This official is so weak

Seeing that no one had noticed the Emperor’s arrival, Dequan immediately issued a warning grunt: “Hng!”PaLwOvaSMSGAKnxhwJPCyqTDnTcUbD

EhRbHVtmqsxQnTd

A group of personal guards turned their heads upon hearing the sound and saw Li Wuting, dressed in a dark robe, standing not far away. They immediately put away their long spears.nqaOgRcVTtPfXtwLPIlCDOLFItkTTK

FfZEytfjpmrIAsc

Dai Wuping, not caring about anything else, began to cry as if seeing a savior, “Your Majesty! Help—”dDBztRdNBeiowxugnrbsZIVBfijlEb

PAKjCCBZanbfvKI

Ning Rushen momentarily envisioned a thief being beaten up during a home robbery and calling for help from the police.cpTVJLGGhELFyFqQScNTHjuqCdcipD

xgZxkZAaPRWPLjA

Li Wuting’s gaze lingered on him for two breaths before he walked over and stopped in front of everyone.fLTVxSmzliwOqafMIfSdGZRclHtxvb

SdriciEgNWcMQaj

Before Dai Wuping could speak, Li Wuting turned and grabbed a handful of rice from the grain cart. The rice mixed with fine sand slipped through his fingers as he looked down without speaking.OBxtYPoLnRIJsPrtXBjsFBQHlhWniB

RARUBBRIMUNmGQo

Dai Wuping, lying on the ground, was trembling with fear. It was the first time he saw the new Emperor and found him to be completely different from what he had imagined.gDODVrekaUurnlLidKbftaftTwgRhz

VLiboeSUKbYMsBG

“Your Majesty, this sand is from the warehouse. The situation was urgent and we didn’t have time to sift it. We set out overnight, faced many dangers along the way, and the rain made things damp…”msXPHHUPgogYCfZxeEniVFVBWvkvqn

HaxNkUprQdiFBDh

A cold laugh suddenly fell from above:tnMnnJTuTBkLWRVhzwZowmgAdGjSuF

GmSzUonFbNYIEJA

“Dangers along the way, damp from rain?”ABoxEyjBIFTmIKzVrAJRhJdhpdXoyv

nERfeivrzfTvsJX

Li Wuting finally turned his head, a hint of coldness in his eyes, “Do you want to see what kind of grain Prince Xuan sent?”VWpvankojXMmtGQJGWzibGGxHEDnLB

tLWfUviXresvkUa

Dai Wuping broke out in a cold sweat, opening his mouth in shock and silence.JvnwVhCOhfcErQVJlRtsngiOfuqmBt

PBPwYCdUcCiIbie

Li Wuting said淡淡, “Take him away.”YCgeLiDqvZixbKkwjLLqyaOblcmOjT

TMrQjnoZERylnwq

Two personal guards immediately stepped forward and dragged him away.ZxlmjIaHzBWZLUXOmCspIdgLheLCjk

HEsTNhZIKakDoZp

Dai Wuping, panic-stricken, finally came to his senses after being dragged about ten meters and shouted, “Your Majesty, spare my life! I’m just in charge of transporting the grain, I’m the governor! I’m the governor—”NVEAXMwciFcRzyVmMHZVkOBxnPHfde

CYgDxqUKbwAOvRZ

The voice quickly faded away behind the city gate.EZLnnaTgmvQldfhBsbpOJANigSTkaL

qSpazXLAkBYvzcq

Li Wuting instructed that the grain cart be brought into the camp for inspection, and the Dingyuan Army immediately got busy.iXjjbCwVWUPDsMJQCneSgFzSMdMzJH

YFOLyyjPlEaMhfl

The surrounding personal guards dispersed.kbCTZcQgodlUxxLThsGIDlBmlAzVZA

JnMoZtZEVGGBZak

Only Ning Rushen and Li Wuting remained in the area.nqTDZYQOpUhsgiwAxdFSsAhbOIiIvF

