The day before the banquet, a simple tent had been set up in front of the Yun family ancestral hall. People were coming and going, and the air was filled with an enticing aroma.
In this makeshift kitchen, washing vegetables, chopping vegetables, and cooking were all proceeding in an orderly fashion. A feast was to be held for the entire village the next day, with 40 tables provided by each household, making the preparations quite demanding. Each family sent a representative to help at the ancestral hall. Several elders also came to watch the commotion, observing everyone's chaotic and disorganized efforts. However, the experienced elders quickly took charge, distributing all the tasks efficiently.
Because this was the first village banquet held in decades, everyone took it very seriously. Even the usually lazy women were busily helping out. The children were also there, running around curiously, and occasionally sneaking into the kitchen to taste the freshly made food.
Si Cheng and Yun's father, along with several cousins, went around buying supplies and transporting them back to the ancestral hall in trip after trip.
On the actual day, Yunqi dressed the two babies in bright red Tang suits and adorned them with a full set of silver jewelry given to them by their maternal grandmother, making them look very festive. As soon as they were taken out, they attracted everyone's attention, and everyone wanted to hold the adorable little ones.
Before the banquet began, the second grandfather gave a speech on behalf of the family, announcing the start of the meal and instantly raising the atmosphere to a climax. Many of the younger generation had only ever eaten banquets in hotels, and this was their first time experiencing one under the open sky. Even before the meal started, they were already looking forward to the next one. This unique and sumptuous banquet will remain a cherished memory for them for many years to come.
After the banquet, everyone moved their own tables and chairs back home, cleaned the house thoroughly, and moved the portable stove and cooking utensils to the side room of the ancestral hall. Meanwhile, Mr. Yun invited the elderly to stay.
"Uncles and elders, there is something I would like to discuss with you."
“Zhiming, just say what’s on your mind. There are no outsiders here.”
"There's a lot of leftover grain, dried goods, and especially a lot of salt from this banquet. I want to put them in the ancestral hall's cellar."
"Can't you put it in your cellar?" Grandpa Qi asked bluntly.
Second Grandfather looked at Yun Zhiming, "You're willing to do that?"
"We originally planned to store these supplies in the ancestral hall as a way to provide a backup plan for the village when we purchased more supplies this time."
"You mean you want to hand everything over to the village?" Only then did Grandpa Qi realize what was going on.
"Yes, only a few people know about the ancestral hall's cellar. The items we bought before were for long-term storage. We don't know what the future holds, so we'll need to stick together and face difficulties together. Besides that, everyone should try to buy as many necessities as possible." Father Yun still hoped that everyone would make sufficient preparations.
"Zhi Xin and his men have received orders to evacuate all personnel in the coastal areas. Those who refuse are to be abandoned." Without waiting for a reaction, he walked out with his hands behind his back. Yun Zhi Xin is his second grandfather's eldest son; he and his younger brother, Yun Zhi Zhong, both joined the army, but in different districts.
The group of people looked at each other, their mood suddenly becoming heavy.
"Second Grandpa, is it okay to tell us? Will it affect Zhixin?" Yun's father caught up with his second grandfather and asked worriedly.
"This news will be announced to everyone tomorrow. It looks like this is going to be quite serious. Although we don't know the specific reason, everyone should prepare in advance." After saying that, he waved and went into his house.
Through this banquet, everyone got to know each other and the brides they had brought into the family. Before, they were all from different parts of the country and might not have recognized each other even if they met. But after spending these two days together, they all at least had some impression of each other.
The second grandfather, Yun Ming'an, and the second grandmother, Li Hongjuan, had two sons. The eldest son, Yun Zhixin, was married to Liu Hui, and they had a son named Yun Xun. The second son, Yun Zhizhong, was married to Ou Chundun, and they had a son named Yun Tao.
Third grandfather: Yun Mingquan, third grandmother: Liu E, son: Yun Zhiqi, daughter-in-law: Gu Fen, grandson: Yun Xiang, daughter: Yun Qifang, married and became a teacher in the county town.
Grandfather: Yun Mingbao; Grandmother: Yun Mingbao has passed away; Eldest son: Yun Zhiwei; Eldest daughter-in-law: Hu Haiyin; Granddaughter: Yun Liping; Second son: Yun Zhiwu; Second daughter-in-law: Li Rongrong; Step-granddaughter: Liu Qingying; Grandson: Yun Yang.
"The state apparatus has already begun to operate. Giving us such early notice is hopefully to minimize further losses."
“We can now openly prepare things. Let’s pretend we didn’t collect anything before and prepare along with everyone else,” Yun’s father said to Sicheng.
"I bought a batch of building materials. Building materials are hard to buy now. I managed to order this batch at a high price by contacting my old boss. It should arrive tomorrow. If needed, I can distribute some."
"I'm going out for a walk later." Yun's father immediately understood what Si Cheng meant. He was saving some money for Si Cheng to do favors, since one person can't make a boat.
"I want to build a greenhouse in the corner, a pigsty and a cowshed in the backyard, and then install heated beds in several rooms. The room in the right wing will be used to store charcoal and timber, and a hidden cellar will be dug over the small building," Si Cheng said, describing his plan.
This is where the advantages of old rural houses become apparent. They offer much larger storage space for the same amount of room, with attics in every room. In the past, grain was mostly stored in the attics, and cellars were dug underground to store vegetables and meat.
"Don't forget to stock up on food for our little ones," Grandma Yun suggested while teasing the twins; her eyes and heart were now only for her two little darlings.
"Brother Cheng, how's the dog I asked about before?" Yunqi suddenly thought of the future security issue. If they could keep a dog in the yard, it could at least help guard the house. He didn't dare to keep a dog before because he was pregnant and the baby was still small. Now that the dog is over 100 days old, he can keep it in the yard for the time being.
"It's already agreed that the puppy will need to nurse for a while longer before it can be adopted, since it's just a newborn."
"Get these things sorted out in the next few days, so we can have peace of mind sooner," Yunqi said with some concern.
"Come with me to the city tomorrow to collect the last batch of supplies." At this moment, Si Cheng also felt a sense of urgency.
I used to think I had plenty of time, but the closer it got, the more I felt like I didn't have enough time. I always felt like I wasn't prepared enough, that I was missing something here and there.
"By the way, they'll be installing the water tower tomorrow. If you're worried about it being too noisy, take Junjun and Lele to their second grandfather's house." Mr. Yun frowned, thinking about how it might disturb his beloved grandsons.
"It's alright, I'll bring them to the small building tomorrow. You forgot that Second Grandfather and the others are installing a water tower, so they won't be able to stay quiet anywhere. Also, don't spoil them too much; they need to adapt to different environments." Yunqi wasn't worried at all; she could play soft music for them in the room.
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