This official is so weak

The sharp, bright spear was about to pierce Xu Wang. nulIKfiWnsQjNIePiRdPuVLOenxJOf

IzqcaZtmGZtYptt

He said, rushing over, pulling Xu Wang, who was still “shushing” him, out of the way—RoChumXGWHOOAtbmlsIFvxYQpKVsTg

baRzjIGYrATiUgT

Xu Wang was dragged out of the straw pile, and the surrounding soldiers immediately raised their spears, facing each other: “Is there a spy!?”hSNukGBWyvSWQVtoXaTEgSIhbCepBS

RlACwMhxbpaTZos

Zou Mou looked closely and was shocked, “Your Highness?”IHcWDZIMWXvkhEofPWfjgjxbOAuyFJ

PyIjYSyweHuOajz

Li Yingtang dusted off his clothes and pretended to be calm, “Ah.”CSoIvjtMCOjXqsfQwHVtJhECgkDsep

fOimGlzKrkDWAfG

“This prince specifically came to escort the grain and forage for the three armies.”WkfYiNCYJQWLTilTpxPwsWZFtrNTgu

mWBtbkprBebCJcl

He said, waving his hand, then turned to Ning Rushen, “Alright, stop pointing. With this prince personally escorting, there will be no mistakes. Quickly take this prince to the camp… Ah, it’s so bumpy.”NGJpBBkRNttBBZpcWpeigRlOpBjQbW

mIjqFzGqwXqecpd

Although Xu Wang oversaw the grain and forage, it still had to be counted. He handed the counting book to Zou Mou.yzSvbCSaGSQztDpDSSeFfnrefnYndG

pIzZUKfhqWobvHx

Zou Mou could not say anything more, only nodding.PNtzPIyIfRoqDWTZAvRuOaSkLjgKSl

LvfVnUUUmCGRlCq

They smoothly entered the city, and Li Yingtang looked around happily.mQmhwXfFuKKBACwgNCYAQgjQFYRLuw

ohSIvyjrZjXSbTY

Ning Rushen glanced at the sun and admired, “Your Highness still arrives punctually.” It was the exact time of noon.WctkwjDOntSQmBWiKMkLOyqOdRCMwr

wpPnSWTALRtVTuG

“It’s nothing. Your Highness wouldn’t have been hiding in the straw all the way, would you?”qRIGxqzyvhitJcsEdRpGbLCUEDUIsy

vMcSVDJKSVjKukU

“This prince only hid in the straw before entering the pass.” Li Yingtang said gracefully, “Isn’t it to avoid being rejected at the city gate if by chance I encountered His Majesty?”RjOvEGsdvjBxJgSPEpxQmuGppFncnA

VJrwwfgajmuYizv

“……” Ning Rushen gave him a complex sideways glance.yeSFbdEpVGhFsVJjufVdgnGDEXRefG

iJOjoyBqSMSpQXH

Only such a scheming person would be driven out of Da Cheng.dzCSITDvBtkCAxokPdTafGYmfosdHN

BzDoYWaxdDoyuTv

“By the way,” Li Yingtang suddenly changed the subject, “How long has His Majesty been in the Northern Border? How are things with you?”XDuNfglHuAbGfGzdqVpvtaoUBjkNpl

VHCtFOFfVwLBHdZ

Ning Rushen was caught off guard by the question.vXYruTLsLBdesRChMfyVizZiyKaNyV

QYTtcZQBUeRTJPM

His mind involuntarily recalled recent events: sharing a tent with Li Wuting, applying medicine to someone while they were naked, being carried onto the dragon bed…HwtifWivtgkQevxhFVyIEtLvgtQxMD

NTTFyZSejlUsXMG

As he was recalling, he heard: “Oh, your ears are red.”BYHxGkXmHzfTzLbadfTIpHlHAtUyxn

RCkYTGKVXzmxkDQ

Ning Rushen abruptly came back to his senses and instinctively touched his ears.ndZlDJIyHqvLyqHDrjJCvfnquxdpIa

UZDyWNGCqTuPdUC

Li Yingtang immediately caught on and was excited and smug, “Haha, I’m just teasing you!”teSXXlHdbpsQzZAxopVLZeAYcaAuat

XqdPrEKmkfXlSNj

Ning Rushen, “………”OSuosrHblRkXzelTOTmCjKTxoVpPaQ

KRAgaxXnqdaLSpd

He took a deep breath: I should have just poked him earlier.LZXpaNPRnLdffxiSlthffhvDNbZRUD

sqTvtGaUdKZbWPG

…DKPTJYirsvAfSJGpsaWSVyoWNuBQFx

rzEWzZUjOaZLgPe

Ning Rushen brought the people into the military camp.IsMdDkHJhpPLvcQyvlyKJIWUiELRsc

iiwVFixmtKBzstI

Li Yingtang was in a disheveled state, with a piece of straw stuck in his hair. He faced the curious stares of his guards, who wondered “where did this wild man come from,” and walked all the way to the main tent.hvnvlWAOhgMZtgPtsWbxeajxXIAHmA

JbpJXyMNCLCbCtc

In front of the main tent, Li Wuting and Huo Mian were talking.OAUTYqqxakLLtSKaYBOGdCZrFWQhyH

JRDxRToscbkDwbV

Ning Rushen stopped and gently spoke, “Your Majesty.”fncsWdkLeXGpPLCsisspxXsRedTVGx

eWSrmGqMuwuQmrH

Are you ready to face the storm?zlmaGFjcahVUNORZAneqPSCWjRDKax

ugjuULfQkwZBYVY

Li Wuting turned around and immediately noticed Xu Wang behind him, and was momentarily startled.QVtFfHCsUyQJRYihXaqGyIvoZyxDRy

chqGuLtSIIMfzoN

Li Yingtang forced himself to stay composed, “This subject greets Your Majesty.”fLePkdRUKYsCwATvEYVsRDCMMjArbo

CIzSXxOSBDjIJqG

The area fell silent for a moment, then a stern voice came: “Nonsense!”jdiwKubEJWAYdFGSMHwRfPYjaydDPm

KPTieGwHlrqTxhL

Li Wuting furrowed his brow, his majestic demeanor imposing, “Do you know the punishment for leaving your fief without imperial command?”SpfaIinOkRtCFrTWqKSOLnQokIeptw

gXYaoqBpZgxkfYU

Li Yingtang, “This subject came to escort the grain and forage.”lOCoiGMEqWJyjGuKtPEKmNZrnaYNJq

LQEKYZcwgUlzjjY

As he spoke, the straw on top of his head drooped.VgHzLtXuhJIIYnXDrSsHbtkOPWXTMn

mKHRFbvgNYKMItA

“……” Li Wuting sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, “Since it has been delivered, you shall return immediately. I will not pursue this matter further.”BemqBjHsuPoZueWOslYCStgHbpUtiu

ZyJOLUMzbZMwpjf

“No—”dkMhltkVNnwDQuQAVZbgCfIVdSwClT

QKjUtiwfZOzodjr

“The border situation is urgent. How can you act so casually?”uMlLDfCiNdTrwuJZtGNtfWzvAtgfEk

kBxvxSfArZJXVXx

“Your Majesty, I—” Li Yingtang, anxious, turned around. His gaze suddenly fell on Ning Rushen, who was watching from the side. He was immediately inspired and stepped forward to pull Li Wuting back:uKBuZUpoSGAedvuATRLoLpJdmmIzKu

ApOKJwRsjwLcBHF

“Such a large amount of grain and forage means a major battle is about to break out.”UsGhkAFMccDUrTxegnINktWawSdLqm

bJxFdDrMJtrbICw

“Your Majesty and General Huo will be going to the battlefield. With no one in the rear, it’s just right for me to stay and oversee things.”tZbRkLiVwLaPVyKmhCIrIabEQohHwo

