#71 - Chapter 71 Tree Wedding

Looking at the various preparations already made at home, Cheng Feng, carrying a huge wine jar on his back, was filled with joy.

It had been more than three months since the New Year, and he hadn't seen his family in a long time.

Strictly speaking, Cheng Feng himself had chosen not to marry yet.

As that outlaw once said: "I have ten wives, married but without a license, so I remain single."

The same was true in the Great Zhou Dynasty; although marriage contracts existed as proof, they mainly served to highlight the status of the principal wife.

Of course, the husband could also take concubines or establish secondary wives, but their ceremonies and treatment naturally couldn't compare to that of the principal wife.

Nevertheless, such marriage contracts for principal wives were still very important to ordinary people, as they represented a kind of legitimacy and dignity; as for wealthy families, they could arrange marriages as they pleased. However, most ordinary people still attached great importance to these marriage contracts for principal wives.

Entering the house, seeing his parents still busy, he happily said, "Dad, Mom, Big Brother, Third Brother, I'm back!"

Seeing Cheng Feng put down the wine jar on his back, his family also stopped what they were doing and rushed towards him.

Cheng's father said, "It's good to be back, Mom, go cook!"

Cheng Shu said, "Second Brother, you're finally back. I was worried something had happened to you and you wouldn't be able to return."

The third brother said, "Second Brother, it's good you're back. We'll celebrate Big Brother's wedding in a couple of days."

Cheng's mother didn't say anything, but put down her work and walked towards the kitchen.

She looked at Cheng Feng with a smile, wanting to see if her son had changed much, and then went to start cooking for him.

The county town was so far away; he must be hungry after walking for half a day, and she couldn't let her son go hungry.

Cheng Feng took the initiative to hug his mother, which made her very happy.

At bright and sunny midday, the family sat around the new dining table enjoying lunch. Cheng Feng savored the delicious food while listening to his family's conversation.

First, the eldest brother expressed his worries and anxieties about the future: "I'm getting married… it feels so unreal."

Then, the third brother brought some interesting but unconfirmed gossip, causing everyone to laugh.

Cheng's father laughed heartily at a humorous topic, and the whole house was filled with laughter.

Seeing all of this, Cheng Feng felt a strong sense of accomplishment deep in his heart. He understood that all his hard work and struggle had been for nothing more than to bring a better life to his family and let them enjoy family happiness without worry. At this moment, seeing his family so happy and content, all his efforts became particularly meaningful.

This family atmosphere made Cheng Feng feel incredibly happy and warm, and it also became the source of his motivation to continue moving forward.

He was not yet strong enough to protect his family, but his achievements were already something ordinary people could only dream of.

His elder brother's marriage partner was a local from Liu Family Village, named Liu Juan, about the same age as his elder brother. Her family's circumstances were decent, not wealthy, but at least they had enough to eat and drink.

It was also the ten taels of silver that Cheng Feng had left for his elder brother that caught the eye of Liu Juan's family. The savings that Cheng Feng's family had prepared before were untouched. The betrothal gift was five taels, miscellaneous expenses were two taels, and three taels were used to buy other banquet items. They even bought some extra in case, preparing to have a good celebration in the village.

Cheng's father had a good reputation in the village. He didn't provoke anyone, was ordinary and easygoing, and had a very harmonious relationship with the neighbors.

This could be considered the network of relationships that Cheng's father had accumulated over thirty years. Even if they were just superficial relationships, Cheng's father would still invite them to his house for a drink.

His eldest son's wedding should be the proudest moment for Cheng's father.

Cheng Shu wanted to thank Cheng Feng for the ten taels, which was really not a small amount of money, but Cheng Feng said it was nothing.

He poured some of the ten catties of Chunxiao wine he brought home into a wine glass and brought it up. Not wanting to flaunt his wealth, Cheng Feng didn't say it was his own wine.

He only said that it was good wine worth one tael and two silver coins per two catties, specially bought to celebrate his elder brother's wedding.

Cheng Shu was so excited that he couldn't express himself. Ten catties was another five taels!

Cheng's father was shocked: "Why did you buy such good wine? Won't that make people covet it?"

How could Cheng Feng not know his father's thoughts? He said calmly, "Dad, I know what you mean. I bought this in whole jars. Have you forgotten our cellar? When the time comes, we'll pour out half of it first and keep it for you to drink. The rest can be mixed with some water. This wine has a high purity and a strong flavor, but this way, the quantity will also increase, and we can still enjoy the wine."

Cheng Feng was confident that even with some water added, the taste would definitely be better than bulk wine.

Cheng Shu didn't have any objections. He knew in his heart the expenses of running back and forth these days, and wine was not really a necessary part.

Originally, the family had also prepared some bulk wine, but how could it compare to the wine that Cheng Feng brought back?

It was right at lunchtime, and the family had a few small cups. The taste was beyond words. Cheng Shu was truly touched that Cheng Feng could consider so many things.

Seeing his elder brother so moved, and the atmosphere was right, Cheng Feng directly dropped a bomb. Cai'er was about to give birth, and some things should be prepared: "Big Brother, after you get married, live a good life with your sister-in-law. Your younger brother will definitely follow in your footsteps. Your younger brother also wants to start a family."

As soon as he said this, Cheng's mother perked up: "Oh? Is there a girl you have your eye on?"

Cheng Feng smiled: "Not yet, it's not even on the horizon."

Seeing Cheng Feng's expression, the family became energetic and kept asking questions. Cheng Feng naturally wouldn't say it, cracking jokes and causing laughter.

On the morning of the third day, the sun was shining brightly, and a gentle breeze was blowing, making it a perfect time for a wedding. Cheng Shu, full of energy, led Cheng Feng and the third brother, along with many relatives and friends of the groom, to Liu Juan's house in the center of the village to joyfully welcome the bride.

Arriving at the entrance of Liu Juan's house, they saw it decorated with lanterns and streamers, filled with festive joy. The crowd entered one after another, and immediately saw Liu Juan wearing a bright red wedding dress and a red veil.

Amidst the cheerful commotion of relatives and friends, and the sincere blessings of the guests, Cheng Shu happily picked up Liu Juan and carefully placed her in the ornately decorated bridal sedan.

Afterwards, the wedding procession played cheerful and festive music all the way, beating gongs and drums, making it very lively and joyfully embarking on the journey home.

Along the way, firecrackers were set off, and the sound of gongs and drums shook the sky. The dogs in the village barked loudly in alarm.

After arriving home, according to the traditional etiquette passed down from generations, the bride and groom held a solemn and warm wedding ceremony. After the ceremony, the two newlyweds were finally sent into the romantically and elegantly decorated bridal chamber.

Night quietly fell, and the lanterns were lit. The guests who came to attend the wedding banquet gradually left.

Cheng Feng watched all of this with a smile. He was the groom's drinking buddy, a martial artist in the Blood Refinement realm, so drinking with these people was a piece of cake. In this way, only three catties of wine were left in the family's cellar.

The night breeze brushed his face, cool and comfortable, making Cheng Feng's hot body feel much refreshed.

Looking at the lights of the house, the neighbors, and the people who helped, the elder brother's wedding was over.

The elder brother would have a small family of their own.

And he himself needed to work harder, his women were still quite a few!