This official is so weak

Li Wuting raised his eyes and looked over slowly. “Crowded?”jZGZLwrONUXlBJQSobDAJudZkCdlnm

AzCwfpPboUWjvWZ

Huo Mian felt a strange chill on his neck. “Hmm… just enough space to turn around?” he said, gesturing.BiUgugliHJHmJyyElAfsRjLTTCPcSh

JwVlODMdkTKXvSM

He felt dizzy for a moment: it was impossible to squeeze in, whether because of Li Wuting or his occasionally dirty self.GtlnWMYrwmBGLvHkDTyVMuYoDaxxkN

KGrUGnHkCkloVvM

While he was thinking, Li Wuting suddenly spoke in a淡淡 manner, “General Huo has worked hard leading the troops. You should rest well and not endure such discomfort—”NjiapwqVoCclaAzXeyzPoijprHULvb

KbUTHkBKlLPDVbW

The words were caring, but there was a hint of coldness.SsBdmZvOWTVnVzGNTdsFIKtmVhiTgM

CsogZDYNwPnKkgj

Huo Mian shivered and cautiously asked, “Does Your Majesty mean—”iPqTLbREdJMDBBzquqmYHxIuZnxEKX

UvxdqWoYmZHZyTa

“Ning Qing…” Li Wuting paused. His cold expression remained as steady as usual, only the side of his ear glowed slightly red in the candlelight. “Return to the palace to serve. The main tent is still empty; you can place a bed and screen there.”QCfgAxiRGArmuSfwSyVaktZyagjdwa

QZZxEhwltSZguhv

What did it mean? Was Li Wuting going to… share a tent with him?PkmSzJuqnljlZbWFNwYTjQZjdqSqxA

rLuWbmnKhTWcllm

When they were separated before, things were already complicated. If they actually slept together, it would be unbearable!ECUSzpDZvgDgKWLBZDyDImVMCvehMp

hFOmNLZpxHDEMWu

He hurriedly looked at Li Wuting, who met his gaze.ZoDRClvezZUfBxMRlFDAFiwSnmbJTL

dxOwnMSNnMlZeNK

The handsome face was bathed in warm light, revealing a hint of gentleness amid the cold, contradictory and captivating. Li Wuting looked at him, his fingers slightly curled:NDEOberRrNrDfOVXeULPVxtycpFDfG

VkBjUVWjxTkVjLs

Ning Rushen was momentarily dazed by the gaze, and instinctively responded, “Mm.”zqhMFMaPbJoyscVqZYyFtvHhoXnfMa

lwBAyxMofFHlwjb

Li Wuting’s smile flashed briefly before he turned back to his usual composed demeanor and ordered, “Get it ready.”CZuGFhAvlxhMwMtmROmNEOZUUClwmw

LjaRRYbPwnmDAaS

As soon as the words were spoken, De Quan quickly popped his head in and said, “Yes.” Sun Wu and the others exchanged glances for a couple of seconds, seemingly finding it reasonable, and followed suit.gLeDYfELtYRIFJTfWSddnOQxzDbgFJ

PoaXFcSeRzaZUhk

When his beloved soft blanket was finally brought in, Ning Rushen finally came to his senses and pressed his forehead: … What was he agreeing to!?vHYEyMvVBXKoOXnIYEDKRuVaVTGCdk

DNnasNNPOkgYGig

Was he truly blinded by lust?LVTrlTkLTDLERtwelETyfjOsnSIpVf

FOlJfSqRrsSjjmz

In his frustration, Huo Mian thanked Li Wuting, “I appreciate Your Majesty’s consideration. I will move to Lord Ning’s tent now. Lord Ning—”JCSIkkDJqxRlOepdwzXgdFaanxgnFv

MsJYkoMRNIqXvaj

He turned back and said regretfully, “You mentioned we could…”QaAmekdfUYqSEtvrHmLHyShPFEOide

CDckWrWDOvLqhEi

Ning Rushen snapped back to reality and kicked him!zoxfxKQyexFsDkoRMrlGLeWwIskfJK

YkniHaxNWrvrqdP

“Ow!” Huo Mian widened his eyes: Why did he kick him?YZrpJxyMWfMhQNlckEpNPOyVbrhfIj

