Since the day Pei Yunmeng arrived without invitation, Miao Liangfang had been in a state of constant unease for many days.
Du Changqing failed to notice the trepidation in the heart of the new tutor, as he was busy arranging the offerings of liquor and fruit to send to the Kitchen God, pasting Zao Ma decorations, and buying Tusuzui Wine and candied pastries—there was always so much to do at the end of the year.
Inside Yazhai Bookstore on West Street, books were stacked inside while Luo Dazui set up his stall outside the door, with all kinds of Zhong Kui pictures, peach boards, peach talismans, as well as Wealth-Bringing Dull Donkeys, Turnaround Deer-Horses, and Heavenly Progress stickers piled everywhere, with crowds squeezing in the alley to choose from them.