This official is so weak

Li Wuting raised his eyes and looked over slowly. “Crowded?”IPKkhmOIusCTWLaFjyPmYppxACiELs

rnUzzHgCrwJboJO

Huo Mian felt a strange chill on his neck. “Hmm… just enough space to turn around?” he said, gesturing.CoTIBZNtBUicaYaCSMTVAoRmDMpeYo

YlIiSCxpShHTPpB

He felt dizzy for a moment: it was impossible to squeeze in, whether because of Li Wuting or his occasionally dirty self.XefXdYBidnLdsCOGOYylmjiMqJrLAT

OYgoKeCoIJTKbYz

While he was thinking, Li Wuting suddenly spoke in a淡淡 manner, “General Huo has worked hard leading the troops. You should rest well and not endure such discomfort—”rHltgchsXouvcmIlSxaTocarhznjnU

yuYwLAKUhoFyEzi

The words were caring, but there was a hint of coldness.GeNaogwOekxxszFGsoPkuUkrkeLqCr

iZeAlzLwSzXMsFC

Huo Mian shivered and cautiously asked, “Does Your Majesty mean—”PlOFncPhVsNxkHcWmJXmBNyJTJGWLS

dDmKzrnoutSSAdg

“Ning Qing…” Li Wuting paused. His cold expression remained as steady as usual, only the side of his ear glowed slightly red in the candlelight. “Return to the palace to serve. The main tent is still empty; you can place a bed and screen there.”klKFPxdRBWAHtZTaoYtRUdEbnIBMkF

FGNViobqIORxbtk

What did it mean? Was Li Wuting going to… share a tent with him?DSzLpNOiUgwbMPKZMKKsiJvorfZuwX

KnCpisatlCNJIcY

When they were separated before, things were already complicated. If they actually slept together, it would be unbearable!UUNjpXGyDnKHiaYfVIxSARfPzcRXIo

ALMvgsdeOxRnMVY

He hurriedly looked at Li Wuting, who met his gaze.rDoWSfyUbYwpUVUBtattCdfFuoZQCP

nGxBdZXxbehFxUq

The handsome face was bathed in warm light, revealing a hint of gentleness amid the cold, contradictory and captivating. Li Wuting looked at him, his fingers slightly curled:kTgPvAgBXqnsWOlZQAhZwlEPdceDFi

jZBCmTPyXLvQDUo

Ning Rushen was momentarily dazed by the gaze, and instinctively responded, “Mm.”OqVCuLEaQlfRgMzKGAeLkEnxwxejCx

jEpUmAoAMMsSUig

Li Wuting’s smile flashed briefly before he turned back to his usual composed demeanor and ordered, “Get it ready.”jLqygEkaZTCRLvstCeDrlyiyhiiYHG

oTVxFIDzzXgBczP

As soon as the words were spoken, De Quan quickly popped his head in and said, “Yes.” Sun Wu and the others exchanged glances for a couple of seconds, seemingly finding it reasonable, and followed suit.tmLPHjAEnFxGohqwBkJqCpRdkZRNdx

hZhKcRCOPNsoeTM

When his beloved soft blanket was finally brought in, Ning Rushen finally came to his senses and pressed his forehead: … What was he agreeing to!?ugvmAJCHlWKYCRiIPHQNGevspJGxjl

JreAJJsDXuNjdSu

Was he truly blinded by lust?PxSKvCMomrNBlYsiBmdYaBVnUYAtgs

byJRtwlovAQrldm

In his frustration, Huo Mian thanked Li Wuting, “I appreciate Your Majesty’s consideration. I will move to Lord Ning’s tent now. Lord Ning—”yQocZHRIYjqSWLgPqPUNDohLXVWSwr

LHqzdWqJRzEOClp

He turned back and said regretfully, “You mentioned we could…”DNUywCARAQVNxrIRrPbUGvsYYjdUxt

IgMJsUQyMYqsBec

Ning Rushen snapped back to reality and kicked him!dZWXtKFVSVyjExSDoAeVJEYKjrQRQF

opUTgQWXGMvRIuG

“Ow!” Huo Mian widened his eyes: Why did he kick him?dbyvIyuLeQGlRrKpwemZJIWEupWpGB

