It was an unusually cold day in the twelfth lunar month. On National Day, his father specially asked for two days of leave from the leader to return home. He had to prepare for the wedding on National Day. There were many things that he had to discuss with the in-laws in advance. And the process of discussing with the in-laws was called "talking" in the Green Pine Ridge area.
The 18th of the twelfth lunar month was the day of the call. Early in the morning, the house, the kitchen, and the yard were all tidied up by his parents. Even the simple open-air toilet was cleaned up by his father. He found some fresh white lime from somewhere and sprinkled it around the pit as if he was welcoming the health inspection team.
In the middle of the morning, the two matchmakers, who had been personally invited by her father a few days ago, were already dressed neatly and arrived at the National Day home. In the middle of the kiln, there was already an eight-square table. There were two armchairs at the top and a black, shiny, painted stool on each side. On the table was a porcelain teapot and tea bowl with flowers on it. Steam and the fragrance of flower tea floated above the tea bowl. The two matchmakers were already sitting solemnly on the armchairs, chatting with smiles about the weather, the harvest of their respective villages this year, and the long and short lives of the team members. Under the repeated persuasion of National Day, they packed up the tobacco bags in their hands and took the silver tinfoil cigarettes from National Day's father.
The woman's matchmaker was Li Zhen's father's godbrother, a loyal and honest farmer. He was not good with words and could not say a few words even when it was dark. Guo Qing's father said respectfully,"Big brother, I invited you two here today to discuss the marriage between Guo Qing and Li Zhen." What else does Li Zhen need? What other requests do my in-laws have? Just say it."
"It's nothing. My brother is straightforward, straightforward, and straightforward. He said that as long as his daughter could marry into a good family, he would not compete for anything else. When I came, he told you to look at the situation, think carefully, and do whatever you can to save trouble.”
"Aiya, in-law, you didn't say anything and made things difficult for me. Of course, the children's marriage had to be done according to the village's rules, but it couldn't be too outrageous! I have some ideas, but I don't know if it's appropriate.”
At this point, Zhong Rencheng paused for a moment before continuing,""A few days ago, the brigade had a meeting to talk about breaking the old and establishing a new system. They set up many systems. Everyone said that these systems were good, but once they were put on the spot, they would have to play tricks, find excuses, and make others make things difficult for them. I don't think a family like ours should be like that. Guo Qing and I are both party members. I heard that my in-laws are also party members and are also a cadre in the team. We can't compare ourselves with ordinary members. It's better to follow the brigade's rules. It's not worth it to put in a good word for the brigade's cadre. The rules state that guests who are sent off by the bride can only come to five tables, so we'll set it as five tables. If the relatives and friends from the in-laws can't come, let my in-laws say a number and we'll pay for it. According to the rules, only four dishes and one soup are allowed to be served for the banquet. I will serve them according to the requirements. I will use a large plate to make it a little more sumptuous and slightly better. If you don't allow riding a horse or sedan chair, I'll ride a bicycle. If we don't let the musicians, we'll borrow a bigger tape recorder and play some festive music when we welcome the bride. "As for the rest, if there's anything else you need, feel free to say it. Don't let everyone lose face because I didn't think it through.”
"Good! Good! You've thought it through. You've already said what you should prepare. However, you said that you would pay for my brother's hospitality. That's definitely not possible. Isn't that slapping my brother's face? That would make others laugh at him! Anything else is fine. I'll do as you say. I'll take responsibility!”
"Yes! Brother, according to what you said, it's too lenient! However, you still have to tell my in-laws that when someone marries a daughter-in-law, they get two gifts, at least one and a half gifts. During the engagement, my in-laws only asked for a gift and nothing else. He raised Li Zhen up and even provided for him until he graduated from high school. My daughter is getting married, and the guests who should be sending her off are not all here. I can't bear it. You should tell my in-laws that I'll pay for his hospitality. That's only reasonable!”
"Sigh! I don't think you can say anymore. He values his face more than anything else. How can he be willing to take your money to treat guests?”
At this moment, the matchmaker of the man, a second uncle of the same family on National Day, laughed out loud. He gently tapped the table with his fingertips and said,"What else is there to say? People often say that if one is good, two are good. Brother, go back and tell Li Zhen's dad what Rencheng said. If he doesn't agree with Rencheng, just do as he says. I'm willing to discuss this matter. Let's set the wedding date now!”
The woman's matchmaker said," That day, I told my brother about the date we'll be looking at here. He agreed very much. Let's set it on the third day of the first lunar month!"”
