This time, it was Uncle Zhong who went to open the door. As soon as the door swung open, his eyes landed on the three generations of the Huo Family, each adorned with rows of gleaming medals.
Even Uncle Zhong, who was no stranger to grand occasions, stood frozen in place for a long moment, utterly stunned.
This…
These kinds of medals were usually only worn during military parades or major ceremonial events, weren’t they?
Realizing that this was the Huo Family’s way of showing their deep regard for Miss Jiang Si, Uncle Zhong’s face immediately lit up with joy.
"Old Master, the son-in-law and his family have arrived," he announced, ushering them inside with a warm gesture.
Inside, Third Granduncle had long since changed into the custom-made Zhongshan suit he’d prepared for the occasion.
To match the outfit, he’d even washed his hair and applied a dab of Stacomb hair wax, while his leather shoes shone brilliantly under the light.
After scrutinizing himself in the full-length mirror for what felt like ages, he found himself uncharacteristically nervous for some reason.
"Little one, does this look alright?"
Without hesitation, Jiang Si gave him a thumbs-up.
"Absolutely dashing!"
"Really?"
Jiang Si nodded vigorously. "Of course! Truer than gold!"
In her excitement, her Hu City dialect slipped out.
"Look at you—hair slicked back neat as can be, shoes polished to a mirror shine, clothes crisp and sharp!"
"Dressed like this? My, my! You’re downright dazzling! So refined, it’s unbelievable!"
Hearing this, Third Granduncle finally relaxed, smoothing the hem of his suit.
"Let’s go. We shouldn’t keep the in-laws waiting."
Jiang Si hummed in agreement, linking her arm with his.
Both had thought their attire today was quite formal—until they caught sight of the arriving guests, instantly feeling underdressed in comparison.
It was the matchmaker’s voice that snapped everyone back to the moment.
"My, how time flies! This child has grown even more lovely over the years."
She glanced at Jiang Si. "Little one, do you remember me?"
Jiang Si nodded. "Of course. Hello, Grandma Ye."
Grandma Ye was Grandma Huo’s closest childhood friend.
Back when Jiang Si and Huo Tingzhou were engaged, it was Grandma Ye who had handled all the arrangements and communications between the families.
Grandma Ye smiled knowingly. This was precisely why specialized matters were best left to the experts.
As soon as the elders finished exchanging pleasantries, Grandma Ye took firm control of the betrothal proceedings.
"Come, come! On such a joyous occasion, let’s all sit and talk properly."
She had already explained the betrothal customs in detail beforehand, so once inside, the Huo Family neatly arranged their "Four Gifts" on the table.
Though the young couple had already registered their marriage months earlier, the Huo Family ensured every tradition was observed with utmost respect.
The Four Gifts consisted of: two tins of Longjing tea, two boxes of Jing Ba Jian pastries, two bottles of Moutai liquor, and two jin of apples.
Huo Tingzhou placed each item in the exact order Grandma Ye had instructed—first tea, then pastries, followed by liquor and fruit.
The tea symbolized "fragrant tea passed down through generations."
The pastries represented "rising step by step."
The liquor stood for "eternal unity."
And the apples, beyond wishing for peace, carried the blessing of "fruitful prosperity for the family."
The dowry and bride price had already been settled between the families, with everything properly accounted for.
This time, they simply brought an itemized list.
But the Huo Family still felt it wasn’t enough, so they added seasonal clothing for Jiang Si and a red envelope containing 666 yuan.
Once the formalities were complete, Huo Tingzhou stepped before Third Granduncle and Uncle Zhong.
First, he gave them a solemn military salute. Then, with both hands, he presented the dragon-and-phoenix wedding card inscribed with the couple’s birth dates.
"Third Granduncle, Uncle Zhong, today, wearing this uniform and these medals, I make this solemn vow to you both."
"No matter what happens, I will protect Jiang Si, ensuring her safety year after year, and stand by her side until our hair turns white."
"Please entrust her to me with peace of mind."
Mother Huo had been listening intently, but when he stopped there, she couldn’t help but jump in, exasperated.
"Third Granduncle, as you know, I was never blessed with a daughter in this lifetime."
"I may not promise much, but this I swear—Jiang Si will be cherished as my own flesh and blood."
Even the usually reserved Father Huo added his voice. "That’s right. So long as we’re here, no one will ever wrong Jiang Si."
At this point, Third Granduncle set down his teacup.
"I’ve watched Huo Tingzhou grow up. His character, his capabilities, and his devotion to our Jiang Si—I’ve seen it all."
"To be honest, seeing them reach this day fills me with both happiness and worry."
"Si Si has been the apple of our eyes since she was little. I’ve already told Young Huo before—she can be a bit willful at times, and her temper flares occasionally, but her heart is truly kind."
"Uncle Zhong and I are old bones now. We won’t be around to accompany her much longer, so we’ll have to trouble you all to look after her from now on."
"This path was Si Si’s own choice, and I trust her judgment."
As he spoke, Third Granduncle accepted the marriage certificate while solemnly placing Jiang Si’s hand into Huo Tingzhou’s grasp.
"Si Si is entrusted to you now. The road ahead is long—hold her tight and don’t let her stumble."
"I won’t make the marriage difficult for you, but in return, don’t make life difficult for our Si Si in the years to come."
"Treat her well, understand?"
Under Third Granduncle’s pleading and hopeful gaze, Huo Tingzhou felt as though his chest was stuffed with cotton.
Though usually eloquent, all his words condensed into a single vow.
"Third Granduncle, I will never fail her in this lifetime!"
"Good, good. With your word, I can rest easy."
Third Granduncle patted his hand before turning to Jiang Si, who was now weeping like a rain-soaked blossom.
"Silly girl, why cry on such a joyous day? What, are you unwilling to marry?"
The remark left Jiang Si caught between tears and laughter.
"Enough now, no more crying—there are so many people watching."
Third Granduncle gently wiped the tears from her cheeks before addressing the others.
Since the Huo Family’s banquet was set for noon, they decided to hold theirs on New Year’s Day in the evening, as originally agreed for the dual wedding.
The word for marriage, 'hun,' echoes 'dusk,' which is why many families in Hu City host their feasts at night.
Their own gathering would be modest—just two tables set up in the west wing of the courtyard for warmth and cheer.
The Huo Family raised no objections, and the discussion smoothly turned to the day’s arrangements.
Huo Tingzhou paid little mind to the logistics, his focus fixed on his bride.
Seeing her eyes reddened from crying, his heart ached in turn.
