Transmigrated as a Stepmother: Time to Bring the Family to Prosper!-Chapter 396: Face-Slapping Comes So Fast

Upon hearing Ah Wang and Da Lang mention their plan to enter the mountain tomorrow, Qin Yao straightened up from her lazy sitting position, "Going into the mountain at this hour?"

The mountain was covered in white snow, hiding unknown dangers underneath. One careless step, and you might fall into some pit, which would be truly terrible.

Da Lang looked at Ah Wang expectantly, unable to conceal his excitement:

"Aunt Yao, Uncle Ah Wang said we’d just stroll around the outskirts and not go deep. It’s rare for it not to snow these past two days, so he’s taking me for some practical training."

"Always crafting behind closed doors is not good either." Da Lang supplemented earnestly.

Ah Wang also confidently said, "Don’t worry, madam, with me here, nothing will happen to Da Lang."

Afraid that Qin Yao wouldn’t believe, he revealed that he himself had trained among beasts in the past.

So a mere North Mountain was nothing to worry about.

The so-called training wasn’t explained very clearly because Da Lang and Sanlang were present, but Qin Yao realized it must be about the inhuman training in the Death Soldier Camp.

Seeing Da Lang’s expectant expression, Qin Yao thought to herself that it would just be a quick tour around the outskirts, with beasts and birds of prey residing deeper, and nodded slightly. 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

Qin Yao asked, "How long do you plan to stay?"

Ah Wang replied, "Three days."

Da Lang also promised with anticipation, "Aunt Yao, don’t worry. I’ll listen to whatever Uncle Ah Wang says and won’t wander off on my own."

Qin Yao, trusting Ah Wang’s martial skills, wasn’t too worried. After explaining the general terrain of North Mountain to them for convenience, she let them go prepare on their own.

Sanlang and Si Niang heard the news and assumed it was something fun, wanting to tag along, but Liu Ji chased them both back into the hall with one hand each.

"What do you mean go? You’re just little ones; if you fall in the snow, you won’t be seen. How many hands does Ah Wang have that he can save all three of you at once?"

Sanlang and Si Niang realized there was no hope and pouted unhappily.

Liu Ji gave them a flick, "Tsk tsk tsk, look at those mouths pouting so much they could hang an oil jug."

Si Niang howled and opened wide, trying to bite that pesky finger.

Unfortunately, Liu Ji was quick, and before the little girl could bite down, he withdrew his finger, thwarting her attempt.

In the end, they could only hold hands and go find their elder brother. They couldn’t join in, but it didn’t stop them from giving advice on what to bring.

Da Lang was good-natured, agreeing to everything first, and only after the two little ones got bored and left did he helplessly sort out the extra firewood sticks and pots and pans.

He was going for a trial, not a mountain outing—the pots and pans would just be a burden.

However, Qin Yao later spent a fortune having a blacksmith make a small mini pot, so Da Lang searched through the kitchen’s miscellaneous cabinet and stuffed it into his bag.

With this pot in hand, it was as if Aunt Yao was there; it brought him peace of mind!

Once all preparations were made, the next morning after breakfast, they packed enough dry food for three days. Ah Wang led Da Lang, and the two of them confidently headed into North Mountain.

Qin Yao and Liu Ji stood on the porch, watching them until their figures disappeared at the foot of the mountain. Exchanging a glance, Liu Ji said:

"Just now, someone from the Clan Leader’s family came to invite us for a pig slaughter meal at noon."

Qin Yao nodded, instructing Liu Ji to gather the other three children so the family of five could head to the Clan Leader’s home for a meal.

This honor was the first for Qin Yao in the village; even Liu Dafu’s family wasn’t invited.

Liu Ji felt proud and couldn’t help but boast to anyone they met on the way, "We’re going to the Clan Leader’s home for a meal."

Whenever any villager complimented them, Liu Ji’s tail was about to wag to the sky.

Qin Yao just played deaf and blind, realizing she couldn’t sew Liu Ji’s mouth shut.

