Chapter 97

Chapter 97: Ungrateful Little Shen Ningning

Shen Ningning reacted extremely quickly.

She repacked the gold, put it back into the bucket, and threw the bucket back into the dry well.

Grandma Qin clenched her teeth and, with a firm push, nudged Wu Zuchang.

Wu Zuchang lost his balance and fell on the ground, sitting down hard.

"Ouch, ouch..." he cried while rubbing his buttocks, his wailing resembling that of a five-year-old child.

Qian Si Niang, hearing the commotion, rushed over.

She was visibly shocked, "My son, are you alright?"

Grandma Qin, pulling Shen Ningning back, said, "We just saw Zuchang fall down here. Ningning wanted to help him up. Quickly pick him up and see if he's hurt."

Fortunately, Wu Zuchang was only in pain from the fall.

Shen Ningning winked at him, and he wiped away his tears, breaking into a foolish smile.

Qian Si Niang dusted off the dirt from his body, sighing, "I'm sorry you had to see this, Grandma Qin."

Grandma Qin gripped Shen Ningning's small hand tightly, "It's alright, Zuchang's mother. I think I'll take Ningning back with me for now."

Qian Si Niang's heart tightened, "Why? Ningning is my own daughter. Grandma Qin, if you have any requests, please feel free to ask."

"Zuchang's mother, you misunderstand me. Whether or not she's your daughter, we need further investigation. At my age, I want to be cautious. I don’t want to wrong Ningning for the rest of her life."

After Grandma Qin finished speaking, Shen Ningning stepped forward.

Naturally beautiful and bright, her demeanor while speaking politely was exceptionally sweet and adorable.

"Auntie Wu, from now on, you can come to Xiangyun Village every two days to spend time with me. Perhaps as we get more familiar with each other, it will be easier for us to grow close."

Grandma Qin was immediately surprised by Shen Ningning's words.

The little girl should know they are imposters, so why would she suggest this?

Qian Si Niang hesitated for a moment.

Eventually, she nodded, "That's a good idea. You're right, we owe you for these four years. Spending more time together, you'll see that your dad and I truly want to make amends."

Grandma Qin led Shen Ningning out.

Meanwhile, Wu Cui had just killed a chicken and was bringing it back.

He had planned to make chicken soup for Shen Ningning at noon.

Seeing them about to leave, he was startled, "What's going on, why are you leaving?"

Grandma Qin briefly explained the situation.

Wu Cui looked at Qian Si Niang, and after seeing her nod, he relaxed, though he still frowned.

"Alright then, Ningning, we'll come to Xiangyun Village to see you in two days."

Wu Zuchang, seeing Shen Ningning leaving, hurriedly followed them.

He called out, "Girl, girl..." in his simple way.

The little girl turned back and said to him, "Brother Zuchang, see you in two days!"

Wu Zuchang followed her closely, step by step.

Finally, Qian Si Niang pulled her son back, "Zuchang, stop making a fuss. We’ll go together to Xiangyun Village to see your sister in two days."

Wu Zuchang calmed down but watched Shen Ningning worriedly as she walked away.

Once they were out of the village and the family was out of sight,

Grandma Qin asked, "Ningning, have you decided to recognize them? But they aren’t your real parents!"

Shen Ningning shook her head, "Grandma, someone has been targeting me."

Grandma Qin’s eyebrows knitted in concern, "What do you mean?"

"Someone must have deliberately found Wu Cui and his wife to pose as my parents. That person knows me well. They know about the red mole on my hand and that I have an heirloom from my parents."

However, Grandma Qin had always taught the little girl to hide the ruyi well.

So no one else had seen it, and they could only blindly guess it was a longevity lock, which was a giveaway.

Grandma Qin gasped and whispered angrily, "It must be my good-for-nothing son, Qin Sheng. He must have spilled everything about you."

Now Shen Ningning had some fame, could drive away wolves, and had earned some silver with the loquat trees. She had even made acquaintances with several nobles.

The number of people coming to falsely claim her would only increase.

The little girl’s eyes were as dark and shiny as two gems.

She understood their intentions, so she was no longer afraid!

"The gold that Wu Zuchang accidentally showed us must have been given by that person."

Someone who could afford so much money was likely not ordinary.

Both Shen Ningning and Grandma Qin thought of Du Yuanwai.

But he couldn't yet fathom why the emperor would do that.

After all, if it was to avenge Aunt Qin, Mr. Du should have arranged for Shen Ningning's situation to be as miserable as possible, so why would he find her a family with decent conditions?

The little one's voice was soft and sweet: "So, I need to interact with them and uncover the person behind this."

Grandma Qin exclaimed in surprise, "Ningning, you're too brave. These people have malicious intentions; who knows what they're up to?"

Shen Ningning tilted her head and smiled sweetly, "If we don't catch the culprit this time, they'll remain hidden in the shadows, plotting who knows what next!"

So, Ningning is not afraid, instead turning the tables on them!

The grandmother and granddaughter had just left the village when they saw dust billowing in the distance.

It seemed like a large group of horses was approaching, kicking up clouds of dust.

Grandma Qin quickly pulled Shen Ningning to the side of the road.

Unexpectedly, the man leading the riders, dressed in a dark robe and a golden crown with horsehair, rode a magnificent horse.

He galloped toward them, abruptly pulling on the reins in front of Shen Ningning.

The familiar, icy gaze of Mo Lingwei came into view.

"Brother!" the little one's eyes lit up with surprise.

Before his horse had fully steadied, Mo Lingwei had already dismounted, sword in hand.

He stood there like a fierce flame of cold, dark energy, asking Shen Ningning, "Is it true that people in this village are recklessly claiming kinship with you?"

Before the little one could answer, Mo Lingwei nodded in affirmation.

He gave an order—

"Surround them for me. I want to see who dares to spout such nonsense."

Shen Ningning quickly grabbed his wrist, "Brother, don't!"

Mo Lingwei looked at her sideways, "You want to plead for them? Shen Ningning, can’t you see this is a scam?"

Grandma Qin, seeing his aggressive demeanor, hurriedly explained, "Ningning saw through it."

Chen Shaobei approached from behind, "Your Highness, perhaps we should hear what Miss Shen has to say. Besides, this isn’t a good place to talk."

Mo Lingwei calmed down.

He swiftly lifted Shen Ningning onto his horse's back, then mounted behind her.

Chen Shaobei then helped Grandma Qin onto his horse.

Mo Lingwei had rushed out in a hurry and hadn't brought a carriage, so the elderly lady had to endure some discomfort.

Fortunately, Grandma Qin was in good health.

The group moved slowly towards Xiangyun Village.

On the way, Shen Ningning shared her discoveries and thoughts with Mo Lingwei.

The young man’s icy brows furrowed repeatedly upon hearing this.

"You’re so bold, knowing what kind of people might be behind this, yet you want to play mind games with them?"

The little girl blinked her innocent round eyes, "I’m not afraid, at least, I have my brother to protect me!"

Mo Lingwei was actually satisfied with her response, and his brows relaxed slightly.

However, his tone remained stern, accompanied by a cold laugh.

"I protect you, yet for such obviously fake parents, you skip my birthday feast. You’re ungrateful, Shen Ningning."

The little girl silently pulled something out of her pocket and hid it in her hand.

Her voice was a mix of grievance and softness, "Brother talking like this makes me so sad. I spent a lot of silver on a gift for you!"

"Ah, since brother is angry, he probably won't accept my gift, so I won’t give it."

Mo Lingwei’s eyebrows twitched.

He decisively extended his hand, "Give it to me."