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.RzDsgnOCvbagBvVkhTQjwfAcSfVTyZ

rJnbMBbsrDuhsWc

He got up and rustled around while getting dressed.bKiDVnSDtPCcNaMHepSxpPaBBYCCtu

VptiSIVPoENTnVI

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…jZuNCtLdVNqDThXaaZvMDzsMBzIcNP

sZEWuMvzrPXWsJG

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

VzULFUscNFRVdxC

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

UuXTGXWEoNgrMMT

Ning Rushen finished dressing and took a deep breath:yGatWKYyTIiAFktpKIERzkjUvbGEzC

SCEQYFPRbkQbXse

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

vuVjbHbBWYyaMYK

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.rZzPqdDOzOussZwtnUoMfcfpIQdvYp

TaIPlWeVugRQMyo

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

sHCqxOpVJNumcEf

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.zbzdimbIvHNNgjeYSomZbvOyPHJuhb

lixlUsqgZuvKfhC

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

QgnJADjorRZjKhe

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

LlOAJHJLPXiwpIR

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

jNXAjbfxLvrxOgd

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:LVljiUFtTtAXTdMOIeSJmYxPgwXDfm

ZrIMMXvaECcVovC

“Last night, nothing happened—”PmmWhnjkfUgqxjgrcfTKlHAwSmnuUJ

gJiXWloiMEIxIHj

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

liPYCgnmUBSOcuT

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

sYgSGUPpifhGFaf

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

rLcxRKdkcjavupE

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

iVUSpnyBiDmPIVE

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

OENlPzrDTMOKsuM

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

dCUGTejiWQWvAhG

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

XkDkItgjQoSueuk

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.NGSgrzJapPpfaJCVEQiHwOtWzMMaik

TUuibHslQhZyGBa

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

JlklafcaczJXvcH

Ning Rushen, “……….”KsUBDZmBCbkSteQCKCoKQSeWEYJfnJ

EsXbInkjWQxMIOX

What was that silent glance supposed to mean?jNDbqDfQoZjqBmXRjmIMEEzFvGFfbR

eJkcYFYzqJGTFMj

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.”nJpmVMrurhQIKTDMYRXmmTwobvKCSv

huLhbeNuKIZbIYE

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

RSdtJotlQzmJsVx

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

eoKTvxBCwajRMJM

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

GwWosVWTLoRfydL

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

CrxxJRcHayAUkQJ

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

KuuxQHPUiBnVGWW

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.pvCZlEyDtJnCrsSUvUcXnNkruQLEzJ

BGecoBHXezTKRKC

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

fwzhkiscXnHFLGE

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

bGWAxvRjZCRvmnm

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

GEVOSbpmnjXVPNj

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

rBAbYTuoKKerokr

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

UAWHMnlXKFORjOu

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

vPnrjvgMrnPqWLH

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…”SLBxnouumQuWNoPijCsvSUdlLOMuWY

cuaSVShnwTWhSdA

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

jRKZIBCFvPCUhil

“……”JbKHATEmghQIJAectsluArEpOLZBzU

zBsGTcLsXHXNKdP

“……”qltOrBhYqVEXhWLnzVQtllWfKnObFn

ZZSbbRXhJBzwdGj

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

IRpXcmfNrKbSmAy

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?”APTECSrSuWUfgccacfnsPCvPXJrAVJ

NthFlHoLPLJIGeh

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

OkZWXkInJevLkBZ

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

WYJOgvxuAtFpmqv

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

EXoazmRknXtoTgO

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

pGNsRwipbEVymBD

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

oRCWRWlyVKQeulM

…The distraction had arrived.zuGmIyZaDZMaLKDCuViivPkbXUmkuv

HeVrzOdNdwfBjJB

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.”FwQAMZknHXyAPfnUYBYlzlARTSOPRA

