This official is so weak

Outside Lu Ma’s path, the ground was in disarray.AXrIHcomwswaUdjPjEvesCAqHekuOZ

HhZsBXgrDqCAJKu

Li Ying-tang rode in at full speed, not having time to adjust his clothes. He dismounted and, pulling on the reins, gasped for breath:PKpzeNfUVNHZjOAYTyAYisIlOlLopc

MSzSDFbAOydntIX

“The grain convoy is short by three carts of grain. The grain officer is repeatedly bowing and apologizing.”BptUVdFElDwVnyNWiTFJbUioBlgfjz

CpDuadHYPmOCcxW

The personal guards cried out loudly: “Where is Lord Ning?”qRaToMfZLxDwDrBAzHzMMDMFKcxGuP

ubHkCGwpEDvmEXp

How could such a large Lord Ning be missing?wMkKoYCtejzigvFlnUZmjVdNahVOlj

rhgNRVLpynagAEr

“…” Li Ying-tang was gasping for air. “Where is he?”ByiiKeeOXaNSQNjYyncScFIoNTjAZC

trtfxcpxkMvMRfG

“Your Highness! This subordinate accidentally hid him in the cart,” a personal guard cried out, “We’ve searched everywhere and he’s nowhere to be found. Could he… could he be in those three carts… ahhh!”DeGphcveBSoiZpaQuoyXTGIEmqLoay

vDgkNCgKzeqqblS

Li Ying-tang felt dizzy and quickly looked around. He suddenly spotted a familiar white jade hairpin under a chaotic pile of grain carts—hBtRThnuWhMCfSlCcbzAplPFEKJOjM

GdeotgeklTuRlzr

He hurried over to pick it up: it was Lord Ning’s.nTCYsxShrojvmKOGTfEnuyJyECNqIv

ZlOkXiGJxrQFRcI

With such an important item lost, it was almost certain that they had misplaced the person.xWUAoAiHDiNhHsgxZovOdXGydDjoWk

AQDuWmoAErWuLup

Thinking of His Majesty far away on the frontier and the delicate Lord Ning being captured by the fierce Northern Di soldiers…ZIVdBKBWKBHxUKqwuIICZxDAptVbpy

rpJcxOCVgvpXZAo

Li Ying-tang gripped the jade pin tightly, turned his head, and blew a horse whistle.TKeJGGOEagFeoyQauIdgNshqKYfQCI

TcPidwErlMmJUtn

A swift horse came galloping. He mounted it in a leap, ordered, “Return to the city and gather troops to search for him,” and then spurred the horse into a fast gallop.SZsdcWRfNVtMZSBGpJSYZEWCnFcINh

tWEqPCFGUoWqJVB

His sleeves fluttered in the wind, and a hawk’s cry pierced the air.lvmIvQsMnvSZbEimOMgRvrVokGeSeO

OxpXHfYufwgpHPH

With a swish! Li Ying-tang raised his arm, and the snow-white peregrine falcon landed on it. Holding the white jade pin, he signaled:zCoJvudqFCtiYGVfwzdKSoXphQMoln

hgxJBRAaLcFQWgk

“Recognize it? Go find him—”IBPPsiKdJgjqPdyisqZGmryYGcCehE

lnqbyzrxeMcwsIn

The falcon flapped its wings once and then soared into the sky.lVisxChQjIodaNWJwHMHdGwBUblYzF

dqUnqesiwreWTHh

…sLsalHTVWxUnqrLqkOZbgwmFIJHboU

WpvzPACwnDJBfyk

Meanwhile, outside the frontier.eugoqoUgwFHJmOEkirqYhVAmmKabNP

TVZGpfmnsyJetAH

Ning Rushen, hiding among the grain carts, was also gasping for breath: he had been smuggled out with the three carts of stolen grain.UQYMKCjEVCQtfgTlLkMXkjRQAsOKLY

ACBCndlvKJLwjtm

Now, he was isolated and helpless, unable to escape.IxBFPoaqruWCZVrnnGGWnkSkScZfvx

