This official is so weak

In seeking leniency for Geng Yue, Ning Rushen inadvertently attracted the emperor’s wrath. Amid the whispers circulating the court, there was a loud call for the dismissal and punishment of Secretary Geng.ujYPvbURGyVXWpPqUipmzoFMgDKqbI

CGPEfsnkwzamXkW

Heeding the clamor, Emperor Li Wuting sanctioned the order to imprison Geng Yue for a trial.KiWRwVJGHILqgjgdvsxSqSUXfQXfHb

bfnIMwbzovpJlQl

The following day, under the bright and serene sky, Ning Rushen set out to meet Meng Ke Bao. He dressed simply in a vermilion robe with unadorned elegance, his black hair casually tied back, embodying the appearance of someone recovering from illness. Tucked at his waist was a jade ring gifted by Emperor Li Wuting—a ring too large for him to wear and too precious to leave at home for fear of theft. Thus, he had Xing Lan attach a string to it so he could carry it with him.juoENLTzCtXtBSqLAYzxgiCzkMAsHp

aNuOGcJXRGSDxVD

Wrapping his cloak tighter around him, he declared, “Let’s go to the Bao residence.”CmegINLHzSRGSpKsTcYahWTQrrmfvf

XUbSMUeqFlUJQfE

Silence ensued, followed by a snap! Yan Min confidently took the reins, steering the carriage towards the Meng residence.FQQNeudoEUIvLlzDtOdFKNgIxEXQQZ

PfBXcmzoZSxjiuA

Two quarters of an hour later, the carriage halted at the back entrance of the Meng residence. Meng Ke Bao had earlier implored Ning Rushen to keep their meeting a secret, advising him to proceed with caution and discretion.nluPqsbJrQDKzHVESaCXiTmHWtKjjj

RUhSqVykASQNOBP

Stepping down from the carriage with Yan Min’s assistance, Ning Rushen glanced at the deserted alley and quipped, “So discreet that if one were buried here, no soul would notice.”abPkNgIhHnzXWeotcyNKLCtKFBUhco

kOzMdqBWJUXiDqX

Yan Min responded with a mix of alarm and irritation, “Psh! My lord, what nonsense!”FGMYcWhNjSIHzpAZiJUdenrjLFVbHv

OwUlcymgADUSJSS

He leaned in to whisper, “Besides, the Emperor knows, doesn’t he?”VSdHBZeaVuNmLiNSYlFVSJobzdAklh

HoTetHovoNkQAfQ

After knocking, a servant promptly came to guide them in. As Ning Rushen followed through the backyard, he couldn’t help but marvel at the lavish landscape, vastly more luxurious than his own estate. He pondered silently on the potential for such wealth to improve flood defenses…KmcksebtfAXIIoJgAyeyGCczCvxOpO

wAmWJgfjMHhbMBy

Their party quickly arrived at the main hall, where Meng Ke Bao awaited with a smile, despite the bandages wrapped around his head.sjADgiNGTxAulYOuwNiKlHNLNAYTEK

lStJxfSFBTAMvrb

“Lord Ning, you’ve arrived.”euMuNPQMZQfqHtBpfIeFKqwevfzdpq

XwHkunQvlFfxKpJ

Ning Rushen, eyeing his bandaged forehead, asked as if he had forgotten, “What happened to you, Lord Meng?”lQUlXXsTKHaGLpIvBKJPHfVJljdClz

DJxzCxtWpSYCPLJ

Meng Ke Bao’s smile faltered, nearly gritting his teeth as he reminded, “I tripped… over the courtyard wall—Lord Ning, truly a man of great fortune tends to forget.”WZtEeLGxlkDjyQJlNmjxqjMIWpkbWd

IKMCOtgBtYANDHp

Realization dawned on Ning Rushen, “Oh right, my estate was burgled.”deNiWfHGJvJaenVRjxalkSHnCVchCS

NVwMemVEVBJRJPI

Meng Ke Bao was nearly faint with frustration: Who cares about that?!xCPYMTTEqmtVnMrDVpDKfJjrEmeLIP

