It had rained on the Lantern Festival, hiding the stars and moon. The ground outside was wet, spoiling any chance for fun.
Xiao Man's home, however, was filled with lively laughter and cheer. All the rooms were brightly lit, and a hundred-watt lightbulb had even been strung up in the large pear tree, illuminating the threshing ground below. The rain had long since stopped, leaving the ground clean and clear. Three braziers, filled to the brim with charcoal, burned a brilliant red. Under the pear tree, a stone table was lined with bowls and plates of pork, chicken, and fish, all pre-marinated. Beef was a rarity these days, as ploughing oxen were protected. They couldn't be slaughtered for meat unless one accidentally fell to its death on a mountain or was too sick to move.
