When it came time to pay Tong Dalang, Qiao Changshun's face showed some discomfort as he handed over twenty taels directly, "Dalang, happy New Year."
Tong Dalang's honest face also revealed a smile, "Uncle Changshun, happy New Year."
He reached out and took the twenty taels of silver, and then asked, "When do we start work again?"
"The fourth day of the Lunar New Year."
"Then I'll come back on the fourth day." Tong Dalang smiled again, pocketed the twenty taels of silver, and turned to leave.
After Qiao Changshun settled everyone's wages, he returned to Bamboo Fragrance Residence, where Qiao Zhaodi and Qiao Yindi had nearly finished preparing the New Year's Eve dinner.
Soon after, Qiao Xiaomai came in with a bowl of meat soup, her smile beaming, "I've boiled it all day, it's pure essence, come on, have a bowl with the dumplings, one for each."
"Alright, let's all start eating." Qiao Changshun was very happy.
