This official is so weak

Ning Rushen’s head was throbbing intensely! He clenched his cloak tightly, his blood seemingly flowing backward.PHLdVETyDLodYnAzFMBVsfIKaBCcMC

vDyThvjaxDBgyix

Li Wuting remained still for several seconds, then turned to see the person next to him with their hair slowly frizzing, and the knuckles gripping the cloak turning red.qMyasgJwFAtdlqtJHoPxxGRBmYlDre

vzGXefuwdALyXYi

He was moved and then unable to endure the two voices anymore:ZjeNbRAbhhtJndcIvZsKNwvoPSNGwy

znicHZcvVBMAamx

A harsh scolding like thunder struck, causing the figures behind the tent to tremble for a moment. After a quiet two breaths, the two people tumbled out:NMGxNtRAfjEMhEcqzievYxjgQxbTny

CPtCbXiwdDTNyXm

Probably not expecting to be caught red-handed, both were in a panic. Dequan was already on the ground, banging his head:hUHfHPywZvoeJkuKSPWWkvTumLiVNo

jwxuynpzfULyvGC

“Your Majesty, spare me, I deserve death! I was sleepwalking!”QcKrAsIPGVeDMKPjoBYgxSnyXPqqXl

FNYyBKplQGNgGgX

Li Yingtang, frightened and cautious, carefully looked over, his gaze shifting quickly to Ning Rushen— HXAxWJIbUPMFFweRNklPTcpKTwOLWS

ElwIkwGEnEfmrUI

Ning Rushen was hiding behind Li Wuting, still wearing Li Wuting’s cloak, his ears red. The night wind blew, revealing the white undergarment underneath.frGnKWmeKxslAtwBOwFMcfnPnqznTV

LpTTEJGtwYpMWmP

He was once again ignited with a reckless bravery: Oh, oh, oh!KZsXPYGegStsGavhgTNHciKJywAgkm

xQurEQqVzPrythu

“……”xFUFIGlAbPEGsHruUDoSfWldBFpXjp

svJGFHRJelPsIJo

A cold gaze fell.XRLvnYRRuABWBOAjGoqvcqmxTrNpHa

SuShouGpOVphgXB

Li Yingtang shuddered, and immediately the flames were extinguished. He and Dequan began to wail, showing no sign of “taking the blame”:aLXYepiMDjIZAZgfDRdHoMeQKwYvsV

VXsWCAodCMSBRAc

“Wuwu…”cqQexGgfizryxaJGYmfaulqhxEuDps

RsgjuCtJaubMIpp

Li Wuting was annoyed by their whining.OxJfLwCoqrwcvFhhmcCTXvaClJwLTm

slIriTPdztvqcup

He frowned and said, “Alright, get out of here quickly! Either get back to the tent or get back to Jiangnan.”JEYiBOIijFWNBiWAmFqIqIzzfQRGBV

EEwVxDimdTBUgux

Li Yingtang, having narrowly escaped, hurried away.CufJcUGRNQjihFCNbgDmboSxPpeFpK

rtpQxdJFdpyndKf

Dequan, trying to sneak off, was coldly called out, “With so much energy, then continue to keep watch.”YpUFRIYHaTzzVnZKMEaYHYOBNICFpq

miPtTvTchASqpwB

Dequan was tearful, “Thank you, Your Majesty!”MKXYTyNclltevnLIuPvZAcqGFkESVH

LMbsadPIBLWsfjd

He then glanced over, “…Now?”pSHCspgSFNqaTLWXDIDiNAuBcsDnaK

gAdXNkGwsoNJEOh

Li Wuting paused, turned and asked, “Are you leaving?”qChJJWiGTtSxGFqxqlyqBEyZTiOtNJ

eSLGonSTPMTjSuP

Ning Rushen, feeling dizzy and hot, took a deep breath and said, “Let’s… let’s go back.”iZFKdaoiNaUvOzvBuiGhOhWaNgYxaQ

