Chapter 172
Before the autumn harvest, the weather gradually cooled down, leaving only a bit of heat at noon.
Nian Sheng and An Xin’s wedding was scheduled for this time.
Before the wedding, Qiuniang and San Yao were extremely busy, and Qingyan and Qiu Henian, along with Aunt Li, were all busy for a month or so.
On the wedding day, they went to San Yao’s house early in the morning. When they entered, they saw Qiuniang wiping her tears, which startled Qingyan and the others. Upon closer inspection, they saw Qiuniang crying and laughing at the same time—she was so overwhelmed with joy.
Nian Sheng was a child whom Qiu Henian and his wife had watched grow up, and they had deep feelings for him. Seeing him in a bright red groom’s outfit, riding a tall horse to greet his bride, they were both happy and gratified.
When Nian Sheng brought his new husband back, and the red bridal sedan chair swayed its way into the house, Qiuniang, whose emotions had calmed down, couldn’t help but shed tears again. She quickly lowered her head to take a handkerchief that San Yao discreetly handed her to wipe her tears before daring to raise her head.
The day was filled with the clamor of gongs and drums, firecrackers, and continuous congratulations. The place was adorned with lanterns and festive decorations.
Qiuniang had put a lot of effort and money into the wedding banquet, and the dishes were even better than those of the wealthy families in the county.
By the end of the day, despite the exhaustion, Qiuniang was so happy that she couldn’t stop smiling. She drank quite a bit and was finally helped back home by San Yao.
In the newlywed’s room in the front yard, with the flickering candlelight and the smiling groom, the groom lifted the red bridal veil from his new husband.
At the moment the veil was lifted, their eyes met, full of affection.
The candlelight burned until late into the night before it went out.
The next morning, the new husband was helped out of bed by the elegant and handsome groom.
When offering tea to his in-laws, Nian Sheng placed a cushion on the floor, allowing An Xin to kneel comfortably.
After they finished offering tea and sat down to talk with their in-laws, Nian Sheng kept an eye on An Xin, occasionally placing a cushion behind him or handing him a cup of hot tea.
Seeing this, Qiuniang couldn’t help but smile and waved her hand, saying, “Alright, let’s eat first. We were all exhausted yesterday. After eating, you two should go rest in your room.”
An Xin’s face was a bit red, and Nian Sheng, watching from the side, smiled with affection in his eyes.
……
During the day, Wu Shuang and Xiao Zhuang went to Old Wang’s house for a banquet but left early before it ended.
Wu Shuang was still in the early stages of his pregnancy. The old doctor had advised him not to overexert himself and be extra careful because of his weak constitution.
When they got home, Xiao Zhuang helped Wu Shuang take off his outer clothes, leaving him in just his undergarments, and then he lay down to rest.
Although Wu Shuang wore fewer clothes and Xiao Zhuang hadn’t had the chance to be intimate for a while, he dared not indulge in inappropriate thoughts.
Counting the days, the last time they had been intimate was about twenty days ago when they went up the mountain to chop wood. That morning, Xiao Zhuang had enjoyed himself thoroughly, and they had climbed mountains and crossed streams during the day. Looking back now, he felt a bit fearful.
During that period, they had only been intimate once every ten to fifteen days. Xiao Zhuang recalled that it must have been around that time, just over twenty days ago.
The old doctor had mentioned that Wu Shuang’s pregnancy was not an easy journey, so they had been cautious.
Later, Xiao Zhuang remembered vaguely that it was Wu Shuang’s fertile period that time because the redness on his belly was exceptionally bright that day.
At that time, Xiao Zhuang hadn’t thought much about it, only feeling his heart race at the sight of that redness.
That day, they had been intimate twice, and Xiao Zhuang, having been absent for a long time, took a particularly long time and gave more than usual.
Now, Wu Shuang was two months pregnant. Though it wasn’t yet visibly showing, Xiao Zhuang often felt like he was dreaming.
Sometimes before going to bed, Xiao Zhuang would gently press his ear to Wu Shuang’s belly and listen for a long time. Only when Wu Shuang became impatient and nudged him would he smile and carefully cover his belly.
Wu Shuang’s temperament hadn’t changed much after becoming pregnant, but his appetite had increased significantly.
Despite the severe morning sickness, he still ate well, which didn’t affect him at all.
Xiao Zhuang’s mother tried various ways to make delicious food for him, spending money without concern, and she was always happy.
Wu Shuang could no longer do any work and spent his days reading and writing in the house. Occasionally, Xiao Zhuang would help him go for walks. Over this period, Wu Shuang gained some weight, his cheeks became plump, and Xiao Zhuang often wanted to pinch them.
……
By this time, Little Hongdou was already over a year old, and as the second child in the family, she was quite clever.
Though she hadn’t yet mastered speaking, she could easily charm her older brother. She could persuade him to give up any treats or toys at home and manage to get them for herself. However, she was genuinely good to her older brother, Jindou.
For example, even if there was only one fruit left and her father told her to eat it and buy more from the town tomorrow, she wouldn’t touch it. She insisted on waiting for Jindou to return from his private school so they could split it evenly.
But when it came to outsiders, she was utterly merciless.
Zhuangzhuang was okay; being older, he wasn’t easily swayed by her. However, their neighbor, Jiuliang, who was simple and honest, often had his favorite things taken by her.
Qingyan had to negotiate with her to get things back. When he returned to the neighbor’s house, Jiuliang was so upset that he cried and insisted on sending things back to Hongdou.
Chen Yu was so exasperated that he rolled his eyes, and Qingyan had to calm him down, drop off the items, and run away.
When they got home, they had to punish Little Hongdou by making her stand. The punishment worked for a few days, but after that, she would revert to her old ways, and Qingyan had no effective solution for her.
However, Little Hongdou was very obedient to her father. When her stubborn little temper was met with a stern reprimand, she would stop causing trouble. Even when she cried from being scolded, she wouldn’t make loud noises but would look up at the adults with a pitiful, tearful expression.
Seeing this, Qiu Henian couldn’t maintain his stern face any longer. He bent down and picked her up, and Little Hongdou’s crying face immediately turned into a smiling one as she giggled.
Nearby, Qingyan pretended to pat her little bottom. Hongdou, being smart, knew it was just a scare tactic. She hugged her father’s neck and leaned towards him, giving him a big kiss on his face, knowing that would surely make him happy.
Jindou liked to read and write, but Hongdou preferred running around outdoors. She especially loved it when her father took her horseback riding. Even if Xiaozao ran very fast, she wasn’t afraid at all. Instead, her eyes sparkled and she laughed joyfully.
When she was almost two years old, Hongdou started speaking more. When Qingyan was in the shop, she even imitated the shop assistants in greeting customers, babbling along with them, amusing everyone.
When Qingyan was reviewing the account books, Hongdou would crane her neck to look as well. Even something as dull as that would capture her attention for quite a while.
After the children had all gone to sleep at night, and the couple had finished their intimacy under the covers, they lay together in the bed, chatting idly.
Qingyan said, “I still can’t tell what Jindou will do in the future. But if he decides to take the imperial examination like Nian Sheng, the road might not be easy in today’s world. Hongdou seems interested in business and has courage. But being a girl, it will be harder for her than for others.”
Qiu Henian stroked his long hair, enjoying the cool feeling of his strands slipping through his fingers.
He said, “Both of these children are determined and not weak. We’ll teach them well, so they won’t go astray in the future.”
“As for whether it’s difficult or not, life rarely sails smoothly for anyone. Others are like that, they are like that, and so are we. Since we’ve come this far, they will too. You don’t need to worry about their future. We’ll do what we can as parents, and let them find their own way.”
Upon hearing this, Qingyan nodded. By now, he also felt he had been overthinking, and couldn’t help but smile with relief.
The two lay together for a while longer. Qiu Henian turned over and leaned down to kiss Qingyan again.
Qingyan raised his slender arms to wrap around the man’s neck, with one leg hooked around his waist. The traces of their earlier passion were still there, and it didn’t take much effort to get started again.
After so many years of marriage, both knew each other’s bodies very well.
In just a short time, Qingyan’s eyes became moist, biting his lip hard to stifle any sounds.
Qiu Henian’s hawk-like eyes stared at him from close range, their breaths intertwining, their gazes locked.
Others said Qingyan was beautiful, but they didn’t know that Qingyan himself didn’t realize how particularly beautiful he was at times like this, stunningly so.
Qiu Henian narrowed his eyes, knowing that he was ready now, and didn’t hold back.
After they finished, he didn’t quite recover his strength immediately, but was immediately set about cleaning up. Nevertheless, there were still remnants, which annoyed Qiu Henian somewhat.
Qingyan struggled to sit back on his lap, with both hands around his neck, saying in his ear, “Whatever happens, let’s just go with the flow.”
Qiu Henian was helpless, lowering his head to kiss him.
Qingyan buried his face in his neck and said, “I want to hear you sing ‘Huang Long Plays’.”
Qiu Henian gently moved his legs, holding this cherished person, and slowly started singing the line, “One wish for my husband to live a thousand years, two wishes for my own health to last, three wishes to be like swallows on the beam, meeting each year.”
…
That year’s Spring Festival was particularly lively.
Wu Shuang was already six months pregnant, and he looked small and thin, making his belly look particularly large.
Xiao Zhuang kept a close eye on him every day whenever he had the chance, being extremely cautious to prevent any accidents or mishaps.
The food this year was more lavish than in previous years. Xiao Zhuang’s mother, anticipating the arrival of a grandchild next spring, didn’t spare any expense and purchased an abundance of delicious items.
Though Xiao Zhuang’s father was generally quiet at home, he was visibly pleased each day. When he couldn’t go out, he would often steer conversations towards the upcoming arrival of the new generation.
Xiao Hong and Xiao Ling, having grown another year older, had become more mature. When their brother was away, they took care of their sister-in-law, especially Xiao Ling, who shadowed her everywhere, keeping a vigilant eye to ensure nothing went wrong.
For the New Year, the older brother naturally wanted to reward them, giving his younger siblings big red envelopes, making their faces flush with happiness.
After the New Year’s Eve dinner, the younger siblings went to the riverbank to play with fireworks and firecrackers, but Wu Shuang, being unable to move easily, went back to the room with Xiao Zhuang, and they lay down early.
The sound of firecrackers outside hadn’t stopped yet, so no one could sleep for a while.
Xiao Zhuang gently rubbed Wu Shuang’s back, trying to minimize his discomfort.
When Wu Shuang half-closed his eyes, Xiao Zhuang thought he was asleep, but he turned over to face him.
Xiao Zhuang quickly leaned back, making way for his pregnant belly.
Wu Shuang looked at him for a while and asked, “Will you really treat me well for the rest of your life?”
Xiao Zhuang didn’t expect him to ask this at this moment. He was stunned for a moment, then quickly reacted and said seriously, “Yes, I will treat you well for the rest of my life.”
Wu Shuang lowered his eyes as if contemplating something.
After a while, he looked up at Xiao Zhuang and said, “Okay, then I’ll believe you.”
Xiao Zhuang looked surprised, then ecstatic.
He hugged his wife’s thin back and carefully avoided his belly, kissing his lips and saying passionately, “I love you, Little Shuang.”
Wu Shuang heard him but didn’t respond. Instead, she asked directly, “Are you gonna do it?”
Xiao Zhuang was stunned again. His eyes glanced at his belly. It had been four or five months since he had dared to touch Wu Shuang’s finger. Even though the old doctor said they could have intercourse, he still didn’t dare.
