The Wolf and the Cat/Cat2

Xin-chen wonders why Zunjing-sa'ma is calling her. Xin-chen is a low-born Mao'ren, born to Xieye-muqin and Gu-fuqin in the outskirts of the village. She is only thirteen years old and has a little sister named Jingmai-meimei. The only reason Xin-chen thinks she is being summoned by Zunjing-sa'ma is that Jingmai-chen has gotten into trouble again.

When Xin-chen arrives at Zunjing-sa'ma's pavilion, she asks, "Zunjing-sa'ma, why is Xin-chen here?"

"The werewolf delegation from the Varulv Region is coming soon," the elder Mao'ren replies. "Zunjing-nan has seen the purity in Xin-chen's heart. When Zunjing-nan dies, he wants Xin-chen to take his place. He also wants Xin-chen by his side when he is negotiating with the werewolves."

"This is a great honor, Zunjing-sa'ma," Xin-chen replies. "Xin-chen will do her best to become the best leader of the Mao'ren as she can."

"Tell your family, and no one else except your most trusted until the day before the werewolves arrive," Zunjing-sa'ma tells Xin-chen. "That is when Zunjing-nan will announce it officially."

When Xin-chen leaves the pavilion, Jingmai-chen is standing there.

"Is Xin-meimei in trouble?" Jingmai-chen asks.

"No, Jingmai-meimei," Xin-chen responds. "Xin-chen will tell Jingmai-meimei everything when they are back home."

Jingmai-meimei groans. "Whyyyyy, Xin-meimei?" she asks.

"It's important," Xin-chen responds. "Xin-chen wants Xieye-muqin and Gu-fuqin to know as well. Now, if Jingmai-meimei really wants to know, she should hurry home so Xin-chen can tell her family."

"Yes, Xin-meimei!" Jingmai-meimei announces, rushing home.

Xin-chen takes her time along the path. When she arrives home, her parents rush out to greet her, along with Jingmai-meimei.

"There Xin-nu'er is!" Xieye-muqin announces.

"What happened, Xin-nu'er?" Gu-fuqin asks.

"Well..." Xin-chen takes a deep breath.

"Oh, Xin-nu'er, what did Zunjing-sa'ma tell you?" Xieye-muqin asks.

"Zunjing-sa'ma wants Xin-chen to be the next village leader!" Xin-chen announces.

"That's great, Xin-nu'er!" Xieye-muqin announces.

"Let's tell the neighbors!" Gu-fuqin announces. "Gu-nan will start organizing the party!"

"Gu-fuqin, Zunjing-sa'ma said not to tell any Mao'ren until the day before the werewolves arrive," Xin-chen announces. "But Gu-fuqin should definitely organize a party that day."

"Gu-nan is on it!" Gu-fuqin calls as he disappears down the hallway.

"That's great, Xin-meimei," Jingmai-meimei says, somewhat sadly.

"Is anything wrong, Jingmai-meimei?" Xin-chen asks.

"No," Jingmai-meimei replies before going to her room.