Chapter 55

"The cool and delicious sour plum soup was sweet and tangy."

"Grandma Qin had poured it into a jug and asked Shen Ningning to keep it in the lotus pond of the spring water."

"This way, when taken out after a while, it was as refreshing as if chilled on ice."

"Shen Ningning poured a large bowl for Mo Lingwei."

"After drinking it, he indeed felt much cooler, dispelling the heat from his morning's journey."

"'When I was coming here, I saw several streams and clear rivers in the mountains. Are they from your spring?' Mo Lingwei asked, looking at the young girl beside him."

"Shen Ningning nodded, 'Yes, the mountains are too dry. If the animals can’t find water, they come looking for me, which is not safe.'"

"Mo Lingwei, holding the empty bowl, gently nodded."

"Thankfully, she had placed her spring water there."

"This morning, while searching high and low for Shen Ningning, his water skin ran dry, nearly leaving him parched to death."

"Shen Ningning added, 'Brother, wait a moment, I'll get you some lotus seed pudding. My grandma makes it really delicious!'"

"After she left, Mo Lingwei stood up and poured himself another bowl of sour plum soup."

"As he was about to sit back down, Wolf Three stealthily extended a paw."

"And pushed his stool away!"

"Mo Lingwei suddenly found himself sitting on the ground."

"The sour plum soup splashed onto the front of his white garment, embroidered with a dragon pattern!"

"Wolf Three chuckled softly, and the wolves lying in the shade nearby seemed to bare their teeth in a smile, as if they were snickering."

"'You!' Mo Lingwei stood up, glaring at Wolf Three at his feet."

"Wolf Three closed its eyes, pretending to be asleep."

"As if it had nothing to do with the recent mischief!"

"It was just an innocent little wolf stretching its legs!"

"Just then, Shen Ningning returned with a plate of lotus seed pudding."

"She saw the wet patch on Mo Lingwei's chest, standing out starkly against the white fabric."

"Brother, what happened to you, did you fall down?"

"Mo Lingwei was about to blame the wolves for their mischief."

"However, when he looked up, he found that all the wolves had their eyes closed, as if deep in sleep."

"Only the Black Wolf King leisurely and lazily licked its paw."

"Mo Lingwei narrowed his eyes."

"Were these wolves playing sly with him?"

"He looked down at Shen Ningning, 'I accidentally spilled it. It seems I might need to stay here a bit longer.'"

"He had intended to tell her something and then leave."

"But now, Mo Lingwei changed his mind."

"The wolves let out soft howls, seemingly frustrated."

"Hearing this, Shen Ningning immediately nodded with delight, 'Sure! Brother, take it off and I'll have Grandma wash it for you!'"

"'No need, I'll do it myself,' he said, efficiently removing his robe and shirt."

"Under the sunlight, the young man's solid torso shone like white jade, radiating a strong and powerful glow."

"His handsome collarbones and well-defined muscles exuded a vibrant youthfulness."

"Mo Lingwei, still in his pants and boots, didn't forget to take out Shen Ningning's handkerchief from his clothes, and went to the flowing spring water to wash them together."

"Finally, with Shen Ningning's help, he hung both his clothes and the handkerchief on a line to dry."

"The two sat back down on the chairs under the veranda, enjoying the mountain breeze."

"Mo Lingwei, looking at Shen Ningning's round and delicate face, shared his real reason for visiting."

"'Actually, I came to tell you something. About your request to investigate your origins, I've almost found a clue,' he said."

"Hearing this, the young girl immediately sat up straight, her black, watery eyes filled with ecstatic joy."

"'Really? Brother, did you find my parents!?'"

"'Not yet, but I sent people to investigate and found out that a midwife in Yu'an County once helped a Shen family deliver a baby girl. If we can find her and confirm the details, we might be able to find your parents.'"

"All the clues were matching up!"

"Shen Ningning's face lit up with joy!"

"'When can we go to find this midwife and get the details?' the young girl asked."

"Mo Lingwei nodded, 'If you're willing, I'll come to pick you up tomorrow morning, and we'll go together.'"

"For this, he had already postponed all other matters."

"Shen Ningning promptly agreed, 'Great! That's fantastic!'"

"Overwhelmed with happiness, the young girl rushed over and hugged Mo Lingwei's hands."

"'Brother, you're so kind! If you help me find my father and mother, I will be sure to thank you properly!'"

"Looking into Shen Ningning's bright and joyful eyes, Mo Lingwei's gaze drifted down to see her small hands holding one of his."

