Qiao Xuan must have returned from the province early in the morning, and everyone knew that she must not have eaten anything yet. As dozens of people had not eaten either, despite the late hour, they all enthusiastically joined in to help prepare food. They worked together to kill chickens, crack eggs, wash rice, and pick and wash vegetables, keeping busy in the kitchen.
Meanwhile, Qiao Xuan was surrounded by Ms. Fang and a group of senior villagers, all eager to ask her various questions. They were particularly concerned about how Shao Yunduan was doing in the capital, and Qiao Xuan happily answered all their inquiries.