After everything was settled, National Day's mother served a sumptuous meal that she had prepared. Everyone immediately sat down and ate a lively meal. As everyone was in a good mood and the food was delicious, they didn't think that a bottle of Old Baifen was enough. The two matchmakers drank until they became Guan Yu.
The third day of the first lunar month was a bright and sunny day.
The sky had just brightened when the National Day celebration house became lively. The courtyard was bustling with people, and it was a busy and festive atmosphere. Long Fa was today's prime minister. Wen Xusheng had once announced at the village mass meeting that in the future, if there were any funerals or funerals for the members, he would help as long as he had the time. However, if he did not become the prime minister, he would not be the prime minister even if it was for his reputation. He would let those who had the ability and the trust of the family become the prime minister. He had come a day earlier for the National Day wedding. However, he still did not want to be the prime minister. He could be the witness. What others didn't know was that he had come to the National Day family early to help. He had a special purpose. He was afraid that during the National Day wedding, there would be a violation of the brigade's system of breaking the old and establishing the new. It would not be good!
At this moment, the people in the kitchen were chatting and laughing as they busied themselves. The famous chef, Master Wang San Ye, was bringing his disciples to cook meat and cut vegetables in the kitchen. The dragon-haired daughter-in-law, Qiaozhi, and a few young wives were choosing vegetables, washing plates, and washing dishes. In the courtyard, Wang Hailong was leading a group of young men to set up the tents and tables. Wang Xinniu and a few young people were hanging lanterns and sticking couplets at the gate. Everyone was busy. Zhong Rencheng, the father of National Day, was dressed neatly today. He was smiling and holding a few packs of cigarettes in his hands. The National Day mother was so busy that she didn't know where she was going. Her two little feet were nervously running, delivering things to everyone, but her eyes were obviously red and swollen, and the smile on her face was a little forced. An observant person could tell that there was something unhappy about National Day's mother.
The pain in National Day's mother's heart was only clear to her. For the past few days, the contradiction in her heart had put her in a dilemma, but she would rather suffer alone in her heart than say it out loud. It would make everyone dislike it on this happy day.
On the day of the "call", in front of the matchmaker, he had already made clear the arrangements for the wedding day. Everything was done according to the brigade's rules. But now that things were in front of her eyes, Guoqing's mother began to mutter in her heart. She was a very competitive person and wanted to do everything better than others. Ever since she came back from school on National Day, she had become a team accountant and a brigade accountant. She felt that she was proud and energetic when she walked in front of others. In addition, her daughter-in-law was a classmate of National Day and a knowledgeable youth who graduated from high school. She was even more proud of herself. She had already secretly planned that the wedding on National Day must be held in a lively, dignified, and grand manner. However, when the marriage was really decided and she had to do it according to the brigade's rules, she was immediately dumbfounded. Even though she knew that the matter had been decided, she still refused to give up. She still held onto a glimmer of hope and said,"Could it be that these rules of the brigade can really be implemented?”
"Last January, wasn't this how my uncle married his daughter?”National Day reminded her.
"Your uncle is a party member and a cadre in the village. How dare he disobey others? I'm not a party member. Although your father is a party member, he works in the city and isn't under the control of his brigade. What's there to be afraid of?”
After hearing his mother's words, Guo Qing burst out laughing. He said,"My dad is a member of the Party, so he has to follow the Party's policies wherever he goes. Besides, I just joined the party and haven't become a regular member yet. The party branch is testing me! If I don't take the lead in implementing the decision, will the party still want me?”
This last sentence hit the mother's heart. When she heard that this matter was related to her son's joining the party, she immediately felt a little awkward.
As the National Day wedding day approached, Guoqing realized that his mother was frowning and hadn't smiled for several days. After her father returned home, every night, her mother would discuss with her father about the National Day wedding for a long time, but she was always speechless by her father's questions. She had no choice but to wipe her tears silently.
Last night, her mother did not sleep at all. She thought about how her son was getting married without a few musicians. It was a little too outrageous! Even the guests sent by the maiden family are restricted. How can we meet the in-laws? The more she thought about it, the more she couldn't figure it out. The more she thought about it, the sadder she became. The more she thought about it, the more she couldn't fall asleep. She simply got up and sobbed as she wiped the table and washed the dishes. Otherwise, she would go to the kitchen and take a look at the wedding room. It wasn't until dawn that she felt a little sleepy. Just as she wanted to roll around on the brick bed for a while, she heard someone knocking on the door. Someone had already arrived to help. At once, all the worries and weariness were gone. She woke Guo Qing up and went to open the door. She forced a smile and started a busy day.