HmQsuVvGnlXHaMV

Li Wuting still stood to the side, not leaving or speaking. Ning Rushen glanced over and quietly approached:rAeBowHkLygoOrGgICtwbrQxDRCTPW

wfzjFPjwxhXfdut

“Your Majesty, why did you come personally?”WbHVljpcTRwxTbCmUGvblJAYdqoNOk

CWLEUcsdsdCtuFD

Li Wuting pursed his lips slightly, seemingly casually saying, “Am I, perhaps, a bit redundant?”qCzNWZvXTjrmBZQbqfAbYNOEEyNqMH

VNTVvpnIMAHFaWI

Ning Rushen, “?”hDmznOFZtOiZuOjtUJOaqWSBVepOsl

BkJBvGSeGjXLATb

He looked at the slightly tense jaw of the other.KJIZPQtTKGZHTNOIXBNoyvqnEOwhrS

dGRLNtmdHmqbSsg

The Adam’s apple moving on his side wasn’t entirely indifferent.CSibiuWlTYqWdvvgQHcAylokgQrfie

rvhxxPNLTwAXlLI

“……”XRFgBxGqrwWRTjBcpMFuYsBRyALWsA

bqlVHBLIUtimdRT

Could it be that Li Wuting came specially to support him?eFlQOqMaPCoEFFjjqqPIDtFermZLKQ

rJtkEqIsIMhmWaz

Ning Rushen suddenly felt a novel sensation: his heart felt like it had been soaked in syrup, with a hint of happiness.KlHMKXVFEVwZBMtNjqrbRDKxIwItKq

scCTRxrjSeRiLoE

He looked at Li Wuting’s handsome profile.nrbBaSnitoVqzSpWDpRMIQvumucRID

OafDFhaZSkEcqwO

After a pause, he turned his head and said, “Your Majesty arrived just in time. But if I acted first and reported later and had him tied up, would it be reported against me?”gXpIDdcbOEYgbcarncUDxRupGoZgHS

tjrmEPggZQFMRjC

Li Wuting’s tense jaw relaxed a bit, then he lightly pressed his lips down, “It’s fine, with me here.”kAKJgjTCTToEJRoxXzJwoiquYiXrdI

UYpxJqXaMGnrjXx

Ning Rushen also pressed his lips down, “Oh.”VAtOyvCiBlnfyCavgUOkwZPJLKQjGn

HrWXvUFJksgQOqq

Not far away, Dequan, after finishing his sweeping and turning around, saw Li Wuting’s expression:FeHtdadWdpVDcwCpgXrTtLWkoeheun

tqJDuLkMSPiOObP

Oh, the Emperor is actually happy again.MeQwxkDHijVndjTdZmXySuKqqvtTst

dGoqrVgIYqbtKNE

Xifang had been falsifying grain supplies.dCPaNkplTMHasPjdPJAUMHnSagJDCP

yRPeyBOVGxYxbJT

From the grain transport officials to the governor of Xifang, all involved officials were held accountable. The Emperor’s order was issued directly from the border and was handled by the Imperial Guards, directly under the Emperor.rKocLDOUSxfeozshoQIDscxTbRJkRO

uEUhldPqnkEVKHM

Xifang was undergoing a swift and severe rectification.vVDcIukVZZZXJVzXtpmFmjsgyJHsam

lGyyujaqcSHgWub

The aim was to uproot the lingering corruption from the previous emperor’s era.fEicRIvgvRwTdaBRoCyfQpwGzXRZCT

oSYAXrptTThMmcN

For the missing grain supplies, Li Wuting ordered a replenishment from Beian, as close as possible.xAoFgxZIfDhxHcapdycYafrkKoRPmE

COKPyfRtxDMDxRT

That night, Ning Rushen sat on the edge of the bed, “From Beian?”dsJAHdNkedaaPiHZCObqNLDOdqFssH

pAoHGxsNeliBtAz

He had just finished bathing, and Li Wuting was standing in front of him, watching him dry his hair.uIgbPFiiWIepWbDOKYFimRkHASvaJT

tLYXERhgNxyDpbj

He was rubbing his hair, “Is it so urgent?”jrlfITrlqOttxVussZDSYykpgcfrPF

SDHoJAGQpJJEuzn

Li Wuting observed him rubbing his hair messily, his knuckles moving slightly, “Yes, the troops haven’t moved yet, but the grain supplies should be prepared first. A major battle could break out at any time, so the earlier the grain is transported, the better.”RpxduQhsaxOPQtgnFOBCwocFTqMOdy

FQHeoGUJAXNfHsa

“So, what are we waiting for now?”AjVzyuabTvkSZlwqYYvvcLuBVlEOUx

rTCYtaXvWdsFepo

“Waiting to see who will lose their composure first.”SkocVHRLdJfzmXeWRvqSkFgPeBkDeL

zjbPJiIbUkCPchP

“Hmm.” Ning Rushen thought about the recent various conflicts, feeling a bit anxious, and was momentarily distracted.pontcwpTFijefpLjgTyfQRVYPRemub

IPnUYxUvKBxitBd

Suddenly, his hair was pulled away from his hands.fNZZNcDnnBybuFRoOyMIUwWKvRXVqF

GKQTXGwyExAgtUZ

He looked up and saw Li Wuting holding a clump of his tangled hair, asking, “What are you wiping off?”WAlvCUkSlPBLCsitTFDNxiJhRxpCtu

FesjLsrAlZikRKd

“…” Ning Rushen awkwardly pulled it back, “A kind of attitude.”TISppWrJRewpmiSCsqTfpVxtrLUOrL

knydochWywYxnUw

Li Wuting was silent for a moment, then took a handkerchief and rubbed his hair, making it fluffy and dry:hsjvbveDzBudfTzFrazvVFMKVJIfpo

YZdTZZqnBLrwOAo

“Alright, get some sleep.”jhfoUoIsdWvSZykKFLgbwnUdNnKcCh

zgGXsEMUnCOoxSr

Ning Rushen felt like he was getting used to being rubbed.GZFVxujZbnZDhuyezvbsXGUNnQnCIF

IHDjIwuEOcQoifK

He gathered his dried hair, sighed, and settled back into bed, “Your Majesty, good night.”MhKxxatSJTbbAKItTjdFEeDBqJZwXw

LcVlDAoStLoxxYR

The candlelight was soon extinguished, “Good night.”XUhvpHtJEdImEEEBTJkrsmdwzKOwts

OauMXZnDdRROMOf

…Perhaps it was from the earlier confrontation with Dai Wuping.YeyPMIOZOPHHwFPOQPbQgCDWEFLrKP

ppsBdIrnvcYXTIx

Ning Rushen fell asleep quickly after lying down.hWXRQheLCfsMRaaupmUmkVpzmNBPgD

hFCmAWqARJYjEbZ

Moonlight filtered into the quiet tent, and a dream had just begun to form when it was abruptly shattered by the sound of galloping hooves racing into the camp—BklRBAEklyBtqsoxziILiMQbtcYecz

ZNaiygayRuDcXpR

“Enemy attack twelve miles out! Enemy attack!!!”yEdwTZctZsVxUdbjbJnpqtTsIGiaZQ

FRXeuaTkQvDsZOn

Suddenly, the camp was brightly lit.LdcwAImTpanenVcIdXqPNwholpfueT

ZstFIUDQFivwytp

Ning Rushen woke up from his dream: Enemy attack!?pFXrZjnyEcGSRzThSSrlXMKSFMQknj

jkAasogTMuceASW

As he propped himself up, he saw Li Wuting already in armor, holding a sword, quickly stepping around the screen.QuXpXvrljVlIVLevKHHmPPpTPHZMkV

GkMnJxQfKtmbPgY

The silver armor reflected a sharp cold light.efynOQwAXwXxDfQLTsuqmeaQSELElx

DraFKCDPWUKswxE

He threw off the covers, his heart racing, “Your Majesty!”BVruyWSQtjlcJoUUBvPlVQrHJDLKIG

EHHznrmddbkxfKD

This was the first night attack from the Northern Di, coming swiftly and fiercely.aYiIgfNSAujtSsSRbeckPpNRewieQP

OVPOkvUhHSukKDt

Li Wuting’s steps slightly faltered, then his sword hand tightened, his breathing quickened for two seconds, and he placed his palm on Ning Rushen’s neck:riaXgXEItnnHPcJxiNNQbjhiyslFOx

qFZegWZlSrsifYS

“Stay here and wait for me to return.”plNkYCBNbPaJzRYslBQBnSdxRBWhMR

DikwVRYytVGvJnL

After speaking, he lightly touched Ning Rushen’s neck, then turned and swiftly left.sJMXcDsJeBCEYhOmzCwXATxGiVNmVw

lyynHTEiyYthREP

Ning Rushen felt the area he had been touched warming up. He put on his outer robe and followed him out.ZHTHGEpqIuaBbAbdZNmVheOiZePkay

MwTMogdlWtHxHie

Outside the tent, the troops had quickly organized.VACkLEjqSnWsXOCvfbEvGAhggJDyin

MoihTsXYxwaMDIE

Li Wuting, Huo Mian, and other generals gave their orders, mounted their horses, and immediately headed towards the twelve-mile mark—SoQXpoyNhZPVvnqWTwlIHpFmdSkTYU

gyHiFlsIxLeswFG

The army disappeared into the night like a black dragon in fierce fire.xtkBSXdnDhMWAQYxFJvvdYzoiqcJyb

pZGnFcomCymOzDG

Ning Rushen stood at the gate, watching the army depart, feeling the cool night breeze, and his heart grew warmer, pounding fiercely.PYKgMdummgZLaJBRagBXsjKStsuqNI

QkbGEUleafGzuAb

After standing for an unknown amount of time, someone patted him on the shoulder, “Let’s go back.”XmpwPuqyafQLqDaANSsWnmxTpAxPKS

PRiuOsqUCgxpyoR

He turned to see Prince Xuan standing next to him.SpsJWtHqJKwfXcvcaCWblnJIwhklGy

XBnGlGlxERFTuQn

Li Yingtang had a rare serious expression and glanced towards the edge of the night, “The night attack won’t last too long, and there’s also His Majesty and General Huo.”uDklJMXulKnOOPUwAbWmYDfltimqCo

dGOtOQRJjhbWoTm

Ning Rushen forced himself to calm down, “Mm.”OmYxOuMfpzslXwotLXukBcrplJYcVZ

JzyJdYdUDlSwYBA

The two turned and walked back into the camp.xxaEEVGJeBYDrVCOQQARUbbzbLKkTf

gCxflfXNDUzsbbZ

He suddenly remembered, “Why did the Prince just arrive? Where were you just now?”ujlnTMKdcAOhFDvQZFCiBsQRxRHQCv

TkGpWOityZalciq

Li Yingtang’s eyes shifted, as if tears were about to fall, “…General Huo was ordered to tie me to the bed, and he hurriedly didn’t untie me. I… had to use a lot of effort.”LJBbpWnoGqYIsmCzjojMYvnVGRHlgU

VRGutkngAsjgNKJ

Ning Rushen, “……”ZYQQOQXRaipZCnRRqZhZKaguHeHWqY

VDVXPexFQnmKBTE

He felt complicated: So, you were still tied up.aDVRtuyyVLCHpBGYwECQAxzztWKoNW

ZEDuRXfbeFezYiM

The waiting time felt particularly long.snAxRqjgwZRJjDjjOTvisUYBNHTIJz

NMWpYYSAoFUUHyP

Ning Rushen did not return to the tent but sat by a pile of wood where he could see the gate, waiting for the army to return.OJQxVvMuMZnPaSmOXLSLHPHPUVOyaZ

ZZMsyJcweDPNsqG

The night was filled with the sounds of insects and rustling grass, and the crackling of the fire.CCfksVrbeorcnKKbuHZdgsDhMXUNVr

JwnXutedavBmelm

As time passed, the night remained dark and heavy, and his heart felt like it was being scorched by flames.nxoFntjvEDDUxuofwKiBHLEmSFGnOK

rLxUTILFGgCwZWb

After an unknown period, the sound of hooves finally reached the ground.jWfTFndPjMuwCvswaCdnBkwsrEeRTb

MWmXaImecnbIpmi

Ning Rushen quickly got up and saw a streak of red breaking through the darkness, charging towards him from the horizon—ROJDxYRWMEsEPOvhUsPpOvPpsdQihR

qUVeglxgSnnKeew

The army was back!dCczeUNmJmRJnMWoyHYftqMuphoWlJ

SNabFfhvYYAQvoo

As they drew closer, he saw Li Wuting in silver armor leading the way, with a massive army following closely behind. The battle flags fluttered, and amidst the fierce atmosphere was a smell of blood.wdhqWevmgvdFKvjbmqGjeMIZbJsHlf

DLKNrUxgEzhUxKp

The soldiers in the camp came out to greet them.XHeoDsjUSHQlgVQsboQHhWAPVyYDpy

IMfKgwWdyUTYvHm

Li Wuting reined in his horse, the steed rearing up in front of the camp.HGUGwBEaziIKnuXdbjazFzCoVgGflV

MHufdjoAypZWfOq

Ning Rushen met his dark, night-like gaze, his throat tightening, “Your Majesty…”YVAQThakVLWmbthQjFDayzcDwPGEHU

KdjaxbPoMmDYKfH

Li Wuting’s expression softened slightly, then he dismounted amidst the soldiers’ welcome and instructed them to attend to the wounded.taYThOGJibEGpKSdnCTDlWywuUEiDi

afKLDpjecdRAhPw

As he moved, his cloak fluttered, revealing the blood-stained silver armor underneath.ZFCXFjuFiMwEXQiLdbGzdocprVLrSS

BqhGTmpzcMsqXII

Ning Rushen’s heart skipped a beat, and he looked at him anxiously:FmryZTQdymGsjOvtugpQTggduIAurr

HkYTKGOnGrZrKBK

— Is he injured!?ZYqQKQkkoMrTsghsZdWNMKRgadyLdN

frGPNZlRYOxkaTe

Noticing his gaze, Li Wuting turned and whispered, “It’s nothing. Go back to the tent.”byxZJuSZpdVbAFSHjQRPmtkNPiSsat

UqufEMUIlIvyQPW

Ning Rushen, deeply worried, followed him, “Mm.”oZumuaDYdqjNCSsyfqhFxwYIiVZKoN

PVWiktoooAnpzPZ

Li Wuting glanced at his worried expression and smiled slightly.ogGeSjSPPjiSlMqUqsKqEyfMiwUIHY

vZWuCOphYfDcIMt

…gfPsBSsceUnpvZyXyZabThgKuDFKnn

yfNgEMghiQZsBqx

Back in the main tent, Li Wuting removed his battle robe.ffTlhgDeWcKHGYUUiJyjhcFjAmVaIo

RGSSQCPpdwWXlju

His left arm had a cut, but he didn’t make a fuss about it, only asking Dequan and the military doctor to come in and treat the wound.eZSBoabXTWBWUGlGcaoDqLyEulpCSx

IEvbWumseCUyprs

Ning Rushen watched with a heavy heart and asked anxiously, “Is it serious?”HvhGVjkzLPDpnaZWUrettLVVUEOUNu

ayRjtiEeJVXITBz

Li Wuting’s gaze fell on his furrowed brow, “It’s fine. Most of the blood on the armor is from the enemy.”GInhrxTDTOwXVfaczxrrpyKHQyfvQl

wRnNFtlKlbXHcuu

Ning Rushen felt a bit relieved: That’s good.ItgmfYUMjKLUkJYzWPVKhPdGMxbILx

tuxNourqElQiyje

After the military doctor finished bandaging, he gave a few more instructions and left.vOkhLrYjcZNFYgUfsfCrddNLwmZRLv

