Chapter 88

Chapter 88: The Emperor Awaits Ningning

Shen Ningning turned back.

"What's wrong?"

"Don't forget, in half a month, it's my birthday," Mo Lingwei said gravely.

It wasn't that he wanted a gift, but rather he feared Shen Ningning would forget.

Her little mind always seemed to forget what he said.

Shen Ningning smiled brightly, her dimples showing, her appearance youthful and adorable.

"I know, I won’t forget!" she said, waving her hand.

The Black Wolf King led the pack as they sprinted away, followed by the wolves, like swift winds.

Once they were gone, the townspeople dared to regather.

They discussed in amazement —

"Was that a real wolf? It's the first time I've seen a wolf that doesn’t harm people."

"My goodness, that wolf was so huge, I thought it was a bear."

"Exactly! Scared me half to death, but who would have thought, so many wolves, and not only did they not harm people or destroy anything, they all listened to that little girl."

Shen Ningning was unaware that after this incident, her reputation as the 'Little Wolf Girl' would spread even wider.

Upon learning of Mo Lingwei's return, the Emperor immediately exclaimed in gratitude to the heavens!

Chen Shaobei reported that it was Shen Ningning's wolf pack that found them in the deep mountains and led them back.

The Emperor felt even more that Shen Ningning was his son's lucky star.

Hearing that his son was returning with an injured person, the Emperor guessed it must be the young Miss Shen.

To express his gratitude, he went to the city gate with his ministers, personally waiting to welcome them.

Soon, the carriage carrying Mo Lingwei appeared.

As the carriage stopped, the Emperor proactively lifted the curtain, revealing a stern yet kind smile.

"Miss Shen, I've long heard of your name, and today I finally have the chance to meet you."

However, when the curtain was lifted, he saw only his son Mo Lingwei's cold face.

The Emperor paused, scanning the interior of the carriage.

Where was the young lady?

There was only an injured guard, his body wrapped in bandages.

"Father, what are you doing?" Mo Lingwei glanced sideways, noticing the court officials peeking curiously behind the Emperor.

The Emperor, puzzled, asked, "Didn't you bring back that young Miss Shen Ningning?"

"Of course not. She's been away from home for so long. I sent her back to inform her family, so they wouldn't worry."

Having said this, Mo Lingwei slightly frowned, "Are you here to intercept her?"

The Emperor straightened his face, feigning a lesson: "Nonsense! I am here to thank her. Her pack of wolves saved your life!"

"There's no need," Mo Lingwei replied coolly, "I'm tired and need to rest."

"Alright, alright," the Emperor immediately stepped aside.

The carriage entered the palace.

The Emperor loudly commanded, "Send for four imperial physicians to the Zichen Palace to attend to the Crown Prince's injuries!"

A smile couldn't help but appear on his face.

Just now, Mo Lingwei had spoken quite a bit to him without arguing.

Usually, their father-son conversations would turn into arguments after just a few sentences.

This time, the Emperor felt quite relieved.

Seeing the Emperor smile, the chief eunuch also smiled along.

The Emperor glanced at him coldly, "Why are you smiling?"

The chief eunuch's smile froze on his face: "Your servant... of course, is happy for the Crown Prince's miraculous escape from death!"

The Emperor's smile vanished, and he ordered sternly, "Hurry and release the Lord of Guangyang County! Compensate and appease him with rewards."

"When I ordered his arrest yesterday, why didn't you try to stop me?"

The chief eunuch internally cried out in injustice.

Who would dare to intervene when the Emperor was in a rage?

"Well, aren't you going? Or do you want me to send you?"

"Your servant will go at once!" The chief eunuch hurried off to convey the orders.

After returning home, Shen Ningning found Grandma Qin extremely worried and anxious.

She hadn't slept for two days.

Seeing Shen Ningning return safely and hearing the reasons, Grandma Qin clasped her hands together in gratitude, thanking the gods for their protection.

The little one rested at home for two or three days.

Later, Chen Ye also came to visit her.

Because Granny Chen hadn't seen her in the village for several days, she was very worried.

After explaining the situation, Shen Ningning asked Chen Ye to go to the private school to inquire about news.

She wanted to know if everyone had returned safely.

Later, Chen Ye informed her that everyone had come back.

Although after she fell down the valley, the teachers and others were trapped for half a day.

But on the next day, the Ministry of Works repaired the rope bridge.

"By the way, when I went to the private school, a young master with the surname Lu was inquiring about your wellbeing."

Hearing this, Shen Ningning nodded slightly: "That's Lu Shaoyuan, my friend."

Chen Ye smiled, "Miss, you really have good relations. Apart from him, there were a few classmates, like Xiang Qian and Ren Yu, who also asked about you."

"They were relieved to hear you were safe."

"Oh, and that classmate Ren Yu asked me to pass a message to you."

"She said for you to take good care of yourself and mentioned that Qin Fangmei’s foot has become infected."

Infected?

Shen Ningning showed no reaction.

But she couldn’t help but turn to look at Grandma Qin in the courtyard.

Qin Fangmei was her grandmother's granddaughter. Even if Grandma Qin no longer acknowledged Uncle Qin, would she be upset hearing about Qin Fangmei's injury?

Shen Ningning turned back, her voice soft, "I understand, thank you for your efforts, Big Brother Chen."

Chen Ye smiled, "Miss, you are being too formal. I'm glad to be of help."

"By the way, Miss, when will you visit the village again? During your absence, the loquat trees in the village have grown remarkably fast."

"Everyone finds it fascinating and says it’s your good fortune that has blessed the trees, making the fruits grow earlier than usual."

Shen Ningning was surprised.

The loquat saplings she provided had grown fruits so quickly?

It must be because they were previously planted in the fairyland.

Early the next morning.

Shen Ningning took a cartload of spring water to the village.

Having not visited for almost a week, everyone in the village was beaming with joy.

As soon as they saw Shen Ningning, they hurriedly put down their hoes and shoulder poles, gathering around her.

"Ningning! Oh my, we heard you fell off a cliff. Are you alright now?"

"I'm fine now, Uncle. Thank you for your concern," the little one said with a sweet smile.

The scratches she had gotten on her face from tree branches had completely healed, thanks to soaking in the spring water for a few days.

Shen Ningning went to check on the loquat trees in the village.

Indeed, as Chen Ye said, they had grown unusually fast, as if they had been nourished by the spring water.

The saplings she had brought were now taller than a person, with lush, green leaves unfazed by the scorching sun.

The green loquat fruits were clustered on the branches.

The best-growing ones were still the two loquat trees in Shen Ningning's own yard.

Her family's land was the most barren and infertile in the area; even in years without droughts, the Qin family struggled to grow anything with disappointing harvests.

However, Shen Ningning's loquat trees were growing thick and lush.

Her loquat fruits were starting to turn slightly yellow at the tips, indicating they would ripen soon!

Chen Ye came over, supporting Granny Chen.

"Ningning, you really are a little lucky star. I’ve never seen loquat trees grow so fast."

"It must be because Uncle Liu and the others took good care of them," the little girl replied.

The old village chief, his head wrapped in white gauze, was supported by his son, walking over with a group of villagers.

"Ningning." The village chief was recovering well but had become much thinner, his voice weak.

The little one quickly approached, "Grandpa Village Chief, how are you feeling? I was just about to visit you."

The village chief nodded contentedly, "Much better, and it’s thanks to your help."

The money from the sale of the jewels and treasures from the bandit suppression not only treated his injuries but also fed his family well.

"Ningning, I wanted to discuss something with you now that you’re back."