Chapter 52

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Chapter 52: Problems

     

The characters “Piao Miao” were written with an ancient and elegant style, exuding a graceful and ethereal charm. Zhang Xiaohua completed them effortlessly, leaving the onlookers stunned. Mr. Liu in the main hall heard the commotion outside, where suddenly the noise subsided into an unusual silence. He stepped out of the hall. When he saw the two characters on the bluestone pavement, he remained silent, deeply savoring them, and was entranced.

     

Speaking of the characters “Piao Miao,” they were originally on the token. After Zhang Xiaohua had someone identify them, he repeatedly simulated, pondered, and practiced how to write them in his mind. Other characters, such as “Zhang Xiaohua” or “Zhang Xiaolong,” he couldn’t write no matter how hard he tried. But these two characters had been deeply engraved in his heart like a seal, so they naturally came to him effortlessly. Of course, with his lack of formal education, writing with a brush would definitely invite ridicule. However, using a mop to write didn’t require worrying about technique and such. Writing them out suddenly like this indeed shocked everyone.

     

Of course, there were also people who couldn’t appreciate it. Butcher Liu was the first to speak up: “Why is everyone silent, is it good or bad? Someone say something!”

     

These words immediately snapped everyone out of their daze. The crowd began clapping and praising in unison: “Great characters, great characters! The meaning flows with the strokes, carrying an ancient charm. Remarkable, truly remarkable.”

     

Even those with ulterior motives had to join in the praise, though they muttered to themselves: “Mr. Liu, that younger brother’s skill is so impressive, so his elder brother must be even better. And you say they come from a peasant background? That’s way too modest. If this level is considered peasant, then what does that make our level?”

     

Mr. Liu’s gaze shifted from the bluestone pavement to Zhang Xiaohua. He was well aware of Zhang Xiaolong’s abilities, but for Zhang Xiaohua to have such skill at such a young age was truly impressive. It seemed he had been hiding his talents all along. Mr. Liu had previously regarded him as just a child, but now he realized he had eyes but failed to recognize Mount Tai. He would need to pay more attention to nurturing his potential in the future.

     

Actually, Zhang Xiaolong was also very surprised, but now was not the time for astonishment, he still had to face the second problem posed by the bridesmaid.

     

As expected, the second problem was also a literary challenge: to compose a poem.

     

Zhang Xiaolong, Zhang Xiaohua, Liu Qian, and Mr. Liu all broke out in a cold sweat. Who was so shameless? Liu Yueyue looked innocent, her big eyes wide as she said: “It’s all the revenge of those frustrated people. Sister, if you want to blame someone, blame your own charm.”

     

Zhang Xiaohua wanted to step forward again, but Zhang Xiaolong held him back. saying: “Xiaohua, this time it’s up to me.”

     

Zhang Xiaolong lowered his head in contemplation, pacing back and forth. After a while, he raised his head and addressed everyone, saying: “Everyone, I am just a farmer who works in the fields, not comparable to all of you. However, I have always believed that everyone has a role in this world. Scholars have their purpose, farmers have theirs. None can be missing. Today, I am reluctantly dabbling in elegance, attempting to compose a poem. Please forgive any shortcomings, and correct me if there’s anything wrong.”

     

After saying this, he raised his voice and proclaimed:

     

“I am an immortal cast down from heaven,

     

For decades I’ve roamed the mortal world,

     

Awaiting the crucial moment when wind and clouds meet,

     

When hidden dragon will soar into the heavens.”

     

[TL_Note: hidden dragon -> Qian Long, their last names]

     

The crowd was once again stunned. This poem lacked rhyme and seemed to have an incorrect number of words. However, its artistic conception was profound and its momentum boundless, leaving everyone uncertain how to evaluate it. At this moment, Mr. Liu interjected, saying: “Nephew’s poem artistic conception is excellent, with a grand and profound atmosphere. I hope you will continue to study diligently and reach even greater heights in the future.”

     

Upon hearing this, someone couldn’t help but say: “Mr. Liu, you still called him nephew, isn’t it time to change how to call him?”

     

Amidst the clamor of voices, everyone spoke their minds. As the second round passed, Zhang Xiaohua gave Zhang Xiaolong a thumbs-up. Zhang Xiaolong smiled and wiped his forehead with his hand as if he had already broken a sweat.

     

When Zhang Xiaolong reached Liu Qian’s boudoir door again, the third problem arose: If you were to liken the bride to an object, what would you hope she could be?

     

This question was tricky indeed. Each person’s answer would vary, and regardless of the response, it could be considered a good answer. It was one of those seemingly simple questions that were actually difficult to answer.

     

In the midst of the crowd, many pondered inwardly how they would answer such a question themselves. However, for Zhang Xiaolong, it seemed too simple.

     

Without hesitation, he immediately responded: “I hope Qianqian would be like a mirror given to me by heaven. When I make mistakes, she can remind me and correct me; I hope Qianqian would be like a pair of lotus flowers given to me by heaven, peaceful and harmonious, respecting and loving each other forever; I hope Qianqian would be like a cane given to me by heaven so that when we grow old, we can support each other and grow old together.”

