TTTQF Chapter 99

You Won’t Argue With Me, Right?

"The couple has arrived at the main street! Hurry, set off the firecrackers!"

The Duke's mansion has people stationed along the way to observe their movements. As soon as they see the couple approaching, everyone rushes to set off the firecrackers. Some of the guests, who enjoy joining in on the fun, stand up and walk outside. Those too proud to show their faces remain seated, chatting with those around them to disguise their curiosity.

Ordinary wedding banquets? They have dozens, if not hundreds, and find nothing special about them. But today is different. This is the first openly celebrated same-sex wedding since the founding of Liangjing. In the past, those who engaged in such relationships were not only treated like outcasts but often lacked the courage to live openly.

But this couple is different. They have received the emperor’s blessing, can host a grand banquet, and even take the opportunity to amass wealth. Everyone thinks of the expensive gifts they have just given out of pride, and their hearts ache with regret.

After the firecrackers stop, the sound of music gradually approaches. People stand on tiptoes, looking ahead, and see two tall horses carrying the newlyweds slowly approaching from the end of the street. Behind them follows an impressively long dowry procession, so lengthy that its end cannot be seen. There are at least one to two hundred chests, almost comparable to the dowries of prominent families marrying off their daughters. Those unaware are amazed by the wealth of the groom’s family, but those in the know understand that this is Pei Che making a grand show for his spouse.

"It seems that the heir will have a hard time asserting his authority in the future. Did you notice? His spouse’s horse is half a head ahead of his!" an older man in the crowd sighs. From the expression of sympathy that flashes across his face, it is clear that his own household is also run by his wife.

"What a disgrace! How could a wife parade around on horseback at their own wedding? Does the heir want everyone to see his spouse like that?" a scholar sneers, his tone dripping with disdain. For him, rules and etiquette are always the top priority.

His voice isn’t very loud, and only a few people nearby hear it. Those who do cannot help but move away from him. Who would want to spoil such a joyous day by looking for trouble?

The common people watching from the sidelines are still somewhat cautious, but the guests from inside the mansion are far more brazen.

"Is that the peddler next to Pei Che?" asks the second son of the Duke of Yang.

"Who else? The emperor arranged the marriage. Does he dare to switch partners?" responds his older cousin.

"I never would have thought that after a change of clothes, this peddler would actually look somewhat attractive. No wonder he has Pei Che wrapped around his finger," he says, staring at the man in red on horseback. This is a far cry from the image of a street vendor he had in mind.

"Brother Yang, could it be that you don't fancy women anymore but prefer men instead?" someone nearby teases.

"Stop talking nonsense!" he scolds in a low voice. "I’m just stating the facts."

"True enough. Some people are bound to be disappointed. They even made bets, wagering that Young Master Pei’s spouse would be crude and unsightly," someone adds.

"If it weren’t for those brats from the Imperial Academy setting me up, would I have made that bet?" Before the person finishes speaking, another man interjects, his face dark. He has only found out later that those people had already seen Pei Che’s spouse and had heard that person regularly sent gifts to Pei Che.

"…"

The minor commotion among the distant crowd naturally doesn’t catch the attention of the people on horseback. At this moment, Jiang Miao’s full attention is focused on the stinging pain on the inside of his thighs. Although the saddle is padded with soft cloth and the horse is moving slowly, after sitting astride it for so long, his legs are rubbed raw and aching.

In such a public setting, it is impossible for him to reach down and massage the pain away. Everyone is watching them, and Jiang Miao can’t very well make a grimacing face either. He can’t help but glance over at Pei Che, only to find that the man shows no signs of discomfort. He is still full of energy, his face all smiles.

Noticing Jiang Miao’s gaze, Pei Che turns back with a slightly puzzled expression. Jiang Miao motions with his eyes, and Pei Che follows his gaze, suddenly understanding.

"Do you need a bathroom break? We’re almost there!"

Jiang Miao is rendered speechless. He glances at the others around them and suddenly feels a sense of despair. No wonder Pei Che misunderstands—there probably aren’t any weaklings in his world who can get saddle sores from slow horseback riding.

At last, the procession stops in front of the gate of the Duke's residence

The matchmaker stands by the door and shouts loudly, "The bride and groom dismount… and bring in the blessings!"

The transition here is somewhat abrupt. After all, most brides are carried in palanquins, but this one insists on riding a horse instead.

Pei Che dismounts first and stands beside Jiang Miao’s horse, waiting. Jiang Miao, who had previously practiced a dashing dismount, now resembles an elderly man nearing the end of his life, awkwardly dismounting with Pei Che’s help.

This action is misinterpreted by everyone as Jiang Miao being pretentious, trying to showcase Pei Che's concern for him.

After dismounting, the matchmaker hands them a red silk ribbon to hold as they walk into the mansion together. Jiang Miao takes very small, slow steps because walking too quickly would aggravate the pain in his thighs. Listening to the murmurs around him, he despairs, thinking that crawling in might have been better than taking these awkward, tiny steps.

Fortunately, Pei Che notices that Jiang Miao isn’t just in urgent need of a restroom but has some other unspoken discomfort, so he deliberately slows his pace as well. The two of them move slowly into the mansion amid the anxious waiting of the crowd.

In the main hall, Pei’s grandmother sits in the highest position, flanked by other elders of the Pei family and esteemed guests. The younger members of the Pei family stand behind the elders, with Pei Mu positioned next to Pei Qi.

