Chapter 20: Time to Take a Bride

After Jiang Chengyan left, Madam Li brought Bai Yan into her own west room. Bai Yan sat obediently on the large wooden stool, watching as Madam Li took out a small wooden box from the cupboard.

When the little box was opened, to Bai Yan’s surprise, inside were two shining silver ingots.

The moment Bai Yan saw those gleaming treasures, she was utterly entranced.

“A’yan has helped me a great deal; this is a token of my appreciation. He has his own work, and I’ve heard you sold yourself to bury your father. Keep this silver for yourself, as a form of security,” Madam Li said, her face still devoid of expression.

Bai Yan, unversed in the ways of the world, simply accepted the ingots when Madam Li handed them to her. Then, remembering Jiang Chengyan’s instructions, she obediently tilted her head up and said, “Thank you, godmother.”

“I heard A’yan mention something about radishes earlier. There are still plenty at home; shall I wash a few for you?” Madam Li asked, her face cold as ever.

At this, Bai Yan nodded her head vigorously.

She couldn’t let herself pass gas, but eating radishes was a necessity.

Madam Li then fetched a small hoe and headed outside to the cellar to dig up some radishes. By chance, just then, Mrs. Zhao was returning home with her basket of eggs, clearly having gone to the market in the neighboring village to sell them.

Li Chunxiang was a reserved woman who seldom interacted with the neighbors. Mrs. Zhao saw her digging for radishes but had no intention of greeting her. Yet, just as she was about to walk past, she heard the sound of laughter from Li Chunxiang’s courtyard: “Godmother, not too many, just two little radishes are enough—very small ones will do.”

Hearing such lively voices coming from Li Chunxiang’s yard surprised Mrs. Zhao. Out of the corner of her eye, she glanced over and saw a small head peeking out, swaying as it watched Li Chunxiang.

A sudden thought flashed through her mind.

Today, the eldest daughter-in-law was to be married from Li Chunxiang’s home.

With this realization, Mrs. Zhao quickened her pace on the way back.

…

At the auspicious hour, Jiang Chengyan arrived with the bridal sedan to fetch his little bride. Jiang Chengyan was strikingly handsome, and his red wedding robes made him all the more dazzling. The main street of Xitang Village was more bustling than on market days.

Jiang Chengyan did not linger. When it was time to carry away his veiled bride, he turned to Li Chunxiang and said, “Godmother, I’ll trouble you to take care of her.”

Li Chunxiang shook her head. “The time is right; you should set off.”

Jiang Chengyan nodded, then hoisted Bai Yan onto his back and set out.

But the person on his back was far from well-behaved. Jiang Chengyan felt her lean toward his ear, and through the red veil he heard a crisp crunching sound.

“Little one, who told you to gnaw on radishes again?” If that wasn’t the sound of eating a radish, then he’d eat his own hat.

“Mm, godmother was afraid I’d be hungry, so she gave me some,” Bai Yan replied, then took another loud bite.

Jiang Chengyan’s eyelid twitched, but he still tucked her safely into the sedan.

…

Mrs. Zhao hurried home with her basket. Father Jiang was dutifully sitting by the stove, tending the fire. When he saw her return, he gave her a simple, honest smile. “Did you sell all the eggs?”

“Has Cheng’an gone to the school?” Mrs. Zhao glanced around, not seeing her youngest son.

“Yes, he left after taking two eggs,” Father Jiang replied with a nod.

“Quick, change your clothes and come with me to the east end of the village,” Mrs. Zhao briskly ordered him.

“What’s the matter?” Father Jiang was still confused.

“Jiang Chengyan’s getting married—we need to help.” As she finished, Mrs. Zhao snapped, “Hurry up! What are you dawdling for?!”

Father Jiang jumped up like a startled rabbit and rushed off to change his clothes.