Chapter 40

"Ningning, why would you suddenly ask about this? Indeed, it is the Crown Prince's name, but it should not be spoken directly in public, as it's considered an offense to the dignity of the royal family, with severe consequences."

Fu Yuan Song explained gently and patiently, then asked, "Did someone in the private school mention this to you?"

Shen Ningning shook her head lightly, "No."

She initially wanted to tell Grandfather Fu that she knew Mo Lingwei.

But remembering what Jiang Zhi had said, she feared that her brother had some secret difficulties and it was inappropriate to reveal them.

So, the young girl lowered her head and added softly, "I heard it from outside, just curious and wanted to ask."

Fu Yuan Song smiled kindly and patted Shen Ningning's head.

"If you encounter any difficulties in the future, whether in your studies at the private school or life in general, you must tell me. Grandfather will help you."

The young girl looked up with her sparkling black eyes, her round face beaming with a smile.

"I know, thank you, Grandfather Fu!"

As for her studies, she didn’t find them difficult at all.

Perhaps it was due to drinking the water from the spiritual spring, which made her remember everything she read.

Once she had read a book, reciting it verbatim was no problem.

Plus, with the Mad Scholar teaching her in advance, Shen Ningning understood things faster than anyone else.

Fu Yuan Song, hearing this, was even more delighted and happy.

However, when Du Yuanwai learned that County Magistrate Fu Yuan Song was not only unpunished but also commended by the court.

He furiously swept all the books and inkstones on his study table onto the floor.

"Ridiculous!" Du Yuanwai raged, his expression twisted in fury, "That old man got out of trouble so quickly."

Shen Ningning truly was his nemesis.

First, she discovered his secret, and now, she helped Fu Yuan Song out of his predicament.

A murderous intent arose in Du Yuanwai's eyes, "This Shen Ningning, she must not be left alive!"

At that moment, Qin Fangmei arrived outside the study.

"Uncle! May I come in?"

Du Yuanwai immediately composed himself and coughed lightly, "Come in, Fangmei."

Qin Fangmei entered, surprised to see the mess on the floor.

But she was too anxious to inquire about it, looking worriedly at Du Yuanwai.

"Uncle, when can my parents be rescued? I just went to the yamen to visit them but was turned away!"

"The guards said my mother is beaten every day, and the flesh on her legs is almost rotting!"

Qin Fangmei, speaking, burst into tears, "Didn't you say there would be good news in a few days?"

Impatience flickered in Du Yuanwai's eyes.

"Fangmei, it's not that your uncle hasn't tried. I had a plan, but it was ruined by that Shen Ningning!"

"The County Magistrate Fu, who ordered your parents' arrest, was supposed to be under investigation. I planned to use money to grease some palms and get your parents out while he was detained. But who could have expected that Fu Yuan Song would be released after just two days of questioning!"

"Your uncle just found out that it was all because of someone named Shen Ningning pleading on their behalf."

Upon hearing Shen Ningning's name, Qin Fangmei's teeth clenched in anger.

"It's Shen Ningning again!" she cursed. "That little orphan, she's caused my parents harm, took over our village house, and still, it's not enough. Now she's causing trouble here too."

Du Yuanwai saw Qin Fangmei's deep hatred for Shen Ningning.

He quickly thought of a plan and whispered, "Fangmei, in a few days, your uncle will send you to study at the private school."

"You must keep a close eye on Shen Ningning and prevent her from causing more disturbances."

He stirred up Qin Fangmei's resentment towards Shen Ningning, confident that with the rest left unsaid, Qin Fangmei would make sure Shen Ningning had a hard time.

After agreeing, Qin Fangmei left the study.

She had just crossed the corridor when a maid hurriedly reported.

"Miss Qin, there's a young lady at the door, surnamed Lan. She claims to be the daughter of the Chief Clerk of Guangyang County."

"Surname Lan? I don't know her. I won't meet her!" She was already troubled.

The maid hesitated, then added, "The Lan lady says she wants to inquire about a Miss Shen."

Qin Fangmei's steps, just about to leave, suddenly halted.

"Invite her to the garden."

  *

On her first day resting at home.

Shen Ningning headed straight for Xiangyun Village.

Her village house construction was nearly complete. She went today to inspect the work and to pay Liu Daibo and the others.

The young girl had prepared the wages in advance at home.

As previously agreed, each person would receive four taels, with Liu Daibo and a total of fifteen helpers.

Therefore, Shen Ningning packed sixty taels into a bundle, had the Black Wolf King carry it, and also brought two large barrels of vegetables and meat, returning to the village with the wolf pack.

Deng Fugui, holding a slingshot, led his group of snotty-nosed younger boys, patrolling the village three times a day - morning, noon, and evening.

Hence, he was the first to spot Shen Ningning and rushed over excitedly.

"Little Wolf Sister!" Deng Fugui, seeing the amber eyes of the Black Wolf King, stopped in his tracks and only dared to follow at a distance, "A noble person came looking for you again the day before yesterday!"

Shen Ningning was becoming somewhat accustomed to such occurrences.

"Really? Who was it?"

"Uh... He didn't say his name or who he was, just that you were his benefactor."

Shen Ningning pondered for a moment.

Could it be like last time with Lady Meng, someone else coming to thank her for the human trafficking incident?

Deng Fugui added, "He said he'll come to find you in a few days and asked us to tell you to stay in the village and not wander off."

Shen Ningning chuckled, her bright eyes sparkling.

"I don't even know him, why should I listen to him!"

Having said this, she changed the subject: "Fugui, go and call the adults, I'm ready to pay their wages."

Deng Fugui's eyes lit up: "Alright!"

He then ran through the village, followed by several sniffling little boys, shouting together —

"Dad! Mom! Grandpa! Grandma! Come out quickly! Little Wolf Sister is here to pay the wages!"

Shen Ningning went into her village house.

Uncle Liu and the others had really paid attention to detail!

The entire yard had expanded to more than twice its previous size.

They had not only renovated the main house, the kitchen, and the woodshed but even added a small house to serve as Shen Ningning's residence.

Moreover, Uncle Liu had also hired two carpenters to make new stools, tables, chairs, and a wide step-bed for the little girl and Grandma Qin.

The sides of the courtyard were planted with easy-to-grow bamboo.

Shen Ningning, not afraid to spend money, had instructed Uncle Liu to purchase the best materials for her.

The white walls and black tiles looked brand new and dazzling under the glaring sunlight.

The house was surrounded by a fence, and its doors, freshly painted in red, were cheerful and festive.

Shen Ningning was very pleased, her round face breaking into a dimpled smile.

"Wolfy, Grandma will definitely love it when she sees this!"

Next time, I'll bring Grandma to see it together!

The Black Wolf King, along with the wolf pack, sniffed around the yard and then let out a howl.

It was his way of showing that he liked the place too.

At that moment, Auntie Liu, leading Uncle Liu and a crowd of villagers, arrived.

Everyone had cheerful expressions on their faces.

Deng Fugui proactively brought over a wooden table for Shen Ningning to place her bundle on.

The villagers lined up, and the young girl handed out the silver to each person. When it was Auntie Liu’s turn, she smiled broadly, holding the four taels of silver ingot.

"Oh my, Ningning! You are so generous. Four taels is enough for us to work two months in the city!"

Shen Ningning replied with a sweet smile, "Uncles and aunties, you’ve all worked hard for my village house, this little money doesn’t compare to your efforts."

Auntie Liu’s smile was so wide her eyes disappeared, "Ningning, you really have a way with words!"

When almost all the silver had been distributed.

Shen Ningning then addressed the villagers, "I have another matter; would you aunts be willing to continue helping me?"