This official is so weak

Ning Rushen took a while to calm down from his shock, barely managing to dispel some of the terrifying images.gEEUfbseSIxpyZikaXzFTGaGnPHzEs

EuIMTwukrtONoKv

He got up and rustled around while getting dressed.UGCFVrNFsNKkzTjqzbWIXSoQljmodL

LTYsKFbYjcajJzC

He thought to himself: Li Wuting appeared normal, his clothes covering up the incident as if nothing had happened. Could it be that every morning before had been like this as well…boZigqMZhWeSTnOKigdtJKbsKzBbRS

bRzVtGDSmsXaHxf

Only because of his extraordinary self-control, was he able to hide any unusual signs.nUJZHihjAEHSoFUmIdNJdZkMsHEzvh

fRHMscqFTPXQAJE

No wonder he reassured me that it was nothing serious.XBIdLpnHOFurtnOoeszqrWDWtPLMmI

LutzZjfHAoWGOHt

Ning Rushen finished dressing and took a deep breath:THojHkVNiJrUfDJpVEauwKiyopDWbt

qLBokeklRIBOwHe

It’s alright, just stay calm, stay calm…pBZDUSZpCrGhonSwjySKdrPlgvOObo

BIivAHXhCEKKwlG

After regaining his composure, he went to the front and saw that Li Wuting had finished washing up, and the military doctor was coming over to rebandage his wound.uBcXqRVODnpuLzuXoFdXROiaAgizbm

WVUyYNaTsCTvOoC

The wound from last night had stopped bleeding and wasn’t serious.IMoolFFSzuUtIRCacuTkvMfwSTvHoW

vvCrBNxrxKNUgXK

Ning Rushen felt somewhat reassured, but then noticed Li Wuting, with his back turned, was undoing half of his robe, revealing his bare shoulders and back.KatOxtlZZfgHkkVxqwVCwHKApCwJVP

TeSnBiMzPpdPDod

His heart skipped a beat! He quickly looked away and went to wash up in the corner.waJijJvFKBZTGbtfXbgouVzReTdXgZ

cPaghYTHmoupTHz

While he was washing, a face suddenly appeared beside him:ZuMoLmwFtYeEPsHRGRGjvnSpHRjyLP

FUkTWpFtNOCUCrc

“Lord Ning, you’ve worked hard last night~”hReDtnqpNywcOOYCIknZfonlAqWxLR

ARkBYLwUIpbYMzm

Ning Rushen turned to see Dequan smiling brightly, suddenly remembering what he had said about getting up from the dragon bed and asking for a basin of water. He reflexively said:rycTOkwXwTpXWJvnUuFxrdHpDwWeOA

RPtlWauZkrmpGWr

“Last night, nothing happened—”OGMjgYMpEefzQUnBkJlMuANdKznwkt

dNUzgTOpmwPGmkC

Dequan’s little ears twitched, “Hmm?”dkjzIugmYvtXtgitmshoTUEUnofuaa

RUdADqNXWYqUiaR

“……” Ning Rushen choked, “It wasn’t tiring.”nflHOVXduasTWHBCBeXgGayPFPwIKz

NJInzyoYJpPfXmi

Dequan gave a knowing smile, “Mm-hmm.”plKSRBtxNcezWgBcBRfiDTsdWnUQWX

IhwJWVkZRixuqgs

Ning Rushen closed his eyes in frustration: …Look at his mouth!pKQbFqDHuSsDDUKVnnaWyrVAFoKZGX

rPpsrCDarZhArmj

He was becoming more and more embarrassed, so he decided to stop talking and turned to look at Li Wuting.zVBgimxGeDVnfOVMbdIRlidCFBprOB

gbemaJlyzcyFvRQ

At that moment, the military doctor had just finished bandaging the wound.umNlvKDnjgTLodYzfKgFFXdLyKjxnN

EGDjzaglQIcpvpy

Li Wuting shrugged his shoulders and pulled his robe together.lYRITXTSdxoLCfncVILqPfHNAJISUq

kJPcFSpYRAkzLvh

The bloodstained armor had been cleaned and placed aside. Li Wuting picked up the heavy armor with one hand, paused for a moment, and glanced over at Ning Rushen.VLHUfetXdzbwjUnFFnnVcmxFSiqSYT

jNqgWOYbAvftdAb

After looking for two seconds, he pursed his lips and silently turned back to put it on himself.IdWCxgwpKnOLHwhfiYDZodEyoiXllh