Just as everyone was busy, Wen Xusheng, the brigade secretary, rushed into the door and grabbed his father's hand. Without waiting for Guo Qing's father to speak, she took his hand and walked towards the new house. The new house had been furnished long ago, and the room smelled of new furniture and bedding. A new pink paper had been pasted on the window, making everyone's faces glow. After entering the house, Guoqing's father wanted to pour tea and pass cigarettes to the secretary, but Wen Xusheng held his hand and did not relax for a moment. Taking advantage of the National Day's father's seat, she directly raised the question he was concerned about."Uncle, let's do as we said today. There won't be any problems, right?”
"No, no, you're doing this for everyone's good. I can understand. The day before National Day, he went to Li Jia Village to see his father-in-law. He repeatedly reminded him to do new things, to be diligent and thrifty, and to carry out everything according to the brigade's regulations. Besides, National Day is also a party member. How can we embarrass the party because of this?”
"Uncle, with your words, my heart is at ease. The day before yesterday, I was a little worried and went to the Li Village Brigade. But when I heard that National Day's father-in-law was also a party member and cadre, I was relieved. But last night, I heard someone say that the wedding on National Day had already been discussed with the brigade and that it would still be carried out according to the past. I was shocked. You two in-laws must lead the way this time!”
In the Green Pine Ridge Brigade, although there was a rule to change customs and do new things, whenever there was a wedding, regardless of whether the party was rich or not, they would usually find the brigade to dawdle and negotiate the price to see if they could relax a little. However, Wen Xusheng, the secretary of the brigade, was very serious and refused to relent. He always said,"When receiving guests, I will send someone to count the number at the table. There can't be more than one person.”
The National Day family had always been obedient people. How could they be willing to refute the reply of the brigade secretary? After much discussion, his father and mother decided to do as they had agreed when they invited the matchmaker for dinner that day.
Just as his father and Wen Xusheng were talking in the bridal chamber, Guo Qing led a tall and handsome officer of the People's Liberation Army into the door of the bridal chamber, followed by a young wife. Guo Qing quickly introduced," Brother Xusheng, let me introduce you. This is my high school classmate Shi Zhiqiang and his wife, Han Liangxian.”
Zhiqiang shook hands with Xu Sheng and said,""You're the Secretary of the Wen Family, right? I often mentioned you in my letters on National Day!”Then, he held his father's hand and said,"Uncle, thank you for your family's concern and care for me over the years. I'll never forget you.”
"Zhiqiang, don't say that. It's what I should do. You see, if I don't introduce you on National Day, I really wouldn't dare to acknowledge you.”Guoqing's father said as he looked at Zhiqiang seriously. His military uniform was neat and neat." A red star on his head, and the red flag of the revolution hung on both sides." He had already put on a military uniform with four pockets. It seemed that he was at least an officer with a platoon leader. He nodded and said sincerely," When you were studying together, I said that Zhiqiang would definitely have a bright future. It seems that I was right. Do well in the army and you will still improve. Guo Qing told us that you are a capable and virtuous wife. Thank you for coming to the National Day wedding.”
"Uncle, what a coincidence. It was supposed to be his family visit this year, but he happened to hear that Big Brother and Sister-in-law were getting married on National Day, so he asked for leave in advance and came back.”
"Zhiqiang, why didn't you ask your dad to come over? I heard that his body is much better!”His father continued to ask.
"My dad's health is indeed much better. There's someone getting married at my door today, so he asked us to represent him.”
Before he could finish his words, laughter and laughter came from outside the door again. Guo Qing's younger brother, Jianshe, led the group of students into the new house.
His father saw so many students coming to the National Day and was so happy that he couldn't close his mouth. He held a cigarette in his hand and handed it to everyone. He gave up his seat to everyone and brought cups of hot tea to everyone.
Guo Qing quickly went over to shake hands with them, sized them up one by one, and said some words of thanks. There were a total of 50 male and female students in the National Day class. However, some of them lived far away, even in other counties. It was difficult to inform them. Therefore, he and Li Zhen each informed a portion of them. There were less than 20 people in total. It was said that most of the students were married, so some couples came together, while some only came alone for various reasons. Guo Qing secretly asked around. Among the students who came today, only two were not married. One was Feng Qingsheng, who lived in the county town. Because of his family's difficulties, he did not have a fixed job at the moment, so no one had mentioned a wife yet. One of them was Jiang Yinzhi, who came from a relatively good family. Her parents were workers, and there were only two siblings in the family. The elder brother had already married and had children. Although Jiang Yinzhi was not tall, her face was not ugly. After graduating from high school, she was engaged to one of her father's disciples. After the engagement, Yinzhi's fiancé responded to the call of the country and joined the army in the factory. Just half a year ago, when he had his family leave and was about to come back to get married, he died in a cave collapse while digging. Currently, Yinzhi's family and her future parents-in-law were still in grief. Jiang Yinzhi's marriage problem was also forced to be put on hold.
In the bridal chamber, the National Day students were naturally divided into two camps. A few female students and a few young daughters-in-law naturally sat around a table, drinking tea and eating melon seeds. They talked and laughed. On National Day, his sister Jianzhen specially entertained them.
Bruce Lee's daughter-in-law was called Wu Fengying. She had a sharp mouth and a loud voice. She worked as a salesperson in the county department store. Among all the students on National Day, she and Bruce Lee were probably the most famous couple. The working conditions were excellent, the living conditions were comfortable, and they were carefree. However, when Wu Fengying saw Shi Zhiqiang's wife, Han Liangxian, she was still a little envious and jealous. She asked Liang Xian straightforwardly," Sister-in-law, I heard that Brother Zhiqiang is doing well in the army. He's now a platoon officer. I heard that he can bring his family members with him when he's promoted to a company officer. By then, you can also follow the army!"”
Good Immortal smiled and said," According to what you said, it's a good thing for my family. I just got promoted to a platoon leader, and now I want to be a company commander. How can it be so easy? Besides, even if I could follow the army, I wouldn't go. There are few people there, and the climate is not good.”
"You say that you're tough, but don't you want to see him all year round? I advise you, as long as you can follow the army, follow him quickly and be the wife of an officer. Hehehe, hehehe!”
Jiang Yinzhi looked at Shi Zhiqiang's wife Han Liangxian's blissful expression and immediately thought of her fiancé. She thought that if he didn't sacrifice himself, he would have been promoted to a platoon leader at least. Good Immortal had heard about Yin Zhi's encounter, so she sat in front of her, held her hand, and comforted her," Don't be too sad. Straighten your back and grit your teeth. Everything will get better slowly. However, the more she spoke, the quieter Yinzhi became. Later, even her eyes turned red. Good Immortal quickly changed the topic.
The male students did not stand on ceremony. Some smoked and some drank water. They pressed Guo Qing's father on the chair and did not let him be busy. Guo Qing's father simply placed two boxes of cigarettes in front of everyone and pulled the secretary Wen Xusheng to do other things. After a while, Long Fa came in and pulled Guo Qing out, saying,"I'll have a good chat with your classmates another day. Now, it's time to prepare and dress up.”
At this time, only his brother Jianshe and his brother's classmates were left in the new house. They were like fish in water. They felt refreshed and free. This small new house immediately became their free and happy world.
Among all the interpersonal relationships in the world, perhaps only the relationship between classmates was the simplest and most transparent, the purest and flawless, the least hierarchical concept, and the least smell of money. Whether you were a high-ranking official or a commoner living at the lowest level; Whether you were a rich man or a penniless poor man, in front of your classmates, these differences in status and economic wealth seemed to become irrelevant. They could ignore your official title and call you by your name, and they would not refuse to shake hands with you just because you were poor. Often, calling him " old classmate " could bring him closer to his friends. A simple " reminiscence of the past " could bring back many emotions. In front of his classmates, he could speak freely and act without restraint. Even among classmates, principles could be disregarded. Like some people said," They can help when they are promoted, take care of them when they do things, have a good meal at gatherings, and even be lenient when they commit crimes."
Look! The scene in front of him in the new house on National Day was a reflection of the intimate and equal relationship between classmates.
The medium-sized, small-eyed, chubby Wang Pingshan gently placed a paper box in his hand on the windowsill of the new house and said to the construction,""This is a glass wine set with music that I brought for your brother.”
Before Jianshe could express her gratitude, the tall, thin, and blonde-haired Li Huaizhong, who had always been mean, took the lead."Hey, in this world, even such an honest person has learned to steal things after only a few days in the glass factory. Do you dare to say that this wine set was not secretly stolen from the factory?”
"Your mouth is still the same as before. You just love to talk nonsense. I specially asked the factory manager to approve this note and bought a few sets at a discounted price. I prepared it for everyone in case you guys say that I didn't express my gratitude when I became a worker and didn't look like an old classmate. Alright, if you say that I stole it, I won't dare to give it to you. I can't give it to someone and become a thief!”Wang Pingshan looked serious, as if he was really angry.
