This official is so weak

Randall’s eyes were filled with gloating malice: “You’re done for.”yJvSjtHbdxSNGNdiRpcNiFzGTHquUG

NQKWhRojjcClpOn

Ning Rushen felt a chill in his heart:JbrafckAjVwrviWjeByopwZoUweDeo

dxSZgkPGSpsuXUh

Randall… still trusts him!FUiiDcKQFCNfXoUHAuORDfoTNcLmbR

VkMbUEYzbtmMhHv

A leader couldn’t hold back, “Your Highness, that official from Dacheng is probably not to be trusted.”NIaRjgNJzmTjHFrHlvsARMfUkcGjdl

gptTbCJYHLvvvUQ

“Silence!” Randall turned back and sternly reprimanded, “Think about where we are now… think about Batan!”vJjiboKGrVBHUcqsTZuuJXlHxWPLDw

OIVJXGeFbmsJZkw

The leader recalled the vice general who was dragged away and shivered, “But—”UlfNMCwolYSmHJFnoSkSVeWJWaIZWb

dnIqVzeDukWrXcr

“Take them all away,” Li Wuting suddenly said calmly.nkoaKCkhAUmapADIxhmEhYHBaDrLWn

QiTNPtEXVWgPeVe

His words cut off the conversation, and several leaders were immediately escorted out.glhhRWRVrlIOqZIVXXVtuKNXpZwBnT

AsCBGOLXsnqbETA

The tent was suddenly empty except for Randall. With no one else to interfere, Ning Rushen turned to Li Wuting, licking his lips:nYyPXhboYlhoKVrbqhTKjoYMbCPTWi

UmuWsVJAShAfoqM

What do you say? Keep bluffing?FBfDhoZCpabkhpOtmiVKTfkcjlDjko

ZfywfHKjairhInf

What’s the situation now? Should I give him a hint?NwImUNhkdCTsCYYEzrpKDgWYJjljGM

PmdsUpLXGyTTbKw

Li Wuting looked at him and said, “I’ve already sent someone to deliver a message to the King of the Northern Di: offering a city and promising not to disturb the borders for a hundred years in exchange for their Crown Prince.”qUZgjlYpAPcutOPBGtVtffAUxQPLgG

GFmxuetZIDIrrQq

As soon as he finished speaking, Randall sneered, “Hmph, impossible.”VcFvkmHFqLCVtdnfXjxQsuunKevNjG

NaOnEwpVPbJfxIQ

Several gazes fell on him.EFhVhhegCGZIWmGqABsYdlBaAdBEyk

FGMXwDOxnsYJhpV

“Your plan has failed. My father… he won’t agree to trade a city to ransom me. At this point, I might as well tell you the truth: I’m not his biological son.”EsilTdhvGchaWOLqLAcbYQxSqwRNtw

YftDjJduMeCgRZa

Randall took a deep breath, his expression bleak and dazed, “I’m nothing more than a child bride of the royal family.”fQgBNSuqHdLYjdiRVNaZKOKKVucntD

TOQhefOQnmZbJeq

“…”nGNRSBbMPjSSVhgPYWqrnxtKeMPGQT

QkfgFTAThlQOovb

The entire tent fell silent, as if everyone was shocked.tWlKjmfeQMuhmHBaeyaOUfXOglWFYA

OQoEygLSkUKMxNv

Even Li Wuting was stunned for a moment.HbIQIpHJhOMJIPcOfWXSUUIfjLMfsH

cUPvCOfZzhrnrZQ

Ning Rushen was taken aback for two seconds, then quickly looked at Shiyi.PwqzmOQliPBZUUQDDyqSdoDcWDAWta

fXiZxDSRoGTSkru

Shiyi casually averted his gaze.wkjOkAuOCQUAFVbZFmPnhtBtYXJbbr

UMmAwMRBBkcDRRe

“…” Ning Rushen:!JMhPOaVCwAqreheoAmIjNcRNnbZSQh

xVhEaCjqFeypdOp

So this is the “even more ridiculous” thing—Randall… actually believed it again!iCGkwNcRwRyGnjztIygpBZINGKTqSF

