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.RuCTHKmooGhfbOhLvrDITTBwonUkjs

kNJpxUUohJaArCK

He got up and rustled around while getting dressed.kiVcTCMgXroVqtEKLsItreCGHhzJYx

WgIbCQTeJAAVUSB

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…yxBwaiCgyxZxpBiLreRcECVxvJeTKZ

bMRHZZpwKBlEPkF

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

iqVGwHVKgxJFcJb

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

GfbppwnBUprodKG

Ning Rushen finished dressing and took a deep breath:MbPGKgSSdTtfPjBxzhNcXxVKtWHTGy

lkxFHDvUAbkJpWS

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

UNAkjgDMPGxZIDz

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.gWiHKFSDzUisfRvgmujrQXCSMvNAqt

DlxpfLkcgXZXArZ

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

BEsDFZRqjUCxKeR

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.tnAzXtHpcYMdmuJDxDRAdbUqkWzXan

aSVTcyCfDKQRYJF

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

HPuVAljtrplPqFj

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

UagFznsfidgVSmU

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

VJhpeoiwCJCoINk

Ning Rushen turned to see De Quan 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:pFEPqLaWiIyvyGircyQfQIExaaojKV

wYVTJzsPdwhjfdi

“Last night, nothing happened—”EmbXDhlaYDZcGyHanlGhJMPyyMfMKP

JzahAbGEAhPRbQR

De Quan’s little ears twitched, “Hmm?”ywLLegteWQEDsCmAczInOHTBzCUaWW

JfWlHGdxUDbzZUn

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

SuDBdLiBCntejCI

De Quan gave a knowing smile, “Mm-hmm.”VgnglLIZYNnqAoGlKsJWjgvLbAlMLx

ELeCHTUciPjdKAI

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

EGBOzDpqGrIGDrS

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

nMOSrpxglKerdOb

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

hjBDkjNpAEQXfyI

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

IDuIbZlkaCudVLa

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.abZtZOzJrfzYGqPVhRDOMdbgzhGXjU

eKxnAQiiaoyXYbH

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

xaBJTVWUupLpzWN

Ning Rushen, “……….”ydJYIehxQyQvIxXxUxdquJScfKZRFf

JxMWbMQNmdyxdpq

What was that silent glance supposed to mean?dFqQaINLCyHcTalUogcMswSfUXUFXh

NzPwCCVHEHHZkLu

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.”BsMWiJtEXudCAUFENakXeVCkxTZXZi

TqfFtoNRyrSPIfO

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

NntVWXTtoGDVMvd

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

KduUEyCXxSfVawP

The person in front then turned to De Quan and instructed, “Summon General Huo to the main tent.”kNuKTNfisudviGgEesUfQhdqoiwtpy

FdDRjCMVBnhHLqE

De Quan responded and left, leaving only the two of them in the tent.VyKCsgfyzPLpmWBDGHxoERnwirLiJo

qGpsPkCgGOFTyTf

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

ymYkvsOgaDlObmH

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.efCwvjgosGVjUESisoJzELiXJzVJfJ

gKyFkngibmjyIeW

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

eSUQodsSjrNuwsy

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

hiXtMHDbrqRSsRa

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

KmfufeYeKlYWMCt

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

PHaEhusIWsFKyos

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

aLtvGVfxgDVWQHO

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

JxLJdgxUGIhydOo

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…”gWZZDfcxMwLoCQrMZlMgzzwZMxOFVO

sopseyyzvRqNBHa

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

VjvjDLEMHyXNylt

“……”JCwOhBRyHVzVuNGotINtIcBrateVSE

lpqpmgGTxdCDcxq

“……”FibJRiWjwtAMBqYPWLONcnefZgnyTN

uGeddCAvbNXFWdZ

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

PgGfwYXKulWbNtS

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?”cARfvReTvrzQhMrzTIctgFJyXsEtoZ

IVIxHZAojZCRorM

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

yOZiIDMOGOZYAgf

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

OzMePnxNZXDdQsp

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

gWLqkDedNjEhdgH

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

UKGRixIVmBkjMBx

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

lVwYaAyuaFFMmgn

…The distraction had arrived.JHjldSNLmBbrhnRzNJFIfVpWDTmhFA

kNDYzbrvUwPbBrr

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.”jXHnWSQYgWpadZJtinmrqyTqoPJUgV

nuSAdmkjvegeSkv

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

OARxSAPcnjlscbf

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

arqmxqTVVGlWqPD

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

ZRNhLMIhElTuZTe

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

eCoPWgkqtpmjZSm

The curtain was lifted, and Huo Mian entered.ceXCwmvUFdrYNXpxRTEXPnIGAkiNxi

ECZHDQRDvxWHKeK

·tgAlSnkwHrENMupPFjlKtUQlWwuEyx

qRCbEXsYbrXnPay

Huo Mian entered and gave his greetings.nRHzUhfUhYsbvDuXKHmRbdLxesnJST

IrbunIDAyKWWsMU

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.LGRFCeCnAEWdDvEZeQlJAHgKqSZbTZ

jqzNXlBRjUJoZBb

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

YwagsQxBWDcoNOE

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

bYvEcIsVCbpiSdZ

Ning Rushen exhaled hot air and composed himself.MACTdzIEIRudRrqhfTdaowGXZpEkwO

DQNFZZcAROcgFvP

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

JDDwwGmwZhQdRuK

“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.xOenbNgiEsIHiEsdjRyMYUCwOwbplc

WqpwCONlMANMRLJ

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

jGhsWsUGazWwZwG

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

OiioRMRvKfrgEnL

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

ccACPyBakcTzlbl

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

IJkWafkpnMBYCYI

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

PpvdfpOVXkOwjWi

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.HCDBUaRgPfSeorowlqyvvclWpyHOLk

EsLPvnpYfpkWQUN

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

EkebagWJJQvExGG

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

VzrYIvCAUATYjDH

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.”yoJMqykXHOwLfTPyfCToTnRQFImYqo

sQfBDYpJebYVUyo

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

CCJkKkhKpiZYqET

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

CplcYUgVZudUKnt

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.”ODmecFWFeOOTlnJKQvDrJKHTyKZlSQ

ahDvggqqfYQZbqx

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

NIolvfZcJKdPyZY

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

SAKiYpfFUvjZxZl

Huo Mian answered, “Yes.”LNwFZrUTfqiqLIootjcprgSGvPydKG

EhrUihyhUOrnxQP

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

zLQHeQwAVkitVBa

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

zHigZEebmkeHvHA

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

unCCvNMhzkJTrwO

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

ltUoXiRoUKvnOni

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

UpAmMRCkcPtFptf

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.JwYuVcObCZDhBSlVzvLuOKCtcOeyHZ

otETaYiBNQtbtpp

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

rQgBpKqjOcXCsjB

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

kMXDywTejghdHWA

“Old Sun is finally back—”nUYRuOynenPOyQeEswEXClLxAAmVdn

zFaRTWNZTvGjtzf

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

mazjLaEQZODgVaS

Ning Rushen was stunned and his ears buzzed:dVGfTVyqrovwVvJZLHQvTGwPiuKUOM

OVJbRmoWYAFTqOG

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

ioAKeECztdISvoq

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

JoraqLFzkUViCBx

Ning Rushen didn’t have time to react.DZQzVfDtuNpKmUeCXXziuLgzhZSXbT

awdmFJMYnbjTjYI

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

vWNutyudmJPHwue

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

uFqbYxYIONqQRFY

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

TXmVlijxGEbaJUO

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

qjxtpwxnavpAvBy

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

HOOruVmYsQGRVsQ

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

dcGiBnRzAxgfdOn

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

lMiQxIrzKLtLgOh

·QdqmyzZsOxblpGkWVHxiJygSOaepHP

vWeLSYsaJhlIRww

The two days passed quickly.lHTQwcnRJKGOxMwvgQlBjPaVwiDXqV

IRBThhGtBFjTyyl

The day before the army’s expedition arrived.RIfIrCnNXTKNKXHDETcnSlCnNGpWCq

pcjYkFxzPAtlkEq

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.RplocmoRgfmkcznngeZRPEeIGoJnWg

pkBEhVUlurcjcQh

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

OwtSDpgoHjkTULv

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

ayFXNddBbXMxjsM

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:fcksRZROijkdYrMnbDZHetAixNNTeU

ZwyDzArnZdtrkrd

“Your Majesty.”nCwkpZNdrseNxWyQNPFKVIWqSmyccE

eDwWLOQGXWUqPaB

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

UYDiTyDCKmwxvnJ

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

VeSeKxrBZhNVbHT

“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.”qmTbnufuuizxHRcctLBVckjsTPuxnT

EMsCZOZECzmoxAC

So, what should I nod at?RuJBrjSjPwKdpzmHpdBmPltZzHUJHF

EhTAoloUvJzQdrD

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

owANbqMWaZnfvcw

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

RKTFCGlpkjrVEoZ

“……”DiiDlwOTRbukSVwxaeLhLbNHSYMZjn

wwMHcgoIjgDEoob

Ning Rushen: Wait, no!MvcqjzQjtsPwSegxLDFnmXeymgXUbZ

PtWqvKeDbzCKhhv

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

kpJljzUVsBrQqgc

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.NfkRitFkAWDPCOsAkyLohhgJFZJWAN

HzDCYvIKlCOaVGE

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

EANxubeCIxOmYYf

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

YUDuARsBmMhprOJ

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

QWvlkJodbxEvWlR

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

dfjDiNTNFrAVDfV

Ning Rushen held his breath: !cjUCaKkNylfEPCkBLsWdFcQgOYyqGc

xzeEivSvkjtunZy

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

heTksQFKsGdBJjo

Ning Rushen stared in disbelief:VOHHSDdVFzFpfDNEwFoDhNbFWsnpXx

tTYLEabpfabRKeh

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”…KZMErEzHrZCrKrAXDQgFbhxWCTcUWF

YTHJwKpJWQtHXBW

Li Wuting had ordered De Quan to turn off the lights.sYvDsWillImnYkRzptSdfhKafMMHlC

CLglPZuPztfKBvP

The light disappeared abruptly.mPytFvGUIqwZHDOpSuZpEWYTIDYQJx

hZXYsfEQjjcWIJD

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.oQOLQqXJfcsXeWteadkFTJrHZVzXfc

tavrDyZwkeRvHpO

Li Wuting’s deep voice came from above:yyhhHeOfXROIJaznpRFREjLhTnLblo

aKqMiUFDIyDobYa

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

ifDtHTfBMzkztyF

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

hbcOCInFoybyPGV

His embrace tightened suddenly—uSfxDxikLpWfivWvwrcJiloMQuymLm

itpZLzLzFzBcZMh

“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.iifmooREDYmcdVLpyAKOMrlVZwpwrj

xgBBWIIHeCOJFPs

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

sXNpbCoMWAUwsYD

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

ihljAcpKDyqosIF

The airtight embrace was warm and reassuring.dFzObFfeghViUpWpGTYMKhRHCfbidi

QOcPWVUajNRCmVV

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.ALzQQNVTQOPJtMxRgQMFxUKmFDHCsz

NbvtZkPnkhARKKN

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

GZBxIyWMeZhLTXA

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

vnWbMrwOjHIleGe

“……Rushen.”WxoVpPiuFQDMoNFDxFYUvMHLyXmaLM

mKQbhHecTGGnvNv

·LcEsWUnohmVqXXNzvGzlUcRYOkFWBY

yNpmrkavmZuilmh

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

VUMleXTvzAsleET

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

UYVdERmkMwFkWZd

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

ROMzxbkIwvcTzMH

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

rLANMqNsOOyMOMH

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

VzhaSeXnfILShoU

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

ThTJyVpliDHQkKu

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

BJnPYrIVZUuMXjB

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

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

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

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

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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.tmOkLgfpFxBlDfEttrkDuWSBqsyUQg

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The handsome face turned towards him.CiukUaTWHnobGfaBeBjwQElKDsUZyV

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

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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.VrgcYkrweyiuVYtfhdVOipFAlCFdqC

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

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

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

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

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

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The strong wine burned through him.jmAJIreRlAIJfQNZkmsabWlyAerKsX

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Behind them, the army erupted in cheers:ijwMeHLbFZsSchFHDvFtpDlWVHxxOZ

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“Great Cheng will win—”GrXcgJXLHOjLMIHqpcaLeMfpxACPrb

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“Kill the Di! Kill the Di! Kill the Di!!!”wVwRrmRuMJXNqmyXInSlnSxBRIfPcg

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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.agWYdxKWDZOXyuRpWsabFHDcNIiQMH

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Ahead lay the vast desert of North Di.kdHvWncfQexKbOwuEvhcKBhviLXlDc

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

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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—RJhWKihgLqDxuOQyjdpyeVTLFzfjxh

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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?”AoUZVHrDlpJCGyPlmCQXgJPLdaGqpx

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

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

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

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

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

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“Your Majesty means…”EeOqLCtsTjNphTyvSPyawhbfhgwDmA

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

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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:HaRzkcQwPWEvrZKSsXiGBBWpqhlxrb

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“You know I have feelings for you.”EkqSwrjIrfzBglpXUuFgbsVlzcUNLQ

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—JFCqxoyCVqfJyhlQqgaLALtpGlbgBp

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Author’s Note:LzoMHpnZFnViCQqONxFkbbaWfHEPLY

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

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

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