Wolf-Raised Cub with a Space: Surviving the Disaster Years
Chapter 166: Wanting to Return to the Village to Please Ningning
The Black Wolf King was still processing it, repeating, "I can speak?"
Wolf Three was ecstatic, hopping and jumping around him. "I can too, Wolf Father! I can too!"
Following his lead, the entire wolf pack tried to speak human words just like them.
To Shen Ningning’s surprise, about twelve wolves, including the Little White Wolf, could now speak human language.
Wolf Three rushed over to Lang Si, extremely excited. "Lang Si, why aren’t you talking?"
Lang Si cleared his throat, tilted his head back, and let out a loud AWOOOO.
Then, he gave Wolf Three two embarrassed-looking howls.
He still couldn’t speak human words.
It wasn’t just Lang Si; most of the wolves in the pack had not yet mastered this skill.
Grandma Qin was utterly delighted. "What’s going on?"
Shen Ningning thought for a moment, her eyes lighting up. "It might be thanks to the Immortal Realm!"
The Immortal Realm had consumed the Blood Silk Jade and actually gained powerful new functions, though they weren’t visible to the naked eye.
For example, the Spiritual Spring Water in the Immortal Realm had most likely changed.
Lang Si whimpered pitifully, pressing his chubby body against Grandma Qin, his gaze full of helpless sorrow.
’He wanted to say that he had also GULPED down plenty of Spiritual Spring Water yesterday, so why couldn’t he make human sounds like Wolf Father and his third brother?’
The little one analyzed excitedly, "Don’t worry! It might be related to your constitution. It’ll happen bit by bit. Maybe one day you’ll suddenly be able to talk!"
Wolf Three smugly raised his head and said to Lang Si, "It must be because I’m smarter, so I became enlightened a little faster than you."
After speaking, he admired himself even more. "I’m amazing! I even know the word ’enlightened’!"
Lang Si snorted through his nose.
’What a show-off Wolf Three is.’
In contrast to Shen Ningning and Grandma Qin’s joy, the Black Wolf King pondered for a moment before saying in a low voice, "Speaking human words is certainly a good thing. From now on, we’ll have no trouble communicating with Grandma Qin."
"However, all wolves, hear my command: you are not to reveal that you can speak in front of outsiders."
Hearing this, Shen Ningning tilted her little head. "Langlang, are you worried about attracting people with bad intentions?"
The Black Wolf King nodded. His gaze upon the little one was full of relief and pride, like a father looking at his own brilliant and clever daughter.
The Little White Wolf spoke up, his voice soft. "Besides, I’m not really used to talking like this."
For wolves, howling was still a more direct and rapid way to express their intentions to their companions.
Grandma Qin voiced her agreement. "Our Wolf King is very thoughtful. Just as it’s best that outsiders don’t know about Ningning’s Immortal Realm, some things shouldn’t be flaunted unless absolutely necessary."
In truth, the Black Wolf King and Grandma Qin were worried about the same thing.
Human nature is complex. If the world knew that Shen Ningning could not only command wolves but also make the wolves around her speak...
...they feared that, in the end, some malicious people would start targeting her.
So, the Black Wolf King’s ultimate goal was simply to protect his precious Xiao Ningning.
The wolf pack threw back their heads and howled, expressing their loyalty and promising the Black Wolf King they would keep a low profile.
Over the next three or four days, the Capital City of Cangyun Country finally welcomed the cool air of early autumn.
The blowing wind carried a refreshing tranquility.
Shen Ningning, through her power alone, had brought an end to the scorching summer that had tormented the common people.
「Within Xiangyun Village.」
Wang Qiao’er had heard about Shen Ningning’s miraculous deeds. Knowing now that this Little Wolf Girl was an extraordinary figure, she thought back to how she had offended her in the past and was filled with regret.
Her second husband, Ba Deshun, also blamed her for all the trouble, saying that if it weren’t for Wang Qiao’er, he wouldn’t have offended Shen Ningning either.