LCBQsMQisdnOONf

As confusion reigned, Ning Rushen had already made himself at home, instructing the servants to fetch him a cushion:CxyiWtvvyPyuKOXfKHUFzTVjROEKcJ

qdOkjehmBWWGwGQ

Having been subjected to corporal punishment, he couldn’t endure sitting on the hard surface.IdsOidsiuKLbVbevRNGzQaFyBSUXQL

LKlipPIKjxxuplT

Once the cushion was placed, Ning Rushen and the now composed Meng Ke Bao took their seats. With a weak cough, Ning Rushen cut to the chase, “About what Lord Meng mentioned the other day…”kCJOnIXlgwodumdDabmReKCxTGKaCs

FljhKRTDdsshGAR

“Oh, yes, yes… That’s what we were here to discuss.”WASkpAjCqTfNCMVwsUVMhMcBLBJBHk

IfwRpOwaXQoqPQT

Meng Ke Bao dismissed the servants and had his trusted aides guard the door before clearing his throat and beginning, “I sympathize with Lord Ning, unable to bear seeing a pearl covered in dust. I have specially pointed out a clear path for you.”VPOGDGRrTlZhntplmKOxmFFQLMvzXU

dwtcfCVXYQYPOuB

Ning Rushen listened intently, “Please, Lord Meng, go on.”XdrNNMgUuJQaAYhGNnRWDCRhxjNqwi

QsLUxXnWzduxOFb

“At present, you’ve fallen out of the emperor’s favor. There’s only one person in the court who can help you regain your esteemed position…”mNTNDcnaLSCzBnvHXzyDRAUJxxkkPr

VofcJJAzPwgtVNT

“And who might that be, Lord Meng?”IZCTlWQeaDqLlXlDQFHKyPmpUPhFyB

zezLSNfhrGCAZEq

Meng Ke Bao looked at him intently, “Naturally, it’s the Prime Minister.”NzLuYNdZfopwQDgpGIFWqgfmoIhvIo

btitkFJJqDrDrud

Ning Rushen was slightly taken aback, “Chancellor Cui?”neRfNduZIJkPaKLREEBZIRibsmgqfx

DeoUgEgtmGCpQpr

“Exactly. With the Chancellor’s guidance from behind, I’m certain you can quickly regain the emperor’s grace,” Meng Ke Bao confidently lifted his teacup, “Of course, if you return to the emperor’s side, you must remember to repay the Chancellor’s kindness.”tmxnNmMmSUcFievAcLtINQkpoSFLIB

PmbbjPLFEZFuFhg

Ning Rushen was astounded. It was the first time he’d heard someone describe “placing a pawn” in such a noble and righteous manner.icaeUiSvPZGvbGpugidOptHlIHyrGm

CZdskibRXNrMMYi

“May I ask, Lord Meng, is this the Chancellor’s own suggestion?”ozbkPGntOAXwCkNcMyrZLqWKbEYtAd

zpzgGEyiSFtjnaI

Meng Ke Bao averted his gaze, “With me speaking on your behalf, the Chancellor will surely agree.”OxvLPtTwWRQcHTJKWLkllslKoOyjjz

gFcubOXAcKzABSw

Ning Rushen was speechless: It turned out Meng Ke Bao wanted to use him to curry favor with Chancellor Cui.GcdFBrbqThLxdiTfDOmqHGrxoorXmX

GSDDFrlHecXwzIj

Pretending to be troubled, Ning Rushen hesitated, “This…”xTHvDXNICWpPTxytYjlWoQzCUgSIGk

gXPBROBiIkOPlYt

Perhaps sensing his hesitation, Meng Ke Bao emphasized, “Lord Ning, think carefully. By pleading on behalf of Secretary Geng, you’re already seen as one of his allies by the emperor.”OpEZGPlFOYHxbGawuUtevoFDCUgeVt

dHqnjufoRYGQLmh

He narrowed his eyes, “Now that Secretary Geng is imprisoned, who do you think will be next?”dzJnyULHfaXfLHIyqItGzeIHaBaMfA

KHawEdzbRLCsyOd

Ning Rushen thought to himself that the next one would probably be their Prime Minister.uyAkSzJzTuuQNaAVCXELsxPukkqrGv

