After The Soft And Cute Beauty Marries The Wolf King - Chapter 2

 

“Lang Sà, Lang Sà,” Xie Zhiqing silently repeated the name of the Wolf King in his heart.

 

He clutched the horse’s back tightly, sitting stiffly on the horse.

 

The embrace behind him was broad and warm, and the arm that held his hand was firm and strong.

 

Lang Sà’s right hand lightly rested to the side, while his left hand was enough to securely hold Xie Zhiqing’s waist.

 

Suddenly, a warm sensation brushed against his ear. Xie Zhiqing instinctively turned his head and his earlobe barely brushed against Lang Sà’s lips.

 

Xie Zhiqing’s cheeks turned slightly red, and he fumbled awkwardly to move away.

 

However, with the limited space on the horse, he couldn’t avoid it and was held even tighter.

 

“Sit still, be careful not to fall,” Lang Sà whispered in his ear.

 

Xie Zhiqing turned his head back with an embarrassed expression and mumbled an “Oh.”

 

As he turned, Xie Zhiqing met Lang Sà’s gaze directly.

 

After this series of events, Xie Zhiqing finally took a careful look at the appearance of the Wolf King.

 

Lang Sà wore a crimson wedding robe with a crooked collar. His long hair was loosely tied on one side, and four or five very thin braids hung down.

 

Upon closer inspection, Xie Zhiqing noticed subtle dark patterns embroidered on the wedding robe, almost imperceptible at first glance. Those patterns seemed chaotic at first sight, but upon closer examination, every stroke was meticulous.

 

It was fitting for the demeanor of a Wolf King.

 

As for the Wolf King himself… he was unexpectedly handsome.

 

With a high nose bridge, deep-set eyes, and a permanent life on the scorching grasslands, Lang Sà had a slightly darker complexion that gave him an exotic air distinct from the Central Plains.

 

Xie Zhiqing discreetly averted his gaze and wrinkled his nose in embarrassment. His previous impression that the Wolf King would surely be fierce and beastly was a stereotype.

 

“Oh, I forgot something,” Lang Sà spoke again, then shook his head, muttering to himself, “Never mind, I’ll handle it myself.”

 

He dismounted, patted Xie Zhiqing’s leg, and instructed, “I’ll fetch something, hold on tight.”

 

Xie Zhiqing, not skilled in horsemanship, grew nervous at the idea.

 

Lang Sà patted the horse’s back, reassuringly saying, “Don’t worry, this horse is gentle, it won’t run wild. I’ll be right back, don’t be afraid.”

 

Xie Zhiqing nervously settled himself, letting his gaze wander around behind Lang Sà.

 

Lang Sà took large steps, even jogging the final few steps to quickly return to Xie Zhiqing’s side.

 

He spread out a plush white blanket in his hands.

 

Before Xie Zhiqing could react, Lang Sà easily lifted him up and just as quickly placed him back on the horse.

 

It all happened in the blink of an eye.

 

“Not used to riding for too long on a horse, but I didn’t want you to be uncomfortable,” Lang Sà sat down beside Xie Zhiqing again and murmured in his ear, “In our wolf tribe, marriage customs are a bit different from the Central Plains. I know you’re concerned about not revealing your face, but in our tribe, the more the husband values the new bride, the more he wants everyone to witness her on the auspicious day. Otherwise, it would be a slight, a lack of respect.”

 

Lang Sà stretched out the blanket, making Xie Zhiqing more comfortable.

 

“Once we’re out of the city, we’ll switch to a carriage. It’s a bit of a journey, and I’m enduring it together with you on horseback. If you still find it uncomfortable, feel free to let me know.” Lang Sà paused for a moment, and the sharpness in his eyes softened suddenly. “Whatever the princess needs, you can tell me anytime.”

 

Xie Zhiqing nodded and murmured a quiet “I understand.”

 

He reached out to touch the blanket beneath him. The fabric was soft and plush, very comfortable.

 

“Thank you,” Xie Zhiqing said.

 

This ordeal had taken up quite some time.

