The exterior is mostly finished, and the door has been built. All that's left is the interior decoration. Tian Yu consulted and found that laying a layer of felt is best—it's dustproof and waterproof. This took a little time. The kitchen renovation also took some time, but thankfully, everything is gradually being completed. For the kitchen, Tian Yu used bamboo to channel some mountain spring water into a water tank, controlling it with a wooden stopper. If there's too much water, it can be plugged to let it flow into the outer tank. This water can be used for washing clothes and watering vegetables. The kitchen has two pots and a large countertop. Because the room has been enlarged, it feels much more spacious, with room for many things. A table can also be placed in the middle for meals, which is much more convenient.
The house was built in six days, and with the banquet approaching, the furniture was still unfinished. Although the guests had moved in and Xiaoju had come back to live with them, the house felt empty, and all three of them were sharing one bed. Tian Yu decided to go to the county town to buy some furniture, tableware, and ingredients for the banquet. Tian Yu roughly calculated that since she didn't have many relatives, the workers who helped with the construction, the village head's family, Gouzi and his grandson, Li Yong, or maybe a few elders from the village, plus a few women from the village to help, would be enough for four or five tables of ten people each. But to be on the safe side, Tian Yu decided to prepare more ingredients. She wrote down the list of things to buy and decided to go to the county town with Chen Chong early the next morning. However, she couldn't bring the children this time, so Tian Yu asked Gouzi's grandmother that evening to help look after the two children. Gouzi's grandmother was happy to help and said that after Tian Yu left the next day, Gouzi would pick up the two children and bring them to her house for breakfast, while she would stay home to play with Xiaohua. After agreeing on the terms, they consulted with Zhao, the coachman, about the many things they needed to buy and the need to set off early the next day.
After returning home, Chen Chong was still waiting outside. He told Tangyuan to take Xiaoju back inside first. Tian Yu and Chen Chong stood in silence for a long time before Tian Yu finally said, "Does Master Chen have time to go to the county town with me tomorrow?"
"I'll think about it."
"It seems Master Chen is very busy. Maybe we should just forget about it and find someone else."
"Fine, I don't have anything to do tomorrow, so I'll go with you."
"Then I'll have to trouble you, Master Chen."
"Can I stay here tonight?"
"Of course you're welcome anytime. A private room has been prepared; please come in."
"Will there be any songs to listen to tonight?"
"Yes, it's available anytime, as long as Master Chen is willing to listen."
The two laughed and entered the courtyard together. Chen Chong temporarily stayed in the west wing room. Tian Yu and the two children stayed in the master bedroom on the east side. Before going to bed, Tian Yu repeatedly emphasized to the two children that she had to go out the next day and told them to listen to Grandma Gouzi and wait for her to come back. She said she would bring them gifts when she returned. Although the two children were reluctant, they reluctantly agreed.
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