ErwCQVQMgAHAwWK

Dequan, worried, said, “Your Majesty, you’ll need someone to keep watch tonight. Should I…”gFEhBmQaPYBdzWdJyDxZfAzKutJLWU

YxoATmIVodQwMjJ

He hesitated, glancing subtly at Ning Rushen, “Have someone come?”XEwrtwXkGDnLGafsVSrrVsgZqYSSTj

ZoCdzaZqldBBmub

Li Wuting’s throat moved but remained silent.vJKYMNjAzsxmSDtnZLFqGTLjTBvDHJ

bnNWNQvSEMHvBRz

Ning Rushen, unable to take his eyes off Li Wuting’s wound, said, “Why not let me do it.”tXvyddIGlfQDOGvzZZAAMgXEPMyiAs

zpLXhhZqESFoRjO

Dequan acknowledged with a quiet “Mm” and quickly left.CCQBIVlQRrZTnIfUfmzLqcFlUrEeIB

ymDctMusMjDmKFT

A single candle was left burning in the tent, casting a warm, dim light through the screen onto the bed.bokDKaTiAAfinppogjsAtUfsrnbJdi

PdOgbbNtuxicyjO

Ning Rushen sat on a nearby bench.xhIifMmkticBwqOnpgLMeSQAAtQPfw

ttxmNzNgfwIywUe

With no one else around, he leaned over the edge of the bed, quietly asking, “How did you get injured, Your Majesty?”lVPFJJddcJBhCuQJAquMXoDxbyizzV

zsypleVxUlQgYfl

“It was too dark at night, and I didn’t notice the ambush.”snwaNkzQoGlaHglUiPxfDokYVwlYPj

WWKpgyODtFnBGOe

“Oh.” Ning Rushen’s heart tightened, “Hidden and crawling.”WwyOIKwFOQFVDpJcHYrARGdltDTkcj

oaUbowEaKZJyekY

“…” Li Wuting.vSeDppgZYPYKCbTvbdhMGUEyJLLadq

CfIALVpxrWTgsws

He was leaning over the edge of the bed, talking to Li Wuting.ZkOklqKIAFHmNNFdbfHmvJwhmudeGF

cfVqdBMOkGPCbMW

The bedding in the camp wasn’t well-matched, and the bench was almost the same height as the bed. As he spoke, he leaned over with his black hair hanging down onto the bed.EBxbsKGWSZJXECsSoEKVapelCfdYVv

RhhTrvMiLCJsDhU

While speaking, he suddenly heard Li Wuting ask:lmOijPLsBGsHxVYcLgzBKHSUXqyifO

oAOnFgotmNqIjWl

“You still have to keep watch all night. Is it… difficult?”KVbGGgQhbZvoCtCrNFlnkwyCJKmiGt

IHnaMJeJYhobfSv

Ning Rushen paused, “What?”nEFgVYHPRaBpdavPmbqtDnEpqwyyoq

amCCbWBoKHKSPFy

Li Wuting’s thin lips pressed together, seeming to deliberate for a while, but finally, with a flushed neck, he asked as naturally as possible, “…Do you want to come up?”PnfRkifzPXkbVrxyGMBMShYSmDchZC

ddvgvKoasJhJCOc

Ning Rushen was momentarily stunned, his heart racing:HVgfuAQsljFqgJaxfkBdueSanAJspS

zZcItsJZBYvdipo

…Come up? Onto this dragon bed?tKxjSOXVElcwOAjFmCQAOWDaCrAXsv

mHBRJHzqRNPmhbG

He looked at him, and in their silent exchange, the dim light from the side reflected in Li Wuting’s eyes.eHvVgfVbaSGyEBmgnpUcEjrHEFiTfy

