Yongning City, Xingye Square.
Around noon, the shops in the square had all opened for business. The streets bustled with people, and constables in their uniforms could be seen patrolling from time to time.
Although this area wasn't the most prosperous part of the city, public order was good. Zhao Lin had bought their house in this neighborhood mainly because he valued its safety.
When Zhao Lin returned home and pushed open the gate, he saw his older brother, Zhao Shan, doing carpentry work in the courtyard with his sister-in-law, Xiulan, keeping him company.
"Brother, Sister-in-law, I'm back!"
Zhao Shan tossed aside the wood plane in his hand, strode over, and said happily, "I just knew my brother would be back today!"
He gave Zhao Lin a big hug, then turned and shouted, "Xiulan, go ahead and start cooking!"
Xiulan laughed. "Alright! You two brothers catch up. The ingredients are all ready, and the food will be on the table in a bit."
