This official is so weak

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

tIBsScIIYcTWiTh

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.KJzCekxoYdAzVTIxAenBaFgUPxmpWE

ouYLAOHIsPOyFkQ

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

ATnYIBisejOgFuJ

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:xivDfLlYGvGbLxTQjKtKKqwtjZndrY

LvvGFBzhFvcLSDN

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

HvugEAUDdWcBVsx

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

TxCQBAhsbaIUQpK

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

SFtBnlSkxDGxYqI

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.uZORvpHLTmVCddyFhpvffgWOtBydWI

pRCpRllnADSZMvV

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

bXESQGiUWNCAhPr

“……”BhHVfvSblnGzOYnuFgFXWMGPymaGVz

wtqQPHFlOWNoOpM

A cold gaze fell.PqXYbZwrqHMOMifVpHcYAQRaHUQdIU

ccstzDxJHKRWzwq

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

mZUKpLIqHTShKGQ

“Wuwu…”HPBwpBUIjXXNReabREqfUESubvVtPT

VgrzqrQdTIrGwHb

Li Wuting was annoyed by their whining.NOOWbTgbqKWGCQfNIzkoEfqeHGkexu

SKwWkoMBZPnWzll

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

IWZDytrYmgepDwc

Li Yingtang, having narrowly escaped, hurried away.lCsdymhPuUqrGYXnyThITEnHgFLQTW

lJwlnmIKUmTcNty

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

ivTRUTHTfLoAUCB

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

cEwVHNJSlbNBROH

He then glanced over, “…Now?”EHkriiCPfnxVfLhFQQSYsxICNyUCsx

BIaQfzBwdbZqbfz

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

UzobLdHFOnUwBHr

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

CZOpkwdIHhHTFDI

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.”BJStyITCWrZhMckutrqqvuSZwGbujM

ktIvGWKHqcUsAPt

Li Wuting agreed, “Alright.”ecDgGRxDJcuEvmXDQTcAguxYujfbsH

fxJzTAenuIVACFV

After a commotion.hHabytKTYhBaCDFfLMzuBEwtRKQZho

KTlejboIQHdaCXD

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

OcOpVtiiCNrVMKY

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

GZkqiTHCCMEKxAA

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

nvfhXofqrvpYkCu

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

UcEBAkuDVnbKqyu

…RHyfGPvSEdcpjYgfqPSWKbnasRyVjR

IDSgYCiChlazSqE

The next morning at breakfast.AHZwttfNiohCsqIcOePzWkLgtlPUAY

jxwLidJbUcoYpBv

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

UuodeGofTGlkGKH

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

rUIaJJYvSbZMYjf

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

MrvCCtrLmGMiFSa

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

txsGTlgIEGPvJae

Ning Rushen tightened his grip on the bread.UJufPOPqcQQilOvwCdjaoIoApBPcCV

eVKydHxwjPTANNx

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

aFsfqysYzwoXZlg

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

oxxVkKtibMLMqQd

Li Yingtang was startled into a hiccup.WUvVbFxxzRdIYLcXSVBITTEpYGWoQS

NyZLjWBsOnHdrxH

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

HaaoGrCBvlrOkiy

Just like how the King treats Ning Lang?rwxgQnWeShyaSHETXDYoWbSRWlFkdt

GntSCTTMYjfEhtp

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

HzVwOdxQGMLUkzg

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

vZdEHHqEMpkNhPh

His clear and bright features suddenly came close.kTpKebegWzZqpnqVoreBSmWoHYtDhd

UHUGcJnZpzbYzQJ

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

WxfnTtSoVrffkNX

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

icrsyNZnNoYzSzw

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

aWlhBeoKbCMUvjO

·SbmfQxYlWZjJfUfYEetcuKIwDrXduA

zIcDaSNlHWFoErl

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

rOeRWsbPSqCONIZ

Ning Rushen returned to the normal world—WlfZKDZSfQEBiTYxhQmthSprnmHKHq

VjSCLzNspgFNtIK

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

TixzVaDGWQrRFzd

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

VVdhnMdHwbJIXex

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

lpUDjnjvgeuznen

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

hSCdNiABbdfxZcy

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

KeBSIFXvaZQtcbH

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

WPeVqnduUxReJuD

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

kxTIVHkvOcDTNvp

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

avWzeJFIHGZkrBz

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

NyoyWKfjtFMnruF

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:aTlugsRhowUBXHHxLqFnJPkQhiddJx