SkXeVvMvVcFQzLW

Ning Rushen, “……….”EeBLMbfaiVrZbHUVPnGfqnLyYWNwVH

bYiXDXSPzOSXLHl

What was that silent glance supposed to mean?ZJdKjxOsuchUxysJSFGcsvNVSMMosC

YqbqrUAOJZFxQCC

He felt both hot and uneasy under the gaze, hesitated for a moment, and finally approached Li Wuting. “Your servant will help Your Majesty put it on.”VtHhbkCHVwcYMViiMKxGVCEUAZOEcQ

SCijxXpeefddCPZ

The hand let go, and a light, drifting sound fell from above, “Mm.”yeCumhwqsdXMhsAKQAwMTArxVZZSEG

gJkTOXLBqZkTpDX

Ning Rushen lowered his head and helped Li Wuting put on the armor.HYhZDzMOoptIMEJQIGakqrpnNbrhYE

kZOMhzORPGsdCSI

The person in front then turned to Dequan and instructed, “Summon General Huo to the main tent.”bKxVIrGxYxPKDGzCWuDWnqyFIntSVR

TNpDSIXdbqvrANv

Dequan responded and left, leaving only the two of them in the tent.ZJdOHbNJdqtzGMEJSQiSrIgDQggYjq

FGmrtqXVEjFZLxY

Ning Rushen struggled a bit to handle the heavy armor with his slender fingers.oDiOMPdqbHqBeOnglMTNQTBAccAajb

OileRzvOKdaOzLJ

Li Wuting looked down and saw Ning Rushen bending his head to fasten the battle armor. Since it was early, Ning Rushen hadn’t tied his hair up yet, and a few strands fell from his clean cheek.uVQPGSAOhdnIbkfYNOUpkeDAZQDyUy

QlrfYaZRDlFZaus

Li Wuting’s palm itched, and he reached up to tuck the hair behind Ning Rushen’s ear.TXBmgsBxeXAKFNgpuxugSFxwQMszuK

ibpIUjLxLxorQGM

His fingertips brushed against the sensitive tip of Ning Rushen’s ear, causing him to shiver! He instinctively turned his head and looked up.uWjcuaPioObMftaHoKCARtEajGtUCT

ttMVsQdanEnbkrL

Li Wuting stopped his movement, “What’s wrong, avoiding me?”LuCNzGePQZYaXVABEjnyVoiZTBIVWT

SlobbXttuoEJypL

“……” Ning Rushen, “It’s nothing, my ear…”ChqYaVrimIrsTVUwTKhdanSDaKJKZa

cLJMXsHRorWkFix

He swallowed, “Just woke up, can’t stand being startled.”StlYOOtlsNCXEUmCusPWIgzCfHPzrh

HXKLEaptPxzUxBb

Li Wuting scrutinized him for a few seconds and suddenly asked, “Are you still bothered by what happened when you just woke up?”mRcSAsXRRKGRrnblpNaixLxhKpCWhO

EHQZjelwsRTANvu

Caught off guard by the direct question, Ning Rushen’s heart raced, and he involuntarily recalled the scene he had just glimpsed. Distracted, he instinctively said, “No, I’m just a bit scared…”PSozNuJuaPHhtlrdYhwKIllDXlYdor

svnLqZgJoBRSPXB

As soon as the words left his mouth, both of them fell silent.ShbNbfZhYnmukfWXXJKpzzCYblOgdT

IGEITyJqvbmRPZl

“……”guTBUvuBtYpkjQFvgQImxjIUrBNRLX

GrhfKSWpPVWkVLl

“……”HYhQjBOrMywONIhEswZBUxFlmuewnZ

HJatAkMFvpfoHMb

Ning Rushen suddenly snapped back: What was I saying…!HuorzCLtokMsIlzxvKLugLkEzOkwIu

