After The Soft And Cute Beauty Marries The Wolf King - Chapter 65

The climate in Anyu had been poor for the past year or two. To appease the people, Xie Zhiming personally went to observe the situation among the common folk, while the affairs of the court were temporarily handled by Xie Zhifeng.

 

Xie Zhiqing was extremely worried—first, he was concerned that his elder brother, having just ascended the throne, was already facing such troubles; second, he feared that Xie Zhifeng would be too overworked handling everything alone at court.

 

Later, Lang Sa suggested helping out and took the opportunity to train Lang Xiaoxiao by sending her there as well.

 

It was a win-win situation.

 

Now, with Lang Xiaoxiao suddenly returning, it seemed the situation had eased somewhat.

 

Xie Zhiqing quickly asked, “You’re back? When did you return? How’s my brother… how are things in Anyu?”

 

Lang Xiaoxiao replied, “I’m back, hehe! And I didn’t just come back alone—I brought others with me!”

 

She leaned closer to Xie Zhiqing and whispered mysteriously, “I brought your father, your little sister, and that second prince back with me!”

 

“What?!” Xie Zhiqing was shocked.

 

“Here, a letter!” Lang Xiaoxiao pulled a thin envelope from her sleeve and said, “I almost forgot to give this to you. I travel fast, so I didn’t wait for them and came ahead to inform you! Their entourage will arrive in about six or seven days.”

 

The letter was written by Xie Zhiqing’s father himself.

 

In it, he briefly explained the recent situation in Anyu over the past few months and expressed his gratitude for the enthusiastic help of the Wolf King and the Wolf Princess.

 

At the end, he mentioned that because Zhiming couldn’t get away, it would just be the three of them visiting this time.

 

“‘Just’?” Lang Sa was at a loss for words. “This is practically moving house…”

 

Xie Zhiqing snapped back to reality. “Right… So, that means… my eldest brother is the only one left in Anyu?”

 

He sighed softly and said, “Father is so old now, yet he’s still traveling like this… I really…”

 

Every time this topic came up, Lang Sa felt the same discomfort. He pursed his lips, stood up, and walked behind Xie Zhiqing. He gently touched the prince’s earlobe and said softly, “The baby was just born. Neither she nor you are suited for long journeys right now… This time, we can only let them bear the burden.”

 

He tightened his hold, pulling Xie Zhiqing into his arms, and added, “When some time has passed—”

 

He looked up at Lang Xiaoxiao and continued, “When Lingyue is a bit older, we’ll go back together. Hmm?”

 

Xie Zhiqing lowered his eyes and nodded.

 

However, the joy of soon seeing his family outweighed everything else. Xie Zhiqing rubbed his face and regained his usual smile.

 

He first thanked Lang Xiaoxiao, then leaned down and gently touched Xie Lingyue’s forehead, saying with delight, “Lingyue, you’re going to meet your grandfather and uncle soon! And a little aunt who’s only a bit older than you!”

 

He was so excited that he kissed the baby’s forehead several times. “Lingyue, are you happy?”

 

Xie Lingyue stretched out her chubby hand, spreading her five fingers to the sky, and mumbled, “Ha! Ha!”

 

None of the adults could understand what she was trying to say, but they could guess from her tone and expression.

 

“Ah, it must be something happy.” Lang Sa said.

 

Xie Zhiqing laughed so hard he bent over. He pressed his forehead against Xie Lingyue’s and gave her another kiss on the cheek.

 

“Um, Xiao Qing’er…” Lang Xiaoxiao hesitantly spoke again, “I-I want to hold her too…”

 

Lang Sa glanced at her and said, “Your hand is injured. What are you trying to hold?”

 

“Oh, right!” This reminded Xie Zhiqing, who quickly said, “Let’s not delay. Let’s get home and get some medicine for your wound.”

 

He hurriedly pulled Lang Sa along, leaving Lang Xiaoxiao standing there, feeling dejected.

 

Even though the human baby was only a few months old, she really wanted to hold her!

 

*

 

After returning home, Lang Sa found a few bottles of medicine and tossed them to Lang Xiaoxiao, saying, “Use them as needed. They’re all good stuff.”

 

These were things he had prepared for Xie Zhiqing long ago. Back then, when Xie Zhiqing hadn’t yet come to the grasslands, Lang Sa had prepared many things, just in case they might be needed.

