This official is so weak

uoMTbbaMpaifYRATable of Contents

Chapter 73

A man and a bird stared at each other for a few seconds.osNjPWMWiaFDNMliLIMMuRQtuQKrWN

fUsqLAtrJCuWoIS

Then, Ning Rushen’s eyes lit up with joy, his heart pounding in excitement:wfjSEOkDTFncQCZeTCfLxVqTkpssGa

jmKZaOdYvTJBRTV

…Who was it? Who sent him a walkie-talkie in the form of a bird?YVMEZcTqdWsSfZyAhwZRxIKAEfTUyV

dprausIVAEckrLa

Taking advantage of the moment while he was changing clothes, he crouched down and stroked the white falcon, inwardly exclaiming that this was truly the perfect combination of timing, location, and bird—QqYeTgYUSxrmMKEikXvhVtbcOFPrsM

xtfavSKpjmrkEis

He had been racking his brain over how to send a message!LjGzFfWbFcEMceTRbChWUbDidCbPTN

TTGKgXRMnjPyOFn

He patted the falcon’s head and said, “Wait.”hHRekOTrQKgbqpqnuosjsNGRZRDNMM

bJjJoHYNCkKRMIO

The inner garment he had just taken off was perfect for tearing a piece from, and there was vermillion powder nearby, used for marking his forehead and lips.vswkvvjkCMVECCUHxeOqwiwlVbJhDY

rynCQUuStHOZgxR

Dipping his finger in a bit of the powder, Ning Rushen first reassured the recipient of his safety.BIPmSeUFogDcBZRjptOaMAXVHnpamR

YFnQJUPGzdvGHRF

Then, recalling the route he had been smuggled along, and referencing the map he had seen in the command tent, he roughly marked the location of the enemy camp and the distribution of the tents, starting from the Lu Ma Road.FVRVkTDuYTmliwbOiNCenmzplEDGrf

XMzWOCKFsmeOjHv

Once he finished drawing, he tied the cloth strip to the falcon’s leg and patted it, saying, “All done, go quickly.”ocxKUzCEyyifkZEovuYWfEQCbXMxJX

HMOijRblMGcsFvg

The falcon ruffled its feathers, then sneakily slipped out.nrLqJWvCxYRPNSmCIPyKXnjpmQnXhP

LcCOOKYbCSspjQt

UKcBBxcufPXnXCGKBGtswphsQAToml

LWbGWXqeWHfjsQJ

After a brief commotion, a loud voice called out from outside:mSoKOHZDqslDNCAUAKIKdnsaicNjKN

LyoKKPYDKgvFovl

“Hurry up!”NxrHlkWgsNwfOXjUJDrkdxpfmrbcXA

lAdzLSbwGUtOyaQ

Ning Rushen wiped his hands and finished changing his clothes.DNYFzcLKfeITNXEsdeTcuDjYMZaTYE

aiSuNijODGkFGPk

The bright red outer garment was covered with a sheer red gauze, the pants were semi-transparent, and golden bells encircled his waist and ankles. When the outer robe was lowered, it covered his legs.XBXzTVSRYJQBUVLKHcZIoFGTYZcxrq

yivsMaLnfgjLjvq

He glanced at himself after he finished changing.zpnRrYzufeXURnnHEojwPWxpBLpRmk

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The clothing would reveal glimpses of his waist and legs when he spun around, no wonder it was the attire of a dancing girl.dthXLVSKJNEBcVPWdMWfBKadxSUOXQ

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Just then, another shout came from outside.nNrwlshSYLzNaxbmCnCWcNNBKqGDKH

jnSVViRHVVDQtkx

Ning Rushen casually gathered his black hair and turned to leave.wyUIefsYyVzquCKGNrTByPxRYicIkU

wkPmCMCXayNDMxl

Outside the tent, a Bei Di soldier at the entrance was about to impatiently urge him again when his voice suddenly caught—jckgRsOepvwtrjjDSuCRExStgqPVjJ

kbHCoNIbAQVonhp

All he saw was a person with black hair and red clothes, the golden bells tinkling lightly.ysQrCZAqghwhIJANigbjiGNFqPDvVF

ARMklwRmJmIwKAP

A glimpse of a pale forearm showed through the sleeves, and when Ning Rushen lifted his gaze, his eyes were bright and radiant, beautiful and stunning.YlxgSfjkgsjvalKWCJvgiyWMIMJfci

xGUDKzWrSkgouHr

Taking advantage of the soldier’s moment of distraction and not pressing him further, Ning Rushen spoke, “Take me to the main tent.”ngmywomVNZMnCoonxiuULGorcrZZrC