FAeybEFAjOzWpCR

“Moreover, Your Majesty, you can’t leave Ning Daren alone in the rear?”CAAesuiRBIEJQqFNmNEKnpmzHPVbwn

fPchKzRDKrleYlR

“……”VjovqRUeCCtWQiALxwbOnkiBeJbtUE

CqSBrqLlXmKfbDP

Li Yingtang continued to murmur to Li Wuting.qiNKsSUwYfcASIhvtXPtHEYvoZkDvc

lumoylUZWMugdQz

Ning Rushen heard a few words and couldn’t help but marvel: So Xu Wang can actually be clever on the spot.JkEhTbfJiRJXKYjsigwmRlPwuKJIjl

PPbxifXetRNVebd

He was about to listen further when he only heard: “And…”deYYLUaeMrWQFZADkOVjKkzDWxfGBf

cNkXrwSqQFTnhjB

The voice in front lowered.uZQaQnefyMczdKNpEiWlcahifaEaNn

jvpmfjTOmCEOrAZ

Ning Rushen saw Li Wuting suddenly stop and then cast a glance at him.baNglooZiZwJyBMjYpUPRnsRXQElcV

PcsaDaxgsBToXCQ

…What’s wrong? What did he say, and why is he looking at me?lwnvrbyfLItcqPjUaXBAZRUhOMCCNG

YFJrHLbMBItEWUi

“Fine.” Li Wuting pondered for a while and finally relented, “You can stay in the camp for now. But there is one thing: you must not disobey military orders or act on your own.”dKlHKiPlPFhaYgWQBVSlYjhzPGcsNs

EaZpiPTccGeZKsO

Li Yingtang was overjoyed, “This subject obeys.”xNjNtbMLhcOuUYgFFVjpgeGuFijpPb

xaajdgcTIxxwvUL

“You will share a tent with General Huo. Also,” Li Wuting raised his eyes, “Take that straw off your head. What kind of decorum is this!”OjiNSnldoUXDrCgLLpFITZavzbzaPt

TYSxhEGwipWtquW

“Eh? Yes.” Li Yingtang touched the straw, then carefully tucked it into his sleeve, “It’s all grain.”nPezzOoaUfnMxUEWiAzmusReRZHMYK

bVrKnQvJlcqENPX

Ning Rushen, “……”YZmYLthAcjYDWCaWyserSssqVZGRJg

JUclhvQmtoIPKnT

·FYowZpmeOEsabLplErjCADjCNNTbyi

kbXwoBttlccWDtY

Li Yingtang soon followed Huo Mian to join the rest.ToOIEvvwZPuIehFZgkcJZWLpLFMgfJ

EwUcunOrOazpzzl

Ning Rushen entered the main tent with Li Wuting. The tent was empty, and Dequan was waiting outside.IqrGoTTupgCmgcGDnhnWvSUzmRICke

HJaddGFiXksMkym

Li Wuting looked down, adjusting his sleeves, “I was wondering where you went. Were you called to check the grain and forage?”yYjhZlItPdXBYCNTXfhlcBryhOhDoa

VuiBMmwfnEztiMf

What’s wrong? Is Li Wuting looking for him?PHbsiETwCOZqQeRsgbmiEAxjFWYgVJ

taOJyEvVtTRsFik

Ning Rushen moved closer, “Your Majesty, is there something you need?”dEUQziiBgmwFSnjsUMgbMAhUiAmTfB

whFDnIzqRMyDiFf

“It’s nothing.” Li Wuting adjusted his sleeves, looked up, and smiled, “I just hadn’t seen you.”verPYySLUPYkfbIgSWNcTiEQOYubfx

cHvcYZAUmnyjQwg

His profile was illuminated by the light, his gaze warm.xSVEqEVyctwTavhFmpUhVdUHigUrqc

tXuyrKBNPMlCCID

Ning Rushen’s heart skipped a few beats from the look, and he quickly turned his gaze away, asking with a slight pause:TQKwGTgkahWOlmkcnwvhHpoLClUVKw

xvCbxamYbEJaQTG

“By the way, how did Xu Wang persuade Your Majesty?”huQHaSvpcjxnzdIXTcXoBYnzdCFNKw