Wang Qiao’er grew scared. Although she was only a concubine in Ba Deshun’s household, she had servants to wait on her every day, and her life was much better than before.
She was terrified that Ba Deshun would grow to despise her over this matter and kick her out.
So, on this day, she brought Deng Fugui back to Xiangyun Village, solely to smooth things over with Shen Ningning.
But to curry favor with the Little Wolf Girl, she couldn’t avoid dealing with the people of Xiangyun Village.
Therefore, using the excuse that the child missed his grandfather, Wang Qiao’er took Deng Fugui directly to the old village chief’s house.
"Grandpa!" Seeing the old village chief and his father, Deng Fugui’s eyes filled with tears as he dashed into their arms.
"Fugui, my dear Fugui, let Grandpa have a look. You seem to have grown taller." The old village chief’s withered hand continuously stroked Deng Fugui’s cheek.
His eyes were full of affection and longing. Deng Fugui’s eyes reddened as well. "Grandpa, I missed you so much."
The grandfather and grandson hugged, both sobbing uncontrollably.
This was the first time Wang Qiao’er had let the old village chief see his grandson since she left with the boy two months ago.
Uncle Deng came out from inside the house and met Wang Qiao’er’s gaze. Surprisingly, Wang Qiao’er wasn’t as arrogant and overbearing as before; instead, she gave him a small smile.
She tugged Deng Fugui’s arm. "Fugui, didn’t you say you prepared gifts for your grandpa and your dad? They’re in the carriage. Hurry up and bring them for them to see."
Deng Fugui wiped away his tears. "Right!"
He turned and dashed out of the courtyard, returning a moment later holding two boxes.
When opened, they revealed high-quality silk and a thirty-year-old ginseng root.
The old village chief glanced at the items, then closed the boxes. He gave Wang Qiao’er an impassive look. "Let’s talk inside."
’These things weren’t from Deng Fugui. A single glance told him Wang Qiao’er had arranged it all.’
After they went inside, the old village chief had Uncle Deng take Deng Fugui out for a walk around the village.
"We know what kind of person you are, so let’s not beat around the bush. Just say what you really came back for." After they left, the old village chief, his expression complex, took a tea stem from his sleeve and put it in his mouth.
Wang Qiao’er sat beside him and said with an apologetic smile, "Old Sir, there’s no need to be so distant. It’s true we had a falling out when I left before."
"But I’m Fugui’s mother, after all. When he said he wanted to see his grandpa and father, how could I not bring him back? Speaking of which, Old Sir, Xiangyun Village has really changed! Every family has a new roof. I almost didn’t recognize the place!"
In truth, she had noticed it the moment she entered the village.
The plaque at the village entrance bore characters bestowed by the Emperor himself. Every household was raising chickens and ducks again, and lush, green loquat trees grew in every courtyard.
The fields were filled with many more hardworking figures, and the small creek that ran through Xiangyun Village was once again full of crystal-clear water.
Not only that, but the villagers’ clothes were no longer tattered and torn like before. Even Sister-in-law Liu, with whom she had quarreled, was wearing respectable clothing.
Wang Qiao’er understood it all. Xiangyun Village must have become completely prosperous because of Shen Ningning.
’That Little Wolf Girl is really something else!’
At this thought, Wang Qiao’er smiled sweetly and got down to business. "Old Sir, I came back this time because I wanted to discuss something with you."
"Your village’s loquat candy is famous far and wide. Ba Deshun was blind before and offended Ningning. He’s too embarrassed to come himself, so I’m here this time to resolve the misunderstanding and, while I’m at it, discuss some business. If you’re willing, our family will buy all of your loquat candy every year from now on."
"We’re even willing to pay an extra twenty taels above the market price each year. What do you think? We’re only being this generous because we’re family. Old Sir, you should think it over carefully."
The old village chief shot her a look. He knew she had come with an agenda.
"We can discuss this business, sure. But I have a condition: you must send Fugui back to live with me until he’s twelve. And you can’t let him change his surname. Otherwise, the deal’s off."