Chapter 1
A wave of dizziness hit, and faint commotion echoed in his ears.lxWpusLeruWJRVOTwPcdaxZkNzNeTP
JJtJBuwDwzNHMFRNing Rushen’s memory was still stuck on the last second, when he stepped out of the classroom building and missed a step on the stairs. The next moment, he felt like someone was dragging him across the ground, as if he were a corpse.wRBmRYieXGokePBjkXniTQyMYdujiz
zHNZeRpVWRBuyCWAfter the blinding white light passed, what entered his sight was a scene of red walls and stone steps. Ahead, a group of people dressed in court robes was majestically passing through the noon gate, like something out of a historical drama.IZWApXaJIjaUaFImEOZnSeUENEWxZu
RxDHSIhyMrEBVWxAnd he was sitting on an empty patch of ground not far from the procession.XvnWxprfKTGWcfzmNDwKgzUZrKKJlf
nzYsQZJCOhgTapxWhat first caught his eye was a crimson robe, with a pale, slender wrist sticking out.szmSWqYjnIBLqukfkxaEdVjWigBfjZ
DIrmThnteGIARwNJust as he was processing this, a man dressed in white hurried over from a distance. “Lord Ning!”HIhqGlHVbSxiSTvhuGlNjuxJtPrYeB
AkTZxeNniNmZzXCThe imperial physician stopped in his tracks, “…”UEVHSIcKlNaUmUrjLyNVbgGqAibISr
IYveTkCscBeBXQFA voice suddenly came from the side, “Did you hit your head or something?”HYprefidhtLEqQNRhEJpaPxbAjzzdG
GJhPVeEErxQCpTiNing Rushen turned his head and realized that another person was standing nearby. This young man, probably in his early twenties, wore a light crimson court robe and was grimacing as he rubbed his knee while glaring at him irritably.IzJXGaiGqlOlNFDbwLtCQIPWkptjKR
AWgbjKJRvXHivpJTwo young eunuchs smiled awkwardly, trying to smooth things over. “Lord Geng, Lord Ning did indeed hit his head pretty hard.”sTnRyHNwpuhCrTTrXbRDnaOTAxndXd
UFhPRTXnqZprtNPGeng Yan glanced at Ning Rushen, “Nothing good ever happens when I run into you.”xBIfpWdqhznHLbCvhZDnWuBcokpoFX
nhdvtEnvRitnxjSNing Rushen looked over at the people in front of him one by one.tUqzFnNtUhtLzNOkehFNuYxBKnzzRA
ecuOuHpIMzjasxWThe pain from his body was so real, and the environment around him so clear and detailed. His head buzzed for a few moments before he was finally forced to acknowledge one fact:oikkZjNZqKELqvjBnOsNetzqpKJnmo
JSdzYjndRauPdWBHe wasn’t dead—he had time-traveled.DablecqHGsmmZRQXfJELSZcafTIdzE
OjgyKrtbmnRMteHBut he had no idea which dynasty this was, or who he even was.rjArXzYrsEKGltSqyLMwMcButhswXR
OqAwLprvXRMmnErNing Rushen rubbed his head and decided to get some clarity first. “My head’s still a bit foggy. Where am I, and what happened?”mUEehlmOrPeatxbRDSbROuuufeNfdA
RyobYSgtjAqDgUsThe atmosphere instantly froze.sIXBJceqlRjQOKJCDkKSArGOPkdUaR
yDMCuzWqJyaxMBKThe young eunuchs looked terrified. The imperial physician hurriedly grabbed his wrist, closed his eyes, and mumbled something under his breath. Ning Rushen barely made out the words: “It’s over, it’s over, it’s all over…”zhnwdNEhrCyGBKaHUJWinkqXnrQxxj
