Siheyuan: tomb robbing? I am serious about hunting.

Chapter 1116 Lin Zhou

He tried to hold back the tears, but they fell like beads from a broken string, streaming down his cheeks and onto his shirt, leaving a small, dark trail. These tears shone with excitement, grievance, relief, and a hint of uncertainty about the future. He had suppressed them for so long, pretended for so long, and now, finally, he could let go of all his defenses and reveal his true feelings. Xie Linzhou felt a pang of pain as he watched his tears stream down his face. He reached out and gently wiped the tears from his cheek, his movements gentle and careful, as if he were protecting a rare treasure. The slight coolness of his fingertips sent a slight shiver through Shen Yanqiu's body. "Don't cry," Xie Linzhou whispered, his voice filled with pity. "I know this is hard. We have so much to face: the world's gaze, the pressure of our family, and those strict moral codes. But as long as we're together, supporting each other, we'll always find a way." Shen Yanqiu looked at his face so close. Xie Linzhou's eyes shone brightly, like a celestial being filled with stars, filled with sincerity and determination. He could feel the warmth of Xie Linzhou's fingertips, and that warmth was like a warm current, slowly flowing into his heart, dispelling the fear and anxiety in his heart. The fear and depression in his heart disappeared at this moment, replaced by an unprecedented sense of ease and joy. He suddenly threw himself into Xie Linzhou's arms, hugging him tightly, as if he wanted to hold on to this sudden happiness, fearing that Xie Linzhou would disappear if he let go. He buried his face in Xie Linzhou's chest, and could clearly hear Xie Linzhou's strong heartbeat, which was like a beautiful piece of music, making him feel extremely at ease. The scent of soapberry on Xie Linzhou's body mixed with the faint scent of ink lingered on his nose, making him feel inexplicably at ease. Xie Linzhou's body stiffened at first, as if he had not expected Shen Yanqiu to suddenly do such a thing. But soon, he reacted, stretched out his arms, and hugged Shen Yanqiu tightly back. He rested his chin on the top of Shen Yanqiu's head and could smell the faint scent of ink in his hair, a familiar and beloved scent. He sighed softly, a sigh of relief and hope for the future. He knew the path they had chosen would not be easy, and would encounter many difficulties and obstacles. But as long as he was with Shen Yanqiu, he had the courage to face it all. The evening breeze blew across the lake, carrying the faint fragrance of lotus, gently ruffling their hair. The willow branches on the shore swayed gently behind them, as if blessing them. The setting sun stretched their shadows, the two young figures embraced each other tightly, forming a lasting image in this beautiful evening. They held each other, silent, yet it was as if their feelings were conveyed to each other. Shen Yanqiu could feel the warmth and solidity of Xie Linzhou's embrace, a sense of security he had never felt before. He knew that from this moment on, he was no longer alone. He had someone to rely on, a partner to walk hand in hand. Although they both knew the road ahead was destined to be fraught with obstacles and thorns, potentially facing public disapproval, family opposition, and even a heavy price to pay, at this moment, their hearts were filled with courage and determination. As long as they could be together, no matter the hardships and obstacles ahead, they were willing to face them. The lake gradually calmed, like a vast mirror, reflecting the last rays of sunset. Lights flickered in the distant village, like stars falling from the sky to earth. Shen Yanqiu and Xie Linzhou remained tightly embraced, as if they wanted to absorb each other into their lives. In this peaceful and beautiful evening, their love quietly blossomed, a touch of youthful innocence yet unwaveringly determined. Xie Linzhou's words were like a key, unlocking a long-stalled door in his heart, allowing long-suppressed emotions to burst forth. He had never imagined that Xie Linzhou shared his own feelings. This realization filled him with a wave of astonishment, like someone who had been walking in darkness for so long and suddenly saw a glimmer of light. But at the same time, his heart was also filled with disbelief. He was afraid that this was just a dream, and when he woke up, everything would go back to square one. The huge emotion hit him, making him speechless for a while. Tears welled up without warning, blurring his vision. But he forced the panic in his eyes down. Xie Linzhou looked at his tense profile, looked at his fingers that turned white due to the force of pinching the chess piece, looked at the struggle and pain that flashed in his eyes, and a complex emotion flashed in his eyes. There was doubt, concern, and a trace of indescribable understanding in that emotion, as if he had seen through his disguise a long time ago, but was unwilling to point it out. In the end, he just nodded and didn't ask any more questions. "In that case, then let's not say much." He picked up a black piece and gently placed it on the chessboard, "Shall we continue?" Shen Yanqiu lowered his head as if he had been pardoned, pretending to concentrate on the chess game. The midwinter wind, like a knife tempered by the northern icy plains, whipped up sharp, angular snow particles and slammed fiercely against the towers of Yanmen Pass. Each impact created a rustling sound, like countless tiny teeth gnawing at the bones of this majestic northern border fortress. The snow on the towers had already reached ankles. The icy wind seeped through the cracks in their armor, chilling the guards' teeth to a grinding halt. Yet, none dared to move—their gaze was fixed on the approaching black smoke on the distant skyline. Guarding General Zhou Wu stood atop the tower, his heavy Ming Guang armor frosted with a thin layer of ice. He gripped the cold battlements, his knuckles tinging with the strain. The battlements were built of massive bluestone, worn smooth by centuries of wind and rain, but now, a piercing chill pierced his palms, seeping deep into his bones. He is over fifty years old this year, his temples have already turned gray, and in his youth he had killed generals and captured flags on the battlefield, but now, looking at the increasingly thick wolf smoke, his face is even paler than the snow under his feet. "General, the wind is too strong, you should go back to the city tower to take shelter?" The personal soldier beside him whispered. This personal soldier is called Chen San. He has been with Zhou Wu for ten years. He followed him all the way from the water town of Jiangnan to the northern border. He has witnessed his bravery in leading troops to repel the enemy countless times, but he has never seen him so dispirited. Zhou Wu shook his head slowly, his voice hoarse as if it was rubbed by sandpaper: "Take shelter? This wolf smoke is almost burning in front of my eyes, where can I hide?" He paused, his eyes swept across the continuous military camps under the city. The tents were covered with thick snow, like bloated white tombs. "Go and see, are there enough boulders and battering rams on the city wall? Do the archers guarding the city have enough arrows in their hands?"