and instructed to untie her. After all, she was right under his nose, and there were matrons watching nearby, so it seemed unlikely that anything would go wrong.

The family of Fan Baotai is here to receive the bride! A child of about ten years old clapped his hands in cheer and ran back to his home, asking, "Mother, is the bride in the sedan chair?"

The person standing next to him noticed that Young Master Fan was not paying attention, and hurriedly whispered, "What old customs? Young Master is not from this area, right? Quickly stop talking, be careful not to let them hear."

The scene of binding the bride for marriage is indeed peculiar. The neighbors who are aware of the situation dare not speak much, while many passersby from out of town, who have come to join the excitement, are left puzzled and find it inconvenient to inquire further, quietly expressing their astonishment.