The Zhuang household really wasn't prepared. Mr. Zhuang might only stay at home for a few days throughout the year, so the room was always empty. When he suddenly returned, the room was cold and unfit for habitation.
Manbao and the others rolled up their sleeves and went inside to clean. They opened the doors and windows...
Sister-in-law Zhuang stared blankly as they took out the quilts, dusted them off, and spread them on the bed. Then they brought a brazier into the room to warm it.
Zhou Man took out a small pouch from her pocket and poured the herbs inside into the brazier. In no time, the room was filled with a medicinal fragrance.
These were herbs to repel insects and ward off filth. They had burned them frequently on their way back. Since the room hadn't been lived in for a long time and lacked ventilation, it needed a thorough airing. The brazier could also drive away the cold and dampness in the room.
