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.THstnFQuJIKvcYxUZTGFoQFqhfiQkk

xHXZMWWKSLbNvdP

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.cCQYVdrzfYeiaMOjkbwcxzClEBWcDl

MbnEqThzJKWxLXj

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.”GeJMNDUAQGFYqLTWZwUlWPnywnriLI

XfqYSjPWMaaoqZD

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.EnqZLlWbOabGNoZHVtAWojGgeQsaye

ZnKdwGIBCIOZouV

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

twzGeXqPvodlqOf

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

WprtrdtNUMvmTci

“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.”iACQqMjYtPNbLTqhcDqLSUFCcfpJfP

FekKBMPQLKvJDBL

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

RrXoenVetgkwbFj

Ning Rushen offered a polite smile in return.MXbrahaiOODTdFxFIyfgQmmlDBkXdB

TByTxiAiTfRlsYL

It was possible, but unnecessary.yPfjdRvZUmppQmWCYfwidkpxnskEmk

frytvFtLTOxzexf

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.”GPVVtbmzvJfsSkZvOdrurikhxRkBcP

GjHvTTkaGWczkXF

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

SbqDUdOgqLvJMmd

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

PlmmAtxGxJezZbD

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

pabVYqicaomXcnD

…OVcUrWMtcjgciTWzTQwkXcvJIgweFA

oPUCnsfafpnSJJP

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

pUdVLafFSUjIoLm

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.”ZIWDLTiGpOveVjcJLFesqdfFIfxKHf

EeauULjSBrzyAsI

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.tlpvhQoRWEIbSSepbdHTSwbkSXGoWi

XIfsbENokTtXKcV

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

VMvktsFTEHZTRfh

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

hoTtuhMaDTryssl

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

axcJjQinqZEKESk

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

CfvGfcqERMwcFGX

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.GfilbHVQTfnqhFbtZHeBMTNucXsNng

hnbWDdROECQLbFB

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

RgOWztPDqQlfnpd

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!”AmLjXLmrIewTFHcWPtZdOcxFpfjzWn

nUliGITpHcCRliY

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

mtrISScDFVQCset

Inside, Geng Yan was already waiting.kvtUpLyGHyzfqkQCeRxZnpmUvzWJTI

qBiRwjczDUIDJby

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

zIQrVbrJjFbFukJ

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?”uLBzsvJVVUYhRIOTKGLfALBKRIUGEp

lNpZRwZWBzThPJc

Geng Yan raised his hand to close the window.hChdCAbPbSmOgdniFKZvNEfMoiqksZ

sVRTatCDObGWwwR

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

sOVtKxXCPTqZLTE

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?”IruwWBuLkhpZbIvJnLJMdrfDgbpkif

HqXhByGMfaJKYDI

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.”IZbaIkZAFhcGQFcfQbRkyzYIbOcmJa

GFULKJfQPZKzRNt

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

AjtsWlLQGiQdoJq

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.”OejTusWjJmZMXNyepvgttokJudPUeU

IjuhSdmjsLCdBxq

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

eCpeERIXRYpvRVZ

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.ctqdFutscKxxUnnjslYSxOCRfwPKSL

tzqGxCBUQswNSux

The treasury is indeed full.MktQTyJRMjEftfCigCVJqvnROSlmCG

cHRENJyWKmMnVDj

Geng Yan’s expression became somewhat embarrassed.oLcTFnOZyJlRPtWXpOutUMoXgKuSAX

zRpDHnHjzEeovah

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.GuSHadBzmXtusiVMzUJoXpLRjXyXCO

npcHbRSZctcDVes

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

QkWNofiGBoAezoZ

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

mvGAvpAxwMULKRY

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

dXVugtKDOkXIoIG

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?”iUikPVBaLsSjegBVwXXdOFPpvyqGhs

hUbzRfrdOAKsYzE

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

dzjDDBJkeIAyvaE

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.lVAhloKdUCvtnvDrCjXJGZoCEfiIWH

lsDJnXTLJexkecX

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.WgwtefXCIXJLXOSBkaUrOWEAjxWOUw

vcBgFNiPeJocbfv

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

ChDViSqtzkopHmX

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

avYVwNYytbzUVxz

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

kkbwqDzuLlkNfpF

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

SChzhrLAcHtYQUw

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.”eJOXDQrrobfrRvkTotVGVYrObgXbbL

iXFUoYHwCUWnTRN

Ning Rushen rolled up his sleeves and sighed.VYXsXbMgfoSeqeQdKvoxvlcQvXrVNK

kNvEgIhqfNTsEhu

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.hThZYCuyGQbmWsmmgNyLbdBMZaeyYq

