Chapter 427 The Bustle at the Wedding Venue
Grandma Bai was the first to present a deposit slip to Ye Shengge, her eyes filled with the reluctance of sending off her daughter years ago. Tears welled up, but she held back, remembering it was a joyous occasion.
Ye Shengge accepted the slip and glanced at it. It was for a full twenty thousand yuan. In reality, Grandma Bai had already given Ye Shengge her dowry; this was merely a public gesture.
"Grandma, did you give me all your private savings?"
"Shengge, you underestimate your grandma. I even feel like I've given too little."
Auntie Jiu smiled as she handed over her wedding gift to Ye Shengge, gesturing for her to open it quickly.
Ye Shengge accepted with a smile. The first impression was its weight. Upon opening it, she found a whole box of gold bars.
"I think my wedding gift alone is enough for me to spend for many years."
In this era, it could even last a lifetime. Ye Shengge herself didn't have a strong sense of money; after all, she'd never lacked it in either of her lives, nor had she personally managed any finances.
"And here's mine. Come, see if you like it."
Ye Shengge took Auntie Jiu's gift, also a box, though much smaller. It still had a good weight to it. Opening it revealed a two-tiered jewelry box. The first layer held a set of diamond jewelry, with the main stone of the necklace alone weighing over twenty carats, and the diamond on the ring over ten.
The lower layer contained a full set of Zhengyang green jade jewelry. The beads were round and full, the color translucent, numbering a hundred and eight. This was another exquisite set, worth a fortune in her previous life.
Without giving Ye Shengge a chance to speak or marvel, Auntie San also handed over an envelope. Ye Shengge sighed inwardly; her family's wealth was also a burden.
Opening the envelope, she found two folded papers. Ye Shengge took a rough look: courtyards in Mingcheng, each a three-courtyard compound.
"I've truly become rich. Thank you, everyone. From now on, I can live comfortably just by lying around."
Grandma Bai tenderly held Ye Shengge's hand, looking at her granddaughter's fair skin and sighing again.
"Shengge, from today onwards, you are no longer a carefree young girl. In the future, you might worry about daily necessities and trivial matters of life. The sweetness of your relationship won't be as it is now, but those are normal. Every family is like that.
Take me, for example. I've never done any chores since I was born, nor have I worried about money. But after getting married, I realized that children, managing the household staff, and even your grandpa's business could lead to arguments between us. Slowly, we got to know each other's true personalities and then adjusted.
However, you and Zixi are doing well. After all, you've dated for so long. It's not like me and your grandpa, who only met a few times before getting married. The fact that we've reached this age is due to mutual consideration and tolerance."
Ye Shengge leaned her head on her grandma's shoulder. She understood what her grandma was saying, but she felt a hint of unease about future marital issues. After all, no matter how much a man loves you, he won't maintain his passion forever. Once things settle down, many flaws will become apparent.
"Grandma, I understand everything. But I have more confidence than any other girl. Even if I don't manage my married life well, I still have you all behind me, so I'm not afraid. I'll live every day happily, and if it really doesn't work out, I'll come back to my maternal home."
Grandma Bai's old-fashioned mindset couldn't fathom the idea of things not working out, especially since, in her era, only husbands could divorce their wives, and even separation was rare. She had intended to advise her granddaughter on tolerance and compromise, but instead, the young girl was contemplating divorce if she wasn't happy.
Ye Shengge saw the disbelief on her grandma's face and knew what she was thinking. She decided not to elaborate further. Deep-rooted beliefs shouldn't be forcefully changed; the passage of time could alter anything.
"Grandma, I will definitely live well. If Zixi dares to bully me, he'll have to think twice. Our family not only has money but also the most men. Just look at my eldest brother; dealing with Zixi would be a piece of cake."
"Hahaha, you're right! We have plenty of backing."
Soon, the outside became noisy. It was clearly the arrival of the welcoming party. Grandma Bai stopped talking and, with her daughters-in-law, hurried out. Next, good friends from the village, along with their daughters and daughters-in-law, came to join the fun.
Chen Tangtang, heavily pregnant, sat in the room with Ye Shengge to entertain guests, as Chen Tangtang's social skills far surpassed Ye Shengge's.
Zi Yisheng changed into a sharp Zhongshan suit and black leather shoes, looking as sharp as ever. He was followed by Asen and his entourage, giving the villagers the impression of a formidable force arriving to snatch the bride.
The Ye family's gate was led by Ye Mu'en, with the six Bai brothers behind him, also looking formidable, suggesting an impending fight.
Zi Yisheng pushed his glasses up his nose and flashed a big smile at Ye Mu'en.
"Brother-in-law, I can finally call you that legitimately. I'm here to take Shengge home!"
Ye Mu'en crossed his arms and shifted his stance slightly, allowing Zi Yisheng to clearly see the setup in the courtyard.
"You can take her, but you have to deal with the people inside first."
Zi Yisheng wouldn't have taken the six Bai brothers seriously; he could handle them himself. But upon seeing the formidable lineup behind them, Zi Yisheng immediately backed down. Three uncles and a father-in-law – who dared to make a move against such a group?
"Well, brother, could you make an exception? Look, Yisheng has waited so many years, it's finally his big day. We can't stop him from entering."
Min Xing acted as a mediator for his friend, but Ye Mu'en was unmoved.
"This is the normal procedure. Every family has it this way when marrying off a daughter. If you have the ability, take her. If not, Shengge can stay home."
Zi Yisheng narrowed his eyes, smiling slyly, and unbuttoned his collar.
"Brothers, for my happiness today, whoever dares to block me from taking my bride, take them down!"
"Yes, leave it to us."
At Zi Yisheng's command, his men charged forward. Asen and Acan first engaged Ye Mu'en, believing that if they could take down this "great weapon," the rest would be easier.
Min Xing also blocked one of them, not truly fighting but preventing Bai Chumo from moving. Soon, they reached Ye's father and the three uncles. Arong bowed his fists and then directly attacked.
"You brat, you've eaten my family's food for nothing and dare to attack me."
"Uncle Ye, please bear with me. If I don't make a move, I'll be kicked out tonight."
"Oh, you're too rough, kid. Bai Laosan, I'll fight you!"
The scene instantly devolved into chaos. The elders in the courtyard watched with great interest, even discussing among themselves who was more skilled.
Ye Shengge grinned as she listened to the commotion outside. Chen Tangtang, even heavily pregnant, peered out the window to watch the battle, not forgetting to narrate the progress to Ye Shengge.
Zi Yisheng was the only one not fighting. He strode to Ye Shengge's door and knocked a few times.
"Wife, I've come to take you home."
"What should we do? What should we do? It's just me and Xiao Tiantian; we can't hold them off."
Chen Tangtang hugged her belly and retreated, looking frightened.
"Just demand the red envelopes. If you get enough red envelopes, you open the door. Don't bother with all that other stuff."
"Ah—but isn't there supposed to be some teasing first?"
Ye Shengge disliked such customs. If it were up to her, they should just open the door and carry her away.
"Quickly ask for the red envelopes. Ouyang will come in later, and you won't get anything. They're practically in cahoots, and he's very biased."
Chen Tangtang immediately went to the door and shouted.
"Young Master Zi, I don't want to make things difficult for you. Just stuff all the red envelopes in here, and I'll open the door. Remember, all of them."
"Alright, I'll give Ouyang a raise tomorrow."
"Hehe, I'll thank you on Ouyang's behalf first."
Zi Yisheng quickly shoved the red envelopes from his pockets through the door crack, leaving not a single one behind. He kept an eye on the situation behind him, fearing any "stumbling blocks."
"I've taken out all the red envelopes on me. Open the door quickly."
Chen Tangtang divided half the red envelopes with Xiao Tiantian and then looked at Shengge. Seeing Shengge nod, she opened the door without hesitation.
Zi Yisheng, mindful of Chen Tangtang being pregnant, didn't push the door open forcefully. He quickly located Chen Tangtang and then hurried into the room. Upon seeing his wife in a red dress sitting on the bed, his steps faltered. Ye Shengge clearly saw a predatory glint in Zi Yisheng's eyes.
"Wife, I've come to get you."
"Mhm, I've been waiting for you."
When the people outside saw the room door open, they stopped fighting. However, Zi Yisheng's men didn't let go, still hindering the others' movements. Only Ye Mu'en unceremoniously threw Asen and Acan out.
"Don't delay me from carrying Shengge out."
Zi Yisheng reverently helped Ye Shengge put on her crystal high heels. Just as he was about to lift her, a large hand stopped him.
"I'll carry Shengge out."
Ye Shengge saw her eldest brother's eyes welling up, and she couldn't help but shed tears. Although she was only marrying next door, she emotionally understood that she was truly leaving home.
