The way he leaned in and stared intently made Yuan Heng feel as if his ger was being coveted. He snorted unhappily. Xiao Ruo quickly averted his gaze and came back to his senses. "Jin ger is with child?!"
"......" Wang Jin was snapped back to reality by his loud, howling exclamation. Because of this, the beastmen who had been moving about in the pavilion all gathered around.
"Jin ger is with child!"
"Brother Heng will have an heir!"
"Congratulations, congratulations!"
"This is wonderful news!"
For a moment, everyone chattered around Wang Jin as if he were some rare treasure, all looking at him with shining eyes.
The noise gave Wang Jin a headache. Seeing this, Yuan Heng gave the crowd a rather imposing look. They understood and fell silent, but joy was still evident on their faces.
This joy infected Wang Jin, and his mood couldn't help but improve as well.
These people… I'm the one carrying the child, and Brother Heng is the one gaining an heir… but they all look as though the joy belongs to them even more than it does to us.
Wang Jin thought of the man's beast form—a majestic white tiger with wings… If it were his son, a small white tiger with soft, not-yet-unfolded wings… perhaps… that wasn't unacceptable either…
Wang Jin relaxed his body and leaned gently into the man's embrace behind him. "I'm fine. Xiao Ruo, has A-Mu's child been given a name?"
"Yes, his milk name is Hu Hu (Tiger), and his formal name is Lai An."
"Hu Hu…" Wang Jin laughed. "That's quite cute. It's a shame I haven't seen him."
He was pregnant now, and who knew when he would be able to go see Mu ger…
The ger's disappointment was obvious. Yuan Heng's heart ached, and he spoke up, "Why not have Mu ger come stay with you?"
"The Danmu tribe is so far from here. A-Mu is a weak ger, and Hu Hu was just born. How can we make them travel such a long journey?" Wang Jin shook his head.
"Then shall I send someone to fetch them?" A man's voice came from the doorway. Everyone looked over and saw Xi Ning walking in with his hands behind his back.
Everyone hurried to bow in greeting. Wang Jin and Yuan Heng instantly separated and stood up straight.
Xi Ning found this amusing and said softly, "No need to be formal. I came to inform everyone that the city is holding a banquet of gratitude tonight to thank you all for helping our Ning'an City survive this crisis."
He paused and turned to Yuan Heng. "Yuan Heng, your friends have done a great service for my Ning'an City. How can they continue to stay at Keyuan Residence? I have already arranged for them to be brought back into the city and settled in other accommodations. I have also invited them to tonight's banquet. If you wish to have a meal with them, it will have to be another day. You must not compete with me for their time tonight."
"Alright," Yuan Heng agreed.
"Yao'er." Xi Ning took Wang Jin's hand and said gently, "You were frightened this time. All members of the Zhao family are dead, including that Zhao Xiang who helped Pan Shulin. He took his own life in the Zhao family courtyard, likely after learning of his father and brother's failure. As long as you deal with Pan Shulin properly, you need not worry about anyone else troubling you."
"Thank you, brother," Wang Jin replied softly.
"Earlier, when I said I would send someone to fetch your good friend to Ning'an City, it was true. I was not joking with you. You are with child now and need a close ger by your side to take care of you. Leaving it entirely to servants is ultimately not reassuring. In Ning'an City, only Shi Yu is trustworthy. Although I have sent messenger birds to recall Shi Yu and his father, Shi Yu is a bit careless and might not take good care of you. Now you mention having a good and trustworthy ger friend in the Danmu tribe—this is perfect… I will immediately send someone to bring him here."
Xi Ning continued, "Don't worry about issues like the long journey being dangerous. I will send people for protection and arrange the most comfortable carriage to bring him here. He won't feel tired, nor will there be any danger. Besides, Ning'an City is much more comfortable to live in than the tribe. Don't you really want your friend to come live in Ning'an City? His newborn little beastman can also receive the best care here in the city."
Hearing this, Wang Jin hesitated. Seeing this, Yuan Heng added from the side, "Ger, why not let Mu ger come? They will have to come here eventually anyway."
Wang Jin looked at Yuan Heng in confusion. Xi Ning also looked at him.
Yuan Heng said, "I am going to build a city. I will not return to the Danmu tribe. The ancient beast tribe's protective emblem remaining in Danmu will soon lose its effect. That place will not hold against next year's beast horde. I intend for the people of the Danmu tribe to come to the city as well."
"Build a city?!" The beastmen from the Danmu tribe were astonished.
Xiao Ruo frowned and said, "This is a major matter, Brother Heng."
"I know," Yuan Heng replied, the determination on his face unwavering. Seeing him like this, the Danmu tribe beastmen knew his decision was already made.
Xiao Ruo said, "I am naturally willing. Wherever Brother Heng is, I will be… But this matter involves many people. I may need to return and discuss it with the healer and the others."
"Yes, that is only proper," Yuan Heng nodded.
Xi Ning frowned, looking at Yuan Heng. "You… come with me for a moment."
Yuan Heng paused slightly but obediently followed Xi Ning to the side. The two of them spoke in whispers over there. Wang Jin watched them curiously, straining his ears to listen but catching not a single sound.
Seeing Yuan Heng walk away, Xiao Ruo leaned closer to Wang Jin and whispered, "Jin ger… you and Brother Heng really aren't returning to the tribe?"
"No," Wang Jin shook his head. "Stay in Ning'an City for a couple of days, and you'll understand that the conveniences of city life are beyond what the tribe can compare to."
"But… but… that was always our home," Xiao Ruo said softly.
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