Time flew by quickly, and after Shen Tang wrapped up the morning meeting, she heard that the Head of the Yun Family was busy organizing his grandson’s hundred-day banquet.

Shen Tang also had to think about what kind of gift to send.

Since she had nothing else planned for the afternoon, she decided to swing by for a visit.

As soon as she arrived at the Yun Family’s gate, she heard a commotion not far away. Several beastmen were crying out in distress as they chased a chubby little wolf cub.

"Young Master, please don’t run!"

"If you get lost, we’ll be in big trouble! Slow down, don’t run into that corner..."

"Who left the bamboo pole here? Ouch!"

"Bang!"

It seemed like they crashed into something, followed by panicked cries from the beastmen. Someone tripped and fell face-first into the dirt.

Several others followed suit and toppled over in a heap.

Four or five tall and burly adult beastmen, chasing a little wolf cub, were being completely played for fools.

Watching this amusing scene, Shen Tang couldn’t help but laugh.

She gave Hu Yun and several beastmen from the guard team a look, and they immediately spread out to block the path.

"Awroo?"

The little wolf cub was happily scampering along, but upon seeing a group of unfamiliar beastmen ahead with seemingly bad intentions, it slammed to a halt in fright and made a beeline for the most gentle and easy-to-bully-looking Shen Tang.

Unfortunately, it didn’t make it more than two steps before being scooped up into a pair of soft arms.

Shen Tang unceremoniously ruffled its fluffy round head, exaggerating, "Running off again? There’s been bad people in the city lately catching little beast cubs to make stew. A little wolf cub like you—your meat’s the tenderest!"

"Aroo!"

Although the little wolf cub was still young and couldn’t quite understand, Shen Tang’s ominously teasing tone made it shiver instinctively.

Shen Tang chuckled, then gave its little head another vigorous rub, even fondling its furry ears. The tips of its ears were covered with a layer of silvery-white fuzz, and in the sunlight, you could see the thin blood vessels underneath.

Back when it was born, it was small and weaker than average cubs. Now, though, it had grown plump and round, resembling a little snowball from afar! It was even chubbier than cubs its own age!

"Awroo awroo~"

The little wolf cub let out a couple of non-threatening woofs, kicking its legs to free itself from her embrace.

The beastmen, panting heavily, finally caught up. Spotting Shen Tang, they hurriedly knelt down to salute, "Greetings, Your Majesty!"

Gong Yao also came running over, gasping for air. Seeing the rascal was safe, she finally breathed a sigh of relief.

She saw it was Shen Tang and Hu Yun, and both surprised and delighted, quickly saluted, "What brings Your Majesty here? Greetings, Your Majesty! I apologize for the disturbance!"

"No need for such formality, I was just passing by and happened to help catch this little troublemaker." Shen Tang said with a smile.

Compared to before, Gong Yao now looked more dignified and beautiful.

Back in the Northern Border Tribe, she wore coarse clothes and led a modest life. Now, the Yun Family took great care of her, sparing nothing in her quality of life.

Dressed in fine clothes, she appeared much healthier and more prosperous compared to the pale, thin figure she was after childbirth. Her cheeks were rosy, and she carried herself with an elegance akin to that of aristocratic ladies.

Though her hair was a bit messy and, upon closer inspection, she wore mismatched shoes!

"It seems life is quite lively with this little fellow around, you’ve even worn the wrong shoes." Shen Tang teased.

Gong Yao blushed, smacking her forehead in frustration, "It’s all because of this little troublemaker! I was in such a rush to find him, I didn’t even notice! He ran off with one of my shoes! ... Just the other day, he secretly chewed on his grandpa’s beard! Your Majesty, wouldn’t you say he’s a little rascal?"

The little wolf cub seemed to understand it was being scolded, awkwardly licked the tip of its nose, wagging its tail ingratiatingly, and looked away.

"Haha~ A real handful, but you should keep a closer watch on him." Shen Tang handed the little wolf cub over to Gong Yao, "Won’t you invite me in for some tea?"

"It would be our pleasure, Your Majesty, please come in!"

The gazebo was already prepared with tea and snacks.

Shen Tang rarely visited the Yun Family and had initially meant to drop by and check on Gong Yao. Lately, she had been preoccupied with Empire affairs and finally had some free time today.

During this time, she had heard quite a bit of news.

The old Head of the Yun Family was getting on in years and sometimes couldn’t manage everything, so Gong Yao started helping with the household affairs.

Despite being from a border tribe, Gong Yao was capable and didn’t have the arrogance of aristocratic ladies. She was down-to-earth, smart, and diligent. Initially, the old head had some prejudice against her background, thinking she wasn’t worthy of the Yun Family. Now, he’s gradually accepted her and genuinely likes this daughter-in-law.