GxtzmbzYtdYFetI

If he went any further, he feared he might “stay out all night with Li Wuting” or be “wrapped in the cloak and sent back.”lzldhNGILXpHfIYXqhSsHWEikGmRDt

FdxQlJBGCfEjGhQ

Li Wuting agreed, “Alright.”EOGmWGPKRbZNnJJjoDDpTSDnsOEhdK

elWChxXtGbAfBET

After a commotion.OiWTgyFzcNonVaDNjWytlVdIUcjpHS

NOXchGUhXUUYonY

Ning Rushen’s attention was successfully diverted from the heat.WGxOobhWpWCoYOeIitmMNbRieHJGTV

hrlCqAMRhCqOsDp

He returned to the main tent and quickly went to bed.sIdoZxpBmoxqSNjvMBGRvRYMIiLmqQ

RaQkGoCXDfzBequ

But just before falling into a muddled sleep, he wondered—riheijYLjLbnvhshvQSROKPwsfKzXS

usryUVRRUWZzzDN

How did he naturally end up pulling Li Wuting’s cloak around himself when he went out?swGxFLtWkbFOIzLBkQTfFSywVjwzPX

mOVMUaffpbdntCM

…TMHidIlTQwySaLOtxYKZcIrSPYFYYc

kKQGxjUSTvqIGuc

The next morning at breakfast.xILpifDrOTAzRsAAJdPTKjIOUtYMyF

WRNbsyxNnwCHpIG

Ning Rushen served himself some food and sat next to Li Wuting as usual.ZyGfkwTKUEWulwgyaUpeSBdbSewDoF

ptujjumzofwzAJW

Perhaps because of last night’s “plot” being exposed.gtUGZszGTDEnKfzjnYAZtiLQHUlgWZ

awkNJSBPaiXqurS

Dequan was now acting submissive and serving the spoon, while Xuan Wang held a bowl of thick soup and sat opposite the two.redHqgLhigoFcKdFnxTtAKnXJDaIMY

VbCAyOLOhEJaEYD

He didn’t say much but occasionally made muffled sounds of “Uhm… uhm…!” as he sipped.xLugBFmPGabEOabvHrkVhhOLejVwTs

npXMdCPJJmQhWeg

Ning Rushen tightened his grip on the bread.YqLiRTeumQwxkflFMdhnlZOlGKoInT

MrnUEOlyyQKXuDi

—His hands itched; he really wanted to hit someone.TeXQXFkNSJVFMfAlXdPreahuXMDJYB

EburxwadBZFVUvW

Just then, Li Wuting casually spoke to Huo Mian, “Tonight, bind Xuan Wang to the bed.”iwAVnCYbVpiuLzoYfZArVTlRHtWSeP

evdMGtLHuxNFnCL

Li Yingtang was startled into a hiccup.WNccVPvMiUNlybKeCUmXxbcmArkJAV

sQcuAqiAgQtfXMb

Huo Mian first shuddered, then the image of the forcibly inserted novel flashed through his mind! He nearly blurted out:UWdkDjCaISJCgoITHPfLQiKUDhNPAg

atdEmlEFyMqnCfd

Just like how the King treats Ning Lang?sRhIPoyickLkrShWHnuJyFhdmuPdRe

UeEbHoAfsqUZsVy

After a moment, he calmed himself, “Yes, Your Majesty.”qmvLaZwOMYPvafZoOagnzKkYeEagyS

XJlTSuVbleGWnzt

Ning Rushen saw his unusual expression and leaned in, “What’s wrong with you?”JIjJXgeFLMEYEuJMLFltgVqcKriiSL

KvKJpsUhvnkddgF

His clear and bright features suddenly came close.jKjYnZWDpuGzlSsVNpSSHzIFzMFJbm

wMPsPRuGFQyINzO

Huo Mian thought of the slowly opening door to the new world and still hadn’t recovered, waving him away:nPthFmXpGNeQMHRgdEikkcKkWVemvc

