Chapter 182: A Flick of Tea, Washing Away the Old
Chapter 182: A Flick of Tea, Washing Away the Old
Having received his answer, Yun Xiang felt complete in that very instant.
She handed the preserved fruit she carried to the gentleman.
Chen Changsheng paused for a moment. This time, he did not refuse and accepted it.
Yun Xiang smiled, the last rays of the setting sun falling on her, as if draping the evening glow over her shoulders.
“If the gentleman ever goes without preserved fruit again,” she said with a laugh, “come find Yun Xiang.”
“Alright,” Chen Changsheng nodded in agreement.
Faced with such sentiments, he couldn’t help but stumble over his words.
His mind grew hazy. From the very start…
It wasn’t really him who loved preserved fruit.
Now, the roles had reversed.
Chen Changsheng shook his head with a rueful smile, thinking how much simpler life would be if he were just an ordinary man. Then, he might not have hurt so many people.
Though a mayfly may live forever, it could never truly comprehend the world of men.
Perhaps he would never find a satisfying answer in this lifetime.
Sometimes, Chen Changsheng wondered:
Had something truly happened long, long ago that made him forget those memories?
Was that really it?
He even began to doubt himself.
…
The fifth year of Xinglong, the twenty-sixth day of the fifth month.
Auspicious: weddings, bathing, travel, welcoming people.
The Tang Manor buzzed with excitement. The clamor of gongs and drums filled the streets as guests streamed in endlessly, offering their congratulations.
Tang Mingjing, the groom, dressed in a bright red robe adorned with a red flower, sat atop his horse. Following the rhythm of the drums, the procession set off to fetch the bride.
Seeing the lively scene, Yun Xiang couldn’t help but smile.
“Brother Tang has been so busy with business all these years,” she remarked. “The Master has worried over his marriage for ages. At last, his wish is granted.”
Chen Changsheng thought for a moment. “I am still considering what would be a suitable gift for him.”
Yun Xiang turned to him. “Simply your presence here is the greatest gift, Sir.”
Chen Changsheng shook his head. “I shall think on it.”
“Speaking of, which family’s daughter is Tang Mingjing marrying?”
“The second daughter of the Two-Tax Commissioner Zhuang of Yan County.”
Chen Changsheng paused. “Are they fond of each other?”
Yun Xiang shook her head. “Brother Tang has only seen a portrait of the girl. The marriage was arranged based on that.”
Chen Changsheng hesitated, then asked, “Does the Tang family have plans involving salt and iron trade?”
Yun Xiang nodded. “Indeed. Though this marriage is for benefit, I’ve met Commissioner Zhuang’s second daughter a few times. In terms of character and virtue, she’s a good match.”
She continued, “In this world, marriages born of mutual affection are rare. The Tangs navigate between officials and commoners through trade—finding such a match is already a blessing.”
Chen Changsheng nodded, saying no more.
Tang Mingjing had his reasons. Marrying only at this age suggested he had long considered his path.
As the bride was about to arrive, Master Tang sought out Mr. Chen.
“Mr. Chen, Mr. Chen!”
Master Tang cupped his hands respectfully. “The procession should be here shortly. Won’t you please take the seat of honor?”
Chen Changsheng looked startled. “This… this is hardly proper.”
Those seated in the main hall received tea from the newlyweds. Those positions were usually reserved for elder family members.
Tang Shijie insisted, “This is not just my wish, but Mingjing’s as well.”
Yun Xiang covered her mouth with a laugh, then urged the gentleman, “Go on, hurry now, Sir.”
“Well…”
Chen Changsheng hesitated, but Tang Shijie simply took his arm and guided him inside.
Yun Xiang, enjoying the moment, playfully nudged the gentleman further into the manor.
With a resigned smile, Chen Changsheng had no choice but to take his seat in the main hall.
To his surprise, there were only two seats prepared.
Sitting down, he couldn’t very well stand back up.
All eyes in the Tang Manor turned toward the Green-Robed Gentleman seated in the place of honor.
