This official is so weak

The palace attendants scrambled to pull Ning Rushen, who was gurgling and bubbling, out of the water, pressing the accumulated water out of him.gHWkTbJzKMJVHrYSvrhnXuUOynpgIW

ibJAJuDBgWnLlOz

Laid flat on the ground, Ning Rushen had yet to awaken. His wet hair and court attire clung tightly to him, his complexion pale as jade, lips tinged with an unhealthy red.VfjnyrOLoiBklbTHXkDGUTnptKJENU

WqarckeOHsNUdpa

“Yes, Your Majesty,” De Quan directed the attendants, casting a glance around, “First, take Lord Ning over to… the pavilion there.”aHMpnbQAmqsugOhQmvCCeNIeBBFuVd

haDyJRFuagDgxLL

A section of pale wrist dangled from the sleeve. As it passed by Li Wuting, suddenly, the emperor spoke, “Wait.”uCdkbiUssJFUlNDuhWtwiAKRVMhgdN

ySaQWaRKylFGDZd

Ning Rushen was placed on a couch, his wet clothes already changed.XTCycukJGVTgWwHcWpdkGvjyDLXUzs

VvLIBpPgFgNUAom

The imperial physician, under Li Wuting’s intense gaze, trembled as he took the pulse, then administered acupuncture. Pondering why the emperor was also here, he heard Li Wuting inquire, “How is he?”yQZZuIrHRfvNOofOtlEDRzgaYHgyVA

RTaAoPdNovvnIWe

Li Wuting pursed his lips, “Check his head as well.”HKNXcrgRPuUTKmMEUOvztetkEnSViR

JQVpEttJjBMMHEy

“Yes.” The physician dared not ask more, only obediently checked Ning Rushen’s head as commanded. After a while, he reported, “Lord Ning might have previously suffered a head injury, risking latent issues. However, this fainting spell was merely due to excessive drinking and the chill from drowning…”UauEivYhCKNhhYHuDilvjRNunpWikO

KoHmEKmbYLrnUAo

The physician wisely fell silent.wmMZYHmuDcXSElWovMgMqznlRgnoNi

FXcOudcIQOFSUgL

Li Wuting indifferently commanded, “Everyone, leave.”bPKSPxBzYEymaVAlPDMKMNFtYlVsXP

OnHrdbLFVxcXCIo

His word “everyone” left no room for the palace attendants to stay; they all followed the physician out.mEUfieyHkNLgpfCinhsKDmACMogDHF

nzqRwgtqBDAXoYp

De Quan, unsure of the emperor’s mood, speculated, “Shall I wait outside?”yZYIActmaigaPFqTQrvHkUGMVHuvuK

lwVOsAqfruDyYcV

“Yes.” De Quan bowed deeply, retreating.UBtwKLqkqzunMMxlLzFqaRpsIzkUXw

uObCNFjcVEdgcIe

Before leaving, De Quan stole another glance at the person lying quietly on the couch—recalling today’s inquiry in the imperial study, the sudden imperial decree, and that subtly deep “Wait” by the lakeside at night.SxrTDDxmAIRmDlFiSqQCVOtubflJFJ

UZLWQzjUeCfcLdV

The more De Quan thought, the more alarmed he became, utterly unable to fathom the emperor’s thoughts.lJyADSxEHUiCFytEHeeqKRUvjHVpTd

AmXQfWkzJeyfOjV

What exactly were the emperor’s feelings towards Lord Ning?fUPuEAVgQgrlusCoJoLtlnyprvqAyf

fzOdblIQQBHznxw

Soon, all attendants had exited.EwIGVciTWlbYUCvdxFiJPeBieCRVTL

uKZPqYvNCIqXjzY

In the side hall, only Li Wuting and Ning Rushen remained.sEcXklXIgnCafqsvgeNFmbwjKvmHaA

CBsHImfImHIaZIy

A thin blanket covered Ning Rushen, his snow-colored undergarment nearly blending with his skin tone. His face turned towards Li Wuting, long eyelashes vulnerably drooping.sTTuSciICnhtWdTNEWmhaWBtFcKHxv

GGBYQdoDmtNrcNG

Li Wuting stood before the couch, eyes downcast in contemplation, “What are you plotting this time…”lvErCflmldXItpiYYxJPFVJvkKuAEK

wlwnKMNSVhYmJyV

The person on the couch unconsciously furrowed his brows.MVfynLCrvMyXWicgBusVXdyzpALgpQ

HZHxmYIxqlEpVUY

Li Wuting leaned over, lifting the face, “Did you really damage your brain?”MnbonizIkjMNAtXJSdWceidnsxWyUl

wkYSkOLLYbVcdDx

The person in a deep slumber did not awaken, yet his lips moved slightly, barely forming a word: “Pfft.”ZQBvJkaLemCJVUfqjEAgPkZAsvWJUt

sUMDeYIuGaKedzw

Li Wuting, “…”RuvqXQddmEIcZheQXPyvbBzXiqtsIK

jpErpEoOGifpmAU

He released his hand, pulling the blanket over that half-exposed face, and turned to leave the side hall.yFdPGTfXfDOhnPEjzKQbpkbHwRWQvg

sLNsuIrrezDpHcK

…LopAWAmHmegznmRDouwgSbnotiuYAq

dGstOJxKZUQKKql

Ning Rushen did not know how long he had been unconscious.rGgCXyJtCxTfgpeQsufXUdtOUMCdZc

nAWJqCjsRhraTMU

Upon waking, only one thought crossed his mind: I’m split open.yyOmGUBTGXnJpXISvMenbqVzGkoUPi

hiVtwuicpuRtQMq

His head throbbed painfully, his throat ached, and he couldn’t stop coughing, coughing until he saw stars. Only after a young eunuch handed him a cup of water did Ning Rushen manage to catch his breath after a few gulps.ZroBaAyaqrvuAoDrlQQXDfhZUdMDTu

PnAPwnllbBJDThB

Looking around, he found himself lying on an unfamiliar couch.PJelEARiOqIQxhXhyFtjsWJYxPbnIV

gLqpskfxzjgNtGh

The room was luxuriously decorated, even heated from below.cxZRtoJcridevuUrCrdZFWGoHGSgDx

efRNsbeMxVCeqhJ

“Lord Ning is awake,” the young eunuch bowed.cxJfdHfwGYztmJiTYwQNZgPQnHxBRm

zXWZKRMMyfocblM

“Who are you?”VrwcRuhyRFESpCifDjKKdSEqfBGkdY

lqBkTzNFbmDRDSM

“I am Xiao Rongzi, commanded by His Majesty to attend to you. Is there anything uncomfortable, my lord?”MGqmxQFKTfiXxlCiuvYtwJzVwcDgoB

YtsVpKsErSzFisZ

Ning Rushen struggled to sit up, “Everything is uncomfortable… Where is this?”hXhMTSzBjWgODedHUxOLcyxwUjfGFT

fsGvDNscboGaKCT

Xiao Rongzi had never seen someone so blunt, “To answer my lord, this is the side hall of the imperial study. After you fell into the water, His Majesty had the imperial physician examine you and sent a prescription to your residence.”ExcuQBIcwVOqPcVrbwALChwahXomkp

NIRxwWBfvSKmVIN

Falling into the water…xLRcGHFfMawykxxQyaiEHJckuCYKqj

nqPKPBchUGzgXmz

Ning Rushen’s waterlogged brain finally began to work.HRGvdooNuHwKfufAkMKztmQQJNnjFm

AVtYcaaScdcsuhx

He recalled encountering Li Wuting by the lake after the palace banquet, and after parting, he had dizzyingly slipped into the lake.pSKoQqIPrhRbyzNejgKCTjazsthkZn

ACGoniKcLzSeLhd

Ning Rushen muttered to himself, “Not to mention, the flowers by the lake were quite vibrant, and that bridge…”KWBimAfiwPMdholARSNiPZzAFoaNoz

oGyMrufnHCFJsoY

Xiao Rongzi listened with a heart pounding in terror.LgMCRCzGXLzJoAZDLhhHQUpuxXkYsx

LstYKGvpQvbbvPi

Flowers and a bridge? Lord Ning must have seen the flowers of the other shore and the Bridge of Helplessness!sWnwEcRiBnYOlYqDlAXllAssKxgBaE

USteWlkJvuaxXZg

Unaware of Xiao Rongzi’s horrified expression, Ning Rushen slipped on his shoes and stood up, “May I ask, where is His Majesty?”SKAVvZfXHNxiRFUxgggaMbhhLTWtEC

rmFckzyDQkCENEB

Xiao Rongzi looked at him with reverence, “To answer my lord, His Majesty is reviewing documents in the imperial study!”fmbLDBNuiKmwtFduqIUjIBJLgpLAez

BKkquBqMOEXbNGW

“Thank you.”ueeGMijgXrwZJUOrdhhiDRlSITohCc

nDVtCbMTqTlHsUW

Ning Rushen straightened his attire and headed towards the imperial study.JGnWRGicKUQgKrDBDzGZbYfJfUKlft

DiXbudkbFmsumqu

·eQNqKNBiKcVLOXtGFcyAjZsROlbFkk

NwVQcaorWxzRaZf

Upon seeing Li Wuting, the latter was meticulously reviewing documents behind the desk. A slight furrow marked his brow, the young face bearing the weight of imperial authority, as if nothing could shake his resolve.MynbrgxUULIkYeVjPkIvNqWohCzRKF

rPEVmIRXwCvHrWC

Ning Rushen, now conscious, stepped into the imperial study, his mind and body aching from the ordeal yet undeterred by the physical discomfort. The encounter at the lake, the slip into its cold embrace, and the subsequent rescue—all replayed in his mind as he approached the emperor.gEbPgVqmIGZFlWZAjNaRhZkRXMFgqg

ioUaGFDSVgCHgGg

Ning Rushen paused momentarily on the spot.lEKssnyGrGcDIAcctZJzHuseYGpnES

UgbshbKGlikPvrj

He had never met another emperor, but if one were a wise ruler, he imagined they would probably be just like this.ExSDdMEixaMIhtIuPeTqhUBcJpnFXi

LiiCbOAweOtSCXW

“Your Majesty,” Ning Rushen collected his thoughts.bGVZlwgzmMQwxmmeFAOWLbEzRUaUjI

VaeqVZMtLkWxVxy

The person behind the imperial desk, upon hearing this, looked up at him, “It seems that not only are you skilled physically, but you also don’t follow the beaten path.”vXcetBqxCWRWsemyjQGXTfWiDKCpRL

cKuUbZRJTHLJHVa

Ning Rushen, “……”dZqmhyCWnzHsrJsklOlrxgzTDPRaCz

EVnwyzuiFSShTgI

He retracted his thoughts. What an incompetent ruler!UrwrXPNRmHjrzJmNGUfrxlRsRsVwNH

fMIyEzAoIkydxRq

Taking a breath, Ning Rushen spoke up to confess his fault, “I was unseemly after drinking, disturbing the imperial presence. Please, Your Majesty, punish me.”UZbYOqMAnpVwuvsDVgPQwXZnORdugn

vIgXMqFWmfluXSj

Li Wuting hummed, “And how should you be punished?”BYSRjkEyFeCbefTvfwjbeBNAFsjpxS

PagMZkWrRhcHhBd

Ning Rushen was startled by the question, thinking it was just a courtesy.UxgYUOrHcCsolmJARoSNfmHnqchmHu

ZaQOLwzlcJwfMZP

After a moment, he ashamedly lowered his lashes, “Just have me reflect behind closed doors…”PYIbiPVkPjoorjxVLQQXLyVRLixEpz

asUVwbCNmGriknE

A cold, insightful laugh fell, “Heh.”ZxQWJtxGaSTVdRUPAbYsVOpAHUfhpI

mTvdpXRXjIZqlPt

Ning Rushen, “……”bWuykWFDhdRvdSeFjmJrmFWpPijHAv

YIpbKjRLojrvuRW

The memorials on the desk were set aside, and Li Wuting, without bothering with his rambling, said, “The palace gate is already locked. I will have De Quan escort you out. Once you are well, come to the imperial study to serve—understood?”QcZKgcvDuFOSxGzEpLXpNgztCdPHOz

RCqATNSDuZsPDAO

The last sentence was uttered in a light tone, yet it contained a warning.lcBLhEpruajMTqyUxUSrmjHqEdsBvT

kefAIzeVvoLfeJU

Warning him not to defy the imperial edict again.vmtfSTtcSoHCrYAMTPPrRhhAlAXBRb

udkTcqKQWPtxUdt

Ning Rushen obediently bowed his head, “I, I will obey the edict.”AteLQYNmmncPulwXVGWHboRHuJlhCm

gbeSfkDHfvqhOUQ

…gAjURhZzflGjcyBqDVCqWWbmJqsiYP

asYLSOGUWnDnuSd

However, being compliant was not in Ning Rushen’s nature.TywZHpscvDHxvLtHQSnzXfRcYpAQRP

pJpebXXuCojqkSC

After resting at his residence for a night, he had someone call for the city’s physician the next day.aWoaazVFuxuzLxYlqyhDZDKSKwGMGK

WXHgbaXlHrPMeyf

The physician checked his pulse and reviewed the medicine he had taken, then happily praised, “The doctor who attended to the lord has exquisite skills and uses medicine brilliantly. I am ashamed to admit my inferiority. Congratulations, my lord, you should recover very soon!”fWAbFfPLiUhanXFpYsYTAHzuvLZKYh

pnnIlzajgshMoPY

Ning Rushen felt as if a thunderbolt had struck!pWyCIalTlIsuUFmvYghkgXwXcDJhYe

MPoeHSvBkDZXHfu

He desperately grabbed the physician, “I don’t need to recover so quickly. Can’t it be something that takes ten days or half a month to heal?”DVJGaxzlXOmhzXREyohGgJYQNJPqdK

xGiGmKGIIZItAgZ

The physician was in a difficult position, “I prescribe medicine, not poison.”IJPxtCptwgMZoayiPwsVuggaXTAtkt

tfBqlLjNncgCSOP

Ning Rushen, “……”yTejVzERRzZmwWULZinJaucdXYIiTh

bBWkTIBOUjWtyRh

After sending away the powerless physician, Ning Rushen could only lie in bed properly, taking his medicine and recuperating.FGjazprotXzjfyibLXGzzKAMherzOL

wIhBQWCENmzEVDs

News of his illness spread far and wide.zJxWUOCVzdOqmkFQdSONVGtaHRegxO

opBJZBKMqUvHtWx

In the following days, a wave of court officials visited one after another, almost breaking down the threshold of Ning’s residence. Under the guise of “visiting the sick,” they came with the intent of fostering good relations.IygPcSfgDLTejvEuGMSkYnxNCDZjAh

uHliCkFHmlnWAys

Ning Rushen declared to the outside world that he was “so ill he couldn’t tell humans from animals,” and had Yan Min send them all away.KszClTrlveHiWbFKdxFiGvfGBkjoIt

jcIaLHtFBkwNTVr

What a joke, why would he want to socialize while on sick leave?SwGYapNzGappiTmYxQNtWofjsAJuRt

uTVuCIugcbmcRhA

…rQmXkjJjjhuudqMSUeOjMmdvcRtjCC

gwLNPgzbFebTeVM

When Geng Yan entered the courtyard, he saw Ning Rushen, who claimed to be “so ill he couldn’t tell humans from animals,” lying on a soft couch in the sun, the sunlight casting a fine shadow through his lashes onto his eyelids.MRYnVzWmuwdRgftOWqUqbmInwidMfx

pRTOmtWFHigxQfu

The pale blue veins under his skin were faintly visible, his complexion as translucent as porcelain.RmQgWUYFDuvmaAptRMLxRyRpTkKRqt

myGUlNEYubNBWBo

“Yo,” Geng Yan greeted, “Look at you, all in disarray.”FOnBhUgbEYfbpyYlGyLkADSQrqsvNk

KgQRaHFDpHjuyVH

Ning Rushen’s eyelashes fluttered, and he opened his eyes to look at Geng Yan, standing in front of the couch, thinking to himself that this kid was really persistent, always putting extra effort into humiliating him.arHInAbuxktxuQrINxoiOtRkJaSucp

PURwpzRRlBQHENy

He lazily pulled the blanket around him, “How did you get in here? Didn’t I have Yan Min turn away visitors?”GYuREMuMQowtSAbUbifzcophzmbnCp

KlVWjxQGtWnXpLs

Geng Yan matter-of-factly, “Climbed the wall, of course.”QUMVpkEOSYqnXHEoISNhPZnJdcEhoZ

zUobBTuxkdUfvBZ

Ning Rushen praised him, “…Hmm, impressive.”gieGiFKHlCsxvJplJTyegUKzhfhyck

tqMvUOUetLERWfg

“Eh.” Geng Yan lifted his chin, “Did someone break into your place?”BJLbleSsBUUrCtGoNJEhxnUmoZOfBu

eXoKjdaflfoWEIu

“What?”XjYiEvdwAfDbgANpvaQkdFnKqQYBJK

qvgUVcByjZyokLa

“I saw a gap in the wall of your courtyard, particularly easy to climb over.”emFzSaiTfYGjOTNzujXUAJADpvpQCb

HjFEcmtRNhPatkd

Ning Rushen was at a loss for words, “So you just climbed in?”HDpIBHOwZKPttECVShQvsMhLWHGQGk

CXXCiemYKOpSTCi

Geng Yan, “Yeah.”EjZykzIgODHRiNNHJonDVUNMNBIDij

XOFaMeTHgeqnVEf

“……”kBfFqLpsZHHpUpOyWEpMcdjriHSsIZ

hrlhPXpVUuvLsSv

A thought suddenly struck his mind: In this world, there were no paths to begin with, but when many people walk the same way, a path is formed.CbjMwYSIcGYpmSrMSipRWQrwfAUMQc

HaqcmMpwjYwapvR

Ning Rushen shook his head, “Let’s talk about the break-in later. You specifically climbed in, surely not just to see my face?” he said, lifting his eyes to look at him, his gaze clear and penetrating, showing no signs of the drowsiness from before.IohMzNBdufqdetFQLRFiXdThibSerx

fxypQeACcLinegu

Geng Yan’s expression became serious.JpRrcQhhCejZLosPhenUUyawNzsykV

UkGgILfqvReliaA

He remembered the news his father mentioned recently. If it was Ning Chen, maybe he could hear some rumors from the imperial court.riPRGtWfdWLTjnYVRtbXsISWrNTDgc

KoKUahbUXtkRKrN

Geng Yan, for once, showed a serious side.IyMTBYIwEqzJfbWFDXkzbifSqRuqUA

lQYKwvHWVpnvMdC

Ning Rushen sighed lightly, “I knew it. Is it about…”DahRjODrAcPMIQsBDnaBMPixqjDcYa

HuZSZhyXSswOOjr

Geng Yan took a deep breath, “Yeah.”RtLsoGzZjrWeuloHvWVnKhZcrTarmN

DVOIRMZTVRrPKXf

Ning Rushen, “Still about the hidden illness?”NQGuUkdGfxpIIcBnEXMfyikJroNbRN

eLTseJCKGvdXRYF

“……”CxkkRRxBeiqQoXkrUDgTHdOtGwDPYN

lyVSMBEionLTiDW

No!!!fcsWnUeHIZVNEFafQvOrPaQrELIZrq

izrcCbFliiLKRwn

Geng Yan exploded, “You dare to bring that up again!!!”GcqucNuybcWpWDIMQzDMpxYMkRLHvL

LfGKYGeugHttori

·xvdQHDbCbGjKfoITMyhGfshOofTgCN

fcUvamgMCJAVmpe

That night, Shi Yi once again appeared in the imperial study as usual.upZKkDnAEliEcygAJgrLtbCugFZcnK

hkIMCYiABQwdNMA

Li Wuting was looking through documents, “Did you find out?”mxzWYaaFIzJkUMJIGqyXNBwrLnbuWM

igWNjdKijpVPIUO

“Yes.” Shi Yi knelt on one knee, head bowed, reporting, “On the night of the palace banquet, Lord Ning was persuaded to drink a lot. He didn’t spend much time talking with the other officials. The only one he had a private, lengthy conversation with was the son of Minister Geng, Geng Yan.”GgjJuwQniLpeqgqmKkWYZKHjFzrPiR

SDmsAAZMnQvnbgG

The son of the Minister of Revenue, Geng Yue, Geng Yan.KLySpHAyyQySglqNknIhSvNLIDzsOG

bgoxDtNfnEEfiQR

Was this instigated by Geng Yue, or…ADVJKUuzKtVptbwXQsSumryHrMOGcc

JLexBAzlNKWtbib

Li Wuting’s gaze darkened, “What did they talk about?”pVXdDoFDfUQZOTbqIhiVXwaIdtPvBa

BdhlPfYndQBfpfE

Shi Yi paused awkwardly for a moment, “Uh, it was said to be about a hidden illness.”khAZZCWUdtSZnyvfdhwIzJxpcMDJcX

YgDQbkYLBWYUJCA

Li Wuting, “……”OsBCGcslzRTiIcsWMadMojZCSQdpRz

MDPJFARBOnEnLEP

Shi Yi added, “After the conversation, Lord Ning went alone to the lakeside to sober up. He was staggering, indeed seemed quite drunk.”KwyffluMVSdWkNfsfEBaIYJGmQWGvR

ExRwzOBSmJuUtnc

Li Wuting pressed his brow, “You mean, the encounter and falling into the water were both accidents?”kIdDVhZrvpwqjUMKsyNojUvqEIbHzQ

KXUPfCyPVuLNana

“I dare not make unfounded statements.”YEufiIyzVaubiwUoahqqJXzUHGgBNd

ctlSiWVGbhVwHYB

“Enough, continue.”hjvVpsCVwsQKLwWsgHHCMHzTQqxzWp

DQhFobbUABLYBOl

“Yes, these past few days Lord Ning has been recuperating at home. Many court officials from the six ministries have visited, but all were turned away at the door.”ydimSKDHptfoLzbnnFyXPfYOhBIbIh

paByqIkiDIfDIRQ

Li Wuting tapped his fingertips on the desk, “Didn’t see anyone at all?”PXDGifDaUoiPaWdTlfWKGTaeDwVCdw

fDJNhUOVdmugSNs

“He was forced to see one. Geng Yan climbed over the wall and talked alone with Lord Ning for about half an incense stick’s time.”SZPXMNixqzeWWhzGfvRerBFcnKKfSQ

ZhAQKsOAEZRSqii

“What did they talk about again?”YxMQKeDFsTrhncorWNViuJMazzdiVR

OYPhYNgsuSnbcUH

“Still, the hidden illness.”uZDfnompKMABKSioQQYYByVUbUAmQh

NOlwfSrsAwkcSAc

“……”GtjFeclNDxqVBmneRJcioNwbRmlvBh

WDarkXrdTdGFdSH

Even Li Wuting couldn’t help but react, “The son of Minister Geng has… an illness, and instead of seeing a doctor, he talks to a colleague about it?”HcNFkOSzpQzQTrSNmPcRMsTGAJaEce

JDXlDAdodGfIUsG

Shi Yi remained silent, his inner turmoil evident:DBufFgtsvOVAxwHuTXXKhlwRIedXEe

rQtnMuVsFxDtEmh

How would he know!BJJOLmsPOCgmjtsNFytWJoFkdhERUZ

uqLKAIySqErROdC

Although he was a member of the imperial secret police, serving the Emperor by handling the most private affairs— he had never imagined it would be private to this extent! Having to listen to officials discuss their hidden ailments with each other.zionrwDRimEKdbQbqOWmNcHnOezKwy

ydeXdVRAUXNizxO

The imperial study fell silent for a few moments.xlwjNLFcOPQwWxhmouharRCymKddYP

asDejnAYiXVUSfD

Li Wuting pinched the bridge of his nose, then quickly returned to his usual demeanor, “Is he well now?”vcHOxqhvWNrHzRtOVDmgmtomgmOwqK

QXzfjqQLWVHRDMC

It was clear whom “he” referred to.wxKlVwDveSFPMIkDKTiCTfujXgFwsp

HviyUgwTaXSKxeL

Shi Yi replied, “He appears to be still recuperating.”URRLekQtYsqJGJXCujgcEmtyiLdcWh

MIJlFCesNlIOCHD

“Is he pretending to be ill, or is he really not well?”fEehsxQzkEixXxhIdRdAlfWpUNymZz

LCqvIADNMeXvkgn

“Lord Ning appears sickly all year round. From a distance, it is not appropriate for me to inquire too closely. So…”ZzveufEUCKPaIgmFeUekJCQdNUkYhL

bnYLJtguWZObxfu

The Emperor’s calm voice came from above, “Do you need me to teach you how to handle your duties?”hNlcEIexZctaXnuwxUEccqWpUOaKQz

GXTtmDJpgfbEaYi

Shi Yi immediately felt a chill, bowing deeply, “Your Majesty, forgive me, I will report to you first thing tomorrow morning!”LNjfWLJvnDoUrRKEnqsZnBSGvtwVGH

ebIIeoUZetUOHfn

·utugYAZZDhOpiNKoHkWldYDXhRSWAq

uvZmAyUpkPWsKzF

At night, during the hour of Hai.AeCYQiPWoSallFLplmwaEaRmlNeCzJ

zhyXYhpLypoEtUr

Most of the servants in Ning’s residence had already retired for the night.SMfhKUeIyGnvCQujYnXFfSTqbehLri

DcIznPLFEwmZeqR

Shi Yi, familiar with the route, used the cover of dusk to glide across the rooftops and land on the roof of the main house.ogYjvEHbrTkHWXuZeDaoZlumqgaQou

jFTenDTSvsLUMjn

He gently lifted a tile to look down but saw the bed curtains drawn around the bed. It was impossible to discern even the silhouette of the person on the bed, let alone investigate whether his illness had truly improved.ZQpRhcmhtzoDwWajeSZJdjvwjCGCAO

xUAcWJPEeZcEfEA

Shi Yi lay on the roof, pondering for a while, then had a stroke of inspiration.lHXkFLRkAZsyhLqJoALAnmugupaFhc

ednXOYNaCAyowZJ

He replaced the tile and tossed a small pebble at the window lattice: clack—klNCjCxTTSNxiXngIwEQEtURfhNFYz

OfCzjaLbJoCaYLI

Hey, are you asleep?DtKNKBXSfnQRPjEAWHqiVjdikNQnnK

pRIHvlWCkQlVSzg

…JrSQrFRJOeDtCNAYHojJTUZQjoJnko

mtvbqulPEVesqYi

Inside the room, Ning Rushen had just finished drinking the medicine prescribed by the imperial physician and was starting to feel sleepy.NIdTRidLOybhUDdQSdCpduotMEuRbC

chkETsGbVsKNJDp

He was just about to fall asleep after tucking in the blanket when he suddenly heard a sound from outside the window: clack.UeUSWqHJhOIgrirGDejxPJETRmdKPv

nAhbmLGwqhuFOSj

It sounded like a pebble hitting the window lattice.kKtxGcLrvUHKFRRzSYGoTGJtWsbyCh

ZXyXLXsdDWnfZQD

Ning Rushen instantly woke up, pulling aside the bed curtains, “Who’s there?”DeicqYOHjNLLxNnWLSVDdAAsWmANCb

xVkFnQXzWALuSLP

The room was pitch dark, and it was silent outside.cPYlVPZQaGxPhECUJveedZiFPunSqt

LsnwBHxHWLjbKwd

Was it the wind? He looked out and then lay back down.ZAmSCAqfEQDCvzKvVoFrmurchtvTzb

sLEjqYwsbmlnSSY

Another half an incense stick’s time passed.sNTbgVPSSJdihWGakdystAQOEzEOHx

RaLJbRfBwNOikBb

Just as Ning Rushen’s consciousness was slowly drifting into light sleep, he suddenly heard another clack on the window lattice!rFKIpMSrpaitQuglOaDOIDCrMlglCX

MIOyTxHlWTjoGzA

He abruptly woke up and turned to look outside.VtQxUkWWngJDVELSQtcSFwDIAXIrzY

reJkOVIJLlrKnJi

The words Geng Yan had said during the day suddenly flashed through his mind: Did someone break into your place?YZhkjvdskwkohdvWvkrAcGZrPLPDSk

utCmbXAgQQASihE

“……”pjtQMtpSXfmwjUOOaMMmiplGGzLyEA

CkSTgcGkYSzaguC

He had been worried about spreading his illness, so he had already sent Yan Min, Xing Lan, and the others away from the courtyard earlier. Now, wanting to call out loudly, he also feared being silenced by a murderer.FIegoiunQPDftNampkGWcduCujnuxk

xiVsDrPNRvagfls

Ning Rushen thought for a moment and then slapped the bed to stay alert:BbvaOXFwAjDXCNnWiWXOFOjSJxOCbM

ZyeuOsnkXWubAXx

I’m not asleep yet, little thief, go away!eYxftCELmrALwbkwAleIOfyoQBbdUp

bWzZMXjExRUVFWL

It was quiet outside the window for a long while. Ning Rushen guessed the thief had left, pulled the bed curtains closed, and tried to sleep again.BBkSdItnLPxVgvDowUQsDUSrCMNUqx

TmoAhzvHynykslf

Another half an incense stick’s time passed.okfdajyflvetLwAgAqkNcGtNpmDlLM

BpPhCbNsPMHmUfu

Very consistently, a clack came from outside the window lattice.yxkgFxTRvzhKYhQUjxrNeonoXswExy

XXudMXhjMfjqonq

Ning Rushen, “…………”UyixRoUHzOtNxjmeMqylpXqscyYhXB

IhSDDArdJqvScNQ

Ning Rushen jerked awake, nearly on the verge of a nervous breakdown—sfQyPyVrLurGpvQkCWJkXYbhuHLDap

SthaytBklcolSeN

Where the hell did this sneaky bastard come from?zgQXuSICBZENtVTlPayHlcRqVtyrEh

qDcQgCItUpvpFEj

Was it really necessary? Was it really fucking necessary to keep testing whether he was asleep or not?!cERNvwdCmvVGHfkyooLqrsgKZIqfac

nFrvbabChriTErD

If you’re going to steal something, just hurry the fuck up!cKzpIJGPPtRcfmUjEJfutAQYYPqIeh

mNMoZcfNXEbjTGi

Furious and dizzy, he decided to just get up and light a lamp: Fine, fine, you don’t want me to sleep, right?ZAyXtwSzZgyqXZNkKquEToEdMEYRJk

ZnOPnuYBysIsFGy

Then nobody sleeps.WVztIjDJluWROsUfftrGJUwYTcrBWQ

HXTeqpDXVEZycSY

The candlelight flickered dimly.iCIuwUzrczFovWDaaGROZWnnNZwkjY

CPjLqGIpOWSHKpk

Ning Rushen wrapped himself in a blanket, sitting on a low couch, listening to the “tap, tap” sounds, enduring a night of stiff sitting across from someone until dawn…bUYKefrGGMqkGSEMDYLBRYHMhknBJC

GihHatHauYOCPcc

The next morning.xfqgtnfQtiWRzwyFSVnOQOuakuKzOg

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Yan Min came to knock on the door to wake people up.XOkyrkRWxSvisynpKUpIESFkLfCWbr

sxXxMstalyyuQLy

As the door opened, there stood Ning Rushen in a snow-white robe, barefoot, with bloodshot eyes staring straight at him.PfzzpuOCRBYxrHzVltiVVYCQdPIUZI

vyFCadOTRYAhBXB

Yan Min stepped back in shock, “My lord?”NMXKZlmHoLGtPkgsMHMwIYlBeHLtwo

ENmlPwpwjtaFmja

Ning Rushen still looked a bit dazed, “If you don’t sleep, I don’t sleep, and the King of Hell will have to massage my back.”QqZfHKmNOOCAhrFTuNAUuLFXqWkLgD

IDwrlHCiCujIQac

Yan Min was horrified, “Ah pish! My lord, what inauspicious things are you saying!”KhFDQOrVMyqWMPZEsXsIWyoiDKLTTo

EjXlMCbTeEUGwjS

“…” Ning Rushen came to his senses, took a deep breath, “Uncle Yan, keep watch outside for me, I’m going to get some sleep. And—find ten formidable guards to surround this courtyard starting today.”SScwryiKBQXhTnoRGJroNkqlYuXAde

DarsRNomtmcwXnB

Yan Min panicked, “What happened?”lCLDwjkEyPfbRiAIRgGEdKyLuUcVPe

ZIhROooCFrsAaUT

Ning Rushen shook his head tiredly, preferring not to say more. Then he turned back into the room, drew the curtains around the bed, and fell asleep with a thud.eiJwrcJyGlniTLQTyKEovSoZiDiVKM

eLcRqCtscbPzQVv

In his groggy sleep, he thought:FErUJEpQXutVoeIYZRltzBFLkRyPdY

IQPrSXhyGgKJdzR

I better not let him know where that sneaky bastard came from.tVadezWrenmjJJbSamGuXfyhVhFNRL

XNHfOeBtyTXjSGr

·augRarXFOIDMQISAGdbBDFeCTmetBI

ZqeZGelhqVviEwf

While Ning Rushen went back to catching up on sleep, Shi Yi still had to report back.SqhOFDdNujFSOCLhMCUcHEOCajBtud

DEnvZtVQjIwwlur

Li Wuting had just finished the morning court when he saw Shi Yi, with eyes red as blood, kneeling in the imperial study.aLNqcvQOVKvkQiwfLhHYXNoChyoOhT

oLrIneLfnEVCclO

“Your Majesty, it seems Lord Ning is truly ill.”kJJQxXhVfMxidnsxABUnMQNmaZwFwI

NYNVmQsuZGzuEJu

Li Wuting didn’t ask why Shi Yi’s eyes were so red— the imperial guards had their own methods.YOndlVkScDzhRyenfzlPyZnktUNQIB

bxuuSllstDpdCNs

He gestured for the report to continue.SNBGWFUvykFaNKoJUcktxzctSVxPpk

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Shi Yi’s voice was hoarse, “Lord Ning has suffered greatly from his illness, not sleeping all night.”LkusGWgPMoYhsrCFEqLkTCCjuSNAKb

RAsVfXDepaaHDbV

Li Wuting frowned, his gaze sharp, “Is it that serious?”LhwBBnkidlCOhqYYqSwdeEbeKgFywe

TFYfjJcBWCTggzm

Shi Yi, having endured a night of agony, was emotional as he spoke, “Your servant has not uttered a single lie! Since last night, every hour on the hour, I would throw a pebble towards his window.”SCnJXAjlRIUeptIWHWGUXWqxXhSXQP

KIrRWFrKMnOWtmi

“Every hour, throw one, and then another hour, throw another… all the way until dawn. Every time I threw one, he was awake!”bneMQdoZZbMDNKnUKTGOCIibVeQnww

nlzmLQmTTwTQVAX

Shi Yi murmured softly, “Lord Ning’s condition, I fear, is not good…”igoKorTvtNlNwPVavLQFKXFneaVaEp

IpTFIYBgAfFbtSb

The imperial study fell into silence.DxplyTIxTQDVfnLuQiIYGGGWurGNBl

WcJCVlkHMYzsftq

Li Wuting looked at the loyal imperial guard kneeling before him, his expression complex, and for a long time, no words were spoken.WQFUQdkwKWVhTewgNBTSKrvvnmlodU

SmTrHHoxmbbeCUZ