WahqpPxeQwXZXVR

“Alright, that’s enough.” Ning Rushen shoved him toward the tent entrance. “Go get ready, go. Less talking.”hXplAuwFOBsMZVvyhJTMDlngazuCfS

hMfhrNrwDnJBJGy

Huo Mian was bewilderedly pushed out: What?dkcZkomHGlRRFGmxnQdAVdLIixbfBk

xzjpoRBmaIVSgvN

…wqLhoHTNpPmgmqgJQWaWYxlAyzzlPb

mzvGjxvVkZAEuow

After everything was packed up, everyone retreated.XoXahEzIJbqYAIrORrjRSXtUDQUzZC

JnnGLXNRukSVBAF

Only Ning Rushen and Li Wuting were left in the tent.MEjSeLjIWytFvnDrNeFBcHfQGqgQpY

giTOorsnERqdyyU

Li Wuting’s bed—now called the Dragon Bed—was placed in the inner section. Only a screen separated it from Ning Rushen’s, where his blankets, quilts, and clothes were moved to the bed.ZwgsxBleNofeMqmvPVQRdgPbmHVNyk

MLnYzfCqVUrfurE

Ning Rushen stared at the screen paper, lost in thought:JRmoWhaXkjBYunyyCiuWtBaPOMNHAD

BOSVWRLJCMYlKBT

If he turned over at night or muttered something, Li Wuting would hear it…buYJGaGVkifNloCwOZKRAhCEOcryxQ

bdvboUvapWgYeZf

While he was thinking, the figure in front of him suddenly moved.UkeAUBQxnJcKavnXYntNnnZMCsOsZL

isQIJdDnYPZpnSr

Li Wuting approached and looked him up and down, “You’ve suffered, you look thin.”KkYCmnOgrOCscMNUYKIfkEprhUJFLh

zfqsZqEYzfnSwbP

Ning Rushen snapped back to attention, “Hmm?”rnhKLSBuIVWlryagJTWaqftAXMiShB

dHvPVCHKnQnQtrF

Li Wuting carefully examined his face, then raised his hand and paused. Seeing his sleeve was stuck, he rubbed it with his back of his hand, “In two months, how did you get so dirty and disheveled?”qoOqWfAaxXdxkqWWolRwIzrPLpHrDS

qeVqQMXyDGpjMYR

“……”ZdHLBfPDBOYGOqatLRUUoUQINtCkwK

WvxoqZLNixZeQth

The back of his hand, brushing against his cheek, was very warm and applied a bit of pressure.jjWRzlYYTBXndMaYnSHqSKuGLclZQP

GkwiQKeRupBEMBY

Ning Rushen squinted and pulled back his neck, intending to avoid it, but the sensation was somewhat pleasant, so he remained still.racBKfLQMPipGzKzVvNmzajejsMBDO

CyyUkFZYhddFOGs

“I just came back from the medicine brewing place,” he said.UuUSXVITTYDLzgkuERVKREGKZymjcG

xbqJZfZJrSrngii

Seeing that he wasn’t avoiding it, Li Wuting used his fingertip to wipe the dirt from his face. “Ning Qing treats the Dingyuan Army sincerely, no wonder they view officials unfavorably but have an exception for you.”qgwkFSyLzZGjGBeBlXHKucWCPcWQjl

KeJbYxgNyGbOguH

Was it an illusion? He felt—UKqamcqXwktyVpduRdzonKSMnfCZHT

qcCxGuSffCsgjeb

Ning Rushen pressed his cheek against Li Wuting’s warm palm, looking up.QGgxolJsGnWUIxPOFwOLRGlfBdEoEr

gIFpBUEhsnTFnnG

Li Wuting said seriously, “No wonder General Huo, who loves his soldiers like his own children, treats you with such closeness.”GuBeDpFOkPKcgNyaanpyVKbNrntpGW

PWWfESPQOxuRQbA

“……” It wasn’t an illusion.phAFEIiAIQTrElQuaUtOTSJlNiGRvS

HzcRGDcgNTtYiAs

Ning Rushen’s heart beat faster, meeting the other’s actions. “The entire army is like one family.”NMIhmUDfVvEaKTJJLwLPuXFUwuHhYe

