This official is so weak

Ning Rushen was suddenly lifted onto the horse.rLRTEsHpowuGDXXIrZDkpQrsXhQuoO

iVIwlUghShftSfB

Li Wuting’s arm tightly encircled his waist, the dark cloak wrapping him securely, while warm breath brushed against his forehead.bpXscpyTuZVCxlxqcvyoLPXRGYCsdU

uMVHxQNwRSghNEG

It was as if, amidst the chaos of war, what was lost had finally been regained.VToGijRDBrplYfQzTjjRpsNbknQJWs

pdqEruIPRwKUSmd

His chest pressed against the cold, hard silver armor, but his heart burned with heat.NefhILjKloCVvUYBpsipeuMSBOlXRE

KSYFWDLOhaqEmok

As the horse galloped forward, Ning Rushen tightened his grip around Li Wuting’s waist.XfANDvahEDEBKNvFcLUhWKskzHCjys

mROmuuVkdZPSRzs

The Emperor’s sword sliced through the night, and with a swift motion, Li Wuting dispatched another Beidi soldier. Ning Rushen leaned against him, looking up in urgency:OuJjGvWnwfBhwhFMgUbEZJittQUCVC

nMhYPZWfspCLyur

“There are still people in the dancers’ tent, our Da Cheng people.”vUJfnsiLtWNTOHlDhXHnQdXQzkZayM

VfcwHGJXohsYJbC

“The Da Cheng army will come to assist.” Li Wuting glanced down, flicking the blood off his sword.TfKVplmcWKnijpcgAOTsXQnVwsApgY

awGFRiTqyCpcFNP

As soon as he finished speaking, Lu Wu arrived with reinforcements.zbRnneUHIZHfsyCSZYSLJEtQiSkVgA

deQUOhLNqMVziny

Ning Rushen was pressed into Li Wuting’s embrace, and with a command from above, Lu Wu led the troops towards the dancers’ tent.UkLZyAaHNcxjOVtObyYWphclAaIdYc

oaaEQLPmhztsqKQ

Once they were gone, Li Wuting tugged the reins and turned the horse around.AhXCZFiYevZevTdMhLwJnokhQfigSB

NNuOxijWwvZmWYG

The steed neighed softly, leaping over the flames and broken wood, galloping across the barren land stained with blood.NCkTGmhdwMhVbTagtyjtsQSwqbeLAK

QaLmLpBIQmAriCY

Amidst the jolting ride, a golden bell tinkled in the wind.TqjKvySGpSESwkiXVRCWGlFkSVYjrL

UMittNxJvMVppHc

Li Wuting tightened his hold on Ning Rushen once more.UKrOIqseybbpskazsHLNjfdespUXqh

dwjzzviFGdnuXUi

The silver-armored wrist was wrapped in red silk, with the bell digging into the palm.YcMMmixJOgEFKRtZNICZRQliORAHfB

AVcNbnclsFQKaMY

Ning Rushen, clinging to Li Wuting’s waist, felt their chests pressed together as if he could hear each other’s heartbeats. The armor dug into him, and with a slightly unsteady breath, he looked up:xHCrXHNSpDoeSkwoOJyFzuDWcpTcHi

cMQcydwtELYPyye

“Your Majesty…”NLaLyvrwCSUWiSDkpbdyPTEHdWhZGw

sRJgAJLvGeSuZid

Facing the fierce cold night wind, Li Wuting leaned down and kissed the tip of his ear, “I’m taking you back to the camp.”EQxMPDfBTXzoQSGfIPGfHtLrObEkXB

KRTsFLktHLZdSZZ

…ANeKsoujFoGYakVrMdbKzMfFaewqUh

qqoGAAlsjWDyvfc

The battle had already resolved most of the Beidi soldiers.iGcBksGVhQvGSvJYIWcXeLnqLyWIzM

qQJBLDRbNQQAnOO

The Dingyuan army arrived just in time to finish the job, and Li Wuting rode directly back to the Changsui camp with Ning Rushen.aYXFgiFCANSTxNOsoImUhIluILpxgJ

bvbRGBCQUWGNQxy

The tension that had been so tightly wound during the journey finally began to ease.xsQmfUaafPfYNiYBuzeJMcFbnLNIfv

qkzqzghwgnsvUiF

Ning Rushen let his mind go blank, resting in Li Wuting’s embrace, feeling a sense of peace he had never known before.aGTipfzRGygxSmjxhRSLcwToeGezlk

WzHicguIemeseCv

He didn’t know how long it had been when the horse’s pace gradually slowed.EvFskDHwAqzpWpANJLkWSnoRaenmzh

EyCOavczEzJoQDH

The horse galloped into the camp’s main gate, and the guard saluted, “Your Majesty!”XuVKfkXKnVtrAOPaLGsADTmeJZQBbc

ZTGQPtITBQQgCaB

Li Wuting acknowledged with a nod but didn’t stop. He merely ordered, “Bring a basin of water,” before continuing to ride to the main tent.IyQSIRXzcyYxegYEOyZucqSHaMucDv

sbwtulRNamCdZMW

He wrapped Ning Rushen in his cloak and carried him inside.tGWnJwPdUagilgQZuNmeYbVebgJKco

qhbmhmhZLJuhtxv

Ning Rushen, suddenly lifted from his daze, instinctively grabbed onto Li Wuting’s shoulder:mfIdBNftOSvtCAeylNDfRZAVHVbQwg

zIiWlfgNEgDoUqD

“Your Majesty! I can walk on my own.”YMwCyyxdJYVXDPCPMvAhgRiryivlEc

RJyCdHnBGMcIoxp

A low voice came from above, “In these clothes, how would you walk?”VMFxAiyTeCKhJwnFrDXhOoRQayulyu

IhQvhVkwdpqAogi

…Well, that’s true.nnztOCcdeYotcikiLKsircWazcszFh

WARBIolVupbYXWj

Ning Rushen fell silent, clutching Li Wuting’s shoulder.XYDHCsQFwwPYZJEsGwkAOeoRQEqcMZ

BKxaEFyHmxDhlxq

Li Wuting carried him effortlessly, stepping around the screen to place him on the bed. As soon as he set Ning Rushen down, the guard entered with a basin of water, placed it outside the screen, and lit the candle before leaving.tInjwpMkGSBbRFOTGfSQWYXOIGyDtf

zwdUZEUwAPpbGpC

The warm candlelight illuminated the tent.hqLfjEvuIWyCIpJurATIOTuolwaCwJ

sfErBaiNDmilwQv

At such close range, both their faces were clearly visible.uEbHxSHaARaZWqYzFzFeSdJEcDWYoq

gfXydsdOwazDsHF

Ning Rushen leaned against the headboard and watched as Li Wuting, standing above him, removed his cloak to reveal a thin, light red silk robe underneath.QCyruIVcgnTtNqwIbVCxWFEdwwVtRN

cvdyAAiMwcEwrGJ

In the faint candlelight, his black hair entwined with red silk, and his skin glowed white as jade.fGHCupegNUqabigIxHBZARkTPImSUM

BKWRUjcnznHcBdB

Li Wuting looked down at him, gripping his hand tightly.tqvyCZnMqVPRpWTGEnczCUUGkgFoLT

eBVbXmmnenkyKtq

In the emperor’s usually fearless expression, there was an unusual hint of caution, as if he was afraid of hurting him, suppressing something within.HKRaYvKlugJiULvMvCnWMlYvyUMYom

qfxaaRxMpSByKjM

Ning Rushen’s heart pounded, “What’s wrong?”BDiafaKCmOrKbRgbvdxUYiXmNanWYJ

YKRKfEhFfxqyrQq

Li Wuting’s grip on his fingers was so tight that they turned white. After a long pause, Li Wuting asked in a hoarse voice, “Were you… bullied?”LNabvySmfAXLuvbWocpDJZYANDHEvz

HpOZdJmhSGApaKS

Ning Rushen was momentarily stunned, his heart suddenly touched, “No…”hIGmzWQpCzUfLOHAOXPUTcJKPydPjy

fJHyyKkludSmVgw

As soon as he spoke, Li Wuting exhaled deeply, closed his eyes, and leaned down to embrace him tightly—AlZuczHfoEWCEosMKOVCmEUfUfkJdD

