Mrs. Zhao and Lady Wu were anxious at home, waiting for their husbands to return. As time dragged on, all sorts of dire scenarios crossed their minds, but apart from worrying, there was nothing they could do.
"They're back! Third Uncle and the others are back!"
Cheng Yun, the eldest grandson, had taken it upon himself to protect his mother and sisters while his father and two uncles were away. He had been standing under the eaves, watching the rain. When he saw a light in the distance and realized it was his father carrying someone—presumably Third Uncle—on his back, he hurried inside to report the news.
Chapter 21