FuuepIlUOdvPrEj

In the tense atmosphere, Randall had already composed himself, “So let me go quickly and go after He Ku Wang instead. He’s the real son.”zQCLwlpZrRhVOGhuyEMhTgmNPuYxQE

CRWHJMawAZuTemV

Ning Rushen slowly suppressed his shock and reorganized his thoughts:YngCjgijLFiaJjkDvVXSGACZztyapP

GEFNKpxAORgDYtH

“The King of the Northern Di will come to ransom the Crown Prince.”FaKycfWRDvbHAlrECbwDzfBkoNEGBc

jEjHOkwjHEUmtVW

“Why?” Randall looked at him.RjhPXXZoDAHaWBPrXImqsyQbnLgZIX

nzvPdwZwmHmGPhR

“Do you know why the King of the Northern Di placed you in such a powerful position and raised you for over twenty years?”wmPKhNREgkJFSpyITQqiUGFtItwAVo

FfcPJNJzZOXucrV

“Isn’t it just to make me a child bride for Asehan?”CctWlRYpTfRymmUdZpYqUMvVZYomPA

zKRexMTMPMeukMq

“…” So it’s actually for He Ku Wang!PcOavxiBUYbtqRfDmsKjNVkxpnIPOI

AYGxqiXNEtlKCax

Ning Rushen was subtly shaken again, then he walked over to Randall, squatting down to explain:ZnOwImNvEklYKnipmkrtxymmikupSu

jinTFrrdnJSNzKb

“Of course not. The Crown Prince’s destiny is noble; it can bring prosperity to the Northern Di Kingdom. When you return, you can still compete with He Ku Wang.”IzfAuunphRieySknEMbONaUQBQIppJ

PDQctzjaIQXcIyg

Randall’s eyes widened slightly, “I can still compete?”cqrMxBqUiTQMxdhxKgukfHOrfIeTma

ilDrwxAzgxpbhUm

“Of course.”NMSZgCXJuQVSpUukdAiQxDaSOFiDZN

tPMPsgdEyudzYHg

Ning Rushen rested his head on his knees and started rambling.WDfcEuuZoYyNVYoiCzVMyKBfmNygha

hWpXuVHgyQiWsFI

In the quiet tent, only his voice could be heard. Li Wuting remained silent throughout, watching him speak as if guided by a higher power.ijhsdApDwlppTNgptVXFBCPJhOdlIV

vCEufjurPAYPmuV

…yAwNaKkTSSElWSWipSzgSrgniGEPBd

aJMzvFxaNAtNbkG

After a round of persuasion, Randall’s fighting spirit was rekindled.jfRfqLMRFeJOAlGqOoOOrJKnxtltyj

nQNybZmVwKKgsZu

Ning Rushen knew when to stop.JRonZovLllCRfYzBSKXRhAEnfavPqB

wzqyElESrXYRZrc

Li Wuting left Randall in the tent, instructed Prince Xuan and others to keep watch, and then exited the tent with his men.SiFrFHhVXceThnDcHJBdYqCjpbUrjP

MAbRJtDnYOMYnLr

Now, all they had to do was wait for the King of the Northern Di to reply.zVPPEufAUHAkbRjgSmBeksitnYHdvx

KQWFAbdBrqaoptm

With the Crown Prince as a hostage, the battle was essentially over.FbVLwCrDUTPNnTgCWfStMARZvSazsD

bCQjErAMjIiZAeF

However… Ning Rushen glanced at the tent behind him:VdZxaetcWPNVHUNxgYWbXREsedhJsJ

bIimjbywFXqkZOC

Thinking about Prince Xuan, Shiyi, and Dequan being left inside, he had a nagging feeling that the three of them together would somehow cause a drastic change.aYXeFceEjfNAWLkscFFKMNekRnyOlY