The two who had fought last time look at each other with mutual disdain. Upon meeting, Pei Qi huffs loudly to express his contempt. Pei Mu responds with a cold glance and then turns his gaze towards the door.

After his parents are punished last time, Pei Qi also receives a scolding. He no longer dares to call Pei Mu “little monster,” and unsure of what else to say, he lets out another heavy sigh. Pei Mu ignores him, his eyes fixed on the large door and the two people who will eventually come through it.

Finally, the commotion outside begins to increase. Pei Che and Jiang Miao, surrounded by the crowd, enter together. The matchmaker’s auspicious words do not cease, her mouth moving like a blooming lotus. No wonder she is the highest-priced in Liangjing. Jiang Miao, having been shocked by her initial quote, now somewhat understands why.

"First bow to heaven and earth…"

"Second bow to the elders…"

"Spouses bow to each other…"

As the officiant chants loudly, Pei Che and Jiang Miao follow the instructions. What had once only been seen in dramas is now happening to him. Besides the novelty, Jiang Miao also feels a sense of unreality. He dazedly follows the commands and, when he comes to his senses, finds himself sitting in the room.

Since it is a marriage between two men, there are no symbolic dried fruits like "dates and chestnuts" served, and the matchmaker doesn’t offer him a bowl of dumplings to ask if he is fertile. After they drink the ceremonial wine, the entire ritual is considered complete.

Once everyone leaves, Jiang Miao’s long-suppressed expression finally twists into one of frustration. He flops onto the bed, legs spread wide, and grits his teeth, saying, "I’m never riding a horse again!"

"Is it your legs that are hurting? It’s my fault for forgetting you’re a novice!" Pei Che says, somewhat apologetically. He steps forward and looks at Jiang Miao's legs, which are covered by his clothes. He regrets not having Jiang Miao take a carriage instead.

"Do you have any ointment? Bring it over so I can apply some." The constant, dense stinging pain is unbearable for Jiang Miao. He’d rather endure a couple of punches than this kind of torment.

"Yes, I’ll have someone fetch it right away." Pei Che starts to get up, but suddenly, the door behind him is flung open with a bang.

A group of people bursts in, and upon seeing the two of them, their faces fill with shock. While this is not too concerning as nothing inappropriate has happened yet and a simple explanation would suffice, the next actions of the person leading the group seem to indicate an attempt to cover something up.

The leader repeatedly apologizes, lowers his head, pushes the others out, and slams the door shut with a bang. Immediately, someone from outside shouts, “So impatient!” causing the crowd outside to erupt in laughter.

Jiang Miao’s forehead twitches, and despite his efforts to hold back, he finally snaps. "Who was that idiot who just closed the door?"

Pei Che looks embarrassed. "That was my aunt's youngest son. He has always been reckless and straightforward. He must have been incited by someone and thought to create a commotion in the bridal chamber."

"Go open the door right now! Otherwise, if you don’t explain things to them, don’t think you’ll be able to go out tomorrow!" Jiang Miao quickly adjusts himself, but his movement aggravates the pain, causing him to wince and mutter, "Damn."

Pei Che goes to open the door, clears his throat, and says calmly, "Things are not as you think."

How could the people watching outside believe what he says? Everyone has a playful smile on their faces. Most of them have never liked Pei Che, and now they seem to relish the opportunity to make him look bad, chattering amongst themselves.

"We all saw it, brother Pei, you’re a bit too eager."

"Yeah, it’s not appropriate to do that in broad daylight."

"Confucius said: 'Desires for food and sex are inherent in humans.' Brother Pei, you’re just a man of passion; we understand." One person winks and makes a lewd expression at Pei Che.

You understand nothing! Jiang Miao rolls his eyes behind Pei Che. With their comments, rumors about Pei Che’s supposed lewdness will likely spread through the streets and alleys by tomorrow.

He pats Pei Che to make room for himself.

"Everyone really sees it wrong. It’s just that we were close, and when I was drinking, my chin accidentally bumped into something. I just asked him to check it for me. You scholars shouldn't let your minds dwell on such matters all the time; otherwise, you’ll see it in everything," Jiang Miao says earnestly.

He looks completely at ease, and both he and Pei Che are neatly dressed, showing no sign of disarray. If anyone still misunderstands, they will have to admit that they are the ones thinking about those matters all the time.

"Haha, since the Young Master’s wife has said so, it must be that the other brothers saw it incorrectly. However, it’s no big deal. Brother Pei is celebrating his marriage today, so a little indulgence is fine. Even if there were issues, we wouldn’t make fun of him." Someone steps in to smooth things over. Although it sounds like they are defending Pei Che, it actually seems to imply that Jiang Miao is lying.

"That’s not acceptable. Our Ah Che has always been a gentleman, and he wouldn’t forget the rules for even a moment. Unlike you, who can indulge when you’re happy—drinking, partying, and all that. He’s just too strict and too respectful of etiquette," Jiang Miao pretends to complain, successfully making the person who spoke earlier frown.

The person is about to lose his temper, but Jiang Miao adds, "Oh, sorry, I haven’t read much, so what I say might not sound right. You cultured people wouldn’t take it the wrong way, would you? Surely not?"

Pei Che raises his hand to cover his mouth with his sleeve, trying to hide his smile, but his curved eyes betray his amusement.

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