Chapter 64: The First Wedding Banquet as Head Chef

With the ox cart, their speed increased dramatically. By the time they reached the Jiao family, the wedding party had not yet set out. Jiao Yang was still nervously being fussed over by Little Luo, who was adjusting his groom’s attire. At the entrance, attendants were inspecting the sedan chair and horses repeatedly, anxious that nothing should go amiss.

Those who would accompany the wedding party sat, stood, or crouched here and there in the Jiao family yard, each holding a bowl of noodles topped with a meat and egg sauce that Wen Yao had prepared the previous day. The freshly boiled noodles, drizzled with the savory sauce, sprinkled with scallions, and finished with a spoonful of hot oil that sizzled as it hit the bowl, sent up a mouthwatering aroma that awakened everyone’s appetite.

Despite years of bearing sedan chairs, this was the best breakfast the carriers had ever tasted; they couldn’t stop praising the Jiao family. If outsiders were so impressed, Jiao family relatives and friends were even more effusive, showering Little Luo with compliments and even asking her to introduce Wen Yao as a chef for future occasions.

Little Luo dared not make such promises and brushed them off with laughter until the Wen family arrived in their ox cart. She quickly put aside her chores and ran out to greet them.

“My dear sister, you’ve finally come!” she exclaimed, then turned to the Wen brothers and the younger ones. “You all, hurry to the kitchen for a bowl of noodles—soon we’ll be setting off.”

No matter what, the auspicious hour couldn’t be delayed.

Madam Luo pulled her inside. “Don’t worry about it. They’ve already eaten, haven’t they?”

Little Luo nodded, “Everything’s checked. Now we’re just waiting to fetch the bride. Oh, where’s Yao Yao? Yao Yao—!”

She turned and called out.

Wen Yao handed Da Tou to Wen Ying, instructing, “Your job today is to look after Da Tou. Once we get through this busy day, I’ll buy you the newest hairpin.”

Wen Ying, holding Da Tou’s hand, replied, “No hairpin—I want the nine-ring puzzle you gave Da Tou before.”

Wen Yao was momentarily speechless. Such a fine girl, yet she preferred boys’ toys to pretty things. Fortunately, Wen Yao had plenty—nine coins ninety-nine cents, shipping included.

“All right, you have my word.” Wen Yao nodded, and Wen Ying, delighted, led Da Tou off to play with other children of similar age from the Jiao family.

Only then did Wen Yao hurry after Madam Luo and Little Luo, following them to the back kitchen.

Though the wedding feast was still some time away, preparations had to start to prevent chaos later.

First, the items that needed steaming were set up, and all the vegetables for stir-frying were cut fresh that morning to ensure their quality. Madam Luo and her two daughters-in-law bustled about, assisting Wen Yao.

Those who had come to help the day before already understood that the Wen family girl had considerable skill, but learning by watching was no easy feat—three “guardians” stood by her side, making it impossible to get close, let alone copy her methods.

Just as everything was falling into place, the wedding band outside began tuning up, and soon the drums and gongs filled the air, signaling the start of the procession to fetch the bride.

The bride was from the city, and marrying into their small rural village was considered marrying down. The Jiao family had prepared everything to perfection, determined that their new daughter-in-law should not feel slighted, nor should Jiao Yang be looked down upon by his in-laws if he ever went to live in the city.

In the past, such grand arrangements were unheard of in village weddings; even an ox cart was seen as remarkable, let alone a sedan chair and fine horses.

Wen Yao had never witnessed a traditional wedding before—she longed to join the festivities, but the mountain of kitchen tasks kept her from leaving. Regretfully, she decided she would later ask Wen Ying to describe everything to her.

The kitchen bustled for several hours, and just after mid-morning, the sound of drums and gongs echoed through the village—the bride had arrived.

Most of the Jiao family and onlookers rushed out to line the road in welcome. Children like Da Tou and Wen Ying joined the crowd, circling the groom atop his steed and the bride in her sedan, showering them with auspicious wishes.

At this moment, the matron of honor took out the candies prepared by the bride’s family and scattered them along the road, sparking a merry scramble among the villagers.

Finally, the procession, precisely timed, arrived at the Jiao household just before the auspicious hour for the ceremony.

Inside the kitchen, Wen Yao craned her neck, desperate for a glimpse.

“If you want to watch, go on. I’ll keep an eye on things here,” Madam Luo said, noticing her eagerness.

Wen Yao’s face lit up. “Grandma, I can really go?”

Madam Luo gave her a look of feigned annoyance. “Why couldn’t you? He’s your second cousin, you’re a proper member of the groom’s family. But hurry—take a quick look and come straight back. Once the ceremony ends, the guests will be seated and you’ll need to return to the kitchen. Understand?”

Wen Yao darted off. “Don’t worry, Grandma, I’ll just take a quick look!”

At the main hall, Wen Yao found herself unable to get inside—everyone in front was taller than she was, and she grew anxious. Just then, a cousin from the Jiao family spotted her jumping up and down, took her by the hand, and deftly threaded her through the crowd to the front.

They arrived just as the bride and groom were bowing in the wedding ceremony.

The bride appeared petite, standing beside the tall and robust Jiao Yang she seemed delicate and dainty. The bright red wedding veil obscured her features, but every gesture hinted at her gentle temperament.

Wen Yao joined the crowd in cheerful jeering and laughter. When the master of ceremonies finally declared the rites complete and announced the bridal chamber, she hurried back to the kitchen.

Her work was about to begin.

As soon as she returned, Madam Luo pulled her in, tied on her apron, and handed her a spatula. Cai was in charge of the fire, while Li and Luo each took a spatula, ready to help Wen Yao with the stir-frying.

After all, the secret was in the seasoning—Wen Yao only needed to ensure the most crucial steps.

“They’re starting to set the tables, Yao Yao. Are you ready?” Wen Xiuyi called out as he entered the kitchen, rolling up his sleeves.

Standing at the stove, Wen Yao drew a deep breath and called out, “Let’s begin.”

The flames leapt up, the giant woks began to smoke, and with a loud sizzle, clouds of white steam filled the kitchen, igniting the festive atmosphere.

From then on, Wen Yao spun like a busy top among the three large woks on their respective stoves. Luo, Li, and Wen Xiuyi each took a ladle to stir-fry, while Wen Yao focused on monitoring the heat with Cai and adding the seasonings.

As the aroma of each dish filled the Jiao family home, the guests slowly began to take their seats for the banquet.