"Good! Good! Then today, I'll drink a cup of the wedding tea you've offered me!" The Old Village Chief's vision blurred with tears. He nodded again and again, helping Blackheart Elder to his feet and speaking with joy and heartfelt relief.
"The bride's being brought out!" a villager called loudly.
The children nearby clapped their hands and shouted along, their voices bright and cheerful. "The bride's being brought out!"
Their clear, childish voices swept away the earlier heart-wrenching atmosphere. Everyone joined in the shout: "The bride's being brought out!"
Surrounded by the crowd, Blackheart Elder made his way toward the bride.
"Quick! Quick! The wedding party's here! I can hear them!" A village woman rushed in, her face brimming with joy. She looked at the bride sitting before the vanity and called out.
Madam Jinling heard her, and suddenly felt nervous. At a loss, she twisted her fingers together.
"Don't worry! We're here for you! We'll stay by your side!" Seeing this, the older woman who had been combing her hair smiled and took Madam Jinling's hand, giving it a gentle pat.
Madam Jinling nodded, rose to her feet, and bent her knees in a curtsy to the women in the room. "Jinling thanks you all."
"You mustn't! You mustn't!" The women hurried forward to help her up.
"The veil! The veil!" a young woman called, holding up the red bridal veil.
"Right! The veil! Cover her quickly!" The older woman took the veil and draped it over Madam Jinling's head.
Her vision was instantly veiled in festive red. Red as far as the eye could see, joy all around, delight filling her heart!
A red-sleeved hand reached out,
A red bridal sedan welcomed her in,
The wedding sedan swayed gently toward the bridal chamber.
Carried across the red threshold,