Zhou Jiao didn't say anything to discourage them and followed Qingshan's wife's lead, going with several of her cousins to the middle of the village, to Zhang Tiezhu's house.
Before they even got close, the courtyard enclosed by bamboo fences was already filled with village elders and children, each buzzing with their own words, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere.
"There's really no way around it. The old Han next door had long agreed with me to borrow half a pig with him, he'll repay us after they slaughter their pig at year-end. Everyone can come over for a drink tomorrow, sorry about that."
Zhou Jiao glanced at Zhang Tiezhu, who was about her father-in-law's age. With a smile on his face, he clasped his hands apologetically to everyone. He looked like a true head of the household!
"That's what you said, how much wine is prepared for tomorrow?"
Those present followed along in good-natured teasing.