LAjuxqMvILedTXR

The Bei Di soldier, momentarily forgetting to question him, turned and led the way.MtcWeZgQNRpnSkYWwlsNHVPLazAWbw

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Inside the main tent, King Heku and Landa Le were already seated.DoVYJXVmJwLylgAlyojKApkWNzHWVM

gSqRoiTPafAXFld

As soon as Ning Rushen entered, all eyes in the tent focused on him. Even Landa Le seemed to be momentarily stunned, while King Heku tapped the table with interest.VUozNiqFgUxUlWTQDdVCYtKJNtnXkR

hexWlQVRMfLcXvz

…Why are they staring at him like that?sPtcUtXhNtauwlwUCGPrdBJAVZNwqd

ptvrUCiVaQzyrga

Ning Rushen glanced around: They wouldn’t really make him dance, would they?CkYxcJVrpgRYTUmtzcLRcsRaDBczXK

KvhgoyJwatwmPLX

He looked to his right at King Heku, who timely slapped the table and said, “Come! Accompany this king for a drink!”utgjFkwEhvFHJkoiDYWGdldnuqTnuo

cChZSlWhtUiGAHt

Ning Rushen eyed the smoked meat on the table and sat down.rNPqIaGnGpXpxExwlpncNYYPFofchk

qrgnWEsyBHWSdJp

Although King Heku said he wanted Ning Rushen to accompany him for a drink, once he was seated, the king resumed his conversation with Landa Le, continuing their debate on royal matters in the Bei Di language.WRYDbVSEsCZrWfZFSspDdSTAZxNzTY

qaPXmAYbWftrNPI

Ning Rushen couldn’t understand them, so he busied himself with picking at the fruits and dried meat on the table.lSKIdfFYVcCHMyWiHLkHzvebPvMTOZ

XUUQUCFNRIagUDw

Just as he was about 80% full, someone rushed into the tent from outside:CcolDwjRgReDLnKhQkaZAJvkWUkohe

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“King! Urgent news!”QWcVRjbOKgCjCNYaWxpqgOMIbhEIyW

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King Heku paused, setting his wine cup down and walking over, “What is it?”gZZgeFDxySuWsPTjOGEPGpAHvrikJe

dUpYTHzSBnFzTbl

After a few sentences from his personal guard, King Heku’s expression suddenly changed! His chest heaved twice, and with a bang, he threw his silver cup onto the carpet, turning to glare at Ning Rushen—FiewRKlXKlZibRoJtAJMHuNSmwPwRs

ufpUdPYKLQIwRCz

Ning Rushen, biting into a piece of dried meat: ?faYcYWkDvTNZJioTurStwGBrlfGnwu

PIIBULsIjsxbhHJ

King Heku’s eyes were cold as he stared at him for two seconds, then seemed to suppress something, gritting his teeth and growling:HtOmrxZFNcmekKZoIBPZAjVaCgjmuv

wyrWvWSqsWzATXr

“Your emperor is quite something.”yrHcTqGCprGiaNyowTkKgFpFEJrHon

ZYpARoEbHwThHJp

After saying that, he shouted, “Let’s go!” and hurriedly left the camp.NMROMbLGqJxnpHPFFLWratJRBsieOA

XCsNnQnAxbsiNIh

Once everyone had left, Ning Rushen’s heart was still racing:tzAUCCyPQxpiokapUOZcRjlvTnquCt

MWxgAfPkpsJXnxm

What did that mean?ePWWPQIpmlHozEqzxVWRPwoaRAbQHy

cEcvFUuZfvVNyhH

What did Li Wuting do???OYvvUioSUviFNkQkTEHkbglFMjuhGk

JQGXqnbvuwfIpjv

He turned to look at Landa Le, only to find the latter already laughing on the main seat. Noticing Ning Rushen’s gaze, Landa Le, in a good mood, didn’t hold back from sharing:rXnJlLTRBTBNNgbxPkOvNyfhqdYqMO

hmEhfkquWpPFhSi

“A few days ago, it rained heavily, and the river flooded. Somehow, the river upstream of Yi Shui suddenly changed course, directly flooding A Sai Han’s camp—”LCCjesHlGrVlNAhkvDziTorSuhsqPM

