Chapter 102: Asking for a Cup of Wedding Wine

“True enough!” Wei Hai replied, then turned back and urged, “Come on, how can one cup of tea take you three years to drink…”

“Hey! This kid’s fallen asleep!”

“What now?”

“He hasn’t even gone to the bridal chamber yet!”

Everyone turned to look and saw Li Xunshan, whose face was still being pinched by Wei Hai, slumping forward, fast asleep. If Wei Hai hadn’t been holding him, he would’ve collapsed on the spot.

Gu Ning’an waved his hand dismissively. “Let him sleep for a bit. We still have to wait until the hour of the Dog (7-9 PM) to see if any villagers show up for the feast.”

“They have their whole lives ahead of them; there’s no rush for the bridal chamber tonight.”

“That’s reasonable.” Wei Hai agreed, then shifted Li Xunshan to lean against the doorframe, ensuring he wouldn’t topple over.

Half an hour later, the villagers who had trickled in to join the feast had mostly left. The servants and maids outside were swift and efficient, tidying up the slightly chaotic courtyard and the long tables set up on the street outside in no time.

As Wei Hai looked around, preparing to wake Li Xunshan and send him to the bridal chamber, a maid at the courtyard gate suddenly spoke to someone outside. “Ma’am, the feast is over for today. Perhaps you can come back tomorrow—we’re hosting for three days.”

Behind the courtyard wall, a plainly dressed middle-aged woman stepped forward with an awkward smile. “Oh, I’m not here to eat. I just wanted to ask for a cup of wedding wine to take back home for my son.”

“Wedding wine is auspicious, and I’d like to borrow a bit of that good fortune.”

Inside the courtyard, Gu Ning’an and the others standing by the main hall turned their attention to the scene. Everyone, except for Wei Hai, who stood stiffly facing the wooden doors, lowered their heads to check if there were any unopened jars of wine nearby.

Clatter!

Suddenly, Li Xunshan, who had been snoring moments ago, jumped to his feet. In his haste, he knocked over the wooden chair he’d been sitting on. Squinting at the middle-aged woman at the gate, he shouted, “Auntie! There’s wedding wine, of course there is! I’ll find some for you!”

Since Li Xunshan had spoken, the maid stepped back, nodded politely to the woman, and left with her tray.

The middle-aged woman crossed the threshold into the courtyard, clasping her hands together with a smile. “You must be the groom! Congratulations on your marriage!”

Li Xunshan, rummaging through the wine jars, looked up and responded with a grin, “Thank you, thank you! Please wait a moment. I’ll personally find you an unopened jar of wedding wine.”

“Oh, there’s no need for that trouble. Just pour me a bit of whatever’s left, even just a cup!” The middle-aged woman waved her hands repeatedly.

“No way! Just wait here for a moment!”

Since the groom insisted, the woman didn’t argue further. While waiting, she glanced around the courtyard, admiring the festive decorations. “So lively, so beautiful. A wedding really is the most joyous event in a person’s life.”

“If only my Chao’er hadn’t had that accident, perhaps…”

Chao’er?

Gu Ning’an and Wen Songmo exchanged a glance before turning to look at Wei Hai, who stood rigidly, his head unmoving as he faced the door.

They remembered Wei Hai had once referred to his son as “Chao’er,” whose full name was Wei Chao. It was natural for parents to use such affectionate nicknames.

Having someone with the same name wasn’t unusual, but Wei Hai’s reaction was intriguing.

From the moment the middle-aged woman appeared, Wei Hai had turned away from the courtyard gate, standing with his back to her, as though in self-imposed exile—facing the wall in repentance.

Normally, with Wei Hai’s usual “old father” temperament, how could he possibly stay silent like a wooden pillar when a guest came to ask for a cup of wedding wine?

“Your wife?” Gu Ning’an’s voice was so soft that only Wei Hai and Wen Songmo could hear him.

Wei Hai didn’t reply, but he blinked his eyes furiously.

Seeing this, Wen Songmo cleared his throat and whispered with a chuckle, “What, planning to hide from her?”

Wei Hai continued blinking rapidly while muttering in an almost inaudible voice, “Brother Wen!”

Rolling his eyes, Wen Songmo decided not to press further. After all, “Even an honest official can’t resolve family disputes.” If Wei Hai didn’t want to take this opportunity to see his wife, he wouldn’t deliberately expose him.

At least Wei Hai had called him “brother” just now—that was something.

“I found it!” Li Xunshan’s exclamation rang out as he suddenly lunged forward, grabbed Wei Hai’s leg, and hoisted him onto his shoulder in one swift motion.

“You little brat! What are you doing? Put me down!”

Wei Hai hissed, lowering his voice to keep quiet.

“Wow, this wine’s heavy!” Li Xunshan, now steadied, began to turn around.

“Mr. Gu!” Wei Hai whispered urgently, casting a pleading look at Gu Ning’an.

Hearing this, Gu Ning’an stepped forward and patted Li Xunshan’s shoulder. “Enough, you’re carrying Wei Hai. Put him down.”

The cool sensation of the pat sobered Li Xunshan slightly, and his blurry eyes cleared a little. After a moment of silence, he set Wei Hai down and muttered, “Sorry, I think I drank too much…”

Without a word, Wei Hai quickly stepped to the side and walked straight into the main hall.

“Is he angry?” Li Xunshan asked, scratching his head awkwardly as he pointed toward Wei Hai’s retreating figure.

Gu Ning’an picked up an unopened jar of wedding wine and shoved it into Li Xunshan’s hands. “Forget him. You promised the wine, and that lady has been waiting ages. Go deliver it instead of putting on a show.”

Smack!

Li Xunshan slapped his forehead and, wine in hand, hurried to the middle-aged woman, smiling sheepishly. “Sorry for the wait, Auntie.”

The woman withdrew her gaze from the main hall and replied with a smile, “It’s fine, it’s fine… Drinking a bit more on such a joyous day is normal.”

“But don’t drink too much on regular days—it’s not good for your health.”

Li Xunshan grinned. “Got it, I’ll remember that.”

“Well, I won’t hold you up any longer. Go to the bridal chamber and keep your bride company. Don’t leave her waiting too long.” Taking the wine, the woman turned and left briskly.

“Take care, Auntie!” Li Xunshan called after her before returning to the main hall in a few quick strides.

Inside, Wei Hai was sitting at the table with a half-emptied jar of wine in his arms, drinking straight from it.

Gu Ning’an and Wen Songmo stood nearby, one with his arms crossed, the other with an amused smile, watching him.

“What are you staring at me for?” Wei Hai grumbled impatiently after taking a big gulp.

Wen Songmo sighed deeply. “When are you planning to go back? We’ll go with you when the time comes.”

“No need. I’ll find time and go back myself.” Wei Hai waved them off and kept drinking.

“What’s going on? Why’s he drinking again?” Li Xunshan, utterly confused, approached them and asked, “Go back? Back where?”

Gulp, gulp, gulp!

Wei Hai drained the rest of the wine in one go, slammed the empty jar onto the table, and wiped his mouth. “I’m tired. Going to sleep.”