After The Soft And Cute Beauty Marries The Wolf King - Chapter 70
Xie Zhiqing wiped away his tears and composed himself before the father and daughter outside came in. He patted his face, smiled at Xie Kuang, and touched the rattle in his sleeve before clearing his throat and heading to the door to open it for them.
“Hey—” Lang Sa was still a bit puzzled, “Did you hear us coming?”
Xie Zhiqing gestured toward the baby and said, “The rattle’s sound is so loud, I heard it from far away.”
Lang Sa sighed in frustration, “After all that noise, my ears are almost deaf.”
Xie Lingyue, upon hearing this, made faces at him, and the father and daughter were once again in high spirits.
Xie Zhiqing smiled and watched the commotion until Lang Sa, unable to withstand it any longer, finally gave in. Xie Zhiqing then said, “Alright, alright, no more fussing.”
He took Xie Lingyue and turned to ask the old emperor, “Father, would you like to hold her?”
Xie Lingyue opened her arms and called out, “Grandpa! Grandpa!”
Having been emperor for so many years, Xie Kuang seldom felt so awkward. He carefully took the baby, afraid to hold her too tightly.
Looking at the baby’s innocent smile and then up at his younger son’s expression of happiness, Xie Kuang’s vision became blurred with tears.
“It’s so good, so good…” Xie Kuang murmured, “It’s really good like this.”
Though the words seemed disjointed, Xie Zhiqing understood completely. He touched the rattle in his sleeve and softly agreed, “Yes, this is the best time.”
He knew his father and older brother had always felt regret about this marriage, but…
No matter the initial reasons, his marriage to Lang Sa had brought more happiness and joy.
His fingers twitched at his side, and Xie Zhiqing shyly thought that it wasn’t just happiness and joy; it was…
Being by Lang Sa’s side, he had always been happy and content.
As he thought about it, his face began to flush.
At this moment, Xie Lingyue extended her little fist towards Xie Zhiqing and said indistinctly, “Mommy’s red!”
Xie Zhiqing was startled, then excitedly asked, “What? Lingyue, what did you say?”
Xie Lingyue touched her own face with her finger and loudly said, “Red face! Shy!”
Even Lang Sa was stunned.
He looked incredulously at Xie Zhiqing and then at the baby, nervously asking, “You… you can see colors?”
Xie Lingyue pouted and said, “Stupid!”
This sudden revelation was a huge surprise. Lang Sa stood still for a while, then sighed deeply. He went to the old emperor, took Xie Lingyue back into his arms, and despite the baby’s resistance, planted a loud kiss on her forehead.
Xie Zhiqing felt a warm glow inside. Though color blindness wasn’t a severe issue, being able to see a colorful world was certainly better.
He patted his face and explained to the old emperor, “The wolf tribe is colorblind. We originally thought Lingyue couldn’t distinguish colors, but it turns out…”
“I see…” the old emperor nodded and smiled, “That’s wonderful.”
He repeatedly exclaimed, “It’s so good, so good.”
Lang Sa was so excited that he wouldn’t let go of Xie Lingyue. The baby resisted with all her might, but eventually had to accept her father’s overwhelming affection.
After a while, Lang Sa finally let go of Xie Lingyue. The Wolf King calmed down and, acting nonchalant, said, “It’s time to eat. Let’s go.”
Xie Zhiqing found his pretense amusing and nudged Lang Sa playfully before leading the old emperor away.
*
However, the time for their reunion was always too short, and Xie Kuang’s party could not stay with the wolf tribe for long.
About half a month later, they prepared to leave.
Having been away from Anyu for so long, there were surely many matters piling up in the palace with only Xie Zhiming and their mother left behind.
Despite his reluctance, Xie Zhiqing couldn’t bring himself to ask them to stay any longer.
On the day of departure, Xie Zhiqing helped the old emperor slowly towards the carriage.
“Lang Sa said…” Xie Zhiqing hesitated, glancing back several times.
Lang Sa was checking their luggage. He seemed to have eyes on the back of his head and caught Xie Zhiqing peeking at him.
Xie Zhiqing: “.”
He scratched his face and turned back to the old emperor, saying, “Lang Sa mentioned that in two or three years, when Lingyue grows up, he might… might step down from being the Wolf King.”
