Volume One: Flames of War on the Border Chapter Twenty-Three: The Grand Wedding

Chen Qingyun laughed, covering her mouth with her sleeve, and said, “If that’s the case, between me and Deng’er, if Lord He had to choose one as his wife, whom would you select? Haha, it’s only a jest; you needn’t answer.”

He Yu understood well: on one hand, Chen Qingyun was testing him, on the other, she was openly and boldly seeking to win his affection.

It was as if a basin of cold water was poured over his head, extinguishing at once the vague, inexplicable fire of desire he had felt for Chen Qingyun. From that moment on, he harbored not a single stray thought toward her. This shift in his heart was as secret as it was uncanny.

He Yu replied with solemnity, “Naturally, I would choose Deng’er. Though you, Lady, come from a noble lineage and possess rare beauty, Deng’er once saved my life and is my betrothed. If I were to covet beauty or status and betray her, it would be as though I betrayed the heavens themselves—such conduct is shameful.”

His words were firm and decisive, leaving no room for Chen Qingyun to entertain any hope.

Just then, Deng’er stepped through the door, carrying dishes. Hearing his declaration, she was moved, her eyes growing inexplicably moist.

Chen Qingyun, unwilling to give up, pressed further: “A true man may take multiple wives and concubines; it is only natural. Lord He, still young, after marrying Deng’er, when do you plan to wed your principal wife?”

In ancient times, it was customary for wealthy families to take concubines even before marrying the main wife. The saying went: ‘Marry a wife for virtue and family, take a concubine for beauty and charm’—such was the tradition.

With her question, Chen Qingyun was clearly regarding Deng’er as He Yu’s concubine. In her eyes, He Yu’s character, skill, and intelligence made him an ideal match. If he married her as his principal wife, with the support of the Chen family stronghold, He Yu could rise swiftly and achieve prominence.

Her reasoning was sound, but for He Yu, it was out of the question.

He Yu shook his head. “Deng’er is my principal wife. In this life, I do not intend to marry another.”

Chen Qingyun’s expression froze; she was about to speak again when she saw Deng’er arrive and swallowed her words, disappointment showing on her face.

Deng’er set the newly prepared dishes on the table and poured wine for the two. He Yu invited Chen Qingyun to eat and drink. As an honored guest visiting for the first time, Deng’er steamed bean rice for the occasion. In the Eastern Jin, people usually ate soup noodles and wheat porridge in daily life; only when guests arrived would bean rice be prepared.

Chen Qingyun, born to wealth, was unimpressed by the bean rice, but greatly praised the dishes cooked in the modern style.

Having managed her household since youth, she was not overly refined or delicate, and ate heartily, repeatedly exclaiming how delicious the food was. Sincerely, she remarked, “No wonder Lord He is so devoted—just from these dishes, not even my family’s cook could match them. I never imagined Deng’er would be so skilled in the kitchen.” She still could not let go of He Yu’s impending marriage to Deng’er as his principal wife.

Deng’er blushed and replied honestly, “Lady, you may not know—these cooking methods were taught to me by my husband. It seems the culinary arts of the south far surpass those of the north.”

Deng’er, gentle yet resolute, deliberately emphasized the word “husband.”

Chen Qingyun caught the meaning, snorted coldly, and cast Deng’er a sidelong glance. “The south is renowned for talent and beauty, as Lord He himself shows. That the cuisine is better is only natural. By the way, Yu, I hear you are from Jinling. If I have time, I’d like to visit the south myself.”

Since his arrival in this era, He Yu had not yet been to the south and knew nothing of its scenery during the Eastern Jin. Any more said would betray him, so he replied vaguely and let the matter drop.

After eating and drinking, Chen Qingyun discussed a few matters concerning the stronghold with He Yu, then took her leave.

Once Chen Qingyun had gone, Deng’er finally breathed easy. She had been busy until now and only eaten half her meal, hunger gnawing at her.

He Yu filled Deng’er’s bowl, urging her to eat quickly. Deng’er, burdened with thoughts, picked at her food, tears falling silently into her bowl.

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He Yu sensed Deng’er’s worries and wrapped an arm around her waist, teasing, “Why are you crying? Oh, I know—Deng’er always says Lady Qingyun is the kindest, but as soon as she comes, you’re scared. Are you embarrassed because you lied?”

Deng’er put down her chopsticks and wiped her eyes, sobbing, “No...it’s not that...Lady Qingyun is strict, but she’s good to us servants...it’s just that...she...” She struggled for words, unable to finish her thought.

He Yu understood what Deng’er wanted to say and spoke with gentle seriousness. “Little Deng’er always lets her mind wander. No matter how lovely Chen Qingyun may be, she cannot compare to my Deng’er. Tomorrow I’ll send out wedding invitations; the day after, we’ll hold the ceremony.”

Deng’er’s eyes brightened as she slipped from his embrace, uneasy. “Husband, Chen Qingyun’s family is so esteemed, and she’s beautiful too. She was once my mistress. If you married her as your principal wife, it would be a perfect match. I...I’d gladly accept it, so long as you’d let me stay by your side as a servant girl, I’d be content.”

Deng’er’s gentle retreat took He Yu by surprise. No matter how, it seemed all women are unwavering when it comes to protecting their love.

He Yu pinched her delicate nose, feigning anger. “Deng’er doesn’t want me and is forcing me to marry Chen Qingyun. I suppose she wants to wed Officer Li instead.”

“No, absolutely not!” Deng’er protested anxiously at his teasing.

He Yu, seeing her mood had lifted, grew serious. “Then let me ask you, Deng’er—do you wish to marry me as my principal wife the day after tomorrow?” He, too, emphasized the words “principal wife.”

Deng’er, eyes misted with tears, nodded softly, her voice barely above a whisper. “Deng’er is willing.”

“That’s all I needed.”

He Yu smiled and kissed her deeply.

The next day, He Yu kept his word, instructing the steward to prepare and distribute invitations. His recent fame had given him great influence within the stronghold, and his circle had widened considerably. Thus, the number of guests at this wedding far exceeded those at the earlier, aborted celebration.

A wedding is the brightest moment in a woman’s life. Before, conditions were lacking; now, with everything in place, He Yu spared no expense, wanting Deng’er to remember her most beautiful self forever.

From sending invitations to hosting the banquet, only three days passed. In the past, this would have been impossible, but as a centurion with scores of men at his command, He Yu found three days more than sufficient.

Generous and principled, with skill and intellect surpassing others, He Yu commanded high respect among the troops. They were eager to aid him.

Marriage customs in the Jin dynasty involved six rites: the green tent, carpeted floor, shared wine, union ceremony, turning away the fan, bridal veil, bowing to the hall, lively room, music, and more.

With neither He Yu nor Deng’er having close kin, they asked the stronghold master Chen Jing and Chief Steward Li Ling to preside. Both were delighted and hosted with great enthusiasm, making He Yu feel honored.

Although He Yu had reservations about the Li family due to his duel with Li Yu, after working with Li Jun and interacting with Li Ling, he realized that while the Li family wielded considerable influence—sometimes to the point of overshadowing their hosts—they were reasonable overall.

The wedding banquet was lively, with guests filling the courtyard to overflowing. Dressed in festive attire, He Yu toasted every guest. Having mingled with the troops and villagers lately, he drank heartily; his capacity had unconsciously grown.

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As evening fell and the guests departed, He Yu, tipsy, entered the bridal chamber. Deng’er, her head covered with a red veil, sat demurely atop the marriage bed. He Yu gently closed the door and, using a golden hairpin, slowly lifted Deng’er’s veil. By the light of tall red candles, Deng’er, adorned in phoenix crown and embroidered robes, gazed at He Yu with shy affection, and, smiling, turned her face away.

He Yu chuckled, “How is it that my beloved bride is silent? I’ve been carrying this big red corsage all day—come, help me take it off.”

Deng’er giggled and rose from the bed to help him undress. He Yu took her delicate hand in his own, their eyes meeting, hearts overflowing with joy.

Having consummated their union before the ceremony, the bridal chamber was but a formality. He Yu, having drunk too much, was in no rush. Deng’er brought him tea.

He Yu savored the fragrant brew and casually flipped through the gift list on the table. A quick tally showed that the wedding had brought in tens of thousands in cash gifts—a sizeable windfall. He Yu laughed inwardly, “No wonder corrupt officials of later eras are so keen on hosting weddings and funerals—such generous cash gifts are a lucrative source of under-the-table income.”

He Yu handed the list to Deng’er. She glanced at it, her face lighting up with joy. “Husband, I never imagined we’d have so much money. Our family is rich now!”

Beyond the cash gifts, some special presents had arrived.

Stronghold master Chen Jing sent a brand-new oil-curtained ox cart, the equivalent today of a boss giving a Mercedes to a trusted manager.

Chief Steward Li Ling presented a pair of mutton-fat jade ruyi, of great value.

Li Jun, thinking outside the box, gifted a set of beast-faced, gold-inlaid Mingguang armor and a finely forged wolf-tooth spear. Only Li Jun would think to give military gear at a wedding, showing his rough edges in matters of etiquette. Yet these gifts were exactly what He Yu needed.

The battle at Xiemaling had taught him the importance of good weaponry. The Chen stronghold’s light cavalry wore thin armor, offering little protection.

During the Eastern Jin, ironworking lagged behind future generations; swords and spears were prone to breaking, and their ability to penetrate heavy armor was questionable.

After the bloody fight at Xiemaling, He Yu had sought suitable armor and weapons. Such items were rare, not easily bought even with money; they required luck and timing.

Li Jun’s gifts, though lacking in sentiment, were practical and much appreciated.

Chen Qingyun, claiming illness, did not attend the wedding, but sent gifts. For Deng’er, she sent a gold and pearl hair ornament with seasonal flowers, along with rouge and powder—things a girl would use. For He Yu, she sent silk and gauze attire for all seasons. The gifts were generous.

The true reason for Chen Qingyun’s absence was known only to Chen Jing, He Yu, and Deng’er.