Chapter 136: Dali's Happy Life

With the enthusiastic facilitation of Gou Ye and Yun Niang, combined with the fact that the two were already of the same mind, the matter of marriage was quickly and happily agreed upon by the couple.

Upon hearing the news, Dali’s mother could not stop smiling from ear to ear. It could be said that ever since Xiao Die arrived at their home, she had been exceptionally attentive to Dali’s mother. Despite the old woman's limited mobility, Xiao Die never once showed disdain, serving her with total devotion. She even tended to the mother’s needs during the night when it was inconvenient for her to get up. As for Dali, there was no need to mention it—Xiao Die washed all his clothes and helped him manage every household chore. To his elderly mother, she was the most satisfying daughter-in-law one could imagine.

When they learned of Dali’s upcoming wedding, the Guo brothers were overjoyed. Although they were all attendants to Gou Ye, they had sworn brotherhood with Dali and were as close as real brothers in private. Dali was honest and simple-minded, yet a man of great sentiment; whenever he went out, he never forgot to bring back a roasted chicken for these two foodies. Most importantly, Dali could hold his liquor, which suited the brothers perfectly. Thus, upon hearing the news, they were the first to step up and volunteer to handle the pre-wedding preparations.

Although Gu Shen was not technically one of Gou Ye’s household staff, their long time spent together had made him very familiar with everyone in Gou Ye’s circle. As the saying goes, they were closer than a real family, and everyone treated him as one of their own. Therefore, when Gu Shen heard the news, he clapped and cheered with excitement.

Under Laifu’s management, the mansion began to be decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers. Whether they were servants or masters, everyone busied themselves for Dali’s wedding, and Gou Ye’s courtyard instantly became a lively scene. Meanwhile, Xuanyuan Changfeng, as the first friend Gou Ye had made since arriving in the capital, naturally came to help. Although he could not perform heavy physical labor, he did what he could, such as pasting up the "double happiness" characters and writing congratulatory messages.

Looking at the bustling scene, Yun Niang said happily, "Brother Gou Ye, it seems our home hasn't been this lively in a long time. I remember the last time it was this busy was when we were back in the village, finishing our house."

"You're right. It has been a long time since I've seen our home this vibrant. We are reaping the benefits of Dali’s good fortune; for these few days, we can truly enjoy ourselves. It feels great not having to spend our own money, as all the expenses are subsidized by the Shang Clan. Plus, look at all these servants helping out, Yun Niang—it makes things much easier for us. To be honest, it is fortunate we have Laifu here; otherwise, none of us have ever been married, and none of us would know the first thing about a wedding. Look at how orderly he has everything; I sometimes wonder if he used to work in this industry."

Yun Niang giggled, "Brother Gou Ye, you’re talking nonsense. What grown man would specialize in that kind of work? Don't always look down on Laifu. Even if he is an informant placed in our home by the Shang Clan, he has been managing our household matters with genuine care. Besides, I haven't seen him neglect a single task you've assigned him."

Gou Ye looked at Laifu, who was directing the preparations in the distance, and nodded softly. "Yes, perhaps I was too prejudiced before. I won't be anymore. Since he can serve our family faithfully, it doesn't matter if he is an informant for the Shang Clan, as long as he means us no harm. But no matter how I look at it, I still prefer Caisheng a bit more."

Whenever he saw Laifu, Gou Ye would compare him to Caisheng. Perhaps due to his first impression, even though Laifu did a good job, he always felt that Caisheng was more convenient to work with.

Even with so many people helping, the wedding preparations took an entire day. Tomorrow was the big day, and for the groom, Dali, his heart was filled with both excitement and anticipation. This was even more true for Xiao Die; after tonight, she would be a married woman with a home of her own. Accustomed to a life of drifting alone, becoming a wife was something she had never even dreamed of.

That night passed quickly for some, but for others, it felt agonizingly long, especially for the groom. The wedding day arrived as scheduled. Early in the morning, everyone cheered as they helped Xiao Die into the sedan chair. Today, draped in a red veil and wearing a bright red bridal gown, she looked truly festive. Dali wore a green groom’s robe; as the saying goes, "clothes make the man," and dressed in his wedding attire, combined with his sturdy frame, he looked as dignified as a government official.

Soon, the sedan chair circled the main street amidst the sound of gongs and drums. Following the crackle of firecrackers, Dali and his bride entered the main hall. Accompanied by Laifu’s calls, they performed the formal bows to heaven and earth. Dali’s mother, sitting in the seat of honor, could not help but shed tears of joy at the sight.

After escorting the bride to their room and seeing his mother back to her quarters, Dali came to the dining hall. This time, Gou Ye realized the benefit of having a larger dining hall; even with more people and an extra table, there was plenty of space. In truth, there were not many guests—only the household staff and those who had helped.

Yet, for Dali, this was a scene he had never imagined—not even in his wildest dreams. He raised his wine cup and walked solemnly to Gou Ye, loudly thanking him and Yun Niang for their help and for arranging such an important wedding for him and Xiao Die. Halfway through his speech, the burly man broke down in tears of excitement. Seeing this, Gou Ye felt both happy and moved, and he, too, found his eyes welling up.

Dali was the first attendant to follow Gou Ye and was his most loyal; it was no exaggeration to say he followed every word Gou Ye said. Gou Ye did not doubt for a second that Dali would sacrifice his life for him. Therefore, no matter how often Dali called him "master," he truly viewed Dali as a member of his own family. Seeing Dali begin his happy life, he couldn't help but be deeply touched.

The wedding feast was lively, and everyone drank a great deal. Even Xuanyuan Changfeng, who never touched alcohol, was coerced by Gu Shen into drinking several cups. Before long, his face turned rosy, and he began to recite poetry. To ensure Dali could make it to his wedding chamber, the Guo brothers, as his good brothers, blocked many toasts for him. Gou Ye, not wanting Dali to be too drunk to fulfill his duties, quietly patted him and signaled that he could leave. Dali grinned at Gou Ye, laughing foolishly, and said, "Thank you, Master!" With that, he stumbled out of the dining hall and disappeared.