The first day of the Lunar New Year usually involves not killing any living thing, nor visiting relatives, simply going door to door between neighbors to wish each other a happy new year.
Cheng Su was woken early by the crackling and popping sounds of firecrackers the kids’ laughter could still be heard in the distance. She reached out beside her, but there was no one there, the bed was cold Taiguo had already gotten up and gone out.
She wrapped her blanket around her and sat up, hearing Mother Qi talking to someone outside. She yawned, got out of bed, and started to get dressed.
This being the first day of the new year, as a daughter-in-law, it wouldn’t be good to wake up late; the mother-in-law might dislike it. It was the New Year after all; she ought to keep herself in good spirits and avoid trouble.
Once dressed and freshened up with light makeup, Cheng Su, following the custom of Xiashui Village, first respectfully offered tea to her in-laws and received a small red envelope. Then she set about preparing breakfast for the family.
Just as the breakfast was laid out on the table, Taiguo returned. It turned out he’d gone out for exercise, dressed in a thin, loose outfit, his forehead was covered in sweat. Cheng Su was then told by her mother-in-law to boil hot water for Taiguo to wash his face.
"How do you plan to visit relatives over the next few days?" Mother Qi asked them at the breakfast table.
"Today, we’ll just stroll around the village. Yesterday, Jianming also asked me to join him for some drinks at Uncle’s place. Tomorrow, the second day, is the day to visit the maternal home I plan to accompany Susu back to her parents’ home to stay one night, and we’ll return on the third day," Taiguo replied, taking a bite from a sub-stuffed bun.
"Stay overnight?" Mother Qi was taken aback, looking at Cheng Su "But your elder sister is coming back to her maternal home tomorrow, too. How can it work if you’re not here?"
A daughter’s return to her parental home and the daughter-in-law not being there to help with household chores just didn’t seem right.
"Then we’ll come back early on the third day," Cheng Su suggested.
Mother Qi still wanted to say something it was so close by, why stay overnight when you could just come for a meal and leave?
Father Qi pulled her aside and said, "Fine, you two head back early tomorrow. Pay your respects properly to the parents, and then you can come back on the third day."
"Thank you, Dad," Cheng Su said with a sweet smile.
Mother Qi looked displeased.
After the meal, Taiguo took Cheng Su out to visit neighbors. Mother Qi said to Father Qi "How could you just agree to that? Fenglian and Jisheng will be returning early tomorrow. Taiguo only has a few days off. A visit to the in-laws is enough, why do they need to stay overnight?"
"Traditionally, Fenglian and the rest usually stay overnight. If your daughter stays overnight at her parental home, then it’s only fair that others do the same at theirs. Do you really want to say that only officials can set fires and commoners can’t even light a lamp?" Father Qi retorted irritably, picking up his tobacco pipe and leaving "I’m going for a stroll."
Mother Qi was so frustrated that she felt tightness in her chest, but then she remembered her own plans and quickly stopped Qi Fengping, who was on her way out, hesitating to speak.
"Mom, what are you doing? I’ve made plans to go out. If you’ve got something to say, just say it," Qi Fengping called out.
Mother Qi looked at her, deflated, and waved her off "Never mind, just go."
The girl was still unmarried and clueless about affairs between men and women there was no need to corrupt her.
Qi Fengping, utterly confused, didn’t bother with her and darted off.
"Mom, the stitching on my coat has come undone. Can you sew it up for me?" Qi Jianguo came out with a needle and thread.
Mother Qi started to protest "Ancestors above! It’s the first day of the new year no sewing or cutting is allowed. I’ll sew it for you tomorrow." And with that, she snatched the needle and thread from his hand.
Just as she was about to enter the house, holding the needle in her hand, Mother Qi paused, and a flash of inspiration struck her, making her eyes light up with an idea.