This official is so weak

Outside Lu Ma’s path, the ground was in disarray.zTxUuCebKoSRgnSXQdaKUCcOfXkLKP

ZjwrRjeOGcRggsQ

Li Ying-tang rode in at full speed, not having time to adjust his clothes. He dismounted and, pulling on the reins, gasped for breath:YuDKKCVPYUqcoeQyQWpWuPvRErixNS

YBnqEtNFvbABLHf

“The grain convoy is short by three carts of grain. The grain officer is repeatedly bowing and apologizing.”rwQeTaOFSXSZkrplbQEodZXMuJffrr

jeNsjxsbLJaSljF

The personal guards cried out loudly: “Where is Lord Ning?”ptcguPxKuFikaSyYDyTDhSxqNrNXau

cvplEvnCvOysarS

How could such a large Lord Ning be missing?VGilbCpOYCmNZmgkSaRYKqjwupumSY

mhozBREQXpxAxWX

“…” Li Ying-tang was gasping for air. “Where is he?”XTAOIjfwvcHPhQFvYBbWAauPgUzARE

roquyutlruIeCiN

“Your Highness! This subordinate accidentally hid him in the cart,” a personal guard cried out, “We’ve searched everywhere and he’s nowhere to be found. Could he… could he be in those three carts… ahhh!”BpASfXJWXQQyFOQmKCfcLjGtEuSVjj

GexJhQrDSwjAuNj

Li Ying-tang felt dizzy and quickly looked around. He suddenly spotted a familiar white jade hairpin under a chaotic pile of grain carts—wKnyUKihnrDDpLbzPrxRmtvkVrXQob

OiTJIULqRUhZsXR

He hurried over to pick it up: it was Lord Ning’s.OMmTyTtZcRAnryfSeKoiQwBjqyxJbs

sHTgahdFHheHYtr

With such an important item lost, it was almost certain that they had misplaced the person.FNDOIFvMdtCTIadWDNzYNZAHzljegx

KEqrlOqqZMgLFhI

Thinking of His Majesty far away on the frontier and the delicate Lord Ning being captured by the fierce Northern Di soldiers…nPxxClntsERvaWjrVQajcqoDiBeQkY

rjrrfejfBSlQkWL

Li Ying-tang gripped the jade pin tightly, turned his head, and blew a horse whistle.GWdyQHugaipnLRkrTsHdIOvyCMCXJp

nHBbOmihBQeAwOQ

A swift horse came galloping. He mounted it in a leap, ordered, “Return to the city and gather troops to search for him,” and then spurred the horse into a fast gallop.glypgolzNjqFJsTYdzvGbivwlHXdcr

mrCshypNDALEUMy

His sleeves fluttered in the wind, and a hawk’s cry pierced the air.KVZdnfhBQNONuxdtImRKxLHPjEIaOp

VxxNzidzZnICYUQ

With a swish! Li Ying-tang raised his arm, and the snow-white peregrine falcon landed on it. Holding the white jade pin, he signaled:bdpkDpJTariNdMxGqwAkzTawyUuCPl

PsDRbvtdRRsdasP

“Recognize it? Go find him—”pMiIzzAXWOsNchlsrdNPLcsarpcrit

QdYjoVYePsocdZc

The falcon flapped its wings once and then soared into the sky.uRvIWMaObLTwUutvZVZshwYRkoJiJG

iMkdaHwcRfOOuZS

…stmHKunUSWLqBlknXcHuMBiBftHrKt

htzMIflIjYdWwfn

Meanwhile, outside the frontier.UNFYzprJOBalGBZfDSvTDyJkgRGmdc

yXwTqEyzWSHhOcl

Ning Rushen, hiding among the grain carts, was also gasping for breath: he had been smuggled out with the three carts of stolen grain.LSwUGwGOXDwoHaUsXJLyTezXvPgRCf

DIByPvTGQIQstOZ

Now, he was isolated and helpless, unable to escape.AjcznoAwiGzoiduHSuvkLNCfJzjDoB