GmCVTfPCSBtQXbu

Heartbeats pressed together, what was lost had been regained.sQGomCFonggzAOYFJgMhMNZQqEHofZ

KNAudYmiXIopQxO

The overwhelming surge of emotion crashed between their tightly held bodies.rJnyEJytVSIcjmpVlNxhQMoePYACna

qtzYpoIAcssNYoi

Ning Rushen, unable to control himself, raised his arms to wrap them around Li Wuting’s neck. His back pressed against the pillow, the red silk entwined with the hard armor.VtfSwADPBjrjkTrNJCJUxbybGtBIAj

uQKqtJlTyYxazPT

The fabric rustled, the golden bell chimed softly. The arms holding him were so tight, burning with heat, as if they would ignite.jMNaxMHrOTBOsDePjjzjPRDMJAJgBk

sqZzhpxRPzwrCsR

No one knew how long it took for those hands to finally loosen.IjbxyzlmsuhDVGtGOQCpSqwHjtbINO

cAToKMhaZlOPEwy

Li Wuting pushed himself up, glancing down at Ning Rushen’s waist. In a hoarse voice, he said, “Let’s take this off first.”RlihLaOqbPMAJmrDugCcJiOcAIcORP

WkSkUBNaCYiTffB

Ning Rushen, feeling weak from being held, softly murmured in agreement.wdAccbZEphIZShbqLpGfPPClcjhBvb

bwAcSxhNKpzagQE

Li Wuting’s fingers moved and began untying the golden bell.hLLfvHhoawbPeyyxWewLgKtoyHPXqc

LcLtWrqfkgXohkh

Half-leaning on the bed, Ning Rushen looked down and saw those well-defined fingers threading through the ties, loosening the golden bell from his waist.hKDWKIrLXAHRNGQSySUMECkXLToftA

iIpwVayCbIVqbnx

The searing touch of those fingers brushed against his side.bTauriAFvyHEeZrHbTzbLIeqQNarFk

zSZMsCTYwLxWJyi

Ning Rushen trembled instantly, as if a fire had ignited within him. He grabbed Li Wuting’s hand, “…Your Majesty.”xbjDcpVcBdABYiwKeCiYhsnpoSJbwA

SfVQyGnOuqBJMvX

Li Wuting paused, looking up at him.jQftPiuLzsaxeHLkfpvglFLnyUTadq

cVWmsVMpMaSIyVa

Their eyes met, and Ning Rushen’s breath became erratic, both of their gazes burning with heat.IEAwCUwlUcKZjZsCQhOHOjocYMDtVF

UoZONesoeiPPokc

He bit his lip, about to speak. But Li Wuting suddenly leaned in, his eyelashes lowered as he moved closer—dGggWsXiwQzMBcVnCWIOocwgMBCPvq

ZmpBuXsUFMCRBOL

With one large hand, he encircled Ning Rushen’s waist, lowering his head to capture his lips.kRlPQYOSZdySBHOdQAyKyDvPPrXodF

RKKQADNweSukjar

“Mm…” Ning Rushen’s lashes fluttered as he began to tremble uncontrollably. He held his breath, the scorching lips kissing him, making his blood boil.ruTZBuGRgsFNzxNXoOsjdEUsNNXrju

IOLAlGYvHlzPlLN

After such a long separation, the flood of emotions was overwhelming.QeLVYPLHNbnNZBbxxaKrsukxtMvppR

oNGTbirjJzhTOQg

He closed his eyes, leaning in to meet the kiss, wrapping his arms around Li Wuting’s neck. Their lips pressed together, soft yet burning, and as their lips brushed, Ning Rushen unconsciously licked his lips while catching his breath, only to be fiercely caught.hvOEnnfCIshlPfclQGeAWaHBBiGtKt

XthiuGrKDokIZfq

Li Wuting pressed closer, deepening the kiss.YCfgMePUuRzFBFizsOGgxXGDXvbmAj

trowSRVdAxKKzEq

Their breaths mingled, entangling in chaotic desire.ZAOjWOviWdUAQbGNBnsxhZssMJZVYe

