Side Story: Hell on Earth
Chapter 110
Mass wedding
Many soldiers and some refugees followed Liberte's example and simultaneously proposed marriage to multiple people. Most of the women and young girls were widows; their relatives had all died, leaving them with no one to rely on.
The tragic circumstances forced people of all kinds to make choices: some eagerly wanted to change their miserable lives; others harbored resentment but had no choice but to close their eyes and accept reality; still others had grown indifferent to all joy, anger, love, and hate, simply letting life push them along.
Everyone had no alternative but to accept a life of sharing the same bed and pillow, serving one man, handing over their bodies and futures to someone who had been a stranger just yesterday but who now bore the title of "family pillar"—he alone decided whether they would live their lives as wives or merely become toys for his amusement.
When joy knocked on the door, Wan excitedly ordered that a collective wedding be held on the same day. On the surface, Wan was always shouting "Everyone is equal."
But anyone with a keen eye could see that—from the lighting and flower decorations, the arrangement of tables and chairs, the wedding party setup, down to personnel assignments and the tiniest details—however grand the other weddings were made, they all served merely as a backdrop to the magnificent and splendid wedding of Liberte and his seven wives. And the village chief's daughter An was adorned like a phoenix, becoming the most dazzling presence of the wedding day.
For someone as dictatorial, arrogant, and ostentatious as Wan, this was the most natural thing in the world. Most people felt no envy; the few who did hid their dissatisfaction and, on the surface, still shook hands and exchanged pleasantries, still cheerfully welcomed the village head as he came to congratulate each new couple. The village head handed out red envelopes and blessed them:
"May you bear many children soon, work hard and endure, be loyal with one heart, and devote yourselves wholeheartedly to the Hive!"
"Every effort and every result will receive its due reward!"
Wan and the other leaders also handed out red envelopes one by one. When it was An's turn, her father immediately stepped forward, opened his arms, and gazed deeply and affectionately at his daughter. An rushed forward and threw her arms around Wan, burying her flushed face in her father's chest.
Outsiders thought that in that moment of "leaving" her father she was merely shy and overcome with emotion. Only those involved understood the truth… An had concealed her real feelings from Wan.
And May was the one who understood this feeling best. She gave a secret smile, pretended to be "moved," embraced her husband and daughter, gently held An's trembling shoulders, and with all her heart helped her daughter hide the angry screams inside. "Mom" happily congratulated her:
"Your happiness is my joy!"
Liberte merely gave a faint smile at the hidden implications in these blessings. When he heard May and Maria wishing the couple many children and grandchildren, Wan looked especially pleased. An blushed, gave a slight smile, and turned her gentle gaze toward Liberte.
Liberte and An, together with his other wives, happily accepted the couple's cake from Maria and the roses from Ange. Little girl Ange timidly wished Liberte and them a hundred years of happiness. May and Maria tied a red thread symbolizing marital fate around Liberte's and An's wrists.
Wan glanced at the six wives who were clapping and celebrating. Their joyful appearance could not conceal their envy, their jealousy of being treated differently, the intimidation, the warnings—that anyone who dared to vie for favor or defy the primary wife would make the concubines suffer catastrophic consequences… all of this was revealed through the subtlest of expressions. He put on that familiar smile and loudly proclaimed slogans of unity and victory:
"Today's collective wedding is a historic turning point. It lays a foundation for sustainable and strong development for our descendants, embodies the unity of military and civilians, and demonstrates loyalty and devotion to the Hive. This proves that the Hive is fair and civilized. We are diligently seeking a thousand ways to let every person live a life of warmth, food, and happiness. We must work hard and fight bravely to repay this kindness!"
In their hearts the crowd sneered, mocked, and cursed silently, but on the surface everyone excitedly joined Wan in shouting:
"Long live the Hive! Long live the new era!"
After the series of ceremonies—praises, cheers, and congratulations—had concluded, the militiamen united with one heart and one mind, feasting and drinking heartily… the first delicious banquet they had enjoyed since the day they were imprisoned in this hellish existence.
