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“... Ten combs for a couple to grow old together.” After finishing the last line, Bai Ma answered her daughter's question, “Aunt Zhang taught me this in the village. She has married off seven daughters and knows the combing song very well.”
Bai Tang knew Aunt Zhang; both she and her husband were traditionalists who valued sons over daughters (it was strange not to prioritize sons in ancient times). However, they ended up having seven daughters. Fortunately, Aunt Zhang came from a farming background and was strong, so she did not suffer health issues from constant childbirth and finally gave birth to a son at the age of thirty. By then, her eldest daughter was already married.
“But the combing song I heard goes: ‘One comb to the hair's end; two combs for white hair at brow level; three combs for many descendants; four combs for everlasting harmony; five combs for harmonious in-laws; six combs for fortune at home; seven combs for good luck and disaster avoidance; eight combs for abundant profits; nine combs for delightful meals; ten combs for no taboos!’” Bai Tang rested her chin on her hand while sitting nearby.
“...” Bai Ma tilted her head and thought for a moment, “I still think the first version sounds better.”
“Whatever you say!” Bai Tang shrugged. After all, the combing song was just a way to seek good fortune. Her eyes remained fixed on Bai Ma's hands. Bai Ma was skilled, using a comb to separate six strands of hair and fashioning several rose flowers for Wu Xuemai. Since she needed to wear a phoenix crown, she didn’t style an updo; instead, all the remaining hair was gathered above her neck and secured with a long red satin ribbon. The ribbon was long, with gold thread embroidered patterns on both ends, cascading down to her back, reflecting glimmers of gold as Wu Xuemai moved her head, looking stunning.
Once the hairstyle was complete, Bai Tang and Bai Ma helped Wu Xuemai into her wedding dress. The dragon and phoenix patterns on the dress were also embroidered with gold thread, making it look very luxurious. They then placed the phoenix crown on her head. The crown was made of gold, adorned with glazed gemstones and deep-sea pearls, uniquely shaped and not as heavy as other crowns. However, it still had some weight. To prevent Wu Xuemai from straining her neck, Bai Tang had specially applied a charm inside to make the crown feel lighter.
“So beautiful!” Bai Tang gazed at Wu Xuemai after she was fully dressed up; she truly looked stunning. No wonder brides are said to be the most beautiful—Wu Xuemai, who already looked good, appeared extraordinarily lovely after being dressed up. Bai Tang couldn’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy and imagined what it would be like if she wore a bridal gown herself. Sigh, why couldn’t she find a man who would make her willingly wear a bride's dress?
“The bride is coming! The bride is coming!” Xing Xiaokang ran in happily with Ai Wanxi. This child genuinely liked his stepfather Yubao. “Grandpa told me to tell my aunt that Dad shouldn’t easily take Mom away!”
Bai Tang chuckled softly, “Just watch me!”
As soon as Yubao entered the courtyard and was about to reach the door of the bride’s room, Bai Tang stood with two attendants blocking his path to happiness.
“You can take the bride, but you must pass a test first.”
“Alright then, what’s the test?” Yubao asked good-naturedly. The person in front of him was his sister-in-law; he couldn't afford to offend her today of all days. Besides, even if Bai Tang wanted to make things difficult for him, it wouldn’t stop him from marrying the bride.
“There are three challenges!” Bai Tang held up three fingers. “As long as you pass all three challenges, you can take the bride! Otherwise, I’ll keep Mei Mei here for another two years!” Of course, everyone knew that this statement wasn’t serious.
“What’s the first challenge?”
“Swear! To treat Mei Mei well for life and not let her down.”
"This is simple!" Yubao raised his finger in a gesture of swearing, "I swear I will love only Amei for my entire life. I will always treat her well and absolutely not let her down!"
"Is that enough?" Yubao asked.
Bai Tang shook his head: "The vow is too simple. You need to say this: 'From now on, I will only cherish Amei, pamper her, never deceive her, fulfill every promise I make to her, speak only the truth to her, never bully her or scold her, and trust her. If anyone bullies her, I will come to help her immediately. When she is happy, I will share in her joy; when she is unhappy, I will comfort her until she is happy. I will always think she is the most beautiful and dream of her even in my sleep. In my heart, there is only her!' As long as you can swear and commit to this statement, I'll consider you have passed the first test."
Yubao's face twitched; how could he possibly say such mushy vows in front of everyone? Couldn't he do it privately? However, his sister-in-law was glaring at him intently. If he didn't swear, he definitely wouldn't pass. Moreover—Yubao glanced sideways at the window of the Bride's room, where a graceful figure was reflected.
