This official is so weak

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

ZYkDamalbBTdtSj

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:nNnlQehacWHlLVmNZssawhDaPjLCwn

PfNsBnoHxzNtEMe

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

ocGeVbrjlbjbRaH

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

MennWYAxmXLmjik

How could such a large Lord Ning be missing?RUOdeANsVkZQPeDpYejmpUYrPpGWGG

YXKQiZvJNdTiGQJ

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

QIOPJigsMxBkLFe

“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!”tkJUCksjNcjEwtKFNhcUlVkmpPpoYI

VSxRzLcUVqetAZS

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

JbfDSBtoKmgykJK

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

KwWudaduHtiZaEq

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

cJPosnyGygMqTpH

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

JVsDmFzRFlYCyfs

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

qTOVOuIIBQGxnDk

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.HoRZbbMsnLNfpyIKTJTBmtnyhebzYf

sgpgtUVhnUrPDQV

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

ryJfHKoDvjfwpgd

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:yMephheCkYFegJaSYXnQeErFXDvsgl

XIOjHuKlHqfNPxD

“Recognize it? Go find him—”SvdvUJKxRyqxnfcNITtOOijliDlrFs

iKsZywexGPAcYor

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

ZMpTarbyIxWsumO

…kxAMcAvAvDDmkstybkGMgpzjUWpUJU

WyGkfazuxHgocxF

Meanwhile, outside the frontier.tbvDIpccxAePrTJAtHFFLiFnqGHGlc

fprVywDqjyVdnhD

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

bhZaeAhyQiahqZD

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

pXwtejXRLlEwxuQ

His thoughts raced through his mind.DwkNJznTFaQviqLbzmNrlpfZozNqVk

zeCUIlZNihBKvdQ

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

RMEGYMLouEPWiRZ

“…”sROSIWxDjmhZCEyuEurpveAFLpKSJx

AVzQurHWNoxklyH

Ahead, the horses stopped.vTICvymmOlzvlKFuXGwCACvzIbDOED

dVKsmMmYRzFEiGx

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

EzFLdBajDBCvcgS

An hour and a half later.JYOIrEZritRHoiSFtiXiSmUlolTVxD

kCocKAAJHQbxDdm

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

xpaKVRBHwmhINbT

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

FteEIdOdnxzkdDu

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.ntTnhqVeQUkkKrxyRfBXlEehqCClka

EiVgMHzVbcRDpQg

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

QDFaAFUqrrNrJpT

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

cVfTheZzsewGLVw

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

ivxHrvrYFcDAadv

Ning Rushen took a deep breath and looked up.zsTyLATNIHlXtfvjxeGmkfjdgqsNLQ

iLZDRBdDvVXBgdy

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.aUzxfeNtKXnprmrfszzScrTAiJRtzp

hBphptggNkNYeJb

Landar’s gaze fell upon him.fAfAnRtjegQAfjmPaNvFYSMJcyztTA

KCgWzvpgilQSrmW

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

cQTzCBQUOrmYecN

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

cWIXfWRUYvlnbZJ

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

DeLtKakpRLQYOjg

“…”feMCkRSlWzRzZXnNjWTUwEZBGCXObX

gpjxOmtNCDyxnsX

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…”bLNWVXcfsahTbONqmOPfBNgnQgWorD

KnGsbxScGCtFike

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

WzduLFTBigAvCbS

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

NCiNjdQuzigHFpT

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

ptRFurwMoEGVsVC

“???? Priest?”iPNzqOfdNMoHejRPzCPJCPQPYtRDcV

bcMaGXHnsYcmvOh

Landar looked at him with suspicion.oHnWRzinlbjRcXkziRoPfkXYhammGF

bkngSONejoaugmD

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

crLCABgjNJeLrIH

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

KbvXhgRxwQwfAFn

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

BurFDFPMeQAIeXX

Ning Rushen replied, “Ning Rushen.”ejFxHmexfQFagqVfEqfMmdiKgfRvvp

AZcRHxaGmOEHfwW

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

oomUUylNZFhpYTo

·DZvHlLMxOXutOcCaWWsfggIAIsKhtD

RonmbIPRvZVVfAv

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

kdRHjmeocUhNrKq

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

PebqVMAMeaGOqhE

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

DduXMeoabWUeigI

But the white jade pin—hUvlJtaUnoXtJOzKTvtHwVyUejukjs

YNdrZfmgxCwVRUs

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.MOOQHryIdXpVkZQiDTGwqrHRKjdohL

QNJztCXwyObvxDL

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

vyjlceJtgHHatNe

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

DmYaOQxzqnYpVOY

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

bvEcbkhvLnueyWc

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

jWHNcSxgCFnMaaU

“…” Landar and the Northern Di soldiers.uWGcpDPZjgTJlydtMZqGWVdrpkJoUg

eOVeMLwOiEspMHc

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

dwIxOUCxPitwBNV

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

LLAsyqTysIxtzsL

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

xoaxDYRmgjuYUeF

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

LduGsiBBgvnKPwB

He tentatively replied, “Somewhat.”ycHCSEedPmuWvqHcafMkOcIYHFZDTH

REgaZUDEoRSkjbT

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

sMdOMBgeDYnQvyS

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

UWCdxahhzUwxhDs

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

WuYHIJlHIxxJduO

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

oKRQYZkyTndCpAD

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

bVwWFEyvUzSxSpd

“Hold on!”CLSlSoNADANXQggbOosdEhMtFeQqAB

dluOMxLiseWucKB

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

UWLpQQwUhoxindU

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

rahhgQFlkwHEnLW

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.”iMiotEbrLaJtsWwpdbRTRJjxhMutrp

ydqWDXHFbVBPKaj

Ning Rushen moistened his lips.AWCPmKWfhRiMZLaPtHQWrWgGlfkPNi

FFuAlQyeQWurZuO

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

jDWCHcUCOBakksy

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.”kZTQtaWjPxvOIZHHtuOpBMNupVCGgY

vdVVwFOmhmFDLuQ

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

YtZxmWxNkFcaEJq

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

PeTMlSricqGekFr

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

XVkvCVSfkTEuacy

Ning Rushen: ……?icEJlSnPlnNfeZpxmQRRDrWgKBNzvA

SKYYZqLIFijxqdR

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

DLeJfDQTuhUtYRI

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

rMhtpRIGsgLxRcN

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

XiGcIzHaFcNTuUG

But what could be more absurd?TFLYevuxnaengOXjwSLbAaGojvAuWo

IkaHjfOzrsGhxVk

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

GvRUlptvqgdqhUu

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.”hikCohfeeJQnNRINhFgGBTwnBbZBdj

EbEVxVfSqXQlDyG

Landar: ?UGZrCUMfFjQsSuZPzeqziaHgSqTwcW

oPMrwzaSngPpysj

…ANxMJWrHhQNrVYjzZbHWuDCnJpaksf

qbKeUjnbhwbqqqs

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

lSslsWjkNZgndDX

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.”MVpgfmTquDqoKkqTkPrCkVOGYWNCdB

JNTgSTojcpzedka

Landar eagerly complied, “Oh.”LljUKnWFuyCuENIAKcRARxQBlLUxNj

TXSIhHBlRUYISNp

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

AFrGCnwHmTbHNPY

“Three.”QwotrtxMEiLjojzQaiBMdqQzeWkgyO

FwOdzlBoBhLoayN

Ning Rushen nodded and returned it behind his back.aDPFAwOkWUOxZjmBEtToEnSoaBZgky

jtmAkLSxNRylymF

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:tvEsIdevjobxwMoniTtWrTQBJnMQIo

JqgKjhfQMIGsOau

“The other stick is sixteen, right?”zuJQUMVxbaaJtcCJBDgEzmbxQvVnCE

pFfhHGjVWuynFqE

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

HdtAomauoSJStWL

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

LfOKYPACCujmvgl

“—That’s only the beginning.”oQGIqUWiYUikyTFqdsyVtwWJWLnBvE

QlUMPbqPcEFzTPr

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

EnDvizEeYtUpFUo

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

JjWMxhFSZAnLfcn

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

GuJPuIUUofZhpeL

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

kwoRbIWzpxkNSIB

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

wElbAARPOXGSiUB

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

JkcPngJyfZSDVEO

“Oh, oh…”GJPUQnsujhxSuRKrpmoXxRdKEDwCML

BodupRbkNEIVnLb

·VbSSAfjhQfDiDAIuSxlyvScDOwksWi

nrTIGKGEFCtCUnK

After a dizzying display.BXUmVPFXnhGhygLDoDjtFFOzidCojF

bOVsqDKpCutwTcC

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

ViGlLkxRUvilYWg

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

FHVSTwOLvGEoXBq

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

ppQZWWtnJpeeYle

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

mABqvhXGgOaHlnU

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

hALhwRZktfteTMH

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.vmAVOiZUDWYToqKgtdRbQUftfEazbs

PjodpLHzmXYWhbj

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

qWzzNqYyavSPexy

His expression made it clear what he was thinking.BkPLovPyQqYhuKDMuTEEOWbQkLHgBV

lXOuheVCiHSNGuG

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…eDnrIkWnVtdahckWQtXOxXhbZDtqHp

BNoFeaHRkHAkcYC

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

QSNRcfGeCPuJJvi

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

ccONyXGZkZVYnsu

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

tyYOnpcXlCYDXzT

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

lSFtZNfuZmfrDIQ

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

XIJFJRSWwPxYSYX

Entering the tent—MSPgzTTyBMlPayvXmReQUnLwcRCGnW

XEDnOsiGFHkokMm

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

ojgSDauMCOCCerB

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

WjRpfqUOMGLDWde

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

PCBXCMCXnhVOyhm

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

daZNebKpRVxiXCR

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

QOIMbZsLjHZTBgm

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.qLYoKSOfAwWeGVzziSRAYzLDDAAOPX

GwacfYvsNyzmwkE

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

axPiKSoPpMKrTbC

Never mind, Ning Rushen comforted himself:vEMRzXuWFRqbMomrAoAjDHcGYPTwMb

hhtgJhEaKUODaBV

At least he had survived for now.QHrGlRhmTdLbGxKdbucDZbKRFWWPmq

gQLQCIEtxHdcaqO

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?VjgmyArldaBjoXtctQHtzAFwcyThHS

NgNURNYldTCJhif

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

aGzWJrliWtJrcpR

Meanwhile—xyxPGfJsbEsAWbhTKTZgweoGqJAfmg

sOteCOQZNdTGrsI

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

IZwbfgOMDGsOlgB

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

TwbJWrzJqdFXhUt

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

AsOHseinpKbugsW

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

gGFTQeMFSXiIlKo

He chuckled, “Interesting.”xctvYGIDsuKCvzxxnQCtqkyfmFSCLF

lGKFtqREkpJxLrx

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

MQgxeBsbgYpDLEO

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

dseNbcUeyDeSqWC

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

OdaKCNLiQIqQnBu

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:SXUNVHZHfjQwKIThzVLlIjFbRYsVaY

okJRsaNgMrQRbJj

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

ImsjsfYXBLkuaqa

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

UdxcBoGJbGogqry

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

bTibFaiOVbSplUT

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

inHjuQVKIzRruJu

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

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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.IKHFUrwyEOtdhSJSOJfGrbrhwSPFVK

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

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Author’s Note:CIfTutPWPgbiSAjSlrbMZbKrOAwodc

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

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

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A loop:sWTaknBFmfZpXVhnkCdRAkwXtfweHt

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Ning spreads rumors → The Great Prince believes themLUqNhdCPAjFriyGGuvSFIvbXPqtcul

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The Great Prince mobilizes troops → Kidnaps NinguYmiLTnjaFlGriSrJDLjkJHfilmHtl

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

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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.KHZfmwCdotNUbtjZPTcCgWNAKMNiit

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