Disaster Apocalypse: Farming, Family, and My Hidden Secret Space-Chapter 525: Marriage

Xiaoxiao was woken up by being stifled, but her anger faded the instant she saw the people before her. This is precisely why Granny Hua and Mrs. Qi came in person; if it were anyone else, even her two aunts wouldn’t have been able to quell her morning tantrum.

"Granny, Mother, so early..."

"It’s not early anymore, hurry and get up; there’s much to do." Mrs. Qi said as she attempted to help her daughter dress herself, but Xiaoxiao quickly grasped her mother’s hand, "Mother, I can do it myself."

Fully awake now, she felt a bit embarrassed; after all, today was her big day, and she seemed to have slept too soundly. She glanced guiltily at her mother and grandmother, fortunate that only they were in the room, otherwise she’d be terribly embarrassed.

In the ensuing time, Xiaoxiao played the perfect marionette, accepting whatever her mother handed her, including a bowl of sweet egg soup, letting them fuss over her relentlessly.

First, she soaked in a bath until thoroughly scrubbed, nearly losing a layer of skin. Then she was surrounded by a group of women in the room: Sister Cat, Little Yingzi, Sister Hua witnessing everything helplessly, along with several other friendly aunties and elder women.

Honestly, everyone had great energy; each got up early, more energetic than Xiaoxiao, the bride-to-be.

Next, she obediently sat in her maiden chamber waiting for the "Full Fortune" woman, specifically invited by Granny to perform the important procedure... threading.

The so-called Full Fortune woman is one blessed with both sons and daughters, universally acknowledged as a prosperous person with a harmonious and joyful family.

Speaking of blessings, Mrs. Qi is recognized in the village too, gathering her children and now grandchildren, yet threading is a skill she has never mastered. Although she’s secretly practiced with her husband multiple times, it still felt inadequate, and she decided to invite the village’s deemed Full Fortune woman, as a wedding brooks no imperfection.

There’s a slight regret, but seeing her daughter’s face after threading, smooth as a peeled egg, white as fine jade with a faint pinkish tint, so beautiful one is tempted to take a bite.

Mrs. Qi felt the decision was right; had it been her, her daughter’s face might not have been presentable.

Then came the makeup. Honestly, the makeup and hairstyle from that era are quite questionable, and Xiaoxiao thought about adorning herself beautifully but ultimately let her mother and grandmother style her.

Anyway, it’s about celebration, even if her face was painted white like a layer of putty, cheeks appearing pasted with red paper, exaggerated eyeliner on the eyes, and only the center point of her lips marked red, Xiaoxiao indicated acceptance; after all, everyone was like this, she wasn’t the only unsightly bride.

Feeling her mother and grandmother gently applying makeup on her, glimpsing their reluctance, especially her mother’s reddened eyes while she worked, Xiaoxiao sat up straighter, experiencing a poignant sensation, softly holding both her grandmother and mother’s hands, offering them a tender, reliant smile.

"Mother, afterward I’ll return." She murmured quietly.

This statement cleared the redness in Mrs. Qi’s eyes, recalling her child’s persistent nature fearing she meant every word, pausing her work to whisper in her daughter’s ear, "That can’t be. At least not today; if you return, you must be with your husband, okay?"

Granny Hua hurriedly nodded, softly agreeing, "Be good, listen."

Confronted with their concerned gazes, Xiaoxiao could only nod.

Time elapsed unknowingly, finally hearing "All done," Xiaoxiao moved her body hastily and soon heard exclamations in the room, all complimenting her beauty.

Xiaoxiao dared not glance at the bronze mirror, fearing her face was redder than a monkey’s rump; instead, saying nothing, maintaining a slight smile was the best choice.

Next was styling her hair, also performed by the Full Fortune woman. Amidst blessing songs, Xiaoxiao’s hair was intricately shaped into a woman’s chignon, followed by the bridal gown.

It wasn’t red, the dominant color was green, embellished with red around the collar, sleeves, and bodice. Gold and silver threads embroidered the attire with mandarin ducks playing in water and flower motifs, and the hem depicted children at play, though not the finest as each stitch bore a mother’s heartfelt love.

The bridal gown’s reveal caused rounds of gasps; it was incredibly splendid.

In a farming family, wearing new clothes with a red veil on the wedding day was satisfaction enough; who could afford embroidery, especially such exquisite designs? It was evidently heartfelt, showcasing the village chief’s family’s affection for their only daughter, truly unparalleled; even if matched, others lacked the skill.

Wearing the gown, sitting properly by the bed, Xiaoxiao could distinctly discern others’ envy.

As Xiaoxiao’s main follower, Sister Hui never left her cousin’s side, eyes glued to her cousin’s face, utterly mesmerized.

With the obsessed look, if Xiaoxiao hadn’t seen bridal makeup many times prior, she might indeed believe she was now blessed with a celestial beauty.

No matter, refusing to lift her eyes to the mirror, she pretended she was as divine as fairy; truly, everyone’s stares were fairly astonished.

Actually, she really was stunning; the makeup wasn’t as she feared, like a putty white layer.

Mrs. Qi saw her daughter’s disdain towards bridal makeup clearly, recalling her daughter’s delicacy. When applying, she instinctively reduced the makeup intensity considerably.

Moreover, her daughter’s skin was already porcelain white, unnaturally fine, needing no extra touches. A thin layer sufficed, enhancing Xiaoxiao’s brows’ color, accentuating eye lines, coloring only the middle lip with red tint, and even the bright blush couldn’t mask Xiaoxiao’s exquisite features.

Complimented by radiant golden ornaments and the remarkable bridal gown, she was even more beautiful, exuding an innate aristocratic aura while sitting on the bed, a grace only to be admired but not desecrated.

If not for growing up right under their noses, everyone would suspect Xiaoxiao might have been swapped with some noble daughter.

The room thrived with excitement, likewise outside, temporary stoves burned fiercely, flames leaping high as if celebrating the soon-to-be wed couple.

Xiaoxiao didn’t know how long she sat in the room; with cousins and numerous sisters, including many adorable children surrounding in company, she didn’t feel bored, especially Sister Hui, admiringly gazing as she often did in childhood. Since often sporting men’s wear, Sister Hui hadn’t been as unreserved in ages.

This girl was a countless admirer; really, Xiaoxiao was curious what kind of husband she would seek. Honestly, Xiaoxiao was indeed quite curious.

Amidst bursting firecracker sounds, the courtyard resonated with laughter and joy.

"Quick, quick, quick, the bridegroom arrives."

"Wow wow..." Children joined adults in joyous laughter.

Everyone in the maiden chamber hurried about, Mrs. Qi gazed at the daughter she cherished deeply since infancy, her eyes instantly reddening, and reached for the prosperity red veil on the bed.

"Mother..." Xiaoxiao grasped Qi’s hand.

"It’s alright, mother is happy. Afterward, you’ll have your own home, live well, understand?"

"Yes, yes," Xiaoxiao nodded.

"Good... be obedient, don’t move." Like she did in childhood, Qi gently stroked her daughter, then slowly placed the veil over Xiaoxiao’s head, accompanied by uncontrollable tears.