 

He watched over Xie Zhiqing so closely that, of course, he wouldn’t let the little prince get hurt. It was unexpected that the medicine would end up being used on Lang Xiaoxiao.

 

The wound left by the tiger looked frightening, but for this wolf princess, it was just a minor flesh wound, nothing to worry about. She put the medicine away and said, “Got it,” before craning her neck to look at Xie Lingyue lying in the cradle.

 

“She’s grown so much… When I left, she was so tiny.” Lang Xiaoxiao said, holding up her fingers to indicate a length about an inch long.

 

“…” Xie Zhiqing was speechless for a moment, then said, “Well, not *that* tiny.”

 

Even so, he led Lang Xiaoxiao to the baby’s bed and introduced her to Xie Lingyue, “This is your little aunt! She’s your daddy’s sister! Lingyue, you have to get along well with your little aunt in the future!”

 

Xie Lingyue poked Lang Xiaoxiao’s belly with her finger and giggled.

 

With Xie Zhiqing’s help, Lang Xiaoxiao carefully picked up the baby. As she held her, she exclaimed, “Oh my gosh, she’s so soft! Oh no, I don’t dare use any strength! Xiao Qing’er, help, help, help!!”

 

Lang Sa, hearing her cries, felt a headache coming on. He took two steps forward, snatched Xie Lingyue away, and said, “What’s with you?! You wanted to hold her, and now you’re still making a fuss after picking her up! What’s wrong with you?”

 

“…” Lang Xiaoxiao pouted, “I didn’t know she was this soft! I can’t use any strength!!”

 

Lang Sa clicked his tongue in annoyance.

 

The two wolves were bickering noisily, and the little wolf in their arms wasn’t one to be outdone.

 

“Hehe!” Xie Lingyue stretched out both hands this time, giving each of the wolf siblings a slap on the chin, while chanting, “Hehe! Hehe!!”

 

Lang Xiaoxiao: “…? Hmm? Did I just get slapped?”

 

“…” Lang Sa sighed, rubbing his forehead.

 

The scene was so chaotic that Xie Zhiqing didn’t know what to say for a moment. He stood there, dazed, before finding the whole situation too amusing.

 

“Alright, alright!” He laughed as he took Xie Lingyue back and then turned to Lang Xiaoxiao. “Hurry up and put some medicine on your wound. Don’t let it get worse.”

 

Lang Xiaoxiao scratched her head and said, “Alright,” preparing to leave.

 

Before she left, she pulled out the bottles of medicine and said to Lang Sa, “Bro, I’ll return these to you later!”

 

Lang Sa waved his hand dismissively and said, “Whatever. I was going to say—”

 

He frowned, unable to hold back the words he felt he had to say.

 

Looking at Lang Xiaoxiao, his tone returned to its usual sternness. “You’re a grown woman now. Can’t you stop being so… ugh. I was only a few hundred meters away, and you could hear me. Why did you feel the need to show off? You’re always so loud and reckless.”

 

Lang Xiaoxiao pouted, her brows furrowing in displeasure. She looked defiant, as if she wanted to talk back, but then something seemed to come to mind, and she remained silent, stewing in her frustration.

 

The awkward relationship between the siblings had always worried Xie Zhiqing. He patted the baby in his arms and quietly moved behind Lang Sa, nudging his back to signal him to be less harsh.

 

“Xiaoxiao was worried about me,” he said softly. “Don’t scold her anymore.”

 

Lang Sa looked at him, understanding his good intentions.

 

Ever since their big argument, Xie Zhiqing had been very concerned about whether the siblings had reconciled. The current situation was that neither of them wanted to stay angry with the other, but neither could bring themselves to take the first step. So, they remained stuck in this awkward limbo.

 

Lang Sa had been the Wolf King for so long that his temper was naturally bad. Coupled with the fact that he had always been strict with Lang Xiaoxiao, she still felt as though he was angry with her even after all this time.

 

Lang Xiaoxiao, feeling guilty, didn’t dare say much. Every time she saw Lang Sa with that stern look on his face, she would stand at attention, waiting for a scolding.

 

In their hearts, they both felt the matter was behind them, but their actions showed they hadn’t moved on.

