Chapter 8: The Bridal Chamber and Wedding Candles

Compared to other weddings in Leap Forward Village, where the bride only learned what kind of man she was marrying on the wedding day, Xie Jinyu considered herself quite fortunate. Introduced by Yan Hongying, she had already begun corresponding with Ye Changzheng early on, exchanging photographs. She had a clear understanding of Ye Changzheng’s work, appearance, and character. Xie Jinyu also knew very well that if Ye Changzheng’s family had not encountered misfortune, this favorable match would never have come her way.

Since she had resolved to become Ye Changzheng’s wife, Xie Jinyu abandoned any pretense of shyness or hesitation. A single moment in the spring night was worth a thousand gold coins. She silently told herself that now they were legally married, this day was bound to come sooner or later. Moreover, her newlywed husband was impeccable in character, learning, work, and attitude.

Ye Changzheng blew out the candle on the table and, guided by the moonlight outside the window, approached Xie Jinyu. It was her first experience of such an intimate moment, and she was completely inexperienced. She simply gazed with eyes as radiant as stars at Ye Changzheng, who was slowly coming toward her. Squatting down, he carefully removed the cloth shoes from her feet. Cradled gently in his hands, a peculiar warmth rose from the soles of her feet. Feeling somewhat uneasy, Xie Jinyu averted her eyes and, following Ye Changzheng’s lead, lay down under the covers.

After a cup of strong wine, Xie Jinyu felt her entire body growing hot and flushed. Ye Changzheng’s slender fingers slipped off his coat. In the darkness, their breaths mingled. Xie Jinyu’s restless hands gripped the sheets tightly beneath her. Ye Changzheng drew the quilt over and nestled beside her, softly kissing her earlobe. Sensing her fear, he murmured, “We... next... time...” But Xie Jinyu reached out, wrapping her arms around his neck, half coaxing, half pleading, “Kiss me...” Without hesitation, Ye Changzheng claimed her lips in a fierce and commanding kiss, seizing all of her.

Ye Changzheng’s kisses fell delicately over Xie Jinyu’s lips, cheeks, and brows. Watching her drift into sleep in his arms, he still felt a lingering yearning. He wetted a towel with warm water and carefully wiped her snowy skin. Because Xie Jinyu had been a primary school teacher since arriving in the countryside, she had avoided the sun and wind that other educated youths endured, naturally preserving her fair complexion. Only now did Ye Changzheng notice the marks on her neck, realizing he had been somewhat rough earlier.

After finishing all his tasks, Ye Changzheng held Xie Jinyu in his arms but found sleep elusive. He opened his eyes and gazed at the red double happiness character on the wall, a surge of guilt for Xie Jinyu rising in his heart. He resolved that once their circumstances improved, he would give her a wedding she would never forget.

Upon waking, Xie Jinyu felt as if her body were falling apart. Instinctively, she reached beside her and found only her clothes in the warm bed. Her newlywed husband was attentive and generous, a truly good companion. Dawn had already broken outside the window. Without hesitation, she quickly got dressed. As she stepped down, her legs weakened almost causing her to fall.

“Jinyu, what’s wrong?” Ye Changzheng heard the movement and hurried to open the door. Seeing her flushed face as she leaned against the bedframe, he quickly helped her sit in a chair. “Jinyu, where does it hurt?” Xie Jinyu considered whether Ye Changzheng would wash the sheets, but feeling awkward if they didn’t change them, she agreed to help him replace the bedding. Yan Hongying had prepared many things for the newlyweds’ room, including two sets of sheets and quilts adorned with bright red double happiness characters. On the wooden table sat a thermos and enamel cups stamped with “Serve the People,” arranged side by side.

Knowing the newlyweds needed privacy, Yan Hongying had risen early to prepare breakfast before heading to the pigsty to check on the sows and piglets. Ye Changzheng’s wedding leave was just one more day; the day after tomorrow he would have to return to the army. Before leaving, he planned to gather extra firewood for Yan Hongying and Xie Jinyu.

After breakfast, Ye Changzheng and Xie Jinyu ventured into the mountains. Xie Jinyu collected small dry twigs to kindle the fire, while Ye Changzheng felled several dead trees, sawing and chopping them into manageable logs. For two days in a row, they gathered firewood in the mountains during the day and explored the mysteries of life by night, fulfilling the great human endeavor of reproduction.

Before long, the day arrived for Ye Changzheng to return to the army. Yan Hongying packed some cured meats and dried mushrooms she had prepared into Ye Changzheng’s luggage. “Jinyu, you should see him off at the district bus station,” Yan Hongying said, deliberately giving them time alone.

Xie Jinyu naturally did not refuse and went with Ye Changzheng to the granary field to catch the tractor to the district. Along with the village party secretary and some villagers, the educated youth Zhan Xinyue was also among the passengers. Once at the district, Ye Changzheng first took Xie Jinyu to the supply and marketing cooperative, where he bought a pack of candles and placed them in her bag.

“Jinyu, I’ll file a report as soon as I return. I’ll do my best to bring you and Grandma to the army with me soon.” Just as he had begun to savor a little sweetness, Ye Changzheng now had to part from his new wife once more, and a pang of reluctance welled up in his heart.

Xie Jinyu thought of how Ye Changzheng’s fate of drowning and disappearance had been altered. Her life, too, had changed. Awaiting them both was a dazzling future.

“When you arrive, write to me,” Xie Jinyu said, seeing that no one was paying attention. She took Ye Changzheng’s hand, stood on tiptoe, and pressed a kiss on his thin lips. “Grandma and I will miss you.”

Ye Changzheng held her tightly, his hot breath brushing against her ear as he whispered, “Jinyu, will you miss me?”