Li Huaizhong, who could be big or small, immediately gave in and said,"I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare. I still don't know that Manager Ma of the glass factory and your father are brothers. Even without this relationship, you still want to perform well in the factory and become a full-time employee as soon as possible. When I go back today, I'll go to your house to get it. I'll see if what you said just now was empty talk.”
Wang Pingshan looked at Li Huaizhong and pursed his lips.
Feng Qingsheng, who had been sitting next to Li Huaizhong and smoking, blinked and asked,""Ping Shan, how long have you been in the glass factory? Are you a contract worker or an apprentice now? Can you get your dad to introduce me to a contract worker in the glass factory? A few years after graduation, I was still working as a temporary worker in the coal factory of the coal construction company. I was either loading or unloading coal all day long. The phlegm I spat out was like ink.”
"Oh, I'll give it a try. Actually, my dad and Factory Manager Ma only know each other. If it works, I'll send you a message.”Wang Pingshan wasn't sure, but he still agreed. He did have some sympathy for Feng Qingsheng.
At this time, Zhu Yingui, who was already an English teacher at Zhao Zhuang Commune Middle School, walked over and patted Feng Qingsheng on the shoulder, saying,""Don't make things difficult for Wang Pingshan. Why don't you ask Bruce Lee to talk to his father? His father is the head of the power plant.”
Bruce Lee, who was arguing with a few other students, heard someone mention his name. He turned around and said,"Feng Qingsheng, I'll ask my dad when I get back today. As long as it's possible, I'll try my best to help you solve this problem!”
"I'm satisfied with your words. After this is done, I'll treat you to a drink!”Feng Qingsheng clenched his fists in front of his chest.
Xiao Long smiled and said," However, I have to tell you in advance that my father is a cute person who talks about principles and policies. If he can't do it, don't be offended."”
Bruce Lee turned back to continue their argument. It turned out that they were arguing about the "9.13" terrorist escape incident that happened a year ago. They were arguing about whether the terrorist plane had crashed or been shot down. Shi Zhiqiang said,"That night, the escape was discovered by the 8341 unit. As a result, the Trident plane he was in was forced to take off because he was in a hurry to escape and had not filled up the fuel. Halfway through the flight, he found that the plane was lacking in fuel and crashed when it was forced to land in the Wenduerhan grassland in Outer Mongolia." Bruce Lee insisted that he was shot down by a missile from the border air force. Bruce Lee was now a buyer at the county department store. He traveled all over the country all year round. He had the most gossip, and he said it vividly. He said with a flushed face,"Damn it, he brought the country's secrets to the enemy, he shouldn't have been shot down! He deserved to die!"
At this moment, Li Guangxi, who had become a barefoot doctor in the village, interjected. He said,"I've heard a lot from others, but most of them are hearsay. Or is Zhiqiang talking about righteous news? His troops are so close to Wendur Khan in Outer Mongolia, so he must know more than us. Xiaolong, don't go around spreading rumors just because you heard some gossip. Be careful not to be caught. Let me ask you something serious. You're a buyer in a department store. Can't you buy me a permanent (bicycle)?”
"Xiao Cai, Xiao Cai, why didn't you say so earlier? Guys, who wants to get married and buy a sewing machine and a bicycle?”
After hearing Bruce Lee's words, Li Huaizhong also turned around and teased,"When I was in school, someone said that it's better to have a good father than to learn mathematics, physics, and chemistry. Teacher Chen even criticized him. Everyone, look. If Xiaolong didn't have a good father, would he have become a buyer in a department store?”
"You're the one who likes to talk cheap. Your father is a farmer in the countryside. Why did you become a cadre in the county party committee?”Xiaolong was a little unconvinced.
"What kind of cadre am I? I'm a trotter for others and get scolded and bullied all day long. If you're willing to do it, let's switch!”Li Huaizhong was like a combative little rooster that forced itself in front of Bruce Lee. Bruce quickly fled.
Jianshe saw that his brother's classmates were all so capable and admired them. He was busy refilling everyone's water and giving them cigarettes.
Shi Zhiqiang lit a cigarette and asked,"Jianshe, I heard that you're working at Factory 451. What are you doing?”
"What else can I do as a worker? I was a driver, pulling goods for the factory. Actually, our unit said that it was a factory, but in fact, it was a large warehouse. When the warehouse was built, many people went to Green Pine Ridge to dig caves for people. The caves were huge, high and wide, 70 to 80 meters deep, and 10-wheel trucks could enter and exit. It mainly stored the high explosives produced by Factory 452.”