 

Xie Zhiqing thought today might be a good opportunity. He hid behind Lang Sa and poked his waist again.

 

Lang Sa turned to look at him, seeing the gentle smile in Xie Zhiqing’s eyes. Xie Zhiqing gestured towards Lang Xiaoxiao, making his intention clear.

 

Lang Sa waved his hand dismissively and said, “Alright, alright, I got it.”

 

He took the baby from Xie Zhiqing’s arms and, though still a bit grumpy, said to Lang Xiaoxiao, “You should head back. Thanks for your help today.”

 

The last few words were said quickly and muttered under his breath.

 

Lang Xiaoxiao didn’t immediately catch on. She blinked in confusion at Lang Sa, then suddenly let out a delighted “Ha!” When she saw Lang Sa’s face tighten again, she quickly suppressed her smile and hurriedly ran out the door. But just as she was about to leave, she poked her head back in and teased, “Oh my gosh! The Wolf King actually said thank you!”

 

“…Lang Xiaoxiao!” Lang Sa, his face unable to maintain composure, pointed at her and shouted angrily, “Get back here!”

 

Lang Xiaoxiao made a funny face and darted away before he could catch her.

 

Lang Sa was so furious he began pacing back and forth, cursing, “That wretched girl, she’s really out of control!”

 

Xie Zhiqing didn’t dare say a word—holding back his laughter was already taking all his effort.

 

While he managed to suppress his laughter, the baby didn’t.

 

Xie Lingyue, lying in Lang Sa’s arms, pointed at Xie Zhiqing’s contorted face as he struggled not to laugh, and said, “A-Nian! A-Nian! Nian! Nian! Nian!”

 

Lang Sa had no idea what she was saying, but he instinctively followed the baby’s finger and looked—

 

Only to see Xie Zhiqing trying desperately not to burst out laughing.

 

“…” Lang Sa was on the verge of losing it. He gritted his teeth and said, “Are you teaming up with Lang Xiaoxiao to mess with me?”

 

Xie Zhiqing still didn’t dare speak. He could only wave his hand—he felt that if he opened his mouth, he’d lose control and start laughing!

 

“…” Lang Sa sighed, “Sigh!”

 

At that moment, Xie Lingyue decided to stir up more trouble.

 

“De-De!” She patted Lang Sa’s shoulder, happily babbling words no one could understand, “De! De-De-De-De!”

 

Lang Sa scowled and said, “Speak in a way we can understand!”

 

Xie Zhiqing had finally laughed enough and knew it was time to stop—he had to give the Wolf King some dignity.

 

He massaged his stiff face and took Xie Lingyue from Lang Sa’s arms, pretending nothing had happened, as he played with the baby, “Good girl!”

 

Xie Lingyue happily complied, “Nian! Nian! Nian-Nian-Nian!”

 

She continued to say words they couldn’t understand, all while patting Xie Zhiqing’s shoulder.

 

Lang Sa still looked grumpy as he poked the baby’s cheek, warning, “Say something we can understand!”

 

Although Xie Lingyue couldn’t speak words they understood, she completely grasped their meaning. She grabbed Lang Sa’s finger with her tiny hand and continued babbling, “De-De-De-De-De!”

 

Lang Sa sighed, “How is it you only know these two words? Seriously…”

 

But midway through his sentence, his expression suddenly changed.

 

He looked at Xie Lingyue in disbelief, his voice trembling. He asked, “De-De… What does that mean?”

 

Xie Zhiqing tilted his head in confusion.

 

Xie Lingyue patted Lang Sa’s hand and cheerfully called out, “De-De! De!”

 

“…” Lang Sa’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed. He asked again, “And what does ‘Nian’ mean?”

 

By this point, Xie Zhiqing had figured it out too.

 

He was utterly shocked, his entire body seemingly frozen.

 

He looked at Xie Lingyue, nervously swallowing and stammering, “You, you…”

 

Xie Lingyue wrapped her tiny hands around Xie Zhiqing’s wrist and clearly called out, “Ah! Nian!”

 

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“Ah Nian” (阿年) is likely a term of endearment or a nickname used by Xie Lingyue, the baby, to refer to someone close to her. It seems like Xie Lingyue is affectionately referring to Xie Zhiqing as “Ah Nian.”