“Who is that?”
“Haven’t seen him before.”
“Does anyone recognize him?”
“No.”
The guests regarded the Green-Robed Gentleman with some curiosity.
Some inquired among the Tang Manor maids and servants, but received no answers. Even the manor’s own staff didn’t recognize him.
“The bride approaches!”
“DONG!”
A sharp strike of the gong echoed, and all eyes turned towards the doorway.
The crowd surged forward eagerly.
“Congratulations, congratulations!”
“Congratulations!”
Tang Mingjing, holding his bride’s hand, returned the greetings. Then, he led her into the main hall.
The ritual master’s call gradually quieted the bustling hall.
“In ancient times, chaos parted, giving rise to yin and yang. All things flourished, yet above them stood humankind. Thus, through bonds of love, rites were born and passed through ages. Today, these rites of marriage bear witness before your guests. With shared food and drink from one cup…”
“Heaven and Earth bear witness, Sun and Moon lend their name.
“First bow to Heaven and Earth!”
Seated in the hall, Chen Changsheng looked at Tang Mingjing before him, then his gaze shifted to the bride beside him, her head veiled.
In that single glance, Chen Changsheng knew.
“It seems no further thought is needed.”
A gentle smile touched his lips. He glanced briefly at the teacup upon the table before turning his attention back.
“Second bow to the honored elders!”
“Groom and Bride exchange bows!”
“Rites fulfilled!!”
Amidst the rain of congratulations, the ritual master recorded this marriage knot—details to be formally inscribed later and reported to the authorities.
Tang Mingjing, still holding his bride’s hand, stepped forward.
“Father.” Tang Mingjing smiled warmly at the seated figure.
Joy seemed to radiate from Tang Shijie’s eyes. Stepping forward, he took both their hands and offered a few heartfelt words.
Tang Shijie beamed. “Good, good, good! Finally, this wish of my heart is fulfilled.”
Tang Mingjing brought tea—one cup handed to his bride, the other he kept.
The bride stepped forward and curtsied. “Your daughter-in-law offers tea to her father-in-law.”
Tang Shijie chuckled. “After this tea, a new form of address shall begin.”
It was customary to present a gift when receiving the tea. Tang Shijie handed Tang Mingjing the prepared gold bracelet. Mingjing, in turn, placed it upon the bride’s wrist.
After sipping the tea, the newlyweds turned to Chen Changsheng.
“This is Mr. Chen,” Tang Mingjing introduced to his bride.
The bride seemed momentarily puzzled but quickly composed herself. “Greetings, Mr. Chen,” she said respectfully.
Chen Changsheng spoke softly, “By custom, I have no place on this dais. Master Tang’s favor grants me this seat.”
Tang Shijie laughed warmly. “Nonsense, Sir! This seat is rightfully yours. Only honor guides us, not mere favor.”
Chen Changsheng rose and walked towards them.
The bride accepted a teacup and offered it. “Madam Zhuang respectfully offers tea to Mr. Chen.”
Chen Changsheng accepted the cup. “By status, I likely should decline. Yet since the cup is offered, it must be drunk. Ponder as I might, leaving some unused within the cup seems the best path—honoring ancient custom, yet fitting the rules of today.”
Tang Mingjing watched intently. Mr. Chen dipped his finger into the tea.
“A flick of tea, washing away the old; ushering in the new; blessings upon this joyful union.”
He flicked the droplets from his fingertrop onto the bride’s head covering.
The tea soaked through the fine veil, touching the bride’s cheek.
Then Chen Changsheng drained the cup, raising it slightly to show it was empty.
The bride stood frozen, clearly perplexed.
Yet Tang Mingjing saw the veil remained perfectly dry. Instantly, he understood. Though he did not grasp Sir’s methods, he knew the gesture carried immense significance.
Deeply moved, he bowed low. “On behalf of my humble wife, I thank the Green-Robed Gentleman for the gift of the flicked tea.”