This official is so weak

Li Wuting smiled indifferently, “Oh, which grain of rice is my jade ring among them?”uPGfbpneokCQlltbrGzpjKNgRcZxTh

UWMvaHpRYUyZRNp

Ning Rushen cherishedly caressed the ring, “The pivotal grain of rice.”mUVjOhntYjlRZahNUhwdyeVeLlJgxr

WLfVHsnzCwdoZAv

The jade ring was adorned with a long tassel and was carried around. Although it seemed common among the masses, it was still given attention.euJmVPFuWOLaNDcwlfOmbGkoyZRosI

bUlRmasugLWngBa

Soon, a palace servant wrapped Ning Rushen’s knuckles with two loops of gauze, making it less tight when he next drew the bowstring.gjIsFYjaWRLhdBpQboavtZJFFdyhBQ

SXhihEXyGiKUlog

Ning Rushen flexed his fingers in surprise, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”VEFxeOvpWWOKhYVyYgdakPEKvvdSPy

PQyvRqVXIsqWRjP

“No need,” Li Wuting replied curtly, “Continue.”LBXsEjWQEZGLmrJObLGTTKYUTItnRV

yjbygMVaapCSRho

Ning Rushen shot arrows until his shoulders ached and his hands hurt, while Li Wuting watched by his side, a figure of strict supervision.wmAckacRNFlrmkNZUvyemOFtBhuVWb

mYfFyAFACjfSHWQ

“Your hand didn’t lift again. Ning Qing, you’re known for your agility, why fail now?”NhZAYumtlIUsrDkUEZPKzEHoqzRHfo

wFxlkkEFstSmJZi

Just as Ning Rushen was about to respond, a large palm suddenly gripped his shoulder—a twist—”Ugh…!”tvGYNgOkvDJOnVNwuVEseRKxrPljMz

ULARMbfkxcqRNWw

Li Wuting’s palm was firm, making it impossible to break free, firmly holding his shoulder in place. He felt like dough being flattened and rounded in someone’s hands, a shiver shooting up his spine, “Your…Your Majesty.”ceGWfstRmGulSsDwTYGGROWHqtkXEY

URmxLjvdahslHAp

Ning Rushen trembled, “I…can’t withstand such force.”vYXZqCWrthvXpRxABvmjozDhKuXXkI

WAuCpmRDTdtCRlP

Li Wuting, “……”CDmcvLmtEmwbtEDbJFHBlZeWSOkQVE

aGhjSJNWqPaTGlM

The two stood in silence.QDcvJFvYAWqhvRxwBuBmHZuSzkOeqY

aVcPnYURzTsunVq

At this moment, a guard hurried over, reporting, “Your Majesty, General Dingyuan has arrived!”MlnRPCfIKFeyhIFWEhJrRCtwjtAsAe

WdrfNcbFuTGbemJ

Li Wuting seemed unsurprised, “Let him in.”CeBdGaToFcidcGuTslkgkWjlEwwPXO

rYTyToAsihtWmFo

Ning Rushen blinked: Who?JWELoGLQoNVSBdbRSxqwKmeESPDSiI

CdyhaMgNIdxipuN

The arrival of the general meant a pause in the archery lesson.RAoUBlqNqblrdQptgqVTdSVszhnnlZ

PcjizzBAxXqQtdw

Ning Rushen put down his bow, only to catch a glimpse of two pairs of eyes behind a horse, burning with intensity. He, “……”DLHcSCcGjpWmzYDJJnIKNocuQVQPQn

szHFDAmybHtryEm

What was this about?haOhASgTTfVPUsFiRSTfVsIKTekQSN

cDynlATOWpKISbK

An assassination attempt?GYcLsMUdPsaCiApMMvMOKEjWmiGErP

GtbgGvnZDOgBQDX

Meanwhile, Li Wuting’s irritated voice rose from beside him, “What is this behavior, come out!”UJTlozqeYiuITOGOZEEFqWiqEjVFvD

wgUeCMLORdAztkc

Li Yingtang and Li Jingyu slowly appeared, “Oh.”lefWWVprzsDYjbxWNeasEXwXsKziWW

yGfIcFFpXVEDPwM

…BcxBtsmpJzUaBNjScQkBVLDKpRQsaH

DtAWHzOzWcpdpin

Soon, General Dingyuan was brought over.kUKJfzcXStrsIKcUIRKlUvHZWMeRVc

ozGOXiitkAisqck

Ning Rushen saw a tall, handsome young military officer approach, his military attire unchanged, with sharp eyebrows and a straight nose, his stride as if carrying the cold wind and the clanking of weapons from the frontier.MvmGzMpwhHApYXSyMOnvwhIezfKEaH

ZMGGqPXVGjFdlHf

He suddenly remembered—jjMVazBgrmniifuHNgMejecKbWpfzR

cBvdopVAYqTAWyO

He had seen him at the coronation, General Dingyuan: Huo Mian.OWXeoWyfebHkrqDQYDJRmpEOSvtIdp

FagGpcOcJmKnyNF

But after the coronation, Huo Mian had returned to guard the northern borders, and it was unclear why he was back now.usMAebbfUdWVYMurMKVCDRXZZHjpFZ

ZvfnSsmGwkOkCup

Was there a problem at the border?gUKlikEdCDZALLkoVAOhmhRGtoEUBJ

kysdduHpDekvAip

Amidst speculation, Huo Mian approached, and the conversation with a guard by his side became clear:OHVrvWlEvxpHSznCAqlbUzumClUSrN

RBNERaDeEDlrccv

“Finally caught up, it’s not over, right? Watch me show off, kill, kill, kill!”ximhfxJQOtpbGNjazNCNBgOHltEyNc

UPbgZAnCBBpCbYX

After speaking, he heartily slapped the guard with a strong palm, slap!TkZatahhZqFVuvSSMDrQpyRavDnlXA

cyTTKKkfofaxtfZ

Ning Rushen, “……”zrNxJIERpSOPRAUIKWqTIVdesMFsTm

DXCtITtYaQQYzWq

It seems the problem lies within the mind.bVfecgifcrUUTYmWkTUGYjNFkzDyox

UdGCbhWaGFRmmFZ

Huo mian walked over in a few steps, half-kneeling to salute, “Your Majesty, I pay my respects! And to Prince Xuan, Prince Jing as well!”WFGSlWyvRVjNsbRkbxESRhAtvcVSju

GoCGueJTttLVxMs

Li Wuting said, “Dispense with the formalities.”mksBTmHrVlWRkXnEUraHgIqhEPiUDO

NfVFpTnsmANMxKd

Huo mian got up, turned his head, and then noticed Ning Rushen, seemingly curious as to why he was here. His gaze fell on the bow in Ning’s hands, “Oh?”qHstZMXJfLBljaGUKrUdMalthiccoN

TUxzlDDufbeOlnV

“…” What does ‘oh’ mean?AUFPuChrnpWOTyETfTSVUemJmpJSjH

vEzGJuUPxkeemKW

It’s as if he and the bow shouldn’t appear in the same picture.jCzbZPMVqGvRnRKWIaLNzvKISOtQok

TXkJQUXhVIQMmAc

Li Wuting didn’t speak, so Ning Rushen said, “I’m learning archery from His Majesty.”BIyyEPycuDcDHrvGyZryfbuZYSmEbL

WpzPHNdHJwyTwgW

A look of shock immediately appeared on Huo mian’s handsome face.fNizgKjCZDKxwvfQYwSiRageUCVIDa

bvITcVPhLyAosPe

Ning Rushen explained, “Mainly because there’s no one else…”DpGPxusJDBInaHLeplawPDVTpFXxOD

fgyQCNzVrODFbtp

Huo mian exclaimed, “You’re actually using such a heavy bow!”WeHSJMGcKpyRoWdAXXAtytdCguzPbE

ZhpcldtlgboABIy

…So that was what shocked him!XAWXwwTcHhCPvdDdPtemAZgiBIhIdj

fYXIzHfFPiyIZAj

After saying this, Huo mian straightforwardly and familiarly began to give advice, “Beginners should use this, no—”nTEwJypUKTOkvoTZOfFEbkwdskckRy

PqIyJxcUdhysRtH

Li Wuting’s gaze shifted over.XwhAAzhSvtBPwRMsmVEjDXIDUpDvIl

qgOPORWALfnbofH

Ning Rushen felt a tightening in his heart and hurriedly said, “Mainly because it was a gift from His Majesty, an honor.”ZYgFHSaFWGTRCSRhWIIIpeaHZfXstj

XmRmuNDVKUZaMoO

Huo mian abruptly stopped and corrected himself, “…Isn’t that quite good?”UdOiQiAkyZRgdwjRhhrUuwkWvZhFLC

TDXeRumoaaGWOyp

“…”OCJIKRASPuYXHNVJjhrNGkCUKIZaHT

oCptpIuPOxcBWEH

The familiar change of tone seemed to return to two quarters of an hour ago.tEWFzcLsgbLXDXdqTaMQhPXmiDeaHP

ceZZoidPubvtjXP

Ning Rushen glanced at Li Wuting, whose expression was colder than the north wind.rwJdjcaBQeCBgSyrnnhZMDUisTvRoi

JNFADfdtTwXzQMw

After a few moments, a cool voice fell:UDCWekUhLFOYOFbxqSTGklAmaXlZTG

SqEpYladpzdklmF

“It seems General Huo has not acclimated to the hunting ground’s environment, speaking unclearly. Perhaps it’s best to return to the Northern Border?”wfCPBWxPQfUuvZJhIlMIUTekerNeeb

cZevEOWnrHIOYJm

Huo mian quickly waved his hand, “Not at all! I still wish to serve like a loyal dog or horse.”YVtPWunXKSNErrTbivhxiuIphzasUd

EewuVpZgzYqOeig

Seemingly reminded of something, Li Wuting raised his hand, and someone hurriedly rolled away.DrmNkTKmzCewigBqFAfMaUjSvWdQGc

hpBTlTGpVTAzoZE

As that dusty figure disappeared at the entrance of the hunting ground, Ning Rushen withdrew his gaze, his heart pondering:aNbgDolNYGOQTdFOfNqfEdPoqZyLKE

cBhsalmSURyhcWM

What exactly did Huo Mian come here for…sVIJBjieqwKHBAaCuxVaaHrgUJbTQz

dIeSaNBPoknrMqv

His expressions were too transparent.shuXnWioazXJdKsAVNiojfnXICUKEt

rZifYdMqmnAFGqP

Li Wuting glanced over, “It seems Lord Ning doesn’t remember at all.”WakjFJCflvSSBAkHstWDrTnZxMbeLS

FdrnvhRJkSgAnIc

Ning Rushen turned, his eyelashes trembling slightly, “What?”mcQnUihwGeNCmkbYgLgDUjHbyQluQI

pFuGbCfejcyBDPk

“The imperial examination was delayed earlier, postponed to the end of this month. Huo Mian, being the martial champion of the 38th year of Chengping, was specially called back to the capital for the military examination.”GslzGkqSfgIQcmCPtDWcwNpULBcCYi

guYxbArynoUcdaH

—It was delayed.CQXCTCxAYySKHUmGkJZQuVmuGEsvnL

EuPvOsSmