After The Soft And Cute Beauty Marries The Wolf King - Chapter 52

“The new emperor wore a yellow, uh, dragon robe. Oh, right, a dragon robe! The new emperor, wearing a yellow dragon robe, walked into the hall, looking so valiant and heroic, so handsome and dashing! Almost as impressive as our Wolf King!”

 

“…” Lang Sa rudely interrupted, “Get to the point!”

 

“Oh, right.”

 

The messenger who had personally delivered gifts to Anyu on behalf of Xie Zhiqing and Lang Sa had returned and was describing the scene of Xie Zhiming’s enthronement in their room. The messenger was very lively, with exaggerated expressions and actions as he spoke.

 

“The new emperor accepted the little rabbit doll made by the princess. He liked it so much that he couldn’t stop looking at it, completely ignoring the gold, silver, cattle, and sheep we brought.”

 

The messenger, honest for only a moment, then became excited again. Clearing his throat, he imitated Xie Zhiming’s tone, saying, “The new emperor said, ‘Thank the princess on my behalf.'”

 

Xie Zhiqing listened intently, afraid to miss a single detail.

 

“And then? What else did my brother say?” Xie Zhiqing asked.

 

“And then? Then I took a swift step forward—” the messenger, excited once again, said, “I told the old eunuch beside him—”

 

“…” Lang Sa coldly said, “No one asked about you; we’re asking about Xie Zhiming. Don’t talk about yourself!”

 

“Oh, right.” The messenger, subdued again, honestly said, “The new emperor really liked that rabbit. He held it in his hand until the ceremony ended.”

 

“That’s good…” Xie Zhiqing nodded with satisfaction.

 

Fufu didn’t have that much fur—to make this little rabbit, he had almost used up all the stock he had secretly saved. Even so, there wasn’t enough fur, and the final doll ended up without a tail.

 

Xie Zhiqing squeezed the little doll’s butt to make it plump, trying to cover up the “defect” at its rear.

 

Fortunately, his elder brother didn’t mind, Xie Zhiqing thought happily.

 

He then asked about the others’ situations. The messenger said the old emperor looked very well, and the second prince and princess were also fine.

 

“You saw the princess?” Xie Zhiqing asked in surprise, “Up close? Do you remember how tall she is now?”

 

“I do remember!” The messenger said proudly, standing up and gesturing to his chest, “The princess is quite tall now, up to here on me.”

 

Xie Zhiqing stared at the messenger’s shoulder for a while and said uncertainly, “Is she really that tall now? Has Little Yue’er grown so fast? Was she this tall the last time I saw her?”

 

Lang Sa, silent for a moment, put an arm around his shoulder and said softly, “Girls at twelve or thirteen grow quickly; it’s normal.”

 

Xie Zhiqing nodded as if he understood, thought for a while, and smiled.

 

After sending off the exaggeratedly expressive messenger, Lang Sa said, “I used to think all royals were keen on power struggles. I’ve never seen brothers like yours.”

 

Xie Zhiqing said, “Neither Zhifeng nor I are fit to be emperors, whether it’s because of our health or personality. We’ve never had such ambitions since we were kids.”

 

He squinted and thought for a while, then said, “Since we were young, Zhifeng and I knew that our elder brother was the crown prince candidate. We never thought about the rest.”

 

He seemed troubled again, “Isn’t it strange? Others might think, ‘Why don’t the princes of Anyu have any ambition?’ But I really have no interest in the throne!”

 

“It’s not strange, not strange at all,” Lang Sa shook his head, “You’re great this way. Both your brothers love you, and your sister always thinks of you. It couldn’t be better.”

 

Lang Sa then sneered, looking speechless, “Better than Lang Xiaoxiao, for sure.”

 

“…” Xie Zhiqing laughed, covering his face, “Why are you cursing her again?”

 

Lang Sa was still angry. Ever since Lang Xiaoxiao returned, he would mock her every time they met. Lang Xiaoxiao knew she was in the wrong and didn’t dare to talk back, always silently enduring it.

 

“Why am I cursing her again?” Lang Sa coldly laughed, “I don’t want to curse her. She’s the one who comes to our door asking for it, so I oblige.”

 

“?” Xie Zhiqing was surprised, “She’s here?”

 

He quickly ran to open the door.

 

Lang Xiaoxiao was indeed standing a few steps away.

 

She had a large bundle on her shoulder and a handful of toys in her hand, looking at Xie Zhiqing awkwardly.

 

“…” Xie Zhiqing found it funny and asked, “Did you go out to play again?”

 

Lang Xiaoxiao threw the bundle to the ground, scratched her head, and said, “Ah, I went to buy some toys to, to give you.”

 

She dragged the bundle to the door, peeking inside.

 

She didn’t dare to go in directly.

 

Lang Sa glanced at her and snorted.

 

Xie Zhiqing, caught between them, looked at Lang Sa’s expression and carefully said, “Xiaoxiao, come in.”

 

Lang Xiaoxiao held her breath and tiptoed in, trying to minimize her presence.

 

She took the toys out of the bundle one by one and said softly, “I went out and saw many children liking these toys, so I thought… maybe the baby would like them too, so I bought some.”

 

Lang Sa coldly snorted, “What do you know about what the baby likes—”

 

Before he could finish, there were a few thumping sounds in the room.

 

He turned to see Xie Zhiqing squatting on the ground, shaking a rattle drum.

 

Lang Sa: “…”

 

Alright, whether the baby would like it is uncertain, but it seems the baby’s mother likes it a lot.

 

“…” Xie Zhiqing blinked, continuing to shake the rattle, “This sound… is quite clear, hehe.”

 

With someone to support her, Lang Xiaoxiao straightened her back immediately. She ran to Xie Zhiqing’s side, sat on the ground, and picked out a ball from the bundle. She shook it excitedly and said, “So you like this kind of thing! Here, take this, it also makes noise!”

 

She handed over a ceramic rattle ball, which made a rustling sound, likely from sand inside.

 

Xie Zhiqing took it, shook it near his ear, and said joyfully, “This one sounds good too!”

 

This toy made a rustling sound, while the rattle drum was clearer. Xie Zhiqing shook both, playing happily.

 

Lang Sa couldn’t help but cover his face with his hands and rub vigorously, unable to stand these two childish individuals.

 

Lang Sa suddenly remembered that their little prince used to sneak out of the palace to play all the time.

 

“Let’s go.” The Wolf King, after enduring the noise for a while, stood up to leave, “I’ll check if the medicine for tonight is ready.”

 

He glanced at Lang Xiaoxiao before leaving.

 

Lang Xiaoxiao: “…”

 

She pursed her lips, stood up from the ground, and followed the Wolf King out with stiff movements.

 

Lang Xiaoxiao trailed two or three meters behind Lang Sa, never daring to walk beside him. She sighed, tugging at her hair, messing up her neat braid.

 

After walking for an unknown amount of time, Lang Sa suddenly turned around and asked, “Why are you following me?”

 

Lang Xiaoxiao replied, “Didn’t you tell me to come out with you?”

 

Lang Sa, exasperated, said, “I told you not to stay at home making noise! My goodness, Xiao Qing’er still says you’ve grown up. Grown up, my foot!”

 

Lang Xiaoxiao: “…”

 

Embarrassed, she said, “Oh, okay…”

 

Lang Sa ignored her and went to get the evening medicine from Doctor Sun.

 

The medicine wasn’t ready yet, so Lang Sa waited at the door for a while.

 

Lang Xiaoxiao also stayed, standing a few steps away.

 

“Hey,” Lang Sa said impatiently, “why are you still following me? If you have nothing to do, go out and play. Don’t be an eyesore here.”

 

Lang Xiaoxiao scratched her head and stayed silent.

 

Lang Sa didn’t bother with her anymore, focusing on waiting for Doctor Sun to finish brewing the medicine.

 

After a long time, he heard light footsteps behind him. He thought Lang Xiaoxiao had finally left, but when he turned around—

 

“Brother, I’m sorry.” Lang Xiaoxiao said, her eyes drooping.

 

Lang Sa paused.

 

His lips pressed into a straight line, his mouth moved, but in the end, he said nothing.

 

He looked away, not even glancing at Lang Xiaoxiao, and continued to wait by the door for the medicine.

 

Seeing that he said nothing, Lang Xiaoxiao’s expression grew more despondent. She shuffled her feet, fingers rubbing the fabric of her pants, unsure of what to do.

 

“Hey— the medicine is ready!” Doctor Sun called out from inside, “Wolf King, the medicine is done!”

 

Lang Sa quickly went inside.

 

Doctor Sun was very dedicated to Xie Zhiqing, personally handling even the small task of brewing medicine.

 

When Lang Sa entered, Doctor Sun was carefully pouring the brewed medicine, using a thick towel to handle the pot. As he poured, he muttered, “There’s no overnight feud within a family.”

 

He must have overheard the conversation outside.

 

“…Old man, mind your own business,” Lang Sa muttered quietly.

 

Doctor Sun angrily retorted, “You! I’ll go complain to the third prince!”

 

Lang Sa quickly grabbed the medicine and fled.

 

Lang Xiaoxiao, previously filled with melancholy, couldn’t help but laugh at this scene.

 

Doctor Sun stroked his beard and said calmly, “The affection is quite strong.”

 

Lang Xiaoxiao nodded vigorously, “My brother and Xiao Qing’er have a very good relationship.”

 

Doctor Sun glanced at her, his disdain evident, “Such a big girl, yet so foolish! Hopeless, hopeless!”

 

“Huh?” Lang Xiaoxiao, confused, scratched her head after being scolded again.

 

Doctor Sun scolded, “Go, go!”

 

Lang Xiaoxiao, helpless, left as well.

 

*

 

When Lang Sa returned home, he found Xie Zhiqing playing with a small pendant.

 

It was a wolf.

 

Surprisingly, it was very cute and not scary at all. The wolf’s face was round and a bit silly.

 

Xie Zhiqing held it up to his face and said, “Look, doesn’t it look like the Wolf King?”

 

Lang Sa growled at him, baring his canine teeth to scare him, only to behave when the little prince poked his shoulder.

 

Later, this cute wolf figurine was also put away in Xie Zhiqing’s drawer.

 

Lang Sa leaned against the table and said, “I wonder how much you can stuff into this drawer.”

 

“…Mind your own business,” Xie Zhiqing said, his ears turning red.

 

He hurriedly pulled the drawer open.

 

In his haste, the items inside knocked against each other. The cute wolf figurine toppled over, rolled around, and bumped into another toy.

 

It was the jade rabbit Xie Zhiqing had brought from Anyu.

 

Hearing the noise, Xie Zhiqing opened the drawer and, seeing the two toys entangled, couldn’t help but laugh. He straightened the little wolf and scolded with a straight face, “Why are you so mean, always bullying others!”

 

Lang Sa clicked his tongue, grabbed Xie Zhiqing’s chin, and kissed him fiercely.

 

It was quite fierce, Xie Zhiqing thought, dazed.

 

*

 

Days passed, simple and uneventful.

 

Perhaps it was just their imagination, but ever since Lang Sa noticed Xie Zhiqing showing, the little prince’s belly seemed to grow by the day.

 

It wasn’t obvious under a cloak, but without winter clothes, Xie Zhiqing’s belly was becoming hard to hide.

 

If they were in Anyu, Xie Zhiqing would already be too embarrassed to see anyone. Anyu wasn’t very conservative or traditional; they advocated for freedom in love and marriage. But no matter how you put it, a man being pregnant was still shocking.

 

But in the wolf tribe, no one seemed to find it strange.

 

One day, when Xie Zhiqing went out, he met a wolf girl, a young woman who usually helped him and the Wolf King with their laundry.

 

She had recently married and was in the honeymoon phase. Seeing Xie Zhiqing’s slightly swollen belly, she looked envious.

 

The wolf girl, with a tail dragging behind her and ears on her head, hadn’t fully matured in mind. Her actions and demeanor weren’t very human-like, and she didn’t hide her expressions. Seeing Xie Zhiqing, her eyes were glued to his belly, her face full of “I really want to touch it.”

 

Xie Zhiqing blushed and asked softly, “Is something wrong?”

 

The wolf girl swallowed, staring at his belly with wide eyes.

 

“Hey, hey!” The Wolf King, unable to bear it, scolded, “What are you doing?”

 

The wolf girl was terrified, but her eyes remained fixed on Xie Zhiqing’s belly, muttering, “Baby, baby!”

 

She could barely speak, only managing to utter one word at a time.

 

Xie Zhiqing smiled shyly and said warmly, “You will have a baby too.”

 

The wolf girl cheered and ran off.

 

Xie Zhiqing smiled as he watched her go.

 

The girl quickly disappeared from sight, and Xie Zhiqing stood there daydreaming until…

 

His belly was touched by Lang Sa.

 

Xie Zhiqing was startled and quickly turned to look at him, silently asking, “What are you doing?”

 

Lang Sa replied confidently, “Just touching.”

 

Xie Zhiqing slapped his hand away and continued walking, his ears quietly turning red.

 

Lang Sa chuckled softly and quickly followed.

 

He put his arm around Xie Zhiqing’s shoulders, his smile fading slightly, and asked, “To be honest, I was worried before that their gazes might make you uncomfortable.”

 

Xie Zhiqing linked his arm and said slowly, “Actually… it does feel a bit strange. It’s weird; I’m obviously a man, but I’m pregnant. Others might find it strange and be surprised, right?”

 

Feeling a bit embarrassed, Xie Zhiqing scratched his face and said softly, “Lang Sa, I don’t know if you can understand this feeling… Some people may not have ill intentions, but their curiosity and confusion can still make me feel uneasy. But I’ve never felt that kind of confusion or doubt on the grassland.”

 

Lang Sa seemed to understand. “Because many wolves here aren’t mentally mature, they truly don’t find it strange and can see things simply, right?”

 

“Yes!” Xie Zhiqing smiled and nodded. “When they say ‘congratulations,’ they’re genuinely happy and congratulating me. They don’t think it’s strange, nor do they see it as something to avoid mentioning. They have no other thoughts about it, which makes me feel very relaxed. I really like that.”

 

Lang Sa shrugged and said, “As long as you like it.”

 

He thought for a moment and said helplessly, “I used to think they were dumb, and talking to them was tiring. But now I think…”

 

He covered his face and said, “Being dumb has its advantages!”

 

“Not at all!” Xie Zhiqing poked his shoulder. “Don’t say that.”

 

When they returned home, they happened to meet the servants delivering goods.

 

Xie Zhiqing’s father had sent another large batch of items from Anyu.

 

Since retiring, the old emperor had become quite idle, sending letters and herbs frequently.

 

They had agreed that after Xie Zhiqing’s baby was born healthy and successfully transformed, they would visit the grasslands, so Xie Zhiqing wouldn’t have to take care of himself and them at the same time.

 

Lang Sa wanted to remind the little prince that they could move to Anyu in the future—he didn’t mind where they lived, as long as they were together—but he swallowed the words.

 

He started worrying about the succession issue again.

 

As if summoned by his thoughts, one of the candidates for the successor appeared.

 

Lang Xiaoxiao came over with a large package, looking for Xie Zhiqing to play.

 

Ever since the drum incident, which had unexpectedly pleased Xie Zhiqing, Lang Xiaoxiao had been going out more often, bringing back various strange toys for him.

 

Today was no exception.

 

Seeing Lang Sa, she still felt nervous. After greeting her brother in a fawning manner, she sidled up to Xie Zhiqing to show him her latest find.

 

By now, Lang Sa wasn’t very angry anymore. The argument had hurt him more than made him angry—it had forced him to face his insecurities. 

 

A lot had happened since then, and the argument had even led him to fully understand Xie Zhiqing’s feelings. In a way, it was a blessing in disguise.

 

From Lang Xiaoxiao’s perspective, she seemed genuinely remorseful. The once rebellious girl now behaved cautiously around him.

 

Lang Sa found it somewhat amusing.

 

Forget it, the Wolf King is magnanimous and won’t hold a grudge against a child.

 

But there was still one thing to settle.

 

Lang Sa cleared his throat and glanced at Lang Xiaoxiao.

 

Lang Xiaoxiao immediately stood at attention, waiting for a scolding.

 

Lang Sa snorted and walked out, looking back at her.

 

This time, he really meant for her to follow.

 

After walking a few steps to ensure their conversation couldn’t be overheard by Xie Zhiqing, Lang Sa asked calmly, “Lang Xiaoxiao, have you resolved your issues?”

 

Lang Xiaoxiao’s eyes darted around, feeling guilty. “I have, I have.”

