Early afternoon.
After parting at the palace gates, they returned first to the Wei Residence, where Fu Niang stayed.
Wei Nisheng changed into scarlet official robes, fastened a silver belt around his waist, and rode alone to the Feng Residence.
According to ancient rites, on the day after the wedding, the son-in-law was to visit his wife's family alone to pay his respects to her parents. This was called the "Return Visit to the Bride's Family."
Dongjing Menghua Lu recorded: "When the son-in-law visits the bride's family, it is called paying a visit to their gates."
For this visit, the bride did not accompany him. The son-in-law went alone.
A married couple returning together was a custom of later generations.
Having only just entered her new household, the bride ought to settle into her husband's home, oversee the kitchen, and establish the servants' duties, rather than endure the weariness of travel.
The son-in-law's solitary visit to his wife's family allowed him to converse with them at leisure, while also demonstrating the virtue of "showing filial devotion to his wife's kin when away from home."
And so, at this moment...
He went to the Feng Residence, while she returned to the Wei Family.
The Feng Residence.
Red lanterns still hung on either side of the main entrance, and the wedding couplets above the doorway remained fresh.
The old servant at the entrance spotted the lone rider in scarlet from afar. He froze for an instant, then turned toward the house and called out loudly:
"The new son-in-law has come to pay his respects!!"
Before his voice faded, the Feng Residence's central gates had swung wide open.
Wei Nisheng dismounted, straightened his cap, gathered his sleeves, and stepped over the threshold.
He had brought no attendants. Tied to his saddle were