Seeing Qingqing's expression, Wu Muyue knew that she didn't know much about her grandfather, so he said, "Take good care of yourself. I'll take care of your grandmother."

After leaving the room, Wu Muyue stood in the courtyard. After a long while, he said to Chen Zhaoci, "Zhaoci, I plan to adopt Qingqing."

Chen Zhaoci was still pondering what to do with Qingqing in the future when he heard Wu Muyue's words. After thinking for a moment, he said, "Uncle, Qingqing is a girl, so it is appropriate for her to stay with female elders."

Wu Muyue said, "I've thought about it. When we get to Liaodong, I plan to find two nannies. In the future, I will take Ayuan, Abai, and Qingqing with me. This is probably what Qingqing's grandfather would like to see."

Wu Muyue's words surprised Chen Zhaoci. Wu Muyue smiled bitterly and said, "Back when we took the imperial examination, in terms of talent and knowledge, Qingqing's grandfather, Chen Shining, was the best among us. However, for various reasons, he did not make it into the first class, but was the top in the second class. Later, I resigned and went into seclusion, but he continued to serve in the court. It was only after a long time that I heard that he had offended someone and was framed and exiled."

Chen Zhaoci said, "Why didn't he go back after the amnesty?"

Wu Muyue said, "Qingqing's grandfather was different from us in his thoughts. He once told me that boys and girls should be raised in the same way. Girls should not be confined to the inner quarters. They should go out and see the world and study with their brothers."

Chen Zhaoci was surprised to find someone with such insight and said with a smile, "Qingqing's grandfather is quite different from ordinary people."

Wu Muyue said, "Yes, Qingqing has an aunt who has traveled around with her father and brothers since she was a child. I have met Qingqing's aunt a few times. Qingqing's aunt is more magnanimous and insightful than most men. It's just a pity that beautiful women often have short lives. After she got married, she was kept in the inner quarters by her husband's family and died very early."

Chen Zhaoci asked in surprise, "Why are you locked up in the back room?"

Wu Muyue said, "I learned this when I last saw Qingqing's grandfather. Qingqing's aunt married into a prominent local family with many rules and regulations. Qingqing was not a person who liked to be bound by rules. In addition, Qingqing's aunt's husband was not a strong-willed person. Over time, Qingqing's aunt became unhappy and died of depression."

Chen Zhaoci said with some heartache, "That's why girls really need to find a good husband. People say that finding a husband is like a second reincarnation for a girl, and that's not an exaggeration at all. It really is like being reincarnated."

Wu Muyue said, "Qingqing has experienced many hardships since childhood, but she is Shining's most beloved granddaughter. I feel guilty towards Qingqing's grandfather. Now that I have the ability to help take care of Qingqing, I should naturally take good care of her. Zhaoci, you also need to help me tell Qingqing that I like her."

Chen Zhaoci said, "Uncle, I was originally thinking that if things really didn't work out, I would take Qingqing with me. Whether she learns medicine or something else from me, as long as she can learn a skill to support herself, she can live a good life in the future. Since you are willing to adopt Qingqing, I am naturally happy. Don't worry, Uncle, I will explain it to Qingqing properly."

After hearing Wu Muyue's words, Qingqing thought of her grandfather who had died young due to illness, and then of her grandmother who had been knocked down in the room while trying to save her. Overwhelmed with grief, she choked up again.

Chen Zhaoci, who was outside, naturally heard the little girl's commotion. Considering that she was in a bad mood, it would be good for her to have some peace and quiet. He sighed and walked forward.

The message was sent out this morning, and judging by the distance, it should reach Liaodong by tonight. I just don't know when the rescue team will arrive.

Before Chen Zhaoci even reached the inn's main entrance, she saw Xu Bai rushing over from outside. Upon seeing Chen Zhaoci, he stopped at a distance, his face pale, and said, "Mother, a lot of rats have run down from the mountain."

Upon hearing this, Chen Zhaoci exclaimed in surprise, "What do you mean by 'a lot of rats ran down from the mountain'?"

Xu Bai recalled the scene just now, his face still showing lingering fear, and said, "It was a swarm of rats coming down from the mountain. I was afraid something else might happen."

Chen Zhaoci suddenly wondered if an earthquake was coming. He had heard that small animals that live underground would react before an earthquake.

Xu Bai could tell from Chen Zhaoci's expression what she was thinking about, and said somewhat fearfully, "Mother, do you think there might be an earthquake?"

Chen Zhaoci walked a few steps to the entrance of the inn, looked up to the west, and saw a vast expanse of brilliant sunset. The sunset was colorful, but it made Chen Zhaoci's heart jump into his throat.

Chen Zhaoci turned and walked towards Wu Muyue's room. Wu Muyue was sitting at the table writing something. When he saw Chen Zhaoci push the door open and enter, his face turned pale. His heart skipped a beat, and he put down his pen, stood up, and asked, "Has something happened?"