This official is so weak

Ning Rushen moistened his lips. How should he respond?OWlagcynYEebdVDiPnxPUYDfDAQQXr

adSlEOXpGZORsqk

Seeing Li Wuting still standing in place, he took a half step to the side and gently issued an invitation, “Please, take a seat.” Seize the warmth.WaNhQUoPgjzHJyKYIEXZaxiepMznZP

TAKZQAEuXBCdLFu

Only then did Yan Min and Xinglan belatedly recognize De Quan, immediately dropping to the ground in shock, “Your Majesty!”LbmbMqPsYpXCDCuPvdxFLVFQzGFMdJ

gvWPRcizNaLJCBo

Xinglan was especially terrified, her pupils trembling, and she kept muttering the sentence that spelled doom: “Lord Geng and the dog, Lord Geng and the dog…”aSAMpmNTNmNgLSgNmHVXusvtgJAwVl

mOQlpUMCWYbrHyr

Ning Rushen caught a glimpse of this unfortunate child, “…”krHnsvuOpINPvTcSFrzakBkMFENpPm

vCYYSWEDkxyLFvD

Fortunately, Li Wuting had no intention of making things difficult for them, saying “At ease” before stopping in front of Ning Rushen.IqycJmQjCcYqIXKzBKCJUxhgTlSVkc

uvmEeHDRLFsmhgG

He then noticed the person in front of him, not only with cheeks flushed from eating but also with lips so red and lustrous, shining brightly against the red mole on his ear in this dim, elegantly simple courtyard. It was a vivid and lively beauty he had never seen in his memories.zpaTuTkEqEygvvptFKIoONDuMwwhGy

ZLMdCDTEtsYDTmg

Facing that silent scrutiny, Ning Rushen nervously pursed his lips:LXiDTyEHXlxnUTAwHiOmMoBfRwjSxR

gZNkcjdDRBqgTcG

He quietly licked his upper lip: Hmm…not sticky..ZTRFrIefcdGjCVmWAsvgKPvqSJBePc

QkqqMwcpJoZgSQH

(Kipzi – no food on his lips. Doesn’t know why the emperor is staring lol)TaUqrUYlcccXlKYyZpxbcpQKQWfJMC

lYkwvweiFwptUoQ

Before Ning Rushen could retract his tongue, the person before him moved. Instinctively leaning back, his lower back hit the cold, hard edge of the table.CsiSUIqlbzhasLYYEzUzVVENfMlueS

DVEUaNjFDUBcdRF

But then he saw Li Wuting move past him and sit down, lifting his robe.cnuNyXQKCkWQIfTRZgCdeRZAcCnCff

WvGhgzxNLQeTicy

In the smoky twilight, Li Wuting, dressed in a low-key deep teal uniform with dark raven patterns along the edges, sat by the stone table, his whole being exuding a clear and noble aura.DuaPbfmBTnguLQoabyXmRROsqLHswX

lLXGGfNFmikXMMn

Only when he lifted his eyes did a sharpness leak out, like a gentleman concealing a blade.EOGsWoRiXkzNCOjkQbIxTcBytBBZko

PidQdfhsNVgtHGO

Until a soft voice said, “Everyone, please sit.”PNUvBzgUvAbZYQJWZYKmBizhbuWntu

ITDYQiJsoVulKuO

He slowed his breathing and sat down with Geng Yan, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”zdyouSJmvnoSWTPKJctsiHuRNzcCqo

HodRfDtpqaGMAUJ

Geng Yan had been trying to make himself as small as possible since the beginning, and even after sitting down, he couldn’t muster a word. Ning Rushen couldn’t rely on him and had to break the silence himself,TXRXLlwLomUKSMveczmfSiAsrgVixE

jWKWbUddnDbHPIX

“Your Majesty, what brings you here so suddenly? The servants didn’t even announce your arrival.”UPizuCdbHpFNuYmxBPMgaDRQSQQcEL

KdMxHXgAdfXIQzO

Li Wuting almost smiled, “Don’t blame them; they’re all busy.”hPuKuelDvOjpUKskQJhCubKmBgopuk

iqLelUUEwsGxJcW

Ning Rushen thought of the servants busy pulling at white cloths: …RXIbanHhpnBlOSvfYFHvfuJeEGEmbc

qcLtLxZdZAPGEwb

After speaking, he took the opportunity to send Yan Min out to stand guard and sent the terrified Xinglan away, “Go to the kitchen and bring a bowl of soup for His Majesty.”jrejBjjlBUIigyndDSCRYSxPRDsluG

akqumNxToWQcXsJ

Li Wuting frowned, “No need…”HwFCStIuSAjjTKAnvoFMTURtOGpKbS

waVAIldbzfeSQof

But Xinglan had already darted off like a rabbit.tlEILUeUReUIsikStWIhMKXbyyCHIO

yeskklmQdSNZPxt

“…”fvzxQqZJmoUWtyFKKLniIAudXQLdTF

riLccXmgshQAPQk

The bowl of soup was quickly brought over.AgrqOraGhoHvbkIAUFvucaXavFYHeE

JmHfVckEblUOlYy

It was the original broth used for hotpot, stewed until it was milky and rich, with tender, flavorful meat and bones floating in it.qtQNAuXvbVNyRozRdsBtPhMzvQlHHu

qzZbiTQMliscliA

Ning Rushen pushed the bowl towards Li Wuting: Go ahead and eat. Once you do, you’ll have no ground to criticize me.TwHzrhUIHIvMTGaEYbCPgiMkfTIZfg

ZrfTaooImJpafUi

Li Wuting glanced at it but didn’t move. As the emperor, he couldn’t be careless about what he consumed.OxBbombUCnqUOVOmZkGkHNFTvjpfSR

NIlShArAjKPvIag

He asked casually, “What soup is this?”qytlwirPzyCPtNdcAMXaEYAcNIvaoH

CboNVTSzuELVERv

Ning Rushen replied, “Soup stewed from ten pounds of bones.”rhjWxvEtNBuzEtMbmuRqCjFmnfkHVG

LFfocoJxStyGktw

Li Wuting chuckled coolly, “Oh. If I take another sip, will it cause Ning to grow a couple of ribs less?”qNcUmBTHLSidLIxNEvHKbtGZekxQNR

CoNvaknQeEnPuUR

(Kipzi – he’s saying he’s too skinny.)ooEtjhCTpMboaTQayvJZxTynnRDLjg

HBkAZcQggozlUAp

Ning Rushen, “…”ydeouKiBkqoAYduhkWOjaWkSZjUVJs

mfXyoxmXRnEQHgN

What’s going on? Why has Li Wuting been giving off such a strange vibe since earlier? Did I offend him somehow?DMtFBuLgutQHgWQuDKEPIFjnSUDWdI

VMSAwdsQKdShAOh

He touched his ribs, “No harm done. I’ve had it twice and nearly grew armor.”eBSxocsbYStLXuYFUqXJWTdNStSolJ

HEeIZfPUWVtXLBU

Li Wuting, “…”qPvYGZyEFCjjIvdBBwmbTSomWHIteX

jZtbBBugzyNRwfc

De Quan, sweating profusely on the side, thought to himself:MwHNUqaUXXQHSWwlTPmPODeyjuhXqj

ADxIgwuXBVEIQna

Oh dear, Li Wuting, could you hold back a bit? It’s those rumors about you that got His Majesty all mixed up, leading him to make this special trip!ZrtmAKnVPrCPkJEegvurNtkvRWEwda

juadRzwftvKeKIp

As Ning Rushen was rubbing his ribs under Li Wuting’s silent gaze, De Quan cleared his throat, “Li Wuting, actually—”ZWvWiYvEpQOaTRiJCkIzgwmHuZXLXc

bcyEuKxrMdyMGyS

“Li Wuting!”XgLFMOIOejiKDoEznlWjjiJDHxheHF

kkDGzIzbGSVHbDu

Yan Min’s voice suddenly came from outside, interrupting De Quan.TjxMjbSgktdqViDdpxGrgFjCcfJMRg

DZzvtytGbqcNytj

Ning Rushen: Hm? Actually, what??doZsLDFHUkkzFuVcwJKeVhYmaYhiwW

iBKOSmxoHEqapVV

In a flash, Yan Min had run inside, “Great… uh, no, Your Majesty!”IqAqDYjkWZABkRPWegzNfsPVMxbEKn

RylMtXVhIxpZYbp

Li Wuting lowered his eyes, “What’s the matter?”okpbzbsXQpynqTCNBQnoTwjXqaIzmh

kKYRilFPRTPYmTJ

Yan Min reported, “Meng Fu Cheng has sent a visiting card, and he’s waiting at the entrance!”YwyDLcFdBRlzjpJHDekxXixyukasdp

avRUyWZLulEdPli

Ning Rushen was shocked: Why is someone coming over in the middle of the night!XIheRfXlrqKrqeRmFGZCurZXoRMyzm

rTKZVSofNCMDScd

All he wanted was to enjoy a hotpot meal!LiiDJzOUHVNAjuPpQApPxyBftyvUMN

ohPSGtBdKpeHcqr

He was momentarily confused, “Who’s that now?”KcpnQnrRxWCiDSwLdpHWPgJqesrNdw

anWXWHvQBMbUXMr

Li Wuting glanced at him, his expression inscrutable.mDseQApwRqbZByKeddebOiDhLveAgJ

SdtuDwUqjGtnWla

After a moment, he moved his lips and finally answered, “The Prefect of the Zhanshi Prefecture, Meng Ke Bao, a relative by marriage under the Cui family.”yxlwaRBujHYfueexHnwVHJcjWQBSUU

zkAnzQBqAPFbxyP

Ning Rushen suddenly understood.XUasQyxnhLetcqXwWMvKBjKyPgiWUT

AuwOsBVptmMBEBZ

The King of Hell hasn’t arrived, but a lesser demon has shown up first.VHVdXfbOCwsoeqaIiHmnRLTooQskPc

AtZWxzPyLwvvZeC

He glanced at the bubbling hotpot on the table and then looked around at those present: himself, Li Wuting, Geng Yan, and outside, waiting, a relative by marriage from the Cui family.TobZsbCRbLotOOntLAWcsIIAKJHhpD

UrYTenWGXadiKPB

—All the people who shouldn’t be together were gathered.aCMtupcdFLZmeUMXToRqtTaqpcVGdh

UyCpUPsVieSJBSL

He took the visiting card, “Should I meet him then?”hBoVQEKlBBRjGXFEHUFtWlGXWaquIv

ZOfUIVcDdbYwYCK

Li Wuting gave him a look that left no room for doubt.hkBECfLRkvjnjHaMmlwrygIZkoSyhq

rMSbDGwGyhBqVRK

Ning Rushen stood up, flicking the card in his hand, “Very well. It’s decided then, Pokémon!”vTPcAGtJkRqZOzvBJyJlIsvTphvMlT

mwIfcyLZiqgLMfW

“…Li Wuting,” Yan Min said quietly, “his name is Meng Ke Bao.”cnljSQaAWaKbtSEqBDRQABUPozlszB

FvyyPPlSIqSQONu

·dZFbdHXYLYeYsIPaCJqRWaABqNlaCh

bXNztukzXsxPbgV

Ning Rushen delayed under the pretense of “lingering illness.”uZhYWHVsrDWxZvXsbzXBioaHMKQamx

taxHaEURtuRuZtI

De Quan and Yan Min took the opportunity to have someone clean up the hotpot in the main courtyard.TdSiAFJEFZpGoHpAiCihjDioZBpxjH

qvCuBIXOYHPAuJE

Geng Yan went to another courtyard to avoid the situation.KRBXrFSXgtzPIxUSSuHHOAlkMAGbDS

phEsWSShIdmxhDI

Probably thinking of the Cui family, his exit was as dramatic as a storm, more resentful than any vengeful spirit.irXZsURlbcfbZZpogWbhCVtgulXhfe

LftHUHyovbHdtoT

Li Wuting withdrew his gaze, “Ning hasn’t exaggerated.”FsacDNTxyZqITmXxsvADPPAcLZycmL

rDDcFYpofJjmnVg

Indeed, the behavior was wild, akin to madness.hKoLZiUTXqUppSzmZDUWDvxRvDlMQk

qhgnyUXSZSzujCc

“I never deceive my sovereign.” Ning Rushen shamelessly claimed, preparing to go inside and feign illness, “Won’t Your Majesty consider stepping aside?”moIzjAspYruhrAWOfnjsdFVuKJNxmj

ABJAbQNbjuraAKB

Li Wuting’s gaze shifted towards his main house, suddenly asking, “Is Ning’s room spacious enough?”MbDUKCFDjYFgsJMGspHoudKsKkYcux

CJklBrFSaFmhAiL

Ning Rushen felt a warning bell in his heart, “What?”DcdELZSDDpfKAVxlqGIHVFZQnekbMU

MRgszJaLWXCuwYp

“It looks spacious enough to me.” Li Wuting didn’t wait for his response, continuing on his own and then lightly laughing, “I’ve never personally heard someone plot in front of me. It sounds interesting.”hxbLqXAuvHJgvPcVeMvWHgEkRfgWWY

AlsSyqZSrLabNkP

Ning Rushen: …TxLnSvgHKEbXmniDwUoWvQjQtjPcib

PFkJqNlNgOseXag

What kind of interest is this?HpDwJLqVSrxXVIsFBSNTTsRBSpxvxq

HMfEvRyxxtOuOON

Li Wuting gestured to him, “Let’s go, Ning.”cexFfMBILadcMIzuegPCIIenOVSaec

siTaNxSZvquByvy

…MAqcpRrIegrzGwNlzdtLFmQdgizCqq

XKvplfOCVlPenML

The main room was divided by a large, opaque screen, with only a few carved openings in the wooden frame allowing those behind it to clearly see into the room.JxpTpNDqvsjMXTyoLXcqmYVeHQNsua

NmoWwdnlxlzBTjb

Li Wuting, with De Quan in tow, moved behind the screen.vrxcsLysAHZxoxVQgPhmwKXISajkYo

rpdZhvjJAymRnvu

Ning Rushen, seeing the screen effectively concealed them, felt slightly more at ease. He turned and instructed Yan Min to light a lamp by the bed and incense in the room.jrQpdRNqUKUkKHzPONYNYhDkkGZyUu

ORmeAyTueHAIqim

Soon, white smoke swirled around, enveloping the bed’s canopy and casting the interior light in a dim, yellow haze.siMCLQBDPIDLnltEHWNTTkWJsfYttm

xxaFgkwAGgkauXF

Ning Rushen, satisfied, commanded his servant, “Go invite them in.”DwjqpOyMKEknsyoVAfwUqoZGQxKIOU

VyEwZVLimlsEVGa

“Yes, Li Wuting.”PsypuQMDMkOyyZqfJchrMukUfbhspt

aagcvEBrYnYqyUk

Yan Min, anxious, hurried him, “Li Wuting, you should go lie down now.”qCONQobNsOsMljPmkPVhdfmUAFImNk

KNROoyuULcVrhHt

“Alright, alright, I know.”ZDCqpqoljtbFOhzElNZfDMuZrPdVYi

HsMUxeRwWQBWJUb

As Ning Rushen spoke, he started to untie his sash and casually began to remove his pants.lhTzhiiMSCumDmqMANwgXFpEQOGICf

lNDJzdSLZqPLkEz

Yan Min, suddenly remembering the Emperor was still in the room, hastily intervened, “Li Wuting…don’t! Just cover with the blanket, no one will see.” There’s no need to undress!PPdRGGAofhstbLkzmjBasiyBulAhwn

fybySeyFzMgsjsw

Ning Rushen was shocked: His words made it sound as if he was stripping for no reason!wMHzKquZqgYqAdVcUUdHeELaZzSYyi

LhjRepYhDsQrjHi

“Don’t worry, I wasn’t planning on putting on a show.”BVVijdFGapgABymYUstfgFWutuWBxy

rZrKvZrurqZDcmq

“It’s not that I…”SsYtCdOpBzQZOlazgxaMLGfulMXVSh

vKfnIpSJGjCRQuj

“There’s no time, we have to commit to the act.” Ning Rushen stopped him, sliding his pants off and tossing them onto a stool, then lifting his legs to flip onto the bed.yxdihNhcCIObQBUfsNixpihRQBDOTd

HJEFAMorJSmUTOe

His crimson robe wrapped around his frost-white undergarments.JnbHLNtqYfoFtjfcrZHuUMFufVafPp

ZafdJrrdqyRdVTW

In the misty canopy, he flashed by, the candlelight flickering and bending with the wind, casting a swaying shadow into the tent.AvUeWeXnTfwyzDrxlmOqSEwCZBneCw

vzndkcbtmEflvSa

Yan Min was utterly at a loss for words.ayQQKRZxutVzDWtSkEQafIcCpDqECE

InsKkmvimFWdhbY

…NPZqBJrmOleCCmWgMtXJMKmInBBbFl

RPvNGogjeiFglWm

Behind the screen, De Quan buried his head into his chest.dylDbdgZsDHhQrtVwnuTGOWfIJmRvH

afgEzwhEBZPqCeg

Slivers of light and shadow fell through the carved openings, but he dared not look around carelessly, much less steal a glance at the Emperor beside him.xRGSBvRTMsSsuzDVjhrplcmASOLKEk

QFsDiYmdIBHOAOG

In his peripheral vision, he could see the Emperor’s hand, with its distinct knuckles, remaining motionless at his side. De Quan wondered if the Emperor was…tcOCLHHYRygtfyRZnWtrKdkpcvmIhx

ErQiAXePgNhkKSl

His heart skipped a beat, cursing himself internally:tSLCVghElqezRGlPFvGOWchsBkuiaq

mvEebDDRQfUcgfV

Are you trying to get yourself killed, daring to speculate about the Emperor!cksaYJKRUwluixbKkAwwAyQknyJxxc

drtZXfrpqPQaMSY

Who is the Emperor?kmBySSSZGqlMQnpSoKgPxDPUUbAEkC

iqQxhGErustNFNy

He is the sovereign above ten thousand people, a gentleman who restrains himself. Whether he saw or not, he would maintain a calm demeanor.xMPyJpuDDGTYkGpAXTCvRXrWyETnbZ

JsDltsfRSikVNKa

De Quan quickly reined in his thoughts, bowing his head in silent wait.sLXgWBNbJwJjFneXMOrXtNaYQrEbnS

AJBNgktFIAZjIYn

·DSGTBApobNjsieiXRGtZrErQpVCaIV

OAgcSEmooAoVGOu

Just as Ning Rushen settled into position on the bed, the visitor arrived.IsPTqSPFSJaPhWSVpWNFBtDMgOKwpc

DXIFsGYXvpbQhBy

Half his face buried in the pillow, he saw a man in his forties being led in by a servant. Dressed in luxurious attire, his body was lean and thin, like a mannequin from a clothing store.FgdIhDXyZJtzZHBMCityKQyGSWNXod

ItzlkcxwYEUgNwY

As soon as the man entered, his eyes started darting around, clearly harboring many thoughts.uhBuXNctpSoXiTLItXHDRMwrMaZhRY

wZtSOGdnvPKmXMl

Ning Rushen coughed discreetly into his sleeve.pLJCPVhIFfxsmmFWMrkxJpIvuXPYxd

MNPIHrEucTEclWa

Meng Ke Bao then shifted his attention back to Ning Rushen, adopting a worried expression, “Ah, Lord Ning, how is your health? I heard you were punished and I was so concerned that I came to visit immediately.”SONvvaKaAUVKSxEjXIaZzWzSyPeUMQ

XTBztLtsKZmKevF

He didn’t forget to stir the pot a bit, “Why is it so quiet here? Didn’t any of your colleagues come?”NIRptFbmoMunrQsdjUasJTzmuKcXFt

XyAGJowKvrVsUDk

Ning Rushen shook his head, “Not even a dog came.”OQaKLqAAzJydEggZAIKcTIyqIWvjPR

wRhPWmKaXQhTfnP

Meng Ke Bao: …kRjWXqodXwmwFkrespIxFtltDBsWon

HWEnsQitjYoWatl

Behind the screen: …bisOnumPAqOEWImgLNJrWXjUzNNpVM

halRhVyRxJSGGfU

Meng Ke Bao forced a smile, “It shows who your true friends are during tough times.”ZUaxhnDXSWZGwFeWJpYRebGcASenMN

TtXlQOmquvEjyiA

Ning Rushen went along with him, looking moved as he lifted his head, “Indeed, it’s only you, Lord Bao, who treats me well.”jyqkYjTaGRprElNqsWYYVjFZkdUETD

mxmbFyUfISMbcAH

Meng Ke Bao’s smile almost faltered, “My surname is Meng.”fltKlfshPJGUhvKqKLnjwYhntLTsfz

ESjUNcZAamZiDIS

Ning Rushen corrected himself, “Sorry, Lord Meng.”JTaSmOUmXDiaAnuCJCOUxbaBWMVvCu

rLAssEfjJTsEKVT

They exchanged pleasantries back and forth for a while.rXbNLLMAoLYlzMjolVRrgXGftyxcoQ

xEieEKdVChwPWMm

Just when Ning Rushen was about to doze off from the monotony, the person in front of him finally got to the point—IJuKvUXNRiDGIjJcEtORzOHDkwkwja

QRIuDBhpTllNtkf

“I heard Li Wuting punished Lord Ning for pleading on behalf of Secretary Geng, which angered the Emperor?” Meng Ke Bao sized him up tentatively, “Do you know any inside information, Lord?”txIpxnEPwCRFYLBMyBmYaAjbLmaqDV

tvqFgYUGkWnckWc

Finally, the conversation took a turn; otherwise, Ning Rushen was about to fall asleep.MMNnnSzGMeDEhpDSVnctmomzKBiigA

bcWLVeINhykvyTv

Ning Rushen slightly propped himself up, feigning a hesitant demeanor.ddAnLGtqhiPrYDxcJWhxsJCgUscTuM

AXrsYXegQlpVBnY

Meng Ke Bao narrowed his eyes, his tone caring yet meaningful, “Lord Ning, you’re too naive and easily used by others. As for the current Emperor… he’s still impulsive, urgently needing a chicken to warn the monkeys.”YXsIvlXYXwMWMqoTDIrHvSapTlozYt

duYydbZhdkDBDxO

Ning Rushen appeared to be struck with realization, stunned.GQUnHBTSTjyPTJvejrLdvFUMmIhGjX

xuBEilnvyxfQmlR

Meng Ke Bao inwardly pleased, pretended to lament, “After all, you were personally selected by the previous Emperor, the top scorer of the imperial examination. Now, you’ve become a victim of power struggles, with your life and honor hanging on the Emperor’s words… I truly feel for you.”aYpxIpAKRGMGnugxMdeCggjVjbXgHn

xbegYxqsZYRSTgw

Ning Rushen was internally stirred:GDzbSJBVHzcHYrbprmNSuurfcYWldR

RunvwTNjqyEbhRR

The instigation, the undermining, the empathy, the timely assistance!gjODtVEXfhTvIRXXLYVFoXriNfuTMg

tTaRhOGkOjrySri

He finally understood Li Wuting’s interest. Listening to someone babble all this in person was indeed quite fascinating.lyhNAoZlZumzUTnXmqKPtBovvqLxcG

UkYWnpmSCXAmPld

Ning Rushen eagerly asked, “Then what do you suggest, Lord… Meng?”QAeYNkArvuwXINhbRWVmhMBXKsqQiS

TwCWOQIqNAscqDW

“Well…” Meng Ke Bao’s eyes darted around, seemingly concocting a plan. Then he lowered his voice, “If you’re willing, why not visit my residence the day after tomorrow?”ICjTGbiCSxEzufhTTXCrLNdeniUCnn

LgcBtSZcxAZQEWd

He straightened up and coughed pretentiously, “It so happens I have a renowned doctor who could examine you.”gFoDSsbiMBzsEDRlbHVaqxcoYQAITZ

IOzInjHRXCMymLK

Ning Rushen was profusely grateful, “Thank you, Lord Meng!”VTyuGipktCpIotuKlFNLwbFDUSkqme

XAHcpuwwLtjwrUD

…oGHSHIUuuOYQohBJnJlmnNHHiibmSQ

tmXEtepdzmNmmlh

Mission accomplished, Meng Ke Bao staggered out with a shake of his head.nWAHtMxgqvRsbWCSGYxVnXFmUqlmoZ

aHZCpqEigMseAdd

Standing guard outside, Yan Min entered, and Ning Rushen peeked out from the bedside, “Has he left?”FFpDzyCkNmaJxqrhUdlXxcFKEKeaIo

kArsnQYvkDVJgam

“He has.” Yan Min glanced nervously at the motionless screen, “Sir, you should get dressed first…”pQtMEnwNahxpFfnWXbrfJasVnoLrKT

vTdjBrYlTWrDXwn

Bang! A sudden wail from outside faintly reached them.OkCbdiNWcohbpwdFYCModpUXqccgOM

JKXAaHUcBJNXWHa

The conversation was interrupted. Ning Rushen was puzzled, “Uncle Yan, go see what happened.”JXEYKDwzymEHlndEBErdldUuRnrQQL

DbrrSSQRmgKtAsB

“Yes, sir.”JrczveedhLkDDQqHFlznbjfFmXRtwA

TrGnGPGbkUsVkqm

Just as Yan Min turned around, he saw a familiar figure whirl into the room like a gust of wind, closing the door behind him—bBwSQtDwbEIKzOwAOcDYJQvAlccawf

evqAjQLOFkTTXFH

Geng Yan stood panting in front of Ning Rushen’s bed, clothes slightly disheveled, with a lingering excitement, “Hey.”ufondjZWeCRqQevOgxQksIPuxoWTcy

QSKjJhdNMQNKMYq

Ning Rushen had a bad feeling, “…What happened to you? What was that noise?”XdeHkyCYXwsEjPFLtcmdVzxFKJEwKv

wTLdROjkBNJlhNJ

Geng Yan wiped the mud off his hands, “I was lying on the wall of the neighboring courtyard. Seeing that no-good dog stirred my anger, I couldn’t help myself and flipped a tile at him as he passed by. Probably hit him square on.”onjcWEZUdobZqJUJMNsABAExgUYiBw

oCoBUtxzjicZwBh

Ning Rushen’s mouth fell open: ……………DLzpNtTpbVyOwiROZRBrlotXlWyMEF

AaCrcMxbgqrGCKe

Then he slammed the bed in anger, “Why are you causing trouble in my house!”jFNsCJZLGFNMQlgiFCKkGVrkUmbHtn

aHVIEBDYSpkfUFD

Geng Yan retorted angrily, “I told you, I couldn’t hold back! Just pretend the tile fell on its own!”lGlOcmcwhykTbbvygKVBIISssdLzvp

XXBWKNphVwAhobR

Ning Rushen exclaimed in disbelief, “Can tiles just fall on their own!”NvbhespjPFVVpKyIISvqhQQGWAfwcg

fuiPNPjykwkJwBD

“Are the tiles on your house not under your control?”oFbDVsKVbmntwHFUrjGUnQgkCuFsNN

RcvWvHWwVAtuSSz

As they were arguing, they heard Meng Ke Bao’s wails getting closer, “Hiss! Ouch, Lord Ning—”XWDJAKxQjjJStAWIGODMTcnTJVVZNM

LWotpKUppoqahak

“Let’s not talk about this now, let me hide.” Geng Yan dropped a line and darted behind the screen.ghqasHbROVIODvKNzYiEiZQZPkqEml

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Ning Rushen didn’t have time to warn him, “Wait…”sTtSCHcGLyioJMOhRXzoyTXBLMHoVS

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The figure disappeared behind the screen.VthAiXJbNpDcvpvgTTNaHJgsQLHlGP

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The next second, a startled hiccup was heard, “Hic—”rMVZUYQnFMBPJzdOCOvrYdvfxCVESc

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Ning Rushen: …cnfUvdoLNyCNzixavjtrjYjHNnehDS

OyPHYYEBXKazAfU

He was about to mention that Li Wuting was behind there, but it was too late to listen.NvlMxAShUCLnzHvBfxoItcjxCKQnEq

AMTyCzEaOfsWhnJ

But soon the door was pushed open with a bang.ShYBBNtDWygGYkHJqtWGPlNQajxoRu

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Meng Ke Bao entered, holding his head covered in blood, abandoning the pretense he had maintained earlier and almost glaring with suppressed anger.zVjZpFKnndTAUZFuFsEpBVgxOOkkCX

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“Lord Ning, how did a tile suddenly fall from your wall? It cracked my head open. Could it be someone did it on purpose?”uzKVWsHamCuxSBDZSCTkdLDRKTZTLA

qoLPcLlLUmJglbN

Ning Rushen showed surprise, then coughed weakly, “How could that be? Cough cough cough… All the servants in my house are in the front yard, it must have been the tile that fell on its own.”froLTmNZnaqieVapNfFssAJAICLjrO

ZCtnCFrrDkfjcJx

Meng Ke Bao shrieked, “Can tiles just fall on their own!”wBVLilTjLfnUtSwtqgiMVohxEGjbOc

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“A thief broke into the house a few days ago, loosened the wall top.”OXtDsXNsuNpNqTNOlIHnuUPBQqJBBQ

AOkCYysgdaBmQLc

“………”VqtoxNdJWKHvvaMMReBDNNVBpZhrCM

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The two looked at each other for a while, one standing, one sitting, as the room filled with the scent of the medicinal burner, Meng Ke Bao’s blood loss made his head start to spin.hskhjkBIEmZJrFRJqNtNnIiOsplOfM

bEwguZShmZtPQqS

Ning Rushen still stared at him with a pair of clear, bright eyes, repeatedly saying “Are you okay?” but without any intention of having someone bandage him up or call a doctor.yIDduFekeUSMiVsAZWPEOWOmSNtWzR

QPHKIEnDxGOlXfB

Meng Ke Bao felt a surge of frustration, silently cursing: Truly clueless! Deserves to be used as a pawn.hIwJAAiiSYugGSnNUkjmisWquXrukp

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“Then, I will return to my residence and await your visit tomorrow.”tsjRzJknoWZAQskcESouvJOzjrWLzr

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After saying this, he turned around and slammed the door shut!YqcSZtWaLTLwonVxgwpEmpQVOhMkep

JCfQLFHBdrcdaYR

·FfahTeZHImTKpvPlgYFezKYukCGrzT

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Once sure the person had completely left, Ning Rushen stood up and got dressed.bqvDCnPCRqrxivHRhoecUKQQShDkxj

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There was a slight movement behind the screen.EApjpixINuNdJDFGzlQHfvgNrEewSu

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Li Wuting then stepped out, followed by De Quan with his head bowed and Geng Yan with his tail between his legs.KvkBkwTgnJCjeHPvnxGOTkMGplbAES

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Ning Rushen was tying his sash and turned around, his crimson robe loosely draped over his shoulders, his black hair cascading down around his collar.mkGJZHfYAOPhzTMxfdGzuiXZqiRyHV

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Li Wuting hummed in acknowledgment, his gaze shifting away from him.ilDmrllIwQUyugQQzWUpyaJlxvammP

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Geng Yan then knelt to admit his fault.sXCRQZNCzCEyZpJzFLHgoPTNwmeOwP

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“You go back first.” Li Wuting glanced over him, paused, then added, “In the coming days, Geng Shangshu might have to endure some discomfort.”ZihYvgNsuXpJQyRjLVQaCCXRtcyzRO

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Geng Yan was startled, quickly realizing the implication, and kowtowed in thanks.ItZVbdNwqlQXECZoaCblebqZHixpid

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Ning Rushen watched Li Wuting’s expression from the side.mBHtfaoJObwrTcCtErgQLyEDavedEv

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Under the warm yellow candlelight, that cool and handsome profile seemed much softer than usual. Judging by the tone, his attitude towards Geng Shangshu seemed quite favorable?peAEbyNgccUBOjhBSXVCpvnMSEtcqD

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Ning Rushen suddenly froze:xQEcowCSdRmmLElNYWOVjFgMhXAWjR

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Could it be that from the beginning, Li Wuting never intended to let Geng Shangshu take the blame…pdxBaVwLpuheUkWXOcYIpYWmeeludR

APyzXoIEgSrkNGd

In the imperial study, was all that just a ruse?QXZKrQjKavoMpqjcpsfeyloAbViCTX

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As he pondered, the person in his line of sight turned to him, “And you—”FyeYffXPRwjwJpVjcvGMKUFQypCtKk

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Ning Rushen snapped back to reality, responding to Li Wuting with a bewildered “Hmm?”PkdtuegHrCyEvwRoFMdtGbOulOTzkZ

wijSEQQLDpDRrpb

Li Wuting slammed his hand on the desk with a “bang,” his voice stern, “The way you treated people just now was utterly reckless! Reflect on your actions for a couple of days.”wHtIMBNubYpMMyhrzOuSShCEajEXhi

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After saying that, he swept out of the room with a flourish of his robe.WithgvsJJWSBoJOzSoecxMyBTEEGWf

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Ning Rushen hadn’t even recovered when he saw De Quan following behind, smiling cheekily at him and flicking his finger in a teasing gesture, “Lord Ning, that was quite reckless~”qcGyYZuvvCVzMOxuMnImskuMRqQTwg

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After speaking, he too left the room.rfHJNwWhVamdzlStnHwQhNpRKCpRiU

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Ning Rushen: ??????fdlJXUDOLppPgBhgDHoAZhAeIgJOiy

quDwhtMIulhymIj

After everyone had left, he stood there for a moment. Suddenly, his gaze flickered, and in the dim candlelight on the desk, he noticed an object.lcOLZDFBBPOsykDCEVnHLZUUpQuFcm

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Approaching, he saw it was a jade ring of pure white.SQvheYKLIMgQhXMOPtilIsTvmVBokF

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De Quan’s suggestive winking before leaving suddenly came to mind.mEYXHijXrytFklVbBDoFurKjWQmnMf

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Ning Rushen, holding the jade ring at the desk, was silent for a long time:RrgomUWIeghYXyxkHxQDDVSnnlWdel

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Could Li Wuting’s “recklessness” actually mean “you’ve handled this matter well”…?AeLDSihIRKfchQwyDVqigcJPjhjLBo

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