A few days after the New Year, aside from gatherings, visiting relatives and friends was the main activity. Many people took the opportunity of the New Year to visit the Jiang Family.
The Tang Family, being outsiders with no local relatives or friends, other than the old master occasionally visiting the Peach Garden to watch operas, stayed mainly at the Jiang's house and also discussed some matters about returning to Pingjiang.
On the third day of the New Year, during the meal, Mr. Tang brought up the topic of returning home after the New Year.
"Are you going back?" Ever since his wife had passed away, the old lady had been alone, and she cherished the company of her old friend. She had grown accustomed to chatting and taking walks with him, and she had truly come to regard the Tang Family as her own kin. Hearing suddenly about their departure, she was both surprised and reluctant.