ZzgWJXLerbQXnBR

Just as he was pondering this, he suddenly heard Li Wuting speak beside him:XuFcJSSmAaFVCOgTHuyQLlxvpcSISU

kOmcXUhqADPKWBp

“Have I blasphemed the gods?”zpaRfuECwEsuqaiFSGeJnvBQLdivka

uLllFeNIArupHMq

Ning Rushen’s heart skipped a beat, and he turned his head to look.hyZwHxzaSaCqPyGedHmYegNPNvNqqB

uKDJdYMXKCqLzxp

Under the bright daylight, he saw Li Wuting’s eyes filled with a restrained heat as he softly asked, “Just holding hands is considered blasphemy. What do you call what happened last night?”DosICqMJvDLUUGytYTQlfRmZOXgHGo

vSrVPTNKAObDrjo

“…”xTVrmUSjYiXrGWbMLHBSZbdrKNNAYq

GejWTKEgFxkEyXj

The memory of their passionate kiss instantly resurfaced.ypNvqfaDPQhiCmCkzcXjLZNYbmRKOP

hDlOHGRmyPscXsS

Ning Rushen suddenly felt hot, swallowed, and tried to maintain his composure. “I’d call it… a moment of carelessness.”WgXqvLOdpotyeDkzLXBmGfFVYkbPFG

HgwCajbBZbOZzow

His jaw relaxed; he had almost fainted from the kiss.OUtyYeJGHXGEUaCHEXFZhFCUEnKdih

EQxThwOGlDBSxnV

Li Wuting let out a chuckle, then turned and said, “Have you not had breakfast yet? Let’s go.”mIvrazwUAtIidWDWZmEvjmdEcGKUFc

QCDNtreUoXArprh

·IlfRnXnceriHoDFpLdUrPhDnaoxDIK

xmCzqYfboRndJmX

By this time, the Dingyuan Army had already finished their breakfast.GDxmxlTpEhdqBZYKmVzNSQidLdUIqF

KbEkZihwJVONwkT

As Ning Rushen and Li Wuting approached, they saw the young Dacheng girls they had rescued last night eating pancakes and drinking soup in the distance.hCihjCRZAondVrMwMxFTtxznDfuVjI

lifgTVmtlnzRJrQ

“They haven’t gone home yet?”rTsxoPQMccxXGJmenbNUeXvUNQegUw

PFPtNlDnsGdgSah

“It was too late yesterday. Today, they’ll be sent back after breakfast.”DRBuuPJwLLaRhWPTrRdaQtSZvKBikY

ogaPaYZEEFdWfGD

He nodded and then asked, “What about the Northern Di dancers?”LBMothtlvNxFDWvfkhVKRJsTErrVwF

zkGPNRtHhTQPNvk

Li Wuting replied, “They’ve returned to the Northern Di with the team that delivered the message.”zattJeJZgIrdgTpvhmvPjVrapmSnSh

xpScLbQLBUHwbjs

As they spoke, they arrived at the scene.bVbSqFXFTKUFAHANROVoPVJIcJHZkQ

rFIYcmTdSRvXvDy

The girls who were eating were startled when they saw the emperor approaching. They quickly stood up to pay their respects, bowing nervously, “Greetings, Your Majesty!”eFWbSUNiHezVaZkrNzNDiYeOfdCrxr

RcXiXNXNPqFDsaH

Li Wuting acknowledged them with a nod, indicating that they should continue as they were.EcGglWcEUWmCqdQlLGRgHBgszsOSIv

eIzSWWMtaSiRUch

Ning Rushen fetched a bowl of thick soup and sat down. Right across from him was Wan Sang, who was about to speak when she saw the emperor take a pancake and sit down beside him.ueJhDYyaKRSHftsxtiGDYbSBUWKiVr

jMyQMcYHKIwUFon

She immediately shut her mouth, too scared to say anything.lrMQAFAyNompXzlnZhzzRAyALyGjII