EBtWzPZNxiDGqwi

The gentle brushing on his face made him mutter, “Mm.”qKquPTDkrDbLqKhbqxNyWhdLXkjDch

KnPWYBGywrfypyU

Li Wuting softly remarked, “Ning Qing is like family from all over the Yangtze River and Yellow River.”isIGCCXBMHxGiJePuQUKfABcPBbpJk

ggFOlOXkXhakygH

Ning Rushen lowered his eyes, feeling embarrassed.RWGoDzHXQKphNIriPYdBMgvoJiiFKL

JRLqOjLLOfwMbEp

As he looked down, the conversation stopped. The movement on his cheek ceased, and the tent fell into a brief moment of silence, with only the points of contact growing warmer.RdAgDRRyiJdXyIIHWXhDfudZqQUjwp

xcIvUbLocQjsoAk

The fingertips resting behind his ear trembled slightly.CdctUiwggkBcaaUFdyPDaJknVILMNg

oiOUUjUkuCNijvl

Ning Rushen, sensing something, looked up.VPtFMVUxHneqoSTQAbFcpLCsiwGTcT

NRyymXPiZkcGDes

In the solitary space, Li Wuting’s eyes revealed an uncontrollable heat, a longing accumulated over two months breaking free. As Ning Rushen’s breath brushed against his hand, he couldn’t help but pull him into a full embrace.MnAUOVHxTqSkDmnWzuyMHxMmJSmcQp

JMpsrglvYQwHlmg

Ning Rushen was pulled close to the emperor, grasping the fabric at his waist, his heartbeat quickening as he crumpled a few folds.RzecUjjEBiMiqNoIWbgHYXkjmMNLTz

KaNBNibiRZOQenN

A firm arm held him, the cold, hard silver armor pressing against him.alMwwSCoWLKbWwUOsPMEqcRJOjfgip

xsqKaGopEPWEERi

As he moved slightly, the large hand behind him pressed him down, the strong heartbeat transmitted through the armor. His fingers twitched, and he stayed still in the embrace.jxCcissexhUCzwTEWBwfgRbhEuuGzU

vlzbAAICOIWlHMf

The faint fragrance of Li Wuting’s clothes enveloped him.sTNOmBVAeBPCMnuEnUeFWPnszXJyuL

RmxcxXSMxuIPUQL

With the dust and frost from the journey from the capital to the northern border surrounding him, Ning Rushen’s mind went blank as he clung to the emperor’s arm, allowing himself to be held.NtJcQNXztwnZFZfhEJYvCZJitNmyoe

gJMLOFGvBWYWaoG

After an unknown amount of time, he felt light-headed and short of breath.vMCpmunPOuQJiHFCisQDVFeQKyLpHO

LCcmYaeCCoSRPLU

He moved slightly and pushed at the person in front of him. “…Your Majesty.”laXrebOVTIIhadLSPFSKzzTqwzvRMB

HvauhQBFRXdCICS

In a muffled voice, Li Wuting asked, “What’s wrong?”HmuCawrWiUHOqGwnZdpcZzrGzmGPUL

LhmtkdPElDjJZxH

“Your Majesty’s brave armor is pressing into my stomach.”UovxUVPPmneigwFLKhqvGhrESRNXhO

zOcdbPMtuNJLKYv

“……”THmazxJwUVlhDvteAUPqWInxctiXZe

hIjgviXcmYwmbtf

The large hand around his waist tightened briefly, then loosened, pulling him away slightly.DTBygphHShOaobjguCQteyYUrHloXU

FdnivHvwNKvNjDl

With the heat retreating, Ning Rushen looked up.mEdtpVLaQYDydqYKjpuJAbRIphHMTl

EcqGVPcXHDUdIOc

Li Wuting’s gaze was deep, his eyelashes lowered as one hand rested on Ning Rushen’s shoulder. The Adam’s apple above his collar was already red.hrVLUbLGLWVKBAiUmNGfRGIlvsTnow

LrfwRuSHbovzCiN

The gesture was restrained but full of desire.qPkZoDFLoizSGnKazExQFSZZtzajkg

UoZEHkTMGlfftnR

Ning Rushen, stirred and breathless, felt his legs go weak. As he swayed, Li Wuting grabbed the back of his neck and steadied him.WamWtBVLUBhSGIXQAiwYJaXsosmLHt

