The Red Mansion

Chapter 112: The Wedding (Part 2)
The wedding of Prince Daqing is usually grand and complicated.

Jiang Nian was just an illegitimate son of Emperor Taishun who was kept secret. Naturally, his wedding would not follow the wedding ceremony of a prince, but rather the wedding ceremony of a fifth-rank official based on his status as a third-class guard.

In a blink of an eye, it was February 11th, the day before the wedding.

On this day, Rongguo Mansion sent a lot of Yuanchun's dowry to the Jiang family's new house in the eastern suburbs, including furniture, clothes, daily necessities, etc.

This is called "pufang" or "falian".

The purpose of "pufang" is to decorate the new house, show the bride's family wealth, and symbolize the bride's ability to manage the household.

Yuanchun's dowry was so large and extravagant that the Jiang family's neighbors were all amazed when they saw it, saying that the Duke's daughter's wedding was indeed a grand occasion. Even the Qin family, a hundred steps away, was alarmed, and Ruizhu and Peng Jizhong and his wife rushed over to see the excitement.

The Jiang family's new house was already neatly arranged, the courtyard swept, red and colorful decorations hung, and red carpets laid out, all in a festive mood, awaiting the arrival of the dowry. When Yuanchun's dowry arrived, they laid out the bed curtains, quilts, and pillows according to etiquette, set up the dressing table, mirror, and dressing table, and placed vases of flowers and candles, making the new house magnificent and exquisite.

It was February 12th, the wedding day.

Early that morning, Jiang Nian dressed in the uniform of a third-class guard, burned incense at home to worship his ancestors, recited prayers, announced his marriage, and set up an altar with pigs, sheep, and chickens as well as wine. The ceremony should have been presided over by the elders of the clan, symbolizing "accepting the orders of the ancestral temple", but Jiang Nian had no visible elders of the clan.

This is called "worshiping ancestors and reporting to heaven."

While Jiang Nian was offering sacrifices to his ancestors and praying to heaven at home, Yuanchun also got up early in the Rongguo Mansion and was helped by the maids, wives and old women to dress up.

Yuanchun's eyebrows were as dark as distant mountains, her lips painted red, her complexion lightly powdered, her skin radiant and luminous. She wore a crown adorned with a phoenix-patterned tiara, a pearl necklace cascading down her forehead, and a phoenix hairpin slanting diagonally. She wore a bright red auspicious gown embroidered with a golden phoenix pattern, her shawl pendant gleaming silver. She exuded an air of grace and elegance, a true reflection of her status as a fifth-rank lady.

Mrs. Wang and Sister Feng looked on, both nodding with smiles. Wang Xifeng thought to herself, "With such good character and appearance, she's worthy of being an imperial concubine. Now she's being paired with Jiang Nian, which is really unfair..."

After Jiang Nian offered sacrifices to his ancestors and reported to heaven, he went to welcome his bride.

He changed into a crimson auspicious robe with a python pattern and rode in a blue-wool sedan chair carried by four men, accompanied by a procession of honor and accompanied by drums and music, to the Rongguo Mansion to welcome his bride. Within the procession were fluttering green flags, blue umbrellas held high, suonas, shengs, and flutes playing in unison. Six ceremonial officials, each holding a goose, a mirror, and a marriage certificate, accompanied the procession.

The wedding procession moved slowly from the eastern suburbs, attracting passers-by to watch.

Someone who knew the situation whispered, "I heard that this guy named Jiang is very close to the Thirteenth Prince. He was awarded the rank of Third Class Guard last year when he was fifteen. Now he's married to the eldest daughter of the Rongguo Mansion. His future is limitless!"

The wedding procession marched for a long time before finally arriving at the Rongguo Mansion in the western part of the capital.

However, the gate of Rongguo Mansion was tightly closed, and a "gate-blocking and talent-testing" ceremony was set up. The groom had to pass three checkpoints before he could marry the bride.

The first hurdle is Yuanchun’s younger brother Jia Baoyu asking for “opening money”.

Jia Baoyu was not willing to take this job at first, but since Mrs. Wang had given the order, he dared not disobey.

He wore a purple gold crown inlaid with jewels on his head, a golden headband with the pattern of two dragons fighting for a pearl tied at his eyebrows, a red arrow-sleeve with two-color golden butterflies and flowers, a palace sash with long tassels made of multicolored silk flowers, a dark blue flowered Japanese satin jacket with eight round tassels, and small court boots with a blue satin and pink base.

