After The Soft And Cute Beauty Marries The Wolf King - Chapter 1

“The auspicious moment has arrived, Third Prince.”

Even though it was a day of great joy, there was no trace of happiness on the faces of the people in the palace. The maid trembled as she brought a bright red veil, and her tone held not joy, but sorrow.

The usually elegant bedroom was unusually bright, adorned in festive reds. However, the palace attendants and maids walked about without a genuine expression of joy.

Third Prince Xie Zhiqing sat on a stool, his attendants still arranging his hair.

He lowered his head to gaze at his knees, and after a long while, softly uttered a question, “Have… have they, the people from the Wolf tribe, arrived?”

The maid’s nose tingled, and she quickly turned away to wipe her eyes, whispering, “Yes, they have. His Highness has just seen them and is now waiting at the palace gates to receive the bride.”

Xie Zhiqing nodded in response and managed a faint smile.

“Then, let’s go as well, not to delay the auspicious moment.”

*

Half a month ago, messengers from the distant grasslands of the Wolf tribe had suddenly arrived at the imperial city, bearing important tidings on behalf of their new Wolf King.

The Wolf tribe was known for their ferocity and mystery. For centuries, they had only stayed within the Northwestern grasslands, never actively encroaching upon the Central Plains. Thus, their sudden contact with the court was met with surprise.

As for the two pieces of news they conveyed, it was like a bolt from the blue that struck the Emperor of Anyu.

The first matter was that a small neighboring country on the borders was plotting to invade and intended to attack Anyu next spring. This small country had a scarce population, but its military strength was formidable. In just two years, they had annexed many surrounding tribes. Judging by military power alone, Anyu might not be able to withstand them.

The second matter was that, should Anyu require assistance, the Wolf tribe was willing to help. However, there was a condition…

The new Wolf King had set his sights on Xie Zhiqing, the youngest beloved son of the current Emperor. He wanted Xie Zhiqing to marry into the Wolf tribe as their queen. As an exchange, the Wolf tribe would pledge to protect Anyu.

The Emperor was incensed.

“The suddenness of this matter makes it normal for His Highness to find it hard to accept,” the Wolf tribe emissary calmly stated, “We, the Wolf tribe, have no other offerings but our military prowess. We wish to relieve His Highness of his concerns. Furthermore—”

If the new Wolf King could easily kill a king from another nation, he could naturally take the Emperor’s life with ease.

This marriage, on the surface an exchange of benefits, was, in fact… was, in fact, their only option. Anyu had no choice but to compromise.

The Emperor rubbed his forehead and waved his hand to signal the emissary to leave.

“It’s sudden, and His Highness is finding it hard to accept at the moment,” the Wolf tribe emissary reiterated, “We, the Wolf tribe, have nothing much to offer. We only have some military strength left, and we’re willing to support His Highness. Moreover—”

The emissary’s tone changed once more, “Considering the dates, the Wolf King is already en route. This time, the proposal and the lives of the king and ministers involved in planning this invasion will serve as the betrothal gifts the Wolf King presents to the young prince. In about five days, a special envoy will escort them to the capital. At that time, whether to execute or pardon, to interrogate or question, will be at His Highness’ discretion.”

The Emperor couldn’t decide whether he was shocked by the bloody scene or not. He remained silent for a long time.

The emissary continued, “From now on, if His Highness requires the Wolf tribe’s assistance, please don’t hesitate to ask. We will not be neglectful.”

*

It was said that the Wolf tribe was fierce, brutal, and that the Wolf King was a ruthless killer with a heart of a beast. On every full moon night, he consumed raw meat and drank human blood, or else he would go mad and die.

Xie Zhiqing thought helplessly, those rumors were probably true…..

Just as despair overwhelmed Xie Zhiqing’s heart, the door of the bridal sedan was kicked open.

“Ah—!” Startled, Xie Zhiqing let out a cry, shrinking into a corner of the sedan, closing his eyes tightly. “You, you—”

The newcomer didn’t give him a chance to speak. He removed Xie Zhiqing’s red veil!

However, the horrifying scene that Xie Zhiqing anticipated did not

occur. Instead, he felt the soft touch of fabric against his cheeks. His tears were gently wiped away, and the heavy headdress was removed and cast aside.

Anxiously, he opened his eyes—

The Wolf King knelt on one knee in front of him, using his red veil to gently wipe away Xie Zhiqing’s tears.

“Xie Zhiqing?” The Wolf King softly inquired.

“…Yes, I’m Xie Zhiqing.”

“Good.” The Wolf King let go of the red veil in his hand, then used his left hand to caress Xie Zhiqing’s chin, his movements gentle, and a smile in his eyes.

In the next moment, the scene before Xie Zhiqing underwent a dramatic change.

The Wolf King actually lifted him out of the bridal sedan and carried him on his shoulder!

By the time Xie Zhiqing regained his senses, he was already sitting on a brown horse in the arms of the Wolf King.

With the Wolf King behind him, he rode on the horse. The Wolf King’s hands encircled his waist, and he grabbed Xie Zhiqing’s hand, tracing a character “卅” on his palm.

“Lang Sà, my name.” The Wolf King’s lips brushed against Xie Zhiqing’s ear as he murmured, “From this day forth, you are my wife.”