Xie Zhiqing spoke in a gentle tone, explaining their future plans: “Lang Sa wants to travel with us and eventually settle down in Anyu.”
The old emperor smiled and said, “You young people can decide for yourselves. While you’re young, it’s good to see the world. Don’t get stuck like your older brother, who’s been trapped in the palace before he’s even thirty.”
Xie Zhiqing sighed, “The Crown Prince… Xiao Qing’er misses him a lot too.”
The old emperor said, “He also often thinks of you… Don’t worry, he’s doing well. He has Zhifeng helping him with state affairs, and if necessary—”
He patted his chest and said seriously, “There’s always your father!”
Xie Zhiqing nodded, his smile widening.
The two walked slowly but soon found themselves in front of the carriage. Xie Zhiqing sighed softly, clearly reluctant to part.
The old emperor seemed to have much to say, but only managed to give a brief piece of advice: “Take good care of yourself.”
The young prince, with reddened eyes, nodded.
Behind them, Xie Zhiqing’s younger sister, Xie Zhiyue, quietly approached, pushing Xie Zhifeng.
After spending time together, the baby finally understood that Xie Zhifeng and her dear mother were two different people, and no longer resented this strange person who looked just like her mother.
However, there wasn’t much time left to build more of a bond with her niece.
He tapped Xie Lingyue’s small fist and said, “I’m leaving now. Don’t forget about me.”
He then looked up at Xie Zhiqing.
“…” He hesitated, opening and closing his mouth, and finally said, “Xiao Qing’er, I’m leaving.”
Xie Zhiqing bent down to cover him with a small blanket over his knees. He crouched to meet Xie Zhifeng’s gaze, gently pressing his fingers on his disabled legs, and said softly, “Take good care of yourself, Zhifeng.”
Xie Zhifeng smiled, shaking his head, “I’m your brother, of course I know how to take care of myself.”
Then, he independently pushed his wheelchair to the carriage. Though the second prince of Anyu was naturally disabled, he never felt inferior, and his determination was evident in his strong back as he controlled the wheelchair.
As the attendants helped him into the carriage, he pressed his heart, his voice choked with emotion.
Xie Zhiqing dared not look any longer and turned to search for Xie Zhiyue’s figure.
He saw his maid, Xiao Chan, holding the baby, while Xie Zhiyue stood beside them.
Xie Zhiqing smiled and approached, asking gently, “Are our two little moons having a private chat?”
Xie Zhiyue blushed and said, “Xiao Qing’er, I’m leaving too. Father and the Crown Prince are waiting for me.”
Her hurried demeanor puzzled Xie Zhiqing. He glanced at Xiao Chan and asked, “What was the princess doing just now?”
Xiao Chan smiled but said nothing.
Xie Zhiyue hurriedly covered his mouth, preventing him from asking further questions, “Brother!”
**Chapter 70 – Second Update**
Xie Zhiqing wiped away his tears and composed himself before the father and daughter outside came in. He patted his face, smiled at Xie Kuang, and touched the rattle in his sleeve before clearing his throat and heading to the door to open it for them.
“Hey—” Lang Sa was still a bit puzzled, “Did you hear us coming?”
Xie Zhiqing gestured toward the baby and said, “The rattle’s sound is so loud, I heard it from far away.”
Lang Sa sighed in frustration, “After all that noise, my ears are almost deaf.”
Xie Lingyue, upon hearing this, made faces at him, and the father and daughter were once again in high spirits.
Xie Zhiqing smiled and watched the commotion until Lang Sa, unable to withstand it any longer, finally gave in. Xie Zhiqing then said, “Alright, alright, no more fussing.”
He took Xie Lingyue and turned to ask the old emperor, “Father, would you like to hold her?”
Xie Lingyue opened her arms and called out, “Grandpa! Grandpa!”
Having been emperor for so many years, Xie Kuang seldom felt so awkward. He carefully took the baby, afraid to hold her too tightly.
Looking at the baby’s innocent smile and then up at his younger son’s expression of happiness, Xie Kuang’s vision became blurred with tears.
“It’s so good, so good…” Xie Kuang murmured, “It’s really good like this.”
Though the words seemed disjointed, Xie Zhiqing understood completely. He touched the rattle in his sleeve and softly agreed, “Yes, this is the best time.”
He knew his father and older brother had always felt regret about this marriage, but…
No matter the initial reasons, his marriage to Lang Sa had brought more happiness and joy.
His fingers twitched at his side, and Xie Zhiqing shyly thought that it wasn’t just happiness and joy; it was…
Being by Lang Sa’s side, he had always been happy and content.
As he thought about it, his face began to flush.
At this moment, Xie Lingyue extended her little fist towards Xie Zhiqing and said indistinctly, “Mommy’s red!”
Xie Zhiqing was startled, then excitedly asked, “What? Lingyue, what did you say?”
Xie Lingyue touched her own face with her finger and loudly said, “Red face! Shy!”
Even Lang Sa was stunned.
He looked incredulously at Xie Zhiqing and then at the baby, nervously asking, “You… you can see colors?”
Xie Lingyue pouted and said, “Stupid!”
This sudden revelation was a huge surprise. Lang Sa stood still for a while, then sighed deeply. He went to the old emperor, took Xie Lingyue back into his arms, and despite the baby’s resistance, planted a loud kiss on her forehead.
Xie Zhiqing felt a warm glow inside. Though color blindness wasn’t a severe issue, being able to see a colorful world was certainly better.
He patted his face and explained to the old emperor, “The wolf tribe is colorblind. We originally thought Lingyue couldn’t distinguish colors, but it turns out…”
“I see…” the old emperor nodded and smiled, “That’s wonderful.”
He repeatedly exclaimed, “It’s so good, so good.”
Lang Sa was so excited that he wouldn’t let go of Xie Lingyue. The baby resisted with all her might, but eventually had to accept her father’s overwhelming affection.
After a while, Lang Sa finally let go of Xie Lingyue. The Wolf King calmed down and, acting nonchalant, said, “It’s time to eat. Let’s go.”
Xie Zhiqing found his pretense amusing and nudged Lang Sa playfully before leading the old emperor away.
*
However, the time for their reunion was always too short, and Xie Kuang’s party could not stay with the wolf tribe for long.
About half a month later, they prepared to leave.
Having been away from Anyu for so long, there were surely many matters piling up in the palace with only Xie Zhiming and their mother left behind.
Despite his reluctance, Xie Zhiqing couldn’t bring himself to ask them to stay any longer.
On the day of departure, Xie Zhiqing helped the old emperor slowly towards the carriage.
“Lang Sa said…” Xie Zhiqing hesitated, glancing back several times.
Lang Sa was checking their luggage. He seemed to have eyes on the back of his head and caught Xie Zhiqing peeking at him.
Xie Zhiqing: “.”
He scratched his face and turned back to the old emperor, saying, “Lang Sa mentioned that in two or three years, when Lingyue grows up, he might… might step down from being the Wolf King.”
Xie Zhiqing spoke in a gentle tone, explaining their future plans: “Lang Sa wants to travel with us and eventually settle down in Anyu.”
The old emperor smiled and said, “You young people can decide for yourselves. While you’re young, it’s good to see the world. Don’t get stuck like your older brother, who’s been trapped in the palace before he’s even thirty.”
Xie Zhiqing sighed, “The Crown Prince… Xiao Qing’er misses him a lot too.”
The old emperor said, “He also often thinks of you… Don’t worry, he’s doing well. He has Zhifeng helping him with state affairs, and if necessary—”
He patted his chest and said seriously, “There’s always your father!”
Xie Zhiqing nodded, his smile widening.
The two walked slowly but soon found themselves in front of the carriage. Xie Zhiqing sighed softly, clearly reluctant to part.
The old emperor seemed to have much to say, but only managed to give a brief piece of advice: “Take good care of yourself.”
The young prince, with reddened eyes, nodded.
Behind them, Xie Zhiqing’s younger sister, Xie Zhiyue, quietly approached, pushing Xie Zhifeng.
After spending time together, the baby finally understood that Xie Zhifeng and her dear mother were two different people, and no longer resented this strange person who looked just like her mother.
However, there wasn’t much time left to build more of a bond with her niece.
He tapped Xie Lingyue’s small fist and said, “I’m leaving now. Don’t forget about me.”
