Shen Tingzhou watched the direction Zhao Jianjun had left, his eyes growing even colder. He hadn't expected Zhao Jianjun to not only collude with Lin Moli to spread rumors, but also try to bribe Old Lady Shen and Zhang Lan with benefits; his intentions were despicable. He quietly left the sorghum field, intending to return to the dilapidated temple, but suddenly remembered that the light in Lin Wanqiu's house was still on. Feeling uneasy, he turned back.
At this moment, Lin Wanqiu was standing at the courtyard gate, peeking out through the crack in the door. She had just heard a noise outside the courtyard wall and was worried that someone was causing trouble, so she wanted to come out and see. When Shen Tingzhou saw her, his heart tightened, and he quickly dodged to the side, but accidentally knocked over some firewood outside the courtyard wall, making a "crash" sound.
"Who is it?" Lin Wanqiu asked warily, picking up the hoe from behind the door.
Knowing he couldn't avoid it, Shen Tingzhou lowered his voice and said, "It's me."
Hearing that familiar voice, Lin Wanqiu's heart skipped a beat, and she almost dropped the hoe in her hand. She never imagined that the dark figure was actually Shen Tingzhou—her husband whom she thought had already sacrificed himself. Suppressing her inner turmoil, she opened the courtyard gate. In the moonlight, she saw Shen Tingzhou dressed in dark clothes, his face stubbled, his eyes filled with guilt and worry.
"You...you're still alive?" Lin Wanqiu's voice trembled, and tears welled up uncontrollably.
Looking at her red and swollen eyes, Shen Tingzhou felt a sharp pain in his heart. He wanted to hug her, but he was afraid of scaring her, so he could only whisper, "Wanqiu, I'm sorry for making you and Nian'an suffer. I faked my death because of a mission and haven't dared to come back to see you."
Lin Wanqiu wiped away her tears and forced herself to speak, "Since you're alive, why didn't you come back sooner? Nian'an thinks about you every day, I..." As she spoke, tears streamed down her face again.
Shen Tingzhou stepped forward and gently took her hand. Her hand was cold and trembling slightly. He said guiltily, "After I came back, I have been investigating the leak of the mission back then. I also found out that Zhao Jianjun and Lin Moli colluded to harm you and Nian'an. I was afraid of alerting them, so I didn't dare to show myself. I was relieved to see you clarifying the rumors at the threshing ground today."
Upon hearing the name "Zhao Jianjun," Lin Wanqiu suddenly realized, "So he's the one behind Lin Moli! No wonder she's so arrogant."
“Hmm.” Shen Tingzhou nodded. “Zhao Jianjun not only wants to ruin your reputation, but it may also be related to the leak of my mission back then. I have found some clues and will continue to investigate. Don’t worry, I will not let anyone hurt you and Nian’an again.”
Looking into Shen Tingzhou's determined eyes, Lin Wanqiu finally felt a weight lifted from her heart. She knew that with Shen Tingzhou by her side, she wouldn't have to face those difficulties alone anymore. A gentle night breeze blew by, carrying the scent of wheat from the fields. The two stood at the courtyard gate, their hands clasped tightly together, as if trying to make up for the years they had missed.
After a while, Shen Tingzhou said, "Wanqiu, it's getting late, you should get some rest. I'll come see you and Nian'an again tomorrow and tell you about the clues I found. By the way, have you been thinking about starting a side business lately?"
Lin Wanqiu paused for a moment, then nodded: "Yes, I want to make some fermented bean curd, so I can eat it myself and also sell it in town to supplement my family's income. But I'm lacking some tools and materials right now, and I'm still thinking of a way."
Shen Tingzhou's eyes lit up: "Making fermented bean curd is a great idea! I know someone at the town's supply and marketing cooperative, and I can get you some salt and jars tomorrow. Don't worry, I'll help you figure out the other ingredients too."
Lin Wanqiu felt a warmth in her heart and said with a smile, "Thank you, Tingzhou. It's so good to have you here."
Looking at her smile, Shen Tingzhou felt a warmth rise in his heart. He patted her head and said softly, "Go back quickly, don't catch a cold. I'll come first thing tomorrow morning."
Lin Wanqiu nodded, watching Shen Tingzhou disappear into the night before turning back into the house. The kerosene lamp was still lit, reflecting on her face, which was full of anticipation and peace of mind. She knew that starting tomorrow, her life would usher in a new turning point—not only would she have her husband's protection, but also the side business that was about to begin. Her and Nian'an's days would definitely get better and better.
The next morning, Shen Tingzhou arrived as promised, bringing salt, jars, and spices needed for making fermented bean curd. Lin Wanqiu was filled with gratitude as she looked at these things. The two of them busied themselves in the yard. Shen Tingzhou helped set up the stove and wash the jars, while Lin Wanqiu began soaking soybeans and grinding them into tofu. The sunlight streamed into the yard, warm and bright. Shen Nian'an skipped and played nearby, occasionally passing her small things. The family's harmonious scene seemed to transport them back to the days before Shen Tingzhou went to the army.
With Shen Tingzhou's help, Lin Wanqiu quickly made her first batch of fermented tofu. Looking at the neatly arranged blocks of tofu in the jar, she felt a great sense of accomplishment. She knew this was just the first step in expanding her side business; she would make even more delicious food, not only to improve her and Nian'an's lives but also to help the villagers prosper, living a fulfilling life in this era of scarcity. Meanwhile, Shen Tingzhou secretly accelerated his investigation. He believed that as long as he found evidence linking Zhao Jianjun to the leaked mission, he could completely eliminate the threat around him and ensure a peaceful life for his wife and children.
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