The starving victims had previously only been able to taste such food in their dreams. From soldiers to civilians, everyone frantically stuffed things into their bottomless pits of stomachs. The hungry ghosts and thirsty demons howled madly, then immediately burst into a satisfied, wild laugh.
Well-fed, with meat and wine, the soldiers and civilians respectfully toasted the group of leaders and Wan, wishing the bride and groom lifelong happiness. Ji sat beside her husband—the high-ranking general. After the sounds of congratulations had ceased, she stood up happily and said:
"Today is a day of great joy. The Hive has decided to allow people to take food home."
Ji's husband, renowned for his extraordinary military exploits and great fame, held significant sway within the Hive. He was known for his deep love for his wife.
After his first wife had passed away from illness ten years ago, he had remained single. During those long years, no scandals or love affairs were ever whispered about… until he met Ji.
Back then, he was the vanguard general of the Grey Wolf Platoon. Ji had studied medicine, so the Hive transferred her from the labor camp to the medical logistics team. During that time, all logistics personnel had to be on duty day and night, caring for and treating the wounded soldiers.
The Hive strictly forbade the logistics team from leaving the unit, even for a single step. Even if a family member was seriously ill or had died, they were not allowed to go home to visit or mourn.
Ji was forced to be absent from Yi's funeral and could not return to care for a sick Le. On the day her mother died tragically, her resentment reached its peak, but the Hive still forced her to follow the unit into battle.
The Grey Wolf Platoon was defeated, the troops scattered, and he was severely wounded. During his escape, he was fortunate to meet Ji. The two depended on each other, supporting one another as they hid in a cave deep in the forest.
During those difficult days, Ji took care of him with all her heart, healing his wounds, easing his pain, and also mending the grief of losing his wife. The two eventually became husband and wife.
Later, they finally made it back to the main force. The high-ranking general, recognizing him as a rare talent, gave him a chance to atone for his past failures by performing meritorious deeds.
True to expectations, he meticulously planned and helped the Hive achieve a great victory. To celebrate the victory and his promotion to general, he formally proposed to Ji.
Now, Ji and her husband were fully leveraging their reputation and prestige their reputation and prestige to win people's hearts for their relatives.
The crowd was even happier than if their own families had returned from reeducation camps. They expressed their thanks repeatedly, and some even respectfully pressed their palms together in a bow towards Liberte's family.
Wan glared at Ji and her husband with silent hatred. That day, when discussing the organization of the collective wedding, he had suggested allowing people to take home leftovers.
The high-ranking general had just shrugged, expressing sorrow that his suggestion came too late—the issue had already been raised by Ji and her husband. Wan was furious, silently cursing Maria's entire family, convinced that this decision had been greatly influenced by Liberte.
He was more certain than a nail driven into a post: the clever Liberte had long ago suggested that his elder cousin approach and "seduce" Belief Integrity.
After his elder cousin successfully "started her business," Liberte clung tightly to Ji's skirt and, by currying favor with his brother-in-law, climbed his way up to the position of squad leader.
Wan's eyes burned with envy, yet he still watched excitedly as Ji pretended to be friendly, smiling at people. Those common folks, suffering from hunger and disease, were as happy as if their own fathers had been resurrected, kowtowing one after another to express their gratitude. Each person took away a large package of food and only went home after thanking everyone repeatedly.
By this time, the sky was gradually darkening, and the leaders were taking their leave one after another. Everyone warmly saw them off at the gate. The newlyweds also asked for permission to leave. Wan nodded in agreement.
A few days earlier, Liberte and Maria's family had moved into this newly built villa. Maria and the children quietly watched as Ji and her husband burned incense at Le's altar. The couple bowed in respect. Ji wept silently, swearing in her heart:
"May Mother and our whole family rest in peace. My husband and I will surely protect our family and avenge everyone!"
