Chapter 447: Packaging the Wedding Candy
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
The dishes on the table were all eaten up. Some people even licked the basin and bowl. The basin and bowl looked like they had been washed.
After dinner, the beggar leader took the initiative to say, “Young lady, we’ll come to work early tomorrow.”
Chu Qingzhi smiled and nodded. “Alright, take care.”
The group of beggars returned to the county city in satisfaction.
Chu Qingzhi and Tang Jinghong locked the door of the old house and walked towards the new house. Coincidentally, Li Qingyu came over to call them for dinner.
Dinner was naturally extremely sumptuous. Li Qingyu had prepared for the entire day and had catered to everyone’s taste. She had put in a lot of effort and worked very hard.
After dinner, Chu Qingzhi sent Hong Yujun to the county.
On the way, the two of them chatted. Chu Qingzhi said, “You might need to keep an eye on the brewing of wine in the future. Why don’t you come to stay at my house?”
Hong Yujun had never thought of doing this before. When she heard this, she rejected it without thinking. “I’m an outsider. How can I stay in your house? No, I’ll disturb you.”
Chu Qingzhi said, “My friend asked me to take good care of you. I’m worried about you living alone in the county.”
Hong Yujun’s heart warmed. “Miss Chu, thank you for your kindness, but I really can’t stay at your house. It will be inconvenient for you.”
Chu Qingzhi persuaded, “My family doesn’t mind. It just so happens that Ruyue is marrying Eldest Brother. Her room will be empty. I’ll change all the decorations to suit your liking, okay?”
Hong Yujun was a little tempted. The Chu family treated her too well. They cared about her, especially Li Qingyu. She always felt like a mother.
Chu Qingzhi made the decision for her. “Then it’s settled. I’ll come and pick you up tomorrow and move.”
Hong Yujun didn’t know what to say.
She was still hesitating when Qingzhi had already decided for her.
“Qingzhi, should I pay some money?”
Chu Qingzhi said, “How about deducting one tael a month from your salary?” Hong Yujun waved her hand. “That’s too little. Two taels of silver. I still have to cat. One tael of silver makes me feel like I’m taking advantage of your family.” Chu Qingzhi looked at Hong Yujun and said, “Alright, then it’s settled.” She would return the money after Yujun got married.
Hong Yujun felt at ease. “Alright.”
Chu Qingzhi returned from the county city very quickly. Chu Xuhua was waiting for her at the entrance of the courtyard. When he saw her, he waved at her and brought her to the new house.
When the others saw this, they followed.
The interior of the house was decorated according to the standards of the big mansions in the city. Everything was made of good materials. It was beautiful inside and out.
On this basis, the house was decorated with the word “Happiness” and red silk flowers. It was especially festive.
In particular, the new room that the two of them were sleeping in was red. There were red floor-to-ceiling curtains in front of them and red bed curtains. There was a huge red silk flower hanging on the top. It was a wedding blanket. There was a screen decorated with red silk flowers, a lamp post, and a red tablecloth…
The entire room was beautifully decorated. Everyone liked it.
Chu Qingzhi took a closer look and saw that there was nothing wrong. She turned around and teased Chu Xuhua, “Brother, are you nervous about getting married the day after tomorrow?”
Chu Xuhua nodded. He was nervous, but more than that, he was looking forward to it. He smiled. “I’m finally getting married.”
He was already 21 years old. If it were anyone else, they would be the father of a child.
Chu Qingzhi blessed him. “Brother, your marriage with Ruyue will definitely be perfect. Don’t worry.”
Chu Xuhua gently reached out and touched Chu Qingzhi’s head. “Thank you for bringing Ruyue home. Otherwise, how could I have met such a good girl?”
Chu Qingzhi smiled. “It’s predestined.”
Chu Xuhua was overjoyed. “Do you want to see my wedding clothes?”
“I’d like that.”
“Ruyue personally made the wedding clothes for me. I tried it on and it fits very well.” As Chu Xuhua spoke, the happiness on his face was about to overflow.
Chu Qingzhi blinked and said playfully, “Then I’ll congratulate Brother and Sister-in-law on getting married first.”
Chu Xuhua grinned. “Thank you, sister.”
At this moment, Tang Jinghong and Ning Yuting walked over. Tang Jinghong looked at Chu Xuhua and asked, “Do you want a drink?”
Chu Xuhua smiled and said, “Alright, let’s go get the wine.”
Chu Qingzhi reminded them, “Don’t drink too much. Don’t get drunk.”
The three men did not dare to disobey and nodded together. “Got it.”
Chu Xujin saw them drinking and joined them. Later on, Grandpa Chu, Chu Rong, and Li Zhangjie joined them, but the younger ones didn’t drink and ate some side dishes.
All the women in the house gathered in the living room on the second floor.
Shen Ruyue took out the wedding dress mainly to show Chu Qingzhi. “Qingzhi, look at my wedding dress. Is it beautiful?”
Chu Qingzhi unfolded the wedding dress. The wedding dress had a total of three layers: inner clothes, outer clothes, and the last layer of robes.
Every layer was exquisitely made. The robe was the most exquisite. There was a peacock spreading its wings embroidered on it with golden thread.
The phoenix was specially used by the empress. The people used peacocks, mandarin ducks, auspicious clouds, and so on to replace it. However, no matter what pattern it was, it was very beautiful. It symbolized wealth, auspiciousness, and happiness.
“Beautiful, very beautiful.”
Chu Qingzhi folded the wedding dress neatly and put it away. “Time really flies. We’re going to have a sister-in-law.” Her tone was teasing, and Shen Ruyue became a little shy.
Chu Qingyue pulled Shen Ruyue to a chair and said with a smile, “After big brother marries you, Mother won’t have to worry about him anymore.”
Li Qingyu smiled and continued, “That’s true. I’ve been worried about so many children. I’ve long hoped that someone would share the burden. It’ll be hard on Ruyue in the future.”
Granny Chu smiled kindly. “Qingyu can finally relax a little.”
Shen Ruyue said shyly, “Grandma, Aunt, don’t worry. I’ll do my best to take care of Xuhua.”
“Good child.” Li Qingyu took Shen Ruyue’s hand. She was extremely satisfied with her daughter-in-law. Everyone in the village envied her. “Although I’m worried, I’m especially happy to see my children grow up and get married.”
Shen Ruyue held Li Qingyu’s hand. “Auntie, you’ve worked hard all these years.”
Li Qingyu said, “It’s not hard. I’m feeling proud.”
After chatting for a while, everyone gathered around the table to wrap wedding candies.
As part of the bridal dowry in the form of the “Six Color Gift” or “Twelve Color Gift,” it’s a tradition to scatter wedding candies before the bride gets into the bridal sedan and when the bride and groom enter the bridal chamber. This is done to share the sweetness and joy with everyone.
Wedding candies, traditionally wrapped in oil paper, come in four varieties, known as the “Four Color Wedding Candies.” These include peach blossom candy, winter melon candy, tangerine candy, and longan candy. They symbolize the clarity of the four seasons, a sweet and harmonious life, and a wish for the couple to grow old together.
Chu Qingzhi taught everyone a new way of packaging the candies. Each candy, perfectly square and the size of a palm, was neatly wrapped in oil paper. After wrapping, she tied a small red flower on each, making them both unique and beautiful.
Chu Qingyue said exaggeratedly, “When I see this packaging, I feel like I can’t afford it..”