"I swear, from now on, I will only cherish Amei, pamper her, never deceive her..."
As the last word fell, enthusiastic applause erupted around him. Everyone attending the wedding was moved, especially the young bride's mother, who was utterly envious of the Bride.
"Good!" Bai Tang led the applause. "Now we move on to the second test. Kang, quickly bring out the Five Flavor Soup specially brewed by your father."
Xing Xiaokang cheerfully responded and ran off with short legs. In no time, he returned holding a Porcelain Bowl in front of Yubao (he was still too kind). Yubao looked at the strange-colored liquid in the bowl and swallowed hard; this stuff looked more poisonous than the Western Demon Cult's punishment for traitors!
"What is this?"
"Five Flavor Soup! The five flavors of life: sour, sweet, bitter, spicy, salty. There is happiness and sweetness as well as the bitterness of hardship. You two will walk together through life's long journey from now on; therefore, you must drink this bowl of soup!" Bai Tang smiled with eyes turned into crescent moons and said mischievously, "Don't waste time; drink up! It tastes worse when it cools down!"
The Five Flavor Soup emitted a bizarre odor that made onlookers cover their noses and look at Yubao with pitying eyes as if he were a martyr. Just smelling it made his insides twist; how could he drink it all? But he had no choice but to drink it. Yubao pinched his nose, straightened his neck, and tilted his head back to gulp down the Five Flavor Soup!
It was incredibly bitter! Yubao almost cried from the bitterness. Xing Xiaokang eagerly handed him a piece of candy: "Dad, have some candy!"
Yubao didn't care that candy was for kids; he quickly shoved it into his mouth. The sweet taste suppressed the bizarre flavor, and Yubao finally breathed a sigh of relief: "What’s the third test?"
The main prank was in the second test; Bai Tang didn't intend to make things difficult for Yubao again. He said: "Just recite two poems to encourage the bride."
Yubao Although he is a martial artist, as the successor of a sect, he still needs to understand literature. Although he cannot write poetry himself, reciting one or two poems composed by others is quite easy for him.
“Rumor has it that the candlelight adjusts the rouge, and before the bright mirror, do not act like it’s spring; there’s no need for a full face of makeup, just leave the eyebrows for the painter.”
“The Northern Court welcomes dust from the Southern County, do not delay the fragrant intentions any longer; although it is said that time separates us, let us not be urged by the world’s clock. The smoke trees hang low, connecting with the apricot blossoms. The children gather to hold the cup of joy; playing the flute is not a divine melody, why draw down the Qin girl from the Phoenix platform?”
As his voice fell, the door opened from within. Bai Ma greeted her son-in-law with a beaming smile: “Good, good, hurry up and take Bride out!”
Bai Tang pouted: “Mom, why did you open the door so quickly?”
Bai Ma glared at her daughter: “You’ve passed all three barriers. What other tricks do you want to pull? If you delay your sister's wedding, I’ll skin you alive.”
Bai Tang shrank her neck: “No more tricks. Hurry and let the groom take away the bride!”
The next part of the wedding proceeded smoothly. Yubao and Wu Xuemei both had no biological parents, so Bai Dad and Bai Ma acted as guardians. Bai Tang dressed in male attire to help greet guests.
“Second Sister, someone has come to deliver gifts.” The steward of the Manor approached Bai Tang and whispered.
“Just accept the gifts and invite the givers to join us.” Bai Tang replied casually, thinking that the gift-givers were townsfolk or villagers.
“But—” The steward hesitated, “The gifts are specifically for Great-Uncle. Moreover, those delivering them are armed and are people from the martial world.”
Could it be a vendetta? Bai Tang immediately dismissed this thought; aside from Yu Luocha, no one knew Yubao's true identity. In other words, were these items sent by Yu Luocha?
“Go call Brother-in-law, let him handle it personally.”
The steward bowed and ran off to find Yubao. Bai Tang extended her Divine Sense, seeing a group of over ten men in black waiting outside the Main Gate, escorting five large boxes. Each of these individuals had considerable martial skills; any one of them would be considered second-rate in the martial world. Bai Tang watched as Yubao spoke with them and accepted their gifts politely. The men did not linger long; they left after placing down their items. Yubao directed the servants to move everything into storage.
"It was sent by Yu Luocha as a gift to congratulate me on my marriage." Yubao walked over to Bai Tang and explained, "Now, I have completely severed ties with him."
"What's wrong? Can't bear to part with him?" Bai Tang asked.