NNgsljAeLqBCWNz

She sipped her soup nervously, glancing over occasionally. She saw the esteemed emperor tear the pancake into pieces and naturally drop them into the bowl of the minister beside him.sTubxznCHypZlzImzTNBScLSNJbceD

BUSniTVhwCfzFzn

Wan Sang froze, holding her breath in shock!zmXbBeejAjPNrLmLfWnIXJGfKmwNFj

ifexFUfnZHbUoXf

Ning Rushen also seemed surprised, “Your Majesty?”eVFeAvqNfmPzjKUjverzIgMNQmkqeT

zuJUVeRHWCyzCJP

Li Wuting glanced at him, “Is the size right?”ywyaquXyAdByKijUtAfZZIROlPdYqJ

iZsiyJjImTkLzDc

His attention was immediately diverted, and he glanced at the pieces of pancake in his bowl, “A little smaller, please. I can’t swallow them otherwise.”yhyymTmZURwLXuJlecOxALrGSgsuBY

rgddGRwbiICUErr

Li Wuting tore them into smaller pieces. “Alright.”NXFOjrTtMuNmtDvVBkrBocMaDElHeu

kembRXNYpcVGhas

“…”pylsFBWAbliqwcbiqwlvRrMPWLvBAi

CUsshRajGKgflLz

Wan Sang silently buried her face behind her bowl, swallowing hard.bxdSQtOtQCcDRIoEZagonZjHpIyDJh

nKmMrLYMTXwhUtG

After a while, a general came to report, and Li Wuting, having finished tearing the pancake, got up and left.GsGnZwBSHUyJwmsudZOUIywtPNGdBp

hzdmEqltXBbSAQf

Ning Rushen stayed behind, slurping his soup.FDPXpMnYTbpslhvqERhLfszajzaNgL

UGsZXcogjpmcOuN

Suddenly, a voice drifted over, “You…”ZirgyZhpnMNhKdYeRvkledndVGhhto

isbGHKmuiEzaIjS

He looked up from behind his bowl and saw Wan Sang cautiously glancing at him, “Aren’t you the Grain Officer, sir?”doUSKEXpqFsmWUxfxuCgBakiNdqLsS

XQjbFLYFrduKFzr

“I am the Grain Officer,” Ning Rushen replied. “And also the Military Supervisor.”CDvgxLZjLxCyBClmtkvjQwoflodErC

VsShTPgjLRORkDX

“A Military Supervisor… so you’re an imperial censor,” Wan Sang realized. “No wonder the emperor’s majesty is so intimidating. You don’t seem afraid at all.”qirpRRXHRtZSHkKZXTeMBDBgyqgeyz

wyMTZyKvrAGKezN

Li Wuting’s majesty, intimidating?AyljdMYEuwEdMOgMpmgDyJEfkXIlza

txZNvjLNaEOCUhl

Ning Rushen seriously thought back, “Is it?”gzmxSXAXDLAFOwWNVxcDmZsWmAWStR

WQpzkgCibfpVVYe

Wan Sang wanted to say something but caught sight of the floating pancake pieces in his bowl and swallowed her words. After a pause, she smiled and said:bBDVOzCAhxOkPDyDxLYQLHfWTkfFVU

tQSpCSbHjzsBtVk

“Regardless of what position you hold, you’re a good official.”znpWFYSYWKUlqnAMHEBAzMOERTlrup

PKsvvCCAdvlranf

Ning Rushen was startled and looked up at her.XHqFVBTFxVFjjSzrXmZnAigSMKGRBS

GCVQUzoPvfZhcAe

The other girls also nodded in agreement, looking at him:wQrnDPigzKPlSUzUEnJKmFYXdBDkyD

YqMynXgpIMWkaSY

“His Majesty is a good emperor too. Without you and His Majesty, we wouldn’t be able to return home.”GsqAZzZWekvVjMFuKVmOLVkoFBpEKv