 

Lang Sa got angry again seeing her like this, “How did you resolve them? What kind of resolution?”

 

Lang Xiaoxiao stammered, unable to speak clearly.

 

“Speak up, have you become mute?” Lang Sa continued, “Did you resolve it by setting someone’s house on fire?”

 

Lang Xiaoxiao was shocked, “How do you know?!”

 

“How do I know?” Lang Sa snorted, “I know everything.”

 

Lang Xiaoxiao didn’t dare speak.

 

After a while, Lang Sa’s anger subsided a bit, and he asked, “Now that they’re coming for revenge, what do you plan to do?”

 

Lang Xiaoxiao frowned, “Xiao Qi really dares to come? I’ll deal with him!”

 

Lang Sa gave her a location and said, “He’s already here. He’ll probably reach the grasslands tonight or tomorrow.”

 

Lang Xiaoxiao hadn’t expected him to be so persistent. She frowned and said coldly, “Brother, I caused this, and I won’t let you help me. I’ll solve it myself. You… take care of Xiao Qing’er. Don’t worry about me.”

 

For the first time in her eighteen years, the girl looked determined. “This is my problem. I’ll solve it myself, no matter the outcome. I won’t drag you or the wolf tribe into it.”

 

Lang Sa looked at her for a while and said, “I didn’t plan on helping anyway. Handle your own problems. Coming to me won’t help.”

 

With that, Lang Sa waved his hand, “Let’s go.”

 

When they got home, Lang Sa found that Xie Zhiqing was standing at the door waiting for him.

 

Lang Sa jogged up to him and asked, “What’s up? Why are you standing at the door?”

 

Xie Zhiqing seemed to be in a good mood, with a smile on his face. “Waiting for you.”

 

“Wait inside, why stand outside?” Lang Sa shook his head disapprovingly. “Aren’t you tired?”

 

Xie Zhiqing thought he was making a big deal out of nothing and deliberately bumped his slightly rounded belly against Lang Sa’s hand. “How am I that weak?”

 

This had become Xie Zhiqing’s favorite “game” lately.

 

His belly was soft, and Xie Zhiqing wasn’t using much force, so a light touch wouldn’t cause any harm. It would just render the Wolf King completely immobile.

 

Sure enough, Lang Sa stopped in his tracks and stared at him in exasperation.

 

Xie Zhiqing returned a very innocent look, then pushed his luck by bumping him again. He blinked, his entire demeanor saying, “What can you do about it?”

 

Lang Sa was truly at his wit’s end and raised his hands in surrender.

 

Satisfied, Xie Zhiqing laughed and said, “I’m just standing here for a bit. The weather is warm now, I won’t catch a cold. Dr. Sun said I should still be active.”

 

Lang Sa said, “Alright, my little ancestor.”

 

Xie Zhiqing smiled contentedly.

 

After laughing, he asked Lang Sa what he and Lang Xiaoxiao had been talking about.

 

He was still concerned about whether the siblings had made up.

 

Lang Sa didn’t want him to know about Xiao Qizhen’s issues—on this point, he and Lang Xiaoxiao were in complete agreement. They didn’t want to burden Xie Zhiqing with these troubles.

 

After a moment’s thought, Lang Sa said, “I gave Lang Xiaoxiao a task, to test her.”

 

Xie Zhiqing asked in confusion, “Test her?”

 

“Yes,” Lang Sa said carefully. “I’m considering making her the next Wolf King.”

 

Xie Zhiqing was stunned and couldn’t speak for a long time.

 

He scrutinized Lang Sa up and down, trying to see if he was joking.

 

“Lang Sa, you… you…” In his shock, Xie Zhiqing stammered, “Do you need to consider the next Wolf King so soon?”

 

Seeing his expression, Lang Sa knew he had misunderstood. He put his arm around Xie Zhiqing’s shoulders and kissed him on the cheek to reassure him. “I’m thinking of a successor because I don’t want to do it anymore, not because I’m about to die.”

 

Xie Zhiqing quickly covered his mouth. “Spit! Spit! Don’t talk nonsense!”

 

Lang Sa rubbed his face and said with a smile, “I really don’t want to do it anymore. I want to…”

 

He lowered his head and kissed Xie Zhiqing’s lips, mumbling, “All I want now is to live a carefree life with you and the baby.”