The village of Redleaf Hollow was abuzz with excitement.
Lanterns hung from every rooftop.
Silk streamers danced on the breeze.
Auntie Ping had already passed out twice from celebratory rice wine and it wasn't even noon.
Every path was lined with fresh petals. The carp in the pond had been renamed "Love" and "Destiny." The baker had created a life-sized cake effigy of the bride and groom.
It was official.
Hei Long and Lin Yue were getting married.
And the whole village—except one—couldn't be happier.
Two Weeks Until the Ceremony – Wedding Preparations Begin
The courtyard was filled with fabrics, flowers, and fluttering aunties.
Lin Yue sat beneath the red pavilion, her cheeks flushed as tailors measured her for her ceremonial dress — a robe of white and soft jade, embroidered with plum blossoms and spiritual sigils for long life and protection.