"Xiao Ge'er, remember to come home for dinner every day."
"Okay, Big Brother, I'm not going far."
Zi Yisheng rolled his eyes internally. He was already prepared to start cooking, and sure enough, brothers-in-law were always major "stumbling blocks"; they had to be kept away!
Ye's father and mother stood at the door watching their precious daughter being carried out. The scene they had longed for in their previous life had finally come true, but the bittersweetness in their hearts was overwhelming. Both turned away to wipe their tears.
"Mom and Dad, I'm going next door."
"Pfft, Hahaha."
"Hahaha, my little apprentice is really getting married well."
Ye Shengge's words, however, lifted her family's spirits. What daughter's family was like theirs, able to talk from the courtyard and walk a few steps to see each other? Why be sad?
"Daughter, if Zi Yisheng bullies you, remember to call out. Dad will be there immediately."
Zi Yisheng smiled helplessly, but he had to say the necessary words. He was already grateful to everyone in the Ye family for allowing him to marry the woman he loved.
"Mom and Dad, please rest assured. I will absolutely take care of Shengge with all my love and will never hurt her. I am willing to be under your supervision for a lifetime so that you can always feel at ease."
Ye's father held back tears and patted Zi Yisheng's shoulder heavily.
"I believe you, otherwise, I wouldn't have handed Shengge over to you. I just hope you'll cherish her."
"Please rest assured, I'll stake my life on it."
Ye Shengge was on her eldest brother's back, leaving the Ye family home amidst her family's blessings. Zi Yisheng stood before her, and when he reached out to take her, she knew her new life chapter had officially begun.
Zi Yisheng gently took her from his brother-in-law's arms and carried her, step by determined step, towards his own home.
Ye Shengge was gently placed on the new bed. The moment Zi Yisheng set her down, he kissed her, but he didn't dare to go too far, fearing his wife would be shy.
"Wait for me in the room. I've asked Uncle Gong to make you some snacks. Eat if you're hungry, and I've also brewed some floral tea for you. Once all the guests have arrived, you just need to go out and toast them. You don't need to worry about anything else."
Ye Shengge gazed at the man giving instructions, her heart feeling warm.
"Okay, I'll wait for you in the room."
Zi Yisheng's desire immediately flared up. He wished he could kick out the guests immediately and consummate the marriage then and there. Reluctantly, he caressed his wife's delicate cheek.
"I'll tell them to eat quickly. I'll be right back."
Ye Shengge realized what Zi Yisheng meant and her face immediately turned crimson. That wasn't what she intended!
After Zi Yisheng left, Ye Shengge got out of bed and walked around, tidying up the items she brought from her maternal home. She also put the wedding gifts she received today into her space. As for her own dowry, it was already in the space. Ye's mother had declared that all of the Ye family's current assets were her dowry, leaving not even a cent for Ye Mu'en.
If Ye Shengge hadn't kept some money for her eldest brother, she would have felt truly sorry for him. Fortunately, her eldest brother was unmarried, otherwise, his wife would surely have been angered back to her maternal home.
The visible dowry consisted of quilts, a radio, blankets, and the like. In the Bai Rong Brigade, it was considered top-tier, and many people truly witnessed the Ye family's doting on their daughter.
The wedding banquet was held in Zi Yisheng's courtyard, with a total of five tables. Three were for relatives and friends, and the other two were for the villagers.
Shang Shaoyan did not participate in the wedding procession. Instead, he helped Gong Wentao with the kitchen work. He didn't go because he feared he would feel heartbroken. Although he told himself he had moved on, only he truly knew if that was the case. It wasn't so easy to completely let go.
The wedding was officiated by the old village chief. The process was the same, and even if he wanted to say more, he wouldn't dare. Furthermore, the villagers were mainly there for a good meal, so they didn't care what the old village chief said, just wanting to eat quickly.
Ye Shengge was called out to toast after she had eaten and drunk her fill in the room. The wine glass she received smelled of plain water.
"Shengge girl, congratulations."
"Yes, it was difficult for you to go out when you were a girl. Now that you're married, you should go out more often."
"Hahaha, let us aunts and sisters-in-law teach you more experience."
Ye Shengge truly didn't expect that within a single day, people would dare to make suggestive remarks. However, Ye Shengge wasn't embarrassed. After all, she had read plenty of novels and had developed a thick skin. Her theoretical knowledge might even be richer than that of these aunts and sisters-in-law.