This official is so weak

Ning Rushen took a while to calm down from his shock, barely managing to dispel some of the terrifying images.OWWHOiDliBPcQpHSZIcaOsDWascXup

ZBvyJcZKKSdyjKq

He got up and rustled around while getting dressed.VRMsVzBfZRdrgniNSUxaVsKCNwOwCn

vvUvrtfedkSqPfv

He thought to himself: Li Wuting appeared normal, his clothes covering up the incident as if nothing had happened. Could it be that every morning before had been like this as well…SeveeRSCtSdaBKcAFavVWWJgBBaSKc

xIioknsVzKYemoi

Only because of his extraordinary self-control, was he able to hide any unusual signs.BfhVACkrSBahhpiPRwuOBeiOszrRck

PWtwFvIHRdLnMaA

No wonder he reassured me that it was nothing serious.SpjqWHPjelCkAFIMTjdhjELbtcipIA

rFduLgGwCLsMlOV

Ning Rushen finished dressing and took a deep breath:IwzVvTWRnAGWIKdXnIwkPWzyoiYIoZ

oSKiRHlwvcRtioV

It’s alright, just stay calm, stay calm…nctdURjdHMpDskLHctLUKZMiQWUAzG

FAfUjmVkNhgyAPX

After regaining his composure, he went to the front and saw that Li Wuting had finished washing up, and the military doctor was coming over to rebandage his wound.XfJipLygXpBVYIvxdZjszOaLqAogEt

GnkEeqZMSsdviVx

The wound from last night had stopped bleeding and wasn’t serious.hjCmKFEkcqfSxMdoHHzIVJhGMppAOq

WnhovVbyCdKEEdb

Ning Rushen felt somewhat reassured, but then noticed Li Wuting, with his back turned, was undoing half of his robe, revealing his bare shoulders and back.FvHgQmMEYuMzljYmEORTkVFIrZWkhP

trfgaGtAGViDIqh

His heart skipped a beat! He quickly looked away and went to wash up in the corner.tieXTuTVapqXcyRqSePKEKbaPJaFMV

BOKFQsycWDpAyCn

While he was washing, a face suddenly appeared beside him:UuhWYKRnnjXQwEzsfsXvHxGiFXhUXk

sQiNnEHWbygNGfz

“Lord Ning, you’ve worked hard last night~”pzyIXmToSuxzIILWrCxiMJVdyRwfpn

rizFLPatdhrSSJo

Ning Rushen turned to see Dequan smiling brightly, suddenly remembering what he had said about getting up from the dragon bed and asking for a basin of water. He reflexively said:dVWmPgoVjhZsGWDqSryVZjzviMtVfD

LULacKbZAKiMXIH

“Last night, nothing happened—”semmKksRqJtJUfZNjuBpbkBoOrRlGE

kPbeCAQcRmoOBXP

Dequan’s little ears twitched, “Hmm?”BjArjIplPMSnHXzrscxPQNZiFSWOJt

TgovEIAVzvLhrdJ

“……” Ning Rushen choked, “It wasn’t tiring.”geTkYBEIXbgkJzBZkutXLTrUPcoLDf

XDzEvyIJmDuPkbo

Dequan gave a knowing smile, “Mm-hmm.”YkzXsAZTKYMTYkxhrvFFONlKoQNeDC

UiZRVjLchAUsLHl

Ning Rushen closed his eyes in frustration: …Look at his mouth!ifXVzZjlVmHQEQiifpqrZlbIUmiEzT

UwdntTOtyoIPMgR

He was becoming more and more embarrassed, so he decided to stop talking and turned to look at Li Wuting.DeBFOJeSzGfZLjvitnjInpMpgSjWuH

OucKOMzVJGRwPKC

At that moment, the military doctor had just finished bandaging the wound.UVGnUoIVZtBAyoOLUfIgumzKPIGNNz

UgFAuCOMYRvSQfE

Li Wuting shrugged his shoulders and pulled his robe together.QJQOGpyLusmphKtlHweAjgXPUEOuNW

hkgFDDCNefBwVby

The bloodstained armor had been cleaned and placed aside. Li Wuting picked up the heavy armor with one hand, paused for a moment, and glanced over at Ning Rushen.IvsJnoelYpKSlmZHKTUcjMefYMMJUO