OJpCnWlMTRosLFF

Li Wuting stared at him for a moment, then glanced at the stacked beds and exhaled a warm breath.SAdQppUrmOYAwXSEnfNMnGxvHChOyo

imFuLCEgpHNMlfo

“Alright, go prepare your bed.”UVKVksXofdMNkJADkvpBAHJEaywHZr

WbMZTAeneefPVoK

Ning Rushen responded with a quick “Yes” and hurried over.dUacfCgqdYwMcPnFZQoEkoSiupJLui

rwixwNqYCeBdGNZ

·ureryWIcqfavIxfDMohKpDvVqbORYO

LiXpdZkAMQQdCxS

His belongings were minimal and quickly packed up.QkFWZrBYSTtxnMcZnKRlsZZxmwGJZE

vsTVvKBoQweuZID

The small bed had a strong presence, especially with the Dragon Bed just separated by a screen. Fortunately, the two beds were not placed side by side; his was rotated ninety degrees, positioned at the foot of the Dragon Bed.HQhaJMtmAcaoJScPAUWnZaEGBYazrD

MNtDCuHrvibOGZX

Ning Rushen privately calculated:dYbojdZUFFuVUjlNqHDcTLICmpstHu

iybmDccHIfgieAs

As long as his head faced outward at night, it shouldn’t be too much of a problem.etYQilWSeDzOLuHuipffEOZvGMDMLs

dsrhmhOZpeALVzG

……DnGCopskHYIffzhcuLDKnaZEVFaaIA

mSlGgCeJSxOFQIa

The imperial entourage had been on the move for days, and Li Wuting needed to rise early the next day for a meeting.nrSwvKpjOXeIEgKYvbXrWWcfKbWdAU

ssbdKJwuvCQAWFg

Li Wuting did not rest for long. When the time came, he instructed De Quan to prepare to turn off the lights and called for Ning Rushen.hEmUunddqHixwEDqwDtpmCwgsgbvzi

DjWdDWfXwBDZosg

“Rest early.”igEQwRexBQQQJiPbiRSFLPBMMKkMon

eMICSrSVdVfmseh

He paused in front of Ning Rushen, then went behind the screen.FdzCKQXMwrGVbWExXeAwpLYrURyLPP

vIYfcTyLRvRAfKQ

Ning Rushen replied and quickly saw a tall figure emerge from behind the screen. The dim candlelight flickered, and Li Wuting’s shoulders seemed to relax, as if removing armor and unfastening his belt.XqEsuFZhsuPxLQmkUGuXxYXfJebyeg

bArDgFhHaYRptBf

He hurriedly turned his back and changed his clothes.XLAONrzBwDgCfoAhPEbvczDJCeHUxg

XfQfXRzybLOUahv

In the quiet tent, only the faint sounds of metal clinking and fabric rustling were heard.rafQXXtMFyRuMLJdZzWonpEIEFrugx

DlRqFAoKWFgMREk

Ning Rushen’s heart pounded:crNqlYYXNaMrGVfXfNmgoEhQpegoFn

GjIrZRjtsRAWmDi

This was his first time sharing a space with the emperor…oiLKOJmXVUSmnRARkKtKCepiDPpzmK

hwbXDdRvtxnPJQV

He used to have only Erkang as a roommate.BYhqGNrHofhfLBEWmaBrOPPdQudCbO

HFqRHtVMEngQfuF

He hurriedly stripped off his clothes and lay back down on the bed.WYJGMSxLGZqHHnKEFsBHdGSBRXvfsH

uYThmueYHixYbCO

As soon as he settled in, he heard someone call “De Quan” from behind the screen, followed by De Quan’s response and the sound of the lights being turned off.TQGqGMfFHWgYeJJrHiwpCTyKvRXeQN

glAUGHeJFydtmmm

Phew… The tent was immediately engulfed in darkness.HTtkyFmcRCzmCDYsTwdOkzMLxtDqyF

gavDbCrsGeRSTKg

Ning Rushen lay motionless under the blanket. In the silent darkness, it felt like he could hear their breathing.VPOlpOsMRrIVrdDZdjJDMBWKAdcAaJ

VQItfaTjObNLmjk

As their breathing stirred the air, it seemed to become warmer.wWAOcrcyeyhTyRqVPyBtvMAsAPZNZt

STwijlzkibOZzYE

He clutched the blanket, struggling with insomnia. While he wondered if Li Wuting was asleep, he heard the sound of someone turning over.iKqnZtTxAlVcMfVnxdmokpjifLoRwv

LEehQEflPHukjUu

Ning Rushen paused and tentatively called out, “Your Majesty?”hAyZqWQSVRvWqlwxBKBgcVIYgudxLl

jdtTWfxTVGmjWFx

A low “Mm?” came from behind the screen.tgZkJUVBvRTnXnFNXnsFwOUZDvgPgl

dWoBeMIVellRFiq

“Your Majesty, are you still awake?”HsLSVhLuXwNUJbSZTClyJdAMLugMAY

OXMhLGmOeASycIV

After a couple of seconds, a tight breath responded with an “Mm.”endXGvDIbkoJoRCwVhhSYhsfGqFllr

LlRqcKliKQNwdGW

Ning Rushen pressed his lips together and said nothing more.wWGDYJvUoTACArsciWRrVXJShwddUF

MLiyokSKKqByqhv

He lay there with his racing heartbeat for a while but still couldn’t sleep. He asked quietly, “Has Your Majesty gone to sleep?”woJdOmuLXDpWHpQgyntaVCrENXEfGm

XquVTSMfTpWoNbl

Li Wuting’s voice was slightly hoarse, “No.”SlmagtLJQStFylHlkzgMFCVdcWtZNM

wLdtZPVrdkcmcMB

Ning Rushen responded with a soft “Oh” and wondered why he hadn’t slept yet. If Li Wuting was still awake, it was even harder for him to sleep.dYHTCjHZBaDvBjLUUBDrpBcCSKyIZX

cGORRSNhwfrvyzM

After waiting for a long time, he called out again, “Your Majesty…”KgIiLGOWjCcUOrIczUnHFzJZCOnTuZ

bojmdgvxHMbFKHV

“Ning Qing.” The person behind the screen sat up, seemingly suppressing some unnamed irritation. “Are you taking revenge on me?”dGzIFpebEATIMWNIpErzdeoQuYUQxT

BvMImcnZjcZasnG

“……”LsyBgELVTgPzreKNgKaQiXQttMSyUp

IdNTcfRGoLipWXK

The memory of being pelted with stones all night suddenly surfaced in his mind.EBGQwZFybWxfGYUOYLggZvzbhCrIRU

hCZWmJuZINQpKip

Ning Rushen, feeling embarrassed, wrapped himself more tightly in the blanket.sspXGoDFhayVTHUubNOdBscAirIKLO

UCCMadYYpLmKBuG

“Good night, Your Majesty.”PsTQlwHmCeXiQkMQcuqTVLBCjGbozO

vLLdiBeJnXYcPCY

There was a brief silence before a gentle “Good night, Ning Qing” came from behind the screen.MpoXYCQjiFZEXjDGpUwsWegWRHlwnV

hrjJORQSgEJAfOD

Not knowing how much time passed, he guessed that Li Wuting must have fallen asleep, and finally turned over in bed, relaxing his nerves and slowly drifting off.wXLaSShiewcfjpqDSFPRBEMHlRoYaL

UIqArBfwmJwtDUR

Ning Rushen did not sleep deeply that night.deRSQgwzDtrIjDjFrrVuusQukocsIF

LFLDJIBgZXhVLez

He kept thinking about Li Wuting being nearby, and worried about making a fool of himself in the morning if someone saw him.TAIhiataTbmtNPwEZlTaiDesxDDYgK

nCvXnnGSWvlhWPv

He woke up once in the early hours, saw that it was still dark, and fell back asleep.EpcqruMxsYWTWrJwORvkahxSfjyQbx

TlrTmgdFBmocUJl

…oaRXbEyvqJgSPiVDzjaiSASSfNtdXR

GHsjcdrVhCHxiif

After a restless night.QrEHJYSkNjJzhWoGTdMJtPcpvCTWib

rOlvZxYVmTnalzy

The next morning, Li Wuting got up, changed clothes, and, upon emerging from behind the screen, saw that Ning Rushen was still asleep.BWYFEQbhGYydoYgMCdDpGFBVQUiUDr

uwQNfFMpHebqkHP

Ning Rushen’s face was buried in the pillow, flushed from sleep. One arm was sticking out, wrapped in a soft blanket, exposing a bit of his snow-colored undershirt.yBgRImVeBayjaGgQCxSeqRYRBcUqXl

IfATybngTUDmdRS

Sweat beaded on his forehead, likely from a dream.YnMfGZaLARHvEswhchRruSRpPRCsAU

vXvYRJCfOaubczx

Li Wuting paused at the edge of his bed.bEIRMnCWWMBXHOnMiOQgHfXBlqTiop

AcjiKsCDzWLojfs

De Quan, seeing this, was about to step forward to speak but noticed the emperor’s hand lift slightly to signal him to stop.MFuTRxAGsZchBIGkyEQmZHnWvtnAig

GuQCsFWlOILPppK

Li Wuting looked down at Ning Rushen for a few seconds, then bent over to gently wipe the sweat from his forehead before straightening up and heading out of the tent.uZGKhtZIYSqZPKSlwhPczcsaGpwOgz

oWcWjyXyMhjBnZB

After exiting, he lowered his voice and said, “Don’t wake him yet.”MpNrJcRXQSCNwKTXIvyqYKKhNIWbbl

LMFcdvxKHyfOvIx

De Quan, understanding, responded with a cheerful “Yes, Your Majesty~”hepfTRONsFzFihpVmthbxFgZWcLrry

uYHIuhGtGDSwHdA

Li Wuting glanced at him and walked away.oVVmamHNapGolSZIXjzvHznjUfEqqp

FehnagIrbzrHQKr

·gUnkYMFeCEBXEgEEWzQVsIEypFagto

SPIXoCWMJjOEVau

Ning Rushen woke up a bit later than usual.giEwliCgyJPPXJorpIlgnJIKQxPEAr

HjYodBkgDDDRmjo

The first thing he did upon waking was glance at the area behind the screen, then lift the blanket to check himself.TkkVkaWObfcdkLEUCxhdHMAYfRYTOe

YypXHZkaGqTapXf

He sighed in relief: Thankfully, nothing was wrong.qPBRBANmSbxILMxBMpYQxzkjXtjJrc

kksFGVrUyZUuVON

He got up to wash his face, thinking: A minister who wakes up later than the emperor must be unprecedented.ZOPdwkkAjJRlsNYQSPAwJwRKrjNilo

voflaoZUpherMMO

But why didn’t Li Wuting call him when he got up?KqueEclRsXvoOwijXcBuanXXrlpQuf

iiEfUOaRsxkQzuB

Pondering without an answer, Ning Rushen simply tied up his hair and went outside.PpSryfUUgkqWzVXaOqgucOipvELIVj

iiuHJrTRUYFmtHW

Fortunately, Li Wuting was scheduled to review the troops first thing in the morning, so it didn’t matter that he woke up late.MqdiibEYwWkuUNaTRVbIlmokWZMXQz

jxxhaLKJwDyFsQv

After having breakfast and checking on the wounded soldiers, he returned to see Li Wuting and Huo Mian entering the main tent.hvPmBCpGbxZefVdkunofvgOsfknkrf

UgxesUDSponDJis

Ning Rushen hurried to catch up.xKjjBzFDaIRuCMawcekKSinLCCjruW

gJecDizIZlExALF

As Ning Rushen entered the main tent, everyone was about to start the meeting.JdGtSDHmusnbvyCHzoangZPxyrZrUQ

VCBUPNsfFGSJpEN

Seeing him, Li Wuting glanced over but did not say much, instead turning to instruct everyone to take their seats.fOlOmKNUcaqyxsjBKRZotENuRuYJjP

TqJtNyEgLlKYPPg

Ning Rushen naturally moved closer to Li Wuting.oswzdQNWnEeAAfOjzrgSTuAdTRqLnz

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After reviewing the troops, Li Wuting was now preparing to deploy reinforcements to Lichuan.XlPVJOTikzMuImywldOeqQUGlAJxcI