ISDYAWkORgUBYGE

“Alright, that’s enough.” Ning Rushen shoved him toward the tent entrance. “Go get ready, go. Less talking.”TFsFlPyrXtAfBIPNIslHZWMfKZNxAq

ZdUMYoppmkBRTaL

Huo Mian was bewilderedly pushed out: What?hhBWKXcOLpmEWEvmVxRXLESEEtzoHf

aqiOqddGVQHfGWV

…whheYlLhZLQHfKRNixcMkznXhHlUJl

bWoqqrbSTqJJpHA

After everything was packed up, everyone retreated.XnnsBFCODkhiEQHcwKRnuttFozjmXM

gMgLBkvXYbhLHks

Only Ning Rushen and Li Wuting were left in the tent.GvXVnmtHbdnzoyMELBUNyCNHFlgxGg

MWXZaqBfffNpJSf

Li Wuting’s bed—now called the Dragon Bed—was placed in the inner section. Only a screen separated it from Ning Rushen’s, where his blankets, quilts, and clothes were moved to the bed.ydrlUsdQcQcGATlsRlPHKxWOQYYuHt

kBVKFrDdGenSIBu

Ning Rushen stared at the screen paper, lost in thought:sSpxaMTuZdfsNxPhOUCXKLcFJctXLD

sCQDKOzgkdZZbFU

If he turned over at night or muttered something, Li Wuting would hear it…EjTTOewRqXDJSXrjkkbPijOErNbwjR

AhHniuHqzWLkZnb

While he was thinking, the figure in front of him suddenly moved.iaHQRtHlAOcpIOtkuOKvNhuufnrshM

nZFHJpBHzcbZBzo

Li Wuting approached and looked him up and down, “You’ve suffered, you look thin.”bqzRBRKrAeEfITuHeEAksRMGqsYXEv

atMPdKtfXrMeXCB

Ning Rushen snapped back to attention, “Hmm?”IXiegdUyxZLsZyQSMWsDbvbMthPDUP

tydyRLjoMdimwAl

Li Wuting carefully examined his face, then raised his hand and paused. Seeing his sleeve was stuck, he rubbed it with his back of his hand, “In two months, how did you get so dirty and disheveled?”wZIjZUKSQciIyNAIQpwmHHIoobohre

EyEyARLkBUiPzjT

“……”clcSDDhqZfzbRhAdoYgODNwqRGQYFd

GBfzEeeVZrCDpRo

The back of his hand, brushing against his cheek, was very warm and applied a bit of pressure.tFknlTpQkXqGVeyVetIBdTWKOSfaeZ

pMiGrpkGQGWvhhv

Ning Rushen squinted and pulled back his neck, intending to avoid it, but the sensation was somewhat pleasant, so he remained still.UfMmqhwTDPcDgdYtZBzdqthhIRFNUy

zhcxnuYMtxkrmVk

“I just came back from the medicine brewing place,” he said.MAXuBNVvscIbTMtHSAfjBxktzoUvoD

IptEswdQWCjoCXO

Seeing that he wasn’t avoiding it, Li Wuting used his fingertip to wipe the dirt from his face. “Ning Qing treats the Dingyuan Army sincerely, no wonder they view officials unfavorably but have an exception for you.”nqiUpsOAelJCVxUskXpwUlRlNkZxYu

lEybjTEtbqEVjEk

Was it an illusion? He felt—MDaQxCxhvlRavFRDxmgljurzrUeEwC

PytRYTcZWFzzinF

Ning Rushen pressed his cheek against Li Wuting’s warm palm, looking up.cXUpvpXFlDZUiplTjydluSgMNJzOqX

zkimKUYmXseliMw

Li Wuting said seriously, “No wonder General Huo, who loves his soldiers like his own children, treats you with such closeness.”jfYCgGsRioiJnnxQGUOXoOfpjVmWxJ

mDJWdmhPzyphUsz

“……” It wasn’t an illusion.GjdawtfeUeodkvLYJqPIjBhlLXBqnN

OoxXpgUuVmduzJc

Ning Rushen’s heart beat faster, meeting the other’s actions. “The entire army is like one family.”AxtkzmVYHXboGULcVxJYurRkRtGibY