DYcTueGlysHXesh

After looking for two seconds, he pursed his lips and silently turned back to put it on himself.fsLvaNofdEvvpWdcnIEKOeOacQpnBm

awNLTcbcpoVHsjj

Ning Rushen, “……….”CsgoRnvXcMtVTfAPptkpzWkLvOsUVs

iTTETiWFOjGRDHZ

What was that silent glance supposed to mean?UOXwgKDrhCCaKrRqdFhXbiUhTYNydL

ENfGzdQRmCtGDhr

He felt both hot and uneasy under the gaze, hesitated for a moment, and finally approached Li Wuting. “Your servant will help Your Majesty put it on.”YyNJEdXabnbXfahYLIktkpfjKaDIyu

NHVjOvCkgbYbPvn

The hand let go, and a light, drifting sound fell from above, “Mm.”sKflWgCRNRByKzlRcngsZwYwfZHnpX

pTyWJejnBeNwWOq

Ning Rushen lowered his head and helped Li Wuting put on the armor.iwyqCgWhMOSqdZidbVuPESGQZtcZSa

vKPhEMGBHEMjtsI

The person in front then turned to Dequan and instructed, “Summon General Huo to the main tent.”CZdlbJVrptnaCWTbYzdeCwoEBnAOFS

XWcMunJlAEQZmEh

Dequan responded and left, leaving only the two of them in the tent.BwwdabcLakDKZmXvetXvwZjsgAhyfh

PeHfCMfOlbsWAOH

Ning Rushen struggled a bit to handle the heavy armor with his slender fingers.RzPnyXrODOcFAuAfePktAZMiuPAJcp

DEjKqmGxGnNnVce

Li Wuting looked down and saw Ning Rushen bending his head to fasten the battle armor. Since it was early, Ning Rushen hadn’t tied his hair up yet, and a few strands fell from his clean cheek.JjRDSodEHlgXSTmYACRYpKpaRLbzWO

yzXGtTNInRnXUVZ

Li Wuting’s palm itched, and he reached up to tuck the hair behind Ning Rushen’s ear.OAbZaRZEcNwfiIkHVDIcWWieCcTrNx

qifuaFOnhVoUrmc

His fingertips brushed against the sensitive tip of Ning Rushen’s ear, causing him to shiver! He instinctively turned his head and looked up.EnqSBEmyDinFDrtkRBuACtSUaQHmrK

nPerwscsOXOLQqC

Li Wuting stopped his movement, “What’s wrong, avoiding me?”eQNnwcWVPIQGVpjcAlgOrnENUQrdca

ECcwYRJFiIFgigE

“……” Ning Rushen, “It’s nothing, my ear…”JmXnGCVzRtHRjxFhEnsydOynSQMklB

PiCgaICrrIkUsWm

He swallowed, “Just woke up, can’t stand being startled.”prHrsytSgcocCeMtwgHxFsZngpnXma

OKDFhmCRACbURbe

Li Wuting scrutinized him for a few seconds and suddenly asked, “Are you still bothered by what happened when you just woke up?”bcnvCPdNgmMDnhCTxybpvCErdRFJze

IMKUDmThqcgscCn

Caught off guard by the direct question, Ning Rushen’s heart raced, and he involuntarily recalled the scene he had just glimpsed. Distracted, he instinctively said, “No, I’m just a bit scared…”sJHkzrCCPriWAuVCVOhNWfBxNyHxoj

cJSPGvnaDVDkodc

As soon as the words left his mouth, both of them fell silent.KkKtyzgcYakHXWbftoKuBjdGusZLkY

smBFvtZBSIrlUUc

“……”ILQcycXaKzwomElGKgkTDOeMyWsPBz

FsjwvvfVREmvVdM

“……”IEIjDZTbyfrYxwwXqZjMRrGaYeJqXM

PPwhryFzGoCFMWS

Ning Rushen suddenly snapped back: What was I saying…!SgifwFJiYsAVkIdvePxBCuUdZwpSig

uLNzhwnwJGxfLMY

The chest in front of him heaved violently twice. Li Wuting’s eyes burned with heat as he stared at him and said in a hoarse voice, “What are you afraid of?”VHXVCaaoEGBMdWDFqstDBLqDHvkATT

vSSlHPEXJKBxvDb

The loose strands of hair at the side of Ning Rushen’s face seemed to explode outward.uYvBnQqFhEqattJpOzCJyvGINMfxRm

WveVqJvtinBrUDv

Ning Rushen, gripping Li Wuting’s armor, was dizzy and struggled to find words for a long time:fRIPHJHlOdjKkflHEqfMGNrhUWxULc

SJrtpTDzjSNYAwN

“Afraid… Your servant is afraid that his eyes might have offended Your Majesty.”kEcXAaYCvlLtTkrQddTJnxXydbuOdW

gVKuyQpzGbEnFRW

The tent fell silent for two seconds after his words.PwSzUekmNDUEKMZTiAGUxhwKtpguFa

sLHHOPbnHIQktqB

At that moment, a report came from outside the tent: General Huo had arrived.uWFrZJresSilokgdhODDACAaWeCQLi

UDjFWntczwYANjz

…The distraction had arrived.EJOpTKfIyNFDvczQhFEDqxadkBaebY

KxrbHpErFcuOWnK

Ning Rushen had just sighed in relief when he saw Li Wuting smile slightly, lowering his voice, “It’s nothing. It’s I who am with you, always afraid of offending you.”eWjSETVSNtPkRpNOaTtWlzbtaHPRdy

lttPUzdrTWRzkeH

He suddenly widened his eyes and looked at Li Wuting—PnacGMFxQwCmHEqiaEVrumzHPjCWgs

ezTDNaAActPVWVB

Li Wuting glanced at him again and said, “Go wash your face. General Huo is coming in.”cTmsqlEtlCdIenEtqHOlQbhtSSdEij

vpHlAmFzpsXYAOJ

Wash my face? Am I so dirty that I can’t be seen?zWwrJRJwLUyVcjIdbaonqojjTJZiJo

chEZfpQXbEdbJEo

Ning Rushen was momentarily confused but could only turn away as instructed. He heard Li Wuting call out behind him, “Announce him.”wgaQPKiOlUxRmwjwtHgdRCToinvnba

zaXPRHcVSGfBUKn

The curtain was lifted, and Huo Mian entered.LHWjeoUPnCasTAfyKhGcLKZbinaBEZ

KsDcwAgkpTQnJoA

·svhgEbwRnSiLJbtzdbQMwQWrhPGEAk

DbjbfJPDHpJbuiG

Huo Mian entered and gave his greetings.GDzXQAAkDCZjmUroabNHjZJYXtDFlm

StvkfMtBAAsdDIy

Ning Rushen, with his back to the two of them, applied cold water to his face and was surprised by how hot his face was.VWQnxlqTNACTDPpwHQsHbmdMFyHxES

tVOnpqciqixknrH

He paused for a moment: …So, what was his expression just now?oBFBYtyrDbMEWkGbDebLttOJqmnKNH

sgAsYZZcfPIQqHm

Soon, Li Wuting’s voice inquired about the injuries behind him.fusowDTwTTdpvSeImmkUEFcNnNTJXt

rxIXTqPxeDnzzbt

Ning Rushen exhaled hot air and composed himself.qLExcBtPBuWHvVsImgbThYMwkbVFiW

kCdnVWgSNKVDByv

After splashing a few handfuls of cold water, he turned around and approached to listen.XizgeXfAoBMMAqjcsOiKsYVwkzvQaQ

QaEcHClRTQdvFiU

“They’ve all been settled in the wounded soldiers’ camp, and the herbs…” Huo Mian, initially reporting seriously, paused when he saw the water droplets still on Ning Rushen’s flushed face.AxEoyCopEkBsoxAeOgomfvijyiRmTW

cYsQkDrXHyDvGaX

His first reaction was to mention this to Prince Xuan?bJxhTQztCPMyiJfRIYSJHaTCFmXKHe

FJbHpoxCajtMFQV

Ning Rushen glanced over suspiciously: What’s wrong?bWikicMqIGYbopmcnLjIsCaeEyqBzN

hrTYJufQOGuiTNo

It seemed like he saw something strange through Huo Mian’s eyes.GrtanHTpuQdnOwiqXOHmaIfgEOROXg

aymKVgUOwILCkib

Suddenly, Li Wuting’s voice came from the side, “What about the herbs?”YAKTJBKFbZlbEMBRWAGsxoKDOWWqDt

FwbENXqXLmkhYyc

Huo Mian quickly regained his composure, “There are still enough.”TqwyNnlvyJoGiVriLaBJCwCsHHavCU

pGqeSdyDnyftRSl

He continued reporting on military matters, and Ning Rushen grew increasingly alarmed: There were actually five thousand North Di cavalry in last night’s raid, which was already quite a large number for a surprise attack.SPrTGgBLUdHJRrEYiccjpNJggirSZA

aRJVhpSlZxEZkba

They had brought six thousand troops, and fortunately, with Li Wuting and Huo Mian each handling a thousand men, they had avoided severe losses.sFuwwNgtylmHskkJJeMiuTunPgOhIb

hkIwbTcJeMNGrgc

Ning Rushen asked, “Where was the point of the raid?”oRkGvOyMnYvaMjSTcsjBqOPNMvpPlW

XFldArIvONIVSBB

Li Wuting pointed to a spot on the sand table, “Shuoyuan, this section of the city wall is the weakest and was almost breached by them. Considering the strength of the North Di’s forces, it’s likely a test attack for a full-scale assault. Once they break through Shuoyuan, they can lead their army directly in.”fwnIaKLxBPhPnaNKMxhnXqiZVpJUcp

QoYRMCMOEpQsRPJ

Ning Rushen looked at the sand table, “Hmm.”cjcDGqREoWyLsuRVgmYvOPvVwGFZqy

lqVzvdreNtIjcDy

So, does that mean the enemy is closer to the Shuoyuan direction?XdoeRNiwTVOlURvUVmCaeoHUcNjsfB

GuCfIYtiAKajJBj

To confirm his guess, Li Wuting chuckled, “But it’s just right, we’ve managed to get a clear picture of their forces and deployment.”bUvHPIZQejIBGhBBjKifWehkapTHBo

yDIinJDnLJApZST

Huo Mian asked, “Your Majesty, shall we remain inactive?”WMAngpqKIfDaTADGiRcuuyffqNieEc

mRVzHhcPOKCfIXX

Li Wuting pondered for a moment and suddenly asked, “Today is the sixth day of October?”boyjnQHcMleRhAZCjhYtNwFlpvHTxv

GeKUBGJEURisQQb

Huo Mian answered, “Yes.”dtEuoYKHHjDnlXrBMtYinmWQTEMZvt

lEvoWXRrixmFRhl

Li Wuting then furrowed his brows, a sharp intent appearing in his eyes, “Summon all the generals. We can’t wait any longer.”DKtbTqwSdgruUPURgQKCtmxzsIAvjY

aKiKWmnTQNwrlqJ

Ning Rushen looked at his cold expression, feeling a sense of tension:cALIyoeCWuigMhXPgwfXIWoKshYXzj

vfTubsHOEPIAFkM

— This means, a formal campaign against the Di.RzbrtaQZaUJDTdKFKfYFZRNCWLfhWz

AtJhXPwSelswBpF

The North Di’s night raid marked the first battle before the great war erupted.CvdNxFAHauJGkaUcnZyoOAqcrGEeBG

lPXpcmmUagogTSn

The campaign against the Di was scheduled to start two days later.DRVIHRhMlcZBjmLzDtTXvGyQIUqCWS

WTMWJDYHlRJNWFL

In just two days, Li Wuting quickly reorganized the troops, formulated strategies with the generals, and ordered Sun Wu to return from Lichuan to guard Longyuan Pass.ncdwgSQmrQWWPUsGWSFaQmDwdMnVpH

