February 27th.

Tanhan Mountain, the royal court of the Xianbei.

When the first clump of green grass emerges from the ground, it heralds the arrival of spring.

Therefore, this day was the annual sacrificial day for the Xianbei people.

Tan Shihuai also set up a banquet in the palace, inviting his subordinates and Li Ru to attend.

To show his sincerity, Tan Shihuai pulled Li Ru to sit next to him.

"Haha~, Mr. Wenyou, today is the most important day for us Xianbei, you must have a few more drinks!"

Tan Shihuai, holding a wine cup, greeted Li Ru with great excitement.

Before long, the grasslands will be green again. At that time, Li Ru's plan can be implemented. As long as Lü Bu and the Southern Xiongnu can be eliminated, he can then confidently attack the Yuwen tribe and unify the grasslands.

With his great cause within reach, Tan Shihuai was naturally overjoyed.

"Thank you for your kind offer, Great Chief! Please!"

Li Ru, standing to the side, politely raised his wine glass.

"Okay, let's do it!"

With a magnanimous air, Tan Shihuai picked up his wine glass and drank it all in one gulp.

After drinking a cup of wine, Li Ru said respectfully, "Great Chief, I have been bothering you for half a month and it is really inconvenient for me to stay any longer. I am preparing to leave after today, and I hope that the Great Chief will grant me permission."

Upon hearing this, Tan Shihuai's smile froze, and he slowly put down the wine cup he had picked up.

"Alas, Mr. Wen is determined to leave, and I cannot force him to stay. I only hope that after you return, you will not forget the friendship we have shared."

Tan Shihuai sighed, his words filled with sincerity and reluctance.

Li Ru also feigned deep emotion: "I am deeply grateful for the Great Chief's appreciation and kindness, and I will never forget it!"

Upon hearing this, Tan Shihuai smiled with delight and raised his wine cup to Li Ru.

"Alright, with you saying that, sir, let's drink until we're drunk tonight!"

Li Ru also raised his glass: "Cheers!"

Just then, a guard who was standing outside suddenly rushed in.

"Report!!"

"Reporting to the Great Chief, a scout reports that a few days ago, a band of bandits attacked Hulun Lake. The Wuhuan chieftain Shefu was killed in battle, and the herdsmen of his tribe fled to various places."

As soon as the guard finished speaking, the once noisy and bustling hall became extremely quiet.

Tan Shihuai's expression also darkened: "Are you telling the truth? The Wuhuan tribe has so many men, how could they be ambushed by a small band of bandits?"

The guard hurriedly replied, "Reporting to the chieftain, it is said that the Shefu chieftain sent a large army north, leaving the tribe undefended, which allowed the bandits to launch a sneak attack."

Upon hearing this news, Li Ru felt a sudden "buzz" in his head, and the wine glass slipped from his hand.

"Clang!"

The sound of a wine glass shattering drew everyone's attention.

Li Ru sat there blankly, his once wise eyes now dull, and his lips trembling.

"Mr. Wen, you...?"

Seeing Li Ru in such a state, Tan Shihuai couldn't help but call out softly with a worried expression.

Li Ru seemed not to hear, still sitting there blankly, his breathing becoming slower and slower.

Suddenly, under everyone's gaze, Li Ru's throat churned, a trickle of blood spilled from the corner of his mouth, and then he fell straight down.

"Sir!"

Upon seeing this, Tan Shihuai quickly got up and helped Li Ru to his feet.

"Quickly, summon a doctor!"

Tan Shihuai's almost roaring voice echoed in the hall, and the guard hurriedly ran out.

At this moment, Tan Shihuai was truly anxious. He hadn't expected that Li Ru's feelings for Shefu were so profound.

The originally lively banquet ended abruptly due to Li Ru's coma.

It wasn't until noon the next day that Li Ru, who had been unconscious for a long time, finally woke up slowly.

"Sir, you're finally awake!"

Ah Yue, who had been standing by the side, also stepped forward with a happy expression.

Li Ru nodded slightly to A Yue without saying a word, seemingly still immersed in grief.

Soon, Tan Shihuai, having learned of the news, also rushed over.

Seeing Li Ru's grief-stricken expression, Tan Shihuai felt worried, but also valued him even more.

Such a kind and compassionate person is truly rare.

Tan Shihuai looked at Li Ru with a solemn expression and said, "Sir, rest assured, I have dispatched ten thousand elite troops to pursue and wipe out those bandits. We will definitely avenge the leader of Shefu!"

Li Ru said with a grateful expression, "Thank you very much, Chief. I have another request, and I hope you can grant it!"

“Sir, please speak freely, and I will do my best!” Tan Shihuai said resolutely.

Li Ru let out a soft breath: "Chief Shefu saved my life, and now he has died an untimely death. I am heartbroken and only hope that the Great Chief can send someone to bury his remains!"

Tan Shihuai said solemnly, "Don't worry, sir. I have already sent people over there, and I am also out there setting up a mourning hall for the Shefu leader and offering sacrifices to him!"

Upon learning that Tan Shihuai had already made arrangements, Li Ru's face was full of gratitude.

"Your Excellency is so kind, please accept my bow!"

As he spoke, Li Ru struggled to get out of bed and bow.

Tan Shihuai hurriedly stepped forward and helped Li Ru up, saying, "Oh, sir, there's no need for this. You've given me advice and guidance, so this is what I should do."

“Sir, now that the Shefu chieftain has left and the Wuhuan tribe has scattered, why don’t you stay here and make your home?”

If you would be so kind as to grant me this opportunity, I would gladly take you as my teacher and listen to your teachings every day!

After saying this, Tan Shihuai bowed deeply to Li Ru with a sincere expression.

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