After the master of ceremonies chanted the verses announcing the bridal party's arrival, no answer came from the Xiao Family's courtyard for a long while. Wei Xun and the others could hear many people breathing inside, but for some reason they remained silent.
The master of ceremonies knew this was the bride's family's way of teasing the groom. Adding a few humble pleas, he chanted again at the top of his voice: "When thieves come, strike them; when guests come, greet them. Our men are weary, our horses spent, and we long to stop and rest. Kind aunts and sisters, take pity and welcome us in!"
After another long wait, a middle-aged woman's booming voice finally came from within the Xiao Residence: "The night is deep, the moon shines bright, the stars all gleam above. May we ask what honored guests have reached our gates so late?"
Hearing an answer at last, Pang Liangji hastily raised his ivory tablet and recited the reply prepared on it: "A gentleman of noble gates, from a famed house of Jade City. A graceful, virtuous maiden is a gentleman's worthy mate!"
Across the gate and high walls, the two sides exchanged many more verses before the gate finally opened a crack. Delighted, Pang Liangji immediately dismounted and prepared to enter, only to see a woman in her forties slip out carrying a tray with a large goblet filled to the brim with wine.
The woman proclaimed loudly, "This wine is made from grapes, brought here for our honored lord. Pray be so kind as to drink it down, and enjoy ten thousand springs!"
Pang Liangji knew he would have to drink a great deal at his wedding, but he had not expected it to begin at the front gate. He stepped forward to thank