This official is so weak

xBNKZTWKmIxhTLATable of Contents

Chapter 73

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

DybAnbbuBbVYYGf

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

gBaxNpElWnaBioW

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

cATNzUvjRNWvAsp

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—jMrAEEclDizcKmXNwgeBWEyEIyEfNK

nMMqWQqtngJXybg

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

IoyIywDnkiJvyVp

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

YGmvnPweEZMTHpI

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.glXUoSIIgzFPsrxadMdRorXrbqtswp

AfELsPslwAGWKxd

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

GVOVktopWdaGFNN

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.KdOhgHvctvJuYWtFTyTqjmafZTGyRY

YoPtxbMWVPhTTdm

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

CmRKtGRcClLQdnh

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

oxTIpkwkAbqvJeb

QxKhpRSFdaDzXdUWyjSPOvBJtRnXOM

ErVXllVSChVTvVX

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

StWErSMbjxpeEaT

“Hurry up!”VLtIygohxyRYgsZSNHExMMJTRxGURt

YFRRRWJHvSHOfJM

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

DLejLTibOKSGsEm

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.IJrRIoWiuuyEHrTtOtpeEBTgCwLnou

qSHikPGPIlOcWcs

He glanced at himself after he finished changing.YwIVbcYbmTzxMVjjMWEKHMzAMgzITA

qyQRIRRdYBWEUMR

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

IakutmquvbPiExn

Just then, another shout came from outside.EIPkrYqOaJnpvcmInZxhmSzYwltKMj

AiiOlBqLWCwySIa

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

HGSQVNsauxkHLHq

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

XwXbAJcwBbBsztt

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

dhyhTSUBWPZyUvr

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.gMnMfBDzLpzBdEtUIClQAURLmYoGfV

IprYMcfmZgnAmXF

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

VjCzMucMPZoJSWl

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

HTxoiHwCTTGDUyu

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

xJuCNKWZwHrMzpN

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.McVMSSGsXAyWtNzSgpHLkzWGCMcFia

azCpRwbsZRNsuEs

…Why are they staring at him like that?clEsgxwTUgWQgjgDIdnatQIKyntAzA

tjCpIPVWyMnFgKf

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

DeRTyClKPEzmxpy

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

TwHLMRDFiGnFGjC

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

WGHXkhIvTOnDkfq

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.PxXHievvSNFtAoPoHnImPuQxJoeNtJ

slSmEJeQrhrzKaK

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

NXntDXPNynUsowQ

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

rkhdNjwDJdgIbey

“King! Urgent news!”CwzdCCXxVXJdShASUVfXSwMHtngQYt

vEXcDVYbPLqaQGx

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

bSoGznkXiEmSdJF

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—lSsNOEZrhzZLxxVFXsRhNiJQEeEHQF

irZQYWqpznWBYnu

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

hXZnyTrAUBNaxeW

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

XlsWOQkeunyiXAy

“Your emperor is quite something.”myOejeQUtpqhauOcmUIEyftYRHiqhz

RItHWvmiVhnIJIY

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

pdPIkmpPEhwdmXU

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

HzeOoEsGKFmartN

What did that mean?JnEkFVaHTMjWkquGcGwmHAirBISVvf

ucpcNqwVUikhzCM

What did Li Wuting do???peAWLKpLCdLyifddUVpdIUGKEvwDjW

XoOgvkOFzQcafeR

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:CmPXSCvhqdXTomGHZwPuWwwVqCeZzo

mINScKxiayvZMeG

“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—”gTLMoJsIzlUqtiwyIgEWfyEpOPjFSp

EwfdGcrABycFzNV

Ning Rushen’s heart skipped a beat.hIGyozAkfAReKmRCrpdiitpwChYShC

FuvcYlUIisLCUJi

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”…YtlCLdYGOgvMOiAbXIvCyKDLnSkOMg

