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Due to Liu Dezhou's family being a prominent household in Liu Family Village for generations, and having served as the village chief and clan leader, An Bingwen's ancestors have always referred to Liu Dezhou's ancestors with respect as "uncle" and "aunt." Following this tradition, An Bingwen continues to address Liu Dezhou as "uncle" and calls Qing Shusheng "Shusheng Brother."
Because of An Bingwen's respectful demeanor and his family's background, along with Liu Dezhou and Qing Shusheng not being the type to bully the weak, they have treated him well despite his family's decline, always standing up for him.
Thus, in Liu Family Village, although An Bingwen does not hold the same status as his ancestors and is not widely respected, no one dares to look down on him.
Although An Bingwen is not from the Tujia ethnic group, the wedding ceremony is presided over by Liu Dezhou, who is a true Tujia person. Therefore, all wedding procedures must follow Liu Dezhou's arrangements and adhere strictly to Tujia wedding customs without exception.
Late last night, around two or three o'clock, Liu Dezhou arranged for two large red candles to be lit on the altar in the main hall, filling the room with smoke.
In front of Liu Dezhou, in the center of the hall, several large tables were lined up. The tables were neatly arranged with various sweets, pastries, peanuts, sunflower seeds, and fresh fruits. Amidst the melodious music, the Hostess was preparing for the "Sisters' accompaniment."
First, the Hostess invited several bold and melodious young women who had come to celebrate the wedding. Then a middle-aged Guest with a headscarf was assigned a seat. In the center sat the shy and charming bride, dressed in traditional Han attire—a bright red buttoned cotton jacket—with her black hair elegantly styled up.
On either side of the bride sat two younger girls dressed in bright red outfits as well, but they wore Tujia-style embroidered jackets. They were the bride's Bridesmaids.
The other girls wore jackets of various floral patterns, primarily in red, purple, and green. They took their seats under the guidance of the slightly older Guest.
As soon as they settled down, the Hostess cleared her throat and delivered a rhythmic blessing before signaling for the festivities to begin.
The invited "Sisters" began singing sister songs in order from east to west.
They started with an opening song followed by others. The songs mainly consisted of praises, encouragements for good deeds, romantic themes, blessings, and playful teasing.
At the end, the Sisters began to sing the Round Table Song again. One girl sang, "A pair of phoenixes fly out of Lin Luo..."
Another girl followed with, "A pair of magpies soon follow..."
In the same order from east to west, the girls continued to sing one after another.
"The phoenix calls out Flowering..."
"The magpie echoes Fruit Reunion..."
"Flowering, Fruit Reunion, flowers of Fruit Reunion for countless years..."
Their voices rose and fell, intertwining beautifully.
One girl dressed in a light purple jacket, wearing a green skirt and a floral headscarf, had the loudest voice. After finishing each line, she would challenge the next girl, drawing cheers from the gathered friends and relatives.
The bride Bai Cuifen sat shyly in the middle, saying nothing and not singing, but her blushing face revealed her inner joy, half-hidden in shyness.
An Bingwen sat in the room, facing the main hall, gazing at the bride's back. He wished it would get dark soon so that his bride could walk into his room and belong completely to him.
After much anticipation, they finally finished lunch, and it was almost time for the bride and groom to bow to each other!
The person officiating the ceremony had already laid out a large red embroidered blanket in the center of the hall, surrounded by guests eager to watch the festivities.
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