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.YtdvKiQMbkrNKZRavYXgxocqLdKpuN

xvcejizkDORcGcF

He got up and rustled around while getting dressed.kfnYAWyNiQKYAMNdmEAdqJvURfwQzd

CkDwskaeVAfFSZX

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…YPPyNYNWaSVYNKlUYKqoQZLSxypFfx

GgdWledLXBIUHIR

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

AGujrdNCoBYccib

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

LFJsOjhksMEiTBx

Ning Rushen finished dressing and took a deep breath:wmhxqNVaNoItpduURmPfiDEnsLRXIT

vxtHzPhqgUHtWGO

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

vsoKOJOExTMeqMT

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.epqfDOYRCyafetpVYaeKCPVrjhlRuH

DIYEzBxIyhDsdSL

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

RcBkAhIeQcdjtNV

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.eIWzeiNmnEJPMmIRtuSTuhEEJkcfOR

EAwATacnDGztiYn

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

JiEMzYkDdurqlJC

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

pqgwaHcGlRhsjAc

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

BZdgYKnlRwmGbrD

Ning Rushen turned to see De Quan 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:FWGntNCMMDQlMnSZFFmgAARLaMsVWW

ywneqLiIPazDPii

“Last night, nothing happened—”ABdvHBOJPJuyEquBNucQzaaKoExMGu

IoCLSFEXaCgCWhZ

De Quan’s little ears twitched, “Hmm?”FoPMyYdvxmgAvaNzsoOsITRRFqKPRU

NmoNCHflQlQBkMD

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

opBqLlmCuXppUkx

De Quan gave a knowing smile, “Mm-hmm.”cbNCvEYNoDMoYFrXkxxoVYYrjvogHn

OmbBYlwhiRJPlNc

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

vuGMBOJSyChENPy

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

JFDQAzJAaIrMnbr

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

MysRMrlnBbzvdUO

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

oDqzOHhNaAxUMuE

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.jyigvsDZYmMqiXxhyHqTkxAjTBqSWV

sPgphHbItpAkDhM

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

gkjzUuYHAcjjBZz

Ning Rushen, “……….”FvUBUdywEpGAwFvoRsdsDVNpmCKJSX

bLSfBiVYZDwGPcQ

What was that silent glance supposed to mean?bwelbjZZVEJTetDnYsczOMWZpYhlkq

jraIvpcxNwAeuBU

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.”zKFZaFmfagTLCoAJFcsxsMADGtleiX

jqKqgTQmjBHVRKh

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

ElBzyzMmwsXHhRG

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

eFNwYQUgOJgQaoz

The person in front then turned to De Quan and instructed, “Summon General Huo to the main tent.”YxPhQFTJsZGFvuUVmQUprwktaYCfFs

jVymqYYERQUVyTd

De Quan responded and left, leaving only the two of them in the tent.nyJfWPZORjkwlbAlzNHQNpPwmihqfX

ZEVBOMzRKfsnOoa

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

RdjktrMYQIXCsCO

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.TeBhVRTBfYOtuTOPgsnHmRYTSPmQUF

VrvhJkmLIzAxIqF

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

hiUwCzIOgLMZYEZ

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

wRaREnfGuJLfOJc

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

aWAqQfRmRpFlTnt

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

xoAvVhJxmniaOrt

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

JUdnDyOybzKkbbl

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

MWylILlboCNuWpO

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…”aEZsQNSGnLcdjbmVZAqAMvPNNVMAJI

frPOMMqFWncVuzZ

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

zpqmvELjvrmrZrr

“……”GTtiBzeiTIpbMfDuftotGfOqjPfhra

CWtSPXFCrDWJUnQ

“……”vfoVjBqroHbsFodwJWFQWovgkCdjcZ

pTmSAxVGjkwrWiD

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

QAgBJJZWLbZRUWJ

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?”khrlDnAJAyqhauXozlbxcuouRakFNk

nDhlxKmEntpGjkw

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

VdiMImQBSyJHJQA

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

eDaqrzXmiLmnnWA

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

gBGTopvVTpNGRAa

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

bfRkYIuijCRCnYA

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

TwphjwsvjnvPlUE

…The distraction had arrived.agEoKaABGRcACUZpTAvfrOltFSKaFy

FvvAnYIopakvSED

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.”YiSwGbHjWPzJtXOOZwbBoewYgSUCPr

ijIDtJNfWORTVaz

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

LVVuyLFguBYqwde

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

yEvZmvJBhnimcfE

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

GiBMCGPoRAEBrCE

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

zttZvuhbUIOjray

The curtain was lifted, and Huo Mian entered.SuFbMFcTspioolfGYxZRywMVZZRIxS

yAnpoWqGsABwGUT

·kNVsGGRicDunyDpERdNFFpDrQUAHVQ

aChETRBghUVxXPR

Huo Mian entered and gave his greetings.kLOFcNIpkORNUilITIENXHmWSDFKJK

IeSitVDSADkGMhM

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.exLSZXLYsEaqqXNhjwuboBxlpstMcG

zqpgkXHeTNFNhSL

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

oPiUdIEJAkdJncx

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

ECnvqHWXtYAwyOk

Ning Rushen exhaled hot air and composed himself.DSNfElKSZXeVnsWQKvxIzKosKNVQAd

IyorMZAZDLusFvC

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

oTTDWludBguBwkg

“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.CgktlrADgAgmBEqxUrCiAeTOuAMdea

CkIOJIWBFrRoUDa

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

OXPNQAcnXoQnWCq

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

tvRUlvvEYlnBEqc

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

YOlhjevBDPOtpCK

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

GhDdpPmwUKyXXhs

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

EiyBOrfLnmyQtAh

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.FgJhwDJDAkyUCZwvXWHaRrtzEyIvGP

iwCaPNtyybpTnnn

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

QQwrQXTttkuBaCq

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

RqPcOkAUYfIDEnt

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.”WgxKrhOjIwRzJSTpDEPksVDoOpVcUk

WaeYXSxrtdMgnbz

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

QySNHtsCMauBZjv

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

vKrhdHgYUAQiFMr

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.”QkLSlgRyZMJODPXeOiHSIvOXpKdMtC

VjryOxREwqBcjNd

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

IyNLcjYdvLASShx

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

RiTnKyPorTIrKwV

Huo Mian answered, “Yes.”cttUlWhztsaTTTHyWjrGgGlbbtqWGf

MrzdcSiofeaSZiY

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

KfCVhxFeojnLOab

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

KTQSShErwXdKpif

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

RClexBhENSSPqoa

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

dbdjFxauYrLXvDG

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

vlaHLwJxbeSFMXs

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.qqdfbkbZLkiOCizVKKIpwjJilAOeyp

jgVThtgPVyjfGUA

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

rzDiShGRGYZYeTN

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

RmHclEKnSephYcW

“Old Sun is finally back—”QbNwhOmJnqQvaTGRmkLdKHNpUiwIuc

QirwFerdCvYnCVV

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

BcmxNuIwraCcUHq

Ning Rushen was stunned and his ears buzzed:flDjOoFYhefogfoegbvOxtnOPPmvyU

qgYqsqbaEmmNxIE

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

mhuoOrsIiTHSdUs

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

RhSfEcLhNGJdEAr

Ning Rushen didn’t have time to react.MGHczFGbVCeDwOBTtlNrVFWHSWmhvX

xzoBXUwBLNIlsRx

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

NOSlpIKtILyJUOm

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

AOTQCyqeAQCOqRc

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

FulcQbyDupMjMMY

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

xEvTEcshtTSXokw

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

XpNbXTHRPQpNzcB

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

UMkmXXuxMpSBwnN

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

FPkeUuECgaIwhDM

·IXkZQgoTMEBPjcoAXCTIpwZvFOatJu

QJOJZtJgvhOJVec

The two days passed quickly.TYXyQtXuipmYQezkVZfffsVfvCUZcX

rCBgMlrkatWDmWh

The day before the army’s expedition arrived.xEYjuayYDFBiOhtCQJXYJiUXpOdOLf

SQgkGavXqyjzusA

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.rdocmxxngzkkDEaLgEFWuXhSHsAjiT

hBVevbMDHSjtFQI

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

zjHDtBxnLDTpxAL

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

gSblcsEbkTRHXHs

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:CydmZFdAQhmAViCTHDoyuQbxwlrPpj

crAqKPFYBWcwxNb

“Your Majesty.”oBuLNDhFtzzQziXqgGMaWFHQvhedrE

SqvkzYxltMkogtC

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

ZjzNDLmjvrbmokN

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

hPzRpDylvSYWrkS

“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.”HTmZiGnwcDnaolKxKnjhMgWqpFgQLt

lRJGpwDVHEqJrKX

So, what should I nod at?XvoIRPaLoDeHoPyzsJOumXKmwUeUBs

JHTvvqWdjLOLhYj

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

QxtWuSPZCBvWKmx

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

NDcPRZcpabkDumK

“……”TsEhtpJsMveJUCWfOJbDLFIHZSSArw

EQICrVSTKFXyoGB

Ning Rushen: Wait, no!taIhgZgmbzkisWrKemrmBXbHJVNabU

vSNHOXjNCPEtGrh

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

FosXJkkqgoClxHo

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.EhNYXBRlKlKOxyOXqdkKJDCOVLktJC

MAzbSLIITzmnBoK

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

NUsyuszsuCAQbhM

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

zSrkbUcfFJSDPWf

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

zwWdpEvZiUAFfVX

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

TuIMYFWzwWrKupi

Ning Rushen held his breath: !hTkQepatBKhoyYySXJzzSoxJIWqhmR

NUDizbFAIibSQvp

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

uekPacrhlXBmulo

Ning Rushen stared in disbelief:iqlSszVujRPPiiZUdiqhTQakMsWpNy

fJraVkcuLzYKOmQ

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”…dysXMnMERmYfDMBBjrNvCNPwyvFxZl

hFqhquLknbkKRxY

Li Wuting had ordered De Quan to turn off the lights.coWZeQtVJEsXPnzMVJWyeERTKxgdof

QkIPFjpiLNKXLoB

The light disappeared abruptly.DKNXrPfvlOUdXqrhbPElcJxRZJukar

uXFcrDSytduMsqT

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.JhDmsTACPkSJLvCyPGGWDxbddLGVDq

gDqMxzpaDQxkqZl

Li Wuting’s deep voice came from above:MuKVhvBGNMHnWfvSaIYtTBnIueoOeP

vqTrnsKhICTowxp

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

zqTZlAOAmIeJiKu

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

jpAEvEZTJByMHaY

His embrace tightened suddenly—CEbOXJoXTEeCQSvVkdvBqVGrQUFbkS

zlnNoJPVYYqdEmc

“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.adkzEtbqrNaDeYwLhKQvMvHwGAEbyG

XZQFJcRjbONQcdj

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

SqxijmPbqwELRox

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

VwFcgLoSIUeDaxC

The airtight embrace was warm and reassuring.NSFygwiUWqNzoEpDRXQqoUntjqpkUB

rweatBrYTPiFNpe

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.pvFsCEowODbObwiZgsFGRudTnrTQjC

nYgMRKWzwkpKlSx

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

cQEcHQuqYoZzMze

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

XZZhARWAdONTpIf

“……Rushen.”XiFmCoAboWPdHlwIuynMMxHIDpKPxs

aqdPyGEqzZSQJgT

·FooVpJHntzBtHsTdecqJriENoVbcHs

BiRpNGBMBqJehfb

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

PNZXYGewZhUNvPT

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

uXltriSBFgancUO

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

hefbccXBtNZBRYe

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

dCjCJRDxtKogGyh

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

KXvrKUHcUWzYaiN

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

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

DhOnPpMcAjbDGCl

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

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

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

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

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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.CPAJuMUmdgQGNdJafzpOCrtjlilWEK

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The handsome face turned towards him.XlmFFzYTkGduorBrsiHDLOPfcDVMPy

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

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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.dKWVcodpAEziEeIJBJAkbqhbibkKeP

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

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

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

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

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

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The strong wine burned through him.TVPuxNYPAhkkriNPfrxvRzdYWjRNGj

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Behind them, the army erupted in cheers:QGUZiNMrtqKutBrADHyMRJdQVGUUwB

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“Great Cheng will win—”MzJSUHHVnRXgoyjvNqwgtotUExKrWp

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“Kill the Di! Kill the Di! Kill the Di!!!”FTGsnfnCxWPhlANNGxKMOVSZBeKrbA

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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.gEIFUcjhZhqbvCjKhjAOEnqokdjOYE

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Ahead lay the vast desert of North Di.LhtByyOwdSgJrjnMTMEkyaCNAqJzbD

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

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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—modoYfHuGPnpVfTumUWhLFHckXRkVx

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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?”ZQlkjttEioojYLmmZLNJaJAvBQLUem

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

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

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

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

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

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“Your Majesty means…”lNidthuyPzkcGYwtyeadPbxDTYVoKR

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

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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:VFAgIkAvCdUITwLDbbBBDobaOHIiYo

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“You know I have feelings for you.”RelicYfduwxnXcgLdqMSiHpnHvgfXx

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—SPoepvIZgylodZZuQyMmXtQuzIsbAO

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Author’s Note:sblJZPccobIhneMAnShzMKYOLwYddH

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

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

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