Once Zhang Huai had led a troop of boys away to welcome the bride, driving a decorated ox-cart and beating the gongs and drums thunderously, the Zheng family home burst into a flurry of activity, focused mainly on preparing the wedding feast.
The rhythmic THUMP of chopping echoed from the cutting boards, and the SIZZLE of hot oil filled the kitchen with fragrant smoke. The aroma drifted out, enticing the dogs, cats, and even the chickens to linger in the courtyard. The men conferred periodically to arrange various tasks, while the women washed dishes, cleaned vegetables, and set out the tableware, their laughter ringing out. Meanwhile, Laishou and Zhao Qing ran about the dry courtyard, searching through piles of paper scraps for unexploded firecracker duds.
