52: Chapter 52: The Newlyweds' Homecoming, Su Han's Majesty
The next morning, just as the sky was beginning to brighten, the Su Family's old residence was already bustling with activity.
Su Han woke up early, changed into a dark blue long gown, and stood in the courtyard to stretch his muscles and bones.
He hadn't slept soundly last night; his dreams were filled with tedious wedding procedures and ceremonial movements.
"Great-grandfather!" Xiao Budian's crisp voice came from behind him.
The little girl had her hair tied in two small braids today and was wearing a small red qipao, looking just like a New Year's picture doll.
Su Han bent down and picked her up: "Up so early?"
Xiao Budian wrapped her arms around his neck and whispered mysteriously: "Great-grandfather, Big Aunt is coming back today! Mommy said I have to be good and can't cause trouble."
Su Han couldn't help but laugh: "Does Mommy know about you putting salt in their teacups yesterday?"
Xiao Budian immediately covered her mouth, her big eyes rolling around: "Great-grandfather, you're not allowed to tell!"
As they were speaking, Su Nuan walked out of the kitchen carrying a plate of freshly steamed sticky rice cakes: "Brother, eat something to cushion your stomach first. Big Uncle said the newlyweds will arrive around nine, so we need to be prepared in advance."
Su Han took the pastry and took a bite; the sweet, soft, and glutinous texture made him squint his eyes in satisfaction: "Things at home still taste the best."
Seeing this, Xiao Budian immediately reached out: "I want some too!"
Su Nuan smiled and broke off a small piece for her: "You little glutton."
...
At 8:30 in the morning, a red carpet had already been laid out in front of the Su Family's old residence.
According to custom, when newlyweds return to the bride's home, they must follow the same route as the day before, so the red silk ribbons from the village entrance to the ancestral hall were still in place.
Su Bowen stood at the entrance with several clan elders waiting, while Su Han sat upright on the grand master's chair in the main hall.
Unlike the nervousness of yesterday, he appeared much more composed today.
"They're here, they're here!" a child shouted at the village entrance.
Before long, the figures of Zhou Haitao and Su Lingxue appeared in view.
Zhou Haitao was wearing a casual suit, carrying bags of gifts in his hands.
Su Lingxue was in a light pink qipao, looking a bit more gentle and graceful than in yesterday's wedding dress.
"Dad!" Zhou Haitao greeted from afar, his voice loud and clear.
Su Bowen smiled and walked up to greet him: "Haitao, why did you bring so many things?"
Zhou Haitao gave an honest smile: "It's all the six ceremonial gifts prepared according to custom, along with some health supplements for the elders."
Su Lingxue walked quickly to Su Bowen, her eyes slightly red: "Dad..."
Su Bowen patted his daughter's shoulder: "It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back. Hurry inside, Third Grandpa is waiting."
The group crowded around the newlyweds and walked into the main hall.
Su Han sat upright in the main seat, his expression calm, but there was a gentle smile in his eyes.
"Third Grandpa." Zhou Haitao and Su Lingxue saluted at the same time.
Su Han nodded slightly: "Sit."
According to custom, when newlyweds return to the bride's home, they must first pay their respects to the chief witness of the wedding before they can converse with the family.
Although Zhou Haitao was already a son-in-law of the Su Family, he remained reserved in front of Su Han, with his hands placed properly on his knees.
"Third Grandpa," Su Lingxue said with a smile, "The boxing manual you gave Haitao yesterday, he studied it several times throughout the night and said he benefited greatly."
A hint of a smile flashed in Su Han's eyes: "Oh? Is my Grandson-in-law interested in Su Family Boxing?"
Zhou Haitao immediately perked up: "Third Grandpa, that boxing technique of yours is too exquisite! I tried practicing the first few forms last night, and it feels much better suited for close-quarters combat than Military Boxing!"
When it came to his professional field, Zhou Haitao was visibly much more relaxed, even starting to gesture excitedly with his hands.
Su Han listened quietly, nodding from time to time. After Zhou Haitao finished speaking, he suddenly stood up: "Since you are so interested, why don't we spar a few moves now?"
"Huh?" Zhou Haitao was stunned.
He knew Su Han's strength all too well.
First, he took down more than twenty people from the 8th Company all by himself.
Then he took down the Special Forces Soldiers of the Marine Corps.
And he even took first place in eight categories at the All-Army Special Forces Competition!
With this kind of strength, ten of him wouldn't be a match for Su Han!
Everyone in the hall was also stunned.
Su Bowen frowned: "Third Uncle, this... isn't it against custom?"
Su Han waved his hand: "It's fine, it's just a friendly spar. Besides, setting aside the family relationship, in the military, he is also my company commander. Let's just treat it as a spar between comrades-in-arms. It will also allow my Grandson-in-law to experience the characteristics of Su Family Boxing more intuitively."
The Su Family members suddenly remembered that both of them were in the same company.
So they didn't say anything more.
Zhou Haitao looked hesitantly at Su Lingxue, but she looked expectant: "Go ahead, let Third Grandpa give you some pointers."
A clearing was quickly made in the courtyard.
Su Han took off his long gown, revealing the white practice uniform underneath; Zhou Haitao also took off his suit jacket, wearing only a black tank top.
"Third Grandpa, please advise me." Zhou Haitao cupped his hands in a salute, then assumed the starting stance of Military Boxing.
Su Han smiled slightly, his figure suddenly moved, and he closed in on Zhou Haitao as fast as lightning.
Zhou Haitao was shocked and hurriedly retreated, only to see Su Han's fist already stopped three inches from his throat.
"First move, attack where the enemy must defend." Su Han retracted his fist and said calmly, "Military Boxing emphasizes wide-open movements, but in actual combat, precise strikes to vital points are more important."
Zhou Haitao swallowed hard, sweat breaking out on his forehead: "Third Grandpa's instruction is correct."
"Again." Su Han beckoned.
This time, Zhou Haitao took the initiative to attack, throwing a powerful right hook straight at Su Han's face.
Su Han did not dodge or parry; he gently deflected with his left hand and chopped straight at Zhou Haitao's wrist with his right palm.
"Ah!" Zhou Haitao felt his wrist go numb, and his entire arm was instantly powerless.
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