JFmJtLxdAsIMsap

“It’s nothing much, I was just put in a difficult position.”qPIRcDnwdpSLmlXIpjUmdcxpgFVedc

pKuENSyYMLUjKqF

“??? You could be put in a difficult position?”uVgojLLJtRynsTtAJOMVGgQEOQZDbE

cnkcArZwNndNIWk

Ning Rushen looked at him doubtfully, but Li Wuting did not seem inclined to explain further. He thought that something capable of putting the emperor in a difficult position was probably not something easily revealed.jlxloZKOhLmAqxUQCSABhoiRXLAlqQ

sowjrqzRPOVVtrB

He then sighed, “Your Majesty is very lenient towards Xu Wang.”sneTUOzpgqcPGskDefwopuTFdqOYXB

PcHDwwiBOqjicuK

Li Yingtang wasn’t just hovering on the edge of death; he practically pulled the death line up and made it into a skipping rope.PwnMbZynoCRZFxAWGQvaypxVFBpFQH

pbyiXbROBFlKTWp

After his words, the space became quiet for a few moments.JxctQgBXUXbOLIFzgDPFckeweLIZxq

LaTdiBKodQNHeYi

Li Wuting’s expression softened, his gaze seeming to drift far away. After a while, he spoke softly, “I… owe him an apology.”wmfGGqpFtEKVlbyabrVTYbKzyKPxIE

TFDAKhaprCIYJfC

The candlelight cast a somber glow on the dark tent, making his face look serious and subdued.PFAlTVIUwaSqrYJijvklRDOCtSmvud

ysjTgwGajkCRcVt

Ning Rushen’s heart skipped a beat, “What?”AEjYjLiKPzUSxKjBxNSlHggeFlSCSx

SnZEKLWKmwKamdC

Li Wuting pursed his lips, “The injury at the corner of Xu Wang’s eye was caused by my mother.”VDVJdgINhsxuZlFxQMxDbqaRyOYQaR

khZtdKklscnOBXK

“……”ENuwmOmQhqgicPciUJGTagoDkgSWiQ

pvNYIdQfhsOkdFp

Ning Rushen almost couldn’t catch his breath:ZfEYIdFhJGpriFpIYovdJRklLDNXNW

KFChrgeRrFwfOrQ

Does the royal family have no other secrets? What exactly are the brothers hiding so deeply!zUGwOQIPOmqrszBYkReRecbskOIByt

CRGzgmCfGvkyboB

He slightly parted his lips, looking at Li Wuting with a complex expression.SdjHaaHZmVrehOHDPpklkmigZzMxHH

RwdiklVUgJPQDcA

Li Wuting turned to meet his gaze, his expression relaxing a bit. He reached out to pinch Ning Rushen’s ear and said softly:FiXnJZdaJXLZlVLlLrJCIeXLSqbiOm

ZzhIHebFyhHLkUt

“I’m telling only you about this.”phESoxxxyauzcrWijOzSysNzOGNLRC

FThYKkUqoROtpAe

His descending gaze was very serious.paPgTEEhCuzvUsJPdZzOJsWaOlVETd

AUxJZooaboIcddv

“……”pjGPVgnGiitSrblvFcrgMRKRIZQTxJ

nRLuydqOKfaoyfO

Ning Rushen slowly closed his mouth, swallowing, “Mm.”PpORAOcysgKOeTAZXlynOOhJxNxwBl

nnuDiVenBfKyLOO

They didn’t talk much longer in the tent.FkELRDkvXmthznzQyZxjkLAUEJZtnr

OEwZhzQrLIAkSId

Zou Mou soon came to report that the grain carts had all been checked and brought into the camp. What remained was just to inspect for any spoilage or sand.EGJLOeDtJjvUuNNorYhyNgAnFJYLRA

maaNbDXctsbhCBl

Ning Rushen said, “Your Majesty, I’ll go help.”qGnqFwUeSSVYXZYEtoprRGRxBeOBdd

ASAbsEsUxMOCEBE

Li Wuting softly replied, “Go ahead.”JYojFbDZHcJKzDwtlirjNskKUticdg

kDAByspPgdioflL

Ning Rushen then followed Zou Mou out of the main tent.QAVNTgACTvtGrXpwKBTflXaoJFUIgA

fkiSFMWEYooHuQe

As soon as he stepped out, he saw Xu Wang and Huo Mian in front of a small tent, tugging at each other.NXOjtNzDwUeaPjwcUZlOkyWMqDvPiF

uMFSjRTmgArYjql

Li Yingtang was lifting his clothing, “Come, General Huo, let me show you something good…”hKvAngOJXFANqbDWDdHyuKuWvOQogu

LFHHFCMODljYfeY

Huo Mian’s large frame shook, stepping back, “Your Highness, don’t!”ssLAKoHfmTfhdAJUKtrzIcPewBOfBX

GzcotqSXfiOrXiw

Li Yingtang, “You won’t regret it.”hWDqbDqpgTmmbcjBmnfmLpJwTiKgMR

BomZHbaqkpLGcEJ

Ning Rushen, “……”EeReMBTfImCWYAQRzRcuhBrivUKoYd

bNfYHGAMWsxyltI

He turned away, not wanting to watch any further, “Zou Mian, the grain should be fine.”zfKTXVErkoRaxMDDDDAWiDYIQTpEWd

pplfUtwerLaeejI

Zou Mou, curious, asked, “Why?”YuzdNUgEAxqEgqjKJYXgMtkpCDZbRI

pIEnyGDHQeKARse

Ning Rushen replied, “After all, it’s Xu Wang who brought it with his life.”MwxLjwaZEMGptgqQnyRiAZWCRERcEO

wVPUhiYPkOdACLk

A few people finished counting the supplies, and it was nearing dusk.UtyReusfTMjBuYttvbldmxhiGlAztr

snGzdELljBzDqGh

Ning Rushen had dinner and managed to take a bath before nightfall.sHFXUOpfXgOflDRnmRwXqTcTEDhrlk

iiBEZxnWcPDTAoY

The weather had been very hot for the past two days.mjTjBOLCAUmTRPXchhZsfhdrDzyhXf

ZiEzovNHdvjrgrL

After his bath, he came out with his half-dried hair gathered in front of him, exposing the back of his neck to cool off.UqoblJrnMYMwUlpCOymHDhLzACVWsO

dqejslkVwoaDbMr

He made his way back to the main tent and lifted the curtain to find Li Wuting and several generals standing inside.thWEeYAltjeUJXYdrqpPqPEMWyZfCV

TfGHIpAUTXlKsfC

Hearing the noise, Li Wuting looked up, and everyone around him turned their heads.nkzQpHTYtSZafiLwjauZeSmWmXOets

muoolnbhugAyMGH

Ning Rushen paused in his movements. “Are you conspiring?”BcBDBhvUmdhMWhvWmnzzlUcpjFCZHz

CiNOuTNueRuLujH

“…” Li Wuting paused before responding, “Come in.”czzoNLtFkMyuBToSwytiswQMntQesy

fiyAQbIICYgGDAS

“Okay.” He let the curtain fall and walked inside.xkDTgEMssgGgWluDLlmYboxbHvyyug

jnpLDQGbAtIJRIf

As the curtain fell behind him, light and shadow flickered.JXpeecEHyXBTbRMTCFCuUnriaUIMUW

