The matter of the eldest branch was settled, and the next day at Mao Hour, Qi Cheng and Lady Li left the house together, heading toward the Second Branch family's courtyard.
During the summer weather, it was already dimly lit at Mao Hour, and the three adults in the courtyard of the Second Branch family had started their work by the light of dawn.
Qi Cheng approached and knocked on the courtyard door, calling out, "Second Uncle, open up, it's Chengzi."
Nanny Jin hurriedly put down what she was doing and came to open the door, saying while doing so, "Ah, Chengzi, you're here already. We didn't know when you would come over today; from now on, we'll leave the door unlocked for you two early birds."
Qi Cheng, who usually came over to deliver firewood and draw water, was familiar with Nanny Jin; he smiled and said, "Nanny, there's no need to be so formal. It's still not fully light outside; we should keep the door closed. We're just here to call out, no hassle involved."