rlIOSWOudRMwIDN

The gentle brushing on his face made him mutter, “Mm.”XSHsjlvpDnwxvyXcqpKCuJVNXxxYsv

nxVjScteevhCjzW

Li Wuting softly remarked, “Ning Qing is like family from all over the Yangtze River and Yellow River.”kTlgbVXZQPnmLjDLnZSvSRosRflHGZ

imShTvekMRwVNPX

Ning Rushen lowered his eyes, feeling embarrassed.jFXCBPDWCOrrupcaDgJDJAhjRqQVOm

NeZMOIqvwQnSbMX

As he looked down, the conversation stopped. The movement on his cheek ceased, and the tent fell into a brief moment of silence, with only the points of contact growing warmer.lgeAPDzcftIUAjOlnSOhBHNGjAKFsu

cptWTLsZFOUkTLg

The fingertips resting behind his ear trembled slightly.jNRURFTXcSopGfhGSdClfejwacyXfv

qJvRFDcUfuSmRrs

Ning Rushen, sensing something, looked up.pveftFOrfOGJcDyDOxViqTSDIltDIs

raYFdWGakApNTvo

In the solitary space, Li Wuting’s eyes revealed an uncontrollable heat, a longing accumulated over two months breaking free. As Ning Rushen’s breath brushed against his hand, he couldn’t help but pull him into a full embrace.GQFrWbrqBRJVPjkBqWwHslAGPIPGLS

YaZQHlCKDgBmdmO

Ning Rushen was pulled close to the emperor, grasping the fabric at his waist, his heartbeat quickening as he crumpled a few folds.ueYJDmZtcDDNzkFkTyAttgEfGtQtYb

fQJUGUzeLkXoRgo

A firm arm held him, the cold, hard silver armor pressing against him.IgDRPuYHPQvWZEwFEcLjrEelSSOQAS

svxsFgWyRDTfKCB

As he moved slightly, the large hand behind him pressed him down, the strong heartbeat transmitted through the armor. His fingers twitched, and he stayed still in the embrace.kpuWigbLImZVdOMsUbxWQmuIiokvzP

CBnDdEXiPqqsawM

The faint fragrance of Li Wuting’s clothes enveloped him.BzzioogWgYTRQkAVJrZtiGivwxVmeO

ctAHYorAOePUoQH

With the dust and frost from the journey from the capital to the northern border surrounding him, Ning Rushen’s mind went blank as he clung to the emperor’s arm, allowing himself to be held.CmFEfPmyIbBAbPEbneIUrfKlhngrYk

oWQpYRzwGTTimWV

After an unknown amount of time, he felt light-headed and short of breath.jMPYsgwpIakiPsJiVEJrvNApZSKgmr

nXZxsoYbMsgEXCT

He moved slightly and pushed at the person in front of him. “…Your Majesty.”EcdqzhLssbZQeyQKcIRpOUdMWjOpuk

DBlvUbsFnjvVKNG

In a muffled voice, Li Wuting asked, “What’s wrong?”LUEQJiqGNanYuheojSdRuCOfEzzwzB

eGMZVnpQyADEIIL

“Your Majesty’s brave armor is pressing into my stomach.”kjfTMIdMLelMOmYnQVkNnPCbcSnsOf

DmvmNModXyWIawE

“……”PDujCCxFCnsLDAeMScxiSwAtwXwLHh

FeUXhHWkdKnfFGs

The large hand around his waist tightened briefly, then loosened, pulling him away slightly.AgolUJBMoUmjxXDmrQFEYtnxTNLKUo

PubJWalyBRIpCgk

With the heat retreating, Ning Rushen looked up.xBGwIHhEbOFKwYHbfjzwtRpVUXDvJp

UTrOdNfkJPvNTrR

Li Wuting’s gaze was deep, his eyelashes lowered as one hand rested on Ning Rushen’s shoulder. The Adam’s apple above his collar was already red.samgoxVajYLszQEZRJXtZpOgaRDJbX

DnokOYrflGgvluB

The gesture was restrained but full of desire.qYrPMyqxSybuzwDoLDbHosHBkaeUci

qWlnNTKFnAhVCDh

Ning Rushen, stirred and breathless, felt his legs go weak. As he swayed, Li Wuting grabbed the back of his neck and steadied him.ulKGVRLoylhzuryKsLsUsynsefoGoY

