Early the next morning, Ji Xinhe got up before dawn. It was still pitch black outside when she surreptitiously carried out a large basin of grapes from the house.
These grapes were precious, all purchased at a high price from the fruit shop, costing six silver pieces a pound. They were off-season fruits, sourced from a cooperative fruit shop, grown in a greenhouse, thus the high price for the basin.
For that reason, grape wine in winter was sold at even a higher price.
Ji Dong was also busy hauling out a large vat.
Their movements were conspicuous, and the upstairs household was always attentive. The moment they heard noises, Lady Ding and Ji Dashan climbed off their beds. Without tidying up properly, they quietly ran over, peeking into their small courtyard from outside the mud wall.
