This official is so weak

Ning Rushen was still unaware of the brewing unrest in the capital.HioEnbguaKQVcfXbDSuPlxNZrfrHdi

LnLeohIgEjeitqm

After settling affairs in Beijiang over the past few days, the forces of Dacheng, which he had dispatched, were now stationed in Shan City.vnbkfqllfTrgHrDtcvOptadmYTOvOG

XjCCXemmCnFLFvM

Tomorrow, they were set to return to the capital.DzeFeSZOqJTqUPBNFLPrDtyhYZyIvz

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That night, a victory banquet was held in the military camp, also serving as a farewell for the imperial court.HLDdOnUeBLhXqdVYRAzVhdglFrJfXA

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The entire army celebrated their achievements, with a joyful atmosphere filling the air.idDapftahtPloYiFlepjZArSqkBeRl

iMctZALfugfhNnz

In front of the central bonfire, Li Wuting sat in the main seat, surrounded by generals like Huo Mian and He Liang.qvLGkYICweAoqjysvExEvyJDOnDOFy

bpUlnbmnWrcVOsh

The warm glow of the fire carried the scent of wine to their faces.ZpPKweNxFQygTVygjMrokHgzvRIWMG

YUDUdfjIBlZQdZU

Ning Rushen, illuminated by the flames, couldn’t help but recall the devilish whisper of Prince Xuan from a few days prior:ZODvojiJGjecTixirWlpMIWfzGdhVn

BdzzsroGwzwjwCX

“The capital is nothing like Beijiang. You’ll be separated from His Majesty soon.”aclPwczpJELGwHxWIjUeYgMpjRoSBR

LESLgUObaJjPCex

“Your days of sharing a tent together are numbered…”zoYTcKUMaucBpdjvhjUSzOknuBLqeG

AYIMebIAURqxeoy

As he absentmindedly held his wine, Huo Mian suddenly stood up beside him:fvsDHHgxZwuGgPVgNlfcYBwbGoKgZa

EFIVmOYMGVlLOUQ

“This great victory wouldn’t have been possible without His Majesty’s brilliant strategy, the bravery of all our soldiers, and Lord Ning’s daring risks—”GQzYXDEDQVpVDgGDKnsstlnlRQqumG

TOiofcRXlSydlxF

“Lord Ning, I raise this glass on behalf of the entire army!”XrNSSmZlUUvsrZUvOJbbSiivJDFvQL

HWxlDeEHDwkQXuO

“…?”QyjKHRurktFCjVCthRKzKMMggNsNKJ

pqyAFEqZSAEvVOR

Ning Rushen snapped out of his thoughts. Seeing Huo Mian’s flushed face, he raised his glass from afar and responded, “Oh, alright…”rtjGoaDoRFrOGTMBRqlaTKvGKOAEbc

UOYBbdfOuoCILQl

Soon after, He Liang and others also gathered around to toast.OXarKUqJTIwmYzLtYJAYibnRfMdDBy

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But Ning Rushen was still preoccupied with the upcoming return.hSVseklJkBjMwOmdanGCryLGwjWaGO

aRrKkJVcJLGddBi

In the midst of the lively atmosphere, he was toasted again and again: Gulp, gulp…WIwCmjitySRlogNCDwdeskyatQBlWf

cGSyKjVAyyecHNB

Li Wuting watched indulgently for a while.nkUhotguVOBYSQMRpernNVgNcdTmDk

yaHLEbeAclvxtsb

Only when Ning Rushen’s eyes started to glaze over, and his movements became sluggish, did Li Wuting finally intervene, “That’s enough.”tJWPHZvSAhnlPbnQixVnepPwSxhfls

wfcuhMdWmmmNVho

The enthusiastic soldiers of Dingyuan turned their attention elsewhere.ZMpdUlhnCWBVrQBfHebQUNpPUOdrVd

wIANaBunDxAmbwn

Ning Rushen, slightly dizzy, turned as well: ?kLrNEvOamaMajtYhGBoizKENAwjakt

aAknleIaHQLRrYO

Li Wuting stood up, holding his cup, and in a clear, resonant voice that echoed through the camp, he declared, “I toast to the entire army for safeguarding Dacheng—”ULSuWvdVLpzfTcxdcNFhmUyrdWtfEU

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With that, he tilted his head back and drained his cup.qhCsKGhyAjepXerwJcoNrMonwxUKfD

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The camp erupted with cheers and enthusiasm, the morale surging:aqsufODBhjDslYHpOdITUpXKcsTxvV

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“Long live His Majesty! Long live Dacheng!”aOgvwVMoTivIofuMfKYklxRtoifpCg

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“We pledge our lives to defend the nation and keep Dingyuan safe!”oVcCmfMErcCELjFRNnnVAttDkqerEI

fKCRKMiEXxCcpje

Amidst the roaring excitement, Ning Rushen looked up, only to see the young emperor with deep-set brows and eyes gazing into the distance. His black robes swayed in the flickering firelight, his figure tall and straight.IkRXGGzOIcGgCdRuEddmkGMPDNmpOd

orLlplBTxMxFJRO

His broad shoulders seemed to carry the weight of the heavens.ejUiqQWtOTUhmZLejsKNOhRThufsvv

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Ning Rushen’s heart stirred, flickering like the firelight.nNhdmaSiecHHqlshrvDllCtGgCyqQH

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As he stared, Li Wuting suddenly lowered his eyes to meet his gaze. The jade-like eyes softened slightly, and amidst the clamor, he said:EzXJOcciCYflraZCbjarAGWdwLMCZL

XKcduQtctsZateT

“Drunk? Let’s go back to the tent.”xVkLtLXlnyzsXPZImVgDdtddUzqcEB

OLIRDhfumWhqgcY

Ning Rushen, his thoughts scattered, nodded in agreement, “Mm.”IroDvLsfmmFRpjTFQQeazotiRCTLab

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…MCnYdhcQwwlVwuCQktrjFVEngDQzQP

JvdYVPDcNHpGEXA

When they returned to the main tent, he was still a bit dazed.RGsBfqSrmBNNcciBTWCoNovkEUzzob

xzfMvggIxBHGmMn

The strong liquor was hitting him, the intoxicating effect fermenting in his mind as he floated behind Li Wuting.LIUXXtcRicrsjThKERnJlTMHRqpbFW

wFJYCLuMgSZrano

Li Wuting glanced at him, already accustomed to the sight.XaliQrGOGUpNliTxrbiMPfrpcQxjXv

BOTNQSXBqaFROhc

He sighed inwardly, calling for Dequan to bring water, and personally wiped Ning Rushen’s face. Ning Rushen cooperated, tilting his head back as the damp cloth brushed his cheek, a blush spreading across his skin.TEIdIYsUVVYxDcOvfOQGtRGGmoZKrd

ZyOfCBLKjxICYCc

Li Wuting paused, unable to resist leaning down to plant a kiss, then rubbed the flushed face before laying him on the bed. “Alright, get some sleep.”caIXjRXBrJVMTpVrxxXEvbiIENROto

YMDQQPKAWDmSyxs

Ning Rushen nestled into the familiar embrace, about to close his eyes when a voice came from above: “We need to leave tomorrow.”exkFeIfZYgbXuCTUGwMGqVCEKgrRIA

MWQcUTIifZmjjQM

Suddenly, he was no longer sleepy.TViCwYhPCdxTfxPGkEGyNuKhFjYnsD

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They had to depart tomorrow.ATXnmnnNSHfrsLpaQLQNNTNNeDFpjk

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Tonight was their last night sharing a tent.BNoKFtFzWVTNDWaYYzwXeeXkYdinyx

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Ning Rushen’s emotions surged even more. He grabbed onto Li Wuting’s robe, “Your Majesty, are you sleepy?”PupUALlcUwKCrpcCLHOIpsTvraHYmN

iaPecILHxngFvCC

A low voice replied, “No, why?”AKnBBJJxvMhIJmtTVspGNTiSnprrAD

efMAPfqxJbCTOWC

Following his instincts through the haze of alcohol, he lifted his chin and kissed the Adam’s apple before him: Exhale…eCeaCKkNiSHDjPxwcGcGoOrJzonTSP