DDVnsxhbYAPpuzx

Ning Rushen, in the midst of his feverish state, opened his eyes slightly, catching a glimpse of Li Wuting with his lashes lowered, his handsome face flushed, and the back of his neck burning hot under his arm.RfePVGsvrchcZRZHZJzwNtcBhSkyXw

VPSHcCoCfpwoqAM

This man, usually so composed, was now kissing him with such abandon…SRvxfzypzJoteMngYrDxXHVQKwPVBn

ZirTrkpxtFBHzPq

Pinned beneath him on the dragon bed, Ning Rushen felt his limbs go weak. One of his legs unconsciously curled up from beneath the loose folds of his robe, the red silk brushing against Li Wuting’s waist.GiezCOYhvZrotemxWnZhZunQxNgsNH

PjNzyCNULjCMMoG

The movement seemed to trigger something in Li Wuting, who gasped, his brow furrowing with restrained desire, his large hand clamping down on Ning Rushen’s knee.fouahmKeXNHyaJdKYlKsAwVLjqmbPA

EgVElGRmlLfTtmR

“Don’t move…”zILqzoUujUzTyIgNEbtlLfTaHyxrkn

RydLNHXKFJGmtoD

Pressed so close together, Ning Rushen could clearly feel the intense heat.tBtYCLvbcYBBDfBnnykbiMidKclZFS

gHHZOdSUZCTUtdl

His toes curled, and he ceased moving. Li Wuting leaned in to kiss him again, causing the bell to jingle softly Until the last trace of sanity was nearly consumed by the blazing fire.lApCNMkKfDVUUGzhRmPKOQNTvCkbxZ

YxNmlmnCrUdJUBo

The long, intense kiss finally ended, and Li Wuting, his Adam’s apple moving, buried his head in Ning Rushen’s neck, slowly steadying his breath.vDMAgaJHmYPwFGnomUrEtxhUHDwfif

jZDxNUttEqISJmj

The two of them remained in a tight embrace.clGQQpUkivjDHosgYJyaTXZAIegDLa

IElzKfYKIfQcMSP

Ning Rushen stared up at the top of the tent, his head spinning, ears burning from the kiss, barely able to collect himself as he clung to Li Wuting’s shoulders.nzxWGRXPEBDqMglysrwknMQUVycOdL

CLpFRwOZxisEcBu

…They had kissed, and it had been so intense.GJGqrYlwNQagcMUVVEDeLVqHrSLzSz

cwpwhOmeGjFoELA

After a long while, during which the candle burned down significantly, Li Wuting finally pushed himself up.OhwFvvKXDJYozuzSyUdxblTYYqfsGW

wtKKowtOnWiLXUu

The ties of his cloak had left his neck flushed red. He raised his hand to remove the cloak and silver armor, then turned to go outside to wash his hands and wring out a cloth.IQcDXytuEdTLEZcuDvwgAbJOBIiWDG

kLUVvcyhxSyOHrl

As he stood, he passed right by Ning Rushen.GETPZwVHVMGXHxBirGhFbgDTSbvhjh

oaXDjHrHscgubYU

Ning Rushen’s eyes dropped for a moment, then he quickly turned his gaze away, his face burning with embarrassment.oWWAVGsqovSmQrHddppOohjDGmhBWi

rOlCBMyPFSNQRHB

The sound of running water echoed from outside.shqWtcccCfeiznnJXJLYEHRFnJivrr

IHGQQzkhGvAbnsu

Soon, Li Wuting returned, sitting at the edge of the bed. He pulled Ning Rushen’s hands and feet towards him, his voice still a bit hoarse as he spoke:HqtQqBuzzxGljktTqlEbVgHBzZNZcP

ezSZNHwhvyhIyBD

“You’ve gotten yourself all dirty again.”RxDDylvOYOkaUEkCBJqKaxhtotnsVU

dkIVFCdLcPJPmqA

Ning Rushen shrank back slightly but didn’t resist, instead letting Li Wuting clean him, “It’s from the charcoal; there’s a lot of ash.”uiSATpbjsylxeAWXtbTdgUfAGjEirP

QsUQGDoFAohbkXw

Li Wuting paused, remembering the scene of charred bodies from the Northern Di when they had stormed the camp. He squeezed Ning Rushen’s clean fingers, “You’re reckless.”qdifrpiVuZpVELZOugBZoIWlxbLxQy

nCJorugbAHeTuFX

After saying that, he stood up to grab some clean inner robes.uXhAUXHHMXAjzgXAHJNlMPVAoATiUr

eJncZaZQlyrVuQc

Li Wuting asked, “Do you want to do it yourself, or shall I help you?”qSyCXCnMBvXvjqLcOWTozUKaUtSjYf

xXZSFITvzZSeeQg

Ning Rushen quickly sat up.KZxBumTmVEfzuEYMNlFnuPxSLZtuBY

yjtmiXMcPFDrMLk

A wave of heat rushed through him as he pulled his legs up to cover himself, “I—I’ll do it myself.”PtAVXNwjznUKZWGIKgacminDqkotYi

aemkkjWORIPCkCW

Li Wuting’s gaze lingered for a moment, and it was unclear whether he was smiling or not.YvKdfAqOhjvPFkwEoiYjGVXoGDdtTe

jhqdEUgURpffLxU

He draped the inner robe over Ning Rushen’s waist and, just before leaving, glanced back. After a moment’s hesitation, he gently pressed his fingers to Ning Rushen’s lips, “They’re all red.”JtVjlgZjKXXwLskhQIRamlEvtuCgkG

xYBFzeFaTaHqmyI

With that, he let go and stepped around the screen.FmScuQQZTTejVXIHKcTYsSzWGCQTbz

gbYFJFbnLluETAg

Ning Rushen stared after him, dumbfounded: …Huh?BgpNJrKyIcZsJQTpNLWdEJbitkXIUO

KbSBtEBxteaAjuw

Once Li Wuting was gone, Ning Rushen was left alone in the tent.DMhjLCPxUYEyyRWOtVXgNVOeixGcpj

XDmqNbgYwhRdGVY

It took him a long time to gather his thoughts, his hands and feet trembling as he changed his clothes, belatedly realizing: That’s right.FOpdacuaGorAQwMKVfzFdGueTNxbFL

AKJOBabUcHtDEaV

Who has their first kiss and makes it this intense?UgxRbhlvTFvXwZuHUlKRmDeyatERoc

emLvFpSsKFvbzJF

The redness of his lips wasn’t just from the kiss—it was because Li Wuting had been so…dsMXbTPJoLCmZseofRQxkGOiMSNCuA

BHOEKVpOUDbEezM

Ning Rushen paused, unable to finish the thought.zIMxRLSeuLcYArJZoqpRUQollNoCrH

HameohEwmTlZVIc

He suddenly remembered something Li Jingyu had said to him a long time ago: *“My brother is very self-disciplined. He hasn’t taken any concubines.”*vuwAUKlhcemHsUXYnGRejfvVZgdfsz

egxWiiFFlepSSCy

Back then, Ning Rushen had been worried for Li Wuting, fearing that any future concubines might struggle to cope with him.UpQJJWLuHrJLwhMRFBVYzNUXEBTMcS

aqJoVdwundFMVzI

He swallowed hard, biting his lip: It turns out he was the one who couldn’t cope.fdbHXDUilhpqXNPFkxRAClKARhESmy

qtakFIhZmafxPYK

He pressed his lips together and swallowed: The one who couldn’t handle it was him.PAwurhPTwgkFeSWSClJYaUgZpDNIic

