Military District
"Commander, rumors have started circulating below that Comrade Shen Xianjun wasn’t missing but had defected. What should we do about this? If these claims are substantiated, it could bring a lot of trouble to Shen’s family."
"We must not let our own comrades lose faith. Investigate thoroughly first—find out where these rumors originated and deal with them strictly. It’s possible someone is deliberately trying to undermine morale. Once we’ve clarified the situation..."
The office fell into silence.
Yang Yufen had finished gutting all eight large fish and was marinating the meat with seasoning.
"Mom, do you need any help?"
Qin Nian was bored. After sharing the news of her twin pregnancy with her mentor’s wife, she had initially thought her health was good enough to return to work, but her mentor’s wife persuaded her otherwise.
"Your mother-in-law supporting your work is a good thing, but you shouldn’t take advantage of her kindness by dismissing this matter entirely. If you really can’t sit still, I’ll find you some books to study. Our country needs talented individuals—you have a sharp mind, so the more you learn, the more you can contribute to the nation."
Since the books wouldn’t arrive immediately, Qin Nian had nothing to do.
"No need. In a bit, I’ll fry some small fish for you and make loach and tofu soup. Have some first—I’ll be done here soon."
With the New Year approaching, it was necessary to prepare food in advance.
Yang Yufen gathered ingredients for vegetable and tofu fritters, sweet glutinous rice balls made with sweet potato flour, cat-ear pastries, and thin dough crisps.
The small fish were more troublesome to prepare, needing to be coated in flour and egg before frying.
"Mom, won’t we have too much fried food to finish?"
This was the first time Qin Nian had seen so much food prepared for the New Year.
"We’ll eat some, give some away, and use the rest in stews during the holiday. It should last until spring."
Yang Yufen didn’t mention that pregnant women tend to eat more later on, especially since Qin Nian was carrying twins. She wanted to make sure there was plenty.
Qin Nian sipped the loach and tofu soup by the stove, watching Yang Yufen dip small fish into batter and fry them.
The moment the aroma wafted out, Qin Nian felt her mouth water.
She discreetly lifted her bowl to cover it.
She hadn’t been this greedy before—it must be the babies’ cravings.
"Try some, but be careful—it’s hot. If it’s not salty enough, I can add more."
Yang Yufen scooped out a dozen small fish onto a plate and set them before Qin Nian, then stirred the vegetable fritter mixture, shaping spoonfuls into balls before dropping them into the oil.
She fried a little of everything and placed it all in front of Qin Nian.
"Don’t eat too much, though—it might make you heaty."
The dough crisps were the simplest. In no time, Yang Yufen had fried a whole basketful and set them aside to cool.
She brought in the cat-ear pastry dough, sliced it, shook off the excess flour, and fried another full basket.
The oil in the pan had reduced by half, so Yang Yufen added more.
The sweet potato balls required more patience. Qin Nian nibbled on the snacks until she was full, then took over frying them.
"Be careful not to burn yourself."
Yang Yufen watched worriedly for a while, making sure Qin Nian was handling it well before turning to other tasks.
From morning till evening, by the time all the food was fried, it was already past six.
Qin Nian counted the baskets—seven or eight varieties. Her mother-in-law was truly amazing.
Dinner was fish soup over rice—simple and ready.
Qin Nian thought that was the end of it, but the next day, Yang Yufen returned with a bag of coarse sand.
"We’ll roast some sunflower seeds, peanuts, and beans for snacks. They’re easy to carry around too. Aunt Liu also gave us a bag of puffed rice—I’ll make rice crisps for you later."
"Mom, if I keep eating like this, I’ll turn into a pig."
She had already thought it was excessive when Yang Yufen slaughtered young chickens to make soup for her, but now there was even more.
"When the weather warms up, I’ll take you out for more walks."
Yang Yufen paused briefly.
Even during the best times in her childhood, Qin Nian had never seen so much New Year’s food.
Besides what Yang Yufen had made, she had also bought plenty from the supply and department stores.
With the New Year approaching, Qin Nian received her salary early and immediately handed it all to Yang Yufen.
"Mom, take this money."
"I already have money."
As they were politely refusing each other, a voice called from outside.
"Aunt Yang, is Comrade Qin Nian home?"
"Take it, Mom—we’re family. Go see who’s at the door."
Qin Nian seized the moment to press the money into Yang Yufen’s hands.
Not wanting to keep the visitor waiting, Yang Yufen accepted it and lifted the curtain to step outside.
"Political Commissar Zhao, what brings you here?"
She recognized him immediately.
"Aunt Yang, I’m here on behalf of the military district to see you and Comrade Qin Nian."
"Please, come in."
Yang Yufen quickly ushered them inside.
"Nian, Political Commissar Zhao is here."
She called into the house, and Qin Nian tidied up before coming out.
Political Commissar Zhao wasn’t alone—he was accompanied by Shen Xianjun’s regimental commander, Wu Bing, and his company commander.
"Aunt Yang, Comrade Qin Nian, we’ve met before. I’m Wu Bing, Comrade Shen Xianjun’s regimental commander. We’re here not only to offer our condolences but also to apologize. Comrade Shen Xianjun couldn’t be found, and it’s now confirmed that he has sacrificed his life."
Qin Nian immediately looked at Yang Yufen in concern, reaching out to steady her.
"Couldn’t they find him?"
Yang Yufen lowered her head, patting Qin Nian’s hand to reassure her.
"Since Comrade Shen Xianjun was discovered missing after the mission ended, there were objections within the ranks, so he couldn’t be awarded honors. However, the nation will not neglect our martyrs’ families. This is the compensation for Comrade Shen Xianjun—it’s not much, but if you encounter difficulties, Aunt Yang, please let us know. We’ll do our best to help."
Yang Yufen accepted the compensation.
"I have no requests and won’t trouble the nation. Thank you for delivering this news in person."
The eight hundred yuan in compensation was immediately handed to Qin Nian.
"It’s you who’s suffered. Take this money—you’re the one who’s done the most for the Shen family, carrying twins is no easy task. From now on, I’ll stay here to help you raise the children."
Political Commissar Zhao and the others were both surprised and concerned—happy about the rare blessing of twins but worried about how the news might affect Qin Nian’s emotions.
"Mom, I can’t take this money. You’ve already done so much for me—how can I accept this?"
Qin Nian refused immediately. Her mother-in-law was the one grieving the most.
"Take it, dear. I know—that rascal had no fortune. A good girl like you might face gossip later, but don’t worry, I’ll protect you!"
