Chapter 24: “A Wedding Ceremony?”

Cheng Lingsu was naturally clever—how could she not pick up on the meaning in Old Zhen’s words?

And precisely because she understood, she felt both flustered and shy.

Part of it was embarrassment, but more than that, she didn’t want to pressure Brother Fang into making any promises.

She had never demanded such things…

Just being by his side was enough.

So, she feared Old Zhen might misunderstand—and that Fang Han might dislike it.

“Uncle Zhen, I was the one who begged Brother Fang to let me go with him. I’ve already made things difficult for him…”

But Old Zhen ignored her words, keeping his solemn gaze fixed on Fang Han. “Young Fang, what do you say to all this?”

Fang Han turned to glance at the girl beside him—her face slightly red, her shyness mixed with worry—and made up his mind.

Instead of replying directly, he turned and asked Cheng Lingsu, “Little sister, how old are you this year? Have you reached the age of hairpin yet?”

*In ancient times, a girl was said to ‘reach the age of hairpin’ (及笄, jìjī) at fifteen, meaning she was of age to marry.*¹

Generally speaking, that was among families with higher standards. Common folk often married off girls at eleven or twelve.

This was because life expectancy in ancient times was low. Anyone reaching forty was considered old.

Marriage, as a result, was often advanced to continue the family line as soon as possible.

“Ah!…”

Cheng Lingsu’s face flushed crimson in an instant.

That question…

Her heart thumped wildly. All her usual confidence and composure disappeared without a trace. She was left speechless.

“You don’t just ask a young girl something like that,” Old Zhen chided Fang Han. But his eyes betrayed a hint of satisfaction.

His expression relaxed slightly.

“She’s sixteen by full years now. By traditional age reckoning, she’d be seventeen or eighteen. Quite suitable!”

Suitable for what?

Cheng Lingsu lowered her head, her face as red as fire, feeling dazed and muddled.

Fang Han gave her a surprised glance. So, when they had first met, she must have been fifteen or sixteen already.

The more he thought about it, the more protective he felt. Heaven knows this girl still needed some nourishment.

Over these eight months, she’d certainly grown stronger. Her skin was fairer, her figure taller—but she still looked slightly fragile.

With that thought, his expression turned serious. In a deep voice, he said, “Master Zhen, I do intend to take Lingsu as my wife. It’s just that…”

He looked at Cheng Lingsu and asked softly, “Lingsu, would you be willing?”

Cheng Lingsu trembled. Her legs nearly gave out beneath her.

Her chest tightened with flustered heat. Her mind was a tangled mess. She looked up at Fang Han with a start, then quickly lowered her eyes.

“If… if Brother Fang doesn’t mind that I was born into a humble family, then of course I’m willing…”

Her face was crimson, her heart overwhelmed. But she still gave a direct answer to Fang Han’s question.

She truly was a generous and straightforward girl.

Even so, her voice now was soft and delicate, laced with shyness.

“Good!”

Old Zhen could no longer hold his composure. He looked like a giddy CP shipper whose dream had come true.²

“In that case, I’ll take responsibility and betroth Lingsu to you myself!”

He was Cheng Lingsu’s martial uncle and an elder. She respected him, and he had treated her as if she were his own. With that relationship, he had the right to speak on such matters.

That said, Fang Han still got kicked out.

Want to get married?

Sure.

But follow proper rites and customs!

Standing outside, Fang Han gave a wry smile.

But he couldn’t argue. Marriage was a major life event. It made sense to handle it with due seriousness.

In ancient times, marriage was formalized by the Six Rites: presenting betrothal gifts, exchanging names, seeking auspicious omens, confirming the match, setting a date, and welcoming the bride.³

In noble families, these rituals were strict and elaborate. For common folk, they were simpler, but the sequence was similar.

First came a matchmaker’s visit with a formal proposal. After back-and-forth visits, they would choose a lucky date for the wedding.

After the full process, about half a month had passed.

On the wedding day, red lanterns were hung high. Fang Han’s small courtyard was filled with joyous noise.

Guests came and went in great numbers, and many neighbors were invited to a feast.

It wasn’t until nightfall that the celebrations gradually faded.

Inside the bridal chamber, the bride sat silently on the bed, dressed in red bridal robes, a red veil over her head, her slender waist straight and still.

Fang Han pressed his fingers to his forehead—he was slightly drunk.

Though he had no family in this life, his reputation in Linshui County had grown.

When news of his marriage spread, it stirred up quite a buzz.

Many of today’s guests came because of his name, bringing gifts and staying for the wine.

And so, even though the alcohol wasn’t strong, he was a little tipsy from it all.

He walked over to the bride and gently lifted the red veil, revealing a face flushed with joy and embarrassment, her eyes glimmering with affection.

He had always seen her in simple, rustic clothes. Now, dressed in full bridal finery, she appeared even more refined and elegant, radiating a quiet, special beauty.

Cheng Lingsu’s eyes were like clear water, yet she didn’t dare look at Fang Han. A fleeting glance, and she quickly dropped her gaze, whispering, “Brother Fang…”

Fang Han, usually calm and composed, found his heart stirred.

He gently took her delicate hand, so soft and warm to the touch, and smiled at her.

“My dear, we’ve now bowed at the hall. From this day forward, we’re husband and wife.”

“Mm…” Cheng Lingsu answered with a blushing face, her voice barely audible.

Fang Han pulled her gently into his arms—soft warmth filled his embrace. A lovely sensation.

There was a faint, lingering medicinal fragrance around her.

Subtle, but soothing.

He nuzzled her hair lightly and whispered.

Cheng Lingsu, eyes closed and cheeks scarlet, murmured, “F-first, blow out the candles…”

The flame dimmed, flickering faintly—then vanished.

📌 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/svg/1f4cc.svg] FOOTNOTES:

1. 1. 1. 1. 及笄 (jìjī)– “Coming of age”: In ancient China, girls were said to reach adulthood at age fifteen, marked by a ceremony involving the hairpin. It indicated they were eligible for marriage.

1. 1. 1. 1. 磕cp的头子 (kē CP de tóuzi)– “CP shipper-in-chief”: A modern internet slang term, especially popular in fandoms. “CP” stands for “couple pairing.” This describes someone who strongly supports or dreams of two people ending up together romantically.

1. 1. 1. 1. 六礼 (liù lǐ)– Six Rites of Marriage: Traditional Chinese marriage protocol including: 纳采 (nà cǎi – proposal), 问名 (wèn míng – name exchange), 纳吉 (nà jí – fortune reading), 纳征 (nà zhēng – dowry), 请期 (qǐng qī – setting the date), 亲迎 (qīn yíng – bridal escort).