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The man before him shuddered, his heartbeat instantly thrown into disarray.QAzuFLyPTxVGarXBXcBHPndyideMmC

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Li Wuting cupped his face, lowering his head, “…Couldn’t hold back?”CIPnREtzrYdxGGrgvkYqSgZlrTWgtp

aFGfFReqMnjQNcR

The hoarse voice tugged at Ning Rushen’s heartstrings.sYaNJwYNpRKrCfgINpTkRUdqvuphTJ

mUGnumPPhnWkXep

Ning Rushen didn’t respond. It seemed he knew what he was doing, yet couldn’t fully grasp its implications.smQKkktPDILORPfzwPbTYbIAMUNAKf

RDdMECMVvZPHpkm

The intense longing muddled his thoughts.ZmduuoVNmgVTzSmoQNFAhyFoRyFAvc

sNkrvadkzDtGgWu

With his eyes closed, Ning Rushen instinctively wrapped his arms around Li Wuting, giving him a gentle kiss.rwXsFIkBqblciwiNsblfoZKowgynOZ

plCZnhBOfVQHpwa

Li Wuting’s breath trembled violently. For a moment, he paused, then, unable to restrain himself any longer, he pressed down on him—ZcqKrNdeKwltJRiXwfesmvaxmISyOh

ouNBlbXxPQSQWtc

Behind the screen, the temperature in the room soared rapidly, with soft, intermittent sounds breaking the silence.olBFDTVKRbxlJwMdwOwUeprXqgyEjH

BufdvbFAejXgAUW

The candle flames within the tent were still burning.JEGDlSPnndLvXQyUPSZFxPMLNbcxZX

JHJtFaeZqJByhBh

Outside the main tent, sentries were posted, and the distant sounds of the ongoing victory celebration could still be faintly heard.lvCeEPJXHmCGkwEDlCSIiSXSHftgYO

HjeGKzwyNFcdanb

Suddenly, a loud shout came from outside, jolting Ning Rushen out of his heated trance. Realizing that the candles were still lit and that they were still inside the tent—unlike before, when they had only been intimate in secluded spots like wild springs—he quickly pushed Li Wuting away, turning his head to catch his breath, “Your Majesty…”SEkWUqOexWtGbLBLAovwxLENqGIcoa

lnkrxyLmdettlRG

A large hand brushed against his flushed face, his bright eyes and rosy cheeks looking stunning under the candlelight.XOwOVyZnZjNaGOFHVCDqEFoAsnMjiX

NzZZtarlirTKWmx

Li Wuting, unable to tear his gaze away, asked in a hoarse voice, “What’s wrong?”BSejhiJfLugGDviyHjVkKscwfOdiWa

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“We’re still in the tent, and there are people outside…”wvrgiaoNivgqUJwJLcMeowcJJJOGqV

ZwfGYiEiyNKuDDg

By now, their clothes had fallen to the ground, black robes and white undergarments draped over the edge of the bed, cascading to the floor.ZBvplETzoYGxAjaaCyKTSJtbrBBmaU

UmEwykdJCGgBCgq

Li Wuting’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed, then he leaned down to kiss Ning Rushen’s reddened earlobe, murmuring, “As long as we keep it quiet.”LXbnfflRhmNCjbUupykjTZFlrRXNrj

cbQdPPjrpWimKYD

Ning Rushen was both embarrassed and flustered, but the alcohol-induced fog in his brain made him slow and straightforward. After a brief hesitation, he followed his instincts, raising his knees and wrapping his arms around Li Wuting’s back.HMjldLaQPDmofgGXWXXcKjnqvIjKvD

nocVrWPXGpBitwS

His shoulder blades twitched under the pressure of his palms.acigUZCFnGYnKoBAxBvJZishOEkUgg

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Above him, Li Wuting’s brow furrowed, his face flushing as he leaned down further.yWRAiFHuQpPCynVhlDYWKGQhdhbFZM

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…QCOECGALcltYhUjCkfHGVvukAUadoV

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The flickering candlelight cast dancing shadows, and any sounds that escaped were quickly sealed by kisses.NfeKTFEKUelIFoNSOyyffDkEhutuZl

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The soft, fragmented noises were absorbed into the bustling night outside the camp.lHIOYUQrvSUJfFPUEvwJmkNkDiIWnN

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Just beyond the thin fabric of the tent, the sounds of patrols and the voices of soldiers could still be heard.TJRJhMEJYQkNNGtHLVjkSjlkiJkNnS

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With his eyes closed, it all felt as if it were happening right beside him.iiiQRRNviEWGJFmNCEfzForlIxOXkF

NBvOQUfGPiKiBNr

Ning Rushen was tense yet entranced, his fingers trembling as they clung on.ZRpTmTDvZCQvqPaKwnpDQROxwurgsb

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In the wavering light and shadow, time seemed to blur.vfgnHXzdKBCJjyOjOWbpiAmUpapqmL

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Finally, a sudden voice at the entrance broke the spell: “Has His Majesty retired for the night?”XwkTlnCKykNQUgEpjItOcBmmHqqICJ

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Ning Rushen jolted, his grip on Li Wuting’s shoulders leaving behind a few claw marks—wMEeKEaImwWNADzMJwNwmalSFkoZAW

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Dequan responded, “His Majesty has already retired. What does the deputy general need?”xfgwmLAvrnRQKmGrgIehnwiHazLrLM

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The voice outside replied, “I was going to bring some hangover soup. Since His Majesty has retired, I won’t disturb him.”iKfAxGwGPeLKyBZvitZXmMCwSVDKOJ

nAnhfNQyqDhyQLv

The sound of footsteps gradually faded away from the main tent.gDovXAGCFZklQZjxGZtBvTEhQUSugM

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Ning Rushen buried his face in Li Wuting’s chest, his eyes brimming with tears as he rubbed against the other’s robes.AHSFUKgbXinCrSvplGdSGBKtlcNlIj

OYQnjOclgWTYRme

Li Wuting looked down, gently patting him, then casually pulled over a nearby undergarment, tending to Ning Rushen before taking his hand and bending down to kiss his forehead.pkStQRHppaBkHSdFMeSwJNWDcCmAVo

uRFuwvVGdhisBar

…jddmkiNbwcWjvVpvLznELZvlPqXbEd

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A quarter of an hour later, a hoarse voice called for Dequan.IeQvgmeHgRRpXMTPpidCGrQaycBPQs

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The candles in the main tent were extinguished.DfPpDwwVSUZCEImgOnkJRcHgUQMzeA

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The emperor held his intoxicated, sated minister close, the two of them spending their last night together in Beijiang.OJpCCnTotziVhFNVPqFmMVfWMquQXA

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The next day, Ning Rushen awoke from his hangover.bRgJQCeqfDENcHWQToipsYsdpEIhHw

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He sat on the edge of the bed in a daze for a long while as fragmented memories slowly surfaced in his mind. His breath caught in his chest:mKmiqimKdqlqocOSSVhWoeCTZKHIWs

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He had been so shameless…!UntYLFsBoBbwsScDwwnLLMYkrPJHYB

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Was it because of the alcohol, or was he under Prince Xuan’s curse?bqKwmjGTnWIvZCUhqIKNfXrcscNaQi

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As he sat there, stunned, there was a movement behind the screen. Li Wuting walked in, “You’re awake? Get ready to set out.”iMrspMXwvDAVLuTycnuAVUgYMghahF

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Ning Rushen barely managed to suppress the turmoil in his heart, too embarrassed to meet Li Wuting’s gaze. As he pushed himself up, a sharp pain shot through his palm, “Hiss…!”hruZDPnOMTXFAeerpajrnsTcKAlRGT

TESqXtxLISZAwnE

He lifted his hand, only to see that the skin of his palm was red and raw.EClIZSXuNGXbXyWxgRVwDWWQBnUYNd

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“………”qVzMVgyHZbJbqrtULOsXswGokibYEl

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Ning Rushen froze again: ?EwQiZgTVANXhpBsKFhdbHPAzpPOZuL

QOfhNyGjdaFjbFf

Li Wuting’s gaze fell on the injury as well, and he too was silent for a few moments, seemingly surprised by Ning Rushen’s delicate skin. After a brief pause, he stepped forward to help Ning Rushen dress, his voice naturally warm as he said:NbZPfcXabaDPVZlwhoehMhctATjYfg

DQhjBEMBThVXlyP

“There was spring water before… I’ll be more careful in the future.”taWHqUtbEMGtvavqmpTOTxSDYneFwm

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Ning Rushen, disoriented, muttered a couple of responses, “Mm.”UPlCPzbecQINYtEBNaDTatsOIHIdrl

crNPaBkbUlGOEKQ

After some effort, he finally managed to get ready.IEzqdghdjeQiQDijozKjQpPVvnffAp

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After leaving the tent and having breakfast, the entire army was assembled in formation, ready to bid farewell.hWDhrkJEAbtdKjfBORLMgRjdBelQdB

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Under the sunlight, their armor gleamed like golden scales.uyNxRIoYbkPvoQgSsJUwpDTTAjTbUB

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Beneath the military banners, clad in red robes, Huo Mian, He Liang, and the others stood at the front of the ranks, their familiar faces lined up neatly.hkjKcDyYYNzCgnVsPxjBlvlXqXymrq

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A sudden wave of reluctance surged in Ning Rushen’s heart.flBhXvOWZVtOdEvVSOBrnIqzGrngmD

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Scenes from the past flashed through his mind: the soccer game in the yellow sand, the extra bone in his bowl, the splashing water in the river, the billowing white smoke from the camp’s incense burners…HGIYmIeOFVawZPsHyDAXJYGudmxWuV

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All of it would now be left behind in this vast, open land.jHTgaJlsewGsyvNLORReSojaklxznd

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Huo Mian stepped forward from the ranks and bowed, then waved his hand, calling to his personal soldiers:XtmTUunZwqkjXqjluPjMOLFqFQTRZD

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“We humbly escort His Majesty out of the city—”mMKyTGTgXFqTMJwgAGcxszGMMvMsli

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The ranks of golden-scaled armor parted, the scene grand and imposing: “We humbly escort the imperial carriage!”VnVVIwdSZVPyCYDsRiKXfcVxaNctnT

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Li Wuting took a deep breath and replied, “Granted.”oQzlFecMDmeqpjzmNjduHtwwsUJBVA

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The group proceeded out of Changsui in a grand procession.IbHAbgcoJGBdahqRtHzOhWGhRpJXAc

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Once they reached the outskirts of the city, the Dingyuan army collectively halted.AfMJrAlmQToXTlNdWnTZvOvmhltZZF

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Prince Xuan would continue south after leaving the city, while the Dingyuan army remained in the north, and the imperial carriage returned to the capital.OMvduPhGwvfiLigpveKxOwIdYjPnfn

GkzRmEGQlVDGxgx

As they were about to part, Li Yingtang’s gaze shifted slightly, “Your Majesty, I… will be returning to Jiangnan.”UgAeuNAqppDEWnvMWJWkHPqYZpMgGw

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Li Wuting nodded, “Go quickly.”TOdaKKRVKvFDgGgBSbYYyPdHzkSVpX

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Li Yingtang, “…”pclCrlNOAouaeCuRFJqTynsdWArfni

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Ning Rushen, “…”EfccGFhNbWYlMUjEFCwRZSvasgfOpU

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The bond between royal brothers is still so “deep.”KCUPbKLtKzrpkGgOmQCLQpnynMPowH

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He watched as Prince Xuan departed in desolation, only to hear a voice beside him, “Get in the carriage.”qVZEtPVmlFiRsMuHNyPswNiXefrYAg

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Ning Rushen turned his head to see Li Wuting standing by the carriage, a small smile on his lips, “It’s time for us to return to the capital.”bwUoBeYjoSIZnUHczbugAcyfPYLfsb

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They had rushed on horseback when they arrived.uPEmIcEOrfBsrETzXqWYItAtdeByLk

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But on their return, there was no such urgency, so they traveled by carriage.SYmUcYsJxzeSDwsiTchZPVjYVUolzx

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The carriage was spacious and comfortably arranged, with soft cushions and Dequan attending to them from one corner.coQnmSnwhsfzYkuMMtckwKrAxmYNWt

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It had been a long time since Ning Rushen had felt so comfortable; he sprawled out immediately and took a sip of hot tea. Just as he reached for some snacks nearby, his hand was gently pushed aside.mndUeUETXFOQNUIrKAkoOxyshrAtwX

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“Your hand…” Li Wuting was peeling a small walnut, his lips pursed, “Wasn’t it chafed?”WCLhTDoGznkzKBuJTOCoUexwdGyCKY

CFcNFssyjYMaMAE

Ning Rushen’s heart skipped a beat!zWwqIQceRXbwoExqKTLxosBDzjktol

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In broad daylight, what was Li Wuting talking about?pCCuMggPuLsneykFMhqzdBXNaawVkp

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He curled his fingers, still feeling the lingering warmth in his palm, and quickly swallowed, reminding him, “Dequan is still here…”csRvGFlnCiLWtlPmCXEgJpMHYGvcnB

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“It’s fine, he has his ears shut.”jyvnjYfOrTTYTndTuePrBpCkyHPhaa

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“…” Ning Rushen glanced over.HkFTfDKyMkVnhQwnqhVwetcqCbeRdT

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Dequan, with a metaphorical question mark hanging over his head, slowly curled up, nestling himself into the corner of the carriage.repMAckHLAXkFHCnjdZjbpUwKSylFQ

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Ning Rushen closed his eyes for a moment: Never mind.qdTydCGNLWUMJoaPGvtGINmyXOVpFW

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The chafed skin on his palm healed completely within a few days.SDrbiVtVwOvprIXyqqsoIuTPkkJJHH

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As the carriage passed through cities and towns on the way back to the capital, they were greeted by cheering citizens. Along the way, Li Wuting summoned officials to question and assess them.qUMiNvbVaZiBnqQHIRnpUIgeByLXaa

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After traveling for ten days, they finally heard a report from the guards:tkidnqMaYYMQBbMXVAZbXfQtldGZnS

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“Your Majesty, we’re approaching Yuchuan.”yTkXDRTWJOSgBRyTBkLVEKghyyFSry

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Li Wuting acknowledged with a glance, “Mm.”kvdsgaXCREjKQnppDdPOgiEXicWzOL

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Ning Rushen immediately sat up straight: Mm???pkSgGpZGWtLKNnBbyIofbcUksqbDkn

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The carriage jolted as it entered the city.lfjGAJjEYcNiLzGiDDGYqWXzIYNrQk

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He moistened his lips, his heart pounding, though he wasn’t sure why he felt so nervous. Finally, he couldn’t resist lifting the curtain slightly.WXyZiPyuedgpNEakTzQDArjBJtlHey

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The streets were lined with citizens, all shouting praises.yxoxEcyEOMCtlkNNkVkTgbHnmhsaWG

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As he peered out from behind the curtain, a voice from behind asked, “What are you looking at?”PZEmrkDQSxExmTwGIfPjBtKesecZmO

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“…I feel a bit nervous coming home.”kiYIKDdIIaUSUNpwhODuUUFGdTgVCA

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Li Wuting glanced at him with a faint smile, “Oh.”huxKeLNblPkcBzTzOkpDorBSmeUpfc

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Ning Rushen didn’t notice the look behind him.swVgUwjtoPsTihPJuazLzJKFMtISkF

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As he continued to look out, he suddenly noticed a child at a food stall by the street, holding a leaf of cabbage and covering his wide-open mouth—puKwqPEdEuTVavEZHNVDxuAkgMfQjd

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Ning Rushen grew excited: It was his “cabbage wrapped meat” dish!rQqHSLdCpRHZexmawWGkxfsTfAdRCP

UdQTJJHrXXWgpEa

Pretending it was unintentional, he lifted the curtain further and patted Li Wuting, “Your Majesty, come and take a look at the local customs.”QsbgdtOyVplzniAIirSGbgwQZqHGKb

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Li Wuting glanced up, pausing for a moment in silence.gTGEKamsaTliCOoIbAJHVNzPeLZuUx

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Ning Rushen leaned forward, “What’s wrong?”tqicVMwXHjJVqAXFrSZWbcLupekRZh

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Li Wuting replied softly, “…It’s nice.”QhjGXsHeBMRmdjzVGdJhmqvZGRAJdq

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“?” Just as he was confused, the buzzing crowd outside suddenly erupted with several voices:jdYYgqxDsZraToPegdSDwPVLMlYuly

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“Look, isn’t that Lord Ning, the Censor?”rlefHXRuhiMMNDSFXXCQWHfslKStSQ

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“Third-rank court attire, young and handsome… Yes, it’s definitely him, the one who captured the Great Prince of Beidi alive!”ZZLhvOcBGWtRaeuUBLcfHxaaCIpzkU

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“Really can’t judge a book by its cover…”rhjuLzpfYgbKGmbVCxoEISzTmHSArR

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“I’m smitten.”nlEeVUlEssbuXzViZECAJDbDsrxvoB

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“………?????”uFGTBuORcMtkeDIDFYebOlYYcHZEkp

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Ning Rushen was shocked: What do you mean, he captured the prince alive!LtIchbgYWqtAuQvNeqjPTtpeeFmVxj

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Is your affection that blind!?JVXntjVHRAGhkQTojJRvallpEhbFTf

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A hand suddenly grabbed the back of his collar, pulling him back into the carriage as the curtain was swiftly dropped.EiKBxgjdANVYygofcQjPKAhdgBkjPJ

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Li Wuting said, “There are too many people; don’t poke your head out.”wshYSiePQlCuFWPcDbdEjwvvpRxLIX

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Ning Rushen, still a bit dazed, muttered, “Your Majesty, they said…”krJOQqhTDQzxdwqoJAbZtnqJKkeozW

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“I heard them,” Li Wuting replied, looking at him with an inexplicable smile, “They weren’t entirely wrong.”KAQWfRYUrPByiSNAjamLaLUbdjHcEB

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Ning Rushen eyed him warily: Are you blind too?tEKWwVSPhCVfpezRFfUaHrLSwCYPtQ

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After leaving Yuchuan, more than half of the journey was completed.vsNClAoqbrXDXsqAmFHAFmoqBEbkrJ

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They traveled tirelessly and finally arrived at Yaojin, a town two days’ carriage ride from the capital, by evening.ODaZQEuJWIryYxejKpMlMungFkhHAp

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Kong Shuyuan, the prefect of Yaojin, came to welcome them:HikPoLSSQNCVavnkFQwRUXaXkJsKmA

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“Your humble servant greets Your Majesty! Greetings to all the esteemed officials!”xbwOySxSThbxZLdPnyNIMCvyLLYLpm

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Li Wuting acknowledged him with a nod. Kong Shuyuan then stepped aside to lead the way, “The accommodations have been prepared; please follow me, Your Majesty.”psgvpOmFHPWClPedVZHjOgyDWpNjqu

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Their lodging was at the prefect’s residence.HfNiLrCNAOblgPgGQWVIIkNvJrqLzz

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Ning Rushen followed the others, observing that this Prefect Kong seemed to be in his mid-to-late thirties. He responded fluently to Li Wuting’s questions, indicating he was personally involved in governing affairs.cYTGXhwxyuqXRjOGmvORtvmkyCwSSC

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They made their way into the residence.lsHVyfHjHJgDjrmIctVCROuFmewfAk

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The courtyard prepared for them was already tidied up.FbqvEstKiafSNLlLtDQHwPtEzwBeKx

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Li Wuting was to stay in the main house, while Ning Rushen’s quarters were in a secondary house on the west side, separated by a small courtyard.rzxsMPcruNCDhbGxvtIAMHSBmxCixf