ZRuCsJHnLvBMFre

…DWIRbygLYjKQmhrYKYWXhfgGgkQqfD

WbWlqLdVuBGBgdL

After changing his clothes in a daze, some time had passed.pmwBuZjdnNgdSWfHrmVauVsHpNtEYl

nqfgIRdzIcFiziF

Ning Rushen tidied up, stuffing the gauzy clothing to the foot of the bed.WOUyvPkCuPzCWyIRaCglvPCwwuktPb

nowWuQsFAnOHqUR

By this time, the army had returned.mqICJeDpzIvOBxYllcbFDygkffFLmi

UxluxzjNnGcFMGD

Li Wuting had gone out to deal with military matters and wouldn’t be back for a while, so he had ordered a personal guard to bring Ning Rushen something to eat.ijSPfYIpUgoOaeMaxeFijdBAmbNwfX

XdrMnJmbzqvviqQ

As he sat by the bed, the guard who brought the food started sobbing loudly, holding a large bowl:hfLdZUmpVsKQRQjVYTJNNPRDdoYtIs

HcOYBMtvDPvxANl

“Lord Ning! You’ve suffered so much—it’s all because we failed to protect you properly…”cKONhWfRodGIqxHVEJTtDAxlHlUJkg

EasjYsTogtgBpUL

Ning Rushen sighed, “You didn’t fail at all; you were too forceful, if anything…”ZnaTdmzLqGJAaLKzINykxXigYkWlEq

lwtkENekYTjyNyO

The guard burst into even louder sobs.YtmGXKoMPDPyUfZFouKjLyLCKTAJNj

lNlVnwzaesbuYWF

After crying for a while, the guard finally calmed down and asked, “Lord Ning, are you injured? I heard His Majesty carried you back himself.”biCHzaVPBemGWsdalYkvLMqPsffjVN

HXjcxWPBbqSbUKz

Ning Rushen’s face heated up instantly, and he muttered, “Mm.”cWplzXNJukcXZEiuXCLYzwhigMpocv

CcLVQEtIMQEoQFO

The guard didn’t think much of it and praised, “His Majesty is so kind, and he treats you so well, Lord Ning!”MLMDuOxyvSeGghQvMUOypLaADvprMr

MAhILpnBMBTfnoy

“…”gYleXsdVqqJPZAuKHWHWjdIzLwYlfU

KNAQdMcrzVAMlNj

Recalling how forcefully Li Wuting had kissed him earlier, pressing against him, Ning Rushen quickly raised his hand to wave the guard away:dGEtJFmjTtbTtOnbYFZaXRkblWiGCd

KNzUGyvVxajTiPY

“Yes, he’s especially kind… You should go take care of your duties now.”SdfSiamzgkDRFgoQKAHBUzBXZjrwKa

yRoLMgboVTnYQur

After sending the guard away, he ate a little and soon grew sleepy.eRJnAUXhouUBNWGFsHbgohDYeHYOJg

vgrfvYCvImcLVgH

Li Wuting hadn’t returned yet, so Ning Rushen curled up in the long-missed comfort of the golden bed and dozed off.qulZjhIvSLXTbfoYrRZIdHLRshOhan

xRIKQpNZWDGzDCn

He didn’t know how much time had passed.pOoqYlQwPDkbRkQOQYfKwVcuUHLggl

hyaaGucuVDYOWNS

The candles were burning low, and there was a gentle movement near the bed.TnmsWxEIcqxymasUcJnVhsqBgpRWOJ

uCsFwFImdCbRIDo

Half-asleep, Ning Rushen opened his eyes slightly and saw Li Wuting, having removed his outer robe, quietly lying down beside him. He reached out and pulled Ning Rushen into his arms.VsdMlqSEdlbyAxnITaqEuxlNZfPjfM

asEDBzZTclXfKAf

Ning Rushen nestled against him, “Your Majesty, you’re back…”getoywHwwhTqAMWoxRgaGeZVzVMdvc

WaKpsOAElDyiebj

The hand on his back patted him gently, “Did I wake you?”hoIIjKLOIiXtopnfrFXJOyKvFcurSF

naYIxqNxrCycmNi

“Is everything taken care of?” he asked sleepily.TXlWIecilviAJhEpLMEkdIkfjEXVAp

ugHJFSsUHqFSFjx

“Mm.” After a moment of silence, Li Wuting asked in a low voice, “Earlier, I didn’t ask—what was with that outfit?”ALSOXWqyCRvwdZdfsjlXoCDIhdjcVI

UFqqKuiTMXxzMLj

Ning Rushen, his eyes half-closed, gave a brief explanation, “…Then the deputy general burned it, so I couldn’t change back.”CaldzrqBivQlouHguVpScnrcwLkDmQ

fDDHnzfXPtnzWUu

The hand that was patting him paused in mid-air.NQWeKyTfqWPMbSYSLRswbtpLHByRYm

MUOYScrRUTsqtQb

Li Wuting’s eyes darkened, and he looked down at the person, now a sleepy bundle in his arms. After a moment, he gently patted him again:XUSPSpsUTvRHPIIvgZMRrBpRZNtIzw

QiQLVXloIUxKUnD

“I understand. Go to sleep.”bhfCWAjpRUnotNjZAkMhHRkrdHeKCa

ntLRIMryLCbvZHo

Ning Rushen closed his eyes peacefully, “Good night, Your Majesty.”ZbBRQtJEAvohBsCsonnsqJnmERaKEl

HpyJpjtipVpWfHa

It had been ten days since he last slept so well.kuggdfLyLHWYUevTMHHhrYfpAWbodF

uZUJFbywHddiXWg

Ning Rushen woke up early the next morning.EedUEBpvbXTHLFdygTzqEwjpcOJoiU

rdbkyJTipLQyFRb

The bed beside him was already empty. After getting up and washing, he realized how naturally he had fallen asleep on the emperor’s dragon bed.MNfbhxNhHyaBbHSCWwficMiSeTYGHj

ZMLsESlNSfharyJ

Could it be that he was inherently so reckless?QRDDVReqzcfdZMjKfnyiThHQAApaHe

uxyksxbCpMJQGiF

Dazed, Ning Rushen washed his face and stepped outside.ZklPjpallcChcAvaZMXMrSKnVbDrIv

nKYSqlSkFYkrsjV

Outside the main tent, the familiar sight of the Da Cheng army camp greeted him under the bright sunlight. The loyal and lovable Dingyuan soldiers were bustling about.VJGDJkIDMUewdcSWQHewgAAscByLBR

riUjoCNCCXVygvh

The Xiongnu soldiers captured last night were nowhere to be seen.BZYgzGatLIWVCCitxLLrGkJZurTHbL

zAWSYHThmewUHlG

Ning Rushen glanced around and wandered over to the interrogation camp.aNJSVSuRLixWBndmlcFepRNpFVRHEg

AVkSSfaDvxGKSUB

As he approached the camp, he saw Lu Wu returning from somewhere, holding a red-hot branding iron that he tossed into a basin of cold water with a hiss.lDrsrTRQBXLsyEmHUFTbqoIbCjSTpB

rfbtFzXlTSRcgTh

Ning Rushen peeked in, “Were you torturing someone?”FOvuNtWwnSXvgSkfxFhMXkAptjGZOv

kCYLHijWUMoOAuY

Lu Wu, with a stoic expression, replied, “No, just dealing with some filth for His Majesty.”JchgqWsfMpZtihbAzmVYtLHfJozSiK

JDaRqhDUFBhnRUN

…What kind of filth?SZvJDadtqFqbjjPaBoDMdJPBPuFyMa

MXEJHfdVZqsvypj

Before Ning Rushen could ask further, De Quan came out of the main tent, “Lord Ning, you’ve suffered much during this time. Come, His Majesty is in the main tent!”AvVhaSTnxVZtBNrQooCpZhXckEqOte

SbGJPSRJhwnNaId

Ning Rushen was immediately distracted, “Oh.”VFlaKKzjLtjkFsKBGBEQQQXkBYQsAe

MYVYIFEwTQKUoQM

As he hurried off, De Quan subtly shook his head at Lu Wu, signaling: His Majesty has instructed that such dirty matters need not be mentioned to Lord Ning.IoLncMqCIwhghQKFHMQsryzjyckkCx

