Chapter 285: Eating Wedding Candy Brings Good Luck

Mingyang, Mingliang, Mingfang, and Mingkai sat at the kitchen doorway, waiting for the chef to finish braising the pork lard. Uncle Guai, as he served the guests, kept glancing at them from time to time.

This house is like a constant celebration! Even when we’re out, we still crave the pork lard bits!

He felt his pocket, a paper-wrapped packet of white sugar waiting for the lard bits to be ready, so he could sprinkle it on top for them to eat.

Shen Meng watched the hungry children, her eyes fixed on them.

“What are you all doing here? Grandma Liu has already sent you plenty of lard bits.”

“I want to eat! I want to eat!”

Lu Mingkai wiggled his little bottom, eager to stay in the kitchen. Mingyang, Mingfang, and Mingliang looked at Shen Meng, their faces full of helplessness; Mingliang even sighed.

“Mom, Mingkai is a stubborn mule. He doesn’t want to leave.”

“Alright, alright, stay here and wait for the food.”

Several aunts and older women nearby watched Shen Meng struggling with the child, and they all laughed happily. You see, you might be strong, but there are always those stronger than you, and nothing can conquer a child’s will.

The entire courtyard was bustling with activity. The bride was due to leave early, with the banquet scheduled for around 10 AM. The freshly steamed three-grain flour buns and prepared dishes filled the air with delicious aromas, making everyone’s mouths water. They had already had two rounds of tea, and the relatives who came to escort the bride were arriving.

Shen Xiaobin, dressed in his new clothes, with a touch of hair oil, looked very handsome. As soon as he entered the courtyard, he immediately became the focus of everyone’s attention.

The old couple were overjoyed to see their handsome son-in-law.

Shen Xiaobin was followed by some of Shen’s family members, who had come to help transport Lu Xiangxiang’s dowry.

The old couple forgot everything else, their eyes fixed on Shen Xiaobin.

After a long wait, the braised pork lard bits were finally ladled out. The chef gave Mingkai half a bowl. This was something the family had arranged beforehand, as these children were special and precious.

Mingkai, holding his half-bowl of lard bits, started to push his way through the crowd.

“Where are you going, Mingkai? With so many people, aren’t you afraid of getting pushed?”

“I… I want to find Uncle Guai. He said he hid some white sugar for me, to sprinkle on the lard bits. It will be so delicious.”

“Ugh, you should sprinkle salt or chili flakes on them! Sugar is too sweet; don’t you want it!” Mingliang frowned, pulling on Mingkai’s sleeve.

“I want it! I want it! I want it!”

“Shhh, be quiet! If you keep making a fuss, you’ll get a beating. Today is your cousin’s and Aunt Xiangxiang’s wedding. Don’t cause trouble. Eat less. Later, we’ll go to Grandma’s for a better meal!”

Lu Mingkai pouted, unable to break free, and looked at Shen Meng with pleading eyes.

“Hehe, they really are a good match!”

Shen Meng stood among the crowd, watching the couple, and joined in the casual conversations. She wasn’t sure if it was her imagination, but she felt a burning gaze fixated on her. She turned around, but couldn’t find anyone.

“Don’t look around. You’re too short; I can’t see you. Brother, shall we go to the banquet hall? The seats will be taken soon.”

“Let’s go, let’s go. Mingkai, stay in your seat; don’t let anyone take it away. Mom won’t be able to sit down if you do.”

Hearing about the banquet, Lu Mingkai suddenly felt the lard bits in his hands weren’t so appealing anymore.

The children hurried to find seats, but most were already taken. Everyone wanted to see the bride and groom, but more importantly, they wanted to quickly secure a good seat and enjoy the feast.

“Mingliang, Mingyang, come over here. There’s a seat over here.”

“Aunt…”

At the outermost table, Wang Lianhua, Xie Jinghao, Xifeng, Yu Xueli, and several children were seated, filling the table completely.

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“The banquet is about to begin. Where is your mother?”

“Mom is busy mingling. She’s so happy; she’s practically jumping up and down.”

“Of course, she’s happy! She played a key role in arranging this marriage. Soon, the couple will be on their own. How could she not be happy?”

“Exactly! Now that Xiangxiang is married, we should start hoping for Xueli’s wedding.”

Yu Xueli blushed slightly. Daya and Xiaoya giggled, covering their mouths.

They had already met Uncle Qian, a wonderful man. His mother is very kind. When they visited, she prepared many delicious dishes for them and gave them a gift.

They were staying in the county seat, a large courtyard. They said they would have their own rooms.

Although they felt a little emotional, seeing Uncle Qian treat their mother so well made them happy. Over the past few months, their lives had been the happiest and most comfortable they had ever experienced.

“Don’t tease me. I’m not in a hurry to marry Uncle Qian. Let Daya study for a couple more years.”

“Exactly! Uncle Qian is very busy. He only has his mother. Xueli, don’t take my words too seriously. He’s a good match. It’s best to get married soon. Daya can also go to the county for school. County schools are much better than those in the commune.”

Wang Lianhua listened to Xie Jinghao and Xifeng’s advice, wiping a tear with her sleeve.

“That’s right, Xueli. I see that you’re doing well, and that makes me feel much better. I have three children. I need to learn from you. I need to improve our lives, and I need to have hope for the future.”

Although she said so, she was already overjoyed. Being a single woman wasn’t so bad.

Xifeng patted Wang Lianhua’s hand. Her sister-in-law had really changed. Now, she cherished the children as if they were precious jewels. She checked on the children’s well-being several times, ensuring they weren’t being mistreated. The children said their mother was wonderful now.

“Sister-in-law, you should be at ease. Shen Meng won’t let you suffer. She has her own plans.”

“I know. I’m content.”

After a while, Shen Meng returned, followed by a steward. He carried a tray, muttering something. He grabbed the candy and cigarettes from the tray and began to distribute them.

The elderly and children present scrambled to the ground to pick up the candy.

Mingyang, Mingliang, and Mingfang also ran to pick up the candy. Only Mingkai sat at the table, still holding his bowl.

“Why aren’t you picking up the candy?”

“Mom, they’re too childish. We have plenty of candy at home. Why do they need to pick it up?”

Shen Meng: “…”

Wipe your mouth, you’re not very mature either.

“This is wedding candy from your cousin and Aunt Xiangxiang. It’s much sweeter than the candy at home, and eating wedding candy brings good luck.”

Lu Mingkai looked at Shen Meng with wide innocent eyes. Everyone at the table looked at her. She was knowledgeable, so what she said must be true.

Shen Meng chuckled and said, “…not necessarily.”