OstxOcYEalLJozC

Ning Rushen took a few seconds to catch his breath, “…Okay.”VtzJRLPrVgtAmDsuOpLEvZJDfeSfzW

XkWHavlpNFaBGvT

Ning Rushen had been on this dragon bed before.nQnZKWNkQkApMuCmJYycYajxsTsJaW

jTShwMXSmLADQIz

Li Wuting, with his left arm injured, lay on his side, making space for Ning Rushen on the other half of the bed.OSLDqNTGvQEdQTAWUypdwnWXuNQeFH

xQwlamLeBnnoMGl

Ning Rushen took a deep breath and tried to compose himself as he lay down.OxIcyFMCgddpKwPdXTTeRASCeBHwkP

pAclCXcDOoYsbvm

The bed was small, and once he lay down, he faced Li Wuting directly, his line of sight meeting Li Wuting’s Adam’s apple and neck. The close proximity made the elevated body heat almost palpable, carrying a faint smell of blood from the wound.BEluZbmyjoaGecDuhiCaEFbcDjJcAd

EchBQtEncFaOsEu

Ning Rushen, trying to calm his racing heart, gently touched Li Wuting’s arm, “Does it still hurt?”zxDzkrpewxoEjUMlSQTJDVCxktILWb

MBlhJTgINRtWwFA

“It’s okay, just uncomfortable with it hanging in front.”YUcBXttKRVwkFrKhEaLAMjsLfvvQzH

iclDenkUCchDtsg

Ning Rushen glanced at Li Wuting’s sideways position, “Then…”uEUonnWLpBQkvshnzWYhpJMrySRUzy

FWuABOimiXulQSB

Before he could finish his sentence, Li Wuting moved his hand around him and placed his palm on the back of his neck, supporting his arm. His large hand gripped the back of Ning Rushen’s neck and squeezed it twice, “It doesn’t hurt now.”xEDzMwcPmsUszSJOvmeXUUPUKiDfUT

sAlTtXuFGsnzNUe

Ning Rushen was suddenly encircled in front of Li Wuting, his eyes widening:uBnzwjFAoMWfkhKqXDqWqnZzbwQNYL

mTbzwgErzEmZqUq

What? How did I get held like this?tcjrQdjhVndIXIJbZtTQPtmBifUghj

LDtJnxmgukKHQda

His neck pressed against Li Wuting’s palm, and his shoulders trembled slightly. Considering Li Wuting was injured, he dared not move, only managing to call out, “Your Majesty.”aqDCXzCsrEypgWolWfojScqUpkSsQk

xngAendaVdzUfJC

Li Wuting tightened his grip a bit, his voice low and hoarse, “There’s no one around.”VhqKLRSesBCBbdqmDvetFcgIHzsjXJ

lfzMqNgoLgwGeqH

What? Ning Rushen, feeling dizzy and disoriented, realized something, “…Chaojun?”nmbffGWQlKpprNCsuuJiDOljRhfiSe

TlATvPkNympJMMR

His breathing became disordered.MSoHnuhBCuxTHCtVpOkRyuThmzSoYG

AfKcsIkdDYgwzla

Li Wuting responded, “Mm.”cMYcstRUVOyMwBIAgtykHDHxDxWDNW

xHFGLjJWXKcLzgm

Suddenly, he moved again, leaning in and resting his forehead on Ning Rushen’s shoulder, adjusting his breathing.GXbsXuGxCwCCrkHQNlZNICtMZrVEaS

MKbqZvQzhcUFlhm

Ning Rushen’s heart raced, his throat constricting.gdZwFvdcmeIRZfcLHYjsfISyeEXeyO

wLNvwNdsteEGCli

He looked down at Li Wuting, who had a slightly furrowed brow and a rare look of fatigue, making him seem momentarily vulnerable.UePgAojVKwrLVSykmhMNeJTGokRZYD

MEOxxaqYagUndaZ

But in an instant, that vulnerability seemed to be an illusion.JaIyKckAlSNLsesECCvJdmhnUQObCM