He then looked up at Xie Zhiqing.
“…” He hesitated, opening and closing his mouth, and finally said, “Xiao Qing’er, I’m leaving.”
Xie Zhiqing bent down to cover him with a small blanket over his knees. He crouched to meet Xie Zhifeng’s gaze, gently pressing his fingers on his disabled legs, and said softly, “Take good care of yourself, Zhifeng.”
Xie Zhifeng smiled, shaking his head, “I’m your brother, of course I know how to take care of myself.”
Then, he independently pushed his wheelchair to the carriage. Though the second prince of Anyu was naturally disabled, he never felt inferior, and his determination was evident in his strong back as he controlled the wheelchair.
As the attendants helped him into the carriage, he pressed his heart, his voice choked with emotion.
Xie Zhiqing dared not look any longer and turned to search for Xie Zhiyue’s figure.
He saw his maid, Xiao Chan, holding the baby, while Xie Zhiyue stood beside them.
Xie Zhiqing smiled and approached, asking gently, “Are our two little moons having a private chat?”
Xie Zhiyue blushed and said, “Xiao Qing’er, I’m leaving too. Father and the Crown Prince are waiting for me.”
Her hurried demeanor puzzled Xie Zhiqing. He glanced at Xiao Chan and asked, “What was the princess doing just now?”
Xiao Chan smiled but said nothing.
Xie Zhiyue hurriedly covered his mouth, preventing him from asking further questions, “Brother!”
“Alright, alright, I won’t ask anymore,” Xie Zhiqing said with a smile, putting his arm around his sister’s shoulders and guiding her towards the carriage—he had helped style the princess’s hair today as well.
Before getting into the carriage, Xie Zhi Yue’s face turned even redder. She tugged on Xie Zhiqing’s sleeve, stood on tiptoe, and whispered in his ear, “Xiao Qing’er, I left a handkerchief for the baby. It’s embroidered with a moon.”
Xie Zhiqing looked at her in surprise.
The little girl was growing up, at the age when she kept secrets. She had many things she was shy to tell her brother and only wanted to share with the babbling baby.
She used to be the little moon in the family, but now that there was a smaller moon, Xie Zhi Yue passed on the moon to the baby, hoping it would accompany Xiao Qing’er in her place.
Xie Zhi Yue hesitated for a while, still too shy to say anything more. She bit her lip and hurriedly ran to the carriage.
Yet, she couldn’t bear to leave and had to lift the curtain to take one last look at Xie Zhiqing.
Xie Zhiqing stood at a distance, quietly watching her.
The princess’s eyes were drooping and red, but she managed to hold back her tears and forced a smile as she waved goodbye to her brother.
*
The carriage carrying the group slowly started moving. Although the coachmen tried to slow down, their figures gradually grew smaller and disappeared from sight.
Hooves kicked up a cloud of dust, filling the air with yellow sand.
When the view cleared again, Xie Kuang’s party was no longer visible, not even a shadow.
Xie Zhiqing stood there for a while, sighing with a sense of loss after a long time.
He tugged at Lang Sa’s sleeve and said, “Let’s go back.”
Lang Sa agreed, stepped ahead of Xie Zhiqing, and took Xie Lingyue from Xiao Chan.
He looked down—
Xie Lingyue was already asleep.
“She’s asleep,” Lang Sa mouthed to Xie Zhiqing, “Probably tired from all the play.”
Xie Zhiqing smiled and nodded, “Yes, she’s been with us since early morning. No wonder she’s tired. I’ll—”
He moved towards Lang Sa to take Xie Lingyue himself.
“I’ll do it,” Lang Sa said, avoiding Xie Zhiqing’s hands. “The little girl has gotten heavier, so I’ll handle it.”
Xie Zhiqing smiled and didn’t insist.
Lang Sa waved his hand to dismiss the others and, with Xie Zhiqing, slowly walked back home.
Xie Zhiqing was silent, not saying a word during the walk.
Lang Sa knew he was feeling reluctant and sad, so he said nothing and just stayed by his side.
Once home, Lang Sa placed Xie Lingyue into her crib—she was growing up, beginning to babble and follow a regular routine, rarely waking up at night, and her feeding times were more predictable. Recently, Lang Sa had moved her crib to a slightly farther spot and was considering getting her a bigger bed.
