The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure
Chapter 418 Jelly Legs

Chapter 418: Chapter 418 Jelly Legs

Wang Yongzhu’s voice was loud, and the hunters all heard it. The younger hunters couldn’t help but snicker, finding the girl from outside the mountains to be quite amusing for actually attempting to negotiate with animals. Could these beasts understand human speech?

However, a few of the older hunters didn’t laugh; instead, they revealed a cautious demeanor.

It seemed as if the wolf had understood Wang Yongzhu’s words, hesitatingly howling inquisitively, as if to pose a question.

Wang Yongzhu raised her dagger. "Rest assured, I keep my promises! As long as you are willing to leave, I guarantee that I won’t kill another wolf! I can even vow that as long as you don’t attack first, I won’t lay a finger on your pack in the future, how about that?"

The leading wolf glanced at the approaching torches, then back at Wang Yongzhu. Its deep, green eyes stared at her for a long while before it howled towards the nearby wolves.

The wolf pack received the signal and swiftly vanished into the darkness.

The leading wolf turned its head to look at Wang Yongzhu one last time before also disappearing into the darkness. After a rustling sound, that spine-chilling sensation of being surrounded and watched gradually faded.

Only then did Wang Yongzhu let out a sigh of relief, her legs gave in, and she nearly fell to the ground.

Fortunately, Song Chongjin caught her and allowed her to lean on him, asking softly, "Are you alright?"

Wang Yongzhu managed a wry smile. "My legs are weak!"

Despite her calm negotiations with the leading wolf just moments ago, she had been sweating through her back, especially when locked under the gaze of the wolf’s eyes—she felt her legs go soft, sustained purely by willpower.

Song Chongjin adjusted his hold to make her more comfortable, then whispered, "How did you come up with the idea to negotiate with the leading wolf?"

Could Wang Yongzhu explain that it was to maintain the diversity of species on Dahei Mountain? Could she say that the preservation of the wolf species was good for the ecosystem?

If they truly exterminated the wolf pack, it would likely bring more harm than good in the long run.

Now that half of the wolf pack’s fighting strength had been decimated, for the next few years, they would probably quietly multiply and grow stronger in the depths of the mountains. They also had natural predators, so life wouldn’t be easy for them, and they would likely have no inclination to harass or attack the villages.

She vaguely replied, "I’ve heard from the elders that those who become pack leaders almost understand human nature. We don’t need to fight these wolves to the death, just intimidate them enough, and they’ll stay away from the village in the future."

Before Song Chongjin could respond, an aged voice rang out, "This maid indeed has some wits about her, a promising seedling for a hunter!"

Turning around, they saw Uncle Huzi standing with two older hunters, their hair half white, behind them, their eyes filled with admiration and gratitude.

Just as Wang Yongzhu was about to speak, Liu Daming led the remaining hunters from Chongzi Gou down the slope. Seeing that everyone was unharmed, he finally relaxed.

Father Liu surveyed the scene and quickly walked towards Wang Yongzhu.

Upon arrival, he looked at Uncle Huzi and the two elderly hunters, relieved to see they were in good spirits and without injuries, then punching Uncle Huzi on the shoulder, he said, "Brother Huzi, glad you’re alright! Great Ming’s return to report had us worried sick. We hurried over fearing the worst, but it seems you’ve not lost your bravery with age, managing to fend off a wolf pack..."

Uncle Huzi’s face flushed red. "Don’t mention it, this wasn’t my doing. Today, our survival is thanks to your guests, especially this young man and your daughter. They’re the real heroes!"

Father Liu was taken aback and looked towards Wang Yongzhu and Song Chongjin.

These two young people? Seeing the bloodstains on their faces and bodies and their fatigue, something resonated within Father Liu.

However, it wasn’t the time for questions. He simply patted Song Chongjin on the shoulder, then turned and said, "It’s getting late, and with so many dead wolves, the blood smell is too strong. We’d better hurry, or else if something big is attracted, there will be trouble."

The warning was serious, and everyone understood the logic.

No need for further ado, the hunters quickly packed up their things and, working together, hoisted the wolf carcass onto the sled, let the dogs pull it along, lit their torches, and made for Chongzi Gou.

Along the way, everyone looked at Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu with eyes full of admiration.

Those who wanted to strike up a conversation, upon seeing Song Chongjin’s darkened face, backed out, instead focusing their questions on Wang Yongping.

Wang Yongping, ever straightforward, eagerly regaled the hunters with tales involving his sister and brother-in-law.

Father Liu and Uncle Huzi, up front, overheard the chatter and couldn’t help but ask in low voices, "Brother Huzi, you saw it with your own eyes, was it really that amazing?"

Uncle Huzi gave a thumbs up: "Truly amazing!"

Father Liu fell silent, then turned back to look at Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu.

By hurrying along, they finally made it back to Chongzi Gou before midnight.

People in Chongzi Gou were still awake; each household had a torch lit at the entrance, illuminating the entire village.

Women, children, and the elderly all waited at the village entrance, their eyes fixed on the forest.

Wang Laozhu and Old Granny Zhang were also among the crowd, worried sick for their three children who had gone, uncertain of their situation.

Far off, the flickering of torchlight could be seen in the woods, and the sound of people talking could be heard; the children cheered first.

The women wiped away tears too.

Mother Liu stood with Old Granny Zhang, watching the scene unfold, wiping away tears and reassuring Old Granny Zhang, "They’re back!"

Old Granny Zhang stood on tiptoe, looking toward the woods.

Soon, the hunters emerged from the forest carrying their torches, and the children rushed to greet them.

The hunters, laughing, lifted their young high into the air, their laughter and the children’s screams piercing the night.

Each family’s stay-at-home women and elders eagerly sought out their own men and children.

Spotting them, they laughed and pounced, embracing tightly, grateful to be reunited alive.

Old Granny Zhang, with sharp eyes, spotted Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu. She didn’t hesitate and hurried over, first grabbing Wang Yongzhu’s hand, eyeing her up and down. Upon seeing the blood all over her, her legs gave way: "My dear girl, are... are you alright...?"

"Mother, I’m fine! Don’t worry, it’s all wolf blood!" Wang Yongzhu hastily explained.

Only then did Old Granny Zhang breathe a sigh of relief and turned to Song Chongjin: "And Chongjin, are you injured?"

Song Chongjin nodded at Old Granny Zhang: "Mother, I’m fine! We took down quite a few wolves this time. I’m going to trouble you to make more jerky and meat paste!"

Old Granny Zhang beamed with joy: "As long as you’re fine, that’s all that matters! You enjoy the jerky and meat paste mama makes? Don’t worry, I’ll make plenty this time and save it all for you."

She then voiced her concern: "But tell me, how did you run into a pack of wolves again? I’ve heard that those wolves hold grudges. Didn’t you hunt down many of them last time? Could it be that the pack came looking for revenge?"