Everyone immediately asked," Good lord! With so many explosives placed together, if they exploded, wouldn't Longcheng County be sent to hell?!"”
"Don't be afraid. That kind of explosive can't be ignited with fire. However, there are many rumors outside. It is said that the factory manager of the military uniform factory, which is more than ten miles away from our factory, came to our factory's preparatory office to look for our leader and said, You can't build a factory here! I heard that you store high explosives here. What if an accident happens? Our military uniform factory belongs to the General Logistics Department of the People's Liberation Army. You must consider it carefully. Guess what the leader of the preparatory office said? The director was an experienced old man who was very impressive. He held a large jar of tea and said, Yo! If you're afraid that it's not safe, then move out quickly. If you're still not convinced, you can go directly to the Ministry of National Defense to ask for instructions!”
As soon as Jianshe said that, everyone laughed in unison.
At this moment, a burst of festive music came. The bridal procession set off. Everyone immediately rushed out and squeezed outside the gate to watch the show.
The bridal procession set off. The few young men in the lead were each pushing a bicycle. Some of the bicycles were carrying red bags with gifts for the bride. Some of them had food boxes with a table full of food and a pig's head. There were also people who carried bamboo sizzles with steamed buns filled with flowers. These were all sacrifices to the other party's ancestors according to local customs. Next was National Day's friend, the vice-captain of Team Two, Zhang Chengwa. She was carrying a red bag and walking on the left side of National Day. She was the best man, but at the same time, she was also the receptionist. Whenever he met people watching the fun by the roadside, he would stop and point. On National Day, he would immediately bow respectfully to the people. Whenever she met a crowded place, Zhang Chengwa would take out a snow-white bun from her red bag and throw it into the crowd. At this time, the people on the roadside would fight to pick up the bun. The villagers said that eating such a bun would cure toothache.
Today, Zhong Guoqing looked even more handsome after dressing up. The two red silk ribbons and the red embroidered ball on her chest made her already red face look even redder. He was wearing a blue tunic suit, a blue hat, a pair of light-colored sunglasses, and white gloves. All of this made National Day feel constrained, shy, and pretentious.
As soon as the wedding procession left the village, Guoqing immediately felt a lot more relaxed. He put his legs on the bicycle and sped forward. At this moment, Cheng Wa stopped him." Slow down, slow down. What's the hurry?" Aren't you afraid that others will laugh at you? Why are you in such a hurry to get married? I really can't hold it in anymore!"
"Brother Chengwa, don't be too smug. After today, watch how I deal with you.”Guo Qing smiled and warned Cheng Wa, the smug best man and receptionist.
Everyone laughed. Xin Niu said seriously,"National Day is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Take smaller steps and walk slowly.”
Green Pine Ridge was only five miles away from Li Village. After leaving the village, they took a turn and went up a slope. Li Jia Village was a big village, so there would definitely be many people watching the fun. It was inevitable that they would be a little nervous on National Day. He bit his lips and decided to go all out. He would let them see enough today!
The bridal procession entered the village of Li Jia Zhuang. Under the leadership of Cheng Wa, National Day took small steps, like a woman with small feet, slowly walking forward. He could not have a tight face or a cheeky smile. Everything had to be grasped just right. As long as Cheng Wa stood still, it was time to salute. Cheng Wa stretched out his left hand, and Guo Qing bowed deeply to the men and women who were watching the show.
The wedding procession finally entered Li Zhen's courtyard. According to etiquette, the groom had to pay his respects to the bride's ancestors first. On National Day, when they stood before the table with the tablets and photos of the Li family's ancestors, Cheng Wa quietly asked the female receptionist for her opinion.""Bow or…?" Before the receptionist could answer, Li Zhen's father, who was standing beside Guo Qing, said with a smile,"Just bow, no need to kowtow! Let's follow the new rules!"
Guo Qing listened and stood in front of the sacrificial table with a pig's head and flower steamed buns. He bowed deeply three times and paid his respects to the ancestors of the Li family. When they walked out of the hall and sat down to drink tea, Cheng Wa said proudly,"Today's National Day is really lucky. If we follow the old routine, the three kowtows and nine kowtows to worship the ancestors are enough for him to suffer. If these kowtows are not right and he makes a fool of himself, the guests of his family will laugh at us!”
