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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 88: The Grand Welcome
Li Jian Cheng silently listened to Yuwen Huaji's cold mockery. The expressions of the people behind him changed slightly, revealing how venomous the words were, but Li Jian Cheng showed no sign of reaction.
At that moment, another group arrived, accompanied by seven or eight horse-drawn carriages. Amid the swaying, the faint sound of silver coins clinking could be heard. Leading them was none other than the current Consort, Yuwen Shiji.
Upon arriving, he first bowed to his elder brother. "Father has summoned you back to the residence."
Yuwen Huaji, dissatisfied, retorted, "Who has been spreading rumors again? Sanlang, don't forget whose family you belong to."
Yuwen Shiji remained silent, merely watching his elder brother quietly. Yuwen Huaji eventually relented; despite Yuwen Shiji currently holding only a fifth-rank position as a palace attendant, with the Nanyang Princess present, even Yuwen Shu would not dare to act against him.
Yuwen Shiji turned to Li Jian Cheng and said, "My lord is busy with many matters; I shall not speak further. I have a small token for you; I hope my lord will accept it."
Li Jian Cheng cupped his hands and replied, "I cannot refuse."
After he left, Li Shimin remarked, "Yuwen Sanlang is much stronger than his two brothers."
He sent people to deliver several carts of silver coins to various taverns and inns. With hundreds and thousands of people indulging in food and entertainment in the capital city—a veritable gold sink—money flowed like water.
In the evening, Li Jian Cheng met with young nobles from several prominent families in his residence. On the desk lay numerous property deeds, many of which had been granted years ago when Yang Guang was still the crown prince.
"Jian Cheng, you’re not so hard up that you need to sell off your properties like this. We can help you out," one of them suggested.
"Yes, we’ve been family friends for generations; it’s quite embarrassing," another added.
Li Jian Cheng smiled and replied, "Friendship is one thing; business is another. I can't always expect to borrow from you without offering something in return."
After some polite exchanges, they urged him, "Just tell us how much you need."
Li Jian Cheng reported the price according to the market rate, and several people agreed. Otherwise, being so eager to sell meant they should negotiate a bit. However, since they were not merchants, it was impossible to disregard the friendships built over generations.
"Then we will hold onto it for now. Whenever you have the means, you can redeem it at today’s price. We will not make any excuses."
"Hahaha, I am certainly at ease with that. Now that the business is settled, let’s go have a few drinks together. I have many friends waiting."
"Alright, alright!"
...
On the ninth day of June, when the time arrived, Li Jian Cheng donned his second-rank official attire, known as She Sheng. This was customary for commoners on their wedding day to wear official garments, while those with official status could wear slightly higher-ranked clothing.
After paying respects to his ancestors, Li Yan stood beside him: "Go forth to welcome your bride and serve the Royal Family."
Li Jian Cheng bowed deeply: "I dare not refuse."
He then led a procession composed of relatives and brothers, along with luxurious wedding carriages. Friends on either side cheered continuously, pulling out auspicious fruits, flowers, and coins from their pockets to toss into the air.
Children from various families laughed as they scrambled to pick up the treats. Those who spotted something delicious wiped their sleeves and popped it directly into their mouths, while others collected coins to buy snacks later.
It was heard that no one went out to play in either market today; everyone had gathered here to enjoy the spectacle, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of festive celebrations.
Such a scene had not been witnessed since the establishment of Chang'an. Even during the weddings of several princes and princesses from the Predecessor Emperor, there had been solemnity but never such liveliness.
From Duke Tang's Residence to Duke Liang's Residence, it was already surrounded by a sea of people. Li Jian Cheng rode a tall horse, frequently cupping his hands in greeting to the crowd amidst cheers.
Upon reaching Duke Liang's Residence, he found the gates tightly shut and heavily guarded, with barricades set up as if preparing for an invasion.
Dugu Kaiyuan rode forward and shouted loudly, "When thieves come, we must fight; when guests arrive, we must greet them. Come out, sisters-in-law, and take a look!"
The sisters-in-law of the Lanling Xiao Family laughed from inside, "We wonder which gentleman and talented individual has come to disturb the night at our door?"
Li Xiaogong stepped forward and called out, "I am a Gentleman of Chang'an from the Wu Chuan Noble Family. Hearing your noble words, I have come to pay my respects."
From within, they responded, "Since you are a gentleman from a prestigious family, we must inquire about your intentions. What is it that you seek?"
Yang Jishan added, "A graceful lady is a gentleman's ideal match. I have come specifically to propose marriage; please open the door."
"You esteemed guests have stood at our door for quite some time. We must ask you again—have we been too verbose for your liking?"
The noble sons of Capital Wei of Jingzhao replied, "The sisters-in-law of Lanling are renowned for their grace and understanding of literature. If there are any questions, we would never dare to complain."
This flattery elicited laughter from inside: "It is difficult to send away esteemed guests. Spread out the bedding and lay down the brocade; please dismount and let us discuss matters slowly."
Finally, Li Jian Cheng and the others were allowed to dismount. However, the gate remained tightly shut. Dou's Son spoke up, "The cypress is from South Mountain; it will serve as our door plaque. The plaque will remain long after this guest has left."
With a cold snort from within, the gate swung open wide. Before anyone could rejoice, they saw the sisters-in-law swinging wooden sticks and striking down upon them, forcing everyone to cover their heads and plead for mercy.
Li Jian Cheng was protected at the back. The onlookers at the gate cheered enthusiastically as they watched their predicament, encouraging the sisters-in-law by saying, "A son-in-law is like a family dog; it’s fair game to beat him."
Seeing that they were behaving quite properly and showed no signs of anger, the sisters-in-law ceased their assault and sent a maid to present fine wine to Li Jian Cheng: "This wine is a gift; may it bring you joy in your future endeavors and endless springtime."
Li Jian Cheng stopped the wine being offered to him and said, "This fine wine should first be offered to our hosts; I ask that my sisters-in-law taste it."
The wine was light yet carried a mix of sour, sweet, bitter, spicy, and salty flavors; when consumed heavily, it could make one dizzy and faint.
"The wine is Wine, sold for a thousand coins per measure. Why does Lord hesitate?"
A member of the Wu County Gu Clan replied, "In my garden behind the house, the chives grow back just as before after being cut. I ask Aunt-in-law, why is there medicinal wine?"
Seeing that they were unwilling to take the bait, the sisters-in-law retreated to the central courtyard, closing the door behind them. If they were not willing to endure a little hardship, then they would continue composing poetry.
With so many friends around Li Jian Cheng, he didn't need to think hard. Thus, he passed through five gates, defeated six obstacles, recited seven poems, and chanted eight spells until he finally reached the Main Hall. However, upon entering, he found it completely empty and could only grimace as he continued toward the backyard.
Arriving at the Chamber, he recited seven or eight poems urging the bride to come out. The crowd that had gathered finally began to shout in unison: "Bridegroom, come out! Bridegroom, come out! Bridegroom, come out!"
The voices echoed outside Duke Liang's Residence, where the Guests and townsfolk joined in, making it seem as if all of Chang'an was shaken by their enthusiasm.
Finally, the door swung open, but there was still a large screen inside. Li Jian Cheng took the large goose that Li Shimin had carried all the way and threw it over with force.
The maidservants inside hurriedly tied up the honking goose with colorful threads and then demanded a ransom. A few pieces of gold shaped like Dragon and Phoenix were sent over, and the Young Boys and Girls cheered as they moved aside the screen.
The newlyweds in their splendid attire finally met face to face. The attendants beside Li Jian Cheng widened their eyes; they had heard tales of how beautiful Xiao Lady was but were astonished by her true beauty.
Regret filled him; he shouldn't have helped this fellow marry so quickly. Oh dear!
(End of Chapter)
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