LfBHJhlhJJxInydGeng Yan opened and closed his mouth, scrutinized Ning Rushen for a long while, and finally couldn’t help limping closer to ask, “Did you really hit your head that hard?”FBmpzOLFOMFCOPeOlcpBVuglZueYGP
syRvFYhcykFKAbRNing Rushen stared back at him, pale as a ghost.JImDwfgGUuFZXUxJaGyttzzBkMvnjJ
swanmVAABrpMBAsGeng Yan took a deep breath and said, “This is the emperor’s coronation ceremony. Do you remember? We were returning from the outskirts of the city, and as we reached the noon gate, you—blind and crippled—tripped and fell flat on your face, like a dog eating shit. Worse yet, you took me down with you, and now my leg’s messed up too. You forgot all that?”ginGHjNgxpFfuDaijznVjojiQyWEDN
PiCvqdFaEHarSfaNing Rushen, “…”kRiBarFxDvPeEPREbtmgDGjLBbAISn
YgSQCpISSduAaUQIn just sixty-two words, Geng Yan managed to pack in a mountain of personal feelings.NjPqFhvjvhXcFFyOGSrBFRKHebMKST
OtTMZgYsfEakLObUnable to hold back, Ning Rushen asked, “We don’t get along very well, do we?”siIdqWpXaSSBGwWGRpHXurJvncyhXA
KikvsSEVabmMeVTGeng Yan nodded, “Not at all.”mflUdrDFOEWgHixoBMXrnkhhYwNHcC
zSYLBPRpINcpbAmNing Rushen sighed. Unfortunately, he now had no memory of whatever grudges or grievances might have existed between them.xwNXuKhCmclAfGPDKuWdJDQOAvfnGJ
xEYqOCzcLBhXpOuAll he knew now was that he was some sort of official.cAuqqonlJhUOxDyqrKpOafyNMeOafl
TCizcuhVwLVOwAMAlthough he wasn’t sure of the dynasty, judging by the crimson robe with cloud and wild goose embroidery and the silver inlaid belt, he was probably a fourth or fifth rank official.iOoOBtdmZppveuweOSLQZhcrerwwmK
kOTTHfMhQYYLHSPWhile he was deep in thought, the imperial physician withdrew his hand and said:eLrdJKRvqwqAieCuojhScOBpPBwdDG
TxlvdHrUrlpQPfb“Your body is weak, my lord. This fall was no small injury. While your life isn’t in danger, there is internal bleeding in your brain, affecting your cognitive functions, especially memory and recognition…”qEqFrpiCMleonEZMXTuCjknmmVNRdA
zioaWaPNGvoYlzDNing Rushen waved his hand. “It’s not a big deal.”orDNOfIOrCpkmMmOGxRrFymGJuZjQu
ePAPadNlymAKrhCHe thanked the imperial physician, whose face screamed “How is this not a big deal?” before turning to the young eunuch. “If we go now, we should still make it to the coronation ceremony, right?”jdVdoxYvOWuvfYgZRqUfNoKJwsOGCY
UQhCvBBOSwKmdjfThe young eunuch replied, “Yes, my lord.”xQuSAWhidWVbXMVoLdZXlgxJEWfbBU
VIpmjTzhkqvboVvGeng Yan, whose leg had also been treated, stood up and grumbled, “As long as you don’t trip and fall again.”UsklScfevhAyvieTtgcPHCTSKVSDGl
WkgwpvAZXPtxQmbOne hit his head, the other injured his leg.dnOvFAGzwCrelRibMTdTXIsxhDebTJ
dWZuNuDptlHUASwLed by the eunuchs, they made their way, albeit disjointedly, through the long corridors toward the Hall of Golden Chimes.FIrBVohlRsZpZehIMxyMutYOOrVXqm
mJxmQvvBMLtVLUSNing Rushen’s head ached, his feet throbbed—this body was indeed in terrible shape.KDWYbdVFwSnjSBrXboZNOYMmjgaLeE
SsyGVxcggVXxcHzAfter walking for a while, the sound of ceremonial music finally drifted in from a distance.xqaslbNQVwHZjvQCfWkxTMLaGbIImD
wnHqtGBJFcDRwDCAhead, the mass of officials and the grand, towering steps of the palace came into view.vqEPPrJsENHjSsJPbvCtrlelTeBCph
FmXBauggBDCTUofJust as they were nearing the end of the procession, a crucial question suddenly hit Ning Rushen.NhWHrtxAUyEvsKameynddXSBNZYjnx
fSkrnQxfwUGaUlOHe turned to Geng Yan, “By the way, my name is…”NZflFYEGYNmnlvbSeyZtTiAyMMQdlj
ixXJyjtwvNVohtBGeng Yan replied, “Ning Chen.” Ning Chen? More like corrupt minister, you and your whole family!ZwTHYdBvEcwhZspUZFEUjHvBOjSnKS
HwaxXSZUVDlCrszNing Rushen warned him, “Watch your words, or I’ll report you for slandering a court official.”ZZqbZpnkCNJpOxFhxfpbkHEEfpHvSE
tuANQDIQjhmBsrnGeng Yan, incredulous, retorted, “Slandering? You wish!”OwVrxARuxwQIyDbKGZLJICLZBokbmq
KNGTWJjiFZqdFxj“…”onPKzSjtmJQWkLMIkJHcczcDQPkQMm
gLHsGQdfdokhgrEThey stared at each other, eyes locked.hKoRwKbhBaBSPjMOXnjtxafLulTgoK
UOsVjnmrDIpZmaQAfter a moment of this deadlock, Ning Rushen slowly closed his eyes, rubbed his chest, and felt his heart sink:yCvkpFPXVuYnwBWcIfWPYdPzHnlVGY
sherlRJhQPNnrfWSo… his name was really Ning Chen.tGiBsaIohPYVmGpPiTZIpCztxjhnXx
TVeeGkTJxCtUbNAWhat a ridiculously provocative name!PsHaZINmepTgXsBrxQIFdRrmNkvjRR
KhdwisRKNcCTSfs·YuXVBErgEUQIOPtCcoakvCcjNLRrdL
sVPXqdapkxqVPcxAfter the third toll of the bell and drum.RiRqRGnUGbHSibeXnhfkuEAEnrTCaC
rzSSoJJjVpUBQrjNing Rushen arrived just in time to enter the hall.nNtPyWkyzqapHVqErJEpDETVDbPleh
LXzEeZpvDZNgNeJHe stood in line with the other officials as they entered the hall and knelt to pay homage. He mouthed along a few times with “Long live His Majesty,” and as they rose, he sneakily glanced toward the throne.VWtjHrFTaCkPhbjefJWHaIUqIcvhBq
viOKMQupDGGXmtrA living emperor, right there.VOiWwodFpqIHiOeSWdOVaNtJtPpjfz
wHPpXIOJsacgtpGHe had to take a look.qHIItykuiIQkIJJoRGyZFeJNEdnhGu
djXUEchepfYVLFePeering through the grand hall, he saw a young emperor with a jade crown on his head, no curtain obscuring his face. His features were cold, sharp, and distant. Though he looked barely past the age of majority, the air around him felt as though he was already in his thirties.yYnerlFcZkoDDoIwxIfOfyPZgcaMnQ
kbDYQcuhbdJoaWgLike an ancient, yet lethal sword.wZTYxIXoxwIKvnvELVxrfktBnfxVEr
thIZKpkOVztUJXyOne glance sent a chill down Ning Rushen’s spine.baArpDcOCMRZZCUkDeZbMeaDaaIBre
oolCaSOUVPjUtrmAs he continued to size up the emperor, the sovereign on the throne suddenly turned his gaze in Ning Rushen’s direction.giayMJkcxBCAVZkipnEFpWRGXLgGIn
otLQzAVkqDEdjwRHis heart skipped a beat, and he quickly lowered his eyes!BSgIumXsMLkaMFHJKTBDxYLOBzfdpt
KlWKgsGczwUQlSmTwenty years of survival instincts kicked in: never make eye contact with the teacher during class.VevGtXuhhcDUYmiZiosnBJuBKmukSE
TcHvhHFCTecYHUtThe voice of the Minister of Rites continued at a steady pace in the front. After a few moments, the emperor’s gaze seemed to shift away.YkaqzjjNlDTZHecsiBiXpdnylybKqt
fHcERlQdvLOsGbL…gaGrQbhMTNfkbqqVIsVDMkyFENjFZa
PaKjqokLzVlAlScThe new emperor took the throne and declared a general amnesty.WPNmumHYBERqswVMNZAWzWhGVXthgo
IoeCiovwdNKsmBwThe ceremony ended with the rewarding of officials.ZsXifMMKMHgzRRPNfEuKSslLGZoYUB
eMoClYEiRlBRQDyGrand Eunuch De Quan stood at the front, holding the imperial decree, his thin voice echoing through the hall.DLSNmpCbJFZGQFHidsUvENZcJWMoJs
CCgoXEuHwYPckeGNing Rushen stood in the line, lost in his thoughts, when suddenly a familiar and provocative name pierced through the air: “Scholar Ning Chen—”XCjfQmNqGWEYmyCxHqlYvYuqPMADsj
tMDpEbhuOwKVsiMIt took Ning Rushen two seconds to react: Who dares be so disrespectful?CvjCTrkeDGCWNKwfZkRAUiHwkwRqOU
ZxCqHNIlfrgPQwZThen he realized: Oh, right. It’s me.maQosuVQGSFeMHKFNgJpbksrjoLOcd
DMPcSYXjUvcZSXf“Ning Chen is both virtuous and talented, with exceptional literary skills. By the late emperor’s command, he is promoted to…” Suddenly, De Quan’s voice faltered, “Your… Your Majesty?”dYxrsRxTJcEeBmBGDxOwbjuGnLxpuW
sdXEgmMIAnZGQndNing Rushen: ?KAIDsdYQSPEhAdIFTVpUFxWNYIRoXI
HlTwVQFPNCidsNqHe looked up, only to see the emperor stand from his throne.YccOseQqLFNLadhdYVXpYoUwmPhcQR
JUzballsMQcxEBFThe hall instantly fell into dead silence.SBIuJOUwomHNNZVYlYJJwkQllMCTJU
UzRccUnbyOZeEAtLi Wuting, standing atop the grand hall, fixed his gaze on the figure at the front—Ning Chen.HhkwCYSNplIKNLBtoqYICcqSGROKnS
mhbHnVMhOfuSBbcNing Chen, appointed by the late emperor to assist in governing, had eventually conspired with the empress’s family, embezzled funds, falsely accused loyal officials, and committed treason… The extent of his faction’s influence had left the Great Cheng Empire riddled with corruption and wounds.gUNDiucjjBtFZxSSorvoiWwJemMBog
YPuByTpUeyVRGtXThe image of countless arrows flying before the Hall of Golden Chimes felt like it had happened just yesterday.hmMHdsvpXCBsVEmkHdChfStswYtFzc
HIeunnwTRqURPRYLi Wuting’s eyes darkened as he stepped forward.kuJSTqGXXtJvOMlEUVFFmHxdpYcDhq
eVZWeeOPSLBeGvjOn the solemn imperial court, the newly crowned emperor slowly descended the steps, stopping directly in front of Ning Rushen.IKUKzkTZyKahuFGzEpZJxITEIXbaWk
VAYsfPQvItlwmHITheir eyes met, and in the depths of the emperor’s cold, sharp gaze, a flash of murderous intent appeared.bPennSjVPpNNvVyiWEHVZEYrrwWAfe
bTaXskJOuvLSCqCNing Rushen: …???? What the hell is going on?!QNgHkRLyarWlQNUFykxXCAKlgjUNLF
xBnzxjVekYTWUaFBefore Ning Rushen could figure out the emperor’s sudden killing intent, a large hand from the opposite side abruptly raised—HcOyWikFmGGkdEOrWACscknfdFMJkz
ncognlavMyeXfJFHis heart instantly sounded the alarm!TYpNYXWsluvgAxBbmnfWmttOXclLXL
XikdzFeEkygbTpIAs the fierce palm strike was about to land on him, Ning Rushen suddenly collapsed to the ground with a thud, under the watchful eyes of all the ministers! His face turned pale as snow, the corners of his eyes reddened, resembling a fragile little white flower trembling in the wind.eMKYtVdZgsXfSiqFfFKJceChjjaWuw
XvYNJzwpyIGYZCB“……”TScaVLRBBoNYravDitXafhBWyjDulg
ouecoeYqPMeXAcIThe ministers snapped out of their stupor and gasped in shock, “Your Majesty, have mercy!”CZRDUYCrltUEhKHUayUincbZdjjcuw
KVBgWgBYVVOCHDJ“Your Majesty, why such a sudden outburst?”FCZGNLCpWSFWAAndTCXaGqTNTTskIW
SzQbilBLDWuYGnc“Ning Daren might get beaten to death—”ckFUudCyZioaVzQjObcWtoaPTuRCwX
WLJMrvIxsKlBVorThe last sentence came from someone deep in the court, drawing out the word “death” so long it almost cracked.plcojgptyHkTNEAbvWpgbxFuwYUsFy
trtVNitosZFYvfmLi Wuting, who hadn’t even touched him: ?nbmMkewWCSBdaaBJWrbRhSuLkhOeqw
wMJjZkNLaFzqTimLowering his eyes, expressionless, he gazed at the person collapsed before him.ROxWufjetKRnQxcPsZlzRSoPuKgPpJ
HWFQwwppTumhrEKNing Rushen raised his head slightly after his act, only to meet a pair of deep, piercing eyes.wsAbiRlZoihDrCLfAIKdCajnHLbSyS
NRrpVmwfQvSSQcs“……” He wiped the corner of his eye again, steeling himself as he lowered his head once more, “This subject is… terribly fragile.” Sob.bPiwphcOGNwVpiVvsmkgbtealQdPEn
sumwuVAlLtSBkleLi Wuting: ………epUMYZEUCuXCOSklCciyCWbdCNkrQs
JtkUnQcfxXjQqOvNing Rushen’s pale wrist peeked out from his wide sleeves, supporting his thin frame. His hair fell down, and the red mole on his ear lobe contrasted against his scarlet robe, making him look pitifully delicate.rvKdCIlpHsCPhIRnHMbQjsBTVUpEmP
ttaAuhrqGOBtTPZHe looked like someone who had been gravely mistreated.VQLbnDkkfZCvaMIPAeYuZxTXtvJnrt
xwSWViIDtOPrUbtLi Wuting’s hand trembled slightly in the air, but he burst out in laughter from sheer frustration:gCiLzDfqsfWQuAnacyjaMSqFzFZuZy
dfYxQjhzfrAHAvLOh. What a cunning official.CvVvLtOPmltimsvHpVGPJMWaTjfgFJ
BDUfnaTeNbJRFYQ·AglHBPMXkKOKyBImqQabPQdtvRpeFo
vwdkrrvXJOuBJvfNing Rushen was still trembling slightly, head lowered, when a cold, mocking laugh fell faintly from above: Heh.bPeWlkyQXAWqXeuwBOdsyHonjcNsOC
XKVqdvwvVRwaPrT“……” He immediately began coughing violently, as if in agony.HDhKFrGwCKClLdqSvIEEJhjipNXunw
eRTNSCJenWmeoetThe next moment, a large hand gripped his arm. A powerful force hoisted him from the ground—though “hoist” was too gentle a word; it felt more like a vice grip.fdZZcVJAkuzGchhoHwqkYdIxyaKyzM
ECuYPvRmjRBevakWhen Ning Rushen finally stood, he looked up, right into the extraordinarily handsome face of Li Wuting. His sharply defined features were like a masterpiece, betraying no emotion.rmqonksEfnFcGsfTpeTWCXuKSRtilK
bLHNjrXUIGdVUmhLi Wuting lowered his long lashes, one hand pressing firmly on Ning Rushen’s shoulder.xogursBrvUxLgQziGHQYXKGAeAylyJ
CndDOeHzSbbezgXHis thumb pressed down through the fabric against Ning Rushen’s bony shoulder, tapping meaningfully, “Ning Qing, you really are quite weak. A simple pat, and you crumble.”PlRGxUdDjraaHuYswjInbDCpVaznJU
NyuPzymcgRLKYWcNing Rushen gave a weak smile, “……”ujWkipjXizHtLJKyNLnYuNLlRspnts
yzHjyvfBIuABXWpWhat the hell, man.mGtOKCTeQJLzfeKFczvGLleeFnrbxK
vEEjDSEWHaztHbkI nearly got sent to the afterlife with that “pat.”ukAiLMEaphMKWhhxxaWXUKmOExPOuB
dnbWRZJRMrwBmpDThe touch lasted only a second before Li Wuting withdrew his hand and, as if nothing had happened, turned and walked back to his throne. “De Quan, continue reading.”ohiFuDwYnOnShhMmzlEnTBMgpaXBuP
yHZuuxqUarnlVUZDe Quan quickly bowed, “Yes, Your Majesty.”JpMaKkzPDMQMRjbMRjYWyRcpiRbWDO
wvMGTzjwNqfGfjMThe tense atmosphere in the hall finally eased.JUHKMGDmzFksKGUSHmsRCltNwBgTqf
LfpkwxtpJPyQlxKDe Quan resumed reading, “By decree of the late emperor, Jinxue is promoted to the position of Grand Academician, thus decreed—”ZeGcdCahqcBYFOSAcmfRadOpeirsvZ
otVynlHNIUqaPRDNing Rushen, “……This subject, thanks Your Majesty for your grace.”cCoHsrllEDgyLYjLyIghYNPxdXzOrx
eARuKkjPGZCudeY…DWWplmuMdIozJVrrnsesLnOhziCVRE
DUFoJOpXzwdDfXkThe long enthronement ceremony finally came to an end.lkketxykayYFabPYqalHgPwFodAcgF
QyfKjjyomYayQasThe ministers left for their residences, awaiting the palace banquet later that evening.ZZnbEXVenmcHklfhMYDqbrOHMzFMFR
gkAIuKOJVRryKRRAs soon as Li Wuting disappeared behind the great hall, Ning Rushen found himself swarmed by his colleagues!TfHtyGpvLFwibwbkgKTKfpnKiUqGCI
QdySHPeVPQYdMsC“Ning Daren is indeed favored by the emperor, receiving praise from both the late emperor and His Majesty.”JtDaKBvxOKBVpQGcRPfBjMrYDIGTUn
ddsvVurEBjqIVmD“His Majesty even personally patted your shoulder! A rare honor!”MKKiJbqLcondSNrCghNgKKBKswPWce
naaoFVEtotDdPTjNing Rushen gave a weak smile: You can take this honor if you want.mJdfPScZpOAfnkjIPQnhhddyVYuvQt
xtKLQEODpKGfPbmAs they exchanged formalities, Geng Yan came forward from the rear, pulling Ning Rushen aside, sneering, “Since when did you become so delicate after hitting your head? A simple pat, and you’re in that state.”SRargTqGuTumpYhocigOSggcbkNvaD
ykZOQijdcPioIEoNing Rushen thought Geng Yan was putting in way too much effort.PGlciFzJaZPDetDNQTfxasbkicjSkD
hqRPzVaOdtpxbYEHe even came over just to insult him.aoeRoLkdBlFVdVJFeiJIubMcvejEQr
bGMfRqYOJUCuyZhReflecting on the earlier events, Ning Rushen sighed, “I didn’t realize I was this well-liked.” So many people had pleaded for mercy on his behalf.WlOPJsbdJoqIrzVUoIkbdLdVhalHjM
uGocPvGrabiGQDcGeng Yan laughed at his naivety, “They’re just scared they’ll be next.”ibPwZEWmHhdstIyKYpCmGPSgcKEOkc
gQvBNPRkCruLyosNing Rushen paused, closing his eyes in grief, “You people are really heartless.”tdODbXiMpiHMdaIuUaSyCSAoBTubRT
ozlLGkFBGUeGIoxGeng Yan, “……”YzGxksjjuhcZRFFAADkrynZAiFFfBK
tpssTClLuFKbcXBDamn, this guy.rxlbzMzjcyMtUuQSPpyrhcgjOeQRPY
aPYDSQfADzKiqGcAs the other ministers gradually dispersed, Ning Rushen turned and headed towards the exit.IZArIeBkKPYGuEwihHtuPyPIYJKUcd
DbZHbxVufHAfHexSuddenly, Geng Yan caught up with him. “By the way, since you hit your head, what do you plan to do next?”gpqzpHybQCubXfEeEYgiPERsLrKmJi
ZaqQzpUhJDpyCJVHands folded into his sleeves, Ning Rushen gazed into the distance, “I’ll write a resignation letter when I return, retire to the countryside.”ghTSpQQdhxhLcTpjeQVEFWUtFJrLak
pTeGBJkbswzIPHC“……” Geng Yan’s head nearly exploded, “What!?”CgiUuXulNRCXuPmJyaqYalgdIZotsb
gOzgwUvXMepokNS·XQPPUicrzXkOQiVjnEMBnfWfnfBSqp
OmFTdlSqcSLmfIFInside the warm chamber.UZZCGGwjOsKpUtZoAHVTKvxsCaXfRP
BayekADNsFevwVfLi Wuting had changed out of his heavy ceremonial robes into a more comfortable attire.dXiWYfAoCAtaqBTEamFvVvzuNpHfEQ
RovUlWXtZYxMvFTA dark outer robe draped across his broad shoulders, crossing neatly over his chest, exuding both an air of calm authority and self-restraint.BvvMdGsxraKGVENgJUVzcqnqGBnnbP
UevmJWqWcvjQVlKDe Quan stood by with a basin of water, respectfully waiting.mkOvuGQhWjMEXhAWqTNyyJEzxxHEOh
ozmWaSCmXZWbjwZAfter dressing, Li Wuting submerged his hands in the basin, the warm water covering his well-defined knuckles and the callouses on the base of his thumb. Amid the sound of water, the emperor’s cold voice rang out:NAwCWrYMyXeXmLXAoQSunrgnWEbvdM
reQWdaJUwTLCrRk“Nothing unusual during the ceremony today?”mJhtUFDGyCVixgEAVeoTkudzUQVOWG
DYbKPILppLAPvow“Your Majesty, everything proceeded as normal.”cHBnULwNtEKAvKSUliTyBKTNcRHfpF
eIXqLWCFFtGeaUsAfter a pause, De Quan hesitated before adding, “However… there was a small matter. I’m not sure if I should trouble Your Majesty with it…”GSRuZGXIeamnvxWXkpqPmNQMGaYTXi
CaqSaSSIcIYAFNy“Speak.”FjsdfBrZbwuKITJdaWwpoqAbPJDJXd
OkqmkTdihvzjOox“Ning Daren had a fall at the Noon Gate…” The sound of water stopped abruptly.mgaUCtyYOHNDpRUGLNNiYGDFfuHNTu
swWveCKagTQrCDFLi Wuting raised his gaze and looked straight at De Quan, “Oh?”CvwDrIHENVVJbbvztPgBjBgGWUHtJE
oZhOiPIihyabuVLDe Quan cautiously continued, “And Geng Shilang. Ning Daren’s fall was more serious; he hit his head, while Geng Shilang only suffered a minor knee injury.”kgGiXQJhVInIxBRIYcGYqxYMSvWSPK
GRpHHUXIUDPuoGP“He hit his head?”dVQPiItbovkhuYsHgczzOxHjBjoMIe
ySkpyqbDWIrQxOf“Yes.” De Quan carefully gauged the emperor’s mood and added, “They say… it’s as if he’s a different person entirely now.”INWdpLhpTKfOCNRtWVveSdwFWQGiol
oUgOhIbthaOBuhSOnqFoYqsxkXSLNzigFSSILMoGWRMDP
its a pleasure to be the first
story’s kinda interesting