This official is so weak

A wave of dizziness hit, and faint commotion echoed in his ears.qygbDnyWHTmrJTuTCckCcEiDaFErSz

CKCtfAvFRHsPvSc

Ning 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.OxZfNKWIFDPxsFVTbkxDtMBToMokUR

pZsrgVNllLYnDJA

After 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.JoqypYMtevEpMVvpnwatwHaIabeXsO

DcejMQLMNPvGVMe

And he was sitting on an empty patch of ground not far from the procession.oHthCeQKJZDLYnsIYluYanLYPFKXit

aerUnwPkLTqyXrv

What first caught his eye was a crimson robe, with a pale, slender wrist sticking out.aLHcEeaxGmcdBjyHaEFPdNQSUFcjDE

ugwmznJelVPINSd

Just as he was processing this, a man dressed in white hurried over from a distance. “Lord Ning!”ipHWCgsEeYSgkeVKxVPutTogNQeLcz

oePrnKnxqBzoLdE

The imperial physician stopped in his tracks, “…”XzQEkiFVZbJfPDfLehIrdLlkKMweje

rjSnCMSsHmiQVMZ

A voice suddenly came from the side, “Did you hit your head or something?”mEZXXIJSBulVgsCphIXehERlevHPlS

MEboWjiAMxDmYYb

Ning 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.jqBLjysgejVWLnHRfxbHpMEtTUxrZk

qAOHMjBZqSYUuak

Two young eunuchs smiled awkwardly, trying to smooth things over. “Lord Geng, Lord Ning did indeed hit his head pretty hard.”jztUOBOFhoZpwaGDWemhuelQQQxxAO

BYcOIrLaGYJeaSe

Geng Yan glanced at Ning Rushen, “Nothing good ever happens when I run into you.”SQFJsczLWyhZNYfBEuLkZYKynvrdKj

DTpXzfAgXSTKvXf

Ning Rushen looked over at the people in front of him one by one.fyXPpmTLllRJaJomzSrCTLUXyUnEYb

zEeneOGBSBkiaKD

The 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:jlYhQXSrWgbPzKvqVSJBQgLCVYIEFa

nYARRflgwctDvNP

He wasn’t dead—he had time-traveled.KadtdZyzcVsEaHFLOpRQugANvbsuMK

pzWNnQlvgNuFsUg

But he had no idea which dynasty this was, or who he even was.CIkaGXIisYuyYWJxzFLmIbFHfQWlpJ

kFXimndCmXGNbBL

Ning Rushen rubbed his head and decided to get some clarity first. “My head’s still a bit foggy. Where am I, and what happened?”OTfAIdsKwCwocvHRhTMFpTSWkzjusb

nzxpmNcttsBecKj

The atmosphere instantly froze.UXzoiQGXaCmMZMffiKIYqvXETPzZnO

fPjvZyZuWIawncv

The 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…”BAnNhlkDzQSKHKREHkfsxIMovFiqgL

qtaHULkrsNveSWB

Geng 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?”ChYkdMoyGlUaeISfbQHjxzNefbQSPa

MmfKRaXnHJQDESr

Ning Rushen stared back at him, pale as a ghost.aqlwpJockXCYNpwCVZDScsXyUbXjrw

vbyUFHAxkShemtZ

Geng 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?”zVmClwhJwEBcebHJLnhvIvSpJNZTjM

ydNimthljwkOWjG

Ning Rushen, “…”DVPsiRNLpocycegZetIRzukZUJFyAw

GUYLLnfKLzmDmkA

In just sixty-two words, Geng Yan managed to pack in a mountain of personal feelings.TDTaJipMXOITwqDQrGkrDxAKhDPxbv

EsvDEEnjcwycnhf

Unable to hold back, Ning Rushen asked, “We don’t get along very well, do we?”UhlUrVSCTIlhbswTNXibTUxwPlJOkf

iRsZLYnqCmooMsi

Geng Yan nodded, “Not at all.”eOVeopMdyEhFJpRFGNVguiKLKPaiSB

wzoYVRhnZNhUmKo

Ning Rushen sighed. Unfortunately, he now had no memory of whatever grudges or grievances might have existed between them.wpgBIXTrfaDVDRPvfjnAlguLXIspHE

ILBCSoHWeWSJDpZ

All he knew now was that he was some sort of official.iCgTOzzTrOSXDbTpOphDrxcFVKdNGJ

lEhXFOiNZbJrUep

Although 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.zFcsjPRDTkZDMQHnODEaNbsBVaKixc

ajyULAoqrRBVdVE

While he was deep in thought, the imperial physician withdrew his hand and said:UWDKmUBeukJWQPSavrGJgjHhjLbCAO

cAbKPzGiGtLswda

“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…”OYlTtbFGCNtKfsLifpGPFYKpochxeX

LrDDgwGzUQmSVFG

Ning Rushen waved his hand. “It’s not a big deal.”nZPculGmpCGGXPqqEbWGHnqMfqXfRU

SnsuzcrMlOEzgTI

He 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?”AWebATTeUblddeGqZZVftgpzWjFHfP

IplZUnqfYAqfFBg

The young eunuch replied, “Yes, my lord.”KKSrCJEXVYaEDheMdecfcvJmAbKhEV

MnQiIgnhfuehOFI

Geng Yan, whose leg had also been treated, stood up and grumbled, “As long as you don’t trip and fall again.”rZarOnnOzbjGPZWBjgHDagNgxHXtYG

lorAkxVUGqWYPpc

One hit his head, the other injured his leg.uhSMUtqMuWyGqggcqYoOdxeCAxGBwI

GrYUNpKbMXbGRdD

Led by the eunuchs, they made their way, albeit disjointedly, through the long corridors toward the Hall of Golden Chimes.XurXNMgkYkRODTcITTbDAMpKHmNFmg

PUxdqHuVIfAycIr

Ning Rushen’s head ached, his feet throbbed—this body was indeed in terrible shape.XjPBllpbkCLfoVEjIdLlMGqkHNqlAR

hiWnfYlNycWoyFK

After walking for a while, the sound of ceremonial music finally drifted in from a distance.ogDyGwvaVoyNmTWbVhwnJgKmSkzdrT

vegjMUrOzUjNqND

Ahead, the mass of officials and the grand, towering steps of the palace came into view.LFYSddOgJxvBYUwRHasfEffkuXSuHV

zWSFzmBVRhgTkIg

Just as they were nearing the end of the procession, a crucial question suddenly hit Ning Rushen.HtjXsoWaKURSnLkaYgzqGqiBssBTXX

IHeAJtLTsCylcbG

He turned to Geng Yan, “By the way, my name is…”HGLAimmAEHgYQeLCxtThmJndfhonpb

JqMFRoCuuXcNvZb

Geng Yan replied, “Ning Chen.” Ning Chen? More like corrupt minister, you and your whole family!quTckWSPBqqhCAYLaXBYNilZcmQhpv

cZAesiAwDMpRafW

Ning Rushen warned him, “Watch your words, or I’ll report you for slandering a court official.”xnGqvOqlWFwKaMfpDFNEWoHMRwlTJg

PVJpjfaFGgvIFAP

Geng Yan, incredulous, retorted, “Slandering? You wish!”TKdBJOLUjaGjwzsMHksptwBsvCAnoF

LcaNAfaQfqucncN

“…”jIkdXsDBYaeohwKyHOEPspLRXoPtqU

cKWPSWVvVyebGtp

They stared at each other, eyes locked.WOLugNiVFznrecCuThtgISZxWXnVwb

xWFMVZBlreAVWaT

After a moment of this deadlock, Ning Rushen slowly closed his eyes, rubbed his chest, and felt his heart sink:vUMNOuJbUqMZHHxPcjSNpWLziXjOow

sgPszuJLeQvONaD

So… his name was really Ning Chen.NZWYjmDxUcqSDdVgWFuUyUNLLjiCGT

WbrRFvQpPCfGxqh

What a ridiculously provocative name!MGNpFLjcCJwDEIpvYCfgiayDexZfvw

yoygYyreluPuhEv

·PDZMeYwuScMqKXulJsKcrhnljhzrcI

HLdKIBHMWGoLXjG

After the third toll of the bell and drum.GjCrPkgnCSRnfuzJDinwzvCfGBAMKs

YnPSuOEFgLvNTMJ

Ning Rushen arrived just in time to enter the hall.hSKuktKYCHvArpjPBpcMojgsOxJYjL

HbXTbkFkMBAIqTA

He 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.sqkwRitpIdIBtRAfWUpVJWLTgTXNCN

wAdXDTbHOuSWPzt

A living emperor, right there.fHJpvvbFRwnpISwwzIwAkWuVLRqCcD

XMPlRskmFHkSPbl

He had to take a look.qQcjeUKNhnXMGaCGbzqbCUuoiJyBSz

YWFAbxsVzBZuAKj

Peering 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.mKepcpjaNumXULyPxLTrFuSRwUSkTm

HYEqMLDklFbQTAp

Like an ancient, yet lethal sword.yuEGGnboxOGXnfPeTEGYJNkWOzUNCr

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One glance sent a chill down Ning Rushen’s spine.FZkOnGiHlwHNUWBWjTJqHNXUmopFIF

AEPLMuvlLxsIwUU

As he continued to size up the emperor, the sovereign on the throne suddenly turned his gaze in Ning Rushen’s direction.EaKABNxXAItUxSZtmOVHoqrcpcTdPP

zVPmCrcOyzkQULO

His heart skipped a beat, and he quickly lowered his eyes!uLtSvYvrrytdyYjBNxaMYLivDjEgTN

TlnuErjjjlzssib

Twenty years of survival instincts kicked in: never make eye contact with the teacher during class.EKuOhUnZdrkVgGiTXFoWLjvuriHigP

pINfGgCdHUsNOhS

The 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.gWCyrhpgQOiIassfvqPqHHeXxFeScM

qYlPtzpfkSfAsPn

…oGkiJmwxlSrexYRpumXYadIAdvziGM

zljyyZsMnNrdyVY

The new emperor took the throne and declared a general amnesty.QXRldfIeNNscEbLyvHRpWwLSRGuDNY

DiJmlOcyONUQwoY

The ceremony ended with the rewarding of officials.GmoqrpDGrIoiBtitllagnCYSbnkOhM

zvuayjaoNzkvKjY

Grand Eunuch De Quan stood at the front, holding the imperial decree, his thin voice echoing through the hall.TketDdmBNIlzCtSkGIhWmDswHjwRne

bkreQOQpIoJjWwR

Ning Rushen stood in the line, lost in his thoughts, when suddenly a familiar and provocative name pierced through the air: “Scholar Ning Chen—”QdjZZCIBqsbAsAXsFHoBhejjfpLVyo

ojPdUadjlyHzwbc

It took Ning Rushen two seconds to react: Who dares be so disrespectful?HbaTNPFONMEYTixwhPmFlrDplaOjEo

vfwxljBxgNdESsQ

Then he realized: Oh, right. It’s me.dGLZFtzLUSMDFcqLkFXbAJMKNhFeop

UTcRsUDNIWghIZB

“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?”hDCpBjkbPQpunjSxNAHynfBYvbqwqk

prHKmzzFRQugzOy

Ning Rushen: ?nyquvuXUMMUMnGYVUtTWaxuLMhUouB

MBXHaPvhmvyxuUt

He looked up, only to see the emperor stand from his throne.YAEkPQALmvMNXLSkAFjvDQrQixdTqH

HdUegtLFTTrlGyZ

The hall instantly fell into dead silence.qydIoDmPlmnHGHWQLYkGJHHcxfMVqD

AxntNweJceeEJSG

Li Wuting, standing atop the grand hall, fixed his gaze on the figure at the front—Ning Chen.EgiKlEvLXUKJsHFgnykMlAXyOMafjl

WmDNdXiCSkYxaUV

Ning 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.gAUpIAGydaEakbZIlPtmuOWKhJisoG

PMUCPtzLuAZPbvw

The image of countless arrows flying before the Hall of Golden Chimes felt like it had happened just yesterday.hINBrBgjwjRGwQbqPYPdqahflMPLPU

pDTuttjLdCoJlhk

Li Wuting’s eyes darkened as he stepped forward.SsLgQONkWmHlMDdCTRHpMlwUYGXmdv

WflttEBpkJhvSXP

On the solemn imperial court, the newly crowned emperor slowly descended the steps, stopping directly in front of Ning Rushen.TlOfPVYOqzGbtjLRLCLPJGNrFBqQYy

onflmTOYgWyxgiW

Their eyes met, and in the depths of the emperor’s cold, sharp gaze, a flash of murderous intent appeared.sBowJeJGGBBBgVjOdNfamIomVwUuxW

QRwdOLWGEvICklZ

Ning Rushen: …???? What the hell is going on?!YsowsvsDRPFewuvQTXvzGFtRatCvEc

YvDDQUxTkENCJRv

Before Ning Rushen could figure out the emperor’s sudden killing intent, a large hand from the opposite side abruptly raised—IsfwAVXdlmeylGYKqXxwRVcUBsiZEi

ZDpwyMmWasXJWxT

His heart instantly sounded the alarm!aPeHAdOqIzhJZYtKwxNaXiVUUcZzUK

cptwyAqaVJkbpnx

As 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.yeqtTgqpxAnVAgOyXwHDonrhfvyXNX

IRSpoyBUTdnDkDv

“……”JoeGbMsQRfVBhxOkiQIVtVoSkWrOaq

qPfopUIVUSFqWzr

The ministers snapped out of their stupor and gasped in shock, “Your Majesty, have mercy!”WQzzrclVkLCpfGlYajbAWUpFLWWTwE

GzVxAXQDwFrzVbf

“Your Majesty, why such a sudden outburst?”SWwONkiyimAmFiJVLKPVQyNcsqHBsp

nqbskirCSEYcyle

“Ning Daren might get beaten to death—”mSMoFSLEzluycBDyyumOErgefcSwOI

qsuwFsrEgrCRHbP

The last sentence came from someone deep in the court, drawing out the word “death” so long it almost cracked.ULCaTuSeuohHmxXAgbEmWasiEjhrEL

NKFdhKxMRMuLAdo

Li Wuting, who hadn’t even touched him: ?uQfDdpuvAPyPFZixAbJWrJXcNbKuLo

saNiYllhxKAHGPf

Lowering his eyes, expressionless, he gazed at the person collapsed before him.qnTJJaHSMztbWhpmpxMTbkkjQGzsgl

IVfKFfsBZTvfoRJ

Ning Rushen raised his head slightly after his act, only to meet a pair of deep, piercing eyes.uYLgwtIiAIxDGVEpihLglIYbhGoBSB

CHIIsoZtwiikmoH

“……” He wiped the corner of his eye again, steeling himself as he lowered his head once more, “This subject is… terribly fragile.” Sob.bBFBaxMFTKggaNYrrnpRtJFrZRORKf

DRrdqRFGvHmcjYM

Li Wuting: ………epsHGbkwxJXabMLbdhXcqqgpGYNybp

sVUZxTjKmMXVwfY

Ning 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.QYTvJjSflbdscXLMFZgJSjKrNdPblL

xaCiEcaRciPPwLd

He looked like someone who had been gravely mistreated.SBeIrZTDUgTdhkpAeXRxtNfSNYQqMu

qbxlQPyFZhMAIbf

Li Wuting’s hand trembled slightly in the air, but he burst out in laughter from sheer frustration:AoAExmudPjXOUzRYFCmyTvbSrSmSAv

mmauAMgLUEkRnlY

Oh. What a cunning official.FPUmOvlVNpoCBuFcJtobLvhazZZWih

FLrSaKPEGzHmLya

·vznRuqkRhKwBAIwsWUfngdvLGbCPSh

agorixILTRtEgLV

Ning Rushen was still trembling slightly, head lowered, when a cold, mocking laugh fell faintly from above: Heh.vLYvpiVlNfYGeFDNLMbWsXLuFBGWjF

VzpRoNpBJgIHGAB

“……” He immediately began coughing violently, as if in agony.NHwSMuTbEHdjsJLiSZHgCPlNFZnrDb

tNWTTDqdPwIyJhP

The 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.YELHhFqovpwNIAHeOfDFupdjcGZyPJ

PchWzPRxNFzWPUO

When 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.EHFtysCkrksDSFGyVcupHpauldTShT

QBNeEpSjuMHEqTC

Li Wuting lowered his long lashes, one hand pressing firmly on Ning Rushen’s shoulder.FkWNnfpJqUchXCqNgFrKEgSBCMyPKV

shCsCSTLHRdMciA

His 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.”ktPKCZIQuiuNcEbvSzOefOBWiQtbXk

LllvdALetojUePH

Ning Rushen gave a weak smile, “……”JTbfFKPnyxoLOxpmZbchhcKifvjqOG

pVfhvpPoAQPuJgT

What the hell, man.ZgVQKZYBliKTnSYjQgSAYGnsYKHCSB

vXnrnUXsWozNkEL

I nearly got sent to the afterlife with that “pat.”DJQwetZiCyLxSeMPsVXYTiGjbBbItm

QDIbhjUidkbFrsi

The 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.”cFjNrfYFqZVjupUBmduZScAvpPajVE

qJWWZMsgYRxlnPl

De Quan quickly bowed, “Yes, Your Majesty.”RBbmxsBAavnYzamHCpxOwhMomvwHsB

vHmgFZzuOOJKaeD

The tense atmosphere in the hall finally eased.vHoSbpYDYMlcfsqPrgkVTgTFrUUGwq

SUByAdslFIcDVVC

De Quan resumed reading, “By decree of the late emperor, Jinxue is promoted to the position of Grand Academician, thus decreed—”SStiTLkiIpoooCSGVWoicIuxkySjcN

xRHWotANaqOTSdO

Ning Rushen, “……This subject, thanks Your Majesty for your grace.”cIGileUWqHMkQXJgQXYsyWrtZvTrhD

kYxmwFyymzfDAPm

…LeVvZzlIXgYcqYSQKOvHOhXTkFZqXX

IHgJtuuhEVTSLAh

The long enthronement ceremony finally came to an end.XljBfSsvGIUoxzAvxYOtzfKmTlKSGN

ucXlNYAYYvMGdnY

The ministers left for their residences, awaiting the palace banquet later that evening.KMLZNrKvEzZjymJHADBhgsIonaZCSp

WMAHEBGcfhkjjjR

As soon as Li Wuting disappeared behind the great hall, Ning Rushen found himself swarmed by his colleagues!YsyGDDWVMvAsLVHyzZkqPYQCQamNwg

VVjIaqXyvhCevij

“Ning Daren is indeed favored by the emperor, receiving praise from both the late emperor and His Majesty.”dyyGgdktpbXPoWaeKoorfLrtBrrLbc

aRmHywRfGFCnbOl

“His Majesty even personally patted your shoulder! A rare honor!”NyVRmgsZoWKfHlPeXuVVjMkCxHbRsr

NDtqtMRNWUxLtyn

Ning Rushen gave a weak smile: You can take this honor if you want.OlYTjpCKELJrZUtHLkVtwCapkVHuwL

QYYQocnWEMuNMoz

As 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.”dUuUnGjxzdheivtnOCNmhLvxnqHbHg

QQXTizFDiygOLhg

Ning Rushen thought Geng Yan was putting in way too much effort.HWhOPMeodnDXgFKHkpCyJBffLsvGJG

LLEPiBiKDxYqDlR

He even came over just to insult him.zApWjkSpVEvXGwsPhnFcuyODoWCXlX

YTmXTjdjRxCCgSQ

Reflecting 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.LHPJgctydDYQIvxtLCdojcNFzbptIN

LvDNYtfVXdkWkAS

Geng Yan laughed at his naivety, “They’re just scared they’ll be next.”FzvAovrRigrDwMzeOozRPzOnTwmdKv

XtVISrCrmcaRDWI

Ning Rushen paused, closing his eyes in grief, “You people are really heartless.”DInOIMDILgkQUcHwZQRYkKigTwNvQD

YsmzLnUHVrZrUEe

Geng Yan, “……”tVNclvGEyYJvRYWzWmahxIoVdNqwjI

OGUmMpHEIaLGgcW

Damn, this guy.pdDGyWKIKybrsQFRHkUkHaVwMXILwN

yNkrOsQCgizjGyy

As the other ministers gradually dispersed, Ning Rushen turned and headed towards the exit.IADUvxLwrJtUHOSVnUgHhGNRFkgarC

uwxaTVuUxFUFjqE

Suddenly, Geng Yan caught up with him. “By the way, since you hit your head, what do you plan to do next?”fsuvfmgNZSHumUrmWVrgFSrNCkAIDC

YkjLuJpcQgwLRaw

Hands folded into his sleeves, Ning Rushen gazed into the distance, “I’ll write a resignation letter when I return, retire to the countryside.”vjaRzXElIuqvQVWoohkipkvyVyAAIO

NMiJqLkumTsZyUe

“……” Geng Yan’s head nearly exploded, “What!?”qtMmiUppOgmcYPDeYAXZRrZOiwGlal

vDbUAEBBCrCzuCt

·QDRQkzYbUgBnJCIhSVcpnFOPbvwUVq

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Inside the warm chamber.oeXNywRHeTzAFcjTifKuVGMZdfxNLC

SAiovkHCtRQcrRy

Li Wuting had changed out of his heavy ceremonial robes into a more comfortable attire.SNgEytuPXHtwGnhFqSsWekUhwXVBMT

MVlCTWSOmKhrRJO

A dark outer robe draped across his broad shoulders, crossing neatly over his chest, exuding both an air of calm authority and self-restraint.sIIAQpDpADWgEhUtmeWWqPTPHZYVGW

UuZaEotElCVaUuk

De Quan stood by with a basin of water, respectfully waiting.uUtwpvmtxtzagqDafWZoXSXWmJGLnv

yuaqUKjlluzYpcq

After 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:MeCRgFLLRTItUxhAbaUqzMSthxLEEY

ZLIPuRWwNqMjeRt

“Nothing unusual during the ceremony today?”RktjRDGlwQIZaFZNtlNbSEYkggscrp

JgVmYnzwFscHLok

“Your Majesty, everything proceeded as normal.”eQmVKirjDDLmLoydNACzaPVigspjWo

zCRNtNNwmGKIsfB

After 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…”UzNIcRRMJtMBSkCpdYuWKMDwzDxwXC

ajUOsekXGQOXJAC

“Speak.”pBEUOBGwDHvjtQUTHogwiyETWiIiSx

IvqHsqvtdrZrWuQ

“Ning Daren had a fall at the Noon Gate…” The sound of water stopped abruptly.kmkHDzftcTcpYmKOqCKzakbDhVbylm

kwgTsGROtpKWAQH

Li Wuting raised his gaze and looked straight at De Quan, “Oh?”elnnBDACKeooYeltDdumCzrCjfVpgs

XOlQiVHXOqGuBqq

De 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.”pDuuynOFhtKwHvvCXEkUyQFUbpjAcS

wLmnSzJBooLbjOP

“He hit his head?”uaBEOZmcsytTJnxNmMNdGNlIzlAKHD

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“Yes.” De Quan carefully gauged the emperor’s mood and added, “They say… it’s as if he’s a different person entirely now.”oyxiYdqZjajVjQzjNKaJwhMqYymrdJ

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