 

He wiped his eyes, tugged on Lang Sà’s sleeve, and whispered, “It’s getting late, shouldn’t we set off?”

 

He turned his head, looking beyond Lang Sà’s shoulder and through the carriage window—

 

His father, mother, his two older brothers, and his younger sister were all standing at the palace gates. They were looking at him, silent except for their reluctance.

 

Xie Zhiqing bit his lip, struggling to suppress the sourness in his eyes. He waved his hand with all his might towards them, until their figures gradually shrank and disappeared before he turned back.

 

Transparent tears rolled down his cheeks and fell gently onto the white blanket.

 

Xie Zhiqing used the back of his hand to wipe away the tears on his cheeks and sniffled.

 

When his eldest brother was seventeen, he led dozens of soldiers to defeat bandits. His second brother, from the age of fourteen, participated in state affairs alongside their father. Now that he was eighteen, he should be contributing to the country like his older brothers.

 

It was just a marriage alliance, it shouldn’t matter…

 

Lang Sà gently wiped away the tears from Xie Zhiqing’s cheeks, his touch comforting. Xie Zhiqing looked up, and Lang Sà’s chin rested on the top of his head, releasing a sigh without a word.

 

*

 

The group set off after leaving the city and found a shady little grove to rest.

 

Xie Zhiqing dismounted and was led by Lang Sà, sitting inside the carriage.

 

The carriage was simply decorated, with thick blankets spread on the seats, causing small bulges in the fabric.

 

Unable to suppress his laughter, Xie Zhiqing chuckled.

 

He looked up at Lang Sà and finally managed to muster a smile.

 

“I’m just not good at riding horses; I’m not that delicate,” he said, his eyes still slightly red, but his expression had eased a bit. “Wolf King, you… don’t have to be so attentive to every detail.”

 

Lang Sà replied seriously, “Since you’ve come all the way with me, I can’t let you down. It’s just a small matter; no need to worry about it.”

 

Sitting down beside Xie Zhiqing, Lang Sà extended his hand and lightly touched his reddened eyelids, continuing, “The grasslands are far from Anyu, but in the future, if you want to return home, you can come back anytime.”

 

Xie Zhiqing thought he was just being polite and nodded with a smile.

 

However, Lang Sà added, “Xiao Qing’er, from today on, you and I are husband and wife, or in other words—”

 

He touched Xie Zhiqing’s knee, his eyes focused intensely on him, “In other words, from today on, you’re the co-ruler of our wolf tribe. You can make any demands to anyone at any time, and no one will defy you. You are my beloved, and you are their master.”

 

Xie Zhiqing’s heart raced, and he stuttered out, “You mean… even including those people outside?”

 

However, as he lifted the curtain, he saw the attendants gathered around the carriage, forming a circle and eavesdropping on the conversation inside.

 

Xie Zhiqing: “…”

 

He silently let the curtain fall back, feeling his ears heat up.

 

Lang Sà shouted, “Scram!” and the attendants quickly dispersed, looking like birds and animals that had been scared away.

 

Lang Sà sat back down next to Xie Zhiqing, his expression somewhat helpless.

 

“These people…” He pinched his nose, saying, “They lack manners because they’re not used to them. Don’t take offense, Xiao Qing’er.”

 

Xie Zhiqing quickly waved his hand and smiled apologetically.

 

Since confirming this marriage, he had been conflicted.

 

As a prince, he knew this was his duty. However, marriage happened only once in a lifetime, and he felt unsettled about hastily agreeing to a marriage with someone he had never met.

 

Thankfully, the Wolf King seemed different from the rumors he had heard. At least…

 

Xie Zhiqing stole a glance at him.

 

Lang Sà was young and handsome, he respected Xie Zhiqing, and his attitude was quite gentle. He didn’t seem as ruthless as the rumors had depicted.

 

Now, there was just one more thing that Xie Zhiqing cared about.

 

“Wolf King, I want to ask…” he hesitated to begin, “the person you killed…”

 

Even though their customs were different, even though that person had ill intentions towards Anyu, killing someone on the day of a wedding was still beyond what Xie Zhiqing could bear.

 

“He wanted to destroy Anyu,” Lang Sà succinctly explained. “Since I was coming to receive you anyway, I decided to go deal with that problem for you.”

 

He described killing a king of another country as casually as if he were just dropping by for a visit… Xie Zhiqing mused.

 

“Did it shock you?” Lang Sà asked when Xie Zhiqing remained silent for a while, “You… probably didn’t see, right? You were inside the sedan.”

 

Yes, I did see… Xie Zhiqing thought, but he couldn’t admit it. “I… didn’t see…”

 

Lang Sà sighed in relief. “That’s good. That person—”

 

He pondered for a moment, his previously relaxed expression gradually fading, and he shook his head. With a serious tone, he continued, “Apart from plotting to invade Anyu, that person committed many evil deeds. He… annexed another country, exterminated the people there, and even set fire to their imperial palace, plundering all the valuable items within. He forced the prince and princess, as well as the maids and servants, to flee the palace for their lives. But he didn’t spare a single person—he killed everyone he encountered, regardless of age or gender, and subjected them to… all sorts of humiliation. He looted everything they had and destroyed what he couldn’t take, often using his blade. In the end, nothing was left.”

 

Lang Sà seemed irritated, his face turning dark and intense as he clenched his hand resting on his knee.

 

After a long while, he continued in a low voice, “The palace burned for a full day and night.”

 

Oh! Xie Zhiqing understood now.

 

It was no wonder Lang Sà looked so angry! While conflict and wars between countries were inevitable, to not spare even innocent civilians was truly vile!

 

Evil deeds should lead to evil consequences; such a person deserved his fate!

 

“I see,” Xie Zhiqing softly replied. “Thank you, Lang Sà. We’ve never met before, yet you’re willing to help us in this way.”

 

“Never met?” Lang Sà’s expression eased a bit as he chuckled. “We have met, but Xiao Qing’er doesn’t remember.”

 

“We? Met?” Xie Zhiqing was confused. “No, someone like you…”

 

Xie Zhiqing was about to say that someone like Lang Sà was hard to forget, but Lang Sà interrupted.

 

“You often pushed your elder brother, who had a disability in both legs, out of the palace to play, right?” Lang Sà smiled, his tone full of amusement. “We met when I came to the Central Plains last time.”

 

Xie Zhiqing blushed with embarrassment. “So, slipping out of the palace, I wouldn’t just get caught by my elder brother, but also by the Wolf King?”

 

Lang Sà burst into hearty laughter.

 

He finally reached out and gently held Xie Zhiqing’s hand, as if their hands were touching and hovering just above Xie Zhiqing’s hand.

 

“That’s right, I would catch you. Also, now that we’re married, you don’t need to call me the Wolf King anymore.” Lang Sà touched the back of Xie Zhiqing’s hand and said, “You can call me by my name. I told you my name earlier, didn’t I?”

 

“Oh…” Xie Zhiqing responded, his heart pounding.

 

He remembered Lang Sà writing his name on his palm earlier. His skin still retained a slightly rough feeling where Lang Sà’s fingertip had brushed against it.

 

He lowered his gaze, fixing his attention on his hand.

 

Lang Sà’s hand was large, completely enveloping Xie Zhiqing’s hand. The palm was dry and warm, and the slightly darker skin from prolonged exposure to the grasslands’ sun was very different from Xie Zhiqing’s fair and smooth complexion.

 

But there was something more—Lang Sà’s appearance, temperament, and habits were all different from what he was familiar with. The grasslands were so distant, and he wasn’t sure how long it would take to fully adapt to such a different life.

 

But…

 

Lang Sà’s fingers had somehow become intertwined with his, and their fingers were clasped together. For some reason, as his palm was entirely enclosed by Lang Sà’s, Xie Zhiqing suddenly felt an indescribable sense of security.

 

“Lang… Lang Sà,” he tentatively called out, finally showing a genuine smile from his heart, “Lang Sà.”

 

“Mm,” Lang Sà smiled in response.