Hua Xiaomai thought it over and over, but ultimately she did not tell Hua Erniang about what happened last night; she just smiled and said, "That's good, we can rest assured," and then went to check on her chili plants behind the house. By evening, after the sisters had prepared dinner for Jing Taihe and left it in the pot, they proceeded as usual to push their cart to the riverbank to set up their stall.
After the Cold Food Festival had passed, the village naturally buzzled with activity again. Perhaps because not much serious business was conducted yesterday, at this time, even two or three fishmongers were shouting their wares on the riverbank, clearly eager to make up for the money they hadn't earned during the festival.
This lively, steaming scene not only settled one's heart but also was easily infectious. Hua Erniang, overwhelmed with emotion for a moment, threw down the cart and let Hua Xiaomai push it from behind, rushing ahead to join the crowd.