ILbkoxgkgFDRdMa

Li Wuting directly appointed Deputy General He Liang and Military Advisor Sun Wu, then paused when his gaze turned to General Huo Mian. “General Huo…”EcjApglfeAyPmTyQvMlJXEkZdxOuAd

gLLawpqdYaYXoeZ

Huo Mian’s skin tightened, feeling an inexplicable sense of being dismissed.rgJoqKemVTTOcQyourgESKdtTnjSgJ

xqCVslChjjNrTCJ

But Li Wuting merely looked at him silently for a few seconds and then said, “Stay in Changshui and continue to oversee military affairs.”XgkwMrsLkVBsVblBjwhlSpIoKJZiyY

iFpnzfyqkFaWhkH

Huo Mian sighed in relief. “Yes, Your Majesty!”gfRShzdVrafFFwuvnpprsTXNMLOVnI

oSadrCherDobwEz

With the deployment orders given, the meeting continued with military arrangements.KOlpRdSwoafeBgTyrgqcXWLYDOEhcf

AbbhulNzfHziwfU

Ning Rushen watched from the side, noting how familiar Li Wuting was with the geography around the northern border. He easily clarified the simplified map and even suggested several crucial offensive and defensive strategies.LYdIIoNJoRNpXArVXvkOiLBfsPKzPM

JOQjIiRrbztwObQ

The other generals were amazed and all became serious, engaging earnestly in the discussion.aZmarmZPCvSinyQXVCYbGlgySCWURk

bQbtblQqbeugdSv

……uKylHcJodOfevzacOVEcUoKEefZMNZ

gKpcdxwJDUnRfKA

After the meeting, He Liang and Sun Wu noted the key points and then left with their troops to support Lichuan.rqQvFHwqPevlmSjeVphETXZKDfEQNJ

PALlGngSnYacZpz

Everyone exited the main tent, leaving only Ning Rushen and Li Wuting inside.PGCcKjQkiyNlgNcCwPQtCjSmGbCvqm

gSrstcqYJAUnufW

Ning Rushen watched their departing figures and turned to ask, “Was Your Majesty planning to send General Huo as well?”BRadpSxFcUQhtSOCvsSIywrNHLtzjS

IzhYqKaLiVtXZnB

Li Wuting lightly tapped the edge of the sand table with his fingers. “I considered it, but decided against it.”DRbOzUJwjlQNWUGUNgCvLfUYPMaejo

HkNWUCrgEwsWzgY

“Why?”oSUOsJXXbRCcDXYmxxCVdDvnumIczL

zWoEiesQgBJaabw

“He needs to remain stationed with the troops. Although the Dingyuan Army is loyal to Da Cheng, Huo Mian is the backbone of the Dingyuan Army.”vvhknEsxpUROJZttZMYMiIpgpMnGgW

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He plainly stated Huo Mian’s position in the army.TLqbquZKwmQzRAkaUFefGYfPALAWRW

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Ning Rushen’s alarm bells went off. “Your Majesty…”lWHFFuFrNlMeYSfDVuGKzhCfvertIX

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Li Wuting looked at him with a hint of amusement. “What are you thinking? It’s only natural. I understand that. The soldiers have built Da Cheng’s borders with their flesh and blood; I naturally trust them.”CXzhChjhbWKzKgDlAdauIeOoaCqjyl

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Ning Rushen’s heart stirred. “Yes.”IbaHNfhhlIxbpuZUgJyVQzUzYMsIAG

PEyVfsKyjDpwdzx

Li Wuting’s hand reached out to pinch his face. “Besides…”emwexdRSjcBahlaZKCjtPCKXHgjQYg

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Ning Rushen’s thoughts were jumbled by the sudden pinch. “What about Sun Wu?”YmYhUVVGJBAGcMYlcJbOQGSPFWCLco

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“He Liang and the others are sufficient. If the northern barbarians are cunning and shift their attack to Longyuan Pass, keeping Huo Mian here ensures we aren’t lured away.”jyMVkXrrHTHkFgpXVvydXcnlRKadBK

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Li Wuting withdrew his hand.yFRfFQHrXYLjILNhokayMezHQhETJQ