ShIdIBwQcfSbGCm

Li Wuting stared at him for a moment, then glanced at the stacked beds and exhaled a warm breath.znKHHsZRUOXHdxsSJleuQEzhOIjQII

NOTwuQAflJdOgzF

“Alright, go prepare your bed.”OwSXhJYXInwmrfUjygTretWeOFBjiG

TtigDDTMDysSGvs

Ning Rushen responded with a quick “Yes” and hurried over.okFgAqilNbqkLpUZfMZaUjtSHLMWIp

ttfvIJUlyljJfVF

·fNjBczEGKvFCVpcRYJVPkrqFCywFAE

bnfRrwRKnCEEErI

His belongings were minimal and quickly packed up.ubWcKeIZnpQFZJsLitxHxrmxMhTiLF

fRHbwYXYohxBgdB

The small bed had a strong presence, especially with the Dragon Bed just separated by a screen. Fortunately, the two beds were not placed side by side; his was rotated ninety degrees, positioned at the foot of the Dragon Bed.XlzEfcgNWpaQxrumZYnkSecEEOqgfy

PtCxFwGLvUOatVo

Ning Rushen privately calculated:OJNIEHcCDEnFtqzKaUzxmWKJghKPeM

eeuRLBdXtNKYxeS

As long as his head faced outward at night, it shouldn’t be too much of a problem.gcYpoCbUZlgQqcmSGDdQnmHaYhbIty

jcKDGRsVAWtXsQX

……GfycUaTZcYUoMcHsVmAlEwNaxktzrk

FKYRjfuQRarAuQh

The imperial entourage had been on the move for days, and Li Wuting needed to rise early the next day for a meeting.TLKPXpFswXLLwZMIxLsOEbtEywyWMI

gfNwZciVcTStzdT

Li Wuting did not rest for long. When the time came, he instructed De Quan to prepare to turn off the lights and called for Ning Rushen.HABmyGszwFxnSyGczHiTycofJGBWfQ

KAsqUIDrBoDgkYC

“Rest early.”SSKXORUMJAAurFSHZPFdiBKIfEDdDP

zCVZaIowByiUwos

He paused in front of Ning Rushen, then went behind the screen.fPZFrPBeKJKBSFipxjFhGffeHevJQZ

djfIZaCUbuofgGj

Ning Rushen replied and quickly saw a tall figure emerge from behind the screen. The dim candlelight flickered, and Li Wuting’s shoulders seemed to relax, as if removing armor and unfastening his belt.AepYtcQEuJarvNRzENlrcHitAngSKD

cCyiQMCzxoDZLNz

He hurriedly turned his back and changed his clothes.IwuhiWyqsYLNxYCsEkOvvBaMjSEQcr

DlhVJtKqptDdYac

In the quiet tent, only the faint sounds of metal clinking and fabric rustling were heard.acEBgnFizpcJClXLzJakUNREcFhqeR

OTSyuRBKmGCiJVr

Ning Rushen’s heart pounded:ipUIExWRswNJQarrHfYYnRIHBiGDOU

fplXDypyvJEtXKs

This was his first time sharing a space with the emperor…ZEQBitduIChRkPjGKGPbtjkCWVKVXk

hrAOULlKDinKxFg

He used to have only Erkang as a roommate.zIHEataCnsvNZNamsrpsTYhGvqwwHV

XcQtKHCHkdQgmLE

He hurriedly stripped off his clothes and lay back down on the bed.hIzamFMtdjDRlHDaKMuSxQLQzbaAxM

btzuLHFgLAhmtfC

As soon as he settled in, he heard someone call “De Quan” from behind the screen, followed by De Quan’s response and the sound of the lights being turned off.pKTRsygUjdiMqwUtyrwqPOxaNFkGLt

FfrDKTXNSstXypd

Phew… The tent was immediately engulfed in darkness.NRoamNHsKgIPqACFTZSFGTZTWgedCS

JdgjzcBauQUqtmQ

Ning Rushen lay motionless under the blanket. In the silent darkness, it felt like he could hear their breathing.MDdJNqmDVwboeKwNZNRZwOpTaKPMcB

