On the eighth of October, auspicious, suitable for marriage.
In the early morning, just past the second watch, the capital was still asleep in darkness, but the Pri Minister’s Mansion was already lit, with servants bustling back and forth, each taking their places.
Song Ci was also roused from bed by Nanny Gong, freshened up, drank so longan soup, had so easily digestible pastries with rice soup, and then went to the small Buddhist hall.
It wasn’t that Song Ci was going there for so morning recitation; rather, it was because today was the joyful wedding day of Song Si Lang, and she needed to inform soone, thus completing a task. Although it was a marriage bestowed by the emperor, it was still a marriage after all.
She lit three sticks of incense, made a few bows, then placed them in the incense burner, quietly gazing at the Bodhisattva statue.
Song Ci stood in silence for a mont before speaking: "Si Lang is getting married today, to the Commandery Princess Dongyang of the Prince Dingbei’s Mansion. It’s said he’s marrying her, but actually, he’s becoming their son-in-law. His children should follow the maternal surna, but maybe so will follow his surna too. As long as he strives, he’ll have many blessings and children."
"He’s paired with the Commandery Princess Dongyang, destined to share both fortune and calamity. There won’t be a lack of wealth and prosperity, nor crises. That’s your youngest son. If you have a spirit in heaven, bless him with harmony, beauty, and peace throughout his life."
The Buddhist hall was tranquil, with only the candle flas flickering gently.
Song Ci said no more, stood up, and turned to leave.
As she stepped out of the small door of the Buddhist hall, a slight breeze blew behind her, making Song Ci halt. Turning back, she thought she saw the Bodhisattva’s gentle brows and eyes gazing at her.
Song Ci curved her lips slightly, then turned and left.
...
Fufeng Pavilion.
Song Zhiyu, yawning, was plunged into the bathing tub, with Si Xi attending to his hair washing and bathing. The bathtub was filled with fragrant fresh flower petals.
On the clothes rack in the clean room, a bright red wedding outfit was hanging, already pressed without a single wrinkle. A faint aroma wafted from the wedding attire.
Si Xi gently combed Song Zhiyu’s hair, feeling both excited and emotional, with eyes slightly reddened and sniffing.
Song Zhiyu stiffened, turned his head to see Si Xi’s reddened eyes, and said, "What’s wrong? Are you sad that I’m losing my freedom by getting married? Are you reluctant to part with ? Don’t worry, wherever I go, you go too."
Si Xi wiped his nose and said, "No, I am crying tears of joy. You’re getting married, so my own marriage won’t be far off, and I needn’t stay alone anymore."
Song Zhiyu: "..."
What a cheeky servant!
Si Xi quickly fetched a large cotton handkerchief and said, "Sir, it’s ti to get up."
Song Zhiyu stood up from the bathing tub, dried his body, and then dried his long hair before wearing the red silk inner layer, followed by the brilliant red wedding attire with gold-trimd black edges.
Outside the clean room, Song Ci was already waiting there. Seeing Song Zhiyu in his wedding attire, dignified and handso like Baoyu, her gaze softened a bit.
Little brat, after today, you’ll beco an adult!
Song Zhiyu saw Song Ci and ca over: "Mother, why have you co? You could sleep a little longer."
"On your great wedding day, how can your old mother sleep in?" Song Ci chided.
By then, Madam and others arrived successively, and with them ca the wedding nanny who had already taken residence in the Pri Minister’s Mansion. The guest room of Fufeng Pavilion quickly filled with people.
After exchanging formal greetings, it was ti to do the bridal hairstyle for Song Zhiyu.
Males can also have their hair styled for marriage, not just brides.
Song Ci took the jade comb from the wedding nanny, pressed Song Zhiyu before the copper mirror, and said, "On your wedding day, I’ll personally comb your hair. I wish you wealth and glory, peace and happiness, and a multitude of children and grandchildren. This is also what your dear mother would have wanted to do for you."
One comb to the end, two combs until hair turns grey, three combs till children and grandchildren abound.
User Comments
0 comments from readers