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.PuBTbQTBQeEWeTeYLfmLreOwMZgUps

MRaxvDsgsPDpKSm

He got up and rustled around while getting dressed.RVBVblIyNVqGPBGHxKVALOcnBLjrpS

FhSobVgHbrpxmrB

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…quyOlFWIDZKRmuHwIuXcMboZcdylYB

tdDYYNGipncjglP

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

cIOiDmFfuUutvXX

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

rIlVqhnzzbVucNd

Ning Rushen finished dressing and took a deep breath:yeKMXRYoImWdTjgccArkyudhqdtxoy

uRYnuwAFbAmWttO

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

fThSJEaUQHXMxhU

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.VLzgHisUrJCqIOfKiSLhftxUyciKIP

HxUjXKxaQbanUTw

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

HyyiHZevsEodEsD

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.moHzeMqEUcJfNAdhxctzzenmnUClgJ

YwKrakffoHthetG

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

WDBFDIfbkwEuHTW

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

qjnMvsyvGIzvTpr

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

pjcwjDNCxACUPoh

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:VvqSanrHZKvlCyOJGVDLEAjZAyAZpg

CDLcAQdyuzBlNie

“Last night, nothing happened—”rhmyTUeqEPzVaVdUmwREyyskgxHbND

HTpdikQaLxXowhV

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

ZhGvEfodTipajNI

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

OLTgXdAgVctNRcX

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

wiUZUxrxGRLYiWK

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

HcXVovOEPZmIkOe

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

ERcBEHsLpVhggay

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

nybxDwzAdyRKDWq

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

DNLIhCnRJratcQE

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.egefRHvSsBKWbPpXhTBbgpqOFcAHDi

XhpoDkYEVItRGVG

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

zVrHdChTkIjLvcB

Ning Rushen, “……….”MXzsawFHeOUUaXpZgJzzuzcBlZgWoH

PlQDksDlyfkUlme

What was that silent glance supposed to mean?fdsCJnfeOeWdCdqDbRthmkfXRXBvjx

ZmaGEALrqoKUdCX

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.”gKRORxIFzKRVcqHrTcyqEDYozNoqqI

JUxamIxwuLzAZBx

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

yqadsYBJsQxVaQw

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

aIpAIyqoKNpPbSV

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

RxzniPmSmSJMtzM

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

tUmZWDrWlHIopFj

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

sVpNbrFhkPUiLEu

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.TsHZRFHrvvuObfPuGnGEdNQgNfoAtW

wzENPaSMLaVJBcx

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

DskXXccvLQnChpi

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

xcvFVSfjpFUSekd

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

YcjpDclroBKxQYU

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

ZuEzrVvqordCITR

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

PDaOmXUWUgaqxjn

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

BZeYgYIeYagcDYz

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…”RTXKQeCsRJMJlpjywDZDUzcZPecFiU

oiwKlDRTqZuHYzr

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

RAzzCxpCSoPDKsV

“……”KgnShltUNEznlxsSupocqCZxZLwrZw

UrgaTzZNzbrOrlY

“……”jDNJiiMMQqPdEwVWZxhNFWzlVWwCWK

ADXXAuTBGxjGmgM

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

TIkOvajOSEFSZBs

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?”psZfWvXEySNUrVaiKPRbxeWMFOIynO

iNcODfcsRwMTtvM

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

SXHqoKhwHQxkUnX

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

TQaJumtDhNmVsMm

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

wZmRBkMeyUQENtp

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

IMvhMdiseZxKKEZ

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

OkLmffETqXyThVI

…The distraction had arrived.QBQCmqGBHTInBsLoDInciGJtccgOhg

LfvIoRZurnfbKRt

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.”cIxlfurhGZqwSbpRcePBMGzpHrRWEW

HVqEvvmHuYmymXf

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

fKWHoilfzwlHvkR

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

yWcaprIMPxHYMaB

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

WsnTqFShtnQEYHt

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

tWDSmTcGtTeMKga

The curtain was lifted, and Huo Mian entered.UiViKzuMLpfDVfAfHygarwPSowhXgH

xhdtNZkmniHrAaX

·pXHIUnQChoShImAgaXlApdIJsOaUvR

MOXThMptXcXsZom

Huo Mian entered and gave his greetings.IiOYWIoVcINvnHjjBGyyoCSoyNytqy

LZrXSWIXXUOOQzv

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.hioqUDGFwpaXPrEGUdiKcQzWLpxiRZ

vhjWiZXWBldqaTu

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

czOJXDDQUPIgBwK

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

SjCFbwEsfTYKHXq

Ning Rushen exhaled hot air and composed himself.vcdZZViQqlOdFiumDqYVbxfWOsaWVu

tfVKcDFkBhWMnZr

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

MnPYVmgEhMceWQU

“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.xpGdNeclHMzWsNHXTxDqasXWmMALtq

UNtiMcsonCJPcCx

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

qvHjxoNirdkuQbj

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

CeQeIVNEFRMZpXb

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

xZXBRCQMaJdPXtO

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

FknecMehRQfbTzE

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

vbrjNrvYHtuOcFo

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.wJSmPpqPJVroEADiqcSsZjKDzRjmuk

CECjLSeIKrbNZDK

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

OwfzrKGGKCddUuo

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

BSmLGWKvCjlnCHB

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.”kvAHIzWPScmRVxJxujQKJtZAjrbugj

OMCeviKdYuokahQ

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

siDgRQixEKfJbKx

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

AAhkFYsGKEIfAEm

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.”cFHShFaBngUufUlEPnsRtCCfdedain

WAFOLIcmuWJHVTl

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

PRmKrMgXBhvBVkc

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

HPqDoBhHMPNwyWK

Huo Mian answered, “Yes.”nvgOkWrpNSqIAEPAtLnSWOvFpmnCYz

KnqdvPtmSyYHAxX

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

zHUgcRsjCmDRlKS

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

vuwjXKWBjhWLqae

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

GJsxQbABjBcsRBs

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

VTuRzMRyTTkwfZg

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

HsxzkiWUAwlQIEn

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.ESRKevbKdTnAqZcZCuaGXwYjeIgWWQ

CmbfgPcSHWbFxxd

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

TRDkWgydPUQrQAD

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

lNusDeTlixOuKtd

“Old Sun is finally back—”OQDYskrNTFHcZLKFbJzsvlXANtNTZh

AarQUMOcMeCBiMs

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

KNrZwvBrrkBjwpP

Ning Rushen was stunned and his ears buzzed:UErjagVDOdXOJuwTTngEgzaPUWbWlE

OQBdxRwYWeyNfjI

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

lVwBerKMPyWTXJz

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

EtpCGMMMtuUfQTO

Ning Rushen didn’t have time to react.fAHHqOzlpNazlWeYAUQPqkfeYTfdLd

KzfhFKCTcCZZZLV

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

VANimMRRblmCxid

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

gwuAOQycfEIVkZm

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

xYylaSobJCRfraP

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

ahmAngDTEhbWEfW

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

tdZWhOnaBdklPFO

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

stQhibSCnGjWNQV

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

cKSHLhacyiEydbk

·iQkTEIchMkZxtKNKfyIVFpYJRacgah

raDlVkddVhKTgEH

The two days passed quickly.NtFXbXjaeqRRmiYVcucuJGGvFaJOgd

dEQGwmtkjhghsGl

The day before the army’s expedition arrived.bYuEJjtNLoBQHDgWrjtjxZhBwnCiiR

KnCoOYfGGqckRIN

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.rORFjwyOdSmFLdPaSOIIURXSGKBXkn

fzjTKIckJCNgvgd

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

kBQEjpWdgZoEePg

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

IEEvdanrcIsLmxR

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:rOlLmaMAlPKfWmuhFgStCxdIQFWGQq

xYKzpWcnlPsRDUJ

“Your Majesty.”LdlmeaiuYHETADWDPQxmsilVuDUDYj

PBBvdPhhvNeRUuq

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

ueLHzRosZCSFWnN

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

gMEvXJOqfCCTcfE

“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.”FbNcCRBvZQBfuOQohIcFfbxjmgNOwu

tQdOFvGUPLJQeBF

So, what should I nod at?ENUrjhPQCflYwzXtdyjSsCCjWrUqdS

ygzwPuFZxaGmQdX

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

kvyPkalnSzCFmPm

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

UjRmCMjZFmFpmuy

“……”BhOonsgSGIrVxlETNqJUmMsRVShPjS

LHbmkPbJevsTBDh

Ning Rushen: Wait, no!EsYWZcDMWfbVVibTcZbTrZSgVHhtYQ

ySuAWmvFyhTtUPy

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

bcrnhqqjCWCnRco

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.uvVNiPfqhDjtEpZIhfrzRDYsJgUyju

HKhEmoxgzkzqLPI

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

iCfNvNagsVpLVRl

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

kqZNIckbiXZTPRT

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

IRzcJCtaqQhghlP

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

AzacowmLllpQocS

Ning Rushen held his breath: !FvuHqqFTtRoYjzKNhMlkkkXhEPcghM

LEHNqlByPnTVqUW

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

VJruTwnMsujqHkZ

Ning Rushen stared in disbelief:BfwrjwddJLVTxlkegwvGOrxpqxxqYa

FIRJkimAUtGiojG

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”…KBYVtVyswkVHIromSlhLQotjwMImVc

KtnCorfSavuqwNx

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

WCOdWTaPlOJSwrj

The light disappeared abruptly.DlLoVqayIvkfUtdPEFTTCzLNmYGREk

bEqEphaZehTMLmb

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.WmheLYxFPeNjuCTwOaeZfyWjokIXgO

cwdtwRgrDrMkJrW

Li Wuting’s deep voice came from above:KprwVswwOZHDqWisXioFdmJtzkstyX

OGYKcGAiUqkaKrj

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

UiUyiWZeuFTBvXG

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

huLFnSBMXQcnFlT

His embrace tightened suddenly—SsIkittjIqNWGDMgJOZOzcMCbQqgfd

nPpsHFRMUePKkpJ

“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.OrxRTdGJHsyvjSTsBdgCtQcwmotHxS

mhmDKJAYocuUwYT

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

HhwtxoLjsFrUTCM

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

ZhVNSSVYSCnJDyS

The airtight embrace was warm and reassuring.CSAahFpydLPvUuMJZEZWfKFBIcqnja

lehKVyiGLEUGkSW

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.YDmDyAOKpeRPATfrknSZumynDUjYqo

kpDPJOEZqbfuwzg

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

jJCaExaqKsMyfTt

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

grXufuHDuniexFm

“……Rushen.”GbtMUpbNdUACbvZvTkcsetOMHyYiHA

obZdlKvXrEyxBDD

·ilJUfbKqiBjzvsSIRslIaFIDmSAJVo

vWrmbzgOESmRRYh

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

idyyHXQbrNIeImS

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

vWYqjxpdJokYhVq

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

ahndQVzIgWjCeNM

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

budBVcpTHTPnzXa

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

fyvwbAiCkVxDZit

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

OuBTdUuqasdWdqZ

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

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

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

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

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

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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.msrhxYTlsQuCremyYmaodCgtytMrvO

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The handsome face turned towards him.QkbavsbVUbIwTeUTMEBBYQNfkBXBOx

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

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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.wlzIjvWYjnLApguAKqtXHpPteSQmkp

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

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

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

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

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

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The strong wine burned through him.niAzltyIcweKRUCSzbFwYMexBcHcun

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Behind them, the army erupted in cheers:hFgOXjQQirJdEsCxfnLkHqjVhzxsAf

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“Great Cheng will win—”zhRvotInoPRMiYNfdUSRayQrfMfZEP

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“Kill the Di! Kill the Di! Kill the Di!!!”UdNfNbVfuDfdFDkvwLvSPvlxIBhFrF

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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.XijZHOXgehTTdBVBsUweOffoMLHUGs

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Ahead lay the vast desert of North Di.BPDRFonLhPQJKmDeEpiBXOZGCaByTW

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

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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—bzgLVrwLUxSWgFsvPgEeFnxmpXEhRE

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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?”aEDIeUjNnguYYWesHyyrpYyldZfhNY

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

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

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

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

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

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“Your Majesty means…”fxiTMSlUTMjMUwprBofWCYrTZdTUcV

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

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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:PXkgZTGDrBYRMoHgaqFSXYIKwiPCpW

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“You know I have feelings for you.”icmlXamXIyDfvplMyfxjboUkCCLQcI

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—hkDhvpOfKcZLalYxQNxnOuMRpPcexM

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Author’s Note:kMNSkVEnDzQksJiQMxtvCPaLtNIuFs

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

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

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