VArhaFoAiXSPsqR

As their breathing stirred the air, it seemed to become warmer.FGQhiIHagDixInHawGKZLzxJyIRrzx

jwEWhZCFQzmLtxL

He clutched the blanket, struggling with insomnia. While he wondered if Li Wuting was asleep, he heard the sound of someone turning over.VLDksNNRAveCFuHAhbowDvCvGFubJY

WfIcDHsNXtHadWR

Ning Rushen paused and tentatively called out, “Your Majesty?”fExgvtNEHqsGBLKtpWCvxpTXhzhWPl

IiCzuCxxVCjPrTJ

A low “Mm?” came from behind the screen.ggvErFDsYlrzYzAblycLONSmGSPGaa

OVlPoOptRkppoFl

“Your Majesty, are you still awake?”pODQDpsxaPViJSQTlMmrAxjHXeWDCN

zRqlSdlVoAmbUcW

After a couple of seconds, a tight breath responded with an “Mm.”XTzBjDscKKTOwTcaUynNNueIIVYcGX

eVJaJFiofDmledI

Ning Rushen pressed his lips together and said nothing more.caiHUiZCgJaHbElLHnvvGjOxgXbatL

ARAAdAShXZbFliS

He lay there with his racing heartbeat for a while but still couldn’t sleep. He asked quietly, “Has Your Majesty gone to sleep?”hPQHeXCRNurtgGBNmJOpdXvPLwZWIb

lVEpisvcvCUMGHA

Li Wuting’s voice was slightly hoarse, “No.”YwMGEqpeolRVTBbqebuJdFYvzWqRiZ

mWkGzjQRaywgRln

Ning Rushen responded with a soft “Oh” and wondered why he hadn’t slept yet. If Li Wuting was still awake, it was even harder for him to sleep.SWZomTdxpUMDSGyVoBcnCNlmcMOpaO

oQPtxoFGxooDhAD

After waiting for a long time, he called out again, “Your Majesty…”TOSfsLulgWujgMAfEJfMiaNhBTEXbb

ySwYXfGMwkZvZaT

“Ning Qing.” The person behind the screen sat up, seemingly suppressing some unnamed irritation. “Are you taking revenge on me?”OzCpgifNJEIxsnnsyinOZoarlwZHfp

ddVUrNEYQpRhynO

“……”WLRzVgNkhJNztpQbzJWzRygKBLvsoF

CyysqQNvQcXGAOE

The memory of being pelted with stones all night suddenly surfaced in his mind.uvEPYWAKzVezyCdnbTytMwnISRxphb

SPjoNLCkPcjkflW

Ning Rushen, feeling embarrassed, wrapped himself more tightly in the blanket.GghEEfnatEHrRbpsePRJMJbDWKVViB

NaTVMyOHmdNPcwc

“Good night, Your Majesty.”jamIzOnerfxhkYoMYqiAPFFvxDoCHw

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There was a brief silence before a gentle “Good night, Ning Qing” came from behind the screen.ctqNYvlAbUMbSXCVzFldAbvHqbLhyb

mhpcxPXLQpwHYpv

Not knowing how much time passed, he guessed that Li Wuting must have fallen asleep, and finally turned over in bed, relaxing his nerves and slowly drifting off.vQxtyVuofHocohAINmWUlFCjAtfryw

dVeomogfMWqQsSm

Ning Rushen did not sleep deeply that night.boUytYeSSDvgjrgmsrJrnVDaPpmBVT

tNVGzPYeSUNpyUa

He kept thinking about Li Wuting being nearby, and worried about making a fool of himself in the morning if someone saw him.GgVwfSFbXmUKAHvHOeFCoIcHOoBtvI

kcjluJYoYOHCtHy

He woke up once in the early hours, saw that it was still dark, and fell back asleep.kbmKlRRESdBUWFWwgQpwNJVaHipQWD

KNnOXNhhaJctkcp

…seqdSfzjOsJJhqwHcgHSIizHEAIqJS

mGoQBTVzvavAWae

After a restless night.GrHxWbGCWdTCWgkGFNHYqeofcJqwZJ

pxRJryhEKbRjgLo

The next morning, Li Wuting got up, changed clothes, and, upon emerging from behind the screen, saw that Ning Rushen was still asleep.BNBsEQtqIpyyFZJodIIirFcJcZnzra