GSrtsnaRKhvZJHV

He noticed Meng Ke Bao shifting impatiently and decided to remain silent, staring into the void, “Hmm…”kFjTYvbyNSDixvNwrUDDpwwnkMGwoY

quPadJRlLYCAqfa

Let’s see how long this can go on.pSUVTopxJsPfnwtAALXMIDZadFDTie

bMsQIWnUqghmbmA

·VcigjvRfEtBWeMifMgioBwIUvBYFSs

UvCtZpVNDSiQZwH

Ning Rushen spent the afternoon in the main hall, dodging and weaving through conversation without giving a straight answer.TDcIBoTYYzISJwNaRPEsvpKGzXkWCJ

kCcLlJlzgoCnWEz

Finally, Meng Ke Bao couldn’t take it anymore and stood up, slamming his hand on the table:TgWifnhnYMvsCHIbruVMCDijbksTTB

WpmvWsrnDsNEBPa

“Lord Ning, enough is enough! There’s a clear path right in front of you, and yet you hesitate. Do you wish to be caught in the middle?”CDpIhSlzgBjIrzoRyDnxbpTZIUJqnB

NbRMReEerjbaaEL

Ning Rushen clutched his chest, feigning frailty, “Ah… I can’t take such loud noises.”awHkfaNjhbbpQTWiwppHhLSqBEVYLA

JOBjKJijoeThwqA

It was Meng Ke Bao who truly couldn’t take it anymore!WFZFbFTFBzKSfrRqaGKyuHVAueVJHV

kYcDtOILNHSTrVE

His gaze sweeping from left to right, two of Meng Ke Bao’s trusted men promptly stepped forward.reqjtgYthVozQpBoJoOtVOytGmHcsS

nlqAzLZoRAddQXm

Seeing the situation turning unfavorable, Yan Min attempted to position himself in front of Ning Rushen but was quickly restrained by the strong arms of two guards. He shouted in alarm, “What do you intend to do to my lord!”KJJbKvhVsOZLWijuYcJqgzuYZHItQB

ijUWeCPaYwrFIAy

Meng Ke Bao snorted coldly, “Rest assured, I intend to do nothing. I’m merely providing the lord ample time to contemplate alone.”fPCZxzgTLBzcNobWzpFdLycPVTShNa

exDWttkYGuYGBNv

With a wave of his hand, he ordered the furiously protesting Yan Min to be taken away.CFilhtXDVQJpLIobCMAGGDxgeyXtdY

wopGuhMOYoshFHd

Now, Ning Rushen was left alone in the hall.OcgNCuCcssLeCzaCuPTmUyvYaLEKMU

zNtxShbTMKhdTxo

Leaning against the chair, coughing pitifully, he looked up with an angry gaze, “What is the meaning of this, my lord?”XhwUPGzehosKYeWVUGrCXlGOSqidUn

XeBQpTVnglWRUXj

Meng Ke Bao stood with his hands behind his back, looking down at him.KJafSxxXmoClQpKjXqwkqjcwXkehoa

CZabZEUvqLqowbS

The figure before him, frail and delicate in a bright crimson robe, could not conceal his sickly appearance, his veins visible on his wrists.SYjNphIRgPqeEQLKNOmGvziJUWnYGc

MhAufzWiPlTxAHA

Such a feeble body seemed all too easy to control.gwOirUsYHweetAyhHeDulZuuxXyPUu

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Meng Ke Bao felt reassured, but before leaving, he turned to look at Ning Rushen once more, threatening and tempting, “Lord Ning, don’t be unwise. Otherwise, this pitiable appearance of yours might not find any admirers.”qoLSgURODtrcNXbiKwJoMmAAosJxGz

IFfPELxTMDUlKpm

The door slammed shut!uMgueEKBWRplZQjXTBSpNxvIXOCbgj

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…TEXCFwQjEQDZyeTvGRuUfHoOGnRNik

nSQIETCBSULQLas

Outside, Meng Ke Bao strode away, his sleeve flicking with his movement.jzHBwcJVAHvDlubxpybTECtyQHcTri

FklttSBJpAOqoRV

His aide followed closely, hesitance on his face, “My lord, that’s a court official you’ve imprisoned. Is it really wise to keep him confined?”AdCPKnpoeqvwRFUSKlCJjffPftNQex

MfTykGNscPVzBbz

Meng Ke Bao laughed scornfully, “What’s there to fear? If we can’t win him over, then it’s simpler to eliminate him and remove a future threat.”SntcrEFYOVBnmpUlDMsSaLkXoVSReh

FKHljTWJOXqwmhA

The aide was shocked, “But if someone finds out—”RCksyORBtTiUyFpOsRbHwhDYZbfErq

KSfkDMoDRUybOde

“Idiot! With his frail body, just one day without food or water will finish him off, leaving no trace. We can return him under the cover of night, then blame it on the new Emperor…”LXIRSWVXKEgBKxiyLkbTaHxbcuaVbP

kuwNPWrCxdKkoLQ

Meng Ke Bao was proud: This could perfectly sow discord between the new Emperor and his officials.hgOShmPoBeltenMShWbRNBrtpbmaeB

pOoiocYMvjaiXVB

“Keep a close watch on him, see if he loosens his lips.”eSBvSWNpnkzACNgfYuVdlbsWVNobHL

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Though, by now, he was more inclined towards eliminating Ning Rushen.JzOryDQkhUQRsnSavsGLzoapegCiCg

MOKTQFMeVQIhJQq

Meng Ke Bao rubbed the back of his head, wincing: Ah, that hurts…eWNTQffiOFCoKrsAruyinKTibEqwtm

iEcsdgOvjhjfAaB

That damned Ning Rushen, perhaps it was intentional!orAtRiTunWbsxNlORsREhIjyvOeqXh

DCNuFgqnSltTkZq

·JbXUlgJCFpOLJSEesODBJJrkJsfDSq

OMQEcQiTQoTcbJD

In the hall, Ning Rushen found a more comfortable position to recline in.KPxTcikrlDhCknaxvvvsoYOqHishbv

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No wonder Meng Ke Bao had been so insistent on him visiting the Meng residence.LrqCFKTspTaMRkGFhbkbUyPUUYAwqF

BRERlTQDyGBmwmL

This was his plan all along.HesXyBYWAqveByugQwdCuwvnfGmBQj

iODWYnJgOHerccq

Ning Rushen wasn’t worried about Yan Min. With Meng Ke Bao’s focus on himself, as long as he refrained from giving a straight answer, Yan Min would be safe.dSqoYlqjOBJTWIIdtRqfbMZJbpuqNs

wiAdZrhRcmjKjYn

Ning Rushen turned over and looked up at the ceiling, tapping his abdomen thoughtfully.LduOKHSMDzhMylRmXOHBJlPygaHjwW

AntPYHpuwjjMcOU

Having been successfully cornered by Meng Ke Bao, he pondered on his next move…GJgxnOaDfyMRFHNGoEATnonWbUfcAc

aGtXXgEmCeAhIVB

Lost in thought, he was suddenly jolted back to reality by a familiar sound— a drip.RwUEGzwfJLuidvGNbVLwLnGxzfoTKl

IaTyEqvOjERlIRf

Ning Rushen sat up, perplexed: ?????gBInqlOrhHODzYLbNYbViRPxZwUUYq

SZcjcOCKDUVqmcy

A small stone fell to his feet. Ning Rushen remained silent for a moment before looking up at the beam above him. Suddenly, a pair of eyes peeked out from behind the beam, observing him in the dark.refxipDyIInLKWtIzfPedJTKfcXKlF

JNFvXsboYdeWvrh

The two exchanged glances for a while.kKyNEnmRNrjaULVHmtlhWkcYSEWyPB

YSLtWsekvtzJCGX

Shi Yi was pondering how to start the conversation when Ning Rushen, with a complex tone, sighed lightly, “Why are you everywhere stealing?”HaNANveVLipyRsZPSvGIcUFSzdaGFF

CIVsusAhAfQhwCD

Shi Yi was momentarily speechless.rkOwJRBocrkSIzCuEeVLplLSwHnGkX

exnOUvHqUEVkmVl

Caught between dignity and mission, Shi Yi chose the latter after two seconds and deftly flipped down, dressed in light black clothing that partially covered his face.pjDAOcYXeWUOHCEmrVpvolpjhDNTLT

rzcqkqeJDeoPImH

Up close, Ning Rushen noticed the young eyes of the man before him, not more than twenty years old, and shook his head:AJnhQHbztCobAggCShVJZPEnhHsLRy

ogvRPXIiLmjSXDd

So young, yet in this line of work…RVNSXgFRYEieBUpUgipAPVDkUnOCex

XGTLBDoztOjgwxO

“This isn’t my home; take whatever you want.”fwVwePGiqFkeZjiumlQZhWPHlMhlME

OzaBUFoWJiehMkh

“Come with me.”kiqhSisAiMiqCaPOoyEiCRbdnmKkiM

TIKqFgLaEpvHYTW

Both voiced their thoughts simultaneously.TvabJxPLVPcYjkboqvTwMosSJNwLzg

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Ning Rushen pretended not to hear clearly, “What?”llCPhuRZJqVJWVKFvMPHAxFaihhJKV

SsyzamUUtkvAogG

Shi Yi, unsure how to explain, simply repeated, “Come with me, I’ll take you out.”lvjBQQdtuCRpBqHLsMESetJHNPyPzX

dxBOstUAbkRiTCZ

Ning Rushen eyed him skeptically, narrowing his eyes.TotiPGVBOgaQEHWOePsrnuhpGohZRX

tRLrHUdIyshAqwy

After a brief standoff, Ning Rushen lay back on the cushion, leisurely refusing, “I’m not going. How do I know if you’re a good or bad person?”VRWqnFeTrScTJLNTOpAUTSrmDACCHk

GcJjUmxSQZATDFe

Shi Yi became anxious, “I am a good person, of course!”UGYKOnKclojSFWyZongvbUPWatWRxc

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Ning Rushen mocked, “A good person covering his face in broad daylight.”EUDTgTrgIFRzRBYPsYXgrNklITDdZl

LeLARcVqNKCkFAn

Shi Yi, disregarding decorum, reached out to pull him.tysnvWqRWOiHCfNCrRkuIvmdkmmepA

HMddGmBWdNJymIM

Ning Rushen, with sleeves gathered, warned, “I’m going to call for help!”WkYqUsJsXmAMfFCLJohGjRapbKDfhk

liswzWCWGsYVyKQ

Call for the bad guys outside to save you? Shi Yi was so frantic that sweat beaded on his forehead, wanting to drag him yet daring not to, “You… hurry and come with me, I won’t harm you!”vTSzDMfciudcLcXixJOELHHbxTbqTD

XbBIvxIrgYihPVJ

Ning Rushen stood firm, “Unless you explain, I won’t move!”VYGzIRhwxfcIBViSbFEjuXvGqrOZPp

iOJLlDxxoAKHqxe

Shi Yi clenched his teeth, “Don’t push me! I would die before betraying His Majesty!”SQUGBSBlgLirUNpJawRNSliEAgpqgh

mOLBwWcoUEVNakF

Silence followed.zELIAMQfOfOjtSiqDksqfRxJdQSnmj

naDRpAXJzcpJdqT

Indeed.IevSVhxxMXBxtsWxKthAOBHRKfZszo

IgbVAHrwbDdGYZu

After a brief pause, Ning Rushen genuinely admired, “His Majesty is fortunate to have such a steadfast subordinate like you.”TIphFcFjFEuSWRjINsbPZqfJMMsxWk

rdrQJFbIvYwgMGh

Shi Yi slumped to the ground, heart heavy with defeat.kTNxQyTsfbDImlsToSQERfFNBRjCZG

qYfVbWQmYuwhJue

Ning Rushen sighed, unable to bear seeing him so disheartened, and gently patted the curled-up Shi Yi, “Don’t worry, I can pretend I don’t know anything and won’t speak of this.”RGvEFdkfuoSGwAKPLThdjYEJLHChrQ

ZWTCsSzBthIOJLz

Shi Yi looked up, revealing his melancholic eyes.AITQSLbpiCxqJYiqapTogsxdyluuvH

JWITQizdmtuPLpF

Ning Rushen stood, rolling up his sleeves, “Let’s go, aren’t you supposed to take me out?”ycNqkBcWKdkfBUILcBrDsuZVjPtKHn

kKWjAgiqKEbuxsZ

After a mental struggle, Shi Yi turned and crouched down, accepting this feigned ignorance proposal.hCtfSyozjJHSqmYoJZlpfUrCzraySh

PWTqCKdsnZoAtjI

Ning Rushen lay on his back. As he was being helped up, an idea struck him, and he tapped Shi Yi’s shoulder, “Throw me into the Prime Minister’s mansion.”TYcrQBUeJkOKKORvDGhLagEeMFbTQR

ywhjprKjstzWNni

The person ahead turned in confusion.NHpJAtnMmuFWSSjeQsveSCroIAnnSx

CbXALEzpTFkUQMp

Ning Rushen continued plotting, “Then find a secluded room and tie me up.”ODfqeWAxFjAfaojrgqPLfWUpSAkyoV

pMpvDyhYhducJkK

Shi Yi’s pupils dilated slightly but he hesitantly responded, “The late Emperor decreed that, except for treason, the Imperial Forest Army and the Brocade Guards are not allowed to enter the Prime Minister’s residence…”zOmfOHiipwxQGEnyNQBcckoVwwOqIT

SaAhdeRQudshKEI

Ning Rushen was at a loss for words.dQlCxMvWJgmEiebuGHwQeTUaXfdUKn

AEcYOEhHVNXfPeE

So, there was no way to raid the house for evidence?JSRQHIKbmnWcOeaPQlmkvPTCjkQryA

qGywsLJxmmENFFQ

No wonder Li Wuting found dealing with the Cui family so tricky; it was a pit his own father had dug.ZDhwtrzkZvzYDtgeZufekJPnZVoQMO

vGSKBgUTEGtrYHp

He asked, “The Imperial Forest Army and the Brocade Guards can’t enter the Prime Minister’s residence, but what does that have to do with you, a thief?”MiZIvdqgDCAdSUMoXcFTcDTqbapldM

OeRoftyNJKcAqyn

Shi Yi was choked up for a long while, bowing his head under the weight of humiliation, “You’re right.”oITpnhgKQDuPsaSSSVOYGFtLSiaBLB

hFpeCLtUpNancCq

A quarter of an hour later.CoZdzRZrqFqzHtBdnqoxmyhBQPhsAR

jdfLRYzkKQBDVrP

Ning Rushen was securely perched on Shi Yi’s back, watching as rooftops and narrow alleyways swiftly passed by, his long hair and sleeves fluttering in the wind.rbrOBiqrCQArYKCEsuVnOnYoczrWbH

aBanoRyCovZpwgW

He tapped Shi Yi on the shoulder, “Oh, about the steward of my mansion…”SpYhLRYROtDrjazBnYZlqCyoPWlGoK

JTZVNYCwcJbQuHi

“There will be someone to take care of it.”gusQjMnwhwenPcEtyaCiGczLGdhaRE

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Shi Yi spoke smoothly, and after his words, a brief silence followed between them.ujvPvxZtZpmcRlUBSSTFNQWWksazGs

dcimZsBwgQVwgJz

Ning Rushen suddenly remembered Emperor Li Wuting’s indifferent words from that day in the court, “If you are to be my sword, you must be prepared to do anything.” He couldn’t help but remark, “You really do everything.”MAdYnFlfXQIIfoLNaLNNBNYVWtrNUF

bdgwPSSgEzqbmqa

Even playing the role of a thief.FyldyiXhygaWATROLQYlrqdWSpvZRN

sakrjSBGOprLfrp

The figure below him jolted suddenly.GYZVKetjNZawKkRmyLNHdnFrlDSVUn

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Ning Rushen teased, “What, do you experience turbulence when you hit an air current?”SmLJKfHVFuNnYLlbSzdIIPqyzCFYuP

DgxwieBOCMkDeQb

Shi Yi was puzzled.nsKJlkvODLmwPmbHauaWczCfRfctiq

KXODXmaDrPxodHO

·domltohCCIhRFCdkykiPEhHVUFfpev

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The Prime Minister’s mansion was located in the most bustling area of the capital city.WhqZgnhxHobYctFdqyNsnLXAvSWYCr

VvoHfJBgmkrAnLi

The estate was vast and heavily guarded, with every corner displaying opulence through its golden tiles and green eaves, surrounded by mountainous corridors and rock ponds.rhBesPnotkUImNbvrOHDJcodUNqyAz

EZuzoKwiCwHqsvi

Shi Yi, carrying Ning Rushen, silently leaped into a secluded courtyard and found an empty room to place him in.MTexuzxLIRuyCmJIIgGLrNAyBEdKEu

vScDfMlLEjNtQpA

Once inside, Ning Rushen closed the door.rTdLygpYryppayFwwtPlffgFavshqr

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Looking around, he saw the room was filled with seldom-used clutter and a few bundles of inferior firewood against the wall. Daylight seeped through the door, casting shadows and illuminating the floating dust particles in the air.IKJRGCokwCUAczVkdxXqbxLKQZcSYq

jLLhviUPoRdFHJM

It appeared that people rarely visited this place.jHLKswCRjAxSarfkyrLUzqlXuWcMNm

BCcPVLhZzmXVipW

Shi Yi stood with his hands behind his back, silently observing.DPlzNbeEysFIelpOzkyYscZeDyhKcz

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Ning Rushen untied a bundle of firewood and called Shi Yi over, “Quick, tie me up.”nwgastBcRnSGiWlruwRdExtpSsJzqW

kmdNitnYjENyTkT

Shi Yi approached and did as instructed, binding Ning Rushen’s hands behind his back.hSKzKvOkEOzBDvcbAwtzFppuAUPMfS

EiPedXkgkEHdCfY

After being tied up, Ning Rushen examined himself and then suggested, “Now help me tear my clothes, tear them into strips, make it look somewhat…”aInweNxLoDzLBvfFRRKBSMLaepPVfT

RyPcnVayrocBzug

Shi Yi, unsure of what “somewhat” meant, found himself unable to comply with such a request due to his principles. Instead, he untied Ning Rushen, “Perhaps, my lord, you could do it yourself.”PqCYhQbtHdHYvkWlpxIgLPMKfNyoJK

GLXfFmViHzjrlrO

Ning Rushen, left to his own devices, tore his clothing.LaomXJGtmTGcVsnakATXepHfBuRPAo

YRyDYLswcTzEufl

He had Shi Yi rebind him and then sat down comfortably against the pile of firewood. Looking around to ensure there was nothing left to do, he told Shi Yi, “You can go now.”ZrAYsRDIacJcGwpZgIIYZfCcznAXPs

LhExhhIYncmyrYi

After saying this, he closed his eyes and tilted his head.UQPLbvUaXCIqEDVpYRIhXVOsyvKLqk

KHDqnWThkQFhscJ

Shi Yi was speechless.prqNGgErUdYgbkMEEYdiFydIjqBEeL

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As Shi Yi turned to leave, Ning Rushen suddenly opened his eyes again.gAFtFTqtAzYMXaUusXXYHsWiiHAjtm

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He looked at Shi Yi and reminded him, “Remember, you know how to describe this situation to His Majesty… your leader, right?”QRrkfhkFBhOPAYQVUzkLnKJcthOaqE

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With Emperor Li Wuting’s intelligence, he should understand Ning Rushen’s intentions.rtSVYzbHzOwrTfuGUfgiBbwpfqURvs

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Shi Yi carefully observed the scene before him, nodding in acknowledgment.DnelRFPbZWMpfIepAAzFIdLyenVHMp

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Ning Rushen, reassured, closed his eyes once more and let his head loll to the side.sPduViUJXvweZKRMqSrRMOtttIJnJB

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With a slight movement of the door, the room was suddenly empty of any presence.svwyexzRHOerXdZcOsNOUPaPgyZxcP

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…QUTXakmMecvVTUJUpfTXOluFePTWqd

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In the imperial garden, a pear tree bloomed profusely.dlDnBPgsDgGFZLtHSeMMnpwFfszEsF

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Emperor Li Wuting sat elegantly beneath the tree, while Prince Li Yingtan, distinguished and leisurely, fanned himself across from the emperor.ytRebOJxuHiALJBVQVvMbhTygxhThg

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De Quan served tea to the two nobles.QGomcQLCJkOCiUmwHauNhHQKQpIekI

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Li Wuting lifted his teacup, “Brother, you’ve been conferred for so long, it’s time to visit your fief.”bthbwjhxYkzoAZhKSXPyZwMyWFepZq

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Li Yingtan, embodying a carefree demeanor, replied, “I won’t go. Does the fief have the same quality tribute tea as here in the palace?”MuxNskwQXWNcuHDDJfGxstWFAGDsdo

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“Take two carts with you when you leave. As a prince, staying in the palace rather than visiting your fief, what would the court officials say?”kiQNktAbDNeeWpzxdWDDuAWXwMEEKx

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“I don’t care what they say,” Li Yingtan scoffed.LFIeSJOauKnYOumXLEpFnzVTzNizfK

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Seeing Li Wuting’s gaze fixed on him, he paused, then smiled bitterly, “The Cui family issue hasn’t been resolved yet. You want me to enjoy myself away from the capital, leaving just you and mother in the city?”KjiAbpThthzgRRwwrpZLQswNugHJbQ

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Li Wuting’s tea-holding hand paused momentarily.pUpyDYhJHpvSyvQeUkplrMxkkoaXnL

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He thought of Li Yingtan’s mother, Consort Shu.JyNoFhHYcGxZaMmGYpTstvUYatrQWv

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After Consort Xian’s demise, Consort Shu raised him and his two-year-old brother. She then secluded herself following the late emperor’s death, living a life of simplicity and prayer.QHhvAaSUOIzLWqYKjGQXvWaOhdpMgI

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The fierce struggle for the throne in those early years seemed like a distant dream.EBxrPHEiEbCBsKuCpczWARoPirsFrp

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After a while, Li Wuting stood up, looking at the pear branches drooping in front of him.scDklypAjgWICqsCHhCqrkJINtfddI

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A cluster of delicate white blossoms bloomed on the branch, filling the air with their fragrance, “I will take good care of mother, and the matter of the Cui family will be resolved soon.”PJNMxhrJFtCcxByMEFxJZTeqRluswk

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Li Yingtan was momentarily stunned, “You couldn’t possibly be…”iaZyKKzRaPPOQxyDGgRdrImzkxNCZk

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Li Wuting remained silent.KzmWlxjPGzJhLftTezurzAxzXbWjfH

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Taking a deep breath, Li Yingtan stood up solemnly, “How confident are you? Don’t forget, the old thief Cui still boasts of the late emperor’s decree…”YMihdyRWzuYBSWZAManKafYYVLgGiA

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Mid-sentence, they noticed a shadow approaching.PPUxdfebwnvOeEhLZzCBYztTABaxbt

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It was a member of the Jinyiwei, the emperor’s personal guard.onBwbNhoemiWHJZIWzauwjrWylqcAF

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Shi Yi recognized Prince Li Yingtan. He first bowed to Li Wuting and then to Li Yingtan, “Your Majesty, my lord.”YIOJPHOhozcpOLlkXqpngqgViakLda

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Li Wuting didn’t hesitate, “Speak.”lnMaFFnRWDTTrPvlFKrfIAahrjMTkn

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Shi Yi remembered the tumultuous afternoon, “It’s a long story…”NUflhyYltBDjULomsRNDLxAYWFHcFv

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Li Wuting’s brow twitched, “Then make it short.”iStOpTUCVptLFXufnZveTbjtzyebyO

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“Yes!” Shi Yi promptly responded, “He’s at the Cui residence, tied up.”wkgnFvhjJLhRSizWHusxRDHuIxsaOA

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Li Wuting’s gaze darkened, “What’s his condition?”LNzfYxqYjOZdZZUPZLhJnkBrlbxZag

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Shi Yi recalled the scene before leaving, meticulously describing, “Lord Ning’s hands were bound, his hair disheveled. He was leaning against a pile of firewood, his clothes torn to shreds, barely covering his body…”FjeVtFzIeeVxqcrjhTjatDuyhXSspL

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After a moment of thought, he solemnly concluded, “He looked… truly pitiable!”IxKWDMvLtmgqUMeKAOWWLGvmgULYCa

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