CSIcyokQoAHQnPK

When Sun Wu returned, Ning Rushen was counting spears and arrows.FOYnxgHzWSYxCUJAKEtxFEDJJzKTCA

vwzktZKRNLshDAm

He heard a long, kettle-like whistle cut through the camp, and turned to see Sun Wu, with tears in his eyes, rushing over:YXhNUQvNmXlSZNtRmgimfyCMjVpRws

vxlcVOUiizuUOJF

“Old Sun is finally back—”kdUCMGMxhtUcgekToSKFaXtLYcDocE

KJMIUPXHDPjksmk

As soon as he finished speaking, he grabbed Ning Rushen and hugged him fiercely: Smack!dgXGEZUfQYCLaBrjSBxHThiNNfIAVh

shMrVANhIceRHSl

Ning Rushen was stunned and his ears buzzed:TwDDfksQoQznBNSwpuKZvOCYkEGsbw

AbKXxAxdizdlyhn

…Are you the cavalry brought in by the monkeys?emXLsxRFJlrVGCOdWkobqbpyvbbtBx

XQkmnkqWmEPGyFG

Dizzy and with ringing in his ears, Sun Wu continued to enthusiastically pat him, “Long time no see, Lord Ning, have you missed me!”hHgomvARvqqGijTaoPSImmlWiGbuhU

lhipAwutyUOUlWt

Ning Rushen didn’t have time to react.wmSfknUzJoQdsnOpNXdQrluoOhsdbg

NPbzsLybAUGjjWA

A hand suddenly reached out from the side, grabbing Sun Wu by the collar and pulling him away—obGkZvrMyahIdkPGHusLvDHqSBprpu

IfRKzhAnqBbChHs

Huo Mian warned, “Go away, get to the side!”TRQlXKAhGBYpnTnYthGurigPPfEMsN

qnBmaRQHsyQQqhQ

Sun Wu, “Hey! What are you doing, General?”AnAZJEySGHLGnmyZwjnBjDwsqTbPjp

WsvUsLtIbaplgyc

Huo Mian glanced at Ning Rushen and pulled Sun Wu away.OvufuaCLMPuRxWJvIabeFJmaIewYhz

CmVYGqouOHcYhBS

From a distance, Sun Wu could still hear him solemnly mumbling, “I’m saving your life!”xQYBYkBgNwNFhrmRybFOwDEcXhDCLd

rJoHVxNJysWnIeg

Sun Wu looked over, “Huh????”DxAaDRVMdlKvLdkYhXyIrlrtslqZQm

KFcyEUbRwHhqQcz

Ning Rushen, “…” There are so many crazy people in this world.iSUrJWtxVgrpFNoMfhqMnpDhSodSiu

wxLxPCbTnGNzRXK

·ypUQpoFCpQsgmEmOOgIAfltTUJYeod

wMGezfYvsDNBqPg

The two days passed quickly.aNUuACEQDGAYRcTaxYuVwfoVjcFqcF

wTPDQiLHgvtXXmc

The day before the army’s expedition arrived.hopwXodkOYhhajtOwUYXTNYaElZDoR

jOBJTRgXCATnpKm

That evening, Li Wuting gathered the generals and made specific points: for example, avoid crossing Hengyuan Slope when reaching Yishui; do not pursue the desperate enemy, especially avoid pursuing them into the foothills of the West River.FddLJLZQcGxVKzFfmZIlNuDTrmheNH

yyDzervfVahMZJk

The generals were puzzled but made a mental note of it.MkYmxuejiTsgnHdonRECKMlTIppkNV

ZbIJACapQzoBhKE

After the meeting, the soldiers went their separate ways.taeQLNPAPKfiIiAheRUiXbBGnOJWWb

EhgqemJqyMEjoWe

After Ning Rushen finished washing up and returned, he saw the silhouette behind the screen, apparently just having removed his armor and sitting on the edge of the bed. Thinking about what was just mentioned, he leaned his head around the corner:OvflbvESydOKzQZdMMOlZaAqrdzsmu

cYZUWtrEFzLsYEH

“Your Majesty.”BFIAZCareqdzlbEFYcZQemlwwgRhud

ZNnIarblEJHPFyd

Li Wuting looked at him, “What’s the matter?”vkZaNuCZAYabUMePKRFFYraTPOgVqH

bJzLmwVfKOSijaq

Ning Rushen asked, “How did Your Majesty predict those things?”LgCCkitDxqEZSljKBUxbnwcWUuBhlM

nDcRwVyHZVQtsxe

“Want to know?” Li Wuting sat on the edge of the bed and looked at him, curving his lips slightly, “I said, once you nod, I’ll tell you everything.”aRUsWNtNQFbzPyAZZwGgTncGlHLBHy

VWbSQGtnIPVMSbU

So, what should I nod at?BVMMcvWElhOCJVQKKABSLwutwlKfwd

BKtehAFfjGkfFAs

Ning Rushen was about to nod again when he heard Li Wuting’s soft voice, “Tonight, will you come up as well?”SZORKcAauyJHpPrXdtytXLBYWwGXLJ

kyoPdaQgdNxfhFf

At the same time, he nodded: “Yes.”TVeFkqUhoioQEbSmgcsQRzWovzimhc

lBErHlnTugaWnqX

“……”QgbaOBefxdkjBFFEvisyaHvschhEfy

fTKJPEFFXCOMqOT

Ning Rushen: Wait, no!absqOxLRNCkEFgHGaoIBLOAZsWjYjw

ndzVHPbbWEoYElr

Li Wuting smiled slightly, “You agreed so quickly.” He then made way and lightly patted the bed.ZOdpzApohogxrdrvCnZcYKTBLpHgCj

zVvySloKAWJKeYL

Ning Rushen opened his mouth but swallowed his words when he met Li Wuting’s steady gaze: This is the last night before the great battle; tomorrow the army will set out.ggUQKLtWpJKhmPJhOLUgdkAHOQgkAb

LHTbEjdYHbCBOlZ

His emotions surged suddenly, and he climbed onto the bed.IzdzRfBwdFSFgWuxdZQZOsmLRlVNqj

kQXqayshsDabQpl

The bed was still faintly scented with a familiar fragrance.EyLGTEUcCsKTUkCbrMEIHxdZdrQSCg

fMThCJdHBozeKXK

Ning Rushen’s heart raced and his whole body felt hot: So, tonight, should he also be a haven of rest for Li Wuting?xbvrIlfUlcLPUQIlgTiWPbAYrHQuLN

iIiWHJAbQBTXYME

While he was thinking, a long arm suddenly reached out and pulled him into an embrace.CwPtVujJQEHFlWLbkXUjepthGwpRZF

UzWRYAVVvucPKzV

Ning Rushen held his breath: !tgfzRRGKmsldtxusMTCIQITdRcXmPf

hKgDrplYuLMGdJe

Li Wuting held him and whispered, “I apologize for the intrusion.”iuoJXqSWBnvghPkJqGeDCetUWDoFsQ

oEazBYiAYcTiyFz

Ning Rushen stared in disbelief:hmXvtRssxYwKmRrhEwsmlVriRhBFTk

kLvQQxkkzxgKzyE

What is this, is he… practicing gentlemanly manners? But will Li Wuting continue to do this in the future, hugging him and then seriously saying, “Ning Qing, I apologize”…NxMMiviOCpgVcaHADBBGvPsSgmvjPL

aAybFvpgAMpfINl

Li Wuting had ordered Dequan to turn off the lights.oejSHdHaXQBOfpTHPZjiPrGNYyKNkA

OKRisIIAkEzUfvx

The light disappeared abruptly.TfsAbjlYKdvRuvxXmzJHJOfBeIaNzD

YjnnyLuLdGgfnXz

In the darkness, Ning Rushen clung to Li Wuting’s clothing, feeling the fabric brushing against each other. He dared not make a sound, feeling Li Wuting’s strong and warm arms around him, and the air around them was heated.ZOhsdNqcKVclhHKGwreEFfsqsgECTI

fRwxFuEdwUtGEnR

Li Wuting’s deep voice came from above:VOAejpquJqPBzNkKAlYNryEycyhusP

wWgBbbcuphjWQlT

“If you don’t want this, push me away.”NPpLuJyKCdkRpgNRpkXegHUZOdAlgI

CaaUylJfQevKTpF

Ning Rushen paused for a moment. In the intoxicating warmth, he tightened his fingers and then wrapped his arms around Li Wuting’s waist.WqqlELxfredyhiaCAMJGLiWjfUVTLk