JKXoHSZznlUcDMM

Ning Rushen’s face was buried in the pillow, flushed from sleep. One arm was sticking out, wrapped in a soft blanket, exposing a bit of his snow-colored undershirt.TskODPaVFjHptPzhTZIdAzEMbcxTYp

OBCbIfEwgiObISU

Sweat beaded on his forehead, likely from a dream.WpyxZVWmAFxNMOMPXtDOiKGQbzKCkm

QDDxItuPNxeyVZp

Li Wuting paused at the edge of his bed.mbwiCHGISZQjbFsoWhFoJDNQRcMShB

FTmQsWPXYgxlgjY

De Quan, seeing this, was about to step forward to speak but noticed the emperor’s hand lift slightly to signal him to stop.fNjfSDhIWjNIIFGrKkqPdqNsXNfTFH

yiGLsTIxpygGePy

Li Wuting looked down at Ning Rushen for a few seconds, then bent over to gently wipe the sweat from his forehead before straightening up and heading out of the tent.ltNEeQijmxSUmuzghVIQNCpIwaJJfj

KoCQzNriIhyhizS

After exiting, he lowered his voice and said, “Don’t wake him yet.”KtFiRClBCujfPcHUQExXMgYVqtdHLa

cLCPgcWABJFJiIr

De Quan, understanding, responded with a cheerful “Yes, Your Majesty~”ETPophPIQzQvtbnJpsvXmcgeanLRzZ

AvhTiFgEBUHjXZH

Li Wuting glanced at him and walked away.OhghwJXXcMmzACLQXMEZppYnhdNNLA

LxBeOSgpZqIwqvu

·NSwtMYTvKXQmAYfTcAyJgqANnnOxVw

fooGTLBWuGCsgHm

Ning Rushen woke up a bit later than usual.dMjUqZUOEevfDywMAQzDlFqrgjcIow

ubnqQZuIfFgFDkG

The first thing he did upon waking was glance at the area behind the screen, then lift the blanket to check himself.qTkdhLJxWtbNIQIFTnvwyLEeybLbxC

NyGhsZaCiWGJXRk

He sighed in relief: Thankfully, nothing was wrong.agBcKOSonaawXgoGVDidboqUmZGDoo

DBXgfYaVusCauKk

He got up to wash his face, thinking: A minister who wakes up later than the emperor must be unprecedented.ZtyQSNpWlOqoNWYSEiqWlBVVXgLRkB

qpvGcmPMzlEJYKh

But why didn’t Li Wuting call him when he got up?QWpGvxSgVRsdtIiviDRdbMxhzVpalB

mMFfiitrKagoqFv

Pondering without an answer, Ning Rushen simply tied up his hair and went outside.UVlvSRigGOipYIWrTSsCeZDdZifTAQ

GXKWkzqPiptFaHx

Fortunately, Li Wuting was scheduled to review the troops first thing in the morning, so it didn’t matter that he woke up late.HwzwoRQVBoIVOVdytxyccxvVPKhBCS

VyOSXBYzZdejwJh

After having breakfast and checking on the wounded soldiers, he returned to see Li Wuting and Huo Mian entering the main tent.ifXjMsUVvQuYKSWPHJNRkOjlDnoKNx

jilqeHOSDbZjDJu

Ning Rushen hurried to catch up.glqgUwrsKFxMLgjoQeHRSRZwaVFPyY

ewLtYHVmvcMOQrh

As Ning Rushen entered the main tent, everyone was about to start the meeting.FVNCsxiWJezDmbBIestRpDvplUmchR

dCLrwNqFyNtxzAI

Seeing him, Li Wuting glanced over but did not say much, instead turning to instruct everyone to take their seats.vCIrgVWWKUJTYMGPinpOVuApnBImbP

EXjuDCoZlntLYCA

Ning Rushen naturally moved closer to Li Wuting.xMEptYlVVirNivHgjbGYcgsEDDGvEt

kMtLPHCOcrasjOe

After reviewing the troops, Li Wuting was now preparing to deploy reinforcements to Lichuan.IrKnDBCQRiEhFDjblEDmgSSKoCgccm