Needless to say, the brigade's " new things to do " reform was really not bad. It changed many of the original cumbersome ways, making the process of marriage simple and clear, popular and practical. After eating a banquet at his wife's home, he left with the bride and her relatives. Most of the relatives who sent their daughters were riding bicycles, while a few older old men and women sat in a carriage, enjoying high-class treatment. Cheng Wa sized up the people who were sending the girls off and secretly counted the number of people. Including the people who drove the cart, there were exactly five tables. Cheng Wa was relieved. This was a task that the brigade secretary had secretly assigned to him.
The brigade had a rule regarding the number of guests to be invited to the wedding banquet. The guests from the family's home had five tables, and the guests from the family and all the helpers had ten tables. Therefore, most of the villagers of the Green Pine Ridge Village could not sit at the National Day banquet to drink. The villagers could understand this, and no one said anything strange. However, everyone treated the wedding as a happy event for their own family. They were equally concerned, loved, and busy. Many people came uninvited and took the initiative to go to Guoqing's house to do this and that, but when it was time for dinner, they found an excuse and quietly left. They knew that the brigade had restrictions and could not make things difficult for Guoqing's family.
When the bridal procession returned, from the village entrance to the gate of the National Day home, it was crowded with people who were watching the fun. People stood on both sides of the road, laughing and making noise. They welcomed the bride, as if they were welcoming a foreign guest.
With the care and hard work of the villagers, the National Day wedding was both lively, generous, and frugal. Everyone felt satisfied and satisfied. However, there were two things that surprised and disappointed everyone.
Firstly, people would not feel satisfied when they held the wedding ceremony. When Long Fa, the host of the wedding ceremony, asked Guo Qing and Li Zhen to fall in love, the two of them were not as shy and embarrassed as ordinary young people who got married. The group of young people who had been waiting for a long time to make a fuss did not have time to make things difficult. Guo Qing said openly,"We were classmates and studied together for six years, but we never dated in school. It was only after we returned to the village and shared the same aspirations and opportunities that we got together!”Li Zhen said," The two of us have just graduated from school and entered society. We lack experience in all aspects. We hope to receive guidance, criticism, and help from the villagers in the future!”Hearing the generous and appropriate words of the two young people at the wedding ceremony, everyone present was surprised and moved, and they all clicked their tongues in admiration.
The other was that the bride and groom were too open-minded during the night, so the broom handle that Cheng Wa had prepared did not work. It disappointed the young people who were ready to make a scene.
According to the custom of Green Pine Ridge, within ten days of the new daughter-in-law's wedding, regardless of gender, age, or age, they could go to the bridal chamber to make a scene. As the saying goes," There's no one in ten days!" If no one went to cause trouble, it would mean that the family was not popular. The adults in the family would have to secretly invite people to cause trouble.
Before the new wife, Li Zhen, finished the bowl of longevity noodles, the people who were making trouble in the bridal chamber began to move. The leaders were Cheng Wa, Golden Bull, and a group of young people. Even the party branch secretary, Wen Xusheng, went. The director of the women's department, Wang Xiaolan, and a group of young wives were also squeezed in the crowd. The cave dwelling on National Day was not big to begin with. How could it accommodate so many people! Someone had removed the windows of the bridal chamber, and most of the people stood outside the window to look. Guo Qing was "escorted" by Cheng Wa from outside. He got on the brick bed and sat obediently beside Li Zhen. Cheng Wa was recognized as a veteran of the bridal chamber and was also a good friend of the National Day. Tonight, he naturally became the host of the bridal chamber. At this moment, he crossed his legs and sat opposite the bride and groom. He held an ashtray in his left hand and a cigarette in his right hand, looking like he was going to fight a protracted battle.
When Cheng Wa watched his new wife finish the last mouthful of longevity noodles, he took the new wife's bowl and asked someone to send it out. Then, the first good show of the night began. He followed the guiding principle of starting with the easy questions before the difficult ones and gave the bride the first question.
"I heard that the new daughter-in-law, Li Zhen, is a teacher at the Li Village School. Her singing is not bad. How about we sing a revolutionary song first?”After Cheng Wa finished speaking, he picked up the broom handle in his hand, ready to put pressure on the groom to force the new daughter-in-law to submit when she was disobedient. But he had miscalculated.
The bride, Li Zhen, raised her head and looked around at the enthusiastic people. She blushed and said shyly,"Although I used to be a primary school teacher, I'm not good at singing. Since everyone wants to hear it, I'll make a fool of myself.”As she spoke, she began to sing," The sea sails by the helmsman, and all living things grow by the sun." Her melodious voice was rhythmic and sonorous, immediately drawing a round of warm applause.
"Sing another song! Sing another song!" There were enthusiastic cheers inside and outside the cave.
