Asking for Advice: How to Suppress My Mother-in-law at the Wedding

　　I got married, and at the wedding, there were two brides.

　　I was not joking.

　　My mother-in-law and I wore the same traditional costume, completely unconcerned with the gazes of others.

　　I tried to persuade her gently, but my husband sided with his mother.

　　The master of ceremonies was on stage, trying to hype up the atmosphere.

　　"Next, let's invite the bride to say a few words! Let's give her a warm welcome."

　　So, I pushed the microphone toward my mother-in-law and took on the role of the master of ceremonies.

　　"New bride, please say a few words."

　　The audience erupted into excitement.

　　After the formalities at the wedding banquet, I changed into a different traditional costume.

　　With the blessings of friends and family, I felt incredibly happy.

　　When it came time for the speeches, my mother-in-law caused quite a stir as soon as she came up.

　　She was wearing the exact same traditional costume as I was.

　　I managed a forced smile and asked my husband, "Why is Mom dressed like this? Can you ask her to change? It's inappropriate for the occasion."

　　My husband, however, was indifferent. He advised me to let it go.

　　"It's no big deal. She's my mom. Just give in a little."

　　I grew increasingly displeased and said, "I bought her so many clothes, but she insisted on wearing this one. One would think she is the bride!"

　　My husband patted my hand to indicate that it was not a big deal.

　　My mother-in-law, standing next to him on stage, naturally linked arms with him.

　　For the sake of the wedding, I had to keep smiling.

　　When the master of ceremonies prompted my husband.

　　He said, "The groom must feel incredibly happy to marry such a beautiful bride! Do you have anything you'd like to say to the bride?"

　　Holding the microphone in his left hand and holding hands with his mother with his right, their fingers intertwined.

　　"I'm very happy to marry my wife. I'm grateful she chose me in the end. I'll take good care of her and make her happy! Cathy, I love you."

　　He turned to look at me with a smile.

　　I wiped away a tear with my hand in response, though I couldn't smile genuinely.

　　"Of course, I also want to thank my mom. Without her, there wouldn't be me today. Her support and love have helped me reach where I am now. Mom, I love you, forever."

　　Facing his mother, they held each other tightly, tears streaming down their faces.

　　My mother-in-law had already burst into tears. She wiped her tears and nodded. Under the applause of the audience, they hugged each other tightly.

　　No one noticed my tightly knitted brows. They were all moved by their touching words.

　　Seeing them embrace for a long time, I approached and gently tugged on his sleeve as a reminder.

　　I went around my husband and spoke softly to my mother-in-law.

　　"Mom, it's not appropriate for you to dress like this. I bought many other clothes for you last time. Please change into one of those later."

　　My mother-in-law ignored me, still immersed in her son's emotional moment.

　　She even glared at me before burying her head in my husband's chest, crying.

　　The master was stirring up the atmosphere in the wedding venue. It was time for me to speak next.

　　"Next, let's welcome the bride to give a wedding speech!"

　　The next second, I handed the microphone to my mother-in-law and turned into the master.

　　"Bride, say something."

　　The audience burst into an uproar.

　　My husband and mother-in-law were stunned.

　　My husband spoke first.

　　"Cathy, don't mess around!"

　　I smiled and said, "you asked her to change her clothes and keep a distance from you, so I won't say anything more."

　　At this time, my mother-in-law spoke.

　　"Cathy, I'm your mother-in-law. From now on, we're a family. It doesn't matter if we wear the same clothes."

　　I refused to relent. Seeing that we were in a deadlock, the master began to mediate.

　　"Well, the bride is joking. I didn't expect her to be so humorous. Let's liven up the atmosphere. Next, it's time for both sides to exchange rings."

　　This was another part of the ceremony I didn't understand. My husband said it was a family tradition to exchange rings at an auspicious time.

　　I thought it was just a formality and didn't argue with him about it.

　　However, what followed was even more bizarre.

　　The flower boy, my aunt's youngest son, waddled up to the stage with the ring box.

　　As he walked, he turned and handed the rings to my mother-in-law, holding them with both hands and mumbling a blessing.

　　"Wishing, uncle and auntie, a hundred years of harmony, and soon, a precious child."

　　I was speechless again, struggling to contain my anger.

　　"He's just a child, don't be too hard on him." I told myself.

　　I forced a smile and extended my hand. "Sweetheart, Auntie is here."

　　However, my mother-in-law took the rings happily and handed them to my husband.

　　"It doesn't matter who takes them. Son, I'm really reluctant to part with you. You must take good care of yourself in the future." She held my husband's hand with lingering affection.

　　My husband reassured her, "Mom, don't worry. I'll have you come live with us. Xiaoxiao and I will take good care of you!"

　　I was displeased. We had clearly agreed to live separately before marriage, so why was she now moving in with us just because of a few tears?

　　Didn't they ask for my opinion?

　　I pulled the ring box from their hands and stood between them.

　　"Oh, dear. Since Mom is so understanding, she definitely wouldn't want to interfere with us. Just forget it."

　　To my surprise, my mother-in-law smiled and said, "I know my son can't bear to part with me, so I've already moved my luggage to your new home with your father. From now on, we'll all live together as one family."

　　"What?! We agreed that we would live separately after the wedding and not interfere with each other. Did you respect my wishes at all?"

　　My sudden outburst caught them off guard. My husband glanced at the guests, feeling embarrassed, and quickly grabbed me.

　　"Cathy! Let's talk about this at home. Don't forget, today is our wedding."

　　I tried to calm myself. Today was my wedding, and I didn't want to ruin it.

　　But it was really hard not to be furious.

　　"Zane, you know this is our wedding, right? If you don't say anything, I'd think it's your and your mother's wedding!"

　　"Don't say that! She's my mother, and we're all family. Living together is not a bad thing. We can look after each other. If you mind she didn't inform you earlier, I apologize on her behalf. Please forgive her."

　　Seeing his sincere apology, I was initially inclined to forgive my mother-in-law.