aqMiBZAtvtAtjud

“What’s wrong?”dibrsRrCySgXUAdwmKSqdCVwcGHwOk

VZYLoECqbCPQdGY

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

YzYPURljQUBIXqG

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

EJBpflhmlvSaqtf

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

tdbVhJxOTrNimkz

“!” Ning Rushen almost lost his shoes:ERjwAGOnnUXrifESKWvGCgyvtZxrwp

rqjVwERHnVKbCTg

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?zmDnpMYqBjCXPryinVeFvRRXvxotbh

TICYPECruVVxMtl

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

JzlIurIlthncqgE

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

mtbggdKGQKcgeuA

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

rLZzdcxidAKRTSj

…MexCjNCIIENGxoBXBuTSJKWJyiURbJ

dVGEPWnhKKjpPPA

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

qLSLYYUqrZNpSrC

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

nYIDOGicnklcNCS

“Ho haha…”GSRWrOXNwKkkaIBDBNwPFLVuzcRrXx

tIfAmmUjPyRTUPz

“Puh uhm uhm…”xUAJYaVJvGbVBBzssbExaRfJETDBdO

gUfqeknxGrjKKnX

Ning Rushen stopped abruptly and turned his head: ?GWVBLLVgetLhyRtDkVlhkSrxfcCGZu

kawuAKmCIdzDCpO

…Were these two possessed?VbysWVTJhczUtUvZpVleHksIoXLAbb

nKjNHIGVoXhDRCx

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

swzWoJVdeyvvLxa

Entering the dim tent.uyklQFVatBsBUkkNFBpXbLuANMSwdD

RYmprxZpYPerIWC

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!”exQRtVUwSBqQdclouKDgPKIumGakjd

NJlJkZZEpEDkxAm

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

TjHvhMcFWaDWfFe

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

npepDRUgnxUoCVr

“What’s wrong?”glfqVyIQkiUkVhSiDedMuaqYzQRkOn

ystusGCZRfQgVuG

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

OoHmolWoTkrprAD

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

WWDdLgmAXETjrbM

“……”NAjnGZPyRkQdkmzkDLchwtnjFiUyYq

PZcdrFxswNIKluA

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

gBRyUGhQCLlgzbh

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

eUuSaVVbBbCOfbM

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.hbObldfXCCFCDTlJhFQnVxhcazmnvE

ZMVuwcDVVDpFCJx

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

UFHICdtKgtYSpzA

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

LwEJGWuixJEdwSk

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

ZYQnDnVucEQLleW

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

CcykYiaxaZuJlHh

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.VZISAQJPVcJTLTkvmQaVqxRROJGXqV

uFJPckSblxVugSr

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

esymstoAiTMcfzA

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

KMegqkpdQqzZzDm

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

HKkgSYfrluaFYic

“Your Majesty, this is not proper.”AiFoDXigbukcvCPXgsgJNXzqlBYaEC

nHIApqHvCintNcS

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

AsIlGDhahiovSOu

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

TOvZzWmcZFBKdNh

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.”BUPAsarlEgvKmTnexxpJMblMbiJglJ

HYfOhMtpzfACBSA

The memory of that morning suddenly returned—hfTRLCsFJSIueUwEcCvLmsywqyoUbV

nQtnaSwSfpyjCoX

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.”vcKUjLBCpVhDlEiLaMXvPhtUCVbTzd

nvCWwBaygKBZWcp

The action was proper and without intimacy.vmKEJhoZANmhSCkvwnmTejHFbauNLi

SJGjhToTpPxNvhX

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.gvRCsjsbhanmgJglBHMsBtfesDCySA

JjckKVXXATevlHg

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

yFwFkIjggIOQbEY

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

ckXEiwZkgAbkBjY

Mentioning this, Ning Rushen took a deep breath:IsYVpFNEKWZMyrOuCCzZFdNuLZaucd

BsWasxfPfyyvuyy

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

jiBllevfhCUHOEz

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

CvwKXbeSriwgmAy

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

daIzHwCsTlCUwYI

Li Wuting remained silent for a while.rVqDGNdZXTlVSdeZhaAyLTUZVCFfJz

rSgBIiKsjBtInPl

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

NTJLvGyRuaxNMDy

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

UAbITtyoDMjllqj

Li Wuting had no idea what was going on.txxQYHnVkZMWpCQrkDDjrqfcxBmoxb

cngZwrGTriLkIoR

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.KPMvoyarXZOzIKbHTcEMIKzXGTdqtw

vkpByMUUjAmtSGb

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

JRLqqJPiockETyG

“……”yLSGloIdDKoDbkYZOGACZFMvgGftpn

HkclWyqsFSSyUuI

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

UmMseFYCSuXNycM

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

puIOedCgqKFRMof

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

KEWspHAIRyIGZkf

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

BolHbXchKnzXQzv

“I am the grain officer of Xifang.”BhaNMIrVVpHBFeLTtEUmoBGwVVcOAd

FGQUyKAXuJrutDy

Ning Rushen glanced at it: Dai Wuping.irvWukXBZEeBgyFEFjBRGDUiPeJcfn

ebTsIFhGYenfeZe

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

yeIzjtyTYLwkBgt

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

XzzKNkZvwGPnlNB

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

izOMuvyJwOGYvUB

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

dzwSrXFYxYAGSBN

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

OmVmFXxsRtozmoS

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

KpaqvgIdWJvrQHU

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

VUHATiiKBxdorgA

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

tvSCcsUrvxhNiTk

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

QJLXGsgVeHejMHy

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

XHeSoGBnAkcCAUi

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

dhmsWcYVdkXNBUK

He was immediately shocked and then filled with anger.rERCcwQUGoQRquyhExNicJHkSYvPDb

gYfCJeVHJWJkrwT

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

NHeckKgDflpMVGz

“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.”hjHRsnVnTPDSffndILglNxpTrOdzft

TbDwblXmPZRPgYT

“‘Somewhat damp’?”rAPiHARtsypkzmnDQrxPEzpFlwkVPk

vSGFqdbuAjLmdWY

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

JjvrhlpMMxLtFQi

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

bVsdWjESqIklFRw

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

MndYCZiQuRlvZOX

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

ZQJAMTwiydFiowO

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

PkdFKadKgasIOON

He quickly placed the blame on Ning Rushen.SNdVmHIhoCZdWrBZpRisvKmPmHKzxb

GNQHiCDoYzcBuWT

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

ocAjWcOdHpTwvzT

…kYiHcMTShBHDsrhtilhtWvOXCetJtH

XhvGPdyPUyAqeXH

In the military camp, in the main tent.kjOTTZTpGRTwMsgXaIVLSReUpyWfoT

LaxOoQRbKwWskzE

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

OzwTQoshVLqdUZa

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

NFhdeoqCEOyAoyv

At this moment, a guard came to report:tzvGPFqzsWPsOUbXTOcgSNlJUzZzpr

gPJPZFMUqdppyFN

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

icFEpsUYLTHYJJV

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

TOseCrRmdDOakch

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

NTFnKivcFqNHYFy

Li Wuting’s brow furrowed in anger.bDXlamZwPiGQkyAxcltOHKyDRSYXlH

pMcLhgdwrvYKEPV

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!”xGNudXfUGubkUIFaWcQljDtvaIWBkO

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

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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!”PNbkXDBjmsBlTigoReYBPgfmtQUxwI

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

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

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

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

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A group headed towards the city gate.AiznfQtTEsclzwZOMgekMNeHQCeEoR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Li Wuting, “………”aZFtRqIVKyTEtYdanbVPfeRqOPLoKS

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