ELmcmmkUQeyFEjp

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

CRNYkOsjNZpeTzD

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

dyfAsGPfgHrroJR

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

OphPRSAShLQzssb

“…”WsVUFjuuDdPKbmTyvheXZkJnYGbGgF

eGQDjySHXyCnpsR

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

FtfcuINznArTcfT

By now, King Heku had also left.FiJFdvVVuhLCvseDHRtUrqgOoujTNC

JnooJdHCdzJGTpF

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

MDdyuElKUNAPeBc

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.”PnHPqCUjWMFNVPqPSIlhgztcGbKeZY

wZPVuSCqPRiOGUw

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

vhpivOIPuyBPTfb

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

IKQJLzzSdhNYoiX

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?”FjyeMdYSnSfhYosYKCEBaBaClJeXcA

GTALAiLqDxYAXgo

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

hahRxMHrEXWiXgw

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?”OofjmMkdhzNKJLTUVZdpHYPFLJVagZ

sXWAbYcUhGNUhMb

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

zdtLwyctLZiqgRD

The two continued whispering to each other.fPpMVlvygZicTSBHtPSoYGdquhvcpE

hfLEDCpBacwEJcK

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

wMpROxEPaezgwwT

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

YGouMxntaRporVG

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

pbXAcjXkRCmZBls

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.uvUByJINdgMROqOxbVhntCUgLMneag

JDkHPRYxAhQCxHn

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.”KCUpbgljADaCMUzqfSAJMSrYpMffbR

GHxJVtdpIvPELPx

“…”CzrcAwWTtyTdOVIfBGTrsjFBpJpCrB

JCwEAUePqLdMNsQ

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

IPHjkCGebbsTYPT

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

uEcFHnhjGzurjey

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

WfhblshZyKqFSCa

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

PqBZKWOJyrWqggJ

“Find me another outfit.”OlieEkfvGnIxqbMIYWIuvPqsfjdgpp

SLrnoLoOALKHSzb

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.”BgiEQWrhQQcoIYNivrXEiKYKINoJsw

TLodFKPLaAlRldx

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.uFWcbYqZmjaZAtibfLiHGPNVEqJqQd

aWFjdtsdVFThHZU

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

JujofEKlqFOVJGK

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

NPXJxiBPlVtegZV

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

TyclFJxtUOUPfRi

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.”tXPwMlULpUeZmrMkNxTjEItRNegmbn

abmdNQcYFYRoeBo

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

BHOltkCDZQVhTjg

Both sides got what they wanted.GdNLSdJtuZyKFljsDWdgvUiAFUsRUo

KHiGpdYoFhsjYxU

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

PViAsHMPpvRuiCg

ZpcWecyOuolYaeItOAVjawolLhQqya

qdoTqASeiPTmKsZ

Meanwhile, in the Dacheng military camp.hMhGhGSYJqnliPmIsjznwBokvqOQgg

pDUBWWBodWdomtS

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—lPfbQRKrZazEmtsNPQLjwxbCckKXgc

aFVCMBLgAfdLezb

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

iIUIRgvrVfNmgTk

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

NVOgOkklhTqFONH

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

LAKgFicECgxvxFR

That figure kept flashing before his eyes.qVQHPOHMSmtsRMpfXANIXjsEzqCDtE

qAlEIlBKdbQOPbr

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

JPzBfgfXkkkpBNu

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

sMjzlagZPYFoJFa

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

ZvrDHxlxTjmXNvg

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:ZdymOZmMZHYpRxdbiwRXxcIaVyaHHc