IOpsYfjdzNqgNDp

His thoughts raced through his mind.fjhIIUFRjjvcjXTEBEWLxFqMjRAYeS

lGJMgOpEyCLPKpd

Then he forced himself to calm down, brushed off the straw in front of him, and said as naturally as possible, “Hey.”tQoVDPeNFSsCgrdrRxyWCedIYkiPBn

ZdaIXooOdIDQQUC

“…”xRlVvvhufUyRdXZRgtiHgNmlhlBgbb

erfFHyhjlUEVshw

Ahead, the horses stopped.YybgNsoszGtMBSbUvZrLIYCMdEDXTy

aeCBwWMlYOxJtHX

The tall and rugged Northern Di soldiers stared at the head that emerged from the grain pile: Who is this???ErZDUWndihrvgdmnKZmFZuyCYfcgke

lcRplARYSitdrpc

An hour and a half later.ALoPxviPhFcPVBLbZQYfZyroMpsLiK

uaaXWwVtCgSHjBO

In the Northern frontier, at the camp of the Great Prince Landar.VilMaXiQCLIIgnVoRDouleVBJIPXlD

fEtJEGkISetBNzO

Ning Rushen, along with the grain and fodder, was brought into the camp.PvpNOfdQtkJmOCYTFlnZQWUGfTVPUc

YdTndPwPeevDaZe

Surrounded by Northern Di cavalry dressed in Hu clothing, all casting various glances at him, he passed through sheep pens and campfires until he reached the largest tent in the center.fZcLlxwiZQGIfFUjBKXtgPrEkNUlRS

tZCUCERmxUhKgSQ

“Great Prince!” a Northern Di soldier reported from the side.sPKWuyRmoIIupMtwzyovQDsQpAoVPu

DpMHJykRnIGmEOH

A response came from inside, and the tent flap was lifted, leading him inside.JjXYiSsqsXAgBJMbIkkBHDMrWcjxmB

vtDcUTKIDhCcacl

Upon entering, the aroma of wine and warmth enveloped him.XfFLxZbkfTShPbEdVgdSMcIvhWFVgg

juXTvFZrYNSDnbu

Ning Rushen took a deep breath and looked up.vySgFYhREdxlrhbKeaZXqvJLlHANiR

sppBBEsmvennRHT

He saw a man with dark hair tied in braids and adorned with accessories sitting in the main seat, dressed in a short woolen coat. He appeared to be about twenty-five or twenty-six. The ground was covered with thick woolen blankets, and the table was laden with fine wine, fruits, and smoked meat.bhuCCRJJupFBZPiierqsveoVHgQndW

VQwcZYEATbkWiIi

Landar’s gaze fell upon him.HkpakCBsqzZrsdujtrbZMqxBmXVWJO

nKygepQVRBxalbR

The Northern Di soldiers said, “Great Prince, we captured three carts of grain and brought back a Great Chen envoy.”oDDqKanKZngJBZsFnvLiiKVHzGoKvj

oUVNGKPNPHgrBVc

“Who is this? Where did he come from?”MBbjRTShKnLMTBlyyNAAfHJzxYrIHd

qoVfiFjeAORanef

“He suddenly appeared from among the grain piles!”eECwszdjkATcCKgCrdqLYCuxcAloLP

PFayKUpawwZbSLa

“…”SVNaVbGqzMWBXxxhxsBeiSINEDucPZ

xDCpoFIEwnnwBOk

Landar slammed a silver cup to the ground and cursed angrily, “Fools! Can people grow out of straw piles? He must have come with the grain convoy. Forget it, if he’s useless, kill him. If he’s useful…”vbqWRYwdwFfqeeIgpalcLoAfTbJWAh

MwBZjceahYaAySX

He looked at Ning Rushen and asked in Great Chen dialect, “Tell me, who are you?”ipRTRLMTAehVbYRtFgEGfeUSkKEuTC

