The summer weather in Liaodong is much more pleasant than in the south. The sun is bright, and standing in the shade makes you feel refreshed. The heat and stickiness that come with hot weather are nowhere to be found.

There was a sycamore tree in the courtyard of the post station, with a large, lush green canopy that cast a shady shade over the entire station.

Wu Muyue and Chen Zhaoci stood under the shade of a tree. A gentle breeze blew by, and Chen Zhaoci suddenly felt a sense of autumn.

Wu Muyue looked up at the canopy of the sycamore tree. Bright sunlight streamed through the gaps in the leaves, creating dappled patches of light on the ground.

Wu Muyue said, "I never knew my old friend was in such a state in his old age. Among our group of classmates, if we were to talk about literary talent, he should be in the top three. It's just a pity that he was a bit stubborn, unafraid of power, and unyielding. If he had been more tactful back then, he might not have been demoted."

Chen Zhaoci said, "Qingqing's grandfather must have valued his integrity very much."

Wu Muyue sighed and said, "Yes, we value our integrity too much and disdain associating with certain people. It's just a pity that I saw through some things early on, but he was unwilling to submit and preferred to be buried in this small village on the border."

Xu Rao happened to come in from outside and saw Wu Muyue and the other person. She smiled and came over to greet Wu Muyue. Seeing that Wu Muyue's face was not good, she asked what was wrong. After hearing the whole story, Xu Rao smiled and said, "Uncle, no matter what the final result is, it is your own choice. Whether you are in a high position in the court or far away in the Jianghu, you will eventually have a place to belong. Even if you die, you will not regret it."

Wu Muyue nodded upon hearing Xu Rao's words, but said, "Even so, I still feel uneasy for my old friend. I plan to keep Qingqing with me. I want to teach her to read and take her to see the sights of Daliang. Rao, I also need to ask you to help me find two nannies who can accompany me everywhere, take care of Qingqing, and teach her manners."

Xu Rao quickly agreed, and Wu Muyue said, "My old friend's only regret over the years is their Haoxin. Back then, Haoxin was well-educated and polite under the careful guidance of her parents, but unfortunately, she met the wrong person. I want to raise Qingqing to be a woman like her aunt, and then find a family that can tolerate Qingqing so that she can live a good life. I think my friend can rest in peace in this way."

Xu Rao and Chen Zhaoci were moved. Xu Rao bowed deeply to Wu Muyue and said, "Uncle, you are absolutely right. A girl like Qingqing should not be buried in the inner quarters. The world is vast, and there are countless scholars, elegant people, customs, and beautiful scenery. Girls can do just as much as boys can do."

Wu Muyue smiled and nodded, then sighed deeply and said, "It's a pity that women have never been valued throughout history. Women with outstanding literary talent are often criticized. It's very difficult to break such bad habits all at once."

Xu Rao said, "Uncle, we can start with the things around us. There are still many families in this world that value women in their households. If we do well, they will see it and it will always inspire them."

Wu Muyue shook his head slightly and said with some regret, "Enlightening the people is such a rare thing, especially since it involves affecting the interests of some people. Those 'Admonitions for Women' and 'Four Books for Women' have poisoned the minds of countless women."

Xu Rao smiled and said, "Uncle, if we do our job well and let everyone see it, there will always be some people who can think things through, and slowly more people will accept it. Sometimes you have to do things like this, start small, and slowly more people will join in. When the team grows bigger, it will be accepted by more people. A single spark can start a prairie fire."

Upon hearing the last sentence, Wu Muyue pondered for a long time before saying, "You're absolutely right. A single spark can start a prairie fire; it certainly can."

It was getting late, and Xu Rao said, "Uncle, you should rest early. We need to set off for the city tomorrow."

Back in her room, Xu Rao stretched her back and said, "I'm so tired these past few days."

Chen Zhaoci naturally knew that Xu Rao had been very tired these past few days. After receiving the letter, he led his men to his side. He originally thought it was just a landslide, but who knew that there would be an earthquake later. Fortunately, the magnitude was not very high, so at least Liaodong was not affected. The epicenter was still in the mountainous area.

Chen Zhaoci said, "Let me massage your back."

Xu Rao turned over and lay face down on the bed, and Chen Zhaoci massaged several acupoints on him with her hands.

After feeling a wave of soreness, Xu Rao felt much better and groaned comfortably, saying, "Ah, that feels so good."

Chen Zhaoci said, "That's right, look who's giving you the massage. By the way, have you seen the Xu Gao sisters when you came to Liaodong?"

Xu Rao said, "I've seen them. I haven't even entered the city yet. These two sisters are already waiting for me outside the city gate. Our son-in-law went to patrol the border, otherwise he would have come with us."

Thinking of Xu Yao, Chen Zhaoci asked, "How is our fourth daughter doing now?"

Xu Rao thought for a moment and said, "She's much better than before. She's sensible, reasonable, and well-mannered. I heard from the eldest daughter that her sister-in-law has written several letters urging her to return to the capital. After all, she's reached the age where she needs to get married."

Upon hearing this, Chen Zhaoci paused in his actions and asked with some doubt, "Have you already found someone you like?"

Xu Rao put his hands behind his back, pointed to a spot, and said, "Press this spot a little harder to see if it's settled. The eldest daughter hasn't said, but the fourth daughter has been in Liaodong long enough, and she must be fifteen years old this year. It's time to settle her marriage. Our Xiao Jiu is in a special situation; there are several other daughters in her family waiting to get married."

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