He stopped in front of Jiang Nian with a dull look on his face and said weakly, "If you want to come in, you must first leave the 'opening fee'."

Seeing Jia Baoyu's reluctance, Jiang Nian found it amusing. Smiling, he took out a string of copper coins wrapped with a red string and handed it to Jia Baoyu, saying, "It's just a small gift. Please accept it."

Jia Baoyu took the copper coin and said nothing.

The main gate of Rongguo Mansion opened and Jiang Nian entered the mansion through the main gate.

The second level is interesting, as friends in the female room give you a topic for poetry.

It means that the bride's unmarried female relatives and friends test the groom's talent through poetry, couplets, etc.

This custom is both entertaining and demonstrates the importance that the scholar-official class attaches to culture.

When Jiang Nian reached the second gate, he saw Yingchun sitting upright on an embroidered cushion, surrounded by a group of maids, wives and old women who were watching.

This was the first time Jiang Nian saw Yingchun. She had plump skin, a medium build, cheeks as red as fresh litchis, and a nose as greasy as goose fat.

Yingchun was gentle and quiet, and shyly whispered to Jiang Nian, "I've heard that Master Jiang is very talented. Since you've come to marry me today, I wonder if you could write a poem on the theme of 'Pair of Swallows'?"

According to etiquette, the groom could bring along a talented "best man" to help answer the questions, but he was required to come up with the final answer himself. If he couldn't answer the question immediately, he was required to give a "red envelope" or drink three cups of wine as punishment, known as "passage money." However, due to the importance of respectability among scholar-official families, such cases were rare.

Jiang Nian did not ask for help from others. After a brief moment of contemplation, he recited aloud in front of everyone:
"The jade scissors flew into the painted beams, and the carved railings stood side by side, discussing things.

The east wind keeps its promise to build a nest, and we spend the sunset together among the flowers."

This poem uses the story of two swallows building a nest to praise the spirituality of natural creatures and also to symbolize the warmth of companionship among human beings.

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone applauded and praised him.

Yingchun nodded with a smile and said, "Mr. Jiang is indeed very talented. This poem not only fits the theme of 'Pair of Swallows', but also symbolizes the love between husband and wife and their long life together. It is truly appropriate for the occasion."

He then ordered people to remove the second barrier.

The third stage is tested by his father-in-law Jia Zheng, who may test him with poetry or couplets.

When Jiang Nianji arrived in front of the main courtyard, he saw Jia Zheng standing solemnly. Although he had a smile on his face, he had an air of majesty.

Jia Zheng bowed slightly and said, "Now that my worthy son-in-law has arrived, I will offer the first line of a couplet, and you will answer the second line to add to the festivities."

Jiang Nian said respectfully, "Please give me a title, father-in-law."

Jia Zheng stroked his beard and said, "The Red Luan star is moving, and I am glad that today the red string is tied to my feet."

This couplet implicitly echoes the meaning of wedding and contains the allusion of "marriage destined by heaven", which is quite appropriate.

Jiang Nian was not in a hurry. After a moment's thought, he said, "Our alliance will remain strong until old age. I predict that we will be rich and prosperous in the future."

After hearing this, Jia Zheng's eyes flashed with approval. He nodded and smiled, "Excellent! The couplet is well-balanced and auspicious. The virtuous son-in-law truly lives up to his reputation."

So he stepped aside to make way and signaled to let him pass.

When everyone saw this, they cheered and played drums and music.

Jiang Nian dressed up and went in, finally getting into the hall to welcome his bride.
"Three tests reveal one's true talent, and one poem determines a pair."

Now that Jiang Nian has passed the three levels of "gate test", the next step is "the bride leaving the house".

Yuanchun, covered with a red veil, walked slowly out of her boudoir, supported by two well-off women. A sack was laid under her feet, passed from one person to another in a process called "passing the mat," a lucky omen for "carrying on the family line."

When they reach the sedan chair, they step over the fire basin and the saddle, which symbolizes "prosperity" and "peace and success".

After Yuanchun sat down in the sedan chair, with a shout, four people lifted the sedan chair steadily up. The picture of a hundred children embroidered on the curtain of the sedan chair was lifelike, and reflected the sunlight, making it look even more festive.

Supported by Yuanyang, Grandmother Jia watched the sedan chair going farther and farther away. She couldn't help but burst into tears and choked with sobs, saying, "Gone! Gone!" Mrs. Wang was also crying beside her. She just covered her face with a handkerchief, feeling reluctant to let her go.