QCPrtgJbvMFjUMf

Li Wuting directly appointed Deputy General He Liang and Military Advisor Sun Wu, then paused when his gaze turned to General Huo Mian. “General Huo…”qZyZFsYYgcWAphmjQAvBNFtVvnDAAc

hXpXJxnqCdoXHSH

Huo Mian’s skin tightened, feeling an inexplicable sense of being dismissed.ZnIGKRGVGLnJilXbrPahJFJlHTmnAJ

vBJJwvoYDvOeANk

But Li Wuting merely looked at him silently for a few seconds and then said, “Stay in Changshui and continue to oversee military affairs.”XdRkzjarMCqNmLasIwcXPMURPTSpbi

MRuWZYnVvqRrwFG

Huo Mian sighed in relief. “Yes, Your Majesty!”wOTZEOwTFytGIVJvfVXkKYSSCIsObc

zhwlFIujHzUPWlK

With the deployment orders given, the meeting continued with military arrangements.RhHShuAPoguwMjNJWaaWEDNouQDzmZ

LWTpoJmBUFyQDdS

Ning Rushen watched from the side, noting how familiar Li Wuting was with the geography around the northern border. He easily clarified the simplified map and even suggested several crucial offensive and defensive strategies.GcMquZfPxyqliHkznSomitvvGnrxgG

wWvIULMoCcxXEaD

The other generals were amazed and all became serious, engaging earnestly in the discussion.nhasnPbRbKIMRJvAptRpjhFiyaAoXZ

trhRHqlsbCUgCfA

……DCJhvxNVNQMjfGNogBWYGwIGjKSKhk

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After the meeting, He Liang and Sun Wu noted the key points and then left with their troops to support Lichuan.XgKvDnyoDXxpkzWXWBUzeiEjyAxQTt

ZQFKMQiasTaczmj

Everyone exited the main tent, leaving only Ning Rushen and Li Wuting inside.qgokAArCulREDvwYpmbKWMYagQGpqh

WSxxIljZfyoEBge

Ning Rushen watched their departing figures and turned to ask, “Was Your Majesty planning to send General Huo as well?”lxdYRGqnxOboFjijIEiDaVzEPxyWdX

wldIPeliuLrOcfo

Li Wuting lightly tapped the edge of the sand table with his fingers. “I considered it, but decided against it.”NSsPTNOOaomDYWrEAtZfAroNaWUrAE

FXIUwkdvAangdZf

“Why?”etlgxhGVcONkbcPqqCKdSOPosxwjPI

kBXsqZxqdNCynZR

“He needs to remain stationed with the troops. Although the Dingyuan Army is loyal to Da Cheng, Huo Mian is the backbone of the Dingyuan Army.”FpWhecbmAWOKKYVgAXZWfRlqHVzzUU

JqAYTrgFUWxaatB

He plainly stated Huo Mian’s position in the army.cmGXjIpUGnFKnghScKnFiqsxLIQEui

hNFXdreKzLbcThi

Ning Rushen’s alarm bells went off. “Your Majesty…”uQUjmVLNOmsVKMhssuvXhAiFOueHdC

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Li Wuting looked at him with a hint of amusement. “What are you thinking? It’s only natural. I understand that. The soldiers have built Da Cheng’s borders with their flesh and blood; I naturally trust them.”JGPSbscsGTDouaEKzvUtBJSqdkaIgC

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Ning Rushen’s heart stirred. “Yes.”SBoRPmATPOWsNBnRhTKblMeqoWovxh

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Li Wuting’s hand reached out to pinch his face. “Besides…”vtWUGYgJolCARoGOGVDFUZsdYqXAUb

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Ning Rushen’s thoughts were jumbled by the sudden pinch. “What about Sun Wu?”SCFEiYMxQmFUAkMtHBcLWOfaTLLlap

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“He Liang and the others are sufficient. If the northern barbarians are cunning and shift their attack to Longyuan Pass, keeping Huo Mian here ensures we aren’t lured away.”xYGTtfYKATGErhpwgHwpiLgULeMUKZ

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Li Wuting withdrew his hand.ouyYpvTknrEdxuRGWBvTaEXSPirhaI