UfrePLEmYANRKCR

With that, De Quan waved his whisk and followed Ning Rushen.GflOzbnGVLlFLPQPxXfwRaHBXXSIpA

aUGgpSeiHUYUjDg

…ztpHBcpFaHfiERGAeHJhHgSHAKJcXP

lTmQrOqzGcZsAbX

Ning Rushen entered the main tent.NdgTpsiNtqWvbxMdcdsvgONbIDoqTl

xobaJoIPqErQWrL

Inside, several Xiongnu leaders were bound and kneeling on the ground.ovGRwSDEmBmDyTtvLfnkqYwcIrDHPB

yIlsyrGlzggXyKL

Among them was Randalle, disheveled, covered in dirt and blood, his torn clothes in tatters.xtsfMJKcTbrvwAXvlaLBARMvTQnXUE

gMxNfhQxDavQObJ

Li Wuting sat at the head, dressed in a cold and dignified dark robe adorned with subtle patterns.BLlHtFIappvTqTZUBqRSiZHOUzzHeg

rcomRxGBCHrhUez

Prince Xuan and Shiyi stood by his side.sFdnevLmCWjbYjHmnUXWKdRRemVkZQ

VCQEqTdUqkdogSr

When Ning Rushen entered, Li Wuting’s expression softened slightly, “You’re awake.”FiuxJeIgSHiflKgmhWjBnxAbPpQhui

MYYlIaAunqKKMey

Ning Rushen nodded and walked over.haGiVDRqCFZofpAeGqIKGtAcLqVeWm

VTShaOFbLpxfmlm

As he passed through the tent, the eyes of the Xiongnu soldiers were all on him, one gaze particularly intense—fslgYhzrZcMYNBEmiAJfLDJkEQIvXQ

jOzdFZUYpnwiNHs

He didn’t even need to look to know it was Randalle.OgZAIlIarYIJEkenpLjaKPWPGtKswO

ATKtvKQsyCfXEXq

Randalle probably wanted to tear him apart right now…bneynOphrwmRHAISEIKOSauQvxDssk

HIROGdvTyToFcpC

Ning Rushen walked straight up to Li Wuting, “Your Majesty.” The gaze on him grew even more intense.cuKjwHpNOvIwfadpmCgrPJkldFahxc

ftcFqCtrTkRymfa

He couldn’t resist glancing over, only to see Randalle craning his neck, staring at him with wide eyes. Just as Randalle was about to speak, Ning Rushen’s hand was suddenly tugged.CuEqqysTLZavJUHjxXWburYKMpKXDp

GXFCAtNbhqrKuKi

Ning Rushen turned his head, only to see Li Wuting lowering his eyes, pulling his hand over and naturally feeling it:cCgacdSAPKnEcaOoMigBqpelHbkksm

cslVoGYcCsRAusG

“Your hand is so cold, why didn’t you wear more layers?”toqQcvUNoCMVmLgiNxFGwGzrcSHHWh

WGhEvkyLiaqcZsc

“…”pDKYyCpbMBNtIiYSnkPRlUHHhgtzEj

FAErpJHtxKwhmpy

Ning Rushen’s face flushed with heat!XRoixDRlhlASeLcshlbhMuFpBPREji

KvIAJcxhSTRcmDx

In front of everyone, what was Li Wuting doing?yQklxAFOJUWJyqyJcIBCvohZwhAPrK

DibhJgwFtVbgzXw

He looked at their clasped hands, Li Wuting’s thick fingers entwined with his, rubbing gently over his knuckles. His ears turned red instantly, and his heart pounded…mWOnpbBnjMfJDPdbcqsJSvUGmRQGvd

NhNSAcFITMdpJUp

Suddenly, a voice came from the side: “Blasphemer, you must die.”zIpNdYbhvpjeqMstmSGIkGrmWQnuzo

BaUGdHcZqMaJcDx

The tent fell silent.oVHSIsUPArhkfUIOtLzNFNeUhWIyIS

PLCzEZcEZwwxhSK

Ning Rushen looked at Randalle, whose gaze was firm: …tqjEgwLxoVUiyIqGfueGwvcBIGWRmJ

QMsWDBLmsVXGuaN

Li Wuting silently looked at Ning Rushen.rVgmvYFWsUTYPeLxaKhdaVLllpOFXy

mvHxIOAgAteMGaD