XCoOdbERNlmrcdw

His embrace tightened suddenly—eVMwDqeqNVeZkGHkcIKNcxOXvzuUfm

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“Hmm…” His cheek pressed against Li Wuting’s chest, feeling the rapid heartbeat like war drums pounding, each beat sending a surge of blood through him.avIrtSOQZhAMhfcUwVKhVTgrvNUqjH

xrgeQouKODCbTcQ

“Your Majesty…” Ning Rushen closed his eyes.lkuUNolygfIKvoLEQacZsBSoUnjyLD

XVNpnsMMdLTXPuS

Li Wuting held him tighter, his voice almost lost in his uneven breathing, “…Sleep.”YslEDqjWDZtRhtrVluJIsNqYZBAmPe

HiJsusJvuUTdYVb

The airtight embrace was warm and reassuring.NcVUtkoxfEkZotholBMONClbcxGlQX

fMOPaOYoPJyIDYO

On the final night before the battle, Ning Rushen allowed himself to sink into the emperor’s arms and gradually fell asleep amidst the slight dizziness.yuCvunGgnkpfPqFpCNcDdoKcjNKALU

KlKTZGMMkzJkhvG

Before falling into a deep sleep, he murmured, “Your Majesty, good night…”VxmtHQHSeOXWJeomICsyBPjJHUnPSl

LcZlFuuXicaPceR

A faint reply came from above: “Good night, Ning Qing.”XTiiBDPoEhSTFoqqldSQbVKgwynmgm

BhpHAUhoMPazIzO

“……Rushen.”JClIzlHMjBbqTZVVhximoJBRalNNkc

dbXzePQEozHpqXT

·OhMnkxQSDLQolXWYEMENbWkznIVHSB

ZouvyVBnSqFAhdr

He slept soundly through the night until the following morning.AiRspVkiMNSQYhXRwgQfdYyKhakIYN

DRzPbMuiMSBfiAG

Early in the morning, the entire army prepared to depart.QvntAgWUXYtpaPPbDSkrTgcfGMQNPn

QghgtnhtILVgMPt

Li Wuting rose to don his armor and cloak and left the camp.aLlWYFEflmCpeKcTHPuHALsDwKDJcv

zyTHkvVNJLirdge

Ning Rushen also quickly got ready, tied his hair back, and donned a sharp cavalry outfit, heading out through the city gate.RxZLOLfiahIDuFTtPxVzgnypZRBONM

UhswfXjVuXawPjv

In front of Longyuan Pass, the heavy gate rumbled open—fjxOFTpyyccSmfaqmEAUEdzXXTXVJZ

iuHKLvWcOexpScl

A streak of dawn appeared on the horizon, spreading from the rising gate, illuminating the entire northern frontier.ttiQREWTuGEoIZSSzaPuJwpjsjIshv

GNDmsunxLcvIdry

With the gate wide open, the army lined up in front of the pass.EyUNIZfSnndrxmwDeZwEfgNpnmhIUI

hDtlnxFlBSOVJoR

Cavalry in the front, infantry in the back, armor gleaming with a cold light, casting long, regimented shadows.cZwdRhTSfXebDOKpkRPrywhuLUKWbC

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Under the general’s flag, the vast army stood in solemn silence.pqdnPcbBIASXLtiYASWnWLzkCDRCfU

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It brought a tremendous impact and stirring to the heart.uWUiAHZLiPCKOWsSbqKzPuohzfqhJi

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Ning Rushen and Xuan Wang saw them off from the front of the army.pGAWYWALxNfsEzUQuNTtsmnuKsTQEW

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He looked up to see Li Wuting leading the way, mounted high. The dark cloak wrapped around him against the wind and sand, and the silver helmet was edged with a hint of golden red morning light.dsScZRLcvXshFhHybXlNtdDEYEwwxN

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The handsome face turned towards him.uKHoGrmlVnRnqwgrfGXSqhMXunlguN

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He took a deep breath and accepted the parting wine.VVhbRiwjHAwJcaGuGJvJkakUyBwoGc

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Alcohol was forbidden in the army, but before the expedition, the commander would drink a cup of “Yangguan wine” on behalf of the troops.QvvnrSFINiNVozVHYqAgsxekjesWpT

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Ning Rushen held the wine cup and approached Li Wuting.LeEQxnKJdWBrFIYTvXEtsRyJigrbUs

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The wine in the cup reflected the early morning light, clear and transparent, like frost and blood, sharp and pungent.KAmBdigKFhYevHnbEfUdpbkycyYCRI

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He met Li Wuting’s lowered gaze, his throat suddenly tight, fingers slightly clenched:AApawJQkWNJwyvKsEvGMwGOuAtyRJY

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“…May Your Majesty and the Great Cheng army achieve victory.”ixnUwIjZXAqmJYSglgfWUurbvWLlHQ

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Li Wuting stared at him without blinking and took the cup, drinking it all in one gulp.QyveKmZUbBkqbwMJVaQdArkqTsiVkK

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The strong wine burned through him.aGLRYfQBVAOXiPRvZeMdrXlpCpdURu

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Behind them, the army erupted in cheers:RdtmUlwjWJlaTKkrPQuDSHIzIyKMgx

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“Great Cheng will win—”VzPcqcyNDhxWBGcXbrCdErKGKjZbnS

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“Kill the Di! Kill the Di! Kill the Di!!!”lwuUhqilkNuOIKHkYsMeVBQflyaIwr

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Li Wuting’s face was illuminated by the golden-red morning sun, and his neck was reddened by the burning alcohol, his heart surging with emotion.ldFanNMSDTlaXdZNdBOScMfHKShRRe

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Ahead lay the vast desert of North Di.YeDQDZdDKtouFtLAffEVpCRGXlBIUL

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He had confidence in victory and a resolve to face death.pKfrtPbPdUjbOAfmjNQOsLjjilcAfz

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Li Wuting’s heartbeat pounded against his chest, one hand gripping the wine cup, with countless feelings breaking through the peak—GhvUcdHbObiMyGpcTpHbEsYajQIwOe

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Amidst the deafening cheers, he looked at Ning Rushen’s clear eyes and said, “When I return victorious, will you stay by my side?”xOeCbPxYTRofSkUYjEwDzKhzkIruQg

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“I will give you the best of Great Cheng.”CiTbAxHLAtsjrDltOnFdhEvbLrlCJe

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His voice was drowned by the roaring cheers but was clearly heard by Ning Rushen up close.UHJtojjjvrmjYpEnRUGGlxjXAtpDqu

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Ning Rushen’s heart skipped a beat, and he stared at the emperor.NIuSLaNQVtSliPNeAefYmEkIkgNDjv

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He saw the intense heat in Li Wuting’s eyes, his cheeks and neck flushed red.txOPqPhLkbFibUdCbMRyLwrOgPTiBC

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Feeling like he was burned, Ning Rushen’s heartbeat matched the thunderous drums. He opened his mouth:AaaOHHLimqQVFobEAnUQwLZqOttYsP

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“Your Majesty means…”cxPNsoUMksHDdpyprSXxOOHOkrlJXu

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Li Wuting suddenly threw his cloak wide, with a whoosh—vNgXoWwfsVCcGfQBAIUqjhkLnUvXGG

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He bent down as he passed the cup, shielding from potential eyes behind, and pressed the cup into Ning Rushen’s hand. Then, taking his fingers, he pressed a kiss to his forehead:kwSJbOhGwaMqausZUZzYflfdFAjEFx

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“You know I have feelings for you.”OKNpMcGRqldJuFgyWOCdOKaCPGLYTw

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—OhKpdEtFrrpaQpShwTsesXFGBbsFzz

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Author’s Note:egLYewGDpYZWJmsUeOWxbphVQLIALx

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Li Wuting: Giving the best Great Cheng to the cat!sxHMlGdcYWAKvehDQXIrJuUpXzacKu

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Ning Cat: Actually, I only need some cookies and a litter box attendant. (Sprawled) (Easy to care for)qEebFrbzTBrxxdkVrzgAmkMdCpOBPL

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