DisArYTSfmeDrwW

“Your Majesty! Urgent report.”qHxRveJNHABKaQjusHDExIieaMhvqX

tGUOtPrGzBfOCcQ

Li Wuting pressed his lips together and took it.NvtCaMcWWLOKRnYdAUCJmNWKFKLWFa

sHYDexvVuPXTVyH

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

BWsoSWGyJuStnfN

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

gxjIqyhUtEfkOxF

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

GuoWCdzcLwTAvJM

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

rtjwELssPWKFlAf

“………”rIVlSKRqjHSvRobBSlMETXHMGOBhDQ

eLWktXwgRHOwLkq

Li Wuting, “?”gpAEUpKXYYazlfaTzBzLIGddPGUytp

uoLiEcLCUuWRuBu

His knuckles twitched, and he looked further down.OKjMJFBllQbQFynAuJsRKjtllPflYR

LMRbApiNBXOWvNp

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

yTJbRPprsmGbtrS

The tent remained silent for a moment.wvXjcaPGiaSyWIZTNgFjSzJCQhiyvs

WaifznZnCbzFmWQ

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

tyCKqhjbKTggvCe

“Ning Qing…”EtVFBAnQSGmXZiPrJLwJcgBsApOKLD

LhjLYCCJTFgyErk

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

lojAqmhMolxdoLY

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

pyOnYPTUSDXdrLw

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

TTgncKqjSNXEyOq

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

kmkQtEWdZRNxUXF

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—GOQZyZtCjRFlCClqfRjtpvYubmlBNL

HVBMlwvXTKYwpQr

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.rjsNKVdgIqTVxvaIXuKZHyEkfLTKzs

LQMjZoMLxBPPYhc

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

tKhzxyqLjuaWYSP

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.TsmvFrFgsMwtHGAurNIypZvUcGEQKQ

samZCfNHNleTpKN

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

zJgpLThNZaraLMQ

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

RgDRGbQuXYBDqsr

“……” Wansang looked bewildered: ?zDuouWCMjOBEbzXeWbRFaUaxURiXbE

ONkXTfGJJUZwUkC

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

dnDsFXkcIgRzQnk

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

xKyHZkwOoDnXYhr

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

TzYDBZNoIDlifbY

“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?”UVcFNERNHvYScVrlACBHfRknjARjYf

NfoBSROtRZPuvlj

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

dALAHLdfNAmRmqO

Plundering just happened in the last two nights.yCoXIGwAqfSyZUZDcrlsITqHNpKAcU

gItYUSeKLARJGDq

rRqUVGMyULAUfMwnSnPJfBPJtWspqI

RgfpvQPRPRWBFmd

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

YLFMSugedrSaVJM

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

aVgMMDhFYdtPxGo

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

GDIxJdxjzUzfNFD

Ning Rushen looked at the noisy figures outside:ReRLJmzdwYKSlLgdoKUZVKGPQWNQpH

kVAkWSzbZgLbckY

Had the white falcon left already?sUblpMaRVhTsAEJFIOCZboIJvKtcxh

tZRVweItdaaTqjw

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

elhbzntwLFwzJET

If they could make it tonight…cRtTwCVHvPnpdshdyNkKjwVymKDWyX

cXfrjNfMDsPXGTX

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

tMKFSbXCVMSshSU

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!”CNMpsyDGIJpMVVkIBojvIxpLsvbTvI

mGkjnZcybDbmCIV

The dancer screamed and tried to pull away.UpczEICWGggYNcShsXmnKwXwBvLZsU

cfuUUnTpHBQSoXn

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

krTDFLlwaewyAnG

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

XBoTCNwjamCHnfd

After scanning briefly, he suddenly heard a thud!ENgTXUjOVylprFVkAmhgtgnlISXIOB

bvRSRqPTTzgLkCS

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

eltdpEfzZFxEjiI

Ning Rushen looked up in shock: …!?ZcKvrgLllMkIJrahCAItNGFlbboXLM

kqMraIYAvUfILnL

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

hYDJRxcFcTQyPdW

Shi Yi quietly looked around and blinked.kPXsQRwPqLJUUdRNtmluuJAbojOWSy

yvosKErQQEaFqHD

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.ANvfZXoBYFJTVEhwSqdOPHkSbajbpx

UkPziMDBEcrTytd

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

WoGqQZwBTdnAKqq

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

TCULlfIRTvzDhpY

Ning Rushen’s heart jolted:eNplGSYcGcauvcJJnsgxPhdUhyGTRE

rgtYAYCJwXEYYmV

Not reinforcements, but the main army…ZTAtdmJDPUORPUQaNuQzjSSVFVsAOm

IETpAXRvLwgPEOa

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

dXElzBxYouHUKAq

Ning Rushen’s heartbeat quickened.gNIMiNMrEAMoHuRVsAGmkicrkSLBME

XAHSAaJdfaMIANt

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

kpYRYlmahSmiQWd

Shi Yi paused and looked at him.xsmxcODwfJocXgpiKlqGxCvUkoRIoX

NxxkMtGcsIFKyeB

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

CRKbJCDJvbOZsTj

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

ohGVhtwiZCHnKAH

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.fRAupQokZWmCPHrWXGUezBFkyNkndi

