This official is so weak

Ning Rushen exited the palace gates, where the carriage from the Ning residence was already waiting.OlfJtSQtOnKPFwzVqZfBOXMwKKAybX

jEIAvSsEsPiptiI

A middle-aged man in his forties jumped down from the carriage, his honest face showing a hint of joy. He bowed towards him and said, “My Lord!”zRgAMDZnBqcnYKkGVpxMpILWBFgJJo

etjtUtViUvxfVFr

The man opposite him was instantly shocked, “My Lord! I am Yan Min, your old servant!”nQaXmAmyxxDvJZEZFcWOBafZxuEixG

XidWTwKPUUOjzbU

Ning Rushen looked at his attire and tentatively asked, “Oh… Steward Yan?”gBnMjeVOQpxzUHOtcPYESDdzxiDodL

FqnitYTKCBsyysu

Ning Rushen smiled slightly, “You look different from usual today. I didn’t recognize you at first.” After saying this, he boarded the carriage, leaving Yan Min standing there, touching his old face, utterly confused.BFiawnKYMBNponChoKkvFjJLWPcRPV

IlldDOzWURmAQtg

Inside the carriage, refreshments and tea were already prepared, and incense was burning.VBscmcArXEPhSSdjbxcBaHVaEDeElL

HoHdXqcSvhmSbYL

He casually grabbed a handful of walnuts and started cracking them with a loud crunch, while calling out to Yan Min, “Let’s go.”qUIbeuEPIKRDbfCFUgJruHQFqBHsyY

cbPhaGCbdpAFtSJ

After traveling a few meters, a sharp, thin voice suddenly came from behind, “Lord Ning—Lord Ning, wait!”jorqGgkCMPguqLaFXnPwpDRJJOkuxC

zMWpWTkssGmAgaP

Ning Rushen felt a sudden unease creeping up.LwSEmqfdRaEONdVkVqbnfJzEoYLLYe

yqaTQcFHLMXuQRr

He stood up, banging on the door in urgency, “Uncle Yan, quickly, speed up!”NJWJjRRYPUJHKzwWOHZjTaxeLEONVV

agNemMurcXyfRwf

“Uh, My Lord, but I think I heard…”XJXlnnGermOZDvpaMNTdFbPbgJShnr

TgiZSHCViMFAGGV

“Lord Ning… Lord Ning! The emperor summons… His Majesty…” The voice behind was getting closer, now trembling with heavy breaths.ovEotSNKEYicKzcSvZMrBOQCXEhrDG

pRQJFYdfakVIDdi

Ning Rushen took a deep breath and swiftly lifted the carriage curtain, poking his head out, only to be met with Dequan’s pale, sweaty face from running.oveWpkmDvKsXaijpvaKPmwPEXFLQAD

BljcjcwISExglOU

Dequan, catching his breath, raised his hand with a delicate gesture, playfully pointing at Ning Rushen, “Oh dear, Lord Ning, you sure are hard to deal with~”ORvGDKKlexctIrtVtMATOMikuVOHsQ

bejNEllAUIvsZpi

Ning Rushen smiled politely: …SIvVxRaZvtBTpIgLXUiZnEKmhHdqpp

QYevFCYyneYlyXk

·RrTYfARGZtzGDQPCowhtpZuTbHjOZL

ULJoEdYBHWVRMwh

Walking from the palace gates deeper into the imperial grounds, the path was flanked by gold-tiled roofs and red walls. After passing through a side door, they stepped onto a winding path lined with pear trees, their blossoms piled like jade and snow.fnbdccedollIFWzBTgYdstJOGJZLsT

XkhnjYocBbAjrBC

Ning Rushen glanced around, quietly sighing to himself:soDzzYYizCJtapdGOjtVjzxWQtuBKG

zHUFPOlwdsKuFRf

In this spring courtyard, these pear trees make a fine resting place for a corpse.yhLoQgZhKQMgbiVPuJgGgLlwDnXNAu

gYbnLtuMWmHhfxg

Once he goes in, there’s a good chance he won’t come out…mgfxhltDYngxYQKCfzCAmnCgRjVPEr

SWRpIHXqagwgqLu

“Why the sigh, My Lord?” Dequan asked with a smile.BnOyOLmEhYiJndYkAsVGsBVyLJdWsL

YPxmctAHQmFzblW

Ning Rushen shook his head, raising his hand to point at the most flourishing pear tree, “I like this one.” If he were to be buried, he might as well pick a spot in advance.CUXvhpgMtTPAeQOrjySPjRdOuEGAjW

foQzSXiNXfWFgPS

“Everything in this palace, down to the grass and trees, belongs to His Majesty,” Dequan replied with a smile, “If you like it, perhaps after receiving a reward, you could ask for a branch or two from His Majesty.”qLfqAOdUJJbJJOrWACoDIsPzNOfStf

jQMiZafTzAFFHON

Ning Rushen’s heart surged with mixed emotions.kkLNQVKxOrDZuNVqcxhgMYpkDXAtyV

jRKtggEViNuAhES

He might actually survive to see another day.nEgutrYQzoWZAUbIrXpQKgiIucZpKs

tibITjjqxBARExH

“Thank you for your kind words, Eunuch.”BbfKlIovseWPZxKxKXYQIxDHGKfYko

oZIbZCJbIulVzgM

As they talked, they quickly arrived at the entrance to the Imperial Study. Dequan stopped at the door, bowing slightly, “Lord Ning, please enter. This servant will not go in.”yfdNECMuQMnBVPcRpoTilTuFgdzgrm

sPpLclbQuUqdiOn

Ning Rushen nodded, recalling the palace protocols. He reached into his sleeve and pulled out a handful of nuts, skillfully slipping them into Dequan’s hand. “I’ll leave it to you, Eunuch.”oQKOfzIWIFQgrYctqWpqWzqRjbXsBI

TmoksHBtjuElwoj

After tidying his sleeves, he stepped into the Imperial Study.tBuzlcGyQpGGEyTuahrBySkhBZlYfw

rbLGZzIQcUBzFvA

The doors closed behind him, and Dequan, unable to resist, opened his palm: a few small walnuts sat there, with one even half-cracked.rSEagtHHiAewEtZHVAdCUPgxVkkQXw

JhXyWSiPdZBiOEg

“…”NgnhTyXsfgkweibJZobinbFpWqPEeU

laSRJRBnALzhZrn

Crunch. Dequan’s smile cracked.VBCEKPFbMhFRIQjhCHRREwZDOiTyfN

MNwuRoQqqjNOeSL

Inside the Imperial Study.vNQvYpxzLlBhgzVLWyDGeycuSgNWKb

xJKJbzXcmhZbqQg

The mahogany desk was neatly arranged with high-quality paperweights, brushes, and ink, while a few pear blossoms in a white porcelain vase added a touch of elegant brightness to the otherwise solemn room.vGuGKosXIoFXLEaiYQAvrsKDFUNdqd

OvPlosjMRuOTzqc

Li Wuting, dressed in dark robes, sat behind the desk, his brows slightly furrowed.DgRXipVcYyzmdfsAPaACqgoOtDrVyl

zXOzVQvWJrbEnMZ

Standing before him was a man in luxurious robes, exuding an air of nobility and charm, whose features bore a faint resemblance to Li Wuting. He was none other than the second prince of the late emperor, Prince Xuan, Li Yingtang.XsfVjXyzKQBMpiXyXRacnvXxJuQIPu

yIVhgDOPDvaEWwr

Li Yingtang fiddled with a pear branch, “Your Majesty, what was that about during today’s ceremony?”fItDgQlNeAiRAOOJWWUHnIbSaHspDr

YiVpmpuGdihJPly

Li Wuting lightly tapped his fingers on the desk, without replying.IuDQAAIvRGYaywqVTymIwqpYkkEURk

aGlNSNnYMQavFUp

Li Yingtang glanced at him, then sighed, trying to persuade, “I don’t know what crime Ning Chen committed, but right now, all the meritorious ministers in court are united. He contributed to your ascension and had the late emperor’s decree. Dealing with him too casually might look like killing the donkey after the grinding is done…”zhcodETwusLiZYDgLFpVxTCsGxrwCJ

jhIDjtlTKDceHgl

“Brother, I know what I’m doing.” Li Wuting finally spoke.LRTIjvqUlRLJFxrAiJpHNUEogMCBJN

zkmcjGVFBSRyHRB

Li Yingtang looked at him, thought for a moment, and smiled, “Perhaps I’m overthinking it.”fhBfKQYLuXlxjsXTHRiUBlFhmTQllv

KtQLosUafPVFFGx

“Your Majesty,” a voice from outside reported, “Scholar Ning requests an audience.”ptRCyKUyLqXzHRouGqwmtsyhfBJSpE

aYgTWdLwjKGYrkb

Li Yingtang withdrew his hand and bowed, “I shall take my leave.”EkQzdvUCyyUnKMoWvKlOyDmbZGrFNU

OooJuIoCkzAYmns

…uBmzLQFchliWZXDuIslbVPclRiZqqI

tNjOXWuwYyVcIlI

 YbPODpUNmwqycfXDmbJTdamQGMklHu

sdFVBNkWHJueicu

Ning Rushen followed the eunuch towards the Imperial Study, only to encounter someone coming out halfway.vGmyKTHPrWGOXpTchZjzaEqSgucqVL

BevGaAPffrZWyVJ

The person carried an unmistakable air of imperial nobility, with features resembling Li Wuting. However, there was a faint scar at the corner of his eye, a minor flaw on otherwise perfect jade.nfrvEdmIBTSRmDlMPlfzZUZZhutYbf

SYAMghKpPRViqun

He recognized this man as Prince Xuan, recently titled during the grand ceremony. “Greetings, Your Highness.”eMOLrtzPayAAmmcBMzVJDfwYpzFwlH

nExXWOexFnErRJY

Li Yingtang greeted him amiably, “Lord Ning.”YkWiymdadxRclOacyFZPvVRTqLlNlt

WNMuMIrapVaetdc

Neither exchanged further pleasantries.kqWlSAnwKVYKCNUIAfsJOaeOiCmMbW

rJrtmjAvPSZmeLb

They passed each other, and soon Ning Rushen found himself inside the Imperial Study, where Li Wuting was seated behind a desk, eyes focused on the paper before him.CAQumRyIsfDpAsXDTXhDitdfXMIKuJ

gyMCxbQccKRpPhn

Ning Rushen bowed deeply, “Your Majesty.”wsfqgpBdvfTuGVtXHsCTneKNuPSeFk

AbodbUYqCmceYdw

There was a moment of silence before a cold voice drifted forward, “I heard that Lord Ning took a fall today and hit his head?”BTvqazvZzdpETsDNOTlmlTcdojwkql

rvHdcniEgstlwju

Ning Rushen: … Who the hell tattled?rmHAgzBmjRsYUTuMfGlIYibdqdzBie

cAbEkBUeojTmoyN

With a look of embarrassment, he replied, “Your servant is clumsy.”QXgfTMDYirkMIxDTrodmpJwGyjGAFU

DStTYYgoeXSALer

Li Wuting put down his pen, giving him a light glance, “Lord Ning is known for his agility, how could you be so careless?”LEgOuDrUAXwbILzZxicojTyODtZNUt

WXudIvZUWDasvEN

Ning Rushen: “…”LAMnwqhrAEMTNdrGDexcCxRagDrwyA

jrlXdlHgnrTlDcC

Was it his imagination, or did that sound sarcastic?yovvPSkWSTtdjeZHYKeyXOGfYHspYG

yqibsYKuliIRody

A faint, chilling breeze brushed against him, and he felt the emperor’s gaze resting heavily on him.myzhiDlxNIiVUCFMDjXeNFXPsEzjXZ

gctIhPukVDRNtiW

Lowering his lashes, Ning Rushen coughed dramatically and shakily knelt, “Is His Majesty blaming me? I deserve a thousand deaths… Cough, cough, cough!”VTWUTrZClGiWtGswQojGofWxdTBikX

veIqjnONsRfDLUk

Li Wuting silently watched him from behind the desk.bIlwBlZTPCqkuihiiNhoQEaTwwtaXX

UyaGKaHfGtegXse

The oversized crimson court robe draped over Ning Rushen’s kneeling figure made him appear weak and fragile. His bony back was faintly visible, while his black hair, like spilled ink, cascaded down his back.pzjRpzeNpNEYRyksQThDXbAKUAvIgh

YuiUfCryljjqbEC

His tightly clenched fingers pressed against his lips as his coughing fit turned his face red.BFFWfFbcSnNjdipGnGbejRSdLHQOSm

pVztuWFVBYBAEAD

It didn’t seem like he was faking it entirely.xNqrBFwppLKUObWtTJYnidtVXglIjw

crjRFOPTYTxzHpw

Ning Rushen, choking on his own saliva, blinked through watery eyes when suddenly a pair of dark boots with gold-trimmed edges appeared in his vision.lhqdxHJqovOiwOshXnQiUJeRYDnXqw

eLNGLgltKMhNkFs

“It seems I have frightened Lord Ning.”xKwzoDrceSCDiCLjngrpcoQiNkMbTu

TUjitLAbprmNKuo

“…?” Ning Rushen lifted his tearful eyes, “Your Majesty?”FhpcYiNYczdqbIsXJDcmvegPXpCvrY

LJzpzVNidTzQSYG

His slightly moist eyes appeared clear and innocent, filled with confusion. Li Wuting met his gaze for a moment before calmly stating, “I summoned you today to discuss your official duties.”nYikyYNuTrRTYVIrzVWpfVxMUARGVJ

UiHuivWaGSxlMBT

Official duties?rYtSzigFqzNZcaLOlUwtvQdjpQlebV

dXeqtftcjbwzsbb

Ning Rushen was instantly reminded: Oh right, he was here to resign!RmoAUKsnATIhLKNkEVMpzrKAvFKwJT

wSDVgHyJOMeCUBy

Li Wuting continued, “Since Lord Ning seems to have suffered a serious head injury, you won’t be able to handle the duties at the Hanlin Academy. Starting tomorrow…”KpRgyowjpQWydFdJWdCrEdzyIMLivA

wKEjLXPcoyQXbWd

Ning Rushen, unable to hold back his excitement, interjected, “I was just planning to retire and return to my hometown—”iDQCMYZJsTGdRnshPZlfWeFdWKsOcs

aOGQquabvvlJncA

“…you’ll report to the Imperial Study.”fUFYcqnDHMZHCzPCOIQNRlRwAjbVFx

wIdCCIZEpXnjkGq

Both voices overlapped.rrjVvyiuENMGGeZiEDEAJKlHGxCoSK

AqPELVaJYXqcvuX

The room fell into an awkward silence as the two men stared at each other, one standing, the other kneeling.GkmiDJcEPIvclOxLZutfpBRbzkmbpu

aARxptyXyWIZuYc

Li Wuting looked at him calmly, “What was it you just said, Lord Ning?”CczOQwWKmBaQNYgDtylNaBcnJmDWCn

zmGUIdDHfRjbLWa

Ning Rushen’s lips trembled slightly.QzBldPcYvvHjVnONookFAcaaGKikQK

QsnvmlQuzubBJCv

He really wanted to ask what in the world Li Wuting had just said!hCCzkidhETKztPTGsovxJUnQItCofb

BWTAptkgRWHWMJc

“You mean…” Ning Rushen pressed a hand to his temple, dizziness overcoming him, “Did I mishear? You meant I could retire, right?”GKnTKrXEzkddcpggNsHKEzwEmswlQQ

uqJiboUFDjcLwbd

Suddenly, Li Wuting crouched down in front of him, his cold gaze leveling with Ning Rushen’s. A warm, rough hand gripped Ning Rushen’s chin, lifting his face upward—PbDWQxVqtFPbtpEJfsiENTWKWCJwew

ghTcsAptJRuQyEO

“Mm…”OhZWFgGjIirYnkJQrHzofkAgtGLQoD

nVqFsopwjYeVDFq

Ning Rushen’s slightly pale face came fully into view before Li Wuting’s eyes.DhpxjBMOtTUTaUnYQCYqEKETnYkGJn

odBBatpjkpJIwGV

Li Wuting’s voice was soft, “Would Lord Ning really be willing to retire?”PzvTCyGimjvDdGrhFBsXgmxNCLBfFo

TmfdqyONFcQbNJS

“What?” Caught off guard by the chin grab, Ning Rushen’s eyelashes fluttered, and his lips parted like a fish gasping for air.mXfdftZQdDRbwHiUEXnvGamgNtlNSp

JuAyfVdQtYBMwXF

His shallow breaths brushed lightly against the calloused skin of Li Wuting’s hand.mwaoFUegUfxaUuljdvAGomXJJRZZli

sJSKOuaOqyDQtux

Li Wuting’s gaze swept over Ning Rushen’s expression. The skin beneath his fingers was soft and cool, reminiscent of the white pear blossoms in the courtyard, delicate enough to be crushed with just a little more pressure.ajanZrzClGGvEpwVXklFDgmwDczTAS

UBWTutJrfOvVQVO

In the deafening silence of the Imperial Study, the sound of falling needles could be heard.VnEcSFrJTlFxrPlqGyfNeoVthnrlZf

vyubofXETanjlNN

The eunuchs and palace maids had long since dropped to their knees, not daring to make a sound.uSABSZmLdlfZnxPBPOJmoUnaOwYFVL

DcfIUciyNEMuejD

Amid the tense quiet, Ning Rushen, finally unable to hold back, carefully sniffed, trying to clear the runny nose caused by his coughing fit, “Sniff—”VsVyUrCVURkjqlsnNQzRcLZlTCxePz

HNPxqrzbGfwOfLZ

He glanced up at the emperor’s expression and cautiously asked, “If… there’s a retirement pension?”euZPEXlssuUyqJdyHsPggCtAptmvjt

eBVmrDhUwKsIIAu

Li Wuting: “…”AUxBhLMLpbtpZlxIDEmFKkObpNmPAz

NMtnWWPJaUaAqiW

After a long pause, the grip on Ning Rushen’s face loosened, leaving two faint red marks where the emperor’s hand had pressed.yQJnRDenBHZbqwUIUUizbIFxeQYcPO

iuwrlXFRbASiMJi

 QkCShRxiLHvLxULdYIjwWNbcYbIVWO

avpzyEqYlpDoOmc

Li Wuting glanced at Ning Rushen, slightly curling his lips. “I was joking.”WAeCVpVauPkWFWyuKqoCMHKsTbGVal

yHpkMxdNYzwEnmK

With that, he stood up and returned to his desk, picking up a brush to continue writing. “Lord Ning was appointed by the late emperor as a minister to assist the new reign. How could I discard such a meritorious servant like worn-out shoes?”LduIxjmBbutJlaEuXLOdXfGuODTrvR

OyayNCiNCURDRUA

Ning Rushen: …CupatMEbyijygQLFWABLXwUWvTfHCP

pDtIloQcveQVhfD

Then what was all that nonsense about? He had been toying with him the whole time.GOgiICVMaAeSnecUagpstOcnCFsnmY

wxehHxnenAvszXo

After finishing the document, Li Wuting dusted off the paper where the seal had been placed. “Take the decree, Lord Ning.”hgHneLRvYhjdJydsRcRjGhWOXRoFfg

DIjofvcgocxRvXA

Ning Rushen’s fingertips trembled. “…Your servant thanks Your Majesty.”IcyAipQHPApoTQdtpOgUgNDKfxdwzV

iGIqCQUnMwEhbLe

·reyjjAmVGQUtXonQcbewkZeQgWbbtT

jNvEfeaPssTyIpG

Ning Rushen exited the Imperial Study.kcPwMmJAkjvUbfCABBfdTKYrxxoQJY

xphnidVXDKzrlvm

He flashed a pitiful smile at Dequan, who stood outside looking rather confused, then glanced up at the sky and drifted away as if in a daze.CFofVioHuURZDnmNjcrrZTOaQizGnF

ykoXDDJIlhlbfhx

Dequan, puzzled by the strange smile, thought to himself: Did he get sent to the imperial prison?AaDQoPWvQgDYvIbTqnHOntOPvryLEB

HyhDPkQdXamYzwM

“Dequan.” A low voice called from within the study.uXCylwIBxUCLuaYDkIUHPOmydHoSpQ

DnAosmwVZaTqtWV

“Yes, Your Majesty!” Dequan quickly pulled himself together, bowing and hurrying inside. When he reached the emperor’s desk, he saw Li Wuting frowning over official documents. “What are your orders, Your Majesty?”gBTHrVtOQuktxjuLvfsstVcKtHZZvR

EgUEcGHexyoHYBw

Without looking up, Li Wuting asked, “What did Ning Chen slip you?”NChjXwteojcPOitYFvhBFCsOHfjDDD

voupeZDJCevsKXr

His calm tone carried a sharpness that sent a chill down Dequan’s spine.VrdstOxKloTVamnRnVLrEOUGKMNfaC

mUHrOEGwYvLOTHk

In an instant, Dequan shuddered and dropped to his knees with a thud! Cold sweat dripped down his face.IoXBzfYzSGrTdPwGYHnOUoMYFzhBSQ

DiItLIUUGSUbcWf

Giving gifts to palace servants was an unspoken rule—at best, it was a tip, but at worst, it was bribery before the emperor. It could cost one their head.bvHUGkGjlWcflaRXfMnqwStVzdbNHu

AskUdjugHusOAuj

Dequan trembled like a leaf.oFADEZaiizgUbJnWVdvDNhMxGUldsK

qTgjgCWSsYTORke

Li Wuting glanced up. “Put it here. I won’t pursue the matter.”nixDtOYiVFnaPqiJwxJdoySaKdwQjR

kAzppdqjJhEGfsQ

“Y-Yes, Your Majesty.”JwtnTSPTdGMBtEEbOlPIWVxapuYYKe

qwMysvesBOuQasl

Under the weight of the emperor’s gaze, Dequan shakily pulled out a handful of small walnuts from his sleeve, letting them clatter onto the desk—uzCzhTMczxILZIUTuyXlRSuvkbZotb

GyzwbWuOVdIvtgl

Then, he collapsed onto the floor, sobbing as he confessed, “Your Majesty, the walnuts Lord Ning bribed me with… there are four and a half in total, not a single one missing! Please, Your Majesty, have mercy!”AzLNQBVyvkcPaRReQtbStYeFkSXgWc

HWdWeugxHYLKyxq

Li Wuting: “…”OinEFBUUTpdsMuLmIBkLbRKZZaqbhC

tizrpQqdBFWSPae