YszDlBgzXKEcuby

“You, don’t talk to me right now.”MKyuxExzNfhDkZjlqJwyeWtDzUVFUt

voHwXNXbHaaABKt

Ning Rushen: ??? What’s his problem?MRxSIiUKKsmaatSnsmPOtAJqBPGFdn

VUvqEEuukiYudFr

·HohYanWTXOzkSuXsDhRqBfcTpYTdpN

HvaNUTvLnbwTeCb

After Xuan Wang was ruthlessly punished by Li Wuting, things finally settled down for a few days.McduljUZsfSqgfitkevzPnUYmSuVoi

vlNICCaMkPxOazh

Ning Rushen returned to the normal world—hgJUGWfzLxYxTXcxCWZLGAURPpsLIx

NINIruiMhQOOUsW

Except for Huo Mian, who occasionally appeared enlightened and clear-headed, as if he had accessed some unknown realm.MfDcOZCtKRALDlknEAgpIlEzMIiUPG

gcziNwrklrKLvpF

Ning Rushen had a gut feeling not to ask too much and simply disregarded it.fWThAtmTZjryQkPrHBGucPavmylEBo

PgRysLmCZUcVhBW

The days passed like this for a few more days.AlDDaUwGfVtMgFiYxcudTMymxJjrvO

UUiWBqAfuKCkKbq

Tonight, before going to bed, Ning Rushen drank two extra cups of water.bupaTwFquLPDHpWgipVXcCZcScOKOT

RUNaqIINuccfHaa

It wasn’t long before he woke up in the night, needing to go to the bathroom.thDPIKaArzLFLTZJWAdijCZZBCRBCa

cGFLRIlOmqOlpfi

The faint light coming through the tent was enough to see the surroundings, and there was a chamber pot under the bed.iBzetmDbnsJYTgdfmjRAFvUuoNbmOk

SJvOnzeeEOwIoPH

However, thinking of Li Wuting just a screen away, he felt embarrassed to use it.lQnITjgrZVkhqAGDAfGezaKCJtVBdR

tbdaSirjlxJcLVh

From what he remembered, Li Wuting had not used it either.AmkXvPASvDlDvBfrEsoCqBwxGUZdtV

SvqQISMbJKVmPAR

Ning Rushen decided to lift the blanket and go outside to use the restroom.UuNHpiBukzzzAOXWicfCqgGHZkCSxI

pLkccylSvWXMyBP

As soon as he made a sound, he heard Li Wuting’s slightly hoarse voice from behind the screen, as if waking from a light sleep:ItUYeErjeFSRDjzHjTtEEnuWAXpXsO

FyzgOaUPZnTLFGB

“What’s wrong?”ZIMtCRguTNUracCfLSCyyclnjQGYJK

ZNJfwsnrsjozLOT

“……I need to use the restroom.”csidyzCEgBytXeAnsGYrszRLhyKZma

ZIubIjMudxYTNHT

There was silence for a few seconds behind the screen.gcDGRtRZnyaoLRvQdZaIqwXGHtTmvf

ybRjHYrbnqeqkWG

Li Wuting did not ask why he was going outside but paused and then asked, “Do you need me to accompany you?”uGgDXlzxaTbhZmKiEbwBjKYTVFPwpZ

juYsdvEKdGEqCFO

“!” Ning Rushen almost lost his shoes:iBgVEURcclhWYZEdnwvRzCrAKpwKAb

qYUNhGqISUPmhqk

How would he accompany him? They would talk and laugh their way outside, then Li Wuting would wait by the door, and when he came out, they would talk and laugh their way back?ihQCmHgdFftQKwrKCBuZJPoHTbqNeq