AxpdtpkudvRIZDh

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

hFBIDVxOodLbotX

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

DpPaqFFMYZSyWsK

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

prjFmYlGoBCqOZF

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

GRiLwRxwRcvayct

The curtain was lifted, and Huo Mian entered.DZswUhYKCGhHAziassFjqwqOxRCYBQ

uLSgwzkyGefZxTH

·vuSnRctlDcJUOgApNltveJuHgFCqdL

hgSAfmxpZWKQKkh

Huo Mian entered and gave his greetings.trrtgxuKEFpZmXCLxQYrRNkJiJskqQ

ITEuTDihSVpkxae

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.AXaixLVOCuriwgLZyWciEnjBSStnjb

gufuJeSRSECQGte

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

pIqXbkMZjXoXpsF

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

fxoUNBpPpUYltEa

Ning Rushen exhaled hot air and composed himself.HMkiNoBiknYBmReAeRwmklgolJPiSt

QXOZYTtOAeivVSO

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

zIzObpeHQqjFgyN

“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.ptGuSvvdUhCTNxKNmIVnpoJNZubwaq

QRxNlPjGGizONaJ

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

nVBurRIQJJWwkVy

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

ETHdgFtlWvPrfSf

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

xywNfmoUnXknDVO

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

CeBUMZZIyKtoyPA

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

phXrLpmvwlntYwH

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.TyyybSBTQFZtfogglIBmaxVyaRhqBa

OuetCinmjYwvYRn

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

ZdrediLRblkfUbC

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

WIhpUlHUbSFIWMH

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.”ErDzzAidfMOaavRjShwpbjrHRRzTLV

DtPomnxiYxyONTQ

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

FyVvjdILnzsSQbr

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

KKBPRUPcTKgfwVA

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.”tTeKNkzlpZuxFGSrzEuldKbHlrGWdK

ZGSbwNrSthkSLKn

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

dthwQKSUMfGKdfg

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

cJyaUyysjIszPwG

Huo Mian answered, “Yes.”DVabmibQsdTlrBNCLOweOWWXNPsyUk

CKJztidGOXQtafA

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

zAvftmBVtBLgUJO

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

lmzCkvNUciDExts

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

VZZEJoRACKHeSMk

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

IcBfNWiQoPYmsPD

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

sLhdWngpgxXOicm

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.JCkDFcjCdPfuToldZoHnKLhcctIlZq

OUBKIsCSIvIIcIi

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

nJgDaahNuSsegpH

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

LyzYaFcyGJTrUUE

“Old Sun is finally back—”xESmAQFeSoCFTTGDaNUBkaXKMADUxQ

XmmPPSUyTkWuwtZ

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

JUgbKoHHIvfWUDB

Ning Rushen was stunned and his ears buzzed:qIWGVcbwpTWfbuUXdxbkJeFEPkhTwn

xIQKjyepKDzztca

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

XfpGEeOxhRNzhen

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

lSSYSwJjtZMUyvs

Ning Rushen didn’t have time to react.jJXIjSxosBkXPXnvNywAtkANMLNcoS

gLdIeVUBRcVwshZ

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

CeQYfQXwvQPDmSp

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

hCAScfWaWdJVLPw

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

QbOBITVQcvnTThi

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

NBVYQBntsPdSojd

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

rTMkGtCXhbcjpKX

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

ngXjdZwyANZeGqz

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

TIDugwKIGfGdjiA

·hBvtytSQZthebOyzjggryaDAAZymOR

gIHeMLVeQYuVyzH

The two days passed quickly.HisAlsFArGUjmdXWvagmMxSbtXqIzs

VcsbVRmtPMKzNgZ

The day before the army’s expedition arrived.hMmYDMkKXPTxxZFdAQjdIYZTvHnsfw

CdAWZiUXoafxYGb

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.FhTkojZDbxJPIxeKKQiNiGJOSZqJLF

FutTOVLyGJGBTkb

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

iuEuhoVVhSBCaOj

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

pPiyFKfJDSQjEyh

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:RaFybYfdsEPgefVuiLiaPiXJEIaOLd

aQlmICwwrobXeHl

“Your Majesty.”OgpmYtXZIaZgfbYUlIoDzBPVPAScMM

taIGTLkbTOxJwsW

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

FYMnJcLQRIJdGyQ

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

GmdaieeKqJoWDUo

“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.”VGpZscsqTBaorcwxglEIbDmmWjGfqF

JfCfoXJNhfKVeBc

So, what should I nod at?BAFBdxTyLkaOLxwSLYTRTneEHAlxsB

GDLjBbxjQZGIXth

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

PuteXUvhbfHbJEx

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

BfFEAJSSQuFyNMA

“……”WcWoqYZKceqYfHssquFFLWlxPBudPe

iFxWdeBrPWriLEt

Ning Rushen: Wait, no!iVuEjCyEABzIDXnYpSTFwUiNdSZuNb

MfouiLDBfdEtoJr

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

sEOEuKdOTyqahdr

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.CVcTHMtGwBhrwmXmPGyQWrFhAjiDvR

MbuZCQLchNeKjgp

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

ZGczmHZdMxnPbrv

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

XcxVvEBdIHSzHaw

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

IDzhuzihFYICIrJ

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

axCuYGFDNAUyPzs

Ning Rushen held his breath: !QsnvTLKbijJLzsGpQCbPeQBVBJEXZr

mESLJihJgfxIFFU

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

OWYDSOvLTelSath

Ning Rushen stared in disbelief:dHpKKCNZTEVnjrKAmhVpHwOrwCKCgv

HpxCkCWLfNmbXny

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”…QIdTlDzyfxejhAbCjKNWLkrtdCIGUL

xBRWNUFsZdLiyQg

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

uFLVlDQegLJRPQB

The light disappeared abruptly.dMUXuhHAeXprOKJRKtvcnwLJsipCNO

EeHAvJLTtZmBiec

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.LBnsKfzzCgekXrGrhaLoaWevwFDASu

mEgmREHaFqlZyLJ

Li Wuting’s deep voice came from above:sexvuxdUFiCsTCDEWQxnadaMfBytAu

hanygCDghzXmHve

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

LMiZXLwEaoRPRqu

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

QmRtbWtewlYJajV

His embrace tightened suddenly—wNKgKIQGigqznYsVrpNxtqwOuSyphL

DZpunDPnNkxEyuL

“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.VrWktPBttCDCovdgfoSQJoztRSIaJq

EHuASbZXFMvittA

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

SAqKJjCgcszeNbw

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

XviQtVniPrrhYAJ

The airtight embrace was warm and reassuring.tgkWQZzRzxNqIIcmFGmnakWMkfBoWW

olNPDbKNdHTXHCL

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.OrqELRqiolfVgNLafShfbQpHVxNhRd

ztKzeXittSgQzNI

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

vQKqoBYlKZZYYUt

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

irtHPOljcOSJcnq

“……Rushen.”FHSsjCTXCwEHPElTyNfiBxPFDWyjiM

laKzvPrMnXxelMy

·UPcoKVLnTCmnNDYnvcdNSQcCYeGuwe

MKvPZqfnhxWRaIv

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

VNijyGazHDXJvWz

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

VqVNPuwgFeKbQBL

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

yiLchDdlgoGaCbO

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

WbkCnCmViSiAQsc

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

sDqxtJyALPkKbqI

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

UpOstIqDuPlPCpe

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

KsWNSecIPRMkztk

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

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

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

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

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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.xrpHljakyvhKEjizLWQwZujUvpsvfp

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The handsome face turned towards him.JpqSWXkCNHxwnSChDtBuguWNAxIJQf

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

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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.ugifFZfXznkvjeJhgrBbFLMExgcbAk

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

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

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

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

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

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The strong wine burned through him.KyHBmQjnAhyCZgFNRqiWsHpmjNOQrE

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Behind them, the army erupted in cheers:IPGiNtKemiepQlltygTFCYplMqWIpK

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“Great Cheng will win—”GVgKoIKpPuZVHZTuwspDrQLDnXMRPO

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“Kill the Di! Kill the Di! Kill the Di!!!”vQqsbYTeQYKzpssWUqYtjGvNSMzPQo

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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.HkotrFuDGDXBOgipsPUycyDXzkrTin

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Ahead lay the vast desert of North Di.nzwbRsZYPDBgWUdLWSQOIDZOHCNRYh

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

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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—bvSHpwlCLBzSbeBaYRSsxHrprxYvWN

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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?”nWvbMmupZIcywMXqUnYbaScJfGyFPC

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

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

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

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

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

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“Your Majesty means…”XlFCQPrWJLjksaeHPSGfakbTVXPceM

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

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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:WZCIiAkxcFyNDaBIRAFoYmjobuYAOG

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“You know I have feelings for you.”dtAaoegaxZzJvVQQXWYHdLckJUAoXy

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—FDHxCXLaFgzazLgLGOoWbVlIgmPZje

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Author’s Note:javnzSGkxGyBEahRGKfelQOKaqaMkd

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

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

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