With the New Year, making things too bloody would affect their fortune.

Luckily, Liu Ji knew his limits and pulled back just before crossing the line.

The family arrived at the Clan Leader’s home. Big chunks of meat were already in the pot, and though the children had eaten in the morning, the aroma of the meat made their eyes sparkle.

The so-called noon meal was actually scheduled for mid-morning.

Because of this mid-morning meal, the Clan Leader’s family hadn’t eaten breakfast. As soon as Qin Yao arrived, they invited her to sit and began the meal.

The Clan Leader was delighted, as the villagers had butchered two pigs this year—first in the ten-mile radius—a fact that spread and left many envious.

This glory was all thanks to Qin Yao. As soon as they sat down, the Clan Leader toasted to Qin Yao.

Feeling honored and flattered, Qin Yao stood up to return the toast.

Just as they were modestly declining and passing credits, a sudden howl of wolves echoed from the mountains.

Engrossed in eating and drinking, Liu Ji was oblivious, his ears filled with compliments and flattery.

The Clan Leader, too, didn’t hear clearly and pressed to toast Qin Yao again. But seeing her expression change suddenly, just as he was puzzled, the wolf’s howl echoed again.

Unlike the first lone wolf’s cry, this time it was several wolves angrily howling.

The faces inside the room changed, and there was an eerie moment of silence, only interrupted by the howling wind. For a moment, it was unclear whether the wolf howling was real or imagined.

Only Qin Yao and Liu Ji promptly stood up, exchanging worried glances, thinking about Ah Wang and Da Lang who had just entered the mountain.

"Could we be that unlucky?" Liu Ji muttered to himself.

Qin Yao had already put down her cup, apologizing to the Clan Leader, "I’ll drink this cup when I return, everyone please go ahead and eat, I need to step out."

The Clan Leader quickly added, "There won’t be real wolves coming; with so many people here, those creatures wouldn’t dare enter during the day."

The implication was that Qin Yao needn’t be overly worried.

In the winter, occasionally hearing the howling of a beast or two was entirely normal.

Qin Yao waved her hand, feeling the need to see for herself for peace of mind.

Watching Qin Yao rush out, Liu Ji couldn’t sit still either, telling the three children who were still munching on pig’s feet without a clue, "Let’s go, let’s go, take it home and eat."

With an awkward smile towards the Clan Leader and others, he led the three children to chase after Qin Yao.

But his speed was no match to catch up.

By the time he got out the door, Qin Yao had already reached the foot of North Mountain.

From afar, two familiar figures came running down the mountain, and Qin Yao fixed her gaze—it was Ah Wang and Da Lang, who had confidently entered the mountain less than an hour ago.

"Aunt Yao!"

Surprised to see Qin Yao at the foot of the mountain, Da Lang was astonished.

Da Lang was being carried on Ah Wang’s shoulder, their luggage mostly scattered in their rush, leaving only a small iron pot clutched tightly in Da Lang’s hand.

Usually composed, Ah Wang now wore a rare look of embarrassment on his face.

Both were panting heavily as they stopped in front of Qin Yao; Da Lang slid down from Ah Wang’s shoulders, muttering, "We’re so unlucky!"

Qin Yao looked up towards the top, but the howling had ceased, though the foul stench of beasts drifting down from the peak with the wind lingered.

Waving away the stench in distaste, Qin Yao thought to herself that a dozen wolves couldn’t produce such a strong odor.

With arms crossed, Qin Yao glanced at Ah Wang, now nervously digging at the ground with his toe, "Weren’t you saying just last night that North Mountain was no big deal?"

Ah Wang: "..."

He hadn’t expected the tables to turn so quickly.

The two entered North Mountain full of enthusiasm and ventured deeply, quickly discovering some footprints.

Thinking it was a good chance for Da Lang to practice, he led Da Lang towards the tracks.

Based on experience, it should have been at most two wolves.

Who would have thought they stumbled into a wolf den!