XRjarlfoUmrnqfK

Ning Rushen felt the intense killing intent from the other party.RQhwALgkSmMSqzcMZXhHzEAwnPHZzf

cmHeLLKxSXnLfRq

He steadied himself and replied, “I am a priest, accompanying the grain convoy to perform rituals for the Great Chen rear.”qdQxJEUyZwRyPxTNVxrXumrznQfpgO

yjnofpGMTvWBzLy

“???? Priest?”boKTqbcOrblRdXhifYrxJZVwoxMAvT

fZCPxKoMeLTePYi

Landar looked at him with suspicion.jCUsgfIWdmnmxcfNtgwDVgdWfOuhZc

wZFdHpxESYhKuXH

Ning Rushen was dressed in regular clothes today. His youthful, clean appearance made him look very young, not like an official or a soldier—rChEMzzqWJYUvNxFGRMefMHPyNhduP

lrZtVADqCeGDLbQ

Where could you find such a delicate and weak soldier?hOSbDWOqHclrJeDIOnyiTZpUNSRwmq

uszuIVqLjSdktzq

Landar was somewhat convinced, “What is your name?”DfteVRNdaGwKCjWqDpxSrbtdhkOncy

pvmzVMyWnzMlLXn

Ning Rushen replied, “Ning Rushen.”cOlVGsvEsnQRqhbstgmgMPUEpHifjl

FhqeCxUvzsXkxrx

It still sounded strange. Landar waved his hand, “Search him first!”mPPVQKJSpwhoNnVWrWsFfizMupqTNb

bgHnpJjqnQDTCUq

·drWXGwEKSXKkXXARjeaFrYacwOPzqz

wLuBJLhITrQuAqQ

With the command given, several Northern Di soldiers rolled up their sleeves and approached.KVvPCPwTGSQdOcvdOAEwsmjIwqGfVC

OkdFTscXQosGAEi

Ning Rushen’s heart tightened, but he also felt a bit relieved:HhPeqWLUEMUGKoyeQMdVSFTWGmHsYb

kTbaVuMhdubLGnK

Fortunately, he had secretly thrown away the fish talisman on the road, so he had nothing on him that indicated his identity.uGQBbNXxlDetwUVBtTNYUETDGXBBeG

PWNeuaEzrxvTNVr

But the white jade pin—OEBTrzFpZCvWyldmuWHTmzGTPIZIHo

KAMJHvEeonwmKrx

Thinking of waking up with his black hair spread over his shoulders and the jade pin with Li Wuting’s name missing, Ning Rushen didn’t know whether to breathe a sigh of relief or shed tears.IkvYcJmwxQyubDPhmcLrxuSRLNEYUO

bRvUWCxDMwaKCpq

He vaguely remembered that the pin seemed to have fallen when he hit his head.hsaCinCnzuButyIowGzvzXcLTMzcOw

STElddoKySTrgVj

He could only pray that it had fallen at the original place and that some personal guards had picked it up for him.sxHPbeyPxnWYrADNlUcxVnHkFMQHEW

eCJeBgnRBpsyGFK

While he was silently distressed, the search was over.ckNylpJakyUkZDSwmilKVEFJnUqhHW

IUhOnZUdOQmZDGv

The Northern Di soldiers were rough; they quickly rummaged through his belongings and pulled out a handful of peanuts from his waistband.wziTfyEJyUrAKRnIpFcWKTrbuslZpq

SxqOPwZzrECEZSg

“…” Landar and the Northern Di soldiers.zFTiXCLMMtYUPeSzzZUHkCzrvcEBpy

wDKOkcVYpFfspvp

Peanuts scattered all over the ground, and Ning Rushen’s pained expression hadn’t yet disappeared.uXYRYAjeQLCtYWxDsdhTItRHZTOqPR

ANeDqVCurLDEbVD

Landar’s gaze became less guarded, and after sizing him up, he suddenly took an interest:zNEdEcObcywuIcnPBHAgICrikHhRFD

NyYFKbhqPoiDegp

“Are your Great Chen priests similar to our Northern Di shamans?”hJckUikyBPYzhskNlGjPlfvwRAzdXE

KbkdHyDPvXjCQdu

Ning Rushen only knew that King Heku was superstitious about shamans. Could this Great Prince be the same?bAdRHrFALcoMPnplYGylIaZQyVdzbj

sNWvKRakYNHBDNO

He tentatively replied, “Somewhat.”uQJHbrVVfMwrbUwQyqRKpqJFNnckjb

qaEXoDVaxvQHtPE

Landar, upon hearing this, straightened up, squinting, “Then show me your skills, or how would I know if you’re just talking nonsense.”ATjsgwAHbTsepaUBlZaRYGvGdeiYsM

FsKKnxelmaeUBbV

Ning Rushen thought of the Northern Di’s situation and prepared:MVYnLFHoTeNxGIRQdfootXIWRfUzPh

SDEyDIUzCXwvneH

“Great Prince, your destiny is extraordinary; you are a Golden-winged Kunpeng…”XtpGeJPBVGwaKofHkErWGmxopkrNQo

qCGTTRyClXcvFKs

“Mm, well said, that is indeed this prince.”JspaWJTHkhHxYSfhlNdjEhAQWKGsjY

qPXZkAUfFuOZiqV

“Unfortunately, you are constrained by a shallow pool, overshadowed by a black eagle. Kunpeng and eagle originate from the same source…”rRIJCwyJnzEKsCjiUvuoslRPvtxJmh

XRdprdCpkWLOPwr

“Hold on!”TiRhZeqtuaxAxdkTaPVwSgwEBxGKeX

XgzhvneSguCQbrg

Landar’s expression changed several times. He looked around and ordered, “Everyone leave.”tOOrZYBQCHaSSLVprnWaVNOykpvDpJ

WgxiarlnWWbVYaO

The Northern Di soldiers, confused, withdrew as ordered.hYfmkpqpQXcJPYyTmdEtvnzvCszpyJ

sIMmgKNHuhBfemC

After they left, Landar stared at Ning Rushen and said, “You speak as if you know what you’re talking about. This prince is indeed troubled by unfulfilled talents… But these aren’t secrets. Do you have more? Continue.”meNRmKfxKgUaSSIJUjlDTfTAxEgxmO

dvdCjcoEcdJshGb

Ning Rushen moistened his lips.PzOjBZzuCYEMmlFbihzFdtqWNsHqAV

JacGTfxyKMRiZVl

What more to say? He really didn’t know anything else.fnPDGUcFfsnPHwpLdwIkvfVBYUytAT

YLVCioevTbqZDUc

Meeting Landar’s gaze, he could only grit his teeth and repeat the rumors he had made up before, “Another party received secret instructions; this time’s military campaign is for military achievements to recognize ancestral origins.”MdyOoIvFurUUqrxqRYWqyQFcYQYrLK

CICQbvWZRQDDiZQ

Bang! The table in front of him was suddenly smashed:rnRikNMWcePEPNmTMWrCZTOppJkRlE

SPObtirTOiLFOgc

“Those rumors circulating recently are indeed not groundless!”VZxkrpDPkkSjCmuqbipbOPxAGXYyok

LiBQTjxGyjvlBIR

“That’s what I knew! And there’s something even more absurd—”leHnXsYbfKgBOMssNXqmCpKGwkVFiB

nKgrIVHsKKiCaNn

Ning Rushen: ……?AflIniitjTfPMIUdnnkrFjcYPECiGC

NWeOjLslsRuZbuZ

Landar seemed to have thought of something, burning with anger. His gaze shifted, and he suddenly asked in alarm:ATLRweJadEarJytTtptqDQTNhbSdrl

bFtMLLRPmoZShrD

“How did you come to know such secrets?”mONvWGliPjtLJwMpPoqPhRPkNdEkPB

GmGaldczMEWYJsV

How did he come to know? It was all coming from his own mouth.qSmidowqQjYHwXSVujTpAKuIuVIcrP

xQNzNLfxdROkUYE

But what could be more absurd?ApbKkBEQtpNfalKNfdibQzDVGtHvYg

kHUzSNRyVdIgYHJ

Ning Rushen momentarily gathered his thoughts and said calmly, “Naturally, it’s derived from calculations.”qDqgHHfyqGSDJIWZMJtoKJsUrLXikB

NEojiieyTILrLvZ

Seeing the skepticism in Landar’s eyes, he added, “How about this? Let me make an exception and demonstrate my calculating power for the Great Prince.”lAdXpJKTFFvBIexiiDTNJgdUPfyGZy

UZVcnkaptqNyLAr

Landar: ?NxyagdKwyJvGvchblbBkndiqpSmTqO

qsJsHIyAbnJeETw

…CzabpmjnyoYQJjIFEkuIxdmRADyTPk

jxElHheyKvqUuef

Soon, twenty-four identical thin wooden sticks were laid out on the table.czJJeKzJHlvnHGSURiRKalmgHrxvfB

fhHDLtWEJYfmYAW

Ning Rushen wrote numbers on the back of each stick, turned them over, and said, “Please, Great Prince, draw two sticks and remember them, then set them aside.”xMdPaCnIZeIWSwVbZrVUFRnAAWznja

meVWfsrCqJLVNDQ

Landar eagerly complied, “Oh.”uRQRsdydNsykIhMgxcRkShZtHCNHDL

TIDQVVEwRMfsrOG

Ning Rushen took the two sticks and hid them behind his back, drawing one of them to show Landar, “What number is this?”DpiOXXTpNKxzbejRIzLnsOWMyJNKmm

WtdePRQfoyBTXON

“Three.”URmPxiZxWvHJScrXUmqoLhhiSIDJtj

PFwoRggNACvlOll

Ning Rushen nodded and returned it behind his back.YWwKuduMYrKPhiBPCfRNukJgBjQtAn

bavhCKgOthBmtMN

He then placed the two sticks back among the others, shuffled them, and spread them out. He then, in a mysterious tone, sensed for a moment and pointed with his slender white finger:CdPayDkZQERyeJqPvXoEcJdpwWesvZ

mBbgcmGmmWeUoRU

“The other stick is sixteen, right?”oKlFZOfhAgIIJnfurVBGsScrlBajFy

BHvZdLlTyybttWm

Landar was astonished, “Yes, yes! How did you know?”PitaoDybhujqVcDipGxYDtQZLrEfow

ysRIRVetGsHSxIU

Ning Rushen gave him a mysterious glance and whispered, “Shh.”QtYxfMAZGFHLStGhHDwGihCxBnOWiD

mlQRxsAUrpwWCqb

“—That’s only the beginning.”buSQOgmzADQqgeRGqvsRIFxoawTeiE

TTdzkktbguiNzwm

For an entire afternoon, he performed card tricks, speaking softly and slowly:vFYPhorazwYcyTdxwAexoOLSrjUyNY

VpRuWTKgRoujHBN

“Great Prince, have you always felt different from others since you were young? That’s because you’re naturally protected by the divine eagle.”oSIEIzhWgzDrAKriClJUGxWitWGllF

ikdIYnrSYMouDgH

“Many people around you are envious of you, aren’t they? I knew it.”XRyddtMbYkBaQGgCPEEPnbKzVkGQLW

YVIicGiWXxYmBXL

“Great Prince, fortune is with you in the North, and—ah, it hurts!”fjUOKUIXOLPAujtQfttfXsdzBJxHkA

fBWdEuAfmaoAxDA

Landar jumped in surprise, “What’s wrong with you?”dKiixQvCGNOFHkbOLTbjOHgbpiWIUz

OkXaRMpRZLumhso

Ning Rushen covered his mouth weakly, “I can’t say anymore, or I’ll incur divine wrath.”VDKYaKMddywHXBERUNKsDoFTTWxzco

UqRsHxAMwbgDdPJ

“Oh, oh…”fJAuutwGybXpSNhgcSEAKlhtMOkkHs

RneVVxzEGxhjioE

·sixyYXFFZldyklbXAoEwyRIWQgKioC

ZMNguqOxuEwMSns

After a dizzying display.JckNOINTlhqPVInfOFRmLYgIAclHOB

GVuEkGxdQrhXlXT

By the time they exited the tent, Landar was limping.nIJcMbXnIUBqhYWpfJhqfXDTqnGGhn

mSjIcNEjMqWBUid

Ning Rushen followed Landar, with the Northern Di soldiers stationed outside the tent asking:iEGnzRxlxVmYpgdJAoxqePOpFsmFZV

ziwlvGXtnSvLJlV

“Great Prince, how should we deal with this Great Chen envoy?”dMiSpONBZwgkUUROWinVHgHMClgEAK

zmmNSZvjtgwOpmC

“First, keep him under guard.” Landar glanced over, “Provide him with food and drink; this prince has use for him.”SsWMWdafxvpLwIqvohFMEulCQEqusA

vFYgcNfuCfEUwNX

After speaking, a Northern Di deputy general glanced over.INNvsobzPZgtEkKpsRqTfXpmneLcDx

QiMKCVzHrISYnTj

At this moment, Ning Rushen still had his long hair flowing and wore plain white clothes. His black hair and bright eyes, with a touch of striking red mole on his ear, made him stand out among the rugged Northern Di people.LpmHRGFxlMYsxolWCRgrPntmsUNwRV

bnRZLBkmKBMknLl

The deputy general swallowed and squinted, “Great Prince, may I—”PtihAkcrBwtqAszUWskVGifTVtJCWp

fbCQnXvEQIWnrdE

His expression made it clear what he was thinking.bdWqMXmMqDRSHvAJjLsHKIxQXXhbNI

QXBMhlmwNCNutwK

Landar hesitated, then looked at Ning Rushen: This Great Chen “priest” was indeed very attractive. If it weren’t for his aversion to male beauty…eJfaTHeHrNBJzTsCZiYJUHQTPhddEF

DzTSfsSUlKzLcOQ

Ning Rushen, feeling scrutinized, quickly spoke, “Desecrators are to be put to death.”QUrmfVcNdwSEroGDebkHvZejcUcDqb

CnheHEfLNnlSveM

“…” Landar dismissed him, “Forget it, don’t spoil things.” He then lowered his voice, “Once our major plans are accomplished, we’ll see.”tgQWAWoErRGJcutgUjSYfhSWAabDuy

nJDYzMOgbhPPLYd

The deputy general looked at him for a moment, reluctantly leaving, “Yes.”ywsVikmcBXLDEayFcJzQRnpGAgkeJc

SjLksRfXHJonipN

Ning Rushen breathed a sigh of relief and was led away.KFyyQYtMTbjiHhnNKduVOoXgLxixHp

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Due to his special status, Landar assigned him a small tent, with strict guards outside.FlEmmnaigpyBQomMPMvkNJnQlJebNJ

ZtgatlsotMsiiUX

Entering the tent—XxvrhGFWncHzooWrLpMsilcWJkxDcs

iezTceeqLdpidyV

The round-topped small tent was not very spacious, but it had blankets, so he should be warm enough at night.ZgANqkFiADrauyOWfMBRZSXLQbzAeK

WJpBKYponZcjdKH

Ning Rushen lay down on the blue and yellow checkered blanket.eZZDhSybieTvTMFhQACTCMajatknuU

uwtvdPwfEktfEuv

He looked up at the translucent tent roof, deep in thought:nBCghwAsYcVyhCIiiHtoenHuESjFlP

UvrqkXsgiiOoCgX

It seemed the rumors spread by Shi Yi and Lu Wu had taken effect in the Northern Di.ALVkbFehwPWavjwdBFWpdikaIEXsuc

URcXpctYhQqOANS

Although he didn’t know what the “more absurd” part was…sNkZHSRlCwfHpmrpKxvYHsizBPOnqi

HYqGIICrXoWdXyp

But the Great Prince’s sudden deployment to intercept the grain was probably due to those rumors making him restless, thus competing with King Heku for merit.uDMqnLKwMUQqauoFKDmvUBKuOEJvZN

bcjVqWCEYyInAlm

He suddenly paused. Had he flapped his butterfly wings, inadvertently drawing himself into the fray?QfLzKtCLqMJDEsjAppIfmfUgCcQGrO

iwBVUzwOzawWCcc

Never mind, Ning Rushen comforted himself:FuMqNNurVrAxEDaurvRccngXjQxNfD

XlbhvhlinuFcFqV

At least he had survived for now.ofjqdZxWiByWnXXrzgUBtsLAloXZpB

XDyWFaySppNcJKE

He placed his fingertips on his lower abdomen and suddenly felt eager to try: since he was here, should he stir up some trouble for the Northern Di?MhCmnNuteHJGJENlyaFeqONTrwqVCw

dzpOYECJsyxJQzp

Perhaps capture a big rat for his Majesty to take back.nHuQNVjVVNHywWXzUSyeZfuBodPowX

ZWutdHpcXuJLmTN

Meanwhile—DWNQyQBtfqSzTiPZfZBakpgSmnduJS

WnDeTRnnCtLenmd

In the wild northern desert, a white falcon flapped its wings.wFDoJOtKhMRleoKDOOTrJfCrDeRmoN

IelBqalNyXgHZcg

Hundreds of miles away, Shi Yi and Lu Wu led their horses out of the royal city.GPbTTLGEHdHSwYOkMEtsMTDatxKKCg

RnzKSchAkqRgvKY

In the depths of the desert, in King Heku’s camp.dtcZqAkFsEgaOGUBZzQIUKohVmCwxr

ABLOidNRjPxbodl

King Heku read the report: The Great Prince had mobilized troops and intercepted the Great Chen’s grain convoy, bringing back a “priest.”gDZgNhktwRmcesHcbikEMAJnJidIAC

XYjcIQeXvBILivo

He chuckled, “Interesting.”HtiGKdqZAPRVTycCOfEZwFzzTANRMi

mfXEvpxefDKbKGZ

He then instructed someone to saddle a horse, “I’ll go take a look.”XhozjdJDqagHMjpeteznSSwXZilctE

hujtsIosqmnWQyd

Meanwhile, fifty miles away at the upstream of Yishui.cZWkjuramAgPCHaGfizNalKPZjhiNg

OQkGvPAFXRxWzHj

Scouts hastened, traveling three days to reach the Great Chen camp!giqnTzXJBMqtasFQXLRPiCyazxjVqE

WCOOoABWKbhgCCM

In the central army tent, Emperor Li Wuting sat on the main seat. The generals were discussing the next strategic move. A scout entered with a letter and presented it before the Emperor:RyXNWBaqhpAICaiGxjYTOvKZTdHaIg

PYotSgbquRtWONK

“Your Majesty, urgent report from Chang Sui!”eVIOKJoHqbEwqpSKKttpmPwlYDvxyB

adHqemJeAmAUOtX

Li Wuting took the letter and read the first two lines.opXtnxitiQHvmvCtHgPnVWIDkGQhZp

ZXJliAouqfSVgyV

Immediately, the calm and collected Emperor suddenly stood up, almost overturning the table before him. Bang!MPnNuycSJGISeLThYbCFeqcVTqFGNf

PTKsPhYghHrBWGq

His fingers clenched the paper so tightly they turned white—zVOJLAZBxoaxZwAIRaitmtqEQYoKys

QXbaSCupgNEZHDi

The generals were astonished, “Your Majesty!?”yMyKlzZNVDhJLoUJfqiLmOlFzFqApK

MsoKUVpnVaidrFm

Li Wuting stared at the words on the letter, closed his eyes, and saw only those bright eyes looking up from before the city gate before the campaign.ALZorbzktrJxrXWlOZdvqndTylBFKq

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His chest heaved, and after a moment, he coldly uttered, “Northern Di.”nqPHWVNnBTMFddPljpirMHHxhZFsqR

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Author’s Note:XPZyVPfQKnseQsGHhHcOQlxsPpuFoD

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Li Wuting (with murderous intent): I haven’t even warmed up with a cat yet!QCgdaHQaPNPXwaqNTBEFUPsrqkLtdZ

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Ning’s cat: The Northern Di’s land is vast too! Frolic around.ZpulxXbmQurcaTaQJbHFhQJfjYKAiz

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A loop:oABbWqGsUEldJRZfdfiHHjnjfKUVoP

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Ning spreads rumors → The Great Prince believes themMyHwNZVqKPVSxQBejThGMEYitknSvd

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The Great Prince mobilizes troops → Kidnaps NingfixHijbKnSmpkiufzOcoYrmLVdulRt

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Ning spreads the rumors again → Hits the mark → The Great Prince believes again → In short, “The Great Prince believes.”KKElfgJhMoATvwdBLiwZxMnmVsMVQW

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Magic Trick Revealed: When the first card is shown, the back is actually the other card that was flipped over, not hidden behind, just looked at and then placed back together.CUPoGvFJkHRfNFkfgxZAetakvIIGNc

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