DOZXzNDrWbBjaTy

The water stains on his neck reflected a wet shine, extending into the damp collar of his clothing.EPRmzUHVuxVHShgKhYicuobsbYUbwO

kERXhpewgWZRMKd

Li Wuting’s gaze lingered for a moment before he lowered his eyelashes and tapped the edge of the table with his fingers, making a sound that drew everyone’s attention back.CVrrjGAbuzYeuxtCJSRkrnBAuUGsFm

gWBaaIhUfYvLslU

He spoke淡淡地, “Continue.”bByrhnVlQbvNgVwKaHiZdQFzzleTKs

qJNZdAheAeyjqBz

“Yes.” The others quickly turned their heads in response.gVOODsSgToJNgvCmnsDWxEzSjUdqkn

myLNgVjqWhdmjGD

Seeing that they were still discussing matters, Ning Rushen went around to the back.xDVLBBDtLcKZjoBDbNuqLKEnwTbxNW

apMcKSIsfiKnIZa

…irYlFejTenEKMZgTxlREPPqxFclzFy

AbMJTZZMamBeQiq

Not long after, the generals left one by one.wWAisOPfpLQBXeTAwWNTWNPxrSJCMT

cuRDBAcyftxTlla

Li Wuting entered to find Ning Rushen lying on the bed with his back turned, revealing a section of his frosty white neck.MvZiueedlOcqDHsbDwnTsAwlknaiit

ZAHKqXvzEykbMOk

“Is your hair dry?”ROuUxCzYFklDxLfnTCkKmsAIEVhEdl

zaBVpmOwBNwtjpy

“Your Majesty.” Ning Rushen sat up when he heard the voice.oTYNDmMNNziuMbbOKIITMInIMJFnnd

UCHZgHdsAXEeKEd

His black hair hung in front of him, with a few strands resting on his thin shoulders.qUmgXHueNqFmASYDTeNyeXWjQHpeCJ

JiyeeAjqLnvWSjI

Li Wuting stood by the bed and suddenly remembered the scene when Ning Rushen lifted the curtain: a flash of light in the dark tent that instantly captured everyone’s attention.gnhsPgbPUFGVfyAbyarXNIaNnLjQlV

rWpQiJMXLNHbKeo

He curved his fingers and gathered a few strands of long hair.FFDwWGBcDKlZIOFTBTALqcAmnJnGlA

wNXesEETkdRDjxQ

The black hair was held in his broad palm.eHjZGLxtGdauIExcfXGnIMdlwTcuQX

LPMPTgKwAxxlCsD

Ning Rushen, realizing what had happened, sat up straight, feeling even hotter:zJQFcQYCpMkzGJyEkNtXndxlOkLySO

kjkzWiHhiPsbBLM

“What’s wrong, Your Majesty?”HGSFhKshisKPrOnCrjcgKCuiGmPcmW

YHdxSXojaXhyhED

“It’s dry.” Li Wuting reached out to check.DUywoYOBlOqksaLbpZQuBjaaZYaXbF

OvlJBdlZkgkPWPd

He then looked at Ning Rushen’s open collar, moving his fingers to adjust it.DhWOkfmVntwoyoiBiSMyHnPHhMHoZb

PIIuAIGefylCKUA

The collar was tightly closed, covering his collarbones.LpthtlfgukqMJpNkHKBTMGZPYxwDCT

nsGMAOzQEKwQjus

“…” Ning Rushen was already feeling hot, but he was hesitant to undress in front of Li Wuting. “Your Majesty, I’m hot.”eAikQhSoTKNJoKpurHFyukxUZnpAKV

QDUXBTAUktNpxca

Li Wuting was silent for two breaths, then asked, “Do you want to rest?”onlpDhtUluGsfQhgvauBdnnqNJjNtq