GmEThXjCkXdSbXx

He paused and replied, “No need, Your Majesty.”osQaUUefaxAGHxnxbMCEygbgMSjhhU

EskzUSbBeSUaYOY

There was a subdued “mm” from behind the screen.gCKlgAuvWekgnCsWGPoxfYrTFvHAft

CnPFDpDHHMrqZVR

Ning Rushen put on his clothes and slippers and went out.NlaHnoPrKihpTZqEezLbsEgUukYhES

mWyxofAJwFJkAQS

…ApAfQtMjOtSAFyuLfztzGmWtDRHvpa

EzEMAphOcPsXyKv

The camp was still lit by three or five torches, and he passed by several patrol soldiers.sYmsxDHmagxaspiOTQIRJThGwIvTHp

kNQOxQqokzGmQlO

After returning from the restroom, as he walked past Huo Mian’s tent, he suddenly heard a burst of lively laughter from inside:brYldMIXmMxbkBhOXBpAKaoReNmuHI

qSxWxogNOPzjLGE

“Ho haha…”LSJeljtvOthzrlFcDlfAlEFEnbJwuL

UXiKuCxQaOfIZSe

“Puh uhm uhm…”maQLgeYnGEtxmlmOVdqImodexIGPuL

IOvQtaigmkPGTIr

Ning Rushen stopped abruptly and turned his head: ?oSGMnBPRrtbAsvSbqbkfITqvfXIwbb

hWxpUVIHBHKLVwG

…Were these two possessed?wpVpGSaDynZuJENRqxwcATlOmauJrg

SqdAdVMESilLHQc

He was so startled by the laughter that his tailbone tingled. He took a deep breath and hurried back to the tent.iavhAuOYfGHYblcLBPnULlqkNLGBJV

atldktXJzbCQbgt

Entering the dim tent.JUkjaHYGDANMrSdLqephahmzFkiyYt

EjiInSiTkWCiSfC

Ning Rushen seemed to still hear the echoes of the laughter. He stumbled toward the bed and accidentally kicked the screen with a “clang,” “Ouch!”EYokJGWJxsiYWyXGWJVaMIxelBUWsL

GZAlauihXcuQVSL

He pulled back his foot in pain, supporting himself against the screen.FMQjsEZFPYlqjEnYBrmgimwlsoCMvk

qkDTbqMWPSxFlPs

Soon, a figure came quickly, grabbing his arm:GrlTLXeysSbPsqpKzrUuDqLSuzMuLE

KVCcIyggXUpGdPG

“What’s wrong?”xEqYARQQDLNfScBhlVFevDDBZCGaXD

btIFcAglIxgkFKt

In the darkness, the figure’s outline was blurry. He felt a warm breath and the hand supporting him was warm and strong.VvRFoZbnAqAdNOIeuODdTmGtzYBvBQ

cQmPkqxirUjqQIw

Ning Rushen instinctively leaned in and said, “I kicked my foot.”GppOVFTgRDtcSeJvLtfSACrqhQfcJy

FoUlcZgqhPcReVa

“……”lwsvYBzLNlUgvqYUvZGGtkPmzvHlEU

hjaekFPqcIYRhtO

The long arm gathered him up and carried him to the bed.YanlHyBKReCsTMxktqkoKiHZMeztOH

yiQrgmcnDrHXjDc

The candle was lit, and the light was dim.ZUyBKrdYxFCLaGvYaUCtTpbArJquJJ

laKxxzVaJSIYLHA

Ning Rushen looked up and saw Li Wuting, fully dressed, standing by the side, his narrow waist and broad back visible in the candlelight. Li Wuting lit the lamp and then returned to sit in front of him.rsgHUoLcTXIZsKXmyBarFpnAzRBAKL

FtdrEeaxoZyNXWB

Ning Rushen bent his leg, “Your Majesty?”MJRtjEdozIfrWcHzpDwgHVTvqMPGXc

ABPoLsYFdprZtyX

“Don’t move.” Li Wuting lowered his eyes, holding his retracted ankle and pulling it closer, “Let me take a look.”AJwxjaBcGLgpeNdcyPDdZEQrrUCXME

sojccfoKCLWKglj

The rarely touched ankle was held by the rough hand.fjXAShhDipazKRcztsQrxZoMmmvcwh

