Cheng Guanghai slowly approached his son. He looked at his three nephews and nieces and asked with a grave expression,
"What happened with your second uncle?"
Cheng Zongyang told the three to go join the other children, then explained the general situation to the elders who had gathered around.
When they heard about the trouble in the city, their expressions turned serious. They were also somewhat relieved that they hadn't moved into the city.
With this suspected plague, even the slightest infection could be fatal.
Cheng Zongyang then said,
"I don't know the full details yet. I'm going into the County Town this afternoon to check on the situation. I might have to stay there for a day or two, but I'll bring Second Uncle and Second Aunt back as soon as I can. Our things are at the foot of the mountain; I'll go get them."
His maternal uncles offered to help, but Cheng Zongyang stopped them.
