The final bow concludes.
The ceremony is complete.
From now on,
She is his, Su Changzhi's wife.
Applause breaks out.
Lastly, the vows to each other.
Su Changzhi looks at her and recites a line from the Book of Songs, "In life, we occupy separate rooms; in death, we shall share the same grave. If you doubt my word, look up at the blazing sun."
Gu Lili understood the meaning—he was saying that if they cannot live as husband and wife in this life, he hopes to be buried with her after death. On days when she might doubt his words, she should look up at the eternal sun in the sky.
In Gu Lili's mind surfaced a line of poetry she was taught by her master, by Du Fu, "Human affairs often go awry; from now on, let us gaze longingly at each other across the distance."
That was the only line she could think of, so she used it.
"Escort to the bridal chamber!"
Gu Lili and Su Changzhi returned to the bedroom together, drank the nuptial wine, and ate raw dumplings.
