The next day, the butcher Zheng Changhe had hired arrived. It turned out to be none other than Butcher Zhang from town. He was carrying a pole over his shoulder. On one end was a large tub for scalding the pig, and on the other was a wooden box containing his butchering knives and other tools. A helper followed behind him.
He grinned warmly at Mrs. Yang, showing off a set of large, flat teeth. "Keeping busy?"
Mrs. Yang smiled back and asked, "Not too busy. How's business?"
Butcher Zhang laughed. "Not too bad. It's just that these days, people are keeping the offal and head meat for themselves. Even if they do sell it, the price is a lot higher."
Mrs. Yang said, "Doesn't that save you some trouble?"
Butcher Zhang replied, "I still find it easier when you can just hand everything over in one go. Now I have to waste my breath haggling."