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Ning Rushen rubbed his face and praised, “Your Majesty is wise.”aRotqcwbMfCRMhMIxHYJrnYcKhVjUX

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Li Wuting noticed his reddened face and chuckled softly. “Hmph.”vLUmzwEFULiTUwMCdVLPlnVlrrgVjO

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At lunchtime, Li Wuting went directly to the food area, getting a bowl of lamb soup and two pieces of flatbread, just like the other soldiers.iSKNmEessGksNOqaqnqKvYpcWVkaxM

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He then sat down by the extinguished campfire.OVmfXrDqXNrZnOsXbhFzqSMfNVBCbp

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Ning Rushen followed and sat beside him. With He Liang and the others having left in the morning, the area around them was empty.bsNzBMtYckJElJOZDbcdWdRRrtpHTg

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He asked, “How soon will Deputy General He and the others arrive?”zEqXfnilsCtVfDKXfqejvnVubrunIm

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Li Wuting replied, “If all goes well, it will be less than a day.”LWqaWouXSFauHHSmKKISBgHpNmlRDr

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Ning Rushen calculated the distance on the map. “Then Your Majesty will arrive very quickly.”pSwJSdjakhkMMhDppnsfEfVkzImclx

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Li Wuting glanced at him. “Do you find it too fast?”IcuPNJxxcVvbpNIaeGbNbGtcCLlklN

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Ning Rushen’s senses sharpened for a moment and he defensively said, “What I meant was, with such a quick arrival, what about the affairs in the capital?”KcjFnUFDHlquZspXbpTXFZIEYdynOi

UZXAfZuzEnZQuGk

“I’ve entrusted them to Elder Ji to oversee the country, and the Cabinet will handle the administration. Also, I’ve asked Jing Yu to learn about governance.”pxTZsDTnVrlqJDzFvgcsUqaVJrXaab

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“And what about Prince Xuan?”JIytJLXoEkkBfjDIOZGmKxDqzUGxSo

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Ning Rushen’s heart skipped a beat, feeling a bit uneasy.CMCoahMjqvnqSWEhIvkqBnPlkOdgmc

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Li Wuting sneered, “Hmph, I asked him, but he didn’t want to return to the capital. He wants to come to the northern border.”TeIRMergbWldVaOsyjKRNcDQhfvBTW

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“……” Understood.ViYWHMyDKocpheMVpUSnBUqtKxwlyo

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The life-long material-obsessed Prince Xuan.NBDmSdaIdlPPVwXDCvEglSwiXKYnqa

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Ning Rushen, being directly involved, was unsure how to react. He lowered his head and continued munching on his flatbread.ieNhSFVzPLlOnJghIMPyXUkXNXlVvT

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After a couple of bites, Huo Mian arrived. “Your Majesty.”grFVAPGMtOIjGXUAgjlVrXzNTaKLen

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Li Wuting acknowledged him with a sound. Huo Mian sat down opposite.EGvkIkOeIFkgmXhsqnfLLxwrdPnrZC

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Ning Rushen looked over and saw Huo Mian grabbing another large bone. ZAnLNkWlOcONNKcpngPUDGUvZKUQxT

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Probably because of Li Wuting’s presence, he ate with extra restraint today, carefully gnawing on the bone, even keeping his pinky up.PSFEiHepIYaLwxNaZziVCQjhPGtMHW

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Ning Rushen couldn’t help but laugh softly. “Pfft…”PepyQSEuOdKwMtCSaPWeUTrmrSscDQ

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As he was intently watching Huo Mian eat the bone, he suddenly felt a gaze shift towards him.XwhEHAvUBsEVJnxXhZfViTCnEEAnKu

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Li Wuting silently observed him for a few seconds, noticed the bit of bread crumb at the corner of his mouth, and reached out to gently wipe it away, also pressing down on the corner of his mouth.FiINnZaqRQXstGifRPziApoeKDPkQX

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“Mmm.” Ning Rushen reflexively didn’t pull away.wCuHoZmEPegImOvPdTIuhIuzAaRKvm

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Huo Mian, sitting across, looked up and, seeing this, dropped his beloved bone into the soup with a splash.CbniJLgYyRMdpJFEuXFNpvHLACXPGj

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