This official is so weak

Ning Rushen woke from a fitful sleep to find ten burly men encircling his courtyard, almost believing he was caught in a spell.UiolFXNqBBnrGSFYsGPZlPdeUTpPtm

VdMjHtUJFzYznGs

It remained uncertain whether the intervention of the ten protectors had taken effect or if the petty thief had been utterly worn out by him, but for the following two days, the adversary seemed to have ceased their approaches.uyuulghzXUaBZLnaUfbBKXbhBziTZI

DrMqxgDJruxZGwo

De Quan arrived with the imperial decree to deliver rewards, greeting Ning Rushen with a beaming smile, “My lord must take good care of himself and return to his duties soon. Do not let down His Majesty’s grace.”mkjOpAHxuCOqaTHXdSdYsbZYcnAXzE

rvncwqQJwkoBgmL

At first, he seemed intent on yelling him to death, but now he was saving him and even providing medicinal herbs. Regardless of whether it was for show or another motive, it appeared that Li Wuting had no desire to take his life.yLtiecSPDEKHhoHYwBIJSJbHGrdtAf

FIgDeWsuQWOGhQW

As he expressed his gratitude, his eyelashes slightly drooped, and his eyes shimmered with a faint aqua, displaying a weary sickness.faVvnDcxuStqwQFSxtrwiGGXIibkdT

xyVDzCmzyRHiFlK

De Quan exclaimed in concern, “My lord, have you not rested well?”xcpjHOwKSnArZklSXyTFXhAJMMDBDf

xyyEgNwOsKtJlsQ

“It’s nothing,” Ning Rushen couldn’t admit it was due to his standoff with the bandit, instead changing the subject, “It’s merely concern for His Majesty that keeps me from sleeping at night.”mqmKRyMldHEAiXhQPgMYgmaPDYHKke

QWtpOyNFbmfnEtr

De Quan offered a comforting smile, brushing off the dust with his duster, “This servant will surely convey my lord’s sentiments.”eALnXMBkxvJwTXsgkoLYzsEBwmcamV

HDDqPnBEhCqIWvG

Ning Rushen offered a polite smile in return.cQhBuwNTlDDajpWxJJWWSOFmYysDkS

JkhaWNHRkeNJlfe

It was possible, but unnecessary.JObSkdnBtqPiUVTfwEIgGeljxRPxkg

gkpPwmKITHUvuwx

After the departure of the palace entourage, the maid, Xinglan, sorted through the supplements sent over, her face alight with joy, “His Majesty really treats my lord well, these are all top-notch ingredients! I will select some to make soup for my lord right away.”MnEpxJlpFxChbPXznYzvlHcywftRfs

NtsGtHsIwaCclvh

Ning Rushen nodded, his hands tucked into his sleeves, then added, “Just pick from today’s selection, no need for tomorrow.”qJlKjICEFwOFxiYEoIousyiDVLgxUC

HRxowfCIQAugKQO

Yan Min inquired, “Does my lord have plans for tomorrow?”CTkZpKkqIWQjcfLmWHSNOCekDaFGIo

IqVXeDzVyTwkTOa

Ning Rushen gazed beyond the mansion, “Hmm, to enjoy the autumn breeze.”mfHNRthuGmjTKrzZZOgZkhJsLOGFgW

ZEpQNDPWyTPeNpM

…NUMettsxzyqQoMAIQXBBJJIsAkXYaP

KETWlVdbbCrqHIj

The meeting with Geng Yan was scheduled for the following day.HNIWsDrSsZRDBfRmrGGslDQlPHQkZV

ryHyfaaJahhCbxQ

Before leaving, Yan Min draped a cloak over Ning Rushen while incessantly advising, “It’s good to take a walk outside… but you mustn’t drink alcohol again, nor should you stay in the wind.”aOghHpTlWoEZubBZdCVsYQJHtULfGC

WzXAisxnMMDzbiB

Ning Rushen fastened the cloak adorned with silvery white cloud patterns, the bright red clothes beneath making him strikingly handsome and elegant. Despite a slight pallor, his appearance lost none of its charm, instead carrying a unique allure.zGLHPSRqCerAnBuRDGFNUnZIkiVnte

ppgeiRnkImRrAhP

Upon hearing this, he seemed to ponder, as if inspired.pqnprpOyhALUAooKaKdJgKFhMCZYCw