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As usual, Li Wuting summoned Kong Shuyuan for questioning.ugrWMsrOvtikZnxpTqrcMYztkxSJkB

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Ning Rushen returned to his own room.umYswhcSBVFShhFMeOqefTEzxBzkMn

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By now, it was already late. He requested the servants to bring a bucket of hot water for a bath. By the time he finished bathing, it was past the hour of Hai (around 10-11 PM), and nearly time to rest.CRyQfhLaMQHOzTeVtuJZcwiKiwtOth

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Ning Rushen sat by the bed, drying his hair.BQYzdAgBOKeICZMYAoYQqLLmxuhZUC

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A servant came in to collect the bucket and, before leaving, mentioned, “By the way, sir, the master asked me to inform you that Yaojin has long been plagued by bandits. It’s best not to go out alone at night.”yGtiovcmtrUoltiHOJtZpaKlHsBEhC

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Ning Rushen paused mid-motion, “Bandits?”iSNegHKItlPHvKDTUUuaCdcyGucJqy

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“Yes, though it’s been quiet these past two months. Perhaps they’re afraid of His Majesty’s divine presence, or maybe they’re planning something. So, sir, please be extra cautious.”AijBewVlwPSLWBPqKMPehaMjtqptjc

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Ning Rushen thought to himself, that does sound rather dangerous.fXVKVOKLzJtxpmAhwbXTrGStXIdcxF

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“Has this been reported to His Majesty?”JIolNlLEMmWNUQJJxNgRYthHdQXLZb

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“Of course, the master personally reported it.”jANXuKrdMaZcuHKuQRwYYXBeWHgoGs

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With that, the servant took the bath bucket and left the room.AlgIHLdwPpnVBoeycqSrrICyulHhsn

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Ning Rushen sat on the edge of the bed, pondering for a moment, then got up to open the door and look outside.QAZDRzwaIUjiRTIzJFelixOGZJrYEg

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Li Wuting’s main house was diagonally opposite.jwIkZoykGsNhANdUvIRCHyFrGwKsBI

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Since leaving the northern frontier, they had each stayed in separate rooms at every stop; it had been a long time since they’d slept together.YpODxVyxJgqTzemFJQhSWRUWrTVjjy

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Whether he wanted to or not wasn’t the issue; the main concern was the bandits…xLkyQcLZXGCtrCLwNlGjOMhKzkrtKp

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Leaving Li Wuting alone seemed too dangerous.XFEfLGaYShiYQExGMWtPFQFlsegLqw

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Ning Rushen pressed his lips together, finally unable to suppress his thoughts, and thickened his skin to leave his room.cxfZtIEcktloyFiLnoYNxgFNtOzybb

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When he arrived at Li Wuting’s door, the light was still on inside.NJWQJmwkYCBQyvQwZjDZhcVJTPEVVB

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He knocked, “Your Majesty.”YOdheoqThjIEBUkAIhKmdcNFCVtRnY

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There was a two-second pause inside before a voice replied, “Come in.”mTIySDLGocurKADovUocPoGqZPfydn

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Ning Rushen took a deep breath, mentally preparing himself, and then pushed the door open—DMYhUXikzlEVHCghBuylAPVYmpKcNS

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As the door swung open, he saw Li Wuting sitting properly dressed on the bed, while the prefect stood in front of him, turning to look at the door.ehGTYsDwNTqSyFIXYEzgUYTbmJNuRN

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Ning Rushen froze.hoWcSGYyhYtfXLtZjeHPtvwBExtcsV

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Kong Shuyuan was still reporting on the bandit situation. Seeing Lord Ning appearing at the door in the middle of the night, he was momentarily stunned, mouth slightly agape:vJeCSMqExRhWTijxCfyYcPrqwlQpkx

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“Lord Ning, you are here to…”ieGLpCRVIqheVypiIPcntUpwWPzYXI

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Faced with the prefect’s surprised gaze and Li Wuting’s slightly amused, ambiguous look, Ning Rushen stood in silence for a moment before reluctantly leaning lightly against the doorframe, “To protect His Majesty.”CHMHCPqMgAYXpGysQMRlubwelVGXAB

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