SusSvoOHolJgcEy

Li Wuting’s strong and broad frame, the unyielding new emperor of Da Cheng, held him securely.HWqSLAvaLLHYoPyDCMPwLuspJrcvyQ

UHPphSVpApqRjAn

Ning Rushen’s nose inexplicably felt a bit sour.kHRkGFORUifFoJFqMtWmtMZJKOJijH

zTrzLJGskWmqtZf

He clutched Li Wuting’s clothes and leaned a bit closer, snuggling into him.rgFkkBrkgAirCkxyjuUFSEuJLVWdFs

ISvixpBvjxkmIPv

With no one else speaking, after Ning Rushen called out “Chaojun,” Li Wuting seemed content and gradually slowed his breathing against his shoulder.OtBEbBdzuhqatEgcnrLLLxHBrItONl

zsqAjuEMhRZNUNU

Ning Rushen gazed at his stunningly handsome face and eventually fell asleep in the dim light of the extinguished candle.RMTWSvjQBPvEloJWhuaYhalCDkHxeA

cRXKxyirqmwQyfL

…xHqDSJdqUFLLoNTOgJhWyxttPqsFTf

dlDasUMCdtqoAiA

The next morning, he woke up to some movement.bNuBWvZCTJUvyRXDVOOhBjvXfTAroI

TdXbabJdnuvbYfh

Because he had been worried about Li Wuting’s injury, he had woken up several times during the night, never truly resting.vTlNRVhRtXjkjiHsVjkXwEyMmCeyIU

PszYnPrBfdXmAPO

When he sensed movement beside him, Ning Rushen opened his eyes.odnawltkMgTnwMUvctykLfHaBZMLKs

KPTyAxREaxJLizS

Not wanting to wake him, Li Wuting remained silent, simply propping up his right arm and preparing to get out of bed.WPXeRJOhWBdLVZDNtKKvqugQBtqhpa

gWMNKHwUyQjbASD

As Ning Rushen opened his eyes, he met Li Wuting’s gaze.vHOOVyUSmIHfKTeLGzNqeUsHfOINlo

YmPglLdVDwSwLAv

Li Wuting’s movement paused as he lifted his eyes, his expression still carrying the morning’s drowsiness. His slightly open collar revealed a reddened neck. He was kneeling beside him, facing him directly.uigqvsEidnALOsydbmeZREdbbYtfOQ

BwOOcHfCVPyvrwZ

Ning Rushen’s gaze dropped, and his breath caught suddenly.dtoxpNyFZKyexuHOXfkFdQFplCuBSL

LYKWgWdRKZwCERP

A flush of heat enveloped his neck and face!qRdcuRNNQPITTaPyklUxWEyhLNUubl

gARFUzcfHIkQkng

Before he could react, Li Wuting quickly adjusted his collar and got out of bed. He glanced at Ning Rushen’s expression, slightly pursed his lips, and said calmly:znVhrzPteEmfsYumydWEtgjBywnyGM

XgAHpMypMiafILR

“It’s no big deal.”RPGyrViaZNtwSsQaHZMFDMgZQMhMjJ

QwxBycMWGohDivB

After speaking, he dressed and left.iGzHWElYELGhWClObQPbmgpAFwVfZX

oJmOsVoMdYAumrZ

…eSUsajVXgdqKIBxcbFHMhWXvvakBZS

qEbHZdViLLcvYOq

After Li Wuting left, Ning Rushen lay in bed for a long time, unable to gather his thoughts.kgedkwNaZtCmcHCAMqajfTaDyDJKZm

tGctXeVKboOPhdg

In the midst of his still racing heartbeat, he recalled the fleeting glimpse he had seen and trembled uncontrollably:kRdgZZrMzkqWPPUKDNnyBrLvhmqDvQ

OkSDrilUOBcfYIr

…That was definitely not “no big deal.”UfiGcJcFGABnBEekXOeCotZqdAlDWl

EbYdhWnFSbsfxdb