OaEGboyCuhSEDWH

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

syDcsCTEIHdpEfS

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

PrgOGwQwvlLGriM

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

SVMsubQUYcpeLfi

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

eRuxYKbrTRpmcNH

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

EoYYGZHnlkhmINX

“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.”QZEVgMLvhbVfOSMIvGAFlclcZFtZpH

kCVnrtLLuRNYZIx

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

YtHspGoJCBqfikV

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.SfSSeIiHvcytiZVSkvwNEuUGTaISfT

RXTVbtaqVuFAXBw

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

IzxKsUUgPnjYlUD

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

CfxBwxLMpbjtaXs

Confiscation and exile.pIeTkBblbNkbltXDSmxXFlrKLdqIsA

XJTLNeUXjGiRlWf

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

bFfLeYvFEdPCsQR

His entire family faced relocation to the south.nQwGhtDAApLaOQrKyEzPaeiUXlBdDk

YKWrXnPgoeEcxbL

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

SbAgTrXHhYvgstD

“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…”zaoMmemkZWPIMegEvkkVYQKEUOpCiK

bpvRZLAxAPqKvZP

Ning Rushen tensed up.vVGvEMMaPtUeKFsbzjgLARozecInrJ

vFeyLZuWpWobIJI

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

BosdvkMPxCsXWMw

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

otcYoriPfZZdwJA

“…?”ShLkgQQRKAxdfPDDqROjLxeTYrBrWE

mVePikkgwTMPOLP

Ning Rushen diverted his gaze.ZDCAJCutqVtLyvARudsZPreOeoqeNE

CbkTfCaqGdhvjhf

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

mAwBegWxByyelSf

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—TIxFeDBhnlqscXJRWcLBAfvsobzyiB

BnmhLWUNmGYrqjv

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

PdSCVkzETqgIvrH

“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.”rhgrgamxAtUJgXddtbVQGhdnaQvEqG

UDWptCywDaAIeuU

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

TONlaPEwVPUzmGW

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

xlSRvCWIvGwEpfJ

“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.'”IRFOYKFqCzHPznOHLBETbOLxfQEHMN

aOnpLIYGmcAByQy

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

ZzwafVpwSWLttym

Ning Rushen smiled.dMItHYJydtSOQFyGxLaKHPhgPGnxvB

jRNfPUHZRQsUxgr

He had made up his mind.WwEGDAKWmSdGRDCmqgYIrefrxhltvI

YhuRBhNGqjNRRrX

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.”yyHuNwfFLzKLJzaONZvBEsLUpiTjrj

iZPONSiPibCsbQm

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

pigHBqAIpNLzsSq

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

swmQVqjvSHlbVez

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.eFZsuxGSPKcAcKSVsJrsaJuAAweHdK

OngljpukEIwXsmb

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

jaWQdsDFNDQZsJV

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.”YUuucroHFYTqeWIkAfbUqatufroUHW

wtGtcAHvofZwPnB

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

FhDqLMKAebskknK

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.QwVyeVosEuFxPnCQyKmIWBLQWQyffq

UcgotcIsQIXAHMa

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

dtIQTcTozPpxqdH

Li Wuting glanced at him.UGBsCwdaXaoOiHIbGIgPoWMejAsZFK

wyhplczqnlanxow

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.lpYOSGHOBlpTnWLNSYvlmbOyvDYkol

YLLMJBARukeMbVv

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.OCeXPzEMSSLfufOjOgHJhdDhQKKHZs

WdlQSbKxJUkfSTI

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…”UyDNhysIHfMKhCPGAUynguhBzwfzvR

JANtmIRwZvuOGmm

De Quan silently trailed behind them.UzPcVufIHVojDTfhFfIcTyyhaBwqqR

rdMKyyxioLsNMns

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.TCOXYnXggpkGSTrvATzHedhBRdzCfY

lQXiHeEulHkZTrd

The study was as warm as an early spring.ZHnlcmlIYjqtQgOroAYzHOypeNCVHJ

oEzHiFgIkgRCXbx

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

zeDJzOxrjLVbcjX

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

doMQMJGNznFxgAK

The sound of water stopped.uiEfTDEXXuAatxXqwyGGxSEwaDzJJx

ZopIIPUYvcVhjTz

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

IOGHPIdoXPcUlqX

Ning Rushen: …?uazgopiKcbpCtciOQZzCaeYCBsruiL

ahEOgaUsxDFeAwZ

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

mSChDXHVhiXgoOo

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.TIUZkimnMAATiVZIwakRHwueGbhdUG

kmTKQnQBddyTmFl

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

YGQunvhktGyUMnT

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

GaZsihJbKixYSYE

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

zxKmvIGSQIKcTWv

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

vnoJQkNZoNfzbhA

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

FlLczoAFVwulNZu

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

dgLrWCmMCLpDwZO

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.xTxFVpRIgQOQkTgkfsqhKCFyNHDPtE

FMaVJyUfXClpBWi

Click, a soft sound.cwOMlXEGnseKXWwhrUrvtnznaFCIAq

dQkiYSLSNaYNPPk

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

bFqNONfGjnBJaGG

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

BbGrMYKPmIUhfxs

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

duXygynDlagSKaA

Ning Rushen: ?NJfIkKzCjrsrwkIEFsGhDiqGmRlVhT

OZSrpDbPcZbvdax

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

VlSqTdJtBFSHdoy

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

ypqmpXvpnAPyHOs

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

ssSzbzxmZgodltb

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

CHiVqAgNSfeCboj

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.”hOVrhbGFsTysQDPRzSnOytKLukXShC

GXnKvbIwUZREWug

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.”VcVpVKSWZTjGxdiVcxctcikrwQBzMy

QPLtshgTbuYYxCR

“?”HTITSuyhegwKqErlnCNyCHEwByCAmK

aQbBdQhorROhXVF

The troublesome topic was subtly bypassed.tszYyNpryFxFWzIXTsufWmpgxMePuT

KgKtFieJSVoRdZP

Ning Rushen blinked, “Yes.”JHKwUQKNqSPqRIiIOPyAfrXKhqjMNk

kDMxXCYEqQGvCFL

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.fwTzgzSMBYxFXVpRmIUIIohmsvPWnX

HaytCcMobERPjtt

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

ttoWsSwLQAqHJWi

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.wLagNCMFmWpogxQQoneKjYbyyCruvX

ZpNJcOSZoHwgYGd

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

obDWxkLSjnraOoK

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.EyEykLMzeVoacDVfSAGrZnmJVoIJhe

fheJkVSzhwovIxO

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

hNgSSAmdGnkytiV

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

ioUQuZkjuvTENbM

Indeed, it was a severe impeachment.BWtxiUSPBYCOJsYalhvzsMBiIXtnGX

bmEnVPzKHXpAizA

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…NDKlSARSaysQCNBJZrQWWLCIvsMBef

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

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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.dPyAjdabMviPjLftVPFLCmFNVmpZnF

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

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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!RdXprfVpErdnaTLxoZMaszTpGACwqN

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

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

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

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Silence ensued across the room.vCtxuGJUabQSGUXJNRdZhjvegiixQN

CPAPCsgIjgzqBSQ

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.yaTauwjvALwZWbAhDFHqBWsRPPHhfn

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

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Ning Rushen looked up, “Your Majesty?”iKopFVCERcEZIxgvybuOFSgaDhsdOj

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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.”YTKNjuMwdrgswwngeqSrNuHVaQqGrq

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A sense of alarm rose within Ning Rushen:DWUsDXOPQipOWoZSSWeOrlBBnQUDBS

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

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

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“Look.”UmIGUhplQTFPnrmUfQuDUJzRecpyXq

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

KMzKgqgAHTBZiIn

Ning Rushen, “…”xuYraVqZQblZmbpyFjMTrkXbvNYTZq

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Fine, since you insist.cgdTPpWeNHAQHULannlkAdnCtmARZg

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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.SBcmuKKkwKNlIlONWCVaDQsfxoQxfv

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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—irGTfDtBhAmkPKBAvMnoVJSwCIgJNW

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

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

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

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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.tDvEuZGxXCYQstgCuKNTmUkXgiFCKf

JqLGVBUgtOKMNaq

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.rhWmzlqpRVblZmkuHPMxoBUtfWxQoa

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

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

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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…”BDYETumKegpBwhnmubBEqneSAjsTjS

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

PbXUmfZoAEYrINk

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

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“…”EjvzcXWvgKEcjNVlOgXHXYKbpxOnBr

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