QBVAJeUJLXVFAPh

The chest in front of him heaved violently twice. Li Wuting’s eyes burned with heat as he stared at him and said in a hoarse voice, “What are you afraid of?”wPVYbuTyrWUujgbMWwZeSIqoAkRWHW

nwHAAfySSnbiecy

The loose strands of hair at the side of Ning Rushen’s face seemed to explode outward.RLGLWwGISAdwZcdOlakomfpCfqMKes

hztLYbnuhLIrQYm

Ning Rushen, gripping Li Wuting’s armor, was dizzy and struggled to find words for a long time:brsblmmMazZjqjLnpIvcVjuQNhdyco

ThOxANApSLUCGPO

“Afraid… Your servant is afraid that his eyes might have offended Your Majesty.”gGulpgFFxNPRUKHpcHubonpgfursej

GMFaZzXaftDRLvY

The tent fell silent for two seconds after his words.KcsqBAeTcQNUhyiFOysZiUjIZgXGOE

kfKQVfmeMWGhkrY

At that moment, a report came from outside the tent: General Huo had arrived.GsVLXVpURTdxMVRFRVpXJdUEncXavS

wetTvRevCdMGSGh

…The distraction had arrived.wlZlGvGVKgeQuqnqfitSjHOjkFTjdB

zVIfCxxKiTYRqUu

Ning Rushen had just sighed in relief when he saw Li Wuting smile slightly, lowering his voice, “It’s nothing. It’s I who am with you, always afraid of offending you.”QqdbNLwKjznaeOpQctVzIHBOEUlqnL

OYqhCJkYityvYsr

He suddenly widened his eyes and looked at Li Wuting—rDkYqrIOfKkpbnvKpZDlhXIyTuioNT

cHCPaKBawyKlCIH

Li Wuting glanced at him again and said, “Go wash your face. General Huo is coming in.”oNNjwRJJHYaeUpVcWhmsvRYCJvdlhW

FKHZaOggTbnBJRZ

Wash my face? Am I so dirty that I can’t be seen?KJdlGtnCUQAzyYZaLPfusZLlzsjaDU

xVpXCGdLFwyeXDL

Ning Rushen was momentarily confused but could only turn away as instructed. He heard Li Wuting call out behind him, “Announce him.”bIAGLLuBhImrxRQPsjsFoAswsWkiyd

guxDjjfRTNsmqUx

The curtain was lifted, and Huo Mian entered.ylrjjTehvFqxVpqALGcegzTMFlRQWh

oibGrcmdjoBYjgP

·njJDKtWRVmjHDWePGWeFyPtZtSwIES

kZHFhOGvnvJlXqL

Huo Mian entered and gave his greetings.rKDeJNKUgqFDyIjdZcXvwOqrzsOSYL

OLMwMIwbtemnFLi

Ning Rushen, with his back to the two of them, applied cold water to his face and was surprised by how hot his face was.XavpYVWjEeUwOpYPnGaTwaeZWUZDMp

IZrkiISaabzyxut

He paused for a moment: …So, what was his expression just now?IEmyfYmIkLmsBlrczibNififazKuCQ

lkyXIqDnHKFMlMc

Soon, Li Wuting’s voice inquired about the injuries behind him.PoppjvUytGEjsWfMTAJRDFOXUfyTNQ

osYSCPgWOvwyTkv

Ning Rushen exhaled hot air and composed himself.EqdiayvksjwlLJkaRnGRQVkGwUOHDq

fiYpCgyiDQOrpLM

After splashing a few handfuls of cold water, he turned around and approached to listen.BeXWiJqNnqjDGSpaSJzYAxfszHTYxQ

YfolvFoRaSeWbmx

“They’ve all been settled in the wounded soldiers’ camp, and the herbs…” Huo Mian, initially reporting seriously, paused when he saw the water droplets still on Ning Rushen’s flushed face.HuHiFGOVALxmjjsWRYfIUKrdyPZWBG

zflApWMBWIAehiL

His first reaction was to mention this to Prince Xuan?ElDXgaAfaKfkpaqFZBolqPoIuqRNpA

KJGHEChDXFcoeOE

Ning Rushen glanced over suspiciously: What’s wrong?FRsEyhkFojjsQlqMuWxFuyQxyuNQvK

ugaoLZEErUqcMES

It seemed like he saw something strange through Huo Mian’s eyes.rONbybhPTmyIuKJpGbErBdgwXymUYZ

iJnApQRwjMYcgYt

Suddenly, Li Wuting’s voice came from the side, “What about the herbs?”VDlIPxuCLXqGhFtAGSFZHwcOXJmIhQ

dCkmJCMCUSvyDpo

Huo Mian quickly regained his composure, “There are still enough.”vTyDrVCnzsjizpJGcmLKuyTkWEIWEX

KxMSMAUSlcFPOcF

He continued reporting on military matters, and Ning Rushen grew increasingly alarmed: There were actually five thousand North Di cavalry in last night’s raid, which was already quite a large number for a surprise attack.yJLTtSHEfhGlcjGXPUGZuMbLCmFpfn

gCKbdUvQZeLCEkw

They had brought six thousand troops, and fortunately, with Li Wuting and Huo Mian each handling a thousand men, they had avoided severe losses.aOmTQWlcghSxsELrYpKIYlzkHMsIFc

JxhaWWOFZijpfnQ

Ning Rushen asked, “Where was the point of the raid?”AjjzLjKWiFlMhaSQJPsygJNKagKNhI

rpMXckaqySUtsGp

Li Wuting pointed to a spot on the sand table, “Shuoyuan, this section of the city wall is the weakest and was almost breached by them. Considering the strength of the North Di’s forces, it’s likely a test attack for a full-scale assault. Once they break through Shuoyuan, they can lead their army directly in.”bOdbVDgrOElWCDgmUUKaremMhdCFIH

VZLQVNkqneZbQIy

Ning Rushen looked at the sand table, “Hmm.”UMRrasfRfnnFfsJoYHvGKgwMVXxrnq

DshDjKpHpqRHAbz

So, does that mean the enemy is closer to the Shuoyuan direction?BdrRFrZrPJMDVzBHYMZflXurRvJMxI

AQhZtdETogjNdvp

To confirm his guess, Li Wuting chuckled, “But it’s just right, we’ve managed to get a clear picture of their forces and deployment.”IJdXzMqbOEVTNshbIelYNMBMOIRgnw

txuDSfRyjrKljPa

Huo Mian asked, “Your Majesty, shall we remain inactive?”daZPlrvokSAWRbbDTUguqLdgRcKHYG

SnQwPAdBPMvgzZM

Li Wuting pondered for a moment and suddenly asked, “Today is the sixth day of October?”odEQWTuuaLwQNXIZTpPeCjGTBNlVqT

znPSnTyYpDtpvHb

Huo Mian answered, “Yes.”OWDEVdpWbrvdStkYgRoKSPWpKxDQXu

rdWhYcDLSfLasvk

Li Wuting then furrowed his brows, a sharp intent appearing in his eyes, “Summon all the generals. We can’t wait any longer.”VtjmXnSxAvRhRBsJlweqLuGThDwQUR

CylveClsKaggoZe

Ning Rushen looked at his cold expression, feeling a sense of tension:KTZzQpMgqLsLvMmkqRTzHCiKcSVFhn

NIjqqyWCtqqxEyR

— This means, a formal campaign against the Di.dCuwhNueBZGJkmhHaIYRewqHbUTufn

NiNaOjExLeyclSl

The North Di’s night raid marked the first battle before the great war erupted.MonCMllGQgQRychtDBbwXhdsgdcZGe

kqtPSUrwxxWuGyq

The campaign against the Di was scheduled to start two days later.ecXuWOffQLgJjZVxnEIIOIIffRYtNu

MFSvZFgpdIcfVTv

In just two days, Li Wuting quickly reorganized the troops, formulated strategies with the generals, and ordered Sun Wu to return from Lichuan to guard Longyuan Pass.pCIkgfRmCKttjpSmzobGpQKMUsmnTS

gVAGgFgdZcsesLF

When Sun Wu returned, Ning Rushen was counting spears and arrows.amnrHFasqnzJhoydILYuHRAgXMPepg

yIUBumQffvYWlGk

He heard a long, kettle-like whistle cut through the camp, and turned to see Sun Wu, with tears in his eyes, rushing over:vkpVBtkAMENJafBizYVjoHmkaewZcA

HkddJMwPITacgPA

“Old Sun is finally back—”VcDfGAnAJxbmiWDGfpEtNkvNPMytot

VaZWUFUACFxWDmb

As soon as he finished speaking, he grabbed Ning Rushen and hugged him fiercely: Smack!RdGVzJJiqBuNMpiAzMKHEwoYVnAlHw

alLaPhQcSUedxvQ

Ning Rushen was stunned and his ears buzzed:JOpafPmXiydGIeEcEoyLNhXnTIQQKA

PcSscYhhAAoZWYr

…Are you the cavalry brought in by the monkeys?lnLdCoIPfcWCPUBLbdnJoClUpVgIUo

vPUilQBXjIneTnn

Dizzy and with ringing in his ears, Sun Wu continued to enthusiastically pat him, “Long time no see, Lord Ning, have you missed me!”JajrhIWZZseoWaaDWVqNeDHmsccrOE

xuCQNEuTQbnzrST

Ning Rushen didn’t have time to react.JgNeJWhVIFAogfOFpnqyfFszqyUYob

FwnsfpDiPERvhFK

A hand suddenly reached out from the side, grabbing Sun Wu by the collar and pulling him away—REncZEXxuKAugUQGCbuSTRImffEAqc

jFjJCyZLSqzVlKG

Huo Mian warned, “Go away, get to the side!”FdaOkXirytRkkQxRfYqhmUahNFOMwz

MQokbKgEdldzHQs

Sun Wu, “Hey! What are you doing, General?”kZCzrGtUuDlCQQRjLnhRUXdNQnbGOT

AWqZNsvhpqXOTlj

Huo Mian glanced at Ning Rushen and pulled Sun Wu away.BeaisQXwYUmzfPyMZueBEBWBidJhPV

vSDJejPoyogKEIm

From a distance, Sun Wu could still hear him solemnly mumbling, “I’m saving your life!”cGyWCTdWItntpMDHoNUsamrLgZKkEL

ksYWgobBCYklKEp

Sun Wu looked over, “Huh????”lTcJfAnoxPVNBnYJqjjmUcUPdVNFTC

hifaOfaxivDRbiF

Ning Rushen, “…” There are so many crazy people in this world.nvHUziYnQnjjfzVWTfzeAHouAidWCQ

XTYSMpsiZkmTPtb

·ijqdYFISnkJIRnPhxvyHdoVDzeQeLC

fYwcTsyeuFQydNX

The two days passed quickly.QCjdnyQaLKsndojYUOERvhsuYUkrkP

vtxRVhEqWMIKdvU

The day before the army’s expedition arrived.gCKqnhnhBIJFMgeMVLBmDsrkVBKkaM

bSOkEVWVFBnLouZ

That evening, Li Wuting gathered the generals and made specific points: for example, avoid crossing Hengyuan Slope when reaching Yishui; do not pursue the desperate enemy, especially avoid pursuing them into the foothills of the West River.ESLoLHqeZGGcqJBblEMrVVLoIoKRCL

STPmTvevYoHxfeG

The generals were puzzled but made a mental note of it.HcnAchZLrXHwSkiYJTfqSayifugsbd

aoGAhgrTkDTwAAU

After the meeting, the soldiers went their separate ways.IJRAugdmhUPOSxtybdIoQZOAqDuqLp

yUEWIsNSrEUVHqX

After Ning Rushen finished washing up and returned, he saw the silhouette behind the screen, apparently just having removed his armor and sitting on the edge of the bed. Thinking about what was just mentioned, he leaned his head around the corner:NKMPpnQFLHoucRpkEtjbchtlCoIaGY

afCeXfoosgFWFZw

“Your Majesty.”rWYznQaOwsMLBbzFhTtKNhLnHxzrjV

qedTzWLNILkDgTj

Li Wuting looked at him, “What’s the matter?”GPfGIEHvfayslaWBMpcEeQkLnaSkvw

yuhaMuyVXWoKyNy

Ning Rushen asked, “How did Your Majesty predict those things?”jDttvMrOPcRjGhImcHlQeNlNOUtKoD

TSzpesdwAUluMSx

“Want to know?” Li Wuting sat on the edge of the bed and looked at him, curving his lips slightly, “I said, once you nod, I’ll tell you everything.”xBlvHDmErUbVfyVkWyASlClJDWoiUD

MRcsfPtjErGRVzk

So, what should I nod at?QkoZLpvAIUvzRgWwiwbkSIbsrFHyUg

rVWJWFUaswlmnHK

Ning Rushen was about to nod again when he heard Li Wuting’s soft voice, “Tonight, will you come up as well?”KroHOKybYJHqSCQNsyrreqDCerDxJp

ecLuceLZCuCgNgA

At the same time, he nodded: “Yes.”xRoAzJhQlkaLJVqEcEeGJkbHMzhMDl

PiNPAhEdsyvViwC

“……”jXdFMgfonhSMBwqzVnVeVIoTrrxvKU

mYLYiSWVbmnWRmR

Ning Rushen: Wait, no!MmfDuVzxIdsFtmykasViTGBsZcVNIY

yThhnrlQpMEPFBY

Li Wuting smiled slightly, “You agreed so quickly.” He then made way and lightly patted the bed.IqKreqYVChtWXxMSBBKHjzSkhcIdqR

ooPZNUNewlRjkUY

Ning Rushen opened his mouth but swallowed his words when he met Li Wuting’s steady gaze: This is the last night before the great battle; tomorrow the army will set out.cbflUcnrdpPeMQKZEQqSSPioOVxgTQ

oRSrdHhvwvEcXqf

His emotions surged suddenly, and he climbed onto the bed.YndGemtAjUnJVcVyfXdejJSRrMWYlg

artoaCKFiiGFYWW

The bed was still faintly scented with a familiar fragrance.jDdbAUGbGVWrmzvmEtxxtJyGUCfmHx

nHtArLSYMTQMTYJ

Ning Rushen’s heart raced and his whole body felt hot: So, tonight, should he also be a haven of rest for Li Wuting?bbEZfdfQqcYJFsNVbybMsOOzZtcrsy

CeZPUzTurzcysgP

While he was thinking, a long arm suddenly reached out and pulled him into an embrace.cuYrVlAYDguPaXHMQHoMLpzHiZgwEn

qTLoSgrvQgMoMjP

Ning Rushen held his breath: !YxcqPnEcosHUhejXOJZudTPUWMzfEb

LsgadopzhyyRjDd

Li Wuting held him and whispered, “I apologize for the intrusion.”PzPLedhOckmtTjgQoKroHeGkVDYeXR

vnOcMEfrJlJfFEq

Ning Rushen stared in disbelief:zBTOoLqXeUnPHCDMVUApZRigPawojG

jqGQsuvNdsnbrob

What is this, is he… practicing gentlemanly manners? But will Li Wuting continue to do this in the future, hugging him and then seriously saying, “Ning Qing, I apologize”…VzkMRPGqhgOAjrWqhphxJDMONFaavG

MCKVApZeOHFXKlh

Li Wuting had ordered Dequan to turn off the lights.OiDPLQAQEfFhLmuTsDISDiGdXrdESL

aFLPiTdHSgwBTMj

The light disappeared abruptly.axXmKmeGhedUGqDpytnYGQObHJaNQD

VSBRnwIHCGAxkIb

In the darkness, Ning Rushen clung to Li Wuting’s clothing, feeling the fabric brushing against each other. He dared not make a sound, feeling Li Wuting’s strong and warm arms around him, and the air around them was heated.mKbtOpPGAlHJNkFKrPbNdjwilfxoeu

ZBjruYsHtICObDX

Li Wuting’s deep voice came from above:TLrPEBIzuQQUzwDlIkqoPwQqIooCtP

xauWGxnbqmDSVFJ

“If you don’t want this, push me away.”UqWfPhXJIdFTLuNcYREFhXARhnugNV

iOmlvoUZRJxqjrl

Ning Rushen paused for a moment. In the intoxicating warmth, he tightened his fingers and then wrapped his arms around Li Wuting’s waist.noPvMwPQSnLJDKuKxfvqNnRiNIANCo

XrQsODVhuwcGuPg

His embrace tightened suddenly—MaqVWScEWJfyskiNPSimGYjdUXGWbM

EUDEkaAkQDcVbBa

“Hmm…” His cheek pressed against Li Wuting’s chest, feeling the rapid heartbeat like war drums pounding, each beat sending a surge of blood through him.EGOJmjEvPLINDGrAToksRAZLOMXsKA

cFwTuEucznmUWbi

“Your Majesty…” Ning Rushen closed his eyes.QxWTeJysVwhzbrhZaBwwnNbqwjKaly

oLNccSBFplvPbsO

Li Wuting held him tighter, his voice almost lost in his uneven breathing, “…Sleep.”BMEbNyMADNhEobXnSdOpLhxzNvKAeu

ytvemRzZrvrmqTC

The airtight embrace was warm and reassuring.EuZeHPJlrrQrUWRTWEAIdzfhXapaUv

oLgAHWtGLoHnDKg

On the final night before the battle, Ning Rushen allowed himself to sink into the emperor’s arms and gradually fell asleep amidst the slight dizziness.dJhOAdsmFMLRnSTCPyPNliCjTgaiDU

qhLhkeADuhwUbtE

Before falling into a deep sleep, he murmured, “Your Majesty, good night…”HaQZvbIVXfpyduPRfkUeJRZOjfzOse

SFQMAhClVAibDHY

A faint reply came from above: “Good night, Ning Qing.”rfXnviIiJihwSfYYEcREcJXYIMfewy

qCpZPlJxjyRTfPs

“……Rushen.”NrcryHwvwVnWXArFpUyAMVRCeGrlmA

aahxfZAwxcJivnZ

·OgdoVJChsNOTbeHzGieZIHzFGXOdjQ

svIpDAjpsukUHYM

He slept soundly through the night until the following morning.YWwKWXRymnqnebsQAZJQXiashHBVdd

pkzPDIqJLaXuTmf

Early in the morning, the entire army prepared to depart.CoHmSpfoCQzHqqHZEoyaBhHJdcQBys

GxTFJDWxAVeNHmN

Li Wuting rose to don his armor and cloak and left the camp.pljPAyPzZSEwFBAZVzLgYtGdNeaYSe

bEbRwZkJkvSfTZb

Ning Rushen also quickly got ready, tied his hair back, and donned a sharp cavalry outfit, heading out through the city gate.AHDKpffXQWYjdqQeNgUrsWerZFuhcG

OlXtZeKeGazajLv

In front of Longyuan Pass, the heavy gate rumbled open—mxEyyFFuWNvYVXsWlZXZBKFnOMrSnf

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A streak of dawn appeared on the horizon, spreading from the rising gate, illuminating the entire northern frontier.QIhILAeHduDmGrTNCgMhMtEgyeBfhr

VxoelZgjsmzniXw

With the gate wide open, the army lined up in front of the pass.BzVHEzPJkBRdGXYlVHZAEDDhttkCww

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Cavalry in the front, infantry in the back, armor gleaming with a cold light, casting long, regimented shadows.QNkyOgXFkVaVapOrmPNOWqPpNpDJJB

xYeTDEKMnIlEHqr

Under the general’s flag, the vast army stood in solemn silence.EYTUCqNpeARZZiYzMSCTximmwcDMYF

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It brought a tremendous impact and stirring to the heart.SYustFuEHqRobgGXgYowfmBUtQAKZX

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Ning Rushen and Xuan Wang saw them off from the front of the army.pEExFFxOIrFuoreMzVrYXYqLQvZWDE

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He looked up to see Li Wuting leading the way, mounted high. The dark cloak wrapped around him against the wind and sand, and the silver helmet was edged with a hint of golden red morning light.LQTKIJbFanIWHaqrvLOuTiLjTHLGgD

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The handsome face turned towards him.nftpYegUMJfYHhbFBNYAQbWmUGfYcn

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He took a deep breath and accepted the parting wine.lUMXpGxvTXevQPsDiHCwJZioiCBAga

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Alcohol was forbidden in the army, but before the expedition, the commander would drink a cup of “Yangguan wine” on behalf of the troops.kiGUSfmcjHhjGbnCwCRMKqdsdrVPGR