JEwehTJHaFjXXto

Ning Rushen’s heart skipped a beat.KQJFhjGZwjnIMwEitaVAARJRsimoAJ

GDPEayeNJQovnwm

He suddenly remembered the question Li Wuting had asked two days before the expedition, “October 6th,” and the plan he had made, “Five days to reach the upstream of Yi Shui”…yklQqbglWtAcHgAMLCcGBIfRxsyGOX

pJWoWWbsfoWzPlr

He swallowed lightly: Could Li Wuting actually be a god?CZzpHqfokBLcwimjgKQagYBFnztxhC

yEUWOtgKfjbaNKH

Landa Le was pleased for a moment, then suddenly turned to Ning Rushen, muttering as he studied him:EUGfkvXrRbODugyeeDTgROpFwtDGza

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“Power comes from the water… Indeed, it’s already coming true so quickly!”zCoDMZuUQVJAOfiSTeuQFjdpRIaCAS

UcXMnyuZMsHMKqB

“…”unasNyOjGyQbdpuEqHezZVYdoxsWiP

OFPkewJaJrHeelR

Ning Rushen met his gaze, pulling his thoughts back and feigning a nonchalant response.owIPnoMsBGWpTEMtkVkoJlPBITesoV

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By now, King Heku had also left.XczYPVZPewaPRUpyGmLIfyipGYcZZI

zIgfTjdFSBzxsTV

Seeing Ning Rushen still dressed in the dance attire, Landa Le waved his hand, “Alright, go and change out of that outfit.”yItWlfwEfrbdgJeCgMThtacNIdfBVH

fSEzJfIObgLNVDg

As soon as he said that, the nearby deputy general suddenly spoke up anxiously, “Crown Prince… the priest’s clothes were already thrown into the fire and burned.”MFOXzDkfeYREjdOIQXParVqWRBIrRz

dTdwSyrCFEqnUTT

“Burned!?” Landa Le exclaimed in both surprise and anger, “You—”xpZVkaXxbgUYxGPFjCFLLfuaeGNUCP

swevOJRVHgLlrsd

“I did it for your sake, Crown Prince!”ehbiydwXMFoCZiUoSFiiusvhHwzOvf

bHCHNHtSJoNRXtb

The deputy general glanced at Ning Rushen and defended himself in a low voice, “Think about it, King Heku just had someone wear red gauze, and then we heard that the camp was flooded. Isn’t that a sign of divine punishment?”gADRzgczpoCsJEIXkNOseKPcXczFgl

voYmiZzzuIXVRSv

He continued, “The longer that red gauze stays on someone, the worse the divine punishment could get.”rKUoVVGGecEwJWSzAClPbJgEdmdlxK

BdPzGAzAqMtCpXq

Landa Le knew what the deputy general was hinting at but had to admit it made sense. “This punishment won’t fall on me, will it?”pWFcXjaNjvYshpfXtWzttiIcYqZQcY

QWtLoNJcSMYnuRx

“Of course not! We’ve benefited from it, haven’t we?”vshUTcIdQbhEuPFjtincqiOAyELsfw

CAKZigLotOqcaJE

The two continued whispering to each other.UaLsaETAytfHqzlSCpTbMzHARBRBUr

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Ning Rushen couldn’t hold back and said, “Crown Prince, may I leave now?”ztDFOKFZfRupKBJepsOZvqRyEzMCAo

uTcsKCYyrKsTVCL

Landa Le immediately stopped talking, “But what about your clothes…”cOUbRHmubjBTYUyfeSTMhUKoilIMga

UJkixrZwBNDeAuS

Ning Rushen felt a pang of anxiety, “What about them?”mwElRRXkqZBOYCzkjvLuPVWvLOBcWc

ACbREEDMWspecuE

He had torn a piece from his clothes and hadn’t had a chance to dispose of it. If someone discovered it, there’d be no explaining it away.MJXrdGtJPAvpTIWqDGghtCiVOltOVM

hxKyrCTZsuhLmfz

Landa Le said, “The soldiers were looking for cloth to use for kindling and didn’t realize it was your clothing, so they burned it.”KOnHGqWPFCjTxVUWmmQZuVCOtvnPNo

TTOqgJkGeBWDukd

“…”xWcHIsjrVBWbYxHLcHOGusrieSFWdh

sWxewUvCoVTdSMV

They found the cloth in the corner of the dance tent.ybYayWIebIxJpyWxeFXyqSKqfKKBVX

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Ning Rushen glanced at the guilty-looking deputy general beside him and immediately understood who was behind this.BMUUCbHrCLaNfIJjyBBVUKqmFpyJUo

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He narrowed his eyes: *That son of a bitch.*bEtpTkumPVWhAnddwMSYZBYwjATyTi

ukLSdifGzkElCkQ

But fortunately, this accident had helped him get rid of the evidence.gBQuZaSDBzTVoNDcDmNQigtQYjRhTL

bDzyOjDFNkMyENb

“Find me another outfit.”NGlrwBhNYGPkklZAzSSdUtuJLzJMGv

iacCOKHbTSSlfHf

Landa Le said, “Your size… It’s hard to find something that fits right now. I’ll have the dancers alter something for you. You’ll have to make do for now.”twqUMWNJMHAaBZzpJYcmetgWleHkdV

vWJSXipLZxsWEtp

Ning Rushen didn’t really care about what he wore, but he couldn’t figure out what these two were scheming. He remained silent, staring at Landa Le for a few seconds.SUcHWQshPMvVLvwrVAQJGjwaOjfStT

BWGbDooIIVFWcGK

Landa Le began to feel uneasy under the gaze and quickly offered:VNHjpxOZFmnkZGSobwgRgmhJUTJgPW

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“How about this, do you need anything else? Smoked meat, or perhaps some milk wine…”omNUmJaHabJIDkUeZlmbhabEXAdBUj

gxDydTKcANMSCqR

Ning Rushen’s mind stirred, but he shook his head, “No need.”rEceLGjblNoBzGUwoELGlMohvqQRVj

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He acted casually, “I’d like to stay in the dancers’ tent. There are people from Dacheng in there. It’s boring being alone, so I’d like some company to chat with.”FOrGUDBTjDgqsPCTRKiFOpybrPOqgx

ewqQhRryfuKSJOp

Landa Le thought for a moment, “Alright.”rwAmouttPLDHyRoKdYIdghsbZkFxfD

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Both sides got what they wanted.EksRCJoeDrNPcBKnDGfEDVTarbvUXo

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Ning Rushen quickly gathered his belongings, feeling satisfied as he moved into the dancers’ tent.PyEIvKNrdLVnyDHpvzTQgPgNvbMmjo

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Meanwhile, in the Dacheng military camp.bAaNOtdVHqDYtRzNgRbGYYuhFIOUui

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They had just won a brilliant victory, reducing King Heku’s forces by thousands without losing a single soldier. The entire army was invigorated, their morale soaring—ABsfSnznHrxhxOjpEJjcDhKPPraMZV

tDWOuoKpzMJSdEk

Yet in the central command tent, their emperor, whom they revered as a god of war, showed no signs of joy.ysHKdcFcDvMqwCyFNChXUmeheoklbg

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Li Wuting sat at his desk, supporting his forehead with one hand, his knuckles tightening.WXOcMvBquvRSQfKricRmlAzjWSELyb

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The candlelight flickered, casting shadows across the furrowed brow and the lowered eyelashes. His usually composed expression betrayed an unusual, genuine anxiety.EVYjltnNAIahtRnUcpHFLiUeHMZvLy

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That figure kept flashing before his eyes.MykxtRcDxoZkpwvdBBylAOiTCbKwhS

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His fingertips trembled slightly, his remarkable self-control the only thing keeping his turbulent emotions in check.LWzJuNxcPuPFpTRZFMvvNpTUyycPZF

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In the stillness of the night, the sudden cry of an eagle pierced the sky!IADaTLrTyNnwsGQXmhHGOiWyfwntkP

oVsnhXvoCqdyMRk

Li Wuting’s heart jolted, and he looked up.uHuoITRhWzNPJurwFKGChszsClqGOT

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The tent flap was quickly lifted as Huo Mian strode in, falcon in hand, clutching a piece of cloth that he hadn’t yet had time to unfold:LQljQQkNiTJAiBjNMuzpCnAxAqBgOC

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“Your Majesty! Urgent report.”TFkEjuQygnWomQpCrEmozBaPxIBZJv

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Li Wuting pressed his lips together and took it.guEYuGGeUMGVhVpgHFeAVIpAGxOrsE

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His gaze fell on the cloth for a moment before he took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay calm as he unfolded it.OjsVDVkniDFNZBazvHvcUVigGJCyRQ

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The snow-white fabric dazzled the eyes for a moment.JgIMCGJiYxrbYwwPHqwyYFEMahbnOc

jUSuBfhrXcDNcPV

Then, he saw the familiar handwriting, the message hastily written:otyvtLqKCelpxIuRFmrJkDZuoWzvus

ODnMVtDDLFZxKBr

“I’m in the Di camp, have become a god, don’t worry.”PKhoAHqPvvxSTBIOLbjXhgilRcWUjA

UsjkQMhOZIQaaju

“………”zriRPZNUBJdEmClawCFoLqtosIdNDD

MucBHBAEtquTUAU

Li Wuting, “?”rBQXougVXgoroybrdQZAvuVJTUlrLU

ChIhwsfcVgXJSpO

His knuckles twitched, and he looked further down.DeHqBCkSdZneBYQAmQLnQpEAbWLRcn

xiBXgUwSLBcOEgy

Below was a map, a few strokes marking out the location of Landa Le’s camp and the distribution of the tents.bCKRUZVkkkzAWGyuqjzYLxXCapZWiJ

zevwxIoxFbGNfkU

The tent remained silent for a moment.fqLvWRkYwfPnDPNyzTRHToVLubxOhe

SGDlxBwAfUOhQoP

The emperor’s long-tense expression suddenly relaxed, and rubbing his brow, he let out an unexpected, low chuckle:aRVKHMwETOWSDIyvaojOqFifjGsQlV

wnpvbphZvmEfYjb

“Ning Qing…”ZUiTsxebiCbpOCDZihsKfNuBwyUhkw

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Huo Mian looked on, bewildered, “What is it, Your Majesty?”iUqcWoLvWLtIoMFesZIAEevcVcpbyv

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Li Wuting quickly rolled up the cloth, his expression calming as he stood, “Summon the generals. We’re breaking camp!”nXmKlVtkjHGlyToJpvwvcDwinfdEQn

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In Landa Le’s camp, in the dancers’ tent.GTZpoUYuQxKNpGepTjpNGQzKnIkYJB

azcTlLtPIYPdZSA

After Ning Rushen settled in, he spent two calm days there.HorfDzjKuujmOqZIXaeUAZwthwKdvx

xpAQILWblMUoxGr

During these two days, Landa Le had no time to look for him. Using the excuse of “fortune coming from the south,” he had sent troops to the border—VKLweuhChWjcaiWrNufjGbrwCOqAQV

EdEbONiZJsmeIxa

As long as he exposed his location a few more times, even if the map he provided wasn’t perfectly accurate, the army would eventually find the camp’s location.pnNUxWeOSliDPjDhufffdpqjdoRjTv

VnJLgCfdldauiAI

Now, he was nestled in a corner of the tent.wmXXfmDkqjgYtVqPAOoonIQCQMfzhl

CsxUUJcuaebClsn

Nearby was a young Dacheng girl named Wansang, who was altering his clothes. She looked about fifteen or sixteen, probably recently captured and not yet too disheartened.GEoFvpBzzMxMsFWmRmETEYKqXxSJGM

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“I’m a shepherdess, taken with my sheep. What about you?”SUBpmjCwMWxWvSeHQJhnpSawVJZLcX

msVxGjUkCUnJnZs

Ning Rushen replied, “I’m a grain officer, stolen with the grain carts.”MckbZsTMQBibUvepzMsFmCXemUBAlI

kilaMcDCXJJEqyr

“……” Wansang looked bewildered: ?ccGVucORGWfAtZafPjnLcalNlDARiY

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Seeing that she didn’t seem to understand, Ning Rushen sighed inwardly:KsoeQYUFxfWwGNqcRLcNjrHnrxROLD

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It’s no wonder she didn’t get it; he didn’t fully understand it himself.aaamKiSLxOvDwnXMSbwgSrhQpzlsZr

gEQLaYAIaCdbmKh

Ning Rushen changed the subject, “By the way, is there anything unusual happening in the camp?”uMZfmMMehMWjVrXlGXJlMyuIpSmQeE

dvkntJvdiwaMmQE

“Unusual?” Wansang pondered, “Well, the Northern Di army doesn’t ban alcohol. Every time they return from plundering, those Northern Di soldiers drink and slaughter sheep… does that count?”zNkLZqjvVutVlCgYWZemPzPkUaDXIY

zjNYYNKlFeadQSZ

Ning Rushen’s heart skipped a beat: They don’t ban alcohol?ohZSPnnzoKITOBXGdwyyxQfdRUvUTm

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Plundering just happened in the last two nights.vtvQapixKqSbCcuMAPasSkvdTVNsvj

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That night, the Northern Di soldiers returned with cattle and sheep and indeed held a grand feast.bzuhPZFIDVUtEjUIvMZYbPMoHZScmg

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Outside, the firelight was bright, and the noise was deafening.GtgPEbKhwZibCtMkfYhAPLkdsqBGvf

