This official is so weak

Ning Ruchen took a deep breath: What good intentions could Li Wuting possibly have? He was just looking to set a trap for him.KKlKCbfHdZRwNtxjHMQrnOCUYrIppm

jochLZIFxmlekCh

If he answered this question poorly, he and the Geng family would be done for.VTckxVTFVgJuPmgOERAGyMONpsMryN

sbIZxvICTSuXFUA

Hesitating, rumors he had heard during the palace banquet suddenly came to mind. Ning Ruchen steadied his nerves and decided to take a gamble—PeqmeIlANlyaCFZxxmGtYbfeLIHBLI

rSxpRPPdRatkHVQ

His spine, visible beneath his court attire, was as straight as a pine, “I believe that those who are greedy, pervert the law, and harm the livelihood of the people, such calamities to the country and disasters to the people, should have their families confiscated and be exiled, with their entire clans bearing the same guilt!”KlSQmPfGDHmLFFHZLNdeqdOvykUGXo

OneDBgFdIJgeZBq

Li Wuting seemed surprised for a moment, then added a touch of scorn, “Minister Ning cuts off relations for justice, clearly distinguishing between public and private interests, admirable for your integrity…”aFTncMzFxKkiimGKrONYcIqdbSVjRv

GYzZCibZqydSNzS

“Then, as Minister Ning suggests, let’s convict and exile the Geng family.”ZIIFqrbWLDEjefzrmdbRZIFbrVvjCE

lgeTfjrYuXUqABI

Ning Ruchen almost tore a hole in the blanket: I’ve never seen you hold me in such regard before.LXpxzipkmSinabhZKjsCMrSEhlLkxc

jiXaVXTiayojGRB

He took another deep breath, “I meant, those who are ‘greedy and pervert the law’ should be immediately punished.”qlvBwATjKJAMqVyqbMJlutJRdOVrqN

hJVzbYdJbQfHblX

Only De Quan, drenched in cold sweat and trembling like a sieve, remained, his whole being screaming: We’re done for!efnIMKXNBgOTTXgGdOOsWnPfGASYVq

qLrsoeuIbWTGgwY

Everyone else was sent away.ExgaijDYPotIWNBHuphFeAmfLohSuG

GcUZMtkTVDPLsjr

Li Wuting stood up and walked over to Ning Ruchen, his dark eyes clouding over like an approaching storm, brewing with emotion, “Who gave you the courage to speculate on my thoughts?”EXfqyiQvpgmladHHAwBARLhTjAKvuP

vLQnbQPGnKopzqw

He asked softly, “What rumors have you been listening to?”lyNvgYELzzhZkDzxsZYJASbqFpSRKW

lUNkAAWmwyyXsYT

Ning Ruchen’s heart raced, silently confirming his guess was right.cRaaVMMvpQJIWhVHQdsgbZmahTeAEk

QnesSihwlCBFPDC

Li Wuting indeed knew that the backers were from the former Crown Prince’s faction. The remaining question was how he planned to deal with the Cui family.GSToPeUWxixnRSAORNDubClglNrsnC

LoaaOVLeGOZMWTl

With the new emperor’s foundation not yet stable, now wasn’t the best time to take down the Cui family in anyone’s eyes.KHetZGXFJVYgwDlJrgbKmkfgBUsXFV

aDLjcfGLGjMiNvN

But if Consort Xian really was harmed by Queen Cui…GHfOSUCLEWkERaMbXAUmtvnBCwdFAR

RBfhPDBXwGfGuSL

Ning Ruchen thought: If he were Li Wuting, he’d definitely want to deal with them immediately, day and night.EeVyiXcbbxRuleccazAcDRFnNDpwNg

kqXFJfuhQojPWXl

“Answer me,” the voice from above demanded again.GVOXqVJgRkKUbinVPkWfhRliomEaWL

sQaukPEPcbOpFfG

Ning Ruchen took a moment to gather his thoughts, then straightened up to reply, “Actually, I heard the ravings of Minister Geng…”iCNcLwRSaizNyrtGSTheqxIrMMHAjF

wyEEVGaGClKOjup

Li Wuting, “…”AOMfmNVOgSKSjyymIEHwgtZYvfDPRd

MesDDohlPcuHOZH

Ning Ruchen continued, “Saying that the treasury’s money has all been taken by the Cui family. Seeing him speak with such frenzy, in utter disarray, his fists clenched red and grinding his teeth, his expression seemed genuine—so I took the liberty of reporting to Your Majesty, hoping to uncover the truth and severely punish the chief culprit!”MeBPJZuFtHjdGwxPDXMGMzHWPNaIgA

RLmnSniEFHRzKlH

He finished in one breath, quickly calculating in his mind.zcjZgUmUIffmAOzdJYaCEeWEjHiGBk

FNpgkSnxBdoFVKw

Seventy-four words to turn the tables.KPYcmMOmhTPdUMRhkuEbVyXNljRDQa

RqmXASLlQhwMnAq

As he was silently calculating, he suddenly heard Li Wuting speak, “It seems I have misunderstood Minister Ning.”zxiZqJjyKrpEnTskGwrnRgskQDOtbB

vDmHjfcaSqhsZPY

Ning Ruchen looked up, filled with hope: He’s not pursuing it further?tWsGYyJfwANtScpxQdWkUVzfTDfgOz

QYnneyNgvBCToDv

Li Wuting remarked, “It seems your personal relationship with Minister Geng is quite poor.”KLocpjarDwMyYDVkHeqABwKLmMdgek

JrEUknhDzLeBwWW

“…” Ning Ruchen’s lips quivered: Is that important?!yvvMqXTinJSUyVDOAXJeTjuqFeVKXN

NFzaxRdcrCxAYPW

Amidst the surge of emotions within him, the emperor before him withdrew his gaze.lctYvkyMMuXlSGbPVbkbjWvVWQwaAI

zDLeWnnpvWTUBji

A light voice fell, “Minister Ning, do you realize how much more troublesome it is to deal with the Cui family compared to handling a Minister like Geng?”YKtJAykbVSeZJtFjwCzOHUlPPUbYIX

mOBmvdhbQYVWRgY

Ning Ruchen’s breath hitched.QxzscHLKGUvqfFgDhIAyntjpjSKOIM

CCvaSPsGzseFZtX

After Li Wuting finished speaking, he stepped towards the exit of the imperial study, “Consider today’s words unsaid. Go back, you are no longer needed for duty here.”SxlwkrkvBLhaPklwvpHLpcZaxQBRJG

qdNedTQIEhyIQfX

De Quan, with sweat beading on his forehead, hurriedly followed: Finally, a turn of the page, scared him to death…BMkOBdAOKyYrjIisPnxynskTYduoIT

VkIvCiSMlsEiQTt

As the dark fabric of the emperor’s robes brushed past Ning Ruchen’s crimson official robe, Ning Ruchen suddenly reached out and grabbed the hem of the emperor’s garment—WVOIfDusoSSazrctFmyTPAlUYeJrDd

qPAIwZGaQtxTAEn

Li Wuting stopped in his tracks and looked down.dLzmDacEWsuDCpqtQQkEKUFCBqCptC

uxJdHBNDNprvsHS

De Quan almost knelt down: Oh no, what now?!guemEDWiHkWLMzaQuLCxXmPFHWvrkJ

LyNOSWhquVbrvUP

Ning Ruchen’s heart was drumming, but he still tightened his grip on Li Wuting’s robe. Having decided to take this step, he was committed to seeing it through.CPlmjjjHyQumypPaCdBkTPCowPXTiF

GeJrmGJiAACTDdH

He exhaled, meeting those penetrating eyes, “It may be troublesome… but I am willing to be Your Majesty’s blade.”UaogKLmMxETEWjXwnvWgCHmDQJmCrU

UVqiqtqyJHavcxa

Li Wuting’s gaze followed Ning Ruchen’s arm up to the face looking up at him, his slender hand stark against the dark fabric of his robes, fragile as if it could not withstand a single fold.MkrspufTlHggdaKmKFcgQBqPjlYWcX

grdBIiNxmFKMrJq

After a moment of silence, “Let go.”dQZqNOEbMAqEOZYMeaSGGOPyopzOfH

vlrzzjgHySRGiqv

With a crash, the sound of a cup shattering echoed from the imperial study.iRSSyWriuHcMBQnCbJylOSWNQzCuXa

jPXfgdBMAoWroIm

Immediately after, the palace attendants outside heard the Emperor’s wrath, fierce as thunder:fmqPGeTRIMIjZdEwfzbExWGWkNykYK

oWcHWQTCxLaIJZv

“Ning Chen’s conduct is outrageous, drag him out, and administer thirty lashes!”XjvEuYbsnBgwPAgdTSJlbTeLhfPTJO

HeXKGIsTGdSaVKB

The palace attendants were terrified into silence.KfTzvuAovSyZEvnsTryaVPsYrOlbDC

JjjMQXpzWCyKbaV

They couldn’t fathom how Lord Ning, who always enjoyed the Emperor’s favor, had managed to enrage His Majesty.GsbnTPHDTWAeLPKoRkomzHckOmmcnK

xXAwoBKSiNwbXSm

Two teams of the imperial guards were ordered to come forward. Soon, chilling thuds resonated through the courtyard:tlumNuGcgFpOqOyHEblqTushhOTvlu

lgcPcCPhPojZpxP

Thud, thud, thud…CBPzMLzOwoOqQYsHwKSIcvPcROrOjn

EauxeLVnKXgssAA

·opEYCakmDMxtbiUduwPFmXyWoLcLHW

CypMCdWDHRHfEvu

In the brightly lit courtyard.cWcFBWrOQDlGrxuFsLBfUZhnApsZOy

uHQkUMNRsrxlaeg

A large piece of pork was firmly tied to a wooden bench, and two imperial guards wielding rods dutifully struck the pork buttocks: Thud, thud, thud!JAzWAXlSkLlaMyWFiKMVBDNzlthadg

WEsVTEXvMGjJzqr

Ning Ruchen, wrapped in his cloak, sat not far away, sipping tea delicately, the very picture of fragility.AjIjnbEHtiPSoRjUWdifYWIUWjQJse

jSGmmIMlAsNPDia

Though it was a ruse of self-inflicted injury…hJZqXnqIBKHlLxAJoScqLygxbQSOju

ugnFYrXgZtxlCTV

But to find such a substitute for him, was this some kind of veiled message?aCZdmsHjAbAdcaZjFkyYDCECDDeONj

fBTbbFnPIhiBcov

He glanced sideways at Li Wuting.JWZZpZkRSJLvPzCLzXDNxEeSYvxqix

CrDxtDggCYAzQDt

Li Wuting’s face was expressionless, “This is the first time I’ve used such a fragile blade.”fvoaiHpGgRHqUBljRUTDMNToBPVMgC

xUILoGqtTlTENni

Ning Ruchen, embarrassed, replied, “Assassins are all high offense, low defense…”nagZIqpnpVneYZCJDBynhBGnlltIbk

korCNakKKVZfDPn

He didn’t wait to see if Li Wuting understood, turning to others with a grin, showing off his teeth, “Should I make it more realistic?”eHUHKgsCPMbvgRplECmfWNvaCRPyyu

GFweVExdUIpTuxh

Li Wuting’s lips twitched slightly, as if on alert.yMGyXRhFdshbnuzjBhkaVAHeAhRxmf

sKomPWgWbqgCxgv

Ning Ruchen had already put down his teacup and started, “Hiss… Ah… Ahhh…”GfjnNUDmUSbgkaDbRpaMDVfwzpaJYQ

OULmfaeMWFLYxRL

“Ah… Your Majesty, spare my life…!”DumpEZeltWnxpULeeuAlSZQLwwrBvO

PqhGXkGmNAbenCZ

He cried out very earnestly, while De Quan beside him grew anxious.YBZQWuwfypoUKOFcPiNhxfKInHQGnP

uavqnJyiyciLBts

Li Wuting’s forehead twitched, unable to bear it any longer, “Shut up.”wdbqxNtWruePDJFPYdssLQCpKVPuIJ

cYHitCBHugtddlD

“…Ah.”bTNDxMJsdTiQUfGqRfODJYaJqaYpWz

sTZKSOiWxBbuLzv

Ning Ruchen ended with a whisper, then obediently closed his mouth and lowered his head to drink tea.dcnuRNWAWhnMGKfsctgBlcpvurORIQ

wOOvOSayhtntkhk

He actually felt pretty good about his performance, emotions and all.YdQGxRGsfXwItGAsWLqxOlKKDJcqXA

TCNdjIFidxJsDDs

The thirty lashes were soon over.RRpiPWOmBFLjIlRaoPNXYspQbmjjFM

qKaYfgEUXklHilo

The imperial guards, rumored to kill without shedding blood, were tidily packing up the pork on the bench.mIqgJMDFDYMKQjyHzqNqsXaUyfxxGe

bRUCdOSBPaGVhPR

Ning Ruchen praised yet felt ashamed, “They’ve been wronged.”BaHZrKZmWAxjuGZTlCpYtZKSCpMlnC

UyBrbXOXkVnYSUC

Forcing the emperor’s personal secret service to perform such tasks was indeed his fault.zecoLGKLNcFhDTWlUwQSPxKxgitXda

BjIxcbNreuFhixY

“If you are to be my blade, you must be prepared to do anything,” Li Wuting said indifferently.WfmusEFkMumiEPrAJULRlzFowtEzca

TbokRtXAMMbjtPj

As they spoke, the imperial guards walked past Ning Ruchen, carrying the pork. He glanced at it; after thirty lashes, the whole piece was battered and torn.SDTdwRIDMrJlHEQiDfJWWkcwTTEoYn

JAkdsywYOjaEnKq

“Minister Ning.” A voice drew his attention back.kzLVfRRVSEQikFeVBAveQStOICPlKx

wvvwRXBEnynnGVg

Ning Ruchen turned his head and saw Li Wuting’s distinct profile against the grey-white wall of the courtyard, his gaze distant, “I am giving you this opportunity, do not disappoint me.”tvzUBVfXdtCcCTXESOyccqtJPCzaTV

oJDQzjTkEVYbkje

He gripped his teacup tighter, the warmth seeping from his fingertips straight to his heart.AlzPjTiBPiAFjylZwVxryuLpQSDvbB

GlmZDduxCJiyfdm

“I will give it my all.”PdgPMASfOHSQTiBZOOhAvwLReiIzWC

UrORlMjsgNqVtVl

…woZahDyeEIVkcXKUXVcItnOBUEtKtt

desMBrvzgZlNwAD

Back at Ning Residence.sjQdxyriDrUnjyMXpSQAbpAbBkxHyJ

LvqqurXjsRgFVeV

As soon as Ning Ruchen entered, he instructed Xinglan to bring him paper and ink, and then he began to write furiously.UPfzBfHYFHJHqBIeBWTSPzyixGVWig

iSBCaXsqppMenbb

Yan Min leaned in, “My lord, what are you doing?”iSkpNGXqJhYJPwLicGBdHTMcQFLGMl

ajqYmioWimPqJwB

Ning Ruchen didn’t look up, “I am giving it my all.”mfrCkyDeKCbnwovUDcFrWcuGiSNZHj

WySoeStQepxdoGL

Yan Min: ??fLBNnmduHIdbXpFrWARomjIJBXKqTZ

lMfmZlgskNZmqgE

Soon, the paper was filled with item after item.pzgPguCjRQrqlDFBrELhOLpLtnyZni

nrxtfOolAhyAMHb

Ning Ruchen reviewed the list, satisfied there were no oversights, and confidently stepped out to summon ten of his bodyguards.hzKiERiBYhYpboBycqLhaXvuqhcRWG

wJTtqWIAQGOjyGd

“From now on, you’ll follow the instructions on my note, make a bit of a scene—put your clothes on! I don’t mean that kind of scene… Be louder, got it?”YcxSJWUTVcmVjVTtnMNUyjUWTrUTrp

EQnOCGyzwDBVjLd

The bodyguards bowed in unison, “Yes, my lord!”uDuHeXgcYTVsnrhCmngudjNUeXtxPD

NGNQZzNMSXfzaPD

Once a group of formidable figures disappeared outside the courtyard, Yan Min approached, “What did you send them to buy, my lord?”UbbfQNJJznDXEOWOXUrSQEJJJoKfkQ

pyNthXZiGmrkNWJ

Ning Ruchen gracefully handed over the note, displaying the eloquently written list—rlrAEHSnWyMFVuyVcRqlmmXAKyzZLy

GTIwPqdTCcYDMYP

Yan Min looked down:uVReYjcEYfPOuNObgHjBAYyyMOTabi

vEmEXdYHLdwNdOk

Buy incense burners in the eastern market, marrow bones in the western market;MGfQiJftMzERofCAhwbXbLAweSXtyA

waVkJOgAzoCFmQS

Seek a physician in the southern market, tear white cloth in the northern market.JaYMcmsaaqNZbjfbLexPWnkZCaKars

bSfjRztfsWQDZMG

“……”blQNkUcEedgNVOESBabsGCCYIgTXVZ

DXdVgiDVWnWWKxC

Ning Ruchen asked with anticipation, “What are your thoughts?”hhupSxJtZgwZRXasSDxriOHVudEZFg

ywpRdVQSeIVQDrG

Yan Min, “I dare not even think it.”vYmjgWmaMLUYJLipuIItTtMmhgZegj

xLEiaCgRTPSkMPB

·WshTzkgyERcBUaZZejRpKPSlOMGfYT

pBuJEDRkvHkFege

In just a day, rumors spread far and wide—tHyXuYZtoakQBqSOyhxpcuyuHcFsIE

VoLhYggDpqIXqMO

Ning Ruchen lay on a soft couch in the courtyard, squinting his eyes in the sunset, “What are they saying outside now?”pSiBCbRjOcyNXKUAkHhdAjWcQgUOkV

czxjJBsIKIFmLmT

Yan Min reported truthfully, “Everyone in the court says that you’ve fallen out of favor for speaking up for Minister Geng and angered His Majesty, resulting in thirty lashes. They say you were unable to stand right after and were carried back to Ning Residence covered in a white cloth.”GqxwcfrznuyjZIPilpCtwAAYscJgqM

OIvuDwDwEKvaoAL

“Do they believe it?”AJcZZVTXoddCyMmtaIiCmZRiGCZKkW

fSpIPjoDScfmLRB

“They do. Everyone knows you broke eight ribs, and the house bought ten jin of marrow bones to nourish you back to health. They’ve also rounded up all the physicians in the capital and brought in two carts of medicinal herbs to save your life.”NuZJckuzLEEmTQQwIXFNKinfmHAYYi

lXROhZHMENXMxzs

“And those white silks…” Yan Min paused, seeming hesitant, “Uh, my lord, isn’t this a bit exaggerated?”SegRkhGkGISHlyLxCpffQoksqJHySz

LQnmzCpVOUADcHB

“It’s precisely the ambiguity between truth and fiction that we aim for.” Ning Ruchen slightly opened his eyes, his long eyelashes catching the thin gold of the sunset, “To deceive the enemy, one must first deceive oneself.”nIcBjNYrnMFoYevqXhEwVFSrZaocyS

jdWcXZsUSYKvpuh

He gazed leisurely into the distance, “Ah, it must be dazzling.”SaTWCSfhrfryvFsBmYowWCXAPkxNAk

kjQMtdJAmlpSvBv

…GpRzprbiHyqyFbMoMpsuZFUraLyRIB

hYyMIAhXWLPFtYR

Meanwhile, in the Yangxin Hall.YvBqhHoxLuXBYMnKCwNvHugtTEUqrQ

fzduCvcnpwPNBtW

Li Wuting rubbed his temples in confusion, “Say that again, what is he doing?”AaAPBnzQWWWYVYZSaPsNzepOevwgeG

GfiDQWfKIPzyFpa

De Quan bowed, “Your Majesty, it’s said that Ning Residence has started tearing white cloth, preparing to hang mourning banners.”GGOzGGFdBhURnUAlyKkfjZinwbbydq

egCNTewGGWVPnkY

“……”NKyJVGrgKKEcVIhHhbAMfoHcKrbEtf

FPoguNqXbLihxbm

De Quan cautiously gauged the emperor’s expression, attempting to lighten the mood, “Although it’s a self-inflicted strategy, Lord Ning might have made it too convincing, even I almost believed it.”WrHRUrYUBXKjqWBNljJohTyAPbpqNt

HqItZeSBKipQNKL

After his remark, the hall remained silent.GTaRXGpXBViwySSliaYWAETBVlPmuh

kSKnmKfHCfkZGzg

After a long pause, Li Wuting suddenly spoke, “That day, I indeed did not hit him, right?”ANJLVAZYgvOJcXpqLfxiRljxqCYjZq

GIzFdKjBQSFnaJR

De Quan looked up in shock, “Your Majesty?”kwXpPWgMnVMFCrxHUgyELQjaTispQO

LygxXkhbJlPYIHG

Li Wuting’s brows were deeply furrowed, a sense of bewilderment overtaking him, “Nor did I punish him in any other way? That teacup… it didn’t touch him?”NnnaRLuULGgpSpYrjWNhKepVdpeeLf

OrLadmAHsVeRTlP

“That would be—”gzFvJwKXCnjTtmmQjRBEHVwBGWdrJA

TcmiujmTeqZIptl

De Quan was initially certain, but upon being questioned, suddenly became unsure himself: Lord Ning’s frail condition was indeed hard to clarify.jpMtHulrzuaeIvxjLEHfQJyiCMSBYU

NYFCGXVsoRfnpVY

He kneeled down with a thump, “This servant, this servant can’t remember clearly either…”NjtYAyVznHHiyeafmDXCqwqWffDjEy

eaFRfKizhbKhPBE

Li Wuting felt his head ache from all the rumors.TnAtPLpQyYfTlajySaFlMbOSyWmpbU

qtoXuJQkFEPkMqg

Ever since his rebirth, many things had taken a bizarre turn, almost like living in a dream.yeZtnFLFivGMppmqxVdRZNAgjLMLpN

BeNZMKnUTBFwXCf

“Shiyi.”jnRbQRADBfWEwHAPVYyPSgPKcbVomE

BAxcDZfAonqvUvl

A figure silently kneeled in the hall.mBywxpJRSmAXcMAPCwltMggMtziWAs

IuMJUPksnJgEPmB

“Go see if he’s feigning illness or—” Mid-sentence, Li Wuting seemed to remember something and stopped, “Never mind, you’re dismissed.”JnOlVOBuyRgKGCdjivySXBLIIoUCRC

feULbgnKorFURof

Shiyi silently bowed and disappeared.vQEqWwguzMDuHxMEAWJQLgupSNPBrO

tBBxsqYjjZlWwlu

After a moment, Li Wuting stood up, looking towards the sky outside the hall, already tinged with a hint of dusk, “There’s nothing urgent today, I’ll leave the palace.”JGKAjWyzJgFRKrIutcccwPwpYIEPcS

WsJsmIJtEgNZxZl

He wanted to see if he was delusional.vsswzvXRDAgFPhNMvtOQHvFaBtTyjd

qDuvSCprPLRmfjG

·NdNoDzvYTmfdHAwfbUDegVgbzUGbmX

wEEaPoLVZFFQfmI

While Ning Ruchen was “seriously ill” at home, the front of Ning Residence was unusually quiet, a stark contrast to the bustling scene of colleagues visiting last time.JUehiZhLqsRTapefmljPMWXLKPDWTL

ufoypgyBChyJzKe

The only visitor was Geng Yan.nvalLxpjoAvSTmCKFpzSRuGoNMUvkO

FUyOsOzCtxmtgbX

When Geng Yan entered the residence, carrying generous gifts, he saw the entire estate enveloped in a heavy scent of medicinal herbs, with smoke curling up from the main courtyard, making it seem as if the master’s life was hanging by a thread.XkIOKFpSTsYeBRLWOgekYvCabPZOPd

jEopVTYpUFnpkSh

The servants were all busy hanging white cloth, so much so that there wasn’t even anyone to announce his arrival.ORKyPgXtcRvsVEjIgeteEzreoskemI

JnvYwurtLGgmxLH

His heart skipped a beat, and he headed straight for the main courtyard, “Ning Chen!”SzaSdLxUNLodbSgoMHbrfPtbNjfcem

XgafQUcSLUMLxon

He rushed through the front courtyard and into the main one, greeted by a cloud of white smoke.cfBglwjckXGOOCpejWlTpEmjEerLnZ

cWWpYSIPATeHrpQ

As the smoke dissipated, he saw Ning Ruchen, Yan Min, and Xinglan gathered around a small table, enjoying hot pot, their faces flushed with warmth and joy.EKRTMuCYNezwokFtfPavlwxMYbYBBK

vdfBsywZCapftTT

It looked utterly harmonious and festive.WTrfpHYetEdjxLrRPGLiNzSoRcyJPo

BENemNGrdoubrJD

Geng Yan was stunned on the spot.ZyaoqlrTWAaCmSQpMxynOjPvsDpFev

IhBxiIxzCMFzDVa

“Add some more pork belly…” Ning Ruchen was enjoying himself when he turned his head to see Geng Yan standing at the courtyard entrance, “What brings you here?”lRHmywDdEUGgfpNjtXvvMVUMuXfbpl

OjGAmVqcHgUoJYp

Geng Yan stared at him, his lips trembling.qSzCpVZRUqNaDCtHIHTzLFsSPhMMkL

mTkozGtMXKXidea

As if he was about to unleash a string of expletives.tWnLRNbfiscSHHuoeoQMTHbrzbdDSd

YQaEYAGsWmBwusI

After speaking, Ning Ruchen noticed the gift box in the other’s hands and hurriedly put down his chopsticks, awkwardly calling out, “Ah, you’re here already, what did you bring… Uncle Yan, go help him with that, it looks heavy.”zDyHHGGIglcJmTwIIzMDYCrZYTXUwK

kYpZMuMXaOBGzuT

Yan Min promptly went forward to take the generous gift, placing it inside.pEHyVTZdDMQuDCIWxXAmIBAVLWzGSg

pJvVRsHMjSdpuOO

Finally snapping out of it, Geng Yan asked, “Is this… your last burst of energy?”tRCGKprLyauIfjroSAWOwqifWrNyWp

UzFHmtVuDzMdKmI

Ning Ruchen marveled, “Do you talk like this when you visit the sick at other houses?”cRXBgERPLlRgVnAikCDGRqkAOCyOZP

ZCKvzPrkFdKlYeE

Bathed in his gentle gaze.GExYUqITuYofBvuWjrkkAOsXkqXssU

wTzZNXxOxnclYqJ

Geng Yan had a sudden realization, fully waking up.xkWzJejRCgMnFsIYNQfvjOYlFkDKGf

aQAgZHYuAxswnLM

…fPgkcwvpBUWUVsVgmPBeuYfzjVUmVL

OeefSxrvIvQEBVn

A quarter of an hour later, an extra set of bowl and chopsticks was added to the table.JbACinQYxMZVAjXdtDMoakLcgkuKlE

keIOLaQUqBPbozh

After hearing the whole story, Geng Yan began to contemplate the possibility of taking his generous gift back.NkQCEThiGtKjfrcsXsHvEUbsLdoswJ

EWCPxwDGDDfXJFh

Reading his expression, Ning Ruchen casually mentioned, “Oh, by the way, that teacup just brushed past my shoulder and flew out. With a bang! The shards scattered high.”EOPuEjweyRMGKgeUzkqBsKknWdCTRQ

SqGBDWFZwrkCiMf

Geng Yan swallowed, “Oh…”AcSnUMUfNCGnnvvZjeMZdajBsxXyYt

XhIEdlBCuqSjJBD

Ning Ruchen continued to cook the pork belly, “The board used to beat the pork—so long. When the imperial guards carried that piece of battered flesh past me, His Majesty whispered to me: ‘Minister Ning, do not disappoint me…'”oDRChlRdaPsVSOWCblXBEtiVuzsmXg

vEfsoUbmxWoZmGi

“Alright, alright!” Geng Yan, feeling his scalp tingle, almost dropped his chopsticks, “You’ve suffered enough, let’s not talk about it.”qVIhBKTkztucVfvaOVKWhJoTNczUna

VlNzYstAIUKQpoM

He didn’t mention taking the gifts back anymore.XxDaLHDBYEXCMARfcDEozGdbjBQbaO

TqQgVRMNqbpmJZO

Ning Ruchen contentedly went back to enjoying the hot pot.RYLLoEFeDpPztwHYHJxewnjszauaDN

twBrqgjYFVXDwFg

Geng Yan found it hard to eat, “You’re supposed to be ‘critically ill’, shouldn’t you at least act a bit more like it? If others find out…”ggzOhUxbsSWocFfrVtuDevprQJDsui

jUkerUNQmLZBNND

“Don’t worry.” Ning Ruchen said with ease, “Right now, not even a dog comes to our house.”mnTyHgrVcDXVrZXYQuRaummLfxIOLn

rcQIfdyaSmkNPHG

After his remark, Ning Ruchen noticed Geng Yan’s expression and quickly added, “Except for you.”SWpszXXmymEWpOySXUqrGydVaxUbSV

AAgJTDJlrJGCoUJ

Geng Yan’s expression twisted even more.aXszIrsBVXgbbWSGfvxIoWesPqQPTG

roOdNPNdllYuLpd

As the two were vigorously battling with their chopsticks in the pot, Xinglan suddenly exclaimed towards the courtyard entrance, “My lord! Besides Master Geng and dogs, someone else has arrived!”wPGagZYVjxSQeptpwdGWyYuPJLKaGA

CwOzftioiGMbFGX

Ning Ruchen: ?unwnyEdpONWDSpiCzgNcnzEKlatNFG

JaVDkeZECsZdqvb

Geng Yan: ??? What does this mean?MPqLwHrJmOCHBxBipXtjfHsGOhXxdZ

UbdeivuPkUkLjmN

Both turned their heads towards the direction of the courtyard door, and through the misty white smoke, they were suddenly confronted with the figure standing quietly at the entrance.TsfwoLuEMFqCqcEKjHKsVTuytystmI

oreUvGNGcjoYyXl

“…” Ning Ruchen’s heart skipped a beat.XEibvqWrgLaTjQIvXPEWdgTgRdNHFc

EdWxAtFxhKhSvFm

The dim twilight mixed with the smoke obscured the visitor’s face.HYzCfzwbezzfaPpQRwHqnCBPyCirLc

MxBewVKhMMiNLLr

Only the tall and upright figure, and a “servant” who seemed to be burying his head into his chest beside him, were discernible. A voice as cool and clear as jade cut through the haze:FllhuhNVHkhIaYJMFAcphXsIdqzDLY

uVVUVrGwdsekMTb

“Minister Ning seems to be enjoying himself.”oUCslBrNxaQyqYVuSUhDdlGxePuztY

UdDgzSspOoEpeIa

Ning Ruchen’s breath hitched, feeling dizzy:VfxahGJAlZtVSgkfZChfTNIZXgJuRD

vkdjIxlpxfzATLJ

Why was Li Wuting here!vkoqemgjDFEYmBtJAnQXPuSRQSufDw

JAIjGItHTOujuqb

“You…” Just as he started to speak, a figure beside him suddenly moved.vFJDGaFAfLQlNmgNiQIpAkYmaZJvqq

HKyFPejTSNgWnvM

Yan Min had already stood up, intending to repeat the gesture of receiving the heavy gift from De Quan’s hands, “You’re here—”qJZzSooVwEIDxTnlfcYEfYSWyKhvWv

PxAlBqRBAmkIduV

“Stop…!” Ning Ruchen quickly pulled Yan Min back.siKzwQgSjzdmTdOzkGagbhiIleIVwo

IrbPuuIoatkHPpI

A gust of night wind blew through, dispersing the smoke.BgzlUQwTeWISoNSvmOTFtEpLnFwbUi

hDzdhbIPNwuntWj

He faced Li Wuting’s gaze, deeper than the twilight, across half the courtyard. Swallowing hard, he then stood up and brushed off a stone bench as if to welcome him, “Please, take a seat, as if you’re in your own home.”jpBAPtMIssPlBjLYzsEDCcthophFSZ

LsAlRBfiDQgIyja

Li Wuting observed his flushed face.gBxwcpRYOtAxASaHgBHwDbXxwaIXqs

rACLfoNVrmbgIDj

A cold laugh fell, “Hmph.”XsndrBRRHIjZAMasGwRuopjVFNDuLz

rftTbzyKgfkwWBr