SnITCeIcKHBQxQG

As they spoke, they stood up and bowed deeply in gratitude.veYcTWdnqRiMDMGicKxfjBaCanWUTD

sGajGkYqRRYzeaJ

…iCmQujzEkugxzwxrSdMTUxEKqxatDu

QWCYoLXOkWRprPk

The girls left the camp after breakfast.wJxfzcIwTprmxMdJgeLPckHbHCebGp

tQPGAfLxdUnLCQL

Ning Rushen stood in place, watching them leave, still lost in the moment of emotion.jeZMrHCAfajPHTTXIdTHABzuIAXZjS

TTiZVhtxVrejJVo

It seemed he had never thought about what kind of official he wanted to be.iNTZWzElPiBiLNIQSSGUbiKctewclq

aHgXLboVymOpGLQ

He had just done things according to his own ideas, yet along the way, he had changed the lives of so many people…tEsdOcxeJpUqzSLGJYDwBCAenLdXsM

sbvZahPRsETOrEU

There was a movement beside him, and a voice fell, “What’s the matter?”jiIHhNFAChcKhSAtfKzDnhUAuWGxSG

pdruGQhJncsQKpQ

Ning Rushen turned his head and realized that Li Wuting had already walked over, “I just suddenly understood why Your Majesty has such strict requirements for the conduct of officials.”kfvleUAdtSCVZfLTVBhZkyYPmFUXOu

wHYMEYfrxejLEaX

“Oh, isn’t it because ‘those without virtue will become rebellious children’?”MPvxAISJRoglWRHapKxiHehjSbZjlv

SozURhtDbdJwBnu

“…” How did he remember that?rSAWEWGqlKLEaZlWMzxzPhvkZMEWwl

CBPdTyRposlgodR

Ning Rushen replied gently, “Your Majesty has such a large family; a few rebellious children are a small matter.”YPJaiqpInqoxCgVMMcwqjktnvGeOds

AuKClIYyOzcSmwM

He paused, turning his head, “What’s important is that a person in a high position, with even a casual act, whether good or bad, can change the lives of so many people.”CRMNbnQfXsmyykmozXQXdSYmXtutUm

GSBmRmzQZHGeUNM

Li Wuting said nothing, looking down at him.HytfYCXnfMjGIZxwhtbMynmryToxdM

YIgKVMDHYhpBoyH

Ning Rushen’s side profile was pale and delicate, but his gaze was steady and clear, holding the mountains and rivers of Dacheng and its people within.bhjMboqmklvuLwEIpxmHoFRuAIWezO

dlUpvdgrFCWrRNN

Li Wuting’s gaze lingered for a few moments, his knuckles flexing.wWHPGfPreTiKNniOaGppETPTVDtmCb

jgsWnvpSCXFqRlh

In the end, he couldn’t resist reaching under the sleeve and clasping Ning Rushen’s hand, holding it tightly in his palm.hqxNwMNVglRwQTtbasYDYfrAirjiwo

FggTIDEooHZpeiC

Ning Rushen was suddenly grabbed. He turned to look, his heartbeat quickening, “Your Majesty?”dfxIqjrBgezwnQwwpoLtMrKhmOZVfT

LDGXUXPoyKrfGWt

Li Wuting’s grip on his fingers tightened.CNsukRCmIANFWWmpgzHsMMUXMvjLJh

oYmxvbNSNAUEPrA

With restrained warmth in his eyes, Li Wuting asked in a low voice, “If I were to say that I want to kiss you now, would it be too bold?”AEqnkKFMEfvHbSwVwIOlxczmLdbiNc

YkoUltXoFcgLffw

“…” Ning Rushen’s breath hitched, and he stammered, “Not really.”rwIgnKFBRlOybyzhYrNUeWEcBDzLvs

wBUlxpTVunTSAqz

Nearby was a stack of wood piled as high as a person.xektenKQIgNeKplSJCbBQAFreiRrrZ

ERSdWPqJHxvYCUp

Taking advantage of the moment when the patrolling soldiers turned away.qSYvBKKqVNqKFYVomsPfavRdQTjVQS

uwVIDTuBDLnEuCv

Li Wuting suddenly stepped forward, giving Ning Rushen a gentle push backward, then leaned in and kissed him on the lips.bLHgqkNVvfEncKLPMPJfvQVpputEfg

ssiINhBUXJIoIYZ

The light dimmed for a moment as Ning Rushen closed his eyes, feeling a wave of heat brush over his lips.dQUXxiMFmlGDLlFfRusDPvGPIkPZHz

AtDHRgRiETRvwgM

His arm was gripped tightly by a strong hand, his heart pounding furiously.KhBmforsDdZGRcOaEjqStirNRquKff

qjAgjROnlLbchOt

Then, just as quickly, the light brightened again as Li Wuting straightened up and released him, his neck flushed as he looked back at him.ySWXTIvMMslWkWCdhQMuBKDXSmLGdC

ubSnLCOYGvitWXA

Ning Rushen met his gaze, his heart in turmoil.IKfWoPHmfKLPQcedHHiIoLuXmFLVxY

IYuyNaQMxNlxByi

He had said something about being too bold…bwOIPHpgspKVvYKrhYBoCAaXiOCIcQ

PTyDpARWqmjwyEM

But Li Wuting’s expression clearly showed that he still wanted to kiss him again. If it weren’t for the fact that it was broad daylight, he wouldn’t have been so “bold” as to just give a fleeting kiss.MejqNGbChkuKCQJesAafasEZjXGPde

zcFVPmkxbVLiIjx

However, before Li Wuting could fulfill his intent to “act impulsively” again, Zou Mou, who had enlisted, reported that the interrogation had yielded results.kKCSueONoNFzDiuVdfVrapVxDInTUb

ISqbHIPbZrsJrjW

Li Wuting still carried a hint of desire in his brows and responded, telling him to go ahead first.aAMjaQFrjzFlmsHtvbEQmWnkvBgCSn

igUTzLNPsbJpqeC

Seeing this, Ning Rushen said, “Then I’ll go check on the wounded.”UUkxHysmzPGqzjcKWPvBYGgHqpZzjp

LKjWOaYVQpvoHHs

At that moment, he was dressed in a wide-sleeved outer robe, with his black hair draped over his back.ZxWsoIwdKukPifRQVPoelsthZCJuqw

KvDoqBHpXKimRvs

Just as he casually tied his sleeves, he suddenly heard Li Wuting ask, “Why don’t you tie up your hair?”zgUDYMAIcAVjuXJMHQMoXGxEaCAibO

hZmpdDloKNSlczH

Ning Rushen’s movements paused, recalling the lost jade hairpin.GFoqzowAfHyALXaflQOrfcKnuNwzrh

zyIOOIzBBsTZFcK

A wave of panic surged in his heart, filled with pain and helplessness: That was Li Wuting’s coming-of-age gift to him…DPVefjJDcuyMeheJhnrjnvSQVliJlb

AHTOEljZAqHQhLY

Now that it was lost, how could he tell him?TsdrgmoFAahetSNQPlmwYHDdiqTjfa

CozNtgMhAIKUMkT

While he was filled with anxiety, the person in front of him suddenly raised his hand and tied his hair up, followed by taking out that familiar white jade hairpin and placing it into his hair.IqRJcMkcIkLLyalBCpOXKCdSMRBDZL

liAcEHFQCmDMsXQ

“…???”qvCltClUbMVfUQdpXmsYsqROYtIdbv

gSqgSvdTSpBoVEU

Ning Rushen looked up in surprise, “Where did it come from?”dXUkedmUNcFNLICipWPFybjleSutSf

IUjYzMvjnHPoeVA

Li Wuting looked at him with a smile, “It was dropped by the grain cart, Prince Xuan found it and brought it back.”icSdSTnMqIAMUXyizNSowmHRYelAoI

fHAikJHhAzOInoe

Ning Rushen touched it happily, “Thanks to Prince Xuan… Did he ask for any favors from Your Majesty?”TRNccCKPmVNBYFDFfGuiIUTBPYkKHV

jlvEKNklmLwKUtY

“In exchange, I told him the story behind the hairpin…”IDssVZgDzGWbKphXAuCMUQlYIkYQQJ

YDCVBaMtpwldzyK

Li Wuting abruptly stopped speaking halfway through.UefxaXnQyEEQPuDNrDQRyLzetsVOEH

RXgJwUHEFrUPAzg

Ning Rushen looked at him, “…What about it?” As their eyes met, his heart suddenly skipped a beat, “Chaojun?”kcmYnTDPltIJknhpXPZhbOgWBlaORa

hTTgFmhlKqJMMKt

Li Wuting pursed his lips, “When did you figure it out?”gYeCvRinXTFDQnzfdCJQRKnRcBnCAY

qpGwWWJIuTGWlDs

“When I came to the Northern Frontier and received Your Majesty’s reply.”iKMsoaNffGsWptPHINNlnlMunymBfr

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The slightly flushed Adam’s apple moved, “Hmm.”MULRDDnoIJgyfXXcUaIzHpmfbbEPSk

AywGJeuSjhffWRA

Seeing Li Wuting’s attempt to appear calm, Ning Rushen felt a stir in his heart, then remembered, “In that letter, what did Your Majesty cross out?”weIHBmjIssLSrOnljheHaQLMYHovVE

EuaXYCzGUpktFOg

Li Wuting was silent for a few seconds, his eyelashes lowering as he responded hoarsely:VjIhzyizYLtdtscgbOcFVBmULkiIFp

nqYOFfWchWEIuLP

“I too… think of you day and night, tossing and turning.”UjLeWxxixJWecsuayVQhMDeecnikuj

VzMklCdWiofoEfK

Ning Rushen suddenly felt a wave of heat, his breath growing warmer. But… since when had he been losing sleep thinking about Li Wuting???RjZNdAijaBgcyNpVvSVyrAMAjNXYoX

cCwMLAFVfyAVkfC

A name suddenly surfaced in his mind: Lu Wu——rmLozdTuwXUteCoaRPMEgJzTZaxMRV

GRkNNwLUQBLXeZM

“What is it?” Li Wuting observed.cHxsnGIqwSpibVWyHEtYsRxXRQGFFg

TqjSXIqzRUxjnlO

Ning Rushen adjusted his breathing, “Nothing.”bpkKDCpNAWnxtuUjNjvbJZmcSoSqkr

ZJViXuvjlvSLpjT

He suppressed the heat, “I think… it’s very good.”tZjPvcGyiuXvfdOnyWSPGJvgxkHMiQ

tEmOMLcjXfULwgM

…ZdrtmCwMnochviaTUVujyCiUyIPQBo

BgMmSFEypaQQBXo

With the hairpin properly placed and the bug fixed, Li Wuting quickly headed to the interrogation camp, while Ning Rushen went to check on the wounded.RpOXZaeXtaHvDLMUYhIgDIWMnmfdtR

SKVKHpbAbOQtnwQ

Although the battle last night saw the Northern Di heavily weakened by internal strife, the Dingyuan Army wasn’t completely unscathed.LJPSbLPMMGkwYsIvOvBwUbFwmarjBJ

UdiHrMfzSPtZNeY

The camp was filled with the smell of simmering herbs, the smoke from the medicine thick in the air.IYUOGAzCiLJkLbrAsuKoazjiLiONTN

KIcsgOmUPicPioj

Ning Rushen skillfully “patted” a series of injuries, and by the time he was done, the sun had already set behind the western mountains.paFIkRkVqTgPlXZBySTnWLdsYilczr

zLOIVTvLvYGJnYK

His forehead was now stained with ash and covered in a thin layer of sweat.oggqxtuzxfnIImMDcZhWFhDPBqhNTE

