CHAPTER 306: CHAPTER 235: BANQUET

A group of people stepped out through the gate and got into the cars. Lin Lishan drove a car, taking the women along, and followed the car in front to head towards Master Fatty’s place.

In the car, Mother Zhang sat holding the child in the front passenger seat, listening to their chatter. Her thoughts were all over the place. She recalled the pile of gifts in the living room like a small mountain and thought about the grand gifts the Cheng family brought over at noon. She quietly pondered what return gifts to prepare. She wondered how the preparations that she instructed the eldest couple to make before she left were coming along.

Zhou Xiaozheng was in the last car with Zhang Guoqing driving, and Zhao Chuan Guang, and Cheng Sijin sitting next to him. The three chatted while waiting to pass the intersection. Zhou Xiaozheng instructed Zhang Guoqing to pick up Zhao Dashan at the Zhao family’s place.

The car stopped at the Zhao residence, and Zhang Guoqing ran into the yard to find Zhao Dashan in the living room. "Uncle, where’s Aunt Cheng?"

"She’s not off work yet. Do you need her for something? She’ll be back soon."

Zhang Guoqing picked up his coat and pulled him out. "My dad and Uncle Guang are waiting for you in the car outside. Let’s not wait for Aunt Cheng; let’s go eat first."

Zhao Dashan quickly closed the yard gate, and the two got in the car.

After greeting, Zhao Dashan curiously asked Zhao Chuan Guang, "Weren’t you insisting on going back this morning? When did you come to the county? Why didn’t you call me?"

Zhao Chuan Guang said smugly, "As soon as I heard you say Brother Zheng and Brother Cheng were going to the ancestral hall today, I guessed they’d soon return to Beijing. So I hurried back and brought my wife along. If Brother Zheng came back without seeing her, believe me, my wife would nag endlessly. How about that? Aren’t brothers clever?"

Zhao Dashan looked at him disdainfully, "You’re really afraid of your wife."

"I’m a good man. Good men are afraid of their wives. I don’t believe you’re not afraid of Red Pepper. Hey, isn’t Red Pepper coming?"

"She’s at work. Women have so much to do, they’re never off work on time."

Zhang Guoqing navigated around the potholes on the road and quickly drove towards the east suburb of the county. It was the child’s first outing, so he was indeed worried, especially as Zhou Jiao hadn’t eaten at home. He had to make sure Master Fatty looked after her postpartum meal, and he was increasingly eager.

Taking a shortcut, they finally caught up with the main group stopped at the courtyard entrance. Zhang Guoqing quietly breathed a sigh of relief.

Fortunately, when Master Fatty chose this courtyard’s location, it was suitable. Otherwise, just the sight of these six cars driving grandly would have drawn the villagers’ attention.

Hearing from his apprentice that a group of small cars had come to the door, Master Fatty felt puzzled and rushed to the gate in quick steps. Seeing Zhang Guoqing inside, he let out a deep breath of relief. He was used to guests arriving after dark, so today’s midday scene made his heart pound.

"Xiao Wu, quickly bring your elders inside to rest. Follow me to the main room; there you can set up two big tables. There’s also a heated brick bed for the little one to lie on."

With that, Master Fatty led everyone to the largest room in the East Wing. It was indeed spacious, with two tables set up and a cleanly tidied brick bed.

Zhang Guoqing nodded in satisfaction and asked everyone, "Uncle-Grandpa, do you have any dietary restrictions? Shall I have Master Fatty suggest what dishes might be suitable for today?"

Everyone shook their heads, all looking at Mr. Cheng and the others, waiting to see if the seniors had any particular needs.

Mr. Cheng, smiling, pointed to Mr. Lin beside him, "Old Lin, you should speak. I’m fine with anything, no restrictions. See if you have any requirements?"

Mr. Lin nodded at Master Fatty, "No special requirements for the dishes. Just pay attention to the women. As for us men, make sure there’s good liquor. Just go ahead as you see fit. Oh, and remember to prepare a postpartum meal first."

Zhang Guoqing carried a bamboo basket as he followed Master Fatty out, "Master Fatty, first serve some nourishing soup and plain rice for my wife. Use the seafood in this basket as you see fit. Also, prepare a few dishes suitable for the elders. Let the apprentice serve the cold dishes and wine first."

"Watch as I show my skills today. Xiao Wu, we have braised bear paw and mother hen simmered today. Do you want them? The price is relatively high."

"Even if you make Buddha Jumps Over the Wall today, I’ll take it. As usual, I’ll pay later," Zhang Guoqing said, handing him the basket and heading toward the room.

From afar, he heard Zhao Dashan talking about Master Fatty’s family history.

Entering the room, Zhang Guoqing went towards the brick bed and found his son sleeping soundly at its head, unaffected by the surroundings. Quite adaptable. At the foot of the bed sat Mother Zhang and them, all happily chatting away.