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Ning Rushen rubbed his face and praised, “Your Majesty is wise.”yWWFGsZpMIzuARvyyfxYOJizAdjPda

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Li Wuting noticed his reddened face and chuckled softly. “Hmph.”fUlschoDOCbtTNpRMhKfrbKKmTHKdj

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At lunchtime, Li Wuting went directly to the food area, getting a bowl of lamb soup and two pieces of flatbread, just like the other soldiers.fzOUmsMySIzFqVyaFmFgedsXaUdGdc

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He then sat down by the extinguished campfire.hCoqNAbvsfsliOVHmLeGZuVtwlPJlB

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Ning Rushen followed and sat beside him. With He Liang and the others having left in the morning, the area around them was empty.jhNGAdbjZgVJNRtBCXRYrFoOgYxWPK

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He asked, “How soon will Deputy General He and the others arrive?”OAnSUqubWaQejeYwqlBNxmKRkgrsNs

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Li Wuting replied, “If all goes well, it will be less than a day.”fBIZPQJBFVNsLuoRJkKitQRHhNGKra

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Ning Rushen calculated the distance on the map. “Then Your Majesty will arrive very quickly.”OXsqhnAWNEOZDjGeODgDSqXBLqwfgl

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Li Wuting glanced at him. “Do you find it too fast?”hBqEfvxZrDFUxdjsmBQvGLbVnJqVuU

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Ning Rushen’s senses sharpened for a moment and he defensively said, “What I meant was, with such a quick arrival, what about the affairs in the capital?”ZQWXnXClOZEGblrvoWdHFPLmJGvEug

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“I’ve entrusted them to Elder Ji to oversee the country, and the Cabinet will handle the administration. Also, I’ve asked Jing Yu to learn about governance.”NVpeuwBcyVVLBjHpiuHqPWyevEwnNI

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“And what about Prince Xuan?”GZzATjCAcrOwmTacYOijSsmOBBkEAw

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Ning Rushen’s heart skipped a beat, feeling a bit uneasy.BocLOujLUWeaHWZQacpLbnOxWrHTLp

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Li Wuting sneered, “Hmph, I asked him, but he didn’t want to return to the capital. He wants to come to the northern border.”HPoglVrdaoIrQgmSCqaAfJybqOmJtl

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“……” Understood.UEcuWnSUuOCJkOXgcybTfJkIWNfztt

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The life-long material-obsessed Prince Xuan.MVfPoTztnFAcYUVrbZhRfLqvLujkRS

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Ning Rushen, being directly involved, was unsure how to react. He lowered his head and continued munching on his flatbread.RtEeiXIZGdJTFHLYoWkcutosHTYNJK

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After a couple of bites, Huo Mian arrived. “Your Majesty.”iJbvdYSJLXeRPwvJMZsmhXLZSFpyUC

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Li Wuting acknowledged him with a sound. Huo Mian sat down opposite.HQpvIgBUwdXcLnXuhBoyzJBJqckUGi

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Ning Rushen looked over and saw Huo Mian grabbing another large bone. DQaihBkaGwQjSYENVNEtaMSubpOmSH

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Probably because of Li Wuting’s presence, he ate with extra restraint today, carefully gnawing on the bone, even keeping his pinky up.SxEoStoZBmCdoMYztVvHuWqjVdgqrt

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Ning Rushen couldn’t help but laugh softly. “Pfft…”WFnmDXggbTzwVSXtGZrbOCqouNulSw

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As he was intently watching Huo Mian eat the bone, he suddenly felt a gaze shift towards him.FuSWYAhHfqJScLtanDQppbAMXGjHym

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Li Wuting silently observed him for a few seconds, noticed the bit of bread crumb at the corner of his mouth, and reached out to gently wipe it away, also pressing down on the corner of his mouth.tLTlvfDyloCHTYDxumBYJQvHSKFIvN

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“Mmm.” Ning Rushen reflexively didn’t pull away.bfbYCvmXKgWCUBjKXnwkGgyASeHKuL

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Huo Mian, sitting across, looked up and, seeing this, dropped his beloved bone into the soup with a splash.XFvAHMbgfcPaBPEpaIHYxqIRntosGK

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