"Then let's sing another song for everyone,'Members are all Sunflowers'!”Without waiting for everyone's cheers to die down, Li Zhen readily agreed. Immediately, a melodious singing voice drifted out from the cave dwelling of the new house, rippling in the warm and cold night sky. The people who were cleaning up the tables, chairs, and benches in the courtyard stopped what they were doing and listened attentively to Li Zhen's singing. There were bursts of applause and cheers inside and outside the new house. However, melodious singing and nice songs were not in the minds of the group of young people led by Cheng Wa. They were no longer interested in it. They were eagerly waiting for a more exciting program.
Cheng Wa waited for the applause and cheers to die down a little before he immediately raised his hands. His left hand was placed on the palm of his right hand, and he made a gesture to ask for a pause on the sports field. At the same time, he shouted,"Stop for a moment. Everyone, listen to me. What the new daughter-in-law wants to do most now is not singing.”When Cheng Wa said this, everyone inside and outside the window immediately fell silent. Most people did not react and did not understand what Cheng Wa was up to. At this moment, a sharp, thin, and mysterious tenor voice came from a corner."I know, the new daughter-in-law wants to kiss the new son-in-law!”
"Whoosh!" The warm applause immediately represented the common thoughts of the people. When Li Zhen heard this, his face immediately turned red. He was so embarrassed that he wanted to bury his head in the ground.
At this moment, Cheng Wa spoke again. He said seriously,"Aiya, Xin Niu is still the best. You really know how to read fortunes. Xin Niu, why don't you come over and give the new son-in-law and daughter-in-law some guidance?"”As he spoke, he handed the broom handle to Xin Niu. Xin Niu proudly took the broom handle and knocked on the edge of the Kang twice. He said humorously,"You're the one who's wrong. His wife and National Day are both experienced. Do you still need my guidance? It was National Day, so he would show everyone a high-level performance and let these country bumpkins have a look!”As he spoke, he shook the broom twice.
Guo Qing looked at everyone. He knew that these basic contents were inevitable. It was better to wait. He said," Brother Xin Niu, tell everyone to watch carefully. I'll learn how to kiss you. Let's see if I can kiss you as well as you did with Sister-in-law back then.”When Li Zhen was not paying attention, he suddenly turned Li Zhen's head over and kissed Li Zhen's lips twice. Before anyone could react, it was over. Everyone was surprised by the quick and sudden action of National Day. She didn't expect that this usually shy and elegant young man would be so open-minded tonight!
Seeing this, someone shouted,""No, I don't see it. Another one!”Xin Niu echoed and raised his broom to call for the National Day to start again. National Day said indifferently,"Two more will do!"”He was about to take action.
However, Cheng Wa spoke again at this time. He was obviously dissatisfied and disappointed with his own hosting work tonight. He felt that the bride and groom were too open-minded and obedient. The program was carried out too quickly, causing his intelligence and colorful methods in this area to not be fully utilized. According to the usual flow of events, there should have been some more exciting programs. Then, the bride and groom wouldn't be so happy and agile, right? However, according to the brigade's " new things, new actions " rule, those programs were considered " vulgar and obscene " actions and were within the scope of reform. Therefore, he wisely made a concluding speech. He deliberately raised his voice and said loudly to the enthusiastic and excited people inside and outside the cave,"Did everyone see that? National Day and his wife are very cunning! Why were they so straightforward? So obedient? So straightforward? They want to finish these programs early and let us go! She wanted to hug him to sleep earlier! Isn't that right, everyone?"
"Cheng Wa is right. Let the bride and groom sleep early!”
Seeing that everyone was leaving, Guo Qing felt a little embarrassed, so he hurriedly asked them to stay. Li Zhen also brought out a few boxes of pancakes and placed them in front of everyone. Everyone immediately snatched them all, saying," Eating the new daughter-in-law's pancakes doesn't hurt your teeth."”Everyone ate, laughed, and dispersed.
After sending off the last guest, the gates were closed for National Day. The family had been tired all day and had long gone to bed. The courtyard was unusually quiet. When Guo Qing walked into his new house and saw that he and Li Zhen were the only ones left, he felt a strange sense of nervousness, shyness, or restraint. The two of them looked at each other and lowered their heads. No one said anything. In order to break this situation, Li Zhen poured two cups of tea and silently placed one cup in front of Guo Qing. Guo Qing did not rush to drink water, but took advantage of the opportunity to hold Li Zhen's hands. The two of them immediately hugged each other tightly.
This book is provided by FunNovel Novel Book | Fan Fiction Novel [Beautiful Free Novel Book]