Lunch was another big pot of stew, just enough to get by.
In the afternoon, the head chef hired from the neighboring village arrived early with his tools to inspect the site. He was quite pleased to see that the stove had been built and all the ingredients were ready.
He brought an apprentice to assist him, but they still needed more help.
After some discussion, they decided to follow the same arrangement as last year's housewarming banquet. Aunt Wang and Aunt Gao would wash the vegetables, Sixth Sister-in-law Feng and Second Sister-in-law Xu would chop them, and the apprentice would be in charge of plating.
Ji Mingfang and Hu Dacheng, who had taken the day off, were in charge of tending the stove. The task of serving the dishes was given to Shi Yong and Ji Liansong.
Hu Liang was responsible for greeting guests in the front courtyard, while Ji Xuelan was to accompany the bride, Ji Huan.
