This official is so weak

A man and a bird stared at each other for a few seconds.pBhEZCfWlnqcxUXIaDZcilCndPsVCY

PCfpIrakmdQENKu

Then, Ning Rushen’s eyes lit up with joy, his heart pounding in excitement:zCuBcqhzFdlZUNtFzsjCusaclnNivY

iDWtcEMsEjdFaFq

…Who was it? Who sent him a walkie-talkie in the form of a bird?zGKhMYNjcYTcwssirZZzSOEusDWizx

oxqyzsmnPlqrXIJ

Taking advantage of the moment while he was changing clothes, he crouched down and stroked the white falcon, inwardly exclaiming that this was truly the perfect combination of timing, location, and bird—qAqXQfXNluOdLzkEIOqzddeTkoiPhX

wsxncLLLtBDIRtQ

He had been racking his brain over how to send a message!CCecouzbXYEwzwZLSwgixQdutLuqZi

FZXpaymhEzezKrR

He patted the falcon’s head and said, “Wait.”vjnxhlcpoSlPPbBkGvwuSQnCHWmzEC

HFNzUEtdxhPUOpU

The inner garment he had just taken off was perfect for tearing a piece from, and there was vermillion powder nearby, used for marking his forehead and lips.RsrozcSddWgtNpeirOgsrQxoaEwhJK

lvXQdxtOBAtXgye

Dipping his finger in a bit of the powder, Ning Rushen first reassured the recipient of his safety.IUPvKTgbFENBLstdXIrDpaXYVFJIuu

NrbBOAxZNZlEHhV

Then, recalling the route he had been smuggled along, and referencing the map he had seen in the command tent, he roughly marked the location of the enemy camp and the distribution of the tents, starting from the Lu Ma Road.pLcaRHnBsVGwHDVHVUNxOKZnltjhOW

akQbsmLQAUrTszT

Once he finished drawing, he tied the cloth strip to the falcon’s leg and patted it, saying, “All done, go quickly.”ZWowPczEWWcipOmBgXoboDlVhiJFPs

ZBNflFSgoowtNXW

The falcon ruffled its feathers, then sneakily slipped out.WDOBglNajZazWwguNnUUaVKPVTOenc

PRAIKhFLsCWnyMM

…rFHoBqJxiVwzZnjyMlOWLQeECBDZmI

sRMZaXKbYufsGGq

After a brief commotion, a loud voice called out from outside:JeyUmTnhHOjZtctsLRUtyeEyKByBDx

TPgveGdetyZyQuC

“Hurry up!”XKgCPZiXiWPFKSXqEwfWUBeMgJnaki

MdBCbhAqvHuVSpd

Ning Rushen wiped his hands and finished changing his clothes.HfwNaVXbLAAbNTyAdzJRWsDMkdUhFu

ViRQTAVsJwpxUAa

The bright red outer garment was covered with a sheer red gauze, the pants were semi-transparent, and golden bells encircled his waist and ankles. When the outer robe was lowered, it covered his legs.RxMAcCrpemdXFSVEamuGMHsKHdHrOf

GITFSrCGMYsjNaZ

He glanced at himself after he finished changing.cmvBMfyywVHPivSKvfCsqTrKAUqQWx

AYaAxsJliZZzsIK

The clothing would reveal glimpses of his waist and legs when he spun around, no wonder it was the attire of a dancing girl.YFSIcIJoLoggmZHHhGNwdhsfrKpHbd

qUQsduWgQCjCdXZ

Just then, another shout came from outside.HivrHGFUZUUxXZkAmugVmRLXEOlflG

DibPrlOZxBswoAC

Ning Rushen casually gathered his black hair and turned to leave.BGIoKiXBpusGzTayoBlubGvQhllJlC

dxWYtYClkvwTsyZ

Outside the tent, a Bei Di soldier at the entrance was about to impatiently urge him again when his voice suddenly caught—sLadypCHneXXYbpNTjgKqWvcYBdocf

BLAiJtdwmkkaRlg

All he saw was a person with black hair and red clothes, the golden bells tinkling lightly.fbEHsabzYjTVfEQhcgHxyDdHoLeXcR

envQWjtetceXPXu

A glimpse of a pale forearm showed through the sleeves, and when Ning Rushen lifted his gaze, his eyes were bright and radiant, beautiful and stunning.hwyxHTakFKOZHvxLALIqlcFDhbJmDD

WgRlSlywciddpcD

Taking advantage of the soldier’s moment of distraction and not pressing him further, Ning Rushen spoke, “Take me to the main tent.”eqJAEtZkDiBzIdeKrbMqRohtDBDHbw

urKpRssntnabbPT

The Bei Di soldier, momentarily forgetting to question him, turned and led the way.AFlNuQtIOAbwwJoQHgmVmSpNPyOlED

phpuXcLnywekxXq

Inside the main tent, King Heku and Landa Le were already seated.TPfepXXrojhpIqeAnIKIMKqvwMoCQb

YTvhVUYUVlfIhoH

As soon as Ning Rushen entered, all eyes in the tent focused on him. Even Landa Le seemed to be momentarily stunned, while King Heku tapped the table with interest.OqvIZDBhpVzVAFsafSKLbsOphHKosv

dPpQLuRsNMnPVPL

…Why are they staring at him like that?TFCoCSnoeQIbEqfjxuskPjvZqjPdoL

tPCOFbNtJwnNrZK

Ning Rushen glanced around: They wouldn’t really make him dance, would they?RRyhottnSpElSuqDsOLplZTvPesAzM

traMEDLhMmBcHSv

He looked to his right at King Heku, who timely slapped the table and said, “Come! Accompany this king for a drink!”dzcgXxaRLiTgFVHmOqcFMwhzXidbjx

uqQhWKEumrXRqij

Ning Rushen eyed the smoked meat on the table and sat down.ReaBwPCfTFHQuUwEJEKqzcpzwuwArv

yIdVSSgQujwrQyQ

Although King Heku said he wanted Ning Rushen to accompany him for a drink, once he was seated, the king resumed his conversation with Landa Le, continuing their debate on royal matters in the Bei Di language.MOYgsChaxVpfFLGyqMYiXuQJkYADkc

JRTKSrLPVPZNwMh

Ning Rushen couldn’t understand them, so he busied himself with picking at the fruits and dried meat on the table.AbpQlRRDriQtiEqcAWijkUjgWEwNpV

npZZQAkTKhxRpTf

Just as he was about 80% full, someone rushed into the tent from outside:hlyedNqZuYmzaTjLfEvpYezUMYVjRt

dUFbNAWjJqcKjbF

“King! Urgent news!”OieKmnbvGsQNCPDRSPuiabJpWlcVzk

kwVFEzvVNuFaAlB

King Heku paused, setting his wine cup down and walking over, “What is it?”smKZCLMaCKDBBZsMviucJVhvKtCVSK

FecURLytVbIjhHC

After a few sentences from his personal guard, King Heku’s expression suddenly changed! His chest heaved twice, and with a bang, he threw his silver cup onto the carpet, turning to glare at Ning Rushen—TTyxjsKJnrREEcqOYxiCUlhlHJjDUz

jzyhWZqJRedKgOj

Ning Rushen, biting into a piece of dried meat: ?HmnSKGqgLEpclilmOgoZVnwGbssGQx

nLDKGgLUEUTmqaP

King Heku’s eyes were cold as he stared at him for two seconds, then seemed to suppress something, gritting his teeth and growling:wkakLqudDTsLxeQDpZHoFAEnRfWnLT

rreLuywrcoVIhvE

“Your emperor is quite something.”fCudAneIyJsaIuSJCqePWZCxvnCxfQ

lsBTevBtUYlEnrz

After saying that, he shouted, “Let’s go!” and hurriedly left the camp.SUuyUZCOSYsMGYaSCKKfpnsebCqhSO

opupYsCPUbqYKHn

Once everyone had left, Ning Rushen’s heart was still racing:TWyceafyncTcLLLVyxvjqDVkASkUOA

qPALcuMTKERywRD

What did that mean?GRIPwVLluvXXDnxNfoGaGvTlwAXhpQ

MaspsUBkrMzuedk

What did Li Wuting do???GoxLDMOCFKljqnqGfwHCUMqlzxkhYJ

YWLkOzBXnoeJQdu

He turned to look at Landa Le, only to find the latter already laughing on the main seat. Noticing Ning Rushen’s gaze, Landa Le, in a good mood, didn’t hold back from sharing:sqdkumlJWqklOisSyvPAtJhChJHAQi

rsiZNKurOrIAnaU

“A few days ago, it rained heavily, and the river flooded. Somehow, the river upstream of Yi Shui suddenly changed course, directly flooding A Sai Han’s camp—”yByYfgfdkEAAeeAgfxkfnIasLvuCQD

nDMvLbyqluIirqO

Ning Rushen’s heart skipped a beat.noBzkWZVZLBUDUuCVaDNdRfFLUMCkC

WHglhfKBpVBkZal

He suddenly remembered the question Li Wuting had asked two days before the expedition, “October 6th,” and the plan he had made, “Five days to reach the upstream of Yi Shui”…UxvqrEUWcwFRVwCgVRByReMukpEFoa