WlBaEoNqNAwwIEK

The topic shifted to sleeping.WtrUQLBVoxQkMFICItuLgSzmwystAz

KRRRvFcMafMkEvO

Ning Rushen took a few seconds to understand:HJkxzZNPNTvUljSOtKAphzckYzlNgl

jTrzuHsqJlcGIcK

Turn off the lights, and it’s easier to take off clothes. Lying on the bed, it’s naturally cooler.CEWqYrjIaqHzWzssWQfPtQtfDmyaUF

okHIQwHSPWvssXf

He guessed it was getting late. “Alright.”zYeruocTSpufeYDEQIORzBDthtNHpt

TlTNGmXsJgAgFly

…SsmolZsZGPLLGTRKkVToNjXkcdkRWa

FmrEuUelueWWFQm

Dequan soon came in to turn off the lights, and Li Wuting went to rest in the back.iOUIMfGLMzfRbIckQwbCstStAgJBID

feprzNwdUqyyrtx

The tent fell into darkness and quiet.lEQeCYmzNQVdYUBOrQXToJVKJtSwZi

aaCXzYNLKkYMMNa

Ning Rushen lay in bed for a while, the outside noises gradually fading, only the sound of soldiers patrolling remained.AyNksurezKNhCTHnutyONhugaxiRfX

jyQyVFfnZuhommt

He tossed and turned, still feeling hot, and decided to sit up.AgZQSgeYvBlaJBMyOLqTEjUAPzLNGj

NkdGOVnCzSXPNrh

From behind the screen came a voice, “Can’t sleep?”dgMYaoDbAOKwZqmsxbyyrKaUpTFfJt

kQoUirfduMLDBlq

Ning Rushen turned, “The tent feels a bit stuffy.”oKZudqCJcYoKYumFwNRjAMXSkLymOo

mgTmkQpgUyygOOh

There was no response from the other side. After a moment of movement, a tall figure emerged from the darkness:kTbJoJmTcWZuMUaYonZaLIGJCVMagk

vjqObSfXrbQCQWx

“Would you like to take a walk outside?”TNlkLtSQtsdwjfjFOTJIxOqoyyZxxs

CiJwgSDEVagSDAO

“…Hmm?”dZLjRNgRARfrhVNtMBUZGNoSWIIcwn

CvWOizzNtkxrjFf

A short while later, Ning Rushen followed him out of the tent.alfxXmyQOdwRfHPFBIzPzaysobUapl

CRyVjSLEHrXofsH

Due to the heat, he wore only an undergarment with Li Wuting’s cloak draped over him.klmJSUrwVGSOPEhExaYGzPGnukEywr

qEkYynktVUrxXRe

As soon as they went outside, the sky was full of stars.iABCfgXugZmmoHLXVkpNAsgCUhOgSC

sJBOyJwbUeIocwj

The vast night sky covered the northern wilderness, with the campfire lights stretching the shadows of the tents.ahVjEThENXJDrzshtJTHQgmGDQYiCZ

RCtcEIVmfenzqky

Li Wuting raised his hand to stop a patrolling soldier who greeted them.cQVNAVLCnrqzkeHTfmQUAzyEyfBqrD

pgzNmCgBByKjaQG

The two casually walked through the camp.LCPPnIQWUPalMbiKlRRElQvIcJgLwF

OufOySgWRZHDBGU

As the wind blew, Ning Rushen felt a bit of the heat dissipate and looked at the person beside him. “Why did you come out too, Your Majesty?”YHhsnSCglyYbnKfBkNDxHcGYOUEChJ

CKxNTCeJivuANwo

Li Wuting whispered, “What, should I stay in the tent alone?”DlXJuFqETfbauVBlfALuvXVzuQCcmB

tFeXnmnCNalDXkI

Ning Rushen’s heart raced, feeling a bit flustered. He said reflexively, “Still outside, what are you saying…”PJhEMPhXjAbeUwEMuWcaJpTHhzOdMy

yJNDILObLdHQeBu

Halfway through his sentence, he realized it sounded as if he was encouraging Li Wuting to speak privately with him.EUCqvNSnoDlizentfXcNXqrgnZpsBQ

lRfJXJbikhBVwMj

The next moment, Li Wuting indeed smiled slightly, “I understand.”coojIawzizjuuNjWNWxuxkvGtHsypt