Li Wan stared at the sedan chair in a daze, and suddenly recalled the scene when she got married. Unexpectedly, Jia Zhu died early, leaving her a widow in her youth. Now seeing Yuanchun's wedding sedan chair going away, she felt mixed emotions and tears rolled down her face, but she was afraid of being seen, so she quickly lowered her head and wiped them away.

Wang Xifeng was a straightforward person, but her eyes were red at this moment. She thought to herself, "When I got married, it was also such a glorious occasion, but now... Second Master is like a greedy cat all day long, and he looks at me as if I were an old woman. How can we be a loving couple?" The more she thought about it, the sadder she felt, but she couldn't show it, so she had to force a smile to comfort Lady Jia and Mrs. Wang.

Lin Daiyu leaned against the pillar, watching the sedan chair go away, feeling a little melancholy in her heart, and thought to herself: "My elder sister is getting married today, and I don't know where we sisters will end up in the future..." Thinking of this, tears welled up in her eyes. She quickly turned her back and wiped them away quietly.

Yingchun and Tanchun also bid farewell with tears in their eyes. Yingchun, of a gentle nature, shed tears silently; Tanchun, though trying to remain calm, had a red nose. Xichun was the youngest, but her temperament was cold. Although everyone else was crying, she remained silent.

Jia Zhen's second wife, Youshi, was also present. She stood in the background, not wanting to stand out, but unexpectedly she wept even harder than Lady Jia and the others. She thought of the Ningguo Mansion's decline, her own lack of dignity, and her lack of children. Seeing Yuanchun's grand wedding, she felt even more deeply sorry for her fate. Tears streamed down her face, soaking even her handkerchief.

It is:

"As the wedding sedan departs, tears stream down our cheeks. How can we speak of our own sorrows?"

Although most of Yuanchun's dowry had been delivered to the Jiang family's "shop" yesterday, a symbolic portion of the dowry was still sent to the Jiang family along with the sedan chair today as a sign of respectability.

This part of the dowry that came with the sedan chair included official edict boxes, gold-painted jewelry boxes, rosewood makeup boxes, etc.

When the bridal sedan arrived at the Jiang family's new residence in the eastern suburbs, the imperial edict box was displayed in the main hall, perched high on a rosewood table. Made of black lacquer and gilded with gold, it was engraved with a pattern of five bats holding a longevity offering. Inside, the imperial edict was placed, a truly magnificent sight.

Next comes the wedding ceremony, which includes the worship in the hall, the wedding ceremony, and the wedding ceremony.

First, Jiang Nian and Yuanchun got married.

A worship of heaven and earth.

In the main hall, facing north, an incense table was set up, offering tablets for "Heaven, Earth, Sovereign, Parents, and Teachers." Incense curled upwards. Jiang Niansu stood before the tablets, kneeling three times and kowtowed nine times. Yuanchun, covered with a veil, bowed in a thousand bows, supported by her bridesmaid.

Two worship the high hall.

This part is a bit awkward.

Jiang Nian's background was unique: his father was the Emperor Taishun, a figure whose name could not be made public, and his mother had passed away, leaving him with no relatives or elders. Therefore, Jiang Nian and Yuanchun simply knelt and paid homage to Jiang Xuelian's spirit tablet.

Husband and wife bow to each other.

The newlyweds stood facing each other. Yuanchun folded her delicate hands at her waist and knelt in a solemn salutation, displaying the grace of a great lady. Jiang Nian, on the other hand, bowed deeply, the jade pendant at her waist jingling.

After the ceremony, the bridesmaid helped Yuanchun back into the bridal chamber to "sit in the tent", but the big red veil was seen trembling slightly, which seemed to indicate that Yuanchun was upset.

Next comes the wedding ceremony.

Inside the bridal chamber, the canopy of hundreds of children hung low. The bridesmaid presented a pair of gilded silver cups filled with amber-colored wedding wine, and Jiang Nian and Yuanchun each held a cup.

Jiang Nian raised his head and drank the second half of the cup, his Adam's apple moving slightly; Yuanchun took a sip through the veil, her cheeks flushed before the wine even touched her lips.

When exchanging wine glasses, their fingers touched lightly, and Yuanchun quickly retracted hers, causing everyone to cover their mouths and laugh.

During the hair-tying ceremony, the bridesmaid fetched her golden scissors and first cut a lock of Jiang Nian's hair from her left temple. She then gently lifted the strands from Yuanchun's right bun. The two locks were tied into a heart-shaped knot and placed in a five-colored brocade bag. The bag was embroidered with a flatfish in gold thread. As the bridesmaid tied the corners of the wedding bed curtains, she said, "We are married, and our love is unwavering."

Then, Mrs. Quanfu holds a lacquer tray and throws red dates, peanuts, longans, lotus seeds and other things on the bridal bed, singing the "Song of Sprinkling the Bed" as she does so: "One scatter for prosperity and wealth, two scatter for gold and jade filling the pond and hall, three scatter for early success in the imperial examinations, four scatter for a dragon and a phoenix pairing for good fortune."

Red dates bounced on the quilt, peanuts rolled into the corner of the bed, and longans and lotus seeds rustled like rain.

The singing became more and more joyful: "Five scatters bring the prime minister to the house, six scatters bring six harmonies and long spring, seven scatters bring husband and wife to grow old together, eight scatters bring eight horses back to their hometown, nine scatters bring ninety-nine and long life."

When they sang "Ten Scatters, Ten Blessings for Great Auspiciousness", all the women in the room laughed.

Yuanchun sat upright on the edge of the bed, her pretty face hidden under the veil was flushed with shame, and her slender fingers were unconsciously twisting the veil.

It is:

"Red candles illuminate the wedding wine, and the black hair is tied into a knot of love.

"The song of spreading the tent signifies a happy marriage, and only then do I believe that there are white-haired couples in the world."

After the wedding ceremony, there is the wedding banquet.

The guests of honor at wedding banquets were primarily officials of the same rank and local gentry. Higher-ranking officials usually avoided attending, sending only gifts on their behalf. If there were close relationships, such as in-laws or teachers and students, high-ranking officials might attend in casual attire, but they were forbidden to wear official uniform or use official ceremonies to avoid violating etiquette.

There were not many guests attending the wedding banquet.

The most distinguished guest was Qu Tai, the second-rank minister of the Ministry of Works. He attended the event as Jiang Nian's teacher, dressed casually and with a simple entourage. It was Prince Zhongyi who asked him to attend.

There are also Qu Jishan and Fang Tingxun, both of whom were Jiang Nian's former teachers, and both were second-class Jinshi in last year's special examination.

There was Wang Maozhen, the eldest son of Wang Dian, the governor of Jiangning, who served as a fifth-rank garrison commander in Tongzhou Camp.

Before Jiang Nian went to Beijing, Wang Dian gave him Wang Maozhen's address in the capital, hoping that he would make friends with Wang Maozhen. He has not forgotten this.

Ren Pijiang sent someone to deliver the congratulatory gifts but did not attend the wedding banquet. As a second-class imperial guard, he had to avoid suspicion.

Bao Yan also sent someone to deliver a gift, but he did not attend the wedding banquet. He was a first-class guard of the imperial palace, a third-rank official. According to the Daqing Tongli (Book of Rites), officials attending private banquets should avoid "disordering the hierarchy." Officials of the third rank and above were not, in principle, allowed to attend the weddings of fifth-rank officials.

Prince Zhongyi would naturally not attend the wedding banquet, as he had secretly sent a generous gift to Jiang Nian.

As for Emperor Jingning, the Empress Dowager, and Emperor Taishun, well, it was too late to avoid suspicion today, and the gifts for the three of them had already been given to Jiang Nian.

Guests at the wedding banquet were seated according to their ranks, with officials of the same rank sitting at the "east chief seat", gentry at the west seat, and female relatives at a separate banquet in the back hall.

The main banquet features twenty-four dishes, eight cold and sixteen hot.

All utensils are covered with red paper, and even the spout of the teapot must be tied with red cloth.

It is taboo to say "separation" or "parting" at a banquet. The servants of the Jiang family all memorized the "Book of Auspicious Sayings", such as calling fish "wagging tail fairy" and lotus root "heart-opening jade".

Suddenly, one of the attendants of Wang Maozhen, the garrison commander of Tongzhou Camp, accidentally broke a wine glass. This attendant, also a military officer, accidentally broke it. He Yun quickly shouted, "May the wine glass fall to the ground and bloom, and may you be rich and prosperous!" and ordered someone to quickly replace it with a new one.

Wang Maozhen was embarrassed and was about to apologize to Jiang Nian, but Jiang Nian raised his glass and said with a smile: "Everything is fine, just for the sake of good luck."

Everyone understood and started laughing.

(End of this chapter)