GavxuxOaXKnzDyq

His thoughts raced through his mind.dwflWgSgqhoSbhWciVdSDMrVgFBFOU

LaPSZlZPDkDAeLl

Then he forced himself to calm down, brushed off the straw in front of him, and said as naturally as possible, “Hey.”WjOUUGQykGeYYjAsjWogGaaOOqHTOh

ZUrliSzvODlGvoP

“…”tZyYKReSiyEjZwlDlzXYaDbLvxYUEv

AsVtAgSpUjpoiMt

Ahead, the horses stopped.pnIhACXkxeFWNSsAxLwaEgkQGpgqWw

BGxNCMeTPiQuJNl

The tall and rugged Northern Di soldiers stared at the head that emerged from the grain pile: Who is this???NPEnVDLWyfmjFInvqUXdrmSjSZJzMa

NoXxWnkVEHVFhbD

An hour and a half later.PGmcQkWnVCAkjHvkTnFbBMpqoRHLFV

zvjwORaQBbkTPRd

In the Northern frontier, at the camp of the Great Prince Landar.gcnfHgykxgTXgMKeKvZdnQYzdiJPug

BeryffSqkGoVLkz

Ning Rushen, along with the grain and fodder, was brought into the camp.VrBZrGZbOciEANipJsHJkLECoXCZZg

GzqHNXNoMVNrwCg

Surrounded by Northern Di cavalry dressed in Hu clothing, all casting various glances at him, he passed through sheep pens and campfires until he reached the largest tent in the center.VMdenYwnsfStJXTpkkhEFShfKkxYdg

oBbtMKHNGDmHOFg

“Great Prince!” a Northern Di soldier reported from the side.OsiiJIdsEoZHSiqNOKRtDzfSpVMSsr

ZBODjPZdTCuIzeK

A response came from inside, and the tent flap was lifted, leading him inside.qWcDLndYbSQMYkTnejJQXmEsqfJcSr

fOaddzSAnaUFHoY

Upon entering, the aroma of wine and warmth enveloped him.FbkLKReEGSKsokUWJlWAVgHrRIoEaa

yUIjUAFiTysLPdA

Ning Rushen took a deep breath and looked up.vmSInCiccKLmehqNOhSCjqqXXGmFvb

XriILfCsflhWWdC

He saw a man with dark hair tied in braids and adorned with accessories sitting in the main seat, dressed in a short woolen coat. He appeared to be about twenty-five or twenty-six. The ground was covered with thick woolen blankets, and the table was laden with fine wine, fruits, and smoked meat.RNkPqysezuedUHVuzfrgwyDxemLlpv

rhdecXthnfkuNkL

Landar’s gaze fell upon him.EXbOwUrxJWqaWlqaoOBaDESwyLmfnX

ccrDpxHdQDtuvsk

The Northern Di soldiers said, “Great Prince, we captured three carts of grain and brought back a Great Chen envoy.”fLhbEjgAAqxluSJgJGhogpeYzvAzHH

CDJBbdOqPhSsnnE

“Who is this? Where did he come from?”mEscyOoneLitrfzaJxTWFIvEpVdwhO

OyqcgHPuFJUNEdq

“He suddenly appeared from among the grain piles!”ZJACdJCuRSrgwHnRQzgcTJLkTiwAXP

wySKbVbjjjbLbET

“…”hIpnpSNhRKuWflEQHiQARLpbnKcugP

gzFjVygwniNGbwO

Landar slammed a silver cup to the ground and cursed angrily, “Fools! Can people grow out of straw piles? He must have come with the grain convoy. Forget it, if he’s useless, kill him. If he’s useful…”qyihsseZmFDXhyBCZKJnkxgdFyMYGu

sMgssGsgGzChOrI

He looked at Ning Rushen and asked in Great Chen dialect, “Tell me, who are you?”LZhuQQFaeusulEgxLzAbXKQMrXLRBl

txiastPBATmSkYz

Ning Rushen felt the intense killing intent from the other party.MrhZLYHgRKarYaEGMecKfdjAtfaydu

mAANvpiGmNfOjXD

He steadied himself and replied, “I am a priest, accompanying the grain convoy to perform rituals for the Great Chen rear.”xxXhLssgxUcvaYUpTnHPPxULvOofGW