RVrQhaJEyOobWOU

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

WKtzjGBwYRrTSNs

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

ESpPoUJiNsfxpNz

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

XdrqBTgyYUSZcDy

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

UAOBPZqSrKMabxz

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

UiJPAmxOErbAPdQ

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

SkWxSLePfogOBql

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

sKceikZrxFTBkIQ

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

lOrodMZguNJPBFP

After a while, commotion suddenly erupted outside.vVTQUHSzUPkMFxXxXzowvrXrjRJkXV

mliXAKBmYWyGQPa

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

frmfNNSwhnUksMz

Then, the clash of weapons could be heard.FnGPWsoJMwwNlQQETUWQOTyUCtIkCj

sSBhVHsdARXjvxN

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

fhRJhsmBYvadxeh

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.DKrJBpAJYEimeReUGhcXvzrHMBADCg

OimPInpBHkjvbsy

Panic seemed to spread into the tent as well:dLdXIBTnfVFcSGdTkylEIVxrKMnPhc

uJMgkDQBwgHYJkb

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

NynFLRwRElcjOHX

“Was he killed…”EQxltSkcsCwbbjPvDyTxxXYIpvkoBq

WlVUaEZBLeGTizt

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

CQIvrnxUaPwYkoU

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

zNtxDdHLKDvAbOc

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

LtbrDVqfGbNMLRe

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

caZQRbkQWSmiZoW

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

aZDGHEORmXTtSgh

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

oBvmYyfZFmroSwf

Thunderous shouts from the other side swept over.KhnSIoqqeWAhvBSzjVuVbnYTLTxXyP

KQMETWKJSSEAXIe

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

XtzawfRbhSsoMIQ

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

KaGcNPFvvUxyHlr

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

zjMLokYxNfZxLlc

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

ytPqjcnoQmTcYTd

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

nbhmfnzXJFUrcyM

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

HumooWyqWxdvxLA

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

WIMlSHWBquGhqQk

“I’ll go check.”glkuzcSbtefYqJeBeGhtcEgkiwQxMO

IiMvNtNHjPopNkF

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

nmxTMvyGjzRnDbx

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

zunFrFPlodmFxqa

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

wembMAccXBdUvim

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

MMuUCVIfwCfGeOt

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

nZxSDRcLftqiqPR

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

yAPrIFJBgUoJLcH

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.IwpVnGOxTZUWTJllQoJNxMlLbKjNbk

HfzpboknGndyJqH

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

ZRUHBJhBRNgHhyY

Resolutely, he ran forward.SiPTGbBolyvGJKbBkINRTYOiuJynUx

xYmHFNxTRkHFKhc

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.aoYXFrOzrYcDXFkGDQIKEhMJzHYbMi

BBKWDRMXTLDHdoW

His red gauze fluttered in the night.qIyQmIigbnaaRSchiJNiMnaGPXQeOC

rzcnoZlZiYvwDpO

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

vVKZJdKqfqYrukJ

Suddenly, urgent horse hooves sounded ahead.obUECburBQZhAfGjmWnFccJbndyikN

qvRLgVYmpdmYieZ

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

PdKStleuWneJYpx

Thud, a Northern Di soldier fell behind him.FJDkunGvdVHgeDAUKRSfDgnyzXJLCe

EwgKNeyhRHSkjnC

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

JjcxocvMQfmVCst

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

XPkAwlrikWJLwNq

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—vxgeQyUiNWOMYiDVdbdtQiUniQXNYJ

sgeBGYJewAmCUhK

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.”FhhFnHFwcUHxzRbjRvRXUawfrBpmBi

mbQesaoNqSGNKDn
Table of Contents
SyErsIQXhSsLWzjCXyxTlgzuVMVFDE

0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments