This official is so weak

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

qsIjgXHHyADeatS

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!”rhWSnHJUXgkRLPJkhguxlVuGEhenfh

ZvgtLiBkdnDETpP

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

FftsrQLsniEVLHU

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

TtAPUpZCikOrdkb

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.dMGqQpgFwuymwUHEpgWrplhWwqUfgo

xtNRZCbUhwcQXpJ

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

VhZXdRmyWGDGAqC

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

jkZTQPMlBugyepa

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

PAoFdtnjbFYEEft

Ning Rushen felt a sudden unease creeping up.rsjMnhorxyIKjmgKxdASxknJDUIbJr

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

kupygdAxSEyAlEr

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

eONZPvUSEChgndh

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

JCnpVOugHvvCCYu

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.zbYswGWOrbZbqhbtCTWlzdaSyooUrR

FyOvDBXhpYgkOqC

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~”aDvWHbIEsYcPxdGVpscXMrqKWGhDda

LsgPHWgYqhnFDBY

Ning Rushen smiled politely: …wQQvCflHDjYlhfoqdgyCPXBMXxKjmP

VKUsCvuXJnYXRBq

·vieZQPAjvuVDxJYlSkiUxLRHfFBWil

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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.LGiLUuJhufhnFezHaLpyDOjiSazTZr

biBMNhZhYofaGOE

Ning Rushen glanced around, quietly sighing to himself:PVWJRDeScTjULsXjokyfXZUgRxJnWA

SDgCAGGuRCAEqIi

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

bfJiCJAvNZuCMhs

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

tUbGNGWUvruJZxY

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

YRqKedDcAqzwgMP

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.uzPNCNSARFvmRmMzkBiJGvFEOQFkfT

LvaSNsznriluJJI

“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.”bOUNXlXJElfdqxQGNFAIEdFVVQuVhC

dGLRznDbfPkkxeG

Ning Rushen’s heart surged with mixed emotions.HkqPkzhmDtiZEGGLtmCBRCMxMANkAE

BMkpBQNzCTzQIRZ

He might actually survive to see another day.aTEFqmCQiGeyPylSZlfmhoPnslvLJT

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

LOLvGltvLHWgnlZ

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.”gemkBzuWVCgGwDwErBeCoIvQPxWrtQ

WXxNKUFcGCKfJgj

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.”cRbhQTiqgolvGPdobEqeRUHlggmrQX

YQWsNDoTuHCaIzc

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

tkyenuohVpnnZxb

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

iJLUjChhxSncfbp

“…”CRQkGZlOQxEspSxsDumKDzScycPcyY

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Crunch. Dequan’s smile cracked.OnthMHkBdQwMOzqfsxMalSaRWLUNLv

YczSgTeJEvgLpMY

Inside the Imperial Study.HxYYzoIOxYaAYbXVAFKzVpHWoFjiZG

cnyOPXwjDNrtnjG

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.oehkVfmGnQnGZnBlcOrqRvAaaOmLCj

rvRIVvBRLlUiJWH

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

bTvFNkfThJvJfpC

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.VgwZBEnLCHKfaOOtcFXRdIjlbRDgxJ

cIlHyVzyjHNpNLl

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

kYasWLSdnZwWGio

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

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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…”JJHMxvAGmGykMCyMBZInptlLBSkawp

YffgVTTRUUybhZE

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

kKmxYnwehyIdQhT

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

kYmnxXCnwLsvLtt

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

NUVtkiZGhehuTrZ

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

ZnZplPFuuvuFHWF

…nTKaAqjeYkSXEqZZuhQXvRDxtcYzpl

vlilpPZcdyPehIz

 NcSUWNepUDIorafGBSjnfDevTDJNct

jjWavGjKrxFyCaI

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

cUAgwneUSFgVaEF

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.bkBztKfiFboQjzUcKtvQMDOLjSKgmC

uEqdutCthUMPBHg

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

dzMGPFRtJYArUMz

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

vXWHIFuquldBevh

Neither exchanged further pleasantries.OuhQBpFdboRVeoJAIZJCrPICIiVEfV

nehsnQpihhcPvJp

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.NamJHTSmBQOmCHMZzVqlSkplqTeYbG

ZYjeALnoluNenxb

Ning Rushen bowed deeply, “Your Majesty.”rSTZTSYGwLxkZgvMMAPelLKsJdpTwP

CUoTnxgbZFvLKdO

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?”cHryCTGkNpltOPHBRegWPFoAWdkRKT

kTQPxDPwFoQpbhP

Ning Rushen: … Who the hell tattled?yinTiuusXWOABeFIlbJRuAUCKTieCZ

irWmnZxysMMuyeH

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

iwHDpwaRAwugzpG

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

BaUDjuvYopwuMCg

Ning Rushen: “…”fJjXzlTASDNcgHJxbAiCCzULkSeUoY

zOzXBRmPVqyIYRl

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

LMAjHybZAskNgmO

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

QdrzcfRxVzrixUo

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

RrvMZIzBCBsOFLB

Li Wuting silently watched him from behind the desk.bgyWArihABVleLqKQWbQnxgWdKOMcb

ButFHnAxPVSOilN

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.KdPuatETssBWjhxOxFUvMuEsOrkuuX

RIYYfLOTSvFSJSj

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

qePIKWAszixwUhh

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

OltlPPZJOyJXrFG

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.doyIkQYWwuZAJBZRHRFAmZynCfAKBL

wEFeYLCuQqdWKne

“It seems I have frightened Lord Ning.”rNjSJxEBQdXwMDWqGmRUhaYqNvfoEX

utCZwLmsWSAzuWY

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

pPvlDuDjMbavtdm

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.”dYIofbxZUCzCdwdBQfEyXLerSIpYrp

GamWVSmwfqgnZZw

Official duties?avPWljsjRHwURQwmYXgkshFLskstry

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

KQbqmAQOgfbdqJH

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…”vETtQwAhhTCaQvxthvzIKovxYKbfrn

lYOseWnIeHIHngW

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

fuxkgOBPHjQzCGL

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

CiSnIQCSaMAwUSY

Both voices overlapped.xBjOfIsCJZIZZdUfSBUrJIzVDyJadJ

rHzoEEMYwMYbVNC

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

heAgkNMbbiZFBvR

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

BQoQaijoRJZxAAZ

Ning Rushen’s lips trembled slightly.SIYOVDRwxLQxkUcVtKycOlYwlBmnIv

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

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

omnUWNOeMPbvbjt

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—QDJUDzirDbqxZiQaPdVSNZYlreaGtX

FXMEDeWmeorAzGF

“Mm…”iGPvNGFtmEiDLZLnztfudsSvnsInCa

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

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

WfMMUnMhppWQFjt

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

WfReWfNANUALpBm

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

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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.qFSUCGYdnSYapHFafScLrsBqowCtaS

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

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

ukVBkEBWLmduehM

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—”QxOPAkmNQhEKcklSyRXblsbWFsgcpU

waMWGItdDtKgFNs

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

IQRnEuNkIJatIWf

Li Wuting: “…”TkEsSRqwyuMGzyRzKBPGKszPaWUMer

USJrJpLmSIgvnVP

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

qCWwbMxyZQBPPpH

 gYxBfpNOojDovnEvYpjwhQGuBpWVMS

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

GqdPspMrbpMyLmT

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?”IQhfYmJnmeyRegLQkHIMeHxcYnpenw

AnQLtZSnNqArwoo

Ning Rushen: …CWaIColVqtACbEEahHCkCysSHGHlGL

rUKMcxiYUzicHSb

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

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

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

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·GQxfLeZcYfIGaEvjHqeUISzwRBlcPX

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Ning Rushen exited the Imperial Study.BTlrrRfCaGcmWJsZCRvxqBPMlucuVS

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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.nZHNQNAIvJcivMeFYhRtInvkTNQNnf

SVWmMngplyykTpi

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

KWFHkwuVXBLiOWI

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

IHzObzZNHBvVCgW

“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?”CzywnEcoQLvNftuPBkQbdNpbZgRsJF

AALQMShgDQaDUAY

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

eeSjZstgdaQmzvT

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

RkeXnvrTGxeqbvR

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

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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.LAqoabmwpykluYivMdcZQCJKRdkscS

nnLgUGWhactTosX

Dequan trembled like a leaf.RKGWHTdxLSWRnJWMaYJEwiXDgePSqg

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

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“Y-Yes, Your Majesty.”QFNJnVNrrJpDMSgkGTuVUtWegFUGQS

GFBgasXAdFVxyJW

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—HNJDRasfBrHfNgMIQMnIjpeqVnVXLq

UcKWWJWqvxbWyst

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!”GKWglteHARLikcdjHNxBHBauqgtGjL

lgUNvnaiIHxEXgI

Li Wuting: “…”GjcrbIMJPLaOsqsGKiDrpnJdlmPcrL

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