BbkVunfrPmOUtPt

Ever since the rain fell in the Northern Frontier days ago, the weather had suddenly turned cold. When the cold wind blew, the inner garments stuck to his body, making him feel quite uncomfortable.PgdatiBCbsJIaGykRUSEeObOCqmpGU

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Ning Rushen went back to tidy up, preparing to take a bath.HoBhubGAGRLsqRyXHLiqtxYDNJutCi

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He grabbed some clothes and was just about to head out when he ran into He Liang.LGKasUqXrjPoTjpTgFMKtAnmFiKvrJ

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“Going to take a bath?” He Liang stopped, “The river water is very cold in this weather, and the water in the bathhouse isn’t warm either. How can your body handle it? I’ll call someone to heat some water for you.”ySiAONUBqBweOmqpCkhuaIhZDgGwaH

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Ning Rushen quickly stopped him, “No need.”WJCiIsvbddXgPyixddQiwNKovzSnUO

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He Liang gave him a sideways glance, “What, you don’t want to soak in hot water?”uqFXGzoUKsjYosbGchhUnCoLjhsFNh

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“……”BgIfSPbDnFuaypGkUgnTncVghVQvHA

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Ning Rushen wavered.KicHhheMkJqoNbFbKECxrKpUOVioKq

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He hadn’t had a proper rest since staying in the Northern Di for so long. In such cold weather, if he could soak in hot water…AwKTAcFeJIMqoSeNgbxjNaUMAAPtJn

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But asking someone to heat water for him in the military camp, wouldn’t that be a bit too extravagant?aZUrQaEabvqyMBNgHUpAeLaIYaGils

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While he was hesitating, there was a commotion up ahead.JZPhINxdAckKpnQGUaHBwfrFHKpubs

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Li Wuting walked over from that direction and stopped in front of the two, “What’s going on?”ZlgvXgtWYnuKkKmzkZghHpkzXxWKUk

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He Liang immediately reported, “Your Majesty! I was just saying that Lord Ning should soak in hot water!”nmzWYvhRoUbMeBvCZSbVSkZuyMqugC

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Li Wuting, “……”HOiDGFMOcLpdcmxzGnNyHpChvccSPE

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Ning Rushen, “……” What kind of language system is this?wlKBQpqgKelcnsymezbbwrGoFlOOrQ

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Before he could correct He Liang’s wording, Li Wuting turned to him, “Want to soak in hot water?”XZhEBdBYhwQVOhOpjTlWjbgFnoYLly

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The polite words stuck in his throat as he looked at the other.klVJMColrKEYXRBQwQTpeOedJTzoOG

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Ning Rushen couldn’t help but be honest, “Mm.”YOdlrUeUrHONnJCfswnvfGbIEHukLF

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Li Wuting looked at him for a few seconds, then suddenly called for a horse. A tall steed was led over, and with a swift movement, Li Wuting mounted it, then extended his long arm—RkWBwwEYXnVCKFdtkWLWwfpDIbLRee

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And pulled Ning Rushen up in front of him.peVLdmPUSXHDoCIQERNtpRQkMJvKxW

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Ning Rushen jumped in surprise, grabbing his arm, “Your Majesty! Where are we going?”orqsOqJigJVBzASwlVZlZHleYPZtjf

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The secure embrace tightened under the cloak.lCqjjxrIbgwqhdCGRRCckvOsZTRoii

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The whip snapped, and the horse galloped out of the camp.cOrrbIniITzxAwuYlCFLUMNTxjUPOV

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Facing the slanting sun, Li Wuting’s deep voice was carried on the wind, “There are natural hot springs in the northern land.”pnbhhjgJjWUDiCWRatGYzvFdRLtifV

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“Didn’t you want to soak?”piMUnhBlRFPfnsICnpKFffxcTxCjXU

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