"Her hands were too small, delicate and fair, with slightly chubby fingertips."

"They were like tender water radishes."

"Mo Lingwei gave a light cough, allowing her to hold onto his hand."

"'You helped me, so it's only right that I help you in return.'"

"The wolves stared at their hands, almost as if their eyes were shooting flames."

"Their precious Ningning, how could she be held by this man and not let go!"

"Soon, Grandma Qin had the lunch dishes ready."

"There were soup dumplings with mushroom and pork, with thin skins that burst into a fragrant, juicy flow at the first bite."

"Alongside were steamed pork ribs, aromatic braised tofu, crispy fried fish fillets, and cold chicken shreds in chili oil!"

"Grandma Qin also prepared a special bowl of clear stewed yam and duck soup."

"Looking at the lavish spread, Mo Lingwei paused, 'Madam Qin, you've gone to great lengths.'"

"'Not at all, not at all, please eat more!' Grandma Qin beamed."

"Shen Ningning was already holding a bowl, eagerly starting to eat!"

"Grandma Qin was extremely hospitable, continuously serving Mo Lingwei."

"The wolves lay nearby, each gnawing on a meaty, satisfying bone."

"Observing this harmonious atmosphere, Mo Lingwei felt a stirring in his heart."

"He suddenly realized what had drawn him to seek out Shen Ningning's persistence."

"During his recovery, the sense of peace Shen Ningning gave him was too profound."

"Even as a crown prince, it felt like walking on the edge of a knife."

"But living in the mountains with Shen Ningning allowed him to momentarily shed his heavy burdens, forgetting the intrigue and cruelty of the struggle for power in the palace."

"Lost in thought, he immersed himself in these reflections."

"His deep, dark eyes, filled with a gentle warmth, were fixed on Shen Ningning."

"Eventually, the young girl noticed."

"She glanced at Mo Lingwei, then down at the large duck leg in her bowl."

"After a moment of thought, Shen Ningning quietly picked up the duck leg and placed it in Mo Lingwei's bowl."

"A painful sacrifice of 'love'!"

"Mo Lingwei was taken aback, snapping back to reality."

"The young girl's voice was soft, her large eyes fluttering, 'Brother, if you want to eat it, just eat, don't keep staring pitifully.'"

"Mo Lingwei: ..."

"She thought he was coveting the duck leg in her bowl!?"

"Grandma Qin couldn't stop smiling, 'We have plenty more at home. Next time you visit, Your Highness, I'll make some more!'"

"Mo Lingwei, with a darkened expression, transferred the duck leg back to her bowl."

"'You eat it, I don't need it.' He wasn't longing for the duck leg!"

"After a hearty meal, Mo Lingwei volunteered to help Grandma Qin chop firewood."

"He piled up enough to make half a wall."

"Grandma Qin was delighted, continually praising Mo Lingwei for his kindness."

"As the sun set and Mo Lingwei's clothes had dried, he changed back into them, his demeanor returning to its usual noble and reserved state."

"Grandma Qin offered him a bag of oranges to take back."

"But Mo Lingwei politely declined."

"'It's not that I don't want to accept them, but there are many eyes and ears around me. I'm afraid someone might trace the oranges and disturb you,' he explained."

"After his explanation, Grandma Qin did not insist on giving them anymore."

"Shen Ningning escorted him to the door, where Mo Lingwei looked at the young girl."

"He said coolly, 'Remember, I'll be waiting for you at the foot of Wolf Mountain early tomorrow morning.'"

"'Don't wander off or forget, I'll definitely come.'"

"Shen Ningning nodded her little head, 'I know!'"

"She hadn't been running around recklessly; she was always well-behaved, wasn’t she?"

"With that assurance, Mo Lingwei left, not allowing Shen Ningning to accompany him down the mountain."

"Watching his departing figure, Grandma Qin muttered in a daze, 'He doesn't seem like the man from the legends...'"

"Shen Ningning lifted her watery eyes, 'Grandma, what legend?'"

"Coming back to her senses, Grandma Qin smiled and closed the door, 'Nothing, Ningning. Wolf Four ate too much, bring it here, and I'll rub its belly.'"

"The next day,"

"Before dawn."

"Mo Lingwei's carriage was already waiting at the foot of Wolf Mountain."

"Today, like the previous days, we celebrate the launch and wish everyone a happy July. Starting tomorrow, we will return to two updates (4,000 words) a day. Thank you for your support!"