Early morning.
Dew trickled down a willow leaf and landed on Shi Hao's nose.
The little fellow sneezed and sat up. Furball rolled off his belly and tumbled into the grass, all four paws in the air.
Beneath the roots, a dozen half-grown children lay sprawled every which way.
Dazhuang rubbed his belly as he climbed to his feet, opening his mouth wide in a loud yawn. Ermeng scratched his bird's-nest hair and looked around.
It was broad daylight.
The village was quiet. None of the usual cooking smoke rose as the women lit their fires, nor was there any clattering of pots and bowls.
Shi Hou lounged in the Grand Marshal's Chair, with Kang sprawled on his chest. Boy and pig opened their eyes together.
He brushed his right hand past his ear, and a large chunk of air-dried meat flew out, landing in Shi Hao's arms.
With successive flicks of his wrist, chunks of meat flew into the hands of Dazhuang, Ermeng, and the others.
"Dig in. No hot food today."
Ermeng tore off a large strip of meat and chewed hard.
"My ma's usually up before anyone else. How come there's no sign of her today?"
Shi Hou rolled his eyes.
Ermeng's Father had laughed so loudly last night that he had nearly lifted the roof. It would have been a miracle if he could get up now.
Creak.
The gate to Shi Linhu's courtyard swung open.
Bare-chested, Shi Linhu strode out. Several fresh red marks crossed his thick arms, and his back bore battle scars too. Yet he was in remarkably high spirits, his chest bare in the early morning as he walked with a tiger's vigor.
The neighboring gate opened next.
Shi Feijiao emerged with a Bone Spear over his shoulder. His eyes were a