     

Zhang Xiaolong’s answer was so sincere, so straightforwardly from the heart, that everyone couldn’t help but silently admire it. Indeed, Liu Qian had found her true love. Even those who had harbored some dissatisfaction now felt Zhang Xiaolong’s genuine affection for Liu Qian. They couldn’t help but applaud and cheer. Meanwhile, inside the room, Liu Yueyue listened with eyes full of stars. She smiled at Liu Qian, whose face was flushed with happiness and whose eyes were twinkling.

     

“Sister, the others are just sour scholars, but this prospective brother-in-law, even though he hasn’t read many books, why is he so heartwarming? Could it be that in just a few days at Zhang’s house, you’ve influenced Zhang Xiaolong to be so sweet? What kind of connection is that?”

     

Liu Qian laughed and scolded: “You little girl, always thinking crooked thoughts. I never expected Xiaolong to have such literary talent and refinement. I didn’t teach him any of this, I merely thought he had potential in this regard. It seems I wasn’t mistaken. Hehe, Yueyue, aren’t you going to open the door?”With that, she draped the red veil over her head.

     

Liu Yueyue said: “At your command, bride.” With that, she opened the door wide.

     

The crowd outside saw the door open and knew the bride had approved the problems, erupting in cheers. Zhang Xiaolong stepped into the room and, accompanied by the bridesmaid Liu Yueyue, carefully led the veiled Liu Qian out. Together, they walked into the Liu family’s main hall. In the center of the hall, Mr. Liu was already seated. Zhang Xiaolong and Liu Qian approached him and knelt down together, kowtowing three times. Once they had finished the ceremony, Mr. Liu quickly stood up and helped them to their feet.

     

By this time, Liu Qian was in tears, overwhelmed by the sorrow of leaving her home. Although she had traveled to other places before, she always knew she would return to her home. No matter where she was, her heart was always rooted here. From today onwards, this would no longer be her home, and there would be no need to think about coming back. Inevitably, she felt a sense of loss. Reflecting on the place where she had grown up and thinking about how her mother could not witness this scene, how could she control her emotions?

     

Mr. Liu walked over to Zhang Xiaolong, who quickly addressed him as ‘Father-in-law”. Mr. Liu looked into Zhang Xiaolong’s eyes and placed Liu Qian’s hand into his, saying: “Xiaolong, I entrust Qianqian to you. Remember what you promised me before. Treat her well and do not let her down.”

     

Zhang Xiaolong took Liu Qian’s hand and said solemnly: “Father-in-law, I sincerely cherish Qianqian. Just watch me from now on, I promise I will never disappoint you.”

     

Then, Mr. Liu walked over to Liu Qian and held her hand, saying: “Qianqian, from now on, you are a member of the Zhang family. You must serve your parents-in-law well and live a good life with Xiaolong. I have nothing more to say, except that I hope you both grow old together and live a happy life.”

     

Liu Qian, in tears, said: “I know, Father. We will do it.”

     

Then, Mr. Liu said: “Alright, you should head back quickly. They must be waiting over there.”

     

After saying this, Zhang Xiaolong took Liu Qian’s hand and led her to the bridal sedan chair that had been waiting at the door for a long time. Then he mounted his horse, with Zhang Xiaohua leading the horse and Liu Yueyue accompanying the sedan chair. With the sound of drums and gongs, they slowly proceeded from the Liu family’s gate towards the village entrance.

     

Mr. Liu watched from a distance as the wedding procession slowly moved further away. He couldn’t help but shed tears. The daughter he had raised for so long was now being married off. Although she would soon be living with him again, she would no longer be the same, she would first and foremost be a daughter-in-law of the Zhang family. Thinking of this, Mr. Liu couldn’t help but remember his late wife. It was a pity she had passed away too early to see their daughter getting married. He hoped that her spirit watching from heaven, would bless their daughter with health and happiness.

     

At this moment, Liu Kai approached and helped his father, comforting him: “Father, Xiaolong is a very good person, and the Zhang family is reasonable and kind. I’m sure little sister won’t face any hardships after marrying into their family. Besides, you’re planning to move in with them soon. You’ll be the first to know if anything happens. It won’t be much different from how sister lives with you at home now.”

     

Mr. Liu sighed, nodded slightly, and then shook his head before turning back towards the house.

     

Now, as Zhang Xiaolong and his companions exited the village entrance of Baligou with the bridal sedan chair, they noted that the sun was already high in the sky. Zhang Xiaolong turned to Zhang Xiaohua and Liu Yueyue, saying: “It’s getting late, we should hurry as much as possible. Xiaohua, ride with me. Yueyue, you sit in the sedan chair, it’s appropriate for the bridesmaid to do so.”

     

Following Zhang Xiaolong’s instructions, one mounted his horse alongside him, while the other settled into the sedan chair. With this arrangement, the wedding procession quickened its pace, aiming to arrive at Guo Village before noon.

     

While Zhang Xiaolong and Zhang Xiaohua were dealing with the bride’s family, the rest of the wedding procession had already finished eating and drinking. Even the horse Zhang Xiaolong rode was properly fed. They had stopped playing music upon leaving Baligou, and now everyone was eager and ready to continue the journey with full determination.

     

On their way back along the main road, the crowd had grown larger. People were still very interested in the wedding procession, and many onlookers pointed and commented along the way. They frequently assessed Zhang Xiaolong, the groom, and speculated about the bride’s appearance. Unfortunately, the curtains of the sedan chair remained drawn, otherwise everyone’s eyes would surely have been fixed there, eager to catch a glimpse of the bride’s beauty.