EwvoDBGDwqqFytx

Ning Rushen shivered sensitively, and the next moment, he found his foot resting on Li Wuting’s thigh.EyFxEAaqWiPVGEQXbUtWumreualLUY

yjEWqqWOzoxIyhW

The jade-like foot resting on his thigh looked glossy and white in the candlelight, like warm jade. The toes were red from being bumped, with a little blood.vGSMHERQvRHVHssnrYknTlLaEWgkNF

wdxUGibTTABdxWL

Li Wuting gently rubbed it, “Does it hurt?”dHkbHTRXEiXdCEFqxsBSviOhnPllWx

srbNvLXxJMDRJMG

Ning Rushen wasn’t in much pain, but he felt feverish all over.wHLShKCpqmpYwXJbJKnAUjaAwHjEBm

elglKgwGTkuGXuj

He clutched the thin blanket under him, looked at the dragon-like thigh he was resting on, and swallowed before saying:erHiFNJXgPdzKoejozsVYccTkYDTrl

KSnFKceJdsuJUEO

“Your Majesty, this is not proper.”sNSQhOJDHzjQEIGMZxMQfPZNZiGxtZ

RcmQYcDrTrwGPCN

“Ning Qing still knows propriety?” Li Wuting sounded curious.kgiFTLFhChPdWEzHCIcxNjcNrPGlfW

PSfmxNJGfMBcFZU

“……” What did that mean? At least he knew more about propriety than Guan Fan.xISSIXOdQklKCVWlLOTYbBRrgsbSii

NNVyKibBpaHnoXL

Ning Rushen was observing quietly, but then Li Wuting lowered his gaze and said, “It’s not like you haven’t stepped on my knee before.”ddVpmtYIohZtmiyEVzAPOrrXgttCHI

ahhXPqsfzJUeBhm

The memory of that morning suddenly returned—vfUerffprDhMtdlBOhoCEaUHZdrAfd

FRqpapdsNyCHUKz

Ning Rushen immediately curled his toes and hooked Li Wuting’s hand. The other party paused for a moment, then gently pushed his toes away, his voice husky, “Don’t apply too much force.”CcNEXbxUBGuBRhlCZmhRpLwSLoGrio

OSdNEebnJILiXEw

The action was proper and without intimacy.dheoRGrHGJeRqWSSfBeGOdiMOMmRxt

ZJbUhNcvloLpaEa

But the hand and thigh felt increasingly hot, especially the thigh under his foot, which was tense. Ning Rushen felt as though he was stepping on a hard stone.tLOMoGVfxLAvsBTqyRjkIvtIHeGrkn

mIbCrHTGIEVvaWH

He swallowed lightly, his breath trembling, “It’s fine…”EcNwQXMQyALXbQZPqsBAbrCjlGMSEH

wkVfyJYmdFHzKrN

Li Wuting then released his foot, covered his leg with the blanket, and finally asked, “Why were you so careless?”NBryWAWPLvtNeODlRhUlAGzgfafWEA

ieepTIwTVtXrSXf

Mentioning this, Ning Rushen took a deep breath:CEeBAFtQTBfIZUwsRuRnYmbjhbZoGv

JwwOwskvfRyKBvm

“Your Majesty, I think I ran into a night parade of a hundred ghosts.”nBgzAIkebODmUOIPFhrszoPFYjuebQ

OaANUfZmOiHPXrl

“……What nonsense are you talking about in the middle of the night.”orURsEqOgXsubuvPHkhJMhxLLnEJgn

sCURnSgvjPfCtTn

“It’s true.” Ning Rushen briefly described the eerie scene he had encountered in his tent, “It was very strange.”wlbQbgdhCqiQnCaWgehvryVOZXMctL

anydXKJIJnxeehz

Li Wuting remained silent for a while.UbnReNjAVjVifCdssSkMihlrTTMsug

QdRfiKhWCUmHvlW

Finally, before getting up, he gently pinched Ning Rushen’s smooth and white toes:pJcDPhZiNoBjypduurBYZwkgTYrtfy

TiPeXnZuHxVnigU

“I’ll go catch the ghosts for you tomorrow. Go to sleep.”lUdgktryAuUmzQEbQxbzPmGMcHCtcr

IykbefdidiQNYNE

Li Wuting had no idea what was going on.sqIkEryOmTNCxVZZKxSNFiLuQKwijT

fYSxBHyjFYJyUiY

When Ning Rushen next saw Huo Mian and Xuan Wang, he found that the two seemed to have calmed down, their tails tucked between their legs.JYsGRrusBpKegOmmrXzmdGAmYDLNNw

dxbDkCaOApEyZlg

However, they occasionally exchanged glances and shared knowing smiles.pEFVfjMpwoPeRdgIjyliqSZtltAobM

yluKGFIYxCXepxn

“……”cbJZSMcWnLRErYwKwcknqBhesiPXdn

uktvuMzFfsICtrK

Ning Rushen had no time to be annoyed, as the grain from Xifang arrived at Chang Sui.peAhfYvkbtRaZQVMYNfCrhdlpxiHrS

kNbesZaAZUreJwh

This time, Zou Mou had something to do, so Ning Rushen took a team of personal guards to inspect the grain outside the city.GhqicOYaNFzfKiibAriQzmZTrVONgE

jQEcAUZvdVQMiOS

At the city gate, the grain carts were still lined up in a long row.CblizyRFvVAMhvbscafonoqMPqbEHB

JckReEzvjgWwCVm

The grain officer, with a goat beard, stood at the gate and handed him a fish token:NqgwFoLgZZUJryYVSImpfRCVzqzzpt

RheuxzgSZqOfdsC

“I am the grain officer of Xifang.”hcEmqpLvPLZdewxDbqSLlhmLlHUkHg

KYdrioiNZhQuOAo

Ning Rushen glanced at it: Dai Wuping.qAYgvjAgpnjwUedvOkdymxONnJOEVG

qzBWSUfHelkMmKV

He acknowledged it and instructed his guards to check and count the grain according to the usual procedure.mdoblUqyqMgaHsNYZRdijhEqpNYgSW

HMPXsVJQkmrgwOH

The grain carts entered the city in line, and the guards at the gate poked each cart with long spears— sWQFabLRdvzRjrclCOuiTeBHcNRtzX

ekABZeLwXXLUvbA

Dai Wuping’s expression darkened, “My lord, what’s this for?”KIqmOOyruRdKobjAsYZWLJGOUOfjzi

gIVpfGGvSujTOYU

Ning Rushen replied, “To check for any hidden spies.”uKOgvIKpKPfUixEUuufclTZiJWcPLY

XqvGAdVDullhfXB

Dai Wuping forced a laugh, “Who would be foolish enough to hide among the grain…”RxUzHvzcFSOpSHzgXoyrWUonmuFeJN

bgCwEXzYhGPlyCb

“Don’t say any more.” Ning Rushen interrupted, sensing a potential insult to the imperial family.IJZgsyZecUgdZOZYlNlFNwZuVeVXca

nhCdarRCwNWyYIK

Dai Wuping was puzzled, about to ask something, when a voice suddenly came from the side: “Eh?”LfUoRZvRhjSgGZdUGupdNnSfXAUUro

FXXBJLmcwhMgLsp

Ning Rushen turned to see one of his guards looking uncertain, “What’s wrong?”NUXyIURsIWtafkRlAfKQYYtvRNXJwm

YaMwHKusTNquonO

The guard said, “Lord Ning, it feels off when poking.”WbzDcNFQfBadMcmsBejLpYetGGAPRn

gMotnvKANVZWyRk

Ning Rushen’s suspicion was aroused, and he immediately halted the line.ESpPqCDAzsvuABdQoStrxOcGHInrJP

RwWYkxyIWNPRoUq

The grain carts were overturned on the spot, revealing fine sand and some dampness mixed within the grain.uGdYMWkRelPhlorjwyVqcACbKYgKeO

JejmJIZCqRjbiGT

He was immediately shocked and then filled with anger.QMQTwDpisUSlBwEnbmQvVcCmZngZuA

FqLRfWmBTmlbDzY

“Dai Wuping, what’s going on here?”ksFRKbNPKizzxKxrlckvXjFUEdSPWQ

sxMNGFCWkDcHawN

“Ah? This…” Dai Wuping, not appearing flustered, came over and pointed, “These are unavoidable residues from the warehouse. It rained on the way, so they’re somewhat damp.”NZImFRXUJASDnCBEKFvHKeQXzIIzVR

ceyCuEfcCoCuYVg

“‘Somewhat damp’?”hZTinOdONQYIybewuscwkQxYCHiZig

LCsyAjUbMIBvSOO

Ning Rushen was infuriated, “Did they swim here?”AlQDlTZsKuYXTrMuEgzVbeZOHtMnLp

xJBGZSDtjiwYNVm

Dai Wuping, being a local official, was used to manipulating situations.aUvJmTRjTUMPVKBjunsTshSuWLTfGR

WyZjqLXbLTHPrVe

Seeing Ning Rushen as young and seemingly weak, he immediately used the bureaucratic tactics, preemptively accusing:LYbxrwVzhdPWXpRgYadgGMqhVZUFby

BhdHdnPLjjOqsTx

“We’ve endured hardship transporting the grain for you, and now we’re met with endless troubles.”RMuREMPIqPIelTZkGYYmKQRLcaavbl

eRzdEjiyCBPlHFd

“These are good rice saved from our Xifang. Could it be that you don’t appreciate them and only want the best rice?”jIVzAqtOQcWnxQdrGyjWxVJINtTSik

quLerzBKCNKrDnz

He quickly placed the blame on Ning Rushen.SwCMdOrEJMAomymfdDACHSrCBoJyNn

biDFlQqjhCgRSTY

The atmosphere at the city gate became tense, and nearby guards quickly returned to report to the camp.csmlqpCerrcoYrnXyhQIedxcRrQRaP

hRHaPggCdIuqsCY

…urhHtDdwgKVsZojQkYzUPndoVucOWP

FRSGNHOCzOiITOJ

In the military camp, in the main tent.twcTnRfkkkOTQVtTqibLAfJtpxuvdl

vEhenvYiVPYYFDf

Li Wuting, frowning, was arranging the sand table while De Quan stood quietly by his side.QMFmIFMEkevgQoKRwZOspSkOwjTWZB

jMCpNyDkDxLmFnE

The tent was filled with a tense silence, and the emperor’s expression was solemn.OnljqybPIVNeVyJCCRENByFywnoGdX

PlGxwcudNOJydBS

At this moment, a guard came to report:YWDgjBndcJtAgiycGFzlrqyOHjsyXf

AsZefnGoUnQpOUj

“Your Majesty, something has happened with the grain inspection team outside the city!”DRBmFiuUUeWiLUNTMsczuUzhFIHlcL

HfAeInvhCeaKojq

Li Wuting’s heart sank, and he called for the guard to come in, “What happened?”twMEDoGNRsoMjpvgHdqJfHfDpxUfaz

YVYNERCPTngQDSs

The guard knelt before the emperor and reported the details, “The grain, approximately only sixty percent is usable.”SZEoLKREDhGHqjbnfnYrFPulBGJAFX

NHviBGaoVqKBHdh

Li Wuting’s brow furrowed in anger.bqGZGuaCHwhAVoQtlBnnvxZLXKcRfh

IwzkzhpiaZzbcqq

He tapped the edge of the sand table with his fingertips, sneering, “These local officials are so far removed, they’ve become petty tyrants. How dare they falsify grain supplies and think they can deceive me!”FBUagfmyZcVctweEIvXXIaStQuOjFM

SVRUQXPTEwtCGMS

He paused and asked, “What about him?”akNNLlnYMgTQPlyJCrHbgtaqsHjJGj

IHFDPZkaeiciLRj

The guard understood “him” and quickly clarified, “Lord Ning is arguing his case, but the grain officer refuses to admit it and is making things difficult for Lord Ning!”lDmsiGfPigmZncwSFjKqGcvVvQOYov

wjjpeebBoWADgFp

De Quan immediately cursed, “They must think Lord Ning is easy to bully! Alas, Lord Ning is so soft and weak…”GPyrwWOVaKmKaPJLKRitfoOrviuWHU

wLruNIDwNSKZCyF

He spoke while glancing at the angered emperor beside him.zhdNxHeThdCRcYBVFqJXcgcIcFbibw

yNFlLdaWEPTjPEf

Li Wuting pressed his lips tightly and his chest heaved, “Take me there.”zoOZvHguckLPaivBzMbWpPgXgBWTte

djRSPjmOQwTlUfL

The guard exclaimed, “Yes, Your Majesty!”AAqaMtCQBXwkqXhnlHaccyxytwEYzO

LMkHFVYFsvXtXAT

A group headed towards the city gate.rBVbBIGxfxHbnAKAvaASJwKOafRsPP

lGHaZLDCNZuvPgh

From a distance, they saw a line of grain carts blocked outside the gate, with a crowd gathered around.QBkWzBNgAXJRRSIiLZdqMFBZdnFHhr

dHHkLNXmNbvLHyF

Li Wuting’s gaze was grim as he walked quickly forward.DDKaDvLPUQQYpTPkugHJlaXYINrtdd

TIvIhZPkzbREWIw

As he approached, the scene at the city gate became clear. The sounds ahead caused him to stop abruptly.vatpRuzMniLPWGUVMUJzZTehzrlHVg

YWfwMzUGeBXIIUQ

Ning Rushen was standing behind a group of Dingyuan soldiers, who were holding long spears against the grain officer’s neck:AsmNyrclXWWLyFBbXuygbgaNJLPpLJ

RYFVNivSciULsYK

“Dare to deliver such poor grain, I’ll skewer you right here!”bQpXHqwgAGQzLPizOCiMqRhxriDQXI

ZBFvhDNkxOloipS

“And still dare to be rude to Lord Ning, hurry up and apologize!”AMcrzZwahUZlvALlIzmVyFHyZbhfmR

RLnkjKgocxldfcT

Dai Wuping, seeing such ferocious soldiers and the sharp spears pointed at him, was terrified and immediately knelt to beg for mercy:bGLpUxmlIkNtVdDEqCRbvongtoHGOw

DyVNfCQxbOCYgLZ

“Your Excellency, my apologies, my apologies!”iitoCIhXNweVwiQZZZwEKPIzUFJhGP

dQAzsBmLQqNRICa

Ning Rushen, appearing delicate, covered his ears, “The noise is so loud.”CnlCRynVcjDSNZonRReshLOtZvHlKv

sALnaavLRtGItql

The Dingyuan soldier poked again, “Are you trying to scare Lord Ning on purpose?”bpNpXQXOhUYqrVqjuCscqzRJOaJJUI

pyvuupPwwGoAvHY

Dai Wuping quickly knocked his head on the ground, “I did not!”IdNzRrvFIxfyWOUPJiaoaOdBuMhJsb

gIAyAqXoShJOich

Li Wuting, “………”VGuLadpVNXDmTASwqZTjcFgCzCshdM

qQnfOPABJnvoneP