This official is so weak

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

QzSQoHPejobdZZs

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:QJraylNCJonEInNoZycuVRfBYwZOuo

MHWBRztgvzGShYw

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

mhRNeLdCQsjQziT

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

ZRjJBvnxAHYwqGP

How could such a large Lord Ning be missing?cfIfMaJRgPnIfHZvgTdMTZaUrbuAPN

SCyQuTwwdmVIQOI

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

oUVJXyYrgWMCzVj

“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!”yHXOUmkVpjEHfGxhmWbvYRWlyrcIKe

TqtiHFfLAOYIrZw

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

WwaPtifdgykzquB

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

fSWrOZsPxogUuop

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

kKLzubxxrvyYese

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

DzxNyuBSfXecaqV

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

WHPIxXvZJevwkrp

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.ieRlSBgbBVrNUZJlbyzqhpBjClXDKY

ZcLGcFFBQlFxhZG

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

gnehRqBOdBRNDZG

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:WbHBNzLbRIlTuEbdLocAqQRYexqIAK

JXhnDHircYrooXV

“Recognize it? Go find him—”LNgyoKzFxPtbVutoxbxqrPFfkVNVqh

BjagBjDuZuELUKb

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

wsgtGuBTgJpQrsr

…tSmJaQnLAqNRXPAmAwixlhlBPTpXej

JTTodYZkIzengzQ

Meanwhile, outside the frontier.AmujWAllQEjnIDrvKzWOlloshGgQnG

NbCemiqiEwvWqRh

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

FMjiXaxRPbVvyDp

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

bxTjqXkLpqDQfaF

His thoughts raced through his mind.RlwnfAAtPzfRODuVNjeKmdmQVxqwXW

ZIAVqqMPhocnvRd

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

wxHhYvCBrPkvkHr

“…”FPWhmBRXwtgjRVZLivrLnQOjkDhpID

mNLogOCEMaleHOk

Ahead, the horses stopped.fuPsMzLbRUVXsbQddeNBIkXuRaIPyF

jEPEkBuEUcMkAqV

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

znFcHFzlGKyPbIo

An hour and a half later.UIJDTrXnmaFmsNflmTcEGjGkEXWopJ

QeZOZAxFRtKlGCN

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

kMfSnSaeqYXLxzL

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

FYStdSxQMIpZzRB

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.xCGpwXJoGVSgjXfDYmQjgbvFXZWygT

VoBWVFEKcaXNBfV

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

MQaDvXUsFESyKWy

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

PfGbRZgqDbaWIQd

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

eDfPhNqhZlqqKRA

Ning Rushen took a deep breath and looked up.GgYqMohQykOlCuwEpAHrTACDkGFSJi

CnhFvjuRPWkRXGK

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.KjUPslQOyhFqzFKBroCYNAgZfuFRXy

jLNaEUNvZBJsshZ

Landar’s gaze fell upon him.YvyAbnevdZWMeaOjyTGscQyZZfFsEq

nkKntSaXYhhZlEk

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

cNHlLSDKstJZcIN

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

boDkTzfYZtsvJqS

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

IhEdsyogHdMDSdM

“…”ZKQgzGSsQAdknribzZvfbmfOSeOnnp

kqWkrFDlqywGDhw

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…”zewVcgwKWdJULsWaZaUaegeenImTwF

GkXulSKkgjxnqUc

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

hXFgkOJHAswNHQW

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

giPHaqbiqkwchJF

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

vBDPCrjrmfgziaq

“???? Priest?”rGzpHMRWMpaphhxcjPSIGJbSkdNSFU

zkLHEhdKsJMxdLe

Landar looked at him with suspicion.BGwtluozySPUaGDqwrRQYhovvkyxSs

axVOtTTniYgsXAG

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

dGSEqccQiFLoTaC

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

YzetsrURiiFhjcm

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

rjxBtCPkGbiOcGX

Ning Rushen replied, “Ning Rushen.”ZcRzxutwIdqnZCdXjHgjpSzUwwIpcA

aZkCdgKxZxlZQWW

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

bYqhOhfYYKbqmBa

·fdEFDtHDOCBWRZvFPjozycSWVqxRdN

EovezgrqEnNFZQh

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

BQQNlCSXvYGVKwD

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

ggRaceBrvhhMiUv

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

UNrqoRqdbbjBXny

But the white jade pin—VJRWGYIPbQLSbuSXWkftPtodLYEbjH

zihsxMZkyMtnroN

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.AWJARBFDApBCSamGXiysNmupwIFaTs

HlJilyqefxRyIwn

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

xMZBCvNXphxRbKh

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

hesbEUjiUSnhUuL

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

YsjGZguMEKtRXZJ

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

oRnCrqtEAKSGNlI

“…” Landar and the Northern Di soldiers.NqHQjjVZikbsrWUMrEGIthWdgAciTC

ivZsNPqroqUZWRu

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

xnCdovTcMROasre

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

STYTrjwfissEkUA

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

WfYQgNazzlHmXgt

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

lciYwdNPFIcsVri

He tentatively replied, “Somewhat.”yLZzKWcamgdZdPzwQbigVUPwHxvGse

ECZgxHMkvULCoBA

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

nvpPHKgwPXDWGws

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

JmrdgMcNkigyTAP

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

geOBjWDusiFpwmf

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

MZoGEEsRifSfizm

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

DlGTsrFbHQZXhwj

“Hold on!”MlgzOjneuJUrXuwtKbxHLWROjUyUtL

LeJpNTaIjqQsrbr

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

TTQcVXdfrCSbtTJ

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

TsdnzZPPupgdgdp

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.”tAtxmuJPOotfyxsXMfmDdQRQsMwyaW

uCVUPoKqasyDqQo

Ning Rushen moistened his lips.vKnPrHpRiCJGlsDiBZfkMiSoYVvfki

DXaxuXgMzpQuklG

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

YLmdMeVXcRICDcC

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.”YluirdGAvLtKjCnOiUUAUKmWMdqHcH

SJGIzBGLQipBmod

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

qNMotUKGDGWsTew

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

xXYFJryxlQaHEpN

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

HRndSpsFESrBatj

Ning Rushen: ……?vrDBlRAkziJdBaDBVGJlskjwpDLvJE

SRUhtyEduPSNldj

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

zaiOzPluwmjhpOl

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

fdMeVFyCjsLfuBR

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

LzpNGulmjqbDgwq

But what could be more absurd?knOnAOZEpKouxZRrxKvZkpSeZeewyl

HlNOlWSUENajExf

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

LxwrzXBuWdHpiSP

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.”QWDsOwpcMfJKnjxYLFWlwRIXXAJgpx

vtOViOTtlMLQjDZ

Landar: ?rbgeHpZtPenfuEFTQkELyYSuMAQMSa

rAjTgJFdHUtTrPI

…GFVhGTGwiDKFkCQPrmJMTWBwebwDot

EgbWmpLUSZDUBXV

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

TsKsvsjMZLwuroT

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.”ebCgqMbveYPbxTlKdDKCTQheJLXEHI

epmULNJAVawsyUh

Landar eagerly complied, “Oh.”jTBcwwIeUgqgfHagWzxsnhTvpUlCre

obuXudsGaQSNsUy

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

UQXSaRnaITHqdJP

“Three.”XjpzXItHUDXdDgUOpuEzairJIrwCUZ

lWZjZODSzfNQCVl

Ning Rushen nodded and returned it behind his back.RTOOryDeaBKmvfIYSkdmEtYAzTUICF

WpMxJXVNGeUTrGS

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:OIaGuzwLVBhsZMxgvtLpcemLPXEXev

dRJLZwtqkeRsutD

“The other stick is sixteen, right?”ebbEWCeXwvnerBQYmzlLchvtKiggRU

beFpDVhJElGvpYX

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

FGyPaMXjUMPmpyZ

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

HsvOqKaqTXviglM

“—That’s only the beginning.”tdDrOvVuQyaMXqMNGfqIOeYpWlrVpR

MHjqfMgItTAvsod

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

TnpnLzFzAjRAyAT

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

mRzCCberqglRyFy

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

tYYWDYVJJTbtWfp

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

pfzZUQJeqlDEoJp

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

dclSjLWfGqPmIWR

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

qhDDCKkIdxhfBdx

“Oh, oh…”yQzWsPTCHBYzeCGxvKIvybaxVQKmEC

SLWQdLQwkLhPGtA

·QwBWRfEvcMESLmJgIrfwfBMEmTZqJH

nCUdUcfvyxLxkmw

After a dizzying display.dszDzAMGLRTBVMPtRcOrNfEufChSMI

NRIEdxACblYqpVN

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

pDghWIapILFVJcu

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

APcNuHRcZJplguJ

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

SrilKtRxeJcachQ

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

LoimcKBAORJZJVT

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

XXifkFrbCeEYnum

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.EIDXFuSadITyuCUjclYThvaBadlzzA

HbNFiLtMoiAGgFj

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

QIFklmKEOqnxDRx

His expression made it clear what he was thinking.RfUmiwLfQoIFHQDRKnORwfecbScjHt

bwumbZXGRvYSxSm

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…TNGiffDFOVKLVoYBBwPryhwBGZhuVx

UjbahImbFXgsWUl

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

WbIXHbZfSVWCVDY

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

fTosFxgbVyiQAHD

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

IcloEQTClVvtxBn

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

OqzyAjBtLxPQHEi

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

fvJRJMkAYEHvGUw

Entering the tent—SRTbGglpIpjXJupjZPbYxdoZxwMcdn

QQWqxTfpRVwZAhC

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

KWkbfLxmnviFQkl

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

EcrMhznmoahMEui

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

vPSjKoLenbBHCbv

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

oVNALRuXUtuaoVx

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

VLnsOLMRhALQyZW

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.FvCeafixIcTaBgoSPZfBHkcmTRGZoD

cCYGQuFkCJrRKmO

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

rtfanzScdQPSAEJ

Never mind, Ning Rushen comforted himself:zpyueVOGrkiEpBMOnutQxEeLQQzWsO

LTJEiIapQUSzuUi

At least he had survived for now.uhbsxYiKWVzoWKyNIVeKslJYYlTiZT

npWuNleafvkGbHs

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?XNSWSlMqDCOIJwiyKheotemigqsweu

VsLdBeAdIrLfFcF

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

XcLAMEPZVqjfSHy

Meanwhile—AGdnuDKYVHnVTfnUNZerHyBexLvVUk

nNYoDGVrRzyUqCQ

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

KXLaRBPJLoORzYW

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

BsOIyHzeQlBbRAW

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

hADwqgKHeDBkFsx

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

BHvIFOsPrKHCXlt

He chuckled, “Interesting.”aUXvNNeaTzRjQLwEpWRcsfDOCoeaJf

uMhPYDxvVQvcBkS

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

JrAkdRZnXTkOWxK

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

ecZUDWNtkoqnhuD

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

AgnoDPaWDSjwSJp

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:KemfLFPwhUHnHcqMnDElhxwybpKgzS

MOogGUwcCFmQGqC

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

wnJKzAweSLDwqGE

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

PerMiMcEvGiFIaE

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

QfPyddcApaihNZX

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

IGMbYaCObOYvtTf

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

vooKBTyUupTGzwa

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.OihnWQCHylUkQgcTXJxHgzJqUzRBRJ

szBrNIGeEudVBGN

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

mEXBnpHNkGokkPz

Author’s Note:AIAPzEodlNmLkyaXLAgUTIuEUAYAmx

LzfqSnzbonzRMbI

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

OGLJAVuNKxAKgTA

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

XsOnUsbcdQYMgdz

A loop:WSRxeoSYOwLhZdLTjsAxAqMHIEaaRT

QQzNZSMMmChiTCv

Ning spreads rumors → The Great Prince believes themqzGseuzyawTSYzOOhhqWCrEIusUAqO

DTMBDkzagYjzdmz

The Great Prince mobilizes troops → Kidnaps NingjFBmgJqiDdVwoEzSBjeTIJeOYsJDBQ

kjqCElFKGrqTHDk

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

fhnQerEiJpLNlhT

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.JFbFfzUmXLMfqIJfGofhELoYjEKBdk

DNVpxmlhXcuiryd