Chapter 479: A Grand Wedding That Shook the Nine Provinces
"Alright, stop asking. That's all in the past. Don't bother me while I'm doing your makeup."
"Nan Qinghuan, this stuff of yours is useless. I'm not good-looking to begin with; painting me is just a waste of effort."
Nan Qinghuan was speechless. How could this woman be so crude? "Getting married is a big deal. Don't you want the Rongdi to see a different side of you?"
"A different side?"
Over here, inside the Tulou, it was very busy. Since two couples were getting married today, many clansmen had come to help. Youchao Xuan's wedding was also a major event, so almost the entire Youchao Clan had shown up.
They were decorating the new house, arranging some purchased furniture and a few flowers. ChaoJi and Yao had both come to help, as if... as if they themselves were the ones getting married.
Outside, the bonfire had already been lit.
For this grand wedding of the two couples, Ying had specially arranged for the entire Town to come watch and drink wedding wine. This was an unprecedented extravagance; ordinary people wouldn't dare do such a thing.
When Dashan heard that Ying was going to invite the whole Town to drink wedding wine, he was so shocked he couldn't speak.
Why? Because Ying had never done anything like this before, and... he even had someone prepare new clothes for Nan Qinghuan. This made Dashan even more confused. What was Ying up to? A Mu and the Old Ancestor were also busy. The mother and daughter didn't know what Ying was planning either, only that he wanted them to clean the house thoroughly, then remake the bed and place some flowers in it.
A Mu did as she was told. She had already guessed her son's intentions.
As dusk fell, after Nan Qinghuan had finished making up the two brides, Axi, heavily pregnant, came walking over. "Qinghuan."
"Axi, what's wrong?"
When Axi saw how beautifully Nan Qinghuan had made up the two brides, she was stunned. "Qingfeng, you look amazing. Jiguang, you're not bad either."
"You little girl, you're just saying nice things. How good can I look in such poor conditions?"
"It's true. Let me scoop some water so you can see for yourself."
Soon, Axi brought a basin of water. When Jiguang saw her own reflection in the water, her first reaction was that it wasn't her. Why? Because this body of hers was naturally unattractive—tall, sure, but with dark, wheat-colored skin that wasn't pretty. Women should be fair to be beautiful. But she never expected... after Nan Qinghuan's styling, she looked completely renewed.
Her formerly plain face had become more defined. Not only that, but it was actually a little pretty now.
It was like she had discovered a New Continent.
"Nan Qinghuan, you're not bad. Where did you learn this skill?"
Nan Qinghuan just smiled. "Didn't expect that, did you? I think it looks great too. A bride is the most beautiful woman. Alright, when the time comes, we'll send you out."
"Qinghuan, Ying said he needs you for something. You should go see him?"
"Me?"
Nan Qinghuan was a bit confused. What did he want her for? "Alright, I understand. I'll go check it out. You two just wait for the appointed hour."
Although this wedding wasn't as fancy as modern ones, Nan Qinghuan felt it was the best they could do. When she went outside, A Mu and the Old Ancestor came over with big smiles.
"Qinghuan, come with us to the house. There's something we need to do."
"A Mu, what's wrong?"
What Nan Qinghuan didn't expect was that A Mu and the Old Ancestor wanted to do her makeup, and they had even prepared new clothes for her.
It was a dress, with decent craftsmanship, adorned with some shells—very exquisite. This must have cost a lot. Even if exchanged for Sheep, it would take many head to trade for just this one garment.
So valuable?
"A Mu, why do I have to wear this?"
What kind of day was it today? The Old Ancestor, following Ying's instructions, said, "Qinghuan, today is a day of great joy, so of course you have to look nice. See, the brides are so beautiful. You, as a member of the clan, can't fall behind either, right? Alright, don't talk anymore. Let the Old Ancestor doll you up. It'll look great."
Nan Qinghuan was pulled over and made to sit down. She never imagined A Mu and the Old Ancestor would want to dress her up. Her belly was too big; dressing up or not didn't really matter.
Dusk deepened.
When the sound of Bronze Drums and singing came from outside, Nan Qinghuan was finally all done up. Moreover, A Mu had even covered her with a piece of Cotton Cloth.
This made Nan Qinghuan a little nervous. "A Mu..."
"Don't worry, this is our custom here. Rest assured, A Mu will hold your hand and walk you down step by step."
Nan Qinghuan didn't know what they were up to, so she just let them do as they pleased.
Soon, Nan Qinghuan's eyes were covered.
A Mu and the Old Ancestor were very satisfied. They then instructed Axi to go tell Ying that everything was ready.
Seeing Nan Qinghuan wearing such beautiful clothes and looking so lovely, Axi was very envious.
"Qinghuan, you're really beautiful. I'll go call Ying."
Dusk deepened. The Small Town was exceptionally lively that day.
Beneath the blazing Bonfire, the wedding ceremony began.
The main street was already carpeted with red flower petals. Clansmen stood all around, blessing them. Beside the Bonfire, people were tending the flames and roasting fragrant meat.
The aroma of wine and food.
Drifted faintly into their noses.
"The brides are here!"
The Rongdi and Youchao Xuan stood there in red robes, waiting for their brides. These red robes were made by another Tribe and were extremely expensive, but for their own weddings, both Youchao Xuan and the Rongdi were willing to spare no expense.
Dressed up today, they really did look like grooms.
Soon, the beautifully adorned brides were escorted forward. As was the custom, a witch doctor sprinkled flowers and water over them, representing the best of blessings.
Then, the gongs and drums began to sound.
The lively noise made the clansmen cheer, especially Jiguang. It was also her first time seeing a clansman's wedding. Although it was poor and underdeveloped, she could see the Rongdi's sincerity toward her.
A man like that was worth marrying.
The two brides were helped to their respective men's sides. Youchao Xuan looked at his bride, Qingfeng, who was smiling like a flower. "Qingfeng, you're really beautiful."
Youchao Xuan had never praised any woman before, but seeing Qingfeng now, he truly thought she was beautiful.
His destiny had arrived!
Qingfeng was a little shy. Over on the other side, the Rongdi held Jiguang's hand, gazing at her with infatuation.
He used to think Nan Qinghuan was the most beautiful, but now he felt that Jiguang was the brightest radiance in his eyes.
"Jiguang, you're really beautiful."
Jiguang was amused by him and was about to say something when she noticed Ying standing there as well, looking as if he too was waiting for someone.
Ying was dressed in a red outfit that looked very festive. What did it mean? Was he also getting married? And what about Nan Qinghuan? Why wasn't she to be seen? Just as Jiguang was about to ask, suddenly A Mu's voice came from behind her.
"The bride has arrived."
??
End of Chapter