Ji and Belief embraced every relative, comforting and encouraging them, giving out wedding gifts and blessing Liberte and his wives. Maria shook hands with her nephew-in-law, smiling warmly, a smile that held a hidden gratitude.
Outsiders thought Maria was grateful for Belief's love for her niece. Those in the know recalled that Belief had once allowed Maria to keep her father's photograph. He had even deliberately dropped a photo album so that Maria's family could continue to preserve memories and cherish the memory of their dearest departed.
A risky decision made by chance had connected Belief with his wife's family. Belief responded to this gratitude with a tender smile, revealing a gentle expression, and said calmly to Maria:
"Auntie, on this joyous day, I wish to propose to Ange! I promise you, I will spend my whole life caring for her and loving her. Please, Auntie, and Ange—" he turned and smiled softly at Ji, "—and my dear wife, accept this proposal!"
Ange blushed and lowered her head in embarrassment. Everyone was utterly stunned, staring fixedly at Belief. Each person had their own considerations, and they began to grasp the deeper meaning.
Maria's family still worried that their relative might again suffer coercion, or that a general might propose to Ange, which would be difficult to refuse.
Who knew whether the one who wanted to marry her would treat her well or torment her? In the end, everyone decided to marry Ange to Belief—a loyal husband who loved his wife with all his heart.
He would cherish and protect Ange for life, just as he cherished his love for Ji. Maria's whole family happily welcomed this good news. Ji gave her little sister a warm hug and softly blessed Ange:
"We have lost too many loved ones. I don't want to endure the pain of separation by death anymore. We will care for you, love you, protect you, until the day we die. My lovely little sister. I love you!"
Ange buried her head in Ji's embrace, holding her sister tightly, and burst into tears amidst a round of congratulatory applause. From now on, she would no longer have to fear being raped or going hungry. Ji smiled softly, wiping away her sister's tears. Belief said quietly:
"In a week, I will bring the betrothal gifts and hold a warm wedding for Ange!"
Liberte smiled tenderly, gazing affectionately at his younger sister. For the first time, everyone felt as if Liberte's lifeless eyes had been revived… and… he no longer hid his emotions, just as in the past he had painfully prevented his dearest ones from coming close … embracing tightly … that person who lived for his family, and was willing to die for those he cherished, just as he did now.
An quietly shared in the happiness with those she cared about. For someone who had never been loved by her parents, this familial affection was priceless.
All her life, she could never have felt the warmth of simple devotion—willing to live, willing to die for each other… if… fate had not allowed her to meet the man she loved more than life itself.
All her feelings—admiration, worship… and… envy towards Liberte's family—had turned into a deep grudge against her parents.
An took out her handkerchief, wiping away hot tears. In truth, she wanted to hide her rage, her burning, fiery eyes, to conceal the hatred on her face.
When she lowered her scarf, the purple-black color vanished, revealing a smile as radiant as a flower, and she clapped her hands to wish her brother-in-law a lifetime of peace and happiness.
The couple, Ji and Belief, and Ange thanked everyone. Mr. and Mrs. Belief waved goodbye to all and got into the car to return to the barracks. After they had left, Wan joked:
"Wow, seven beautiful and hot wives, you're a lucky man, my son-in-law."
He laughed, and the seven brides shyly lowered their heads. Wan reminded him:
"Enjoy your new marriage, but don't forget your responsibilities. Take care of your health, don't overwork yourself, son-in-law!"
May giggled and nudged her husband. Wan had been laughing heartily, but then suddenly became serious:
"You all must absolutely comply with An's wishes. Whatever she wants, you all must satisfy her at all costs. If she sheds a tear or suffers injustice, I will make you weep with regret!"
This was a warning to Liberte's family and also a threat to the six spider demons; anyone who dared to defy the first wife would pay a heavy price. The wives trembled all over, lowered their heads, and turned pale, showing that even if they ate tiger's liver, they would not dare to commit any offense. Liberte and Maria said calmly:
"I don't want to die young!"
"Only an ignorant person dares to do something with a liver bigger than the sky."
Hearing Maria's words, Wan nodded with satisfaction:
"My family takes care of An as if she were our own blood. By treating her sincerely, our family can survive. I believe you are wise enough to distinguish what is true from what is false."
Wan said softly, "Good!" He patted his son-in-law on the shoulder and joked:
"Remember, don't overdo it, boy."
An's face turned even redder than before. May giggled and got into the car with her husband. Wan started the engine, leaned out, and teased:
"Tomorrow you can sleep with whoever you want. But on your wedding night, you must consummate the marriage with my daughter!"
Her husband's repeated teasing made May purse her lips, and she made an excuse to hurry him home so her daughter wouldn't feel shy. Wan laughed heartily, then drove off into the night.
Maria's whole family burned incense to worship their ancestors. At the altar, Maria introduced each daughter-in-law and placed a gold bracelet engraved with the family crest on each of their wrists, signifying they were descendants of the family.
The daughters-in-law bowed respectfully to their mother-in-law and received a gentle hug from her. Mao was furiously angry, clenching her lips tightly to keep from cursing out loud.
An had waited for this day for a long time. She had once thought it would forever remain a dream, but now her dream had come true. She had become the wife of the man she loved most.
She had become the daughter-in-law of the woman she wanted to cherish for a lifetime, to make amends for the hurt and soothe her mother-in-law's pain.
Tears streaming down her face, she embraced her mother-in-law. Her sobs were still choked, but they were no longer filled with pain and suffering; instead, they were met with Maria's gentle comfort.
Her mother-in-law taught her about family traditions and counseled her as a daughter-in-law. Every word was sincere and direct; Maria no longer harbored any ill will towards her.
Ange hesitated for a long time before murmuring:
"I have always wanted to tell you this, sister, but because of my concerns… I kept hesitating. Today, taking advantage of our family's joyous occasion, I want to thank you, sister, for saving Yi…"
An was startled by this sudden joy. She then looked at Liberte, who was smiling faintly, and turned to gaze at Maria, who was proudly watching her daughter. Ange's sister-in-law spoke with a puzzled and regretful tone:
"I couldn't save Yi…"
The atmosphere was once quiet and sorrowful… but… it was immediately illuminated by an angelic smile:
"You risked your life to save Yi; that alone proves your sincerity. I hope you…" —Ange said to each sister-in-law— "…and all of you will forever love brother Liberte, live in harmony, and take good care of the whole family!"
The sisters-in-law smiled softly. Each took the opportunity to say some nice words to please their mother-in-law and Liberte.
An was stunned. For the first time, she felt the love of her family.
She choked up with gratitude and wrapped her warm arms tightly around Ange, refusing to let go, making Ange cough incessantly. An gently pushed Ange away and apologized awkwardly. Everyone laughed.
Those who vied for favor secretly hated An because she had won the hearts of her husband's family. Each of them told herself, vowing to use every means—whether sincere or feigned—just to win the favor of the one who had given them a comfortable and leisurely life.
Maria cleared her throat, complaining that she was tired and needed to go to bed early. Ange understood, so she waved goodbye to Liberte and her sisters-in-law, and happily followed her mother back to her room.
Only Liberte and his seven wives remained in the house. Except for Mao, the six women eagerly waited for their husband to choose one. Liberte looked from one to another until his eyes fell on An. He picked her up. An let out a surprised sound and hurriedly wrapped her arms around his shoulders, lowering her head against her husband's shoulder.
The other women envied her noble status and resented their own lower standing compared to their rival. Fuming, they turned and went back to their rooms.
Some women pounded their pillows and tugged at their quilts; others vented their anger on beds strewn with fragrant flowers, waiting for the passionate wedding night.
In the end, they were left all alone, lying in cold loneliness, listening to the pleasurable moans coming from the other side of the wall, cursing that young harlot who was reaching climax with their husband.
The six demons covered their ears with their pillows, tossing and turning until late into the night, finally falling asleep from exhaustion.