Returning to Suzhou City took more than half a month.

The business of Tianxia Grain Shop continued as usual, as Shen Qingwan had left enough grain before she left, so there was no shortage of stock.

The porridge distribution outside the city was also ongoing.

Zhang Kui still came to the city every day to deliver small bok choy.

Every time he brought it, it would sell out quickly.

Since the bok choy in the fields had matured, and there was still plenty left, Zhang Kui decided to bring more each day.

The villagers now had bok choy to eat daily, and with the wages they earned from working for Shen Qingwan, they could afford plenty of food.

As a result, every household in the village was finally able to eat their fill.

Grateful for Shen Qingwan’s help, everyone worked even harder.

However, the one unexpected event was that Zhang Qiao’er had returned to the village a few days ago.

After being away for a while, Zhang Qiao’er had transformed into “Concubine Zhang” and returned in a horse-drawn carriage.

By the time she came back, she had already lost the child she was carrying.

She was dressed extravagantly, adorned with gold hairpins and large gold bracelets, looking as if she was living quite well.

It was said that she had become the concubine of Master Feng from the county.

The Feng family was considered a wealthy household in Shakou County, though Master Feng himself was known for his flirtatious nature.

Even at over fifty years old, he was still eager to bring new women into his household.

No one knew how Zhang Qiao’er had managed to attach herself to Master Feng.

She was about the same age as his granddaughter, yet she was willing to be his concubine—clearly, she had her sights set on the Feng family’s wealth.

Shen Qingwan had yet to return to the village, so she was unaware of this messy affair.

As her carriage reached the city gates, Jin Qianqian immediately recognized it.

Seeing her approach, Shen Qingwan couldn’t just ignore her, so she got off the carriage and exchanged a few words.

After not seeing her for some time, Jin Qianqian seemed even more beautiful.

Her gaze was gentle and affectionate.

If Shen Qingwan were a man, she might have wanted to marry such a graceful and intelligent woman.

Little did Shen Qingwan know that Jin Qianqian had been restless and anxious during her absence.

Even when distributing porridge, she was distracted, constantly watching the passing carriages, hoping to catch a glimpse of her.

That was why she had spotted Shen Qingwan’s carriage the moment she entered the city.

Jin Zhengyang, Jin Qianqian’s younger brother, understood his sister’s feelings.

However, in his eyes, Shen Qingwan was not worthy of his sister.

But since his sister liked her, he had no way to stop it.

Since Shen Qingwan was in a hurry to return home, she didn’t linger at the city gate.

After greeting the Jin siblings, she entered the city.

She first took her mother home and left Rong Wushuang to take care of her before heading to the grain shop.

When Lu Youfu saw Shen Qingwan return, he quickly put down what he was doing.

But before he could step forward, Meng Hangzhou rushed over like a gust of wind.

“Master!”

Meng Hangzhou attempted to give Shen Qingwan a bear hug, but she stopped him with a palm to his forehead.

“Don’t be so reckless. What kind of behavior is this?”

She reprimanded him before lowering her hand. Meng Hangzhou pouted, “I just missed you, Master.”

Seeing him tug at her sleeve like a spoiled child, Shen Qingwan flicked his forehead as a warning. “Speak properly.”

“Master,” he called again, this time more seriously.

“Did you handle the task I assigned to you?” Shen Qingwan asked as she walked inside.

Meng Hangzhou nodded repeatedly. “Of course! Brother Rong leads the training every day, and I train with them as well. Since training just ended, I came over to help at the shop.”

Shen Qingwan nodded, satisfied.

“Boss, you’re finally back!”

Lu Youfu followed her into the courtyard, looking like he had something important to say.

“What’s wrong? Did something happen?” she asked.

Lu Youfu seemed to have discovered something astonishing. His face was filled with excitement.

“Boss, guess who I saw? It’s Big Brother Lu Wenzhao! He’s alive! And he came back as a general, riding a tall horse! He looked so majestic!”

Lu Youfu was beaming as if he were happy for Shen Qingwan.

But to her, the news hit like a bolt from the blue.

How could someone who was supposed to be dead suddenly be alive?

If Lu Wenzhao was alive, wouldn’t that mean he would take back his children?

Though they weren’t her biological children, she had raised them for so long and formed a deep bond with them.

But after all, they were his biological children—if she wanted to keep them, he might not agree.

Fortunately, when she split from the old family home, she had the children registered under her name. So if she wanted to fight for custody, she had a chance.

But Lu Wenzhao was their father—if the children wished to follow him, she wouldn’t force them to stay.

She had never planned to remain tied to Lu Wenzhao forever, but his sudden return had caught her off guard.

“Do you know where he is now?” she asked.

“He should be at the village,” Lu Youfu replied.

Shen Qingwan stood frozen for a moment, unsure whether to go back or not. But this issue had to be resolved sooner or later.

Rather than dragging it out, it was better to settle things quickly and get the divorce papers.

Having made up her mind, Shen Qingwan hurriedly drove her carriage back to the village.

As soon as she reached the entrance, the village head stopped her.

“You’re finally back! Hurry home and take a look! Lu Wenzhao wants to take your parents and the children away, but the kids don’t want to go. It’s a huge mess right now!” he said anxiously.

Hearing this, Shen Qingwan rushed home.

The new house had already been built, and Lu’s father and mother had moved in early.

Since she had been away, she hadn’t had a chance to live in it yet.

Before she even reached the house, she could hear the cries of the children from afar.

“I don’t want to go! I want my mother! Waaaah! Mother!”

“I want my mother! Waaaah!”

The children’s wails grew louder as they struggled desperately against the guards holding them.

Old Man Lu and Old Madam Lu looked extremely displeased.

“Son, what are you doing? The kids are still young—you’re scaring them!”

Old Madam Lu tried to persuade Lu Wenzhao. “Your wife should be back in a few days. Can’t you wait a little longer?

If you leave now, how will Qingwan find you when she returns?”