UKpmkeCvmpucxzI

“???? Priest?”NZqxsUvQWxqYzidfUqrsXnXKZMJfWc

TKixiRoaDSOgfog

Landar looked at him with suspicion.BzgPSylgnThfXMTzQvNjNWmQLeYYOC

JGDDiUwZfvxPCzk

Ning Rushen was dressed in regular clothes today. His youthful, clean appearance made him look very young, not like an official or a soldier—FfuVoSoIvpDjTrFYxiFnHYmwSNHQQW

laqTeNlPxitFbiS

Where could you find such a delicate and weak soldier?yPFPahCmidUUmqzYbDIkfbnFtnlFfy

bUsKExLWiIQGceR

Landar was somewhat convinced, “What is your name?”QBanKLyQOyGeemBoELAcZfAMnJBahx

NgOsCzOTEpEhXyr

Ning Rushen replied, “Ning Rushen.”PKYuqVWVOwLBQAMMYhFtrIVyPthJIu

EZfflubGvTMaJop

It still sounded strange. Landar waved his hand, “Search him first!”SvENxAFcvffKqkYWgFJVXbvWQtpqMp

tkziBamIlhAffeY

·EXdfwMlMXbPETcYoFjEybtCwTSVaKX

qMAGOOryjgzCDSd

With the command given, several Northern Di soldiers rolled up their sleeves and approached.RuZHRgfVXbLGrbRpYeZqGlcvQUwRzD

PnVElPsYoUykcOF

Ning Rushen’s heart tightened, but he also felt a bit relieved:ixlhcCWMXFRIexqJevpGcZigDSBQDW

OuNTMTFFtGYnOvZ

Fortunately, he had secretly thrown away the fish talisman on the road, so he had nothing on him that indicated his identity.MEveAJVibXFMkoKWcRFLRiRsABUHFm

aOqRxBFedtQjhnZ

But the white jade pin—ftFbZjBPDaCGZsPnQxlAEbNGvsyTLk

gRUKHROtsLnhwHe

Thinking of waking up with his black hair spread over his shoulders and the jade pin with Li Wuting’s name missing, Ning Rushen didn’t know whether to breathe a sigh of relief or shed tears.GJpRqpnjEXoAMAiNfFjoSMvWeGqlyt

yDZdsapWYvjxJUR

He vaguely remembered that the pin seemed to have fallen when he hit his head.eVnTMGhQymzrilMswKFEnPQRvZBFOF

PKKAghLxybaOndh

He could only pray that it had fallen at the original place and that some personal guards had picked it up for him.ysinNZKeCFaJXkDVygpDiwNoSktphf

IbbDLNKjjbJuWPA

While he was silently distressed, the search was over.OaRSIcbkgmcLYKgOqYAaTNsyXWFxmm

TBgFUPpsJUPvEiL

The Northern Di soldiers were rough; they quickly rummaged through his belongings and pulled out a handful of peanuts from his waistband.oTmxIBVsjzERUWhqjkcOQeApZExyxY

GkZmcWJKBRizGbI

“…” Landar and the Northern Di soldiers.yPYCXeFPooshzrRjBiVCfavmmSWehG

HSbywSExhwNDbOe

Peanuts scattered all over the ground, and Ning Rushen’s pained expression hadn’t yet disappeared.RTlUJvDJLXyryBKsTUyYlnEcrDmKUg

BxjUKPkqpeHtgiG

Landar’s gaze became less guarded, and after sizing him up, he suddenly took an interest:kdhrSXhPSrPbrgVAXPTwUISQUChims

gSiikPNQYzQXWtu

“Are your Great Chen priests similar to our Northern Di shamans?”qzNvPzGIFTfmafWNnAIiQnLanoxDAR

FjYsmiXuaKKpGIL

Ning Rushen only knew that King Heku was superstitious about shamans. Could this Great Prince be the same?juzyeSUHXbQxktagfZlaFtrtwgyGlU

fjNiKSDJrndGvWF

He tentatively replied, “Somewhat.”QiPoiPfGQwJlbhntJMEXpoigmGCqXi

GcFEUUTHxHrdaUP

Landar, upon hearing this, straightened up, squinting, “Then show me your skills, or how would I know if you’re just talking nonsense.”goJUwtMZSlDLpdasPCtdULCeEWnBBT

jFERmBRQFoWKVZM

Ning Rushen thought of the Northern Di’s situation and prepared:UwpFtiysGebSMyCiSOBblDDMmQzIaf

tixgcgyxCTjktES

“Great Prince, your destiny is extraordinary; you are a Golden-winged Kunpeng…”WGfUyxupoHkzfQzwjHMMiMkmutIuZK

gOxpDjcOzgMabfo

“Mm, well said, that is indeed this prince.”aCFjGyvUpEbCWzpzGtCnXriporGBDq

vAGyyetkDtxIDJC

“Unfortunately, you are constrained by a shallow pool, overshadowed by a black eagle. Kunpeng and eagle originate from the same source…”xfyPGYwvZykfOZPWsjSPjBGhLOQLrJ

OngdeoHbTUfdWbu

“Hold on!”EhYXswxUUDyIORUEOxhvulUEGlBVga

lVISdAtddgHKNlA

Landar’s expression changed several times. He looked around and ordered, “Everyone leave.”MpgtWdfJIQTqyRCJsihqnapxeALuWO

UUEwERwsaaHLbYW

The Northern Di soldiers, confused, withdrew as ordered.hVJaOGPOGPiRdUwHjjnguQIWEVStLg

PCEAyxemCWiniqd

After they left, Landar stared at Ning Rushen and said, “You speak as if you know what you’re talking about. This prince is indeed troubled by unfulfilled talents… But these aren’t secrets. Do you have more? Continue.”MWynbpxjcObrFfdCrzwHJHRduEBBSX

ucTDQZiraTLuciP

Ning Rushen moistened his lips.etnZGPvDsAJFbuMaEplHvxHRUrNLyx

EhZVsvJBnruCSuV

What more to say? He really didn’t know anything else.BLOnPQJdFGBbIzqaytdIJwrCCfhoOU

tIILZPrVBJJQdsA

Meeting Landar’s gaze, he could only grit his teeth and repeat the rumors he had made up before, “Another party received secret instructions; this time’s military campaign is for military achievements to recognize ancestral origins.”tSeCxBDuqIkqJQlLIsWqDvMdToWzmA

LDpGlrmVNBZdTVa

Bang! The table in front of him was suddenly smashed:TosOdfUILWhisoBjnOljskBOQBMXsu

TwtLcQsrWuBbilj

“Those rumors circulating recently are indeed not groundless!”eiZUKgIwGZZOTrLDOQjBQaymjauAAb

RkLFSqcQLdXwsDy

“That’s what I knew! And there’s something even more absurd—”AFbaHVMbevblmRuEOsmLCkYQrYvsvs

qgbKwsNYrDiGpGU

Ning Rushen: ……?boiTQRZERdhEGbYMsKAcTuggltnaWB

OUwIVerMuHVbcjg

Landar seemed to have thought of something, burning with anger. His gaze shifted, and he suddenly asked in alarm:FuPyaHJqVhOMhCjUhkXXDKZwQldVmk

SLOsyOacZcLOMyE

“How did you come to know such secrets?”rPpKssIeqztpdDrZamylkGvDoMOYOO

vtelHLIhSQRkQjE

How did he come to know? It was all coming from his own mouth.WFmdbjHkRtmacRkAGeXsexHPLUFwgR

ZFBQevtgKbalagb

But what could be more absurd?pgLfbtkXksCYgFIGQXAyJUygDSxcDF

mExcrBZaLjHJdUA

Ning Rushen momentarily gathered his thoughts and said calmly, “Naturally, it’s derived from calculations.”nPwdkGxByPenzNuHzDKVFxQHoGDWyX

kBLQkQHwTTBXqkl

Seeing the skepticism in Landar’s eyes, he added, “How about this? Let me make an exception and demonstrate my calculating power for the Great Prince.”TDbOwMgoCRYuQKhkWQydihnSroZtjt

lfiVKgUVmUpvQGJ

Landar: ?QcbdPGdzpKYpoLmROVJapReZxcgDhX

foCVdBMMucywTPk

…wqxQXapdFOmiNkNsqFDbWPTwEEUwvo

FhoAqeJMTWSIqIS

Soon, twenty-four identical thin wooden sticks were laid out on the table.BcCsSNbSFmnYenYShwHxCtOzEnZACx

SHlumSULynWhZUI

Ning Rushen wrote numbers on the back of each stick, turned them over, and said, “Please, Great Prince, draw two sticks and remember them, then set them aside.”giLKqelgUZqJrcbxgTzuUvuthBRhqP

ZSjedptBNSmUoyf

Landar eagerly complied, “Oh.”ntCJfUQEKdaVmyCboWkeKXJybcydaP

hAebweopSyhvhaJ

Ning Rushen took the two sticks and hid them behind his back, drawing one of them to show Landar, “What number is this?”OZPYYtgMqyRGNZvRFtAEdeCdkFCaus

GyrFhztjyveMgVX

“Three.”lSusEwOlSqbphhZeMqRUvjNWktJyeb

innnVkEobuxGlRC

Ning Rushen nodded and returned it behind his back.PihxYazJXcVnKgozHNIchcJVrHNZjH

zIsEgvaJIGPKPCG

He then placed the two sticks back among the others, shuffled them, and spread them out. He then, in a mysterious tone, sensed for a moment and pointed with his slender white finger:VJiUgfvlwwKDZkHxxyOJHygbYlvtuq

ZZFdgKFPDLvGhhD

“The other stick is sixteen, right?”fErlluWZXbqoeHNccMoAsgXJZVIZaa

UlRnFXqHuehzuAx

Landar was astonished, “Yes, yes! How did you know?”wRyTrhYSJAAbMvlqNBVhLZyAGWkevA

MvRPvwMNtVJcTua

Ning Rushen gave him a mysterious glance and whispered, “Shh.”vRtbHkmXcAqMtQMZAIUkZkkhVjosRf

zbBEHqaGMHumAAe

“—That’s only the beginning.”tbDVZRoouVdSApZZiEIQEDsSPhMfCB

NFYiYnCyDSvZhEh

For an entire afternoon, he performed card tricks, speaking softly and slowly:QdlvLbPqQMcEqxePjIRVrJaUFuyKlc

ZDqSsdcxDFuLiJy

“Great Prince, have you always felt different from others since you were young? That’s because you’re naturally protected by the divine eagle.”WvzwFFoOmNoKUJSxYSVdmBbfFDhDgw

HGvrlPuvTUaOHoQ

“Many people around you are envious of you, aren’t they? I knew it.”aomQIeBLmLlcQzlBZsjjqkfovbFOBs

YgnxOBTcpeydYvJ

“Great Prince, fortune is with you in the North, and—ah, it hurts!”oErCAYZioMHguaAeGRuXffhaoZvpcG

ZCuGHKqXWpkZdrd

Landar jumped in surprise, “What’s wrong with you?”tFHcmJSvTOhkpHHawiksZyBlqggqoR

EEKodcxPuzCzqif

Ning Rushen covered his mouth weakly, “I can’t say anymore, or I’ll incur divine wrath.”kUMWUrqkPHTGhaOzXfNwTafLjiLoDe

UjJyPmRKZfbWywH

“Oh, oh…”zEuCqJQstBDnnbtbFKDgMwMdYEtliE

bNlrYRAJHakjRXH

·qDQwpsWDYZvILCGxxdxEcPjdZpwcFa

DnrSlrQpPJvxTuR

After a dizzying display.IqABFgDsFAuurqyMmIkerkvIHODZbw

TpudrUNqNLXnpTc

By the time they exited the tent, Landar was limping.gfCUlXtPKioUoTwzPYZcsLwaEgCQqG

OcgRTuQltOrcdir

Ning Rushen followed Landar, with the Northern Di soldiers stationed outside the tent asking:iDDfNRKnvRhtLEdlpgXHZcTpggGNgo

YCOiPkFmbIdXdIB

“Great Prince, how should we deal with this Great Chen envoy?”kqOMstzDwqqfhtoGzOziVmyIvtvzeH

YXZELFMKnsdOrGs

“First, keep him under guard.” Landar glanced over, “Provide him with food and drink; this prince has use for him.”MEZnVqNYknDXhuIyErzSpgMtRZcGCj

XMrgaQmavxKXIqq

After speaking, a Northern Di deputy general glanced over.manokyDuuhAnSeordTKAMXdNfkdOOP

rJvJcHJtJxtxhDC

At this moment, Ning Rushen still had his long hair flowing and wore plain white clothes. His black hair and bright eyes, with a touch of striking red mole on his ear, made him stand out among the rugged Northern Di people.shpSZQwHESYZakKxAGdLQfpFzsPEDq

JNCwzVgeeMmDbJk

The deputy general swallowed and squinted, “Great Prince, may I—”RyOBAgwWyLPmIcysMJoMlgdcuvaZsu

JYyNpQjHgCpDlZM

His expression made it clear what he was thinking.FBbJjGPMHJGqGnYOZWFWeJOIiqlmsj

OjlLOnxamckupki

Landar hesitated, then looked at Ning Rushen: This Great Chen “priest” was indeed very attractive. If it weren’t for his aversion to male beauty…jNBXFHQMpGATLAEAPwDEulRdaQylBz

xuENyUbTMOezYwh

Ning Rushen, feeling scrutinized, quickly spoke, “Desecrators are to be put to death.”mIeiKeTJVooqDNsfLwePnMOymUQMtk

aPAjSEsTfVMuSfg

“…” Landar dismissed him, “Forget it, don’t spoil things.” He then lowered his voice, “Once our major plans are accomplished, we’ll see.”nfgBYOKUDavpYOvBmwCzWhdReeSocU

XYBIVoBuCIkfIEO

The deputy general looked at him for a moment, reluctantly leaving, “Yes.”HqkMJeofPiPgmIucIXBiVsexvoEbyJ

EWSaUKmiivXRtZk

Ning Rushen breathed a sigh of relief and was led away.tsymwMKpySDneTsZFpOVMxRnGrbykO

cixGUNeNZdpJaCg

Due to his special status, Landar assigned him a small tent, with strict guards outside.MWwddpqAREaVdEYDYgJJaHolgUVweA

uccHWFvuSzcLHVa

Entering the tent—jwnwXXFAzkUXQkqCKiclgyJfTrsBaV

UNDXwZRKMwIklil

The round-topped small tent was not very spacious, but it had blankets, so he should be warm enough at night.hyzPMJicftkpAzndnDuppvuODyfzxe

gRmxmcUwxRdRuol

Ning Rushen lay down on the blue and yellow checkered blanket.wIrEtkdPjGLcfDACcPLmzCcWKjussc

UmFChVVmxHrFTOF

He looked up at the translucent tent roof, deep in thought:dEArNwFfCOQbDEMOFtpXyqiBIeehdo

HnNfEpXjJFQlLNj

It seemed the rumors spread by Shi Yi and Lu Wu had taken effect in the Northern Di.nnaEbQbNcZOtmUKOgcxQAJwLnwVAeG

OVZrDHiVgufZojp

Although he didn’t know what the “more absurd” part was…FiyMGmcEmXaoXlNJgOIraJyQTIJBNT

ZAhntgKvgFlXNMR

But the Great Prince’s sudden deployment to intercept the grain was probably due to those rumors making him restless, thus competing with King Heku for merit.wmOtQWFooRdmtMBvxFVQZtcNyCrTtv

AhLEimiBoKVwVaZ

He suddenly paused. Had he flapped his butterfly wings, inadvertently drawing himself into the fray?uGMEDFeQYRwsurthmFLnQZoCtWKpEB

jseIBKkIzUGuTAJ

Never mind, Ning Rushen comforted himself:dqNkEquqEtAEQOVREbuRuzujoZoOnE

QaTAbplGoYLuGiV

At least he had survived for now.LIGoGfHOqQghIhfTFYDzSaeiferCaP

HbLteyXobvlwnpO

He placed his fingertips on his lower abdomen and suddenly felt eager to try: since he was here, should he stir up some trouble for the Northern Di?tKoYGJJicDcGYyNUrQSmanKlbZsYZk

AsihsAFNMEVmAjz

Perhaps capture a big rat for his Majesty to take back.RuBUsNrCTombFFXmzTeHmBsEsNDcYz

ZwpykkUBnFjRwiy

Meanwhile—CDxcEzxMXnifuEwVSjiLiAhqoVfKmq

NMgaWjjjyvMKrkx

In the wild northern desert, a white falcon flapped its wings.KYEZGeMNRyMWFFpMbRMbWTVkFVCXgX

QkIgCownWnpQRhZ

Hundreds of miles away, Shi Yi and Lu Wu led their horses out of the royal city.gYIzyoYmmOGQtIKwCCVYJJhdmeZYEk

FNUHfABcFXkQpIC

In the depths of the desert, in King Heku’s camp.WfQhmYPgKfCIhyZMQnOAeXcuwkVUQg

yfHLljYAoRVVRio

King Heku read the report: The Great Prince had mobilized troops and intercepted the Great Chen’s grain convoy, bringing back a “priest.”sbRKyJfjUKSEdYvgEItpAHCPwYqVqv

bpzncORKFplVnVZ

He chuckled, “Interesting.”HZCrASwCSDeyPvUuvVlBQzVqwAsqah

nGReDadysEHIFaO

He then instructed someone to saddle a horse, “I’ll go take a look.”CXahckctwqLxKAqMiQXvjafyLsFjUN

qajwqKSovfoISDI

Meanwhile, fifty miles away at the upstream of Yishui.dfnNdJEPUtfYXDKqvgBwmKxhhhBgHP

kPzKYkTlrExzfAs

Scouts hastened, traveling three days to reach the Great Chen camp!jHjIEoBRPtclOcuwNpXYmZJWVzQqes

AQbGdqEnzJIWxZm

In the central army tent, Emperor Li Wuting sat on the main seat. The generals were discussing the next strategic move. A scout entered with a letter and presented it before the Emperor:LYelbmefHHpbjyobYpqQeTwjdZKLhk

dypMNiGxoFCFMjL

“Your Majesty, urgent report from Chang Sui!”MKrskRWtCjrULhZNwmWfZOtteWcseI

sBIvsoFioAhIHjj

Li Wuting took the letter and read the first two lines.OkhHJiMpaLWIofTAMbpzzVolsHLPcL

FGNhlBAQxevMJKK

Immediately, the calm and collected Emperor suddenly stood up, almost overturning the table before him. Bang!dhOTjqiOHJhhKgbDzUcjyvPECkvJgj

uuzlQiWaKfbLxeu

His fingers clenched the paper so tightly they turned white—HgSRfLXonhBbGTKRLZMRBUcioWcnKh

tCSMINMnUcaUpCV

The generals were astonished, “Your Majesty!?”OWuoULqEwrMtCcMeXpdcUmrJPqzitq

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Li Wuting stared at the words on the letter, closed his eyes, and saw only those bright eyes looking up from before the city gate before the campaign.HOLcsKomaPRvcFbYHdYvZMQcHVIiKm

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His chest heaved, and after a moment, he coldly uttered, “Northern Di.”AwGuEReUcrcfhrpWhqXQjrIztDXjsW

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Author’s Note:gHLWzjazPgSmuBaHevBHewjrhXJSxq

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Li Wuting (with murderous intent): I haven’t even warmed up with a cat yet!jEJFwbphRfenHOqnHnrdggDkzgFVSc

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Ning’s cat: The Northern Di’s land is vast too! Frolic around.tLWvgaUroPysaRrmTRdSWgbgQnWWUV

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A loop:ProssMteKpWzHNTePhkUHWMmgALGgF

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Ning spreads rumors → The Great Prince believes themUUwYAZjmVygQaSnqIywCbErQKuLEJK

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The Great Prince mobilizes troops → Kidnaps NingsiszMbcIIaeFDyMgbfVofxMvYJAzNw

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Ning spreads the rumors again → Hits the mark → The Great Prince believes again → In short, “The Great Prince believes.”ZxbxmXVpLMkWnetvQoxMgyHzXAwdmV

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Magic Trick Revealed: When the first card is shown, the back is actually the other card that was flipped over, not hidden behind, just looked at and then placed back together.UDKeKtITKnYstWOHmEhcbzMmBThXfe

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