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Ning Rushen, “…!”BduMRoqmUOguYHfYAUZaXznQgxmctP

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Noticing his growing agitation, Li Wuting stopped, looking ahead:CMYajdIzyxNGelPnHDpWMYCSQNmbsC

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“I rarely get to walk alone with Ning Qing.”pdIFRipzvdJFvZZviftITCeUQMuccw

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The topic shifted, and Ning Rushen thought back:gqMXcqRqlZVspDsjxWyifVvmNkCKMu

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Li Wuting was usually accompanied by bodyguards and palace attendants, even when there were few people, Dequan was always with him.ztPQebLOKNWdfMshKsmstHmNGtHCDR

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…Right, “Where is Dequan?”VQRzepOtidBcBgcnGaQfGtHNVgDZMG

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“He’s been tired these days. I told him he didn’t have to keep watch tonight and should rest.”mDLiSFAOQISuzcqNoLuOJKKMXygGyL

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Ning Rushen sighed, “Your Majesty is truly kind to those around you.”UeCNlZkHVHMDXcQudXUQsiWEBdTCrz

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Li Wuting glanced at him and lightly responded with an “Mm.”nHUsCokuHMIwkElghJsvdaciGpfLmr

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By this time, most people had gone to rest.rgMivIzWNPUqVfqsWVbXADsMRGvTrE

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The two didn’t talk much, enjoying the quiet of the night.eDbiNBiGPZsKDSTWnplBqRPqCbTIbq

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After passing a guard post, the light ahead dimmed again.RRjNjfjHnMWvnqJoNwHDNUvoVyLGsh

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They were far from the main tent. Ning Rushen was about to suggest they head back when he saw a shadow flicker behind the tent ahead—UeUliWkMrxgOHrLVoxFXhvmkAIBfrC

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His heart jumped!aYcwYLsEyuRKBxScciLJqzlbjdBuDG

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Li Wuting immediately pulled him behind him.PHEkLcfXSpMUIpqpsAnoRaSblhsejV

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With his broad shoulders shielding him, Li Wuting held his hand firmly. He turned his head to signal for silence and fixed his gaze ahead.dxxTSzMKqSfUvkkKEgKFwxGqtcMVBe

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Ning Rushen’s heart raced, unsure if it was from tension or something else.MFEEFgXDgDJfORGAMUHwFDafcUzRNu

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In the tense atmosphere, the rustling of grass behind the tent was heard.rXHxyLApNkkkjdWZZolveQXPMbYsSY

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Then came two familiar and subtle voices plotting:gjNxlUIqDvGEchqTbhTFMlSEYRBEdh

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“Master, the Chief Steward has been secretly making connections with the princes. That’s a death penalty.”rnBIBbnZKxkdcjMpSOJNNQKHWyfxpl

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“I’m risking my life to bring you this news.”zByCzxNSDZgOVfPtuatjsiQRhNLAMY

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“Quickly say, quickly say, I’ll take responsibility if something goes wrong.”TrZHDciHEAvzTUqgMvYSNOvRWEXxnl

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Dequan seemed to be unable to hold back, looking smug. “It’s nothing much. Just that on the second day after His Majesty came here, Lord Ning got up from the dragon bed, and His Majesty even asked for an extra basin of water!”OYzzhDZEnocKcJBVkRjbypZqLKNCBA

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Prince Xuan, “Oh oh oh oh oh oh!!!!”lIEmCawVyEoQJJkEoqeBQpWMyvDyMv

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“……”VRvgSIdgNLnQectqokpmlJOBcpqvDC

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“……”QPBEvMIPeGSOpeVpZaxGqHXdGggiKL

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