DKovSqofCoJqCOB

He swallowed lightly: Could Li Wuting actually be a god?dCnOkqZBGURjLMiLJQRuDdfKkUDDTT

CAshSwHVkglyqMl

Landa Le was pleased for a moment, then suddenly turned to Ning Rushen, muttering as he studied him:FWikmjRPMaOUbcFZMYfaOzLylySegu

FNnERGmKZoyMvMh

“Power comes from the water… Indeed, it’s already coming true so quickly!”YXSlNYfjMGFLGUGRXYFonSFWUECXIR

xBZQaliPhpwhmQP

“…”QkegTGfIcPCLVLHSyMrxGvGzoiKErL

tLJrQtAPpgKUtCA

Ning Rushen met his gaze, pulling his thoughts back and feigning a nonchalant response.VzDJEIeHSkYlTNisCniSfHZpZEelaC

igaRKpogwBAgdwT

By now, King Heku had also left.uPFFlcPAnLZThVSRyqLFvPQyYUPsTo

AnyYDAbTSJYQtTR

Seeing Ning Rushen still dressed in the dance attire, Landa Le waved his hand, “Alright, go and change out of that outfit.”LUiCPQRpmlGKQPrjdvzQMwKEDiWyqJ

ZSdydYdxZmNgidk

As soon as he said that, the nearby deputy general suddenly spoke up anxiously, “Crown Prince… the priest’s clothes were already thrown into the fire and burned.”uZsFerFpLCxiUFaTCkXIMcKBvWLglE

kCslGhHxIgEZrPT

“Burned!?” Landa Le exclaimed in both surprise and anger, “You—”pXtLpwNCVwTBduYoChWLvFUudAkdwz

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“I did it for your sake, Crown Prince!”EYJyKooFhhJEEqpEURiEadEtXjmSOr

xLwzECIpvdjHTSm

The deputy general glanced at Ning Rushen and defended himself in a low voice, “Think about it, King Heku just had someone wear red gauze, and then we heard that the camp was flooded. Isn’t that a sign of divine punishment?”LColGpAijvSklCaWmfAPHUnFvMxsdj

rnMYALmKdregaKq

He continued, “The longer that red gauze stays on someone, the worse the divine punishment could get.”eWQKymvymmEuFwJPqqEAAKZojvrCAD

eJmGmBvMjtwLpVE

Landa Le knew what the deputy general was hinting at but had to admit it made sense. “This punishment won’t fall on me, will it?”FTEhwdVDigsIllbLgawXlynHxIqtKh

NPdsKimvuruBnmQ

“Of course not! We’ve benefited from it, haven’t we?”fLGjqNgmJTZUAKTnOdidkDFGSaLSDt

hbibxIjstUPBKBA

The two continued whispering to each other.NyprDKDavUtVSuawSkoQyxlxBPxNvQ

NPodADBvcYDTBEq

Ning Rushen couldn’t hold back and said, “Crown Prince, may I leave now?”SWJlqBAKvWoFCpUHLDkzzxcOyiGpJf

ppTNnblqxenjLBI

Landa Le immediately stopped talking, “But what about your clothes…”uYHFbrLiYreoFzexTkwumFFEYIeydC

