Zhulan, upon noticing her relatives heading to the eldest brother's courtyard, hurriedly rose to her feet and, accompanied by Liu Ya, made her way to the kitchen. As she walked, she chatted with Xue Han: "We haven't stewed the goose we bought yesterday, and midday would be the perfect time to do it. No, I must go and check what the kitchen has purchased today."
Ever since Zhou Shuren decided to send Lady Zhao and Zhou's second son to Chuanzhou, Zhulan has taken back control of the kitchen, which she entrusted to Xue Han.
Xue Han calculated the time and said, "The purchases should have returned by now."
Zhulan said, "Your eldest sister-in-law's parents came overnight."
If they had rested at night, they should have arrived in Lizhou City at night instead of in the morning. This couple did not travel with the caravan – to save silver coins, they came directly with their four grandsons, spending only on renting a carriage and lodging along the way.