Seeing him hesitate, Wu Shuang’s interest suddenly waned. He said, “Forget it, it’s fine if you don’t.”
With that, he turned over and went to sleep. Xiao Zhuang quickly hugged him from behind, kissing his neck hotly, kissing his neck while still muttering vaguely, “Let’s do it please, Xiaoshuang…”
Wu Shuang smiled at the corner of his mouth and decisively grabbed him, making Xiao Zhuang’s scalp tingle, almost making a mess out of it…
…
On New Year’s Eve, Qiu Henian and San Yao set up the large round table they bought last year, and Qingyan and they set up one by one with delicious dishes.
The table was full, and it counted exactly ten people.
An Xin was celebrating the New Year at home for the first time, feeling somewhat awkward. After drinking half a cup of wine, his cheeks turned red and he became more relaxed.
Nian Sheng took care of him on the side, occasionally picking a piece of meat for him, sometimes picking a dish, while sometimes adding a cup of hot water for him. Such actions would seem overly attentive for an ordinary person, but he did it with such grace and composure, not rushed nor impatient.
After a while, An Xin’s face was even redder. Being cared for by him, Nian Sheng couldn’t even take his eyes off him.
Qiuniang coughed lightly and kicked the leg of Nian Sheng’s chair lightly, making him come back to his senses.
Everyone at the table laughed, and Jindou and Hongdou, who didn’t understand what was going on, joined in the chaos, making the newlyweds embarrassed to raise their heads.
Nian Sheng was generous and soon recovered, leading An Xin to toast the elders.
San Yao, with blurred eyes, said, “These days, it’s really more lively.”
Qiuniang smiled and said, “Next year, there might be even more children at this table.”
Aunt Li, feeling the effects of the first glass of wine, began to feel a bit dizzy. She glanced at An Xin, then at Qingyan, and gave Qiuniang a knowing look, saying, “It might not be just one.”
Qiuniang suddenly understood her implication. Blushing, she looked at her husband, who promptly poured her a glass of cold water and watched her drink it down.
Outside, firecrackers crackled, and Jindou and Hongdou were full and clamored to go outside to see them.
Qiu Henian got up and put on coats for the two children. Qingyan also got up. Qiu Henian said, “You eat a little more, I’ll take them out.”
Qingyan said, “I’m full. Let’s go together.”
As the others at the table finished their meal, they got up, put on their coats, and headed out together to the riverbank to watch the fireworks.
The large family gathered by the riverbank, gazing into the distance.
This year, the village head had sent two children to the county to purchase a large quantity of fireworks, which were then set off along the river for the villagers to enjoy.
The sky was filled with clusters and bursts of fireworks, creating a dazzling display.
Qiu Henian held Jindou, while Qingyan held Hongdou. Without realizing it, their shoulders touched, their arms brushed, and their heads leaned together.
After a short while, Qingyan’s eyes lit up with a smile. As he spoke, fireworks erupted loudly, causing Qiu Henian to lean in and ask, “What did you say?”
Qingyan tiptoed, leaning close to his ear, and said, “I said, let me introduce myself to you.”
Qiu Henian looked at him quietly. Qingyan held Hongdou with one hand and extended the other hand in front of him, saying, “Mr. Qiu, hello, I’m Qingyan. I graduated from Qiongshi Normal University with a major in education. I’m glad to have met you in this world.”
After watching the fireworks for some time, Jindou grew tired and leaned on his father’s shoulder, nearly falling asleep.
Qiu Henian held the child with one hand, freeing his other hand.
Qiu Henian held the child with one hand and used his free hand to mimic Qingyan’s gesture. Although he wasn’t familiar with modern handshake customs, he took Qingyan’s hand and said softly, “Qingyan, hello. I’m Qiu Henian, a blacksmith who sometimes writes travelogues and stories. I’m happy to have married you.”
Amidst the flickering fireworks, they exchanged smiles, looking at each other warmly.
~End of Story~