Xie Zhiqing silently watched from behind, mouthing, “The Wolf King is such a considerate father.”
Lang Sa looked at him approvingly and smiled.
Then, Lang Sa brought two small stools to the baby’s crib, and he and Xie Zhiqing each took one.
Xie Zhiqing remained silent, lost in thought.
His expression wasn’t exactly sad, just plain.
Lang Sa felt a pang in his heart.
…He couldn’t stand to see Xie Zhiqing looking this way.
He reached out and put his arm around Xie Zhiqing’s shoulders, whispering in his ear, “I’ll arrange for someone to take over as Wolf King soon. We…”
“Huh?” Xie Zhiqing was shocked, “What? What?!”
“…” Now it was Lang Sa’s turn to be surprised, “I meant finding someone else to be Wolf King, and then I’ll take you out for a trip… didn’t we agree on that before?”
Xie Zhiqing, confused for a moment, quickly realized what Lang Sa was thinking—after their parents left, Lang Sa must be feeling guilty about this matter.
Xie Zhiqing covered his face and said, “Lang Sa! What’s wrong with you?”
He mimicked Lang Sa’s serious tone and lectured, “The position of the Wolf King is very important. You can’t just decide on a whim!”
Lang Sa: “.”
Xie Zhiqing’s expression softened again. He leaned against Lang Sa’s shoulder, his expression still calm but with a touch of warmth in his eyes.
Looking at the peacefully sleeping baby, he smiled and said, “Of course, I feel reluctant to see them leave, but—”
He straightened up, touching his chest, with a hint of confusion in his eyes, “But at the same time, although they’ve left, they’ve also left behind so much… I feel very fulfilled.”
Lang Sa touched his face, his fingers caressing the delicate skin of his cheek, and said, “Even though they’re not here with you, they always carry you in their hearts. They always love you.”
Xie Zhiqing smiled and chuckled softly.
“Oh, right!” He suddenly exclaimed, jumping up from the stool.
He hurriedly searched through Xie Lingyue’s little clothes and found the handkerchief the princess had left for the baby before leaving.
The pale green handkerchief was simple and gentle, with a small golden moon embroidered in the lower right corner, giving it a serene and peaceful appearance.
Xie Zhiqing carefully folded the handkerchief and placed it into his special drawer—along with the rattle his father had brought him earlier.
Having been on the prairie for over a year, the small drawer was already packed with items.
Xie Zhiqing’s fingers traced over each little object, each one’s significance clear to him.
As he thought, he smiled again.
His father said he would always be a child, but he had clearly grown up.
“Ah!” The baby’s small voice squeaked, and Xie Lingyue woke up, calling out, “Hold!”
The baby’s voice was loud and clear.
Xie Zhiqing came back to his senses and hurried over to pick her up.
But Lang Sa was faster. He reached out and lifted Xie Lingyue from the crib, holding her in his arms, “Come, Daddy will hold you!”
“No!!” Xie Lingyue stubbornly struggled to get out of Lang Sa’s arms and reached out to Xie Zhiqing, saying, “Hold!!”
“…” Lang Sa said angrily, “Xie Lingyue, do you know you’ll get punished if you act like this?”
Xie Lingyue bumped her forehead against him.
Lang Sa clicked his tongue; this habit of bumping with her forehead seemed familiar.
Xie Zhiqing laughed so hard he almost had a stomach ache. He patted Lang Sa’s arm and took Xie Lingyue himself, trying to maintain a serious expression as he said, “Don’t dislike Daddy!”
It might not be that she disliked him; she might just be used to opposing Lang Sa. But by saying this, Xie Zhiqing seemed to make it an established fact.
Lang Sa, with no outlet for his frustration, could only glare in frustration.
It was truly surprising how a grand Wolf King could be so low in status at home!
After Xie Zhiqing had laughed enough and stopped causing trouble, he sat beside Lang Sa with Xie Lingyue and mimicked the baby’s tone, saying, “Hold!”
Lang Sa scowled at him but eventually succumbed to the baby’s clear, innocent gaze. He flicked Xie Zhiqing’s forehead and, holding both him and the baby, embraced them both in his arms.
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