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Ning Rushen held the wine cup and approached Li Wuting.iHwNBSuvKcWQVdPgOiQPBBYGxTjAch

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The wine in the cup reflected the early morning light, clear and transparent, like frost and blood, sharp and pungent.HXvTrKzEiirsUbdOSyIfCnvIeMvWOR

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He met Li Wuting’s lowered gaze, his throat suddenly tight, fingers slightly clenched:eSBZlTdFGJlpkxDlxeHxYGnuPJemPt

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“…May Your Majesty and the Great Cheng army achieve victory.”TKotrMSewPYQFqkfMoxTLTrOUiNDNF

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Li Wuting stared at him without blinking and took the cup, drinking it all in one gulp.GLAssVGfsEaboUyOSYfgKSSGrCtUaS

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The strong wine burned through him.GIjGtsWhoIvIePqwUgtJNJwwuVslpL

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Behind them, the army erupted in cheers:leoGLFbRIxaFuoUdwnmIBtGCqYuOzt

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“Great Cheng will win—”mGikuiSXtxXtPdattAqNCHVGFhFIJu

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“Kill the Di! Kill the Di! Kill the Di!!!”BlSDdxusKmDQGfFsFnbHzfEJdPcStF

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Li Wuting’s face was illuminated by the golden-red morning sun, and his neck was reddened by the burning alcohol, his heart surging with emotion.PPXyEZWOuCILvfkBoaxPQlnJFrDDIj

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Ahead lay the vast desert of North Di.PWJfUAjGifUIufHyauANAjXfvONMQR

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He had confidence in victory and a resolve to face death.ptcjBFLqNYknOWVXbtZhkoHNoWqLNI

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Li Wuting’s heartbeat pounded against his chest, one hand gripping the wine cup, with countless feelings breaking through the peak—uUSTsbnqtYmWFIqwGitLYlQcHHklxX

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Amidst the deafening cheers, he looked at Ning Rushen’s clear eyes and said, “When I return victorious, will you stay by my side?”pDdfwJmNRnIJpkLAEXzchBIKiKiUMa

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“I will give you the best of Great Cheng.”FmonNdOxfZTJnYbITJCrQHTGeTStsG

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His voice was drowned by the roaring cheers but was clearly heard by Ning Rushen up close.paJHywUWURdVVOEbgdnleAwTBSireC

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Ning Rushen’s heart skipped a beat, and he stared at the emperor.kYZGnSTQBCsTnrZJBasimIXMmHWHiC

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He saw the intense heat in Li Wuting’s eyes, his cheeks and neck flushed red.fwBqVdyxmcbizlUAmUWljCCRMMRjrr

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Feeling like he was burned, Ning Rushen’s heartbeat matched the thunderous drums. He opened his mouth:CoJhTmCnaQYyeSwkswOzmtSvSPpQia

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“Your Majesty means…”vdtZZHVComQdyKBrtSpDwUpOoXNVyc

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Li Wuting suddenly threw his cloak wide, with a whoosh—JksxezmZhDrDoeJsKnteVcmOvMqpCh

jVaohAIlRqAxdbW

He bent down as he passed the cup, shielding from potential eyes behind, and pressed the cup into Ning Rushen’s hand. Then, taking his fingers, he pressed a kiss to his forehead:oMymIdJsZRtmgzbSNrrkaDhWaVJGTS

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“You know I have feelings for you.”tmoMuOBGftlOlNngLBSnhIDNMlXuyJ

EheNKgFEJwJARso

—VgutGoYGimEdtkIoVPxIYeAXmOUOzw

xVekmhFfGocTUio

Author’s Note:jHMipuEWKEXDBIHZonzpANEOufqXRf

LhZUSlqyBnRuTxY

Li Wuting: Giving the best Great Cheng to the cat!sDLGyERLHwDJoknnxTdUvBuTwebgFU

FjpDIvqWOjWMcJS

Ning Cat: Actually, I only need some cookies and a litter box attendant. (Sprawled) (Easy to care for)AFPPwhNAwBRCSqYlIYCnZriBOdFzZP

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