GHmUVIycEsCfxau

Yan Min was on high alert, “Don’t even think about it!”IqqlRClieSmNnXRuuqOIMvHXsWEKUh

zNayoMqCqlsRBzL

Ning Rushen gave up, “Alright, alright, I know.”bOUBDoOGkrAWkskyseAtUJAbTqwfuj

ySKsSLhGFnCvRkm

The carriage made its way through the bustling streets to the base of Wanghe Tower.PlloAETDsyVLCniUkoKzLZLxyNsFaJ

gdxDObxkWOHByyb

Located in the bustling southern part of the city, Wanghe Tower was surrounded by a flurry of activity, with people and vehicles coming and going. The guests inside were never-ending, contributing to the lively atmosphere.nLKrFaJsIZgMAFGJtuOwmbldPMwgbv

gCtERllpFZjmemC

Ning Rushen lifted the curtain of the carriage and stepped out.eTvJdnQYHetObNxUHOcZUKjAeQDEAK

NseokDzCOOYFHWD

Dressed in a crimson robe with a white cloak, he was particularly eye-catching among the crowd. As soon as he appeared, a waiter promptly welcomed him inside, “Esteemed guest, please come this way!”OzleFCJtcFxzkSwmtzVpqEuBeKzxWL

pKfLjvjIHWFVUxF

Ning Rushen mentioned Geng Yan’s name and was quickly led to a private room on the second floor.hdlVjbcbUYTzFyrEdaDmgphJesjVXr

kFcYztSinLiqHhK

Inside, Geng Yan was already waiting.DAwxiiqkxnGAUOIuvuhJkFHymgrZaG

fffbDvZbZXTBOhu

He was by the window, staring out into the cold wind blowing outside.RTXUwUsnKhgYZXTZIYXsQRCQZZcLOO

ZxFMaqPWbUnoDwX

The cold wind greeted Ning Rushen, making him shiver and clutch his cloak tighter as he looked at Geng Yan, “An ambush from all sides? A banquet set for a trap?”PAQRpWvbPZWhFYqgnWWquVHyrtSyoh

TcicFoGITnWfjaF

Geng Yan raised his hand to close the window.CFvCgawECWfOGtMozKQWGWgiBvlTTl

BajnoQZUxpivKrd

With the warmth returning to the room, Ning Rushen took a seat without ceremony and ordered a large table full of dishes.LpCaHjPcpVtYvRgvGvbyTPEXBRbSeT

hJrlxuVvjTSpIBJ

Once the dishes were served and the door was shut, Ning Rushen rubbed his hands together, eager to begin eating. “What’s so important that you had to call me out here?”oavVXztprJTTYTNWiDUWAmPLPMxfdQ

rCrhGIHlJPxfLWq

Geng Yan didn’t touch his chopsticks, as if he had no appetite. “You haven’t been attending court these past few days, so you’re unaware of the turmoil that’s erupted.”sPpUdPDWWwGNWFxtMEVkrUVnPRCSpQ

iZpyAHLAiSlOlnE

Ning Rushen, busy with his meal, signaled with his eyes for Geng Yan to continue.VdVCMfHBMeGBZRCrTLJnLQMlznfVxX

nJpRaRipnSZboMI

Geng Yan explained, “Since His Majesty ascended the throne, he has issued several decrees… The decrees are good in principle, but each one requires funds. All five departments are demanding money from the Ministry of Revenue. My father, as the Minister of Revenue, is unable to produce the funds, and he has been under constant impeachment these past few days.”DOPExKrcHtmMlhYhOUeyvqmaOpRhgI

GFPhOkvfDZagJun

Ning Rushen was surprised, “The treasury is that depleted? Where’s the money?”lJrLElCpAOYpKAfgopHrbFyGSdSAex

JbkvFITbFNgeXcI

As he observed the prosperity and wealth of the streets on his way here, he had assumed that the state treasury of Dacheng must be well-supplied.nTQixKnNUbrxCSKjETeHXGPzyWcBsy

gYKMeuVwBpvPkVg

The treasury is indeed full.HZjTVlweRXbLRXtJJmNITvLEfLVAZK

wlmImfFYjRBcRfM

Geng Yan’s expression became somewhat embarrassed.ZJLrjBFDQyXcNVViIHyihqokKnKekI

PXtlLvmJJjfzMAX

Ning Rushen paused for a moment, suddenly finding the food in his mouth tasteless, as his gaze upon the table full of dishes turned as if he were looking at illicit money.ZYBriaRekeoSekVfoQQANONOGkPUhY

IqMfuAAadBUdLHT

Silently, he put down his chopsticks and scooted back a little.xPElBBgFJZFyklhCQgnuiKxsrOXSqJ

DflMidvezmuVobn

Geng Yan, seeing this, became irritated. “What’s with that look? My father hasn’t embezzled any funds! Eat your meal!”rOzQOwnDnYYQPfAOHxLjlRSRLjHKju

fDwDGvbQLdAWULl

Ning Rushen picked up his chopsticks again, half-convinced, “Then where did the money go? If there’s no embezzlement, why not report it?”JKTfmAVHidAmvWEpxtkzoWGCamghfo

HxEQKUhndrLlZHs

Geng Yan shook his head in despair, “It’s tied to the struggle for the throne… Do you remember the rumor I told you about?”ahcMPdxsGtxukccRsnEbrBcOLyyEqw

kofZymuAGLrjgpz

Ning Rushen then recalled the news he had heard on the night of the palace banquet:kDjYiDKINOYtwTNQYhaXdfdgFBFhGQ

ZUYurhgAxjBaimg

The current Emperor, Li Wuting, was the third son of the previous emperor. Rumors had it that his mother, Consort Xian, died at the hands of the then Empress, Cui Shi.ixzemKhcFQoQgQpNxrigPgXCXLzZoh

OlasPBSaEEYEDjT

In those days, the power of the imperial in-laws was overwhelming, and the Crown Prince’s faction could cover the sky with one hand. Even if Cui Shi was suspected of plotting against the empress, the previous emperor did not hold her accountable.BVvthOfrtWLbmDfAPPDtsIHbdKmKsO

dFxFXjHSTUKfDtc

No one expected the Crown Prince’s faction to collapse overnight.MMrizbFXtTEuuwSMdutDQJHYziSakw

ScJJkheIaSYUair

After the emperor’s death, an edict was issued for Empress Cui to be buried with him.kMWxABkivKSDmssoaGdptgAoeOmRfs

JsXkytUyHbnhWpA

Upon his ascension, the third son, Li Wuting, began to gradually diminish the vast power of the Cui family.gDzSfGtfCluRMQUHOFADRvKESPeVfH

fnHJhfQpkRRzNnv

A troubling speculation slowly formed in Ning Rushen’s mind, “…Could it be, all the money went to the former Crown Prince?”nKVVwBCmdpZJTlwNIvtLCIIeXroejn

fhJZGzGULAkaqEJ

Geng Yan nodded wearily, “In the early years, the Crown Prince’s faction almost treated the Ministry of Revenue as their private treasury, endlessly reaching out for money. Plus, with the former emperor’s favoritism towards the Crown Prince, my father couldn’t afford to offend the future monarch and had no choice but to hand over the funds. After the Crown Prince fell from power in the struggle for the throne, that money was lost, and the huge deficit created couldn’t be filled so quickly.”BakZmgGywuivjxsunRyjDaYOGAVuhu

cZFtOgECQfjCyEJ

Ning Rushen rolled up his sleeves and sighed.OelQBiGXZkTLoGGjQTtFjRjqjwOeNy

vJtOsKAKLXxRgkE

Although Cui Shi no longer monopolized power, a centipede dies but never falls down. The former imperial father-in-law, Cui Hao Yuan, still held the position of the current Right Chancellor, a connection beyond Geng Yue’s reach.TZsmTlbByIIUPNIgBKulqVFmVPIfUU

DODOqxiErBWJpVy

Moreover, the situation was even more sensitive due to the involvement of factional disputes.VzDqyXNSOavBSSviPlDWwmMWJBOiUg

PQoKphGKTtjMIRM

“What’s the Emperor’s stance in court?”DfmAQwxErfAUaaMToSxLJcNLFcOWGm

wBUYXxVKOquJgYo

“I don’t know,” Geng Yan shook his head. “Can’t make out anything.”UlYudHjacFNgINTQjxkNwszwBeXjoJ

lZNRcFQnISnRybE

He remembered his father’s expression upon returning from court—YgwXboZHqJRhcyzXfjPZcchKkjOcfp

tjmgHrNzLsLunFx

The young Emperor, barely in his twenties, was an enigma even to the seasoned officials of two reigns.TYSRjGRmRONhSbpfaamxRBfhXAFaqS

uOwvDlLdFCFdMBF

“So, the reason I sought you out… in the imperial presence, could you possibly…” Geng Yan started awkwardly and with difficulty, “If it’s not possible, then forget it. No need to force yourself. After all… you’ve never been under any obligation to me.”TEugCqaxQgzxSyHBBMwGSIKmBEppNl

fjbHYaXsnVAgqzh

Ning Rushen understood. Geng Yan wanted him to feel out the situation.wqldEJeVWlgihQMSHMAbYmeZBKfOJD

yYDBaNdAfPEjRSL

Outsiders thought he was in the Emperor’s good graces, but only he knew he was as precarious as a clay Buddha crossing a river.TPOONhpXHzwXxoBtOGHqGwBCnhQWSr

TFigPTDjqcLuCWc

He quietly asked, “If corruption is admitted, what would the sentence be?”xMtCgKEhFRBtLJqMLXvddcXpxawZnI

LLFIPtmlOZXZBnz

Geng Yan replied, “Confiscation of property, exile.”EUrMXvnrlEuLiunjxqvcFYaaTsUbuY

ZVUodJQPFKvjHSl

Confiscation and exile.qIVAWEbMadAKFoLidDrKUwJvKIYAul

ivHFXRkVWltfRuU

Ning Rushen looked at him, with complex admiration, “Then you’re pretty calm about it.”VeupSTcvdTdUlmOqodbSiXeQSeXtkt

kzPqzyjkJoRhlNY

His entire family faced relocation to the south.OkQhKTmCGkMehDPcvFZjztCUAdKahf

JosHhgiiVtBfUBu

Yet here he was, still climbing over his walls and inviting him for meals.PBZQnQLnWzuczoDXXufnbdAuFtbvHH

htHVifBZhoRxzQT

“Entering the court as an official, I was prepared for such outcomes from the start,” Geng Yan took a sip of tea, “If I really get exiled to the borderlands, I might as well start selling…”QAnrTKBcDcHLZEZoWckNyzcXcrXxzy

ohHRlWHugYMUDKQ

Ning Rushen tensed up.UZboyygKUiwjnLrgpWZVWICFPxazba

JNczRAZcGpjhgvW

Geng Yan continued, “…baked sweet potatoes.”SKrSzQbKgzwZBoyXOsKCiahFCliafl

BmpLzOyPCKYyqYq

Ning Rushen breathed a sigh of relief, “Try not to gasp when you speak.”ENuHAJeZJMNEEwIvHpHyWnDSXcDtvA

fyYVACwMFRDaKiF

“…?”YjvnLmLMOFRNFtVtDSUHgBOjenvRzq

kcmYTNYRbVjispL

Ning Rushen diverted his gaze.VyjxWONyygtqLpZGcjRYhbyrLKDCLO

tvNrveCGByyogLt

His fingertips brushed against the cup, his eyelashes slightly lowered: Preparedness, huh.NqANpuwUYLfoLyYhnHyWtzFUTgZDRJ

luekvTBNBZzJASK

Since his arrival in this era, he had been drifting aimlessly, evading the questions he purposefully avoided by taking sick leave. Now, they resurfaced in this manner—HpoWLcZohKnctHuywFFNpRHVHYWZBt

BFpsOHYjNDopzng

In this whirlpool of power, was he to remain forever on the sidelines, or let himself be carried away by the current.kBFHKjYoYMkGzKVDYMvprWcLGbwind

NIIRPPDXKBeAnNz

“Or perhaps, to willingly step into it, to carve out a third path,” he mused, leaning against the window frame, speaking to Geng Yan. “Add another crystal dumpling to my order.”xEgSZefnzuDBlbHAytRhwgQAqRyKPC

obRKjSIyaqpUGcI

(T/N I googled Crystal dumpling and its basically dim sum)HATsHlsynTGJJvQjKhfSPgNAlFUpsS

SNpTfpjwpeZxzIo

Geng Yan was momentarily taken aback. “What?”iseYoXtfscCdSwgLomVwwkwcvrEwBu

WiBrLCFHZSQpDOn

“Another crystal dumpling,” Ning Rushen reiterated, supporting his chin as he looked at him. “Now I owe you a favor. There’s an old saying, ‘A favor received makes one’s mouth soft.'”EwtuwOQAglNuSGlEkpIsGNGAPtqZlz

FamtdAEClfrdQBH

Geng Yan’s eyes widened slightly in surprise. “You…”oDjdZgfETwGJPJGfQcAsBxMmRbslzk

LHwVvahiUHxOgaL

Ning Rushen smiled.sxkikFDNnWEvTUlNocWfhWuktIWJtb

MxJPWENfvaomzdn

He had made up his mind.OyhOCbdZOgCTcxwSfEWEWjEvJcDGgp

ZvGoCEHBELGmWcJ

Rolling up his sleeves, he looked away casually. “Can’t help it. Someone said I’m quite skilled, not one to follow the beaten path.”xULnjypZaxYGXwMTysWGqbKwognmeo

txWPxKfxnfULBnv

After a day of rest, Ning Rushen was ready to return to the palace for his duties.UTHzkXVSZwaxHpxbObLnOoyKBHlrNc

YXxpInmEswYsqxZ

His body had mostly recovered, and the matters concerning Minister Geng could not be delayed.LKgRQNBAnXpKFuVLWvgzhMuPYuPsua

jTZMTgkmOckBlNZ

He donned his court attire, which he hadn’t worn for a long time. Timing his arrival to coincide with Li Wuting’s departure from the morning court, he made his way to the Imperial Study to report.FZdbzvADstfQlzlzmylYCRRaRmapPT

GvyuyIhWkxyvrmx

Upon reaching the Imperial Study, Li Wuting had not yet arrived.HnPtAGMuNeMHHcNmCCiEkrSrSaGmHq

ZGwUUWClpuJZcBt

Only Xiao Rongzi was waiting at the door. He greeted Ning Rushen, “Lord Ning, you are well. His Majesty just concluded the morning court. Please wait a moment longer.”xdNhxxuVNZhhXwtjjMjDiPfjQezPzT

gxIVjaooQGLorGa

Ning Rushen adjusted his sleeves, “It’s no trouble.”fRkMiBobZbUyHbXiFJxfOFhKiBCJDt

NgLtSRPHXoyLajk

It was early spring, and the weather was still bitterly cold. Ning Rushen waited in the chilly breeze at the door for quite some time before Li Wuting finally appeared before him.IGbIJDxsNqcesUIoxvjMDInxvqmKIy

ZtkexNjRISDEjJK

“This humble official pays his respects to Your Majesty.”PQjwXdNuOYUNxtzUWUQaIXvZEcZiwv

JTwkdvtFOizjXRD

Li Wuting glanced at him.bVUeSvvDhOUeIxYCoYKHpJaKpCXUyh

kfKqRVYiTMEwqTD

Having not seen him for several days, Ning Rushen seemed to have become even thinner, to the point where his belt could barely contain his waist. His nose tip was reddened from the cold, making him look rather pitiable.tyRnQuYONsRwdnxekhqUbitVjPCIcj

OgSqxXzIGGxUuAd

Li Wuting instinctively wanted to say something but stopped himself as he began to speak, then shifted his gaze and stepped through the door. “Come in,” he said.hcIYztGKxGZpWzZdJjOJzxjzHYOTgS

SrGrhBetTqTKMnZ

Ning Rushen followed close behind, almost chasing the king’s footsteps into the warmth of the house like a cat afraid of the cold. “Thank you, Your Majesty…”COrTOCUJrfskuRbesRcHjnzmbyIkUT

VvzdIBZsXHrYPBu

De Quan silently trailed behind them.qPVxoPAkxXwnKsFWaHsVxyXRFaIwXH

SpdAAozsCjptRAL

He sighed to himself, noting the king’s apparent lack of compassion. If it were him, he probably couldn’t resist instructing Lord Ning to wait inside next time.OEORWRPyjCnXpCkyZYuolxKcDuROzd

ZYcDRQGuaswGYUt

The study was as warm as an early spring.XqGKTimYKKfseXtMTqAKqldUOjlVmD

CNgpsScMmbPeKuj

Li Wuting was washing his hands in a basin, casually asking, “Feeling better now?”XyFYqiipBrbEYwTdaESTMccJMTNceO

IpoTgUYirgMlsfX

Ning Rushen, gradually warming up, comfortably squinted his eyes, “Thanks to Your Majesty, much better.”KKyiZtIkyuZPyNQXDGkPUJWizWaYJJ

cCreBRhJpxOlSKU

The sound of water stopped.ybEslavaYguCGSeXMVbNMlROanLrKw

pCyOomDrBCNOJpZ

Then, a flicker of discomfort seemed to pass across Li Wuting’s handsome face, “Hmm.”kPFKfdKSQPKitBSrgOKCyGIqmoPcVJ

NrDljUIWZIOedEF

Ning Rushen: …?RYNUarobGpEHatsZylfIEKdCTOyjLi

CvwYrJpkrkxBfzw

He wondered if Li Wuting’s tone carried any sarcasm.dhPsSoVNWPXCyiEtUKdjvLYQvQBdAz

gwyWlNGBaCdGNem

Suspicious, he scrutinized Li Wuting, who, however, did not speak further but simply sat down, lifting his robe slightly, and began to read through his documents.eGVBzuEoWvmNzzWtwSYLOOkJwqxjOU

IqQLMcBPDfyTdMK

Since Li Wuting did not call for him, Ning Rushen quietly stood by.sQLBTjQTzztYwVEnrwYicxLGTfMPZq

jCBUxgXvsGSRLoz

Time slipped away unnoticed in the imperial study, remarkably quiet except for the sound of pages turning.ZdWuontjnAKHDYQYDpPRFlicxjnnGL

arqKFLfrbZQmyRg

De Quan seemed already accustomed to the silence, occasionally replacing the tea with a fresh, hot one without making any other sound.tTqlSZIRRbwvMfoWmWqfeSynLRzAHy

pgEwogStmKfDbQw

Ning Rushen stood until his legs became numb and his head dizzy.VkuVbhnTZxEXVpiRaHVwuMjQfIzvtr

RRsyXgdxqMRIHNb

He genuinely couldn’t grasp the reason behind Li Wuting’s insistence on having him serve in his presence daily—nxcYGEhefGVacPYHIFMMGVUupiOdBW

xxMGrCRaOuVoqnf

Was it to have him dressed in red, standing before the desk as a charm against evil?npuSBnGZPbxjTYDDiYUiieKguaOQrH

RBAvCQjSaAohPzO

He stood motionless for a while, then thoughts of Secretary Geng began to preoccupy him, gradually staring into the void… until his body swayed, and he stumbled a half step due to not standing firmly.wnlJVjtcbiwtggWDwTqbyoLffVoGfz

BwxHllQlztlYOwW

Click, a soft sound.ehmNaihJJnHMglSfgjtfTDrMCQhdBF

hYyQCUnWGxkHKno

Coming back to his senses, Ning Rushen saw Li Wuting looking up from behind the desk, his calm gaze directly on him.HUsKCItLilMwSlIqZvThuivqDJvPLl

LzQksjBxlgzMjwO

Ning Rushen moved his stiff legs and apologized, “I have been disrespectful in front of Your Majesty. Please forgive me.”njgQnyoDVHOkUrodOJAHZfXTgoyOPu

zHKeYfCvYOXBWVh

Li Wuting casually remarked, “Ning, you dare to deceive your king, what is this minor offense in comparison?”OydRlDzLTSWmbbHNRUcYAyLaffqwlo

OonaDLuahZUXxxq

Ning Rushen: ?abceWDAkIXpgPfaVHNsPvnBogQdkDO

gEmEmpzBVacMHDw

He leaned forward slightly, his eyes filled with genuine confusion, “When have I ever…”FTdOGTzGhYvZmeCuTjwQcQBvZctMkr

FZsPQJsCznCrmtt

“Have I heard correctly that Lord Ning misses me so much that you find it hard to sleep at night?”bNTMfYVGakrKBcEktbsReQgdNqueTv

WvuMiHWbtnuKhVY

“…” Ning Rushen’s gaze momentarily shifted sideways to De Quan, who sneakily buried his head. It’s you again, the big sieve.IplgFaOalJHYicesJarLXANSlMtJbb

iPpJodfYgLEPpzU

Li Wuting’s voice turned cold, “Flattery comes easily to your lips.”bbEPqEapiPmqizbqSEcafJyCNFdIbl

hpnzhPsGIUeMSir

Ning Rushen quickly moistened his lips, gently defending himself, “Every word I speak is true. Indeed, I did not sleep all night. Your Majesty can inquire with the steward of my household if you do not believe me.”DIjJyDUAoSPXPLMwtEDzudXcbjZLzx

lYhonUWhEfELSqx

Li Wuting almost laughed in irritation, “You blame your sleepless night on me—” His speech halted suddenly. After a delicate pause of two breaths, he changed the subject, “Come here and grind ink for me.”NIZCiciPuUxYlCSyKQRxTQvEGKcQmE

dByWtCctfYztDFu

“?”WcMqPBNOQxdAQSDlVsIYXgKKbotunm

fnqCgYIhmlpspqS

The troublesome topic was subtly bypassed.KmhGxYnwXMuQNYyjZbWqjwxTDhShmR

QPXGAmmForLgIVW

Ning Rushen blinked, “Yes.”LCixiFJPAJCQRoNZykIlouzMHUwdGY

IgpJwrqCUOvzDez

The inkstone placed on the imperial desk was a rare gem, and the ink stick was of the expensive Tongyan Hui ink, worth a small fortune in itself.FlXoGOfLqVWBEbrdgHwLvrwwkZuGnB

MsoihmPdjkHaHgN

Ning Rushen’s technique in grinding the ink was not particularly skilled.bEJowhloOHonzVGWkuKsnKWpLjnvDF

iYImypFbRYVJBlb

However, his fingers were beautifully shaped, long and jade-like. As he lifted his sleeve to hold the ink stick, the sight was pleasing to the eye.kdlzRIHwRjnrlaGFrZLksXzaGSfdcp

NqLosznjCwRSOJx

Unfortunately, the person being served seemed to lack appreciation.HSssvmZUiaRhcoIGVdZeBwQctFoOCY

kUIgNNQqVDCKAws

After Li Wuting had summoned him, he buried himself back into his work at the desk, without uttering a word related to the court’s affairs, not even allowing Ning Rushen a glance at the memorials in his hand.sHDXshpSOeUXWCjmCJKwUNdptDQzkm

fEzGWYzjNaUMIsI

Ning Rushen, while grinding the ink, swept his gaze over the memorials on the desk.HZnptQnUPkStnzfGdMAhnYqoJXLOzi

liOtLOTwfUNZuau

He was sneakily peeking when he suddenly caught sight of the words “Ministry of Revenue,” “Geng Yue,” and “corruption and malpractice.”sbdzyokqDrpqhrwaBVumjFUaiCkrTd

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Indeed, it was a severe impeachment.InQJVlHMEzWrRyVtweyPlOXvobUYtS

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Looking at Li Wuting’s comments, it seemed a verdict had not yet been reached. However, if Minister Geng couldn’t produce the required silver and explanations, it would likely be hard to convince the public, and sooner or later, imprisonment would be inevitable…QBylBVYQvNkeQaNgtnsiUmGMrlHSwG

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Ning Rushen became so engrossed that he lost himself in the documents.RmjVkmQyWquVaEVWrDXwQkngCNidSW

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Li Wuting had been turning a blind eye, for he had placed the man under his close watch to see what he would do.MhuiInbSCEWjDdgjmGqIQbIjdOMHSY

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Yet, he hadn’t expected such brazen behavior.PpqtcOluPlmWmgkzPfcqcvueqDdHwy

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Perhaps to get a clearer view, Ning Rushen even turned his head halfway around, almost reaching out to pull the memorial towards him!HSqAZdCaWfQKxuHrKobaOcgktPQqQO

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“…” Li Wuting chuckled lowly, “Ning Chen.”iSxIUaXZSwcjxtvEHfeIstEMKOBSJO

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Ning Rushen snapped back to reality, lifting his gaze to meet the direct and imposing look of the King.rwBzmfZacxRbeWVHHfoicXRxojOyep

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His heart skipped a beat, and he prostrated himself, saying, “Your servant has overstepped his bounds.”pLIObyALMBOGmysGLlIMTjXTprIMto

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Silence ensued across the room.WNrXQzumRqpEoeKgrVUEjLdAHQJBsz

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Ning Rushen knelt beside the imperial desk, his gaze fixed on the cold, hard corner of the table and the thick carpet beneath. His breathing was slightly hurried, pondering over how to craft a clever defense, when suddenly, a soft “snap” sounded.fcrAZlNHuFSnOernhpPFngblzwVWqq

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The memorandum had been thrown before him, the black text stark against the white paper.uAlvEMiqnZzsCYCZqFrvKPUsoGcoxZ

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Ning Rushen looked up, “Your Majesty?”RrSvihEfzucLFtgqRXwihRVYrAjVVB

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“What do you wish to see?” Li Wuting’s gaze was lowered towards him, his tone calm, “I permit you to look.”nUujfKlOQYYyelPRnsUrMHcwhdScnf

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A sense of alarm rose within Ning Rushen:niMiwPdnDFyiAfAakSXAVDLlfTtoED

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When the emperor is silent, he is surely laying a trap.UKadltoFapDArGvjIloxeDFHWVwbOm

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He pushed the memorandum slightly, “Your servant dares not…”GHKUiOjOxAzEFfmqkGOmehainKeGIh

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“Look.”lzVpOCjCMAWfUbbMzazTPgfMtgqFCz

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De Quan, standing a few steps away, was already drenched in cold sweat, not daring to utter a single word.VwRzegWdymkzOqQrhxzyvKAWXegIlB

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Ning Rushen, “…”TWWTMoVfmgqAAgcoXunnXqbpFNkKoO

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Fine, since you insist.XFQjuvHfaDriRSNRJMaPMgwiwcrZed

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“Your servant obeys.” He gracefully pulled the memorandum back, straightened his back, and sat on the ground to scrutinize it thoroughly.huVClWXOSIVwkQhgTTYsYVqwdlkTqh

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The content of the memorandum was almost as he had glimpsed earlier, primarily accusing Geng Yue of corruption, accepting bribes, and embezzlement, meriting punishment by confiscation of property and exile—INbgaFohgWZbaFGStGlwfhykxWegmy

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“To serve as a warning and to uphold integrity.”SmJuMNmwaVkPrAGcFZZlAJNbXvyMse

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The bold ink strokes caught Ning Rushens eye, prompting him to purse his lips.WtdfUYjqOYhGXjSbYpdnNrnlzncNbB

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“Have you finished reading?” The emperor’s voice descended from above.KqDINpOovHSUYWbkXsGhorxzLtpWGH

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Holding the document, Ning Rushen looked up, his mind still somewhat in turmoil. He met Li Wuting’s gaze and softly hummed in affirmation.pEXqpnNFWghNlbBCALHEOhYOdWAglq

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The scene appeared somewhat improper: a young official kneeling before the emperor, his black hair and scarlet robe spread out on the ground, holding the memorandum without even a hint of formal address.pEByDZhYEHigJMRJfTlhHxRxVZQosa

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But Ning Rushen, the person in question, seemed unaware of the impropriety.MQuyYcPdxBcnoBhGXZsOMjYbBAOlgd

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Li Wuting, as the emperor, didn’t seem to focus on this either.qgnIKkTdIctQMeoBBjjOptCzWbqGdL

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His deep gaze penetrated into Ning Rushen’s clear yet slightly dazed eyes, and suddenly he spoke, “I’ve heard that Lord Ning is quite close to Secretary Geng’s son, discussing matters without avoidance of personal bias…”wOSXDEilfveUzstJydaKBMDYSDltBZ

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Ning Rushen snapped back to attention, meeting Li Wuting’s gaze: So?HoQouNfJlRpwaGpTPngQPhJZvWwOti

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Li Wuting leisurely looked at him, “Why don’t you tell me, how should I deal with Secretary Geng?”pfpgIaNNobFvmWbJkzIFejuZXQXmuL

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“…”mWzWNOgpBPdxJZgBpGCJSifeMOpmfN

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