Yubao shook his head and smiled, "I lived in the Western Demon Cult for twenty-five years, and I could count the number of times I met him on two hands. How could I possibly miss him? It's just a bit of nostalgia for the past."
"What did they return?" Bai Tang asked curiously.
"A very significant matter; Yu Luocha has disbanded the Western Demon Cult." Yubao still found it hard to believe. He knew better than anyone how much Yu Luocha valued the Western Demon Cult; otherwise, he wouldn't have sacrificed himself for it. Thinking of this made Yubao feel a bit suffocated. You could sacrifice my life for your demon cult, and what happened? After I 'died,' you actually disbanded the cult that you valued so much? Are you deliberately playing with me?
"Ah! He acted quickly!" Bai Tang was not surprised at all. After listening to his words, Yu Luocha focused his energy on breaking through the void and naturally had no intention of managing the demon cult. Moreover, his original successor had been taken to another world by Bai Tang, leaving no one to take over the demon cult. Rather than letting those ambitious fellows benefit, it was better to disband it.
"You knew he would disband the demon cult?" Yubao was astonished.
"Yes, I pointed him in a direction in martial arts. If he wants to pursue the pinnacle of martial arts, he must give up some things," Bai Tang patted the shoulder of his newly appointed brother-in-law. "Don't feel unbalanced; if Yu Luocha hadn't made this move, how would you have met Mei Mei? Isn't life good now?"
Yubao suddenly felt relieved and smiled as he stood up. "I'm going to accompany your sister now; please help me entertain the guests!"
The next morning, Bai Dad and Bai Ma woke up excitedly at four o'clock, waiting for Yubao and Wu Xuemei to serve them tea. Once the tea was served, it meant that Yubao had officially joined their family! Bai Tang glanced at the bright morning star in the dark night sky and said to the two elders, "Newlyweds will definitely stay up late in their bridal chamber; they won't get up so early. You should go back to sleep for a while; I'll call you when they wake up!"
After considering it, Bai Dad and Bai Ma agreed and went back to their room to sleep. As a result, except for Bai Tang, everyone else in the Bai Family didn't wake up until noon, combining breakfast and lunch into one meal. Before eating, Yubao and Wu Xuemei bowed and served tea to Bai Dad and Bai Ma. Wu Xuemei's beaming expression made both elders very satisfied with Yubao. They each gave Yubao two large red envelopes; one contained a piece of Peach of Immortality dried fruit, while the other held Floral Fairy's Baihua Honey. It seemed that the two elders genuinely accepted Yubao as family and hoped he could live as long as they did, always accompanying Wu Xuemei.
Yubao stood there holding the Baihua Honey and Peach Dried Fruit in a daze; his father-in-law and mother-in-law's gifts were quite down-to-earth. The Baihua Honey from his father-in-law was fine since he liked drinking alcohol, but the Peach Dried Fruit from his mother-in-law—he wasn't a glutton like Xing Xiaokang.
Seeing both items made Wu Xuemei emotional with tears in her eyes: "Dad, Mom, this is too precious!"
Bai Ma smiled and said, "We're all family now; if you're happy, we're happy too. Compared to this, these two items are nothing at all."
Wu Xuemei thought it made sense; they were family now, so there was no need to be pretentious. She accepted the gifts with ease and pulled Yubao to bow to the elders, saying, "Ayu and I will take good care of you both and repay your kindness!"
Yubao was confused. From the tone of his mother-in-law and wife, these two items must be something extraordinary?
Wu Xuemei understood her husband's doubts and explained, "The Floral Brew is made by the Floral Fairy and can enhance one's physique and strengthen the body. The Peach Dried Fruit is made from the peaches in the Queen Mother's Peach of Immortality garden; eating just one slice can extend your lifespan by two or three hundred years."
Is that true? Yubao had a look that said, "Don't fool me": "Are there really immortals in this world?"
"Since even the Broken Void exists, why not immortals?" Wu Xuemei pointed directly at Bai Tang and said, "My Tang Tang is an immortal!"
Yubao mechanically turned to Bai Tang: "You are an immortal?"
"Sort of!" Bai Tang smiled and said, "Since Mom and Dad gave you the best things, I can't offer anything better, so I'll give you a gene enhancer! Mei Mei, when we get back to the room, you can inject it into Brother-in-law!"
Yubao wanted to ask what a gene enhancer was but held back. Since even the Queen Mother's Peach of Immortality was involved, the gene enhancer must be something extraordinary. Anything produced by an immortal would surely be remarkable; he could ask his wife about it later when they returned to their room. (To be continued)
Time-Space Merchant Life
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