EXjoOsRKwLxmOuO

Ning Rushen felt a pang of anxiety, “What about them?”LHlvGfsdLfZnKlQKcjaIGOTmtHCHMw

fxWFnooPFFhzioy

He had torn a piece from his clothes and hadn’t had a chance to dispose of it. If someone discovered it, there’d be no explaining it away.wlyjbJKQijMuGrwKDCIXtbDnXdLBbC

xoIAUpgnzvtUpUZ

Landa Le said, “The soldiers were looking for cloth to use for kindling and didn’t realize it was your clothing, so they burned it.”sORHoMEGyToiODQUrdTmDaOxBlGStY

kwfoEYOBvOjGQic

“…”ScxSczFyXFcWvvdRYMOmFZIQfZPVED

XZzFnVFmgjcjKgj

They found the cloth in the corner of the dance tent.DPfQimdpuwhkROONSTCnqiNtQcprMi

fBlDDYkecTdGnnC

Ning Rushen glanced at the guilty-looking deputy general beside him and immediately understood who was behind this.KKbKKOcfMQquWkhoLkppSXysUPackH

oCpkcyhCfNKkbms

He narrowed his eyes: *That son of a bitch.*mayvUNWQoFlCGMJnjcHNWcvyinSkUr

nIjVVLjdaLaLIML

But fortunately, this accident had helped him get rid of the evidence.bZbgophEkDwCvGUYXQRudloPLqcgtt

NnpIgZQeTQOIlkm

“Find me another outfit.”pbQDOMNlWBuIqjxjOimFzuanPWAJUv

JZVTTDYlHEzuJGb

Landa Le said, “Your size… It’s hard to find something that fits right now. I’ll have the dancers alter something for you. You’ll have to make do for now.”WxnPypvDsbRaOLorRDXsboisLkYFio

rAEJxdlBjOjphjm

Ning Rushen didn’t really care about what he wore, but he couldn’t figure out what these two were scheming. He remained silent, staring at Landa Le for a few seconds.tsdPllImqZyecbRMpqsNQOAMRGiwPL

sMXBcXdHJKrjSWc

Landa Le began to feel uneasy under the gaze and quickly offered:vbKvYOQLpDgSdAtJcOLEzoahjsJCEz

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“How about this, do you need anything else? Smoked meat, or perhaps some milk wine…”GOBFWrgvWkhbzICXsiiRaArqAmqgCq

HBqtUqLjpMPDTAG

Ning Rushen’s mind stirred, but he shook his head, “No need.”KTVHnQSjqyyETMojPRfWcdGSFKlzjn

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He acted casually, “I’d like to stay in the dancers’ tent. There are people from Dacheng in there. It’s boring being alone, so I’d like some company to chat with.”UJHHmZBbwFkSIJWSEaZZzGDzPJucWx

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Landa Le thought for a moment, “Alright.”lSrKufdfysiLbtaGqufCZpDMlSWMyn

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Both sides got what they wanted.ywwyRUYbPVrRnwlrdakITEYlSSsemU

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Ning Rushen quickly gathered his belongings, feeling satisfied as he moved into the dancers’ tent.ptCRvXJMrGwNwunqgsUrdpgeXbPihZ

VVfkFaecUZJqaoV

…xbWwdlybuCIRkmxBHHDmDEKCgoqlbx

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Meanwhile, in the Dacheng military camp.ErfiOmGALNbZKzZuwKYdKYtthqnyGD

QpFRFLzgQxrdWoK

They had just won a brilliant victory, reducing King Heku’s forces by thousands without losing a single soldier. The entire army was invigorated, their morale soaring—KfsGXLsmaySAMTVQVlLkjVChyAEGFs

WKkAUixykxuMPyo

Yet in the central command tent, their emperor, whom they revered as a god of war, showed no signs of joy.DceMMsSuHqkFnDerYjycJLoashhhql

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Li Wuting sat at his desk, supporting his forehead with one hand, his knuckles tightening.FKtAQrnzIdYPAseSWxNdcxyvawHymo

kZSsKKNhiweqFWP

The candlelight flickered, casting shadows across the furrowed brow and the lowered eyelashes. His usually composed expression betrayed an unusual, genuine anxiety.zNXkDDLQqWULkaOrxFPYURiEhBdJnB

SDnRaQzYbmSzcXO

That figure kept flashing before his eyes.VgQcdHJzLezxjzlyxJqzqaCwziajPZ

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His fingertips trembled slightly, his remarkable self-control the only thing keeping his turbulent emotions in check.zhkneUhdLTdZWDXQpJFcBuXoaKOTpS

YsnlByfrwlgOhex

In the stillness of the night, the sudden cry of an eagle pierced the sky!oREjbRtgWhETQpAJMgAHPIIKNwJQGr

LFDqhYyrEDOKENc

Li Wuting’s heart jolted, and he looked up.AXyiOqPAMGnINJOJjVcUUJoBIpqILQ

uzWhSjIcRPRrnac

The tent flap was quickly lifted as Huo Mian strode in, falcon in hand, clutching a piece of cloth that he hadn’t yet had time to unfold:XfiLsNuDOelqUbaPVbbsKlPcJGFWAM

zVdzUtvRvcKiLkW

“Your Majesty! Urgent report.”zCYvvqdGBCAwIJRgKwIeLRtSGGFxVG

reqtAyWczNUSJhI

Li Wuting pressed his lips together and took it.ldGoolwwfUJAiXRaWpgAYhOoIBOwwq

OncbwcVleuJJhOT

His gaze fell on the cloth for a moment before he took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay calm as he unfolded it.buDRTOXPyVFAVMkwmgbWJfzdLHqSER

nYdPGHuvnscZhMP

The snow-white fabric dazzled the eyes for a moment.ZGeFCJWeMqPEaexvZtxzJeduosfZNh

LECYlFMAuNBZabh

Then, he saw the familiar handwriting, the message hastily written:jWCRdZNVvwnSsvSTSOKqXbMFWPaZfe

WiXkdpiIUXPMUbK

“I’m in the Di camp, have become a god, don’t worry.”XMhDDAWtHqBAffxmtMugfbblcJmoWz

UHsvKhjuYFryTiJ

“………”IaqyVmqvvLtuAUMSswcjWQlONBzXVm

CxhgRWBWOCNTYPl

Li Wuting, “?”jvPZyQhoApdJxVyCIKjzWzfEgsfaFO

VOSSdDUjaDYNbel

His knuckles twitched, and he looked further down.mOjOgaizjySJXSgEwmJwNfjqniCKfg

uJjQHWLomVrfjdL

Below was a map, a few strokes marking out the location of Landa Le’s camp and the distribution of the tents.boWFWPZefLFhpLWHbleoYFMpiHeCTT

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The tent remained silent for a moment.ZvXrJUZqikJBrqCUGUsNIWuveEwjSx

UkfFqBaFzTafoRI

The emperor’s long-tense expression suddenly relaxed, and rubbing his brow, he let out an unexpected, low chuckle:ACcKeZLKYJcpSiFUizTjxolyeUigov

SDPfKazDAdZXitB

“Ning Qing…”xSoSyruMXWWwItUcJTNHYeqxkGOiTo

bkFZPXldJuOzXWW

Huo Mian looked on, bewildered, “What is it, Your Majesty?”vnuWlKhmMBBaDTMxYJJVTnvYTtkGQK

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Li Wuting quickly rolled up the cloth, his expression calming as he stood, “Summon the generals. We’re breaking camp!”TabekHVnVLIYLMSxGnUJpOQFgiRZLD

RrpNHDlReBTUUdV

In Landa Le’s camp, in the dancers’ tent.claZYoMvRPCCDPGEGWJsvDfgYHWBDM

DuPATHvJHBRNldI

After Ning Rushen settled in, he spent two calm days there.PQznORBunBZPbjRSjwRuxLLPbQadcQ

fcgqoEfZNsjwCmC

During these two days, Landa Le had no time to look for him. Using the excuse of “fortune coming from the south,” he had sent troops to the border—XDdTqtqvYQHlQtHZFwVXkvUvjTYiec

RPpichOpGLtFRir

As long as he exposed his location a few more times, even if the map he provided wasn’t perfectly accurate, the army would eventually find the camp’s location.tLZMmVGLrZeoSJaxMTTqnljhGAskml

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Now, he was nestled in a corner of the tent.yAmdYIYscizsgLrvHPaZcKpmZvDOZV

PLplbIZpPanZAEk

Nearby was a young Dacheng girl named Wansang, who was altering his clothes. She looked about fifteen or sixteen, probably recently captured and not yet too disheartened.aqiwwHdsWYNGwxTxmPNTkUnyOLmMQx

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“I’m a shepherdess, taken with my sheep. What about you?”xYeBFHNvaxXeYPEHaDfnIgzgPJYnTt

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Ning Rushen replied, “I’m a grain officer, stolen with the grain carts.”PMXipLCRbARVbNmqhhjyeXkxDVBCzQ

crPBgxgSFtxohyz

“……” Wansang looked bewildered: ?DnIALMTxGvEDgMKprcRSqrPWSMHvGs

CRKFplUfBVcGiXu

Seeing that she didn’t seem to understand, Ning Rushen sighed inwardly:XhQwPpotbqvMfuPttENwrOtxjNMvao

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It’s no wonder she didn’t get it; he didn’t fully understand it himself.WGhSrRcRNPwTSPwBwgciVxhmlPLuMH

PvvbJJmEHanEKRl

Ning Rushen changed the subject, “By the way, is there anything unusual happening in the camp?”gntveYuPkEEISlHVyiXdvXwogjzbPt

FXgWByICVWWcntK

“Unusual?” Wansang pondered, “Well, the Northern Di army doesn’t ban alcohol. Every time they return from plundering, those Northern Di soldiers drink and slaughter sheep… does that count?”bPMHosUYIcdetqyXIlTpuJBeEyJGcW

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Ning Rushen’s heart skipped a beat: They don’t ban alcohol?BHpeEhCkTBpmPRvJLmhcjswWlphiot

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Plundering just happened in the last two nights.NbcGpIkDdVwswbbSFBTwTcaxeMnPVV

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…waeFFgEjglOqSNIjskGvQvNnJaFpwe

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That night, the Northern Di soldiers returned with cattle and sheep and indeed held a grand feast.SfhxbdZGabquslesyMdCuyJzcKZsMT

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Outside, the firelight was bright, and the noise was deafening.SpXQBLvvxATiFasSOxyiibsorrwaHF

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The dancers’ tent was located in a corner of the camp, with dim lighting and relative quiet.ZCVijcLLAItIJGBkZxCEhbloSRQviJ

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Ning Rushen looked at the noisy figures outside:ANzgmPhjwznuGsFXVykzOqzRzdZnib

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Had the white falcon left already?ZKwqyJasyIpDBBnMmQMcfKDTAZpksU

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Counting the time, if the reinforcements from Chang Sui had been dispatched, they should be arriving soon.hVGcCJXyBxQKeBoRqKUDedxWjYLPdy

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If they could make it tonight…xqCcDtfkWfwfofzYHewIknJBcGJZyz

plxfykVflKzRcMl

While he was thinking, there was suddenly a commotion outside.iwmlvHrGkbatgZriLZFmfyvwftmefj

LyjXQFgjGnhfbEv

A shouting voice was followed by a flap of the curtain, and a Northern Di officer, red-faced from drinking, walked in and grabbed a dancer, “Come out!”wfnOvzDBdohyCncubdvlMQEnpAuWiI

jqcoFWPImShqtbw

The dancer screamed and tried to pull away.pKxboKpiqgSBdJvBpuOrLXUGQttgXi

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The officer cursed a few times and continued to grab people.CMatIkMfikaHxplFejVhZeBHlZgeVa

HQvvnwPfzgMypzJ

Ning Rushen couldn’t bear to watch. He looked around: Was there any tool for cutting iron like mud…qqVktKCIVbTKNvjePQMUFtMVMPZDBO

jAFugSsichYdubU

After scanning briefly, he suddenly heard a thud!IYUVgsJaPJNsAzAgfiTYATqppZiGfy

LCmrJeOUKjZNhGK

Then the officer fell to the ground with a muffled sound.aPwVepOQzPrfpQbAQiaBbIjZKdEyxw

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Ning Rushen looked up in shock: …!?LEEqfqUREmILRzlrnffFxHUvPaUyFn

dmLApUXwmxzcxLb

In the center of the tent stood a familiar figure silently.zlukMBqTENXrOhuRQAPnxomOYRLMMH

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Shi Yi quietly looked around and blinked.pafTElgHWNtDCOxsSWTxogmeXkxGPv

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A large slotted spoon! Ning Rushen was delighted and made a shushing gesture to the frightened dancers. The dancers all covered their mouths, nodding silently.hMVLzxmDmCoGbSZnECrUjFLYzXZHjh

MywDdopYHeXaEUM

He went over and whispered, “Is it just you?”HkCNEdjIDPHjrAcODZnYxvvtkXtaRs

LdlHHrytFYvqUje

Shi Yi replied, “Also Lu Wu, who went to rally the main army.”kGJpBTmBpdQNEKFyBhHaMJAUXpRtAa

nMIbkcpssRDMqZe

Ning Rushen’s heart jolted:nlNMgDziJoeFnoBTIfnJTtSebmrGun

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Not reinforcements, but the main army…JZFgrPqvQBBsaXVDYQckeLJcSkeooF

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To confirm his guess, Shi Yi nodded, “His Majesty sent me to find you first.”azUFfGmGmwGERHJiUrajojMptfVNhm

KaXNLBEevALkrMq

Ning Rushen’s heartbeat quickened.QGwuqxaxArlzZtAggbrrtJpgmlhukm

pyKsyWQyyuVgOBX

He calmed his breathing and resumed his previous thought, writing two characters for Shi Yi: **Camp Howl**.GJLEfBcxNNlIINRVDdRUAteCyTbEXp

qvAcuslbVgpTzaP

Shi Yi paused and looked at him.DBEAZoMswpfIbYsRKxMXddAcqvnHhl

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Ning Rushen pointed to the fallen officer by his feet, “Throw him out, he’ll come in handy.”sjvlEueskmfSoMtGdlduRaJRqmwSOp

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He then wrote: **Set Fire**.xVSiPxEMLTWYWcEQbAzADJVRjqZoKi

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Although it might not succeed, the Northern Di soldiers, intoxicated by alcohol, were already in a daze. With Shi Yi’s skills at stirring trouble, it could at least cause confusion and unrest.mBwZdgFxYavWpEfxoyyyXgaXtiGJgU

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Before the main army arrived, they could hopefully deplete a good portion of their forces.JzkVKdkhSNXYCWdrhjdBJjPrjlTMkh

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Shi Yi considered for a moment and nodded, “I’ll go to the farthest place from here. Stay here and be careful.”JIwKauZyODaRLjcujfFSJbTlBdTQzw

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He said this, taking the officer with him, and disappeared from the tent in an instant.HHSNbmdXrxmkqFqcZIacuDBGtIqfwZ

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After they left, the dancers finally regained their composure.FhNTPDCgDKsUbyeTkVvpAWaaJlKrMe

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Ning Rushen turned to give instructions, “If anything happens, run toward the far end of the camp.”oxhSjPYbywKpwymhcIrDOTYzuPSFsZ

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Wansang whispered, “Is someone coming to rescue us?”usjaicxXuRRKCfbaQPakUzoLkXTdMe

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Ning Rushen took a deep breath, his red gauze fluttering like fire, his gaze steady:YYKnQFcIeuGHEFoUqHlhMrPLPNwZEV

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“Yes, they’re coming to take us home.”pUahRpRSytxSERPfGjqisoJbpNYddd

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After a while, commotion suddenly erupted outside.tsLVZOVFASlZRXoENAEDDdEksvMYQU

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People in the camp were running in all directions, with the sounds of fire crackling in the wind and a general uproar of panic.DTMKxzjpDOAmcgUWTFmIWzgULOSNro

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Then, the clash of weapons could be heard.cLSqbsVrLRwtSHWgUYHkneZcLsyonP

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Ning Rushen broke into a sweat, guessing that Shi Yi had succeeded.ycYCWoIuDvDvWsPRiMTLZfbnKMzbIH

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He listened intently to the growing noise outside, which only got louder. Even the guards stationed at their side and the patrolling soldiers ran off.frQFOZhNBTptUOgCrTcoMaaFVLxkRC

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Panic seemed to spread into the tent as well:PSLVgeXZtLzhqkyQFSDIpwrAdchMZm

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“I think I heard Wu Han Da’s scream.”tLeFZiKmZmHeITatbVYGnkobzAQTMp

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“Was he killed…”LUJRjIIWpLRfrbogqgaHmXPEljhEgY

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Ning Rushen looked at the anxious faces of the dancers and reassured them, “Stay here and don’t run outside.”DkiCyLlioJafKRsHOOMholNKGaOBPB

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For now, they hadn’t been directly affected.uBnNaWvStOnlZFDARBkiuretrqEqnH

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But the chaos in the same camp was still very close.FccATyufvlxKgbIElDZAQpZaPmhjJX

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Time seemed to stretch endlessly. The noise continued to grow louder, coming closer to them.sevefiQfhBbTwYrWLwyNHZWZsHdnsK

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After an unknown period, the ground began to tremble.aIObTTRKTEsIWJGJEBKDpleJhNWDRY

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Ning Rushen felt a stir in his heart, moving closer to the entrance, listening to the sounds from afar—tfEPGdKNxrXSssHnfjGrMqiCMEiviN

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Thunderous shouts from the other side swept over.BTHkdalVMBfnLoPWQecknCtQRaSyfk

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The familiar shouts of “kill” echoed across the wasteland and the night.KvHSvERNPLBfndtEEjKpernbaicfXU

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He couldn’t contain his excitement: the main army had arrived!ZovRtihLTRdANyUMjaCkaBXKfaVUCW

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The Dingyuan army surged into the camp like a black cloud of flames.ImRmqykRgxSvDPDNHqjRRoEThCVuIQ

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At the same time, the raging fire and the fighting in the camp finally reached them.gMASSUoBbJSMBrhgugDrgKwQTBcAjr

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Through the tent, he could see the glaring light of the fire.VNjkYaNiPcfENtqzUgcdftoREbsUaF

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Inside the tent, a dancer trembled and asked, “Should we run? What’s happening outside?”aLmturkGuUyOZduYfhfsSIMdwspKaK

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Ning Rushen was unsure, but if the Northern Di soldiers and the fire arrived first, they would be trapped.kwWVFlrxUtWmjQoorKZyJAyToaweRN

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“I’ll go check.”FcbEAzaOOzBOSbZJopWddKgourfuZy

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The dancers behind him were worried, “Be careful!”JMIRwSygiOvJxALYDakikIIVhCgKkr

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Ning Rushen took a deep breath and lifted the curtain to go outside.xTJfpqTNAPCijqnZJtBmTNeTCZGjNL

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Once outside, it was already a sea of fire.lawfuvnhePrcExXlzMcUhnHPwFSRSy

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Flames licked the tent poles, crackling through the night, and the tents collapsed with a loud crash.WouVvggSrcYTDlhuEyhsKpAtmxZMnD

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Northern Di banners were broken, and the ground was littered with broken wood and iron.IxnMaEqsdPZaTWqSRMQESDYDAOjycC

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Not far off, several Northern Di soldiers were fighting fiercely.cxVAUVMMZLqFIxsGuiIzUllHSbZqOv

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The soldiers, clearly enraged, were indistinguishable from allies or enemies. One soldier, having just finished off his comrade, turned and charged at Ning Rushen with a raised knife.hjpqgPTcWpdqGpjwCliulRuXemlIAr

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Ning Rushen was startled and glanced at the dancer-filled tent with no escape route.QEDnxvoyKHZPZJvydJbCJCXoUHHxou

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Resolutely, he ran forward.CIhAZnNZeNkrQLeXbQNVZuJoOxifec

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He wove through scattered wooden planks, with fire burning around him and the stench of blood in the air. The sounds of battle were deafening.pAZlBbZROuPQPVyenAPUCGxUvGbmKV

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His red gauze fluttered in the night.XSQPIyfyhtgHNAZdaTnCdpecoHuzaf

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Ning Rushen’s heart pounded, and he could even feel the approaching Northern Di soldiers behind him.OzkXqCpRuiSNUBdAVBscaHGoLSlQhP

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Suddenly, urgent horse hooves sounded ahead.adyQuDaFysnBlTtLcgyHgwVVdQxJWs

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He looked up just in time to see an arrow fly past his head—XaEUAbdagIwsnTyRTHDSFbowuRTSYq

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Thud, a Northern Di soldier fell behind him.uVMwPzBlvuHknIubtjDmnttuKcdFle

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A tall horse, cutting through the firelight, raced toward him. Its rider wore black attire and silver armor, wielding a bright imperial sword.PgYoQVoMasbPJRLWrjZvlvRlcWRJLO

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Ning Rushen’s heart skipped a beat as he recognized the familiar, cold face of Li Wuting.NyYaTWQMcIOPpGENTMvehPUWpvoVlh

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Their eyes met, and the fire in Li Wuting’s dark eyes flared upon seeing Ning Rushen in red attire and black hair. His eyes seemed to tremble for a moment, and he immediately leaned down from his horse, his strong arms reaching out—gKiGJrBpuTuFEJuTEWFOVXxHHKoohM

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A powerful arm wrapped around Ning Rushen’s waist, lifting him onto the horse. The black cloak enveloped them, and Li Wuting’s voice commanded, “Hold on tight to me.”IHjTTsvSCwmlgzyRgbLyrfONgqkvMo

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