This story explains why Judge Dee was late for the family dinner during the Paper Lantern Festival. This event marks the end of a long New Year celebration; in the evening, when the family gathers for dinner, women wonder what awaits them in the coming year. The setting of the story is the city of Puyang, known to readers of the story “Murder on Crescent Street.” Chapter Nine mentions Judge Luo, Judge Di's frivolous colleague from neighboring Jinhua County. He also appears in the story about the sad fate of two beggars.