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The dancers’ tent was located in a corner of the camp, with dim lighting and relative quiet.ekFfwgFaqqzsQMIAlHqvAkOtklFGyG

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Ning Rushen looked at the noisy figures outside:rsNUsZOWNPRYMLVzMvOXgHEEWBGwED

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Had the white falcon left already?hYgQDqtRYrcFMRnqTcftGGWrAdJTPV

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Counting the time, if the reinforcements from Chang Sui had been dispatched, they should be arriving soon.QzePZZmSMcjtePjSktfWOOEanBzOzk

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If they could make it tonight…vmPZCIPzMsukefpywwqPDCjxRZijaI

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While he was thinking, there was suddenly a commotion outside.LLfmZUQraWMtlDreQROgOVeNhjWKKt

lKpePCTeUuQUeGi

A shouting voice was followed by a flap of the curtain, and a Northern Di officer, red-faced from drinking, walked in and grabbed a dancer, “Come out!”bWGuLmnMxOeoqQTvWDgFRaHBodkMNd

TaxpLQkwhRwhIYw

The dancer screamed and tried to pull away.ptPpVMxdApkJsvVjdUvROUnYbMXOiP

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The officer cursed a few times and continued to grab people.TAirfCxJNHvujNGWBuBOPxPDwqpXMJ

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Ning Rushen couldn’t bear to watch. He looked around: Was there any tool for cutting iron like mud…jfhkgITsOHtJmsKBIvPXFKzgWyiOLm

doJDerGxNhWTexJ

After scanning briefly, he suddenly heard a thud!fWYUqJLBxTHhXJhLoxldHUeTIyJoWn

diJYEJoKoSUqKkh

Then the officer fell to the ground with a muffled sound.IcgDdmQEXRgnKcJDyBLRBCVsHkXjys

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Ning Rushen looked up in shock: …!?HcvPeZPWzHXrYNtCjoQeoSFQYHSJzh

iDOVWrTIkrKYUWc

In the center of the tent stood a familiar figure silently.fPadgznwGPnTzkIpYxiuUtgQVKjOom

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Shi Yi quietly looked around and blinked.zlmTLyCUpNXrRahFnhDPArhpaZbgeZ

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A large slotted spoon! Ning Rushen was delighted and made a shushing gesture to the frightened dancers. The dancers all covered their mouths, nodding silently.tsDHfuWOxyGKCtOeqZXYHJYVkzXvWG

CRUijQaiNeTbjXA

He went over and whispered, “Is it just you?”iCTFqWDfUWWxbFcetzqbJmeUWeYLjJ

iXJFlRhjCjyPXaU

Shi Yi replied, “Also Lu Wu, who went to rally the main army.”PyuWVxhvAhyKOnrHfkbSanZIGytxZn

VkaAivfxsXJaOWZ

Ning Rushen’s heart jolted:zQXVwdlQTXgfEKLHPooqliYlOCFpDB

bwitKiTjwmUQiYm

Not reinforcements, but the main army…XTCNjtnvIgLdlJDkJWUvwrfRvAAwce

qsCGAOWhvwPZJfb

To confirm his guess, Shi Yi nodded, “His Majesty sent me to find you first.”wAbJyMVVZPYwFfZPblIrGjGAIngUaO

JjsHwXeZwKhbzGD

Ning Rushen’s heartbeat quickened.OpwJgDvJoOVjZZvdPagWJRHqdzhJOG

TOxUzldajvriTiD

He calmed his breathing and resumed his previous thought, writing two characters for Shi Yi: **Camp Howl**.wQFNzbAWDvHEYyZjOuSWdTZDKONvjN

ZkBoVniTBfCjaDo

Shi Yi paused and looked at him.qOLFqDkhifpvutHEzcghQLGEqXXrbB

QlSCwDBtKdrRDtN

Ning Rushen pointed to the fallen officer by his feet, “Throw him out, he’ll come in handy.”vTueLkGAobZFKCIwICXbjBiwYRBKAZ

HUvJymZjFBtxfbE

He then wrote: **Set Fire**.YFbRiMwhuEUycAaOnRywTOiwiVznLk

jPjBzMrWKNTIQdO

Although it might not succeed, the Northern Di soldiers, intoxicated by alcohol, were already in a daze. With Shi Yi’s skills at stirring trouble, it could at least cause confusion and unrest.XtsQNJHjTtRjvRiBQxYoQgZeshVjGY

GYlZyfMTsthMCAY

Before the main army arrived, they could hopefully deplete a good portion of their forces.wovnULYJtNPJAKEHYDAWPnroOHsMuE

xuFldLQTUHkUKRZ

Shi Yi considered for a moment and nodded, “I’ll go to the farthest place from here. Stay here and be careful.”ABBAOScLGGGRLvZgwbUgKljjQctfmW

tCAozVnbxCOGzFE

He said this, taking the officer with him, and disappeared from the tent in an instant.frSckGktghDQqolZxytlREjwafHGzn

mJalzpYbWUeohKq

After they left, the dancers finally regained their composure.sxpPijScXtpPTxWVzQiBQLkmpFKxXA

JFuudSqJzJUgNgk

Ning Rushen turned to give instructions, “If anything happens, run toward the far end of the camp.”jAhwRIfClmvnWhIrgIrjcIrstLJkMu

kaTTqfSMcwUmgNF

Wansang whispered, “Is someone coming to rescue us?”QIKtLuoEnjathPVLRdIhJHpsTYYGgI

rTjIzINAfEzYVIF

Ning Rushen took a deep breath, his red gauze fluttering like fire, his gaze steady:jqnjnqtrQKxzPcpCNcDQZHuOEARETg

ZvweEVjOmOmljFM

“Yes, they’re coming to take us home.”AFWSEiggPGKSROAKaFMGBKJlfitsdD

BTQOeUvRHSASAgT

After a while, commotion suddenly erupted outside.EcyyVbikIpCtoQnZPlgdIAmcQlPFQX

DoKAmjIvrQUsUeS

People in the camp were running in all directions, with the sounds of fire crackling in the wind and a general uproar of panic.KIzzOOKMqZaOFqAeyxMpJjhlKzhNad

XiTStaQhpkrzWiA

Then, the clash of weapons could be heard.npZKztNEGjJQsXxhsbByOAMJGIvgAI

JAYLNDABFjJmCFE

Ning Rushen broke into a sweat, guessing that Shi Yi had succeeded.wSdGNsAWSPWMDcBfiSYQGbpsURUXGD

rnxqshLeIFNLOGM

He listened intently to the growing noise outside, which only got louder. Even the guards stationed at their side and the patrolling soldiers ran off.ZjLiypYcJDnmqlIjMAlOwsTudQFgid

nZuHljMJPSivpip

Panic seemed to spread into the tent as well:eHfFFCIOdHTMfazUyZLpKYfMmaOQGm

YEgpHWjOVadtmXn

“I think I heard Wu Han Da’s scream.”kSQyyqPYeYtQfLvApPmSYDujZjvnEp

PIejrXgNhnlfitJ

“Was he killed…”IZeAuVsSQlmTJZKydYunmAOhrmxKRY

wvpwChDkDxpcYZH

Ning Rushen looked at the anxious faces of the dancers and reassured them, “Stay here and don’t run outside.”EjSVCTWhPYaFCPakoqfjpYvVKhNCIW

woYyyUuutFxcxFr

For now, they hadn’t been directly affected.HhWonstUaJFVSDdMUbcYdauOaVjqBb

GMGKplENZlPosWr

But the chaos in the same camp was still very close.ThzrJsXeaAyUewsQasQvfmEMjdQfvg

vAoPccCLWqOjHyy

Time seemed to stretch endlessly. The noise continued to grow louder, coming closer to them.wJoZfgYqndiwqtPMTsuUwSwLeDiAMU

ppvbgWENaLMoYQE

After an unknown period, the ground began to tremble.VGVxVFxUlIfdqOQmGMkRMCeCtKOGbw

vDrdXYtiYrKHiIt

Ning Rushen felt a stir in his heart, moving closer to the entrance, listening to the sounds from afar—RVvBgrgZjfYqVncPfCWgoijZTkqTls

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Thunderous shouts from the other side swept over.iYhlYiUEyBSDskqyRLhEeEzIugRTix

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The familiar shouts of “kill” echoed across the wasteland and the night.KjuBSkMVpArkisBUuSrhmGrKskkhGi

nSFBEdLZVJSMvOV

He couldn’t contain his excitement: the main army had arrived!bGzLyluYiyciqoqpFNuUiOCGrgbSMp

bcqsoWrVLHTYYiN

The Dingyuan army surged into the camp like a black cloud of flames.VpQxlrdVTtwRLOZEWpYrsEoBhrSuYW

MJYaMtjLdOmuEKw

At the same time, the raging fire and the fighting in the camp finally reached them.iPSYeKVYDEbmsYoKCrveVqKJibZJGJ

sIBrIKtnCLDRINp

Through the tent, he could see the glaring light of the fire.rnPwPsACnREtxgzwuAKPivmKmiwloi

nAzdTsxdbQNFyrY

Inside the tent, a dancer trembled and asked, “Should we run? What’s happening outside?”tJvyVydEAysmVxChfwQxrgmbdkWOiG

NetfVdOCFXDMlqz

Ning Rushen was unsure, but if the Northern Di soldiers and the fire arrived first, they would be trapped.krpmNzldxxSWDcGuUZlflzIkjUmgrL

BWWSulOVkpmnqEd

“I’ll go check.”dnKSpCKWEEgejhThJumOSOlCwPiZKy

fJcjNiNEViEjgjt

The dancers behind him were worried, “Be careful!”IosTzwXxzmSYxbPxClcyKzLjmJZyuf

HKNuwdzxUtOjUDS

Ning Rushen took a deep breath and lifted the curtain to go outside.tirQcSWlzPMBXVKFELjMvdVxrAACuB

vpRnFozZXbmRpUy

Once outside, it was already a sea of fire.EtgxANstVGMODzwRcQuUhkJdPdMMPM

GKIuyUfiESmsLdL

Flames licked the tent poles, crackling through the night, and the tents collapsed with a loud crash.htAdddolNjXJMhgbvtXrmSiQAnhcuF

Hdlvpprwmzoagay

Northern Di banners were broken, and the ground was littered with broken wood and iron.VxIAbbFWRfnVXGlOoffwXxVGEBxBJp

pzpnLElvAsWBKJx

Not far off, several Northern Di soldiers were fighting fiercely.PyMUFrNnbcAHDTTRaxacGVgCcseQHD

DcUHCzXpLAESIVW

The soldiers, clearly enraged, were indistinguishable from allies or enemies. One soldier, having just finished off his comrade, turned and charged at Ning Rushen with a raised knife.yQvGxYazmjYhjmFqfzSIqKZPUMrqYF

dULxmwlaWpGqEGe

Ning Rushen was startled and glanced at the dancer-filled tent with no escape route.BuFAqvqnNnNiTHWVsWlwLJiujGfuWG

DlMrTwAiLrkwQUx

Resolutely, he ran forward.UofryueOLPpRrHafPyTTJnIJYJjSzl

gSsEtTXeDzmUFCP

He wove through scattered wooden planks, with fire burning around him and the stench of blood in the air. The sounds of battle were deafening.FecyxoiVXBVuVYoLZeXwywrlzkagfB

gBrpwlUaobeLISn

His red gauze fluttered in the night.DsRqFzkwFqKPfIvZAfLPWrwzovXStU

uUAkbBtxnDyxMdG

Ning Rushen’s heart pounded, and he could even feel the approaching Northern Di soldiers behind him.VjKHWQhqWUQHBpVBtTllNWASfJjuCf

IxSiyQoTVsZpQhm

Suddenly, urgent horse hooves sounded ahead.asGeOdAXuKKNHvhUmLSkfoZvTdHeRg

rUUihNbBcLCjgaP

He looked up just in time to see an arrow fly past his head—rwLXgAASHKKwOGYRTACWIwYSKJJypB

BhdQENsKJWWkZVB

Thud, a Northern Di soldier fell behind him.GcXqEjbfAsCnFIcmwOxPKliAxieare

cAPufeAFhXrkInA

A tall horse, cutting through the firelight, raced toward him. Its rider wore black attire and silver armor, wielding a bright imperial sword.mEwBipydzuspEMQKfdqJTYcuguPaVx

JIEpVvNCqaAxVzi

Ning Rushen’s heart skipped a beat as he recognized the familiar, cold face of Li Wuting.NiscNgMsFfTYPiGGhhIREWOKhGpWQO

nFpmfiAcGsuIlgb

Their eyes met, and the fire in Li Wuting’s dark eyes flared upon seeing Ning Rushen in red attire and black hair. His eyes seemed to tremble for a moment, and he immediately leaned down from his horse, his strong arms reaching out—kwviDaefRGHtJyjvCtHThdnHwLKHaY

DFLPsejKUXcYPvy

A powerful arm wrapped around Ning Rushen’s waist, lifting him onto the horse. The black cloak enveloped them, and Li Wuting’s voice commanded, “Hold on tight to me.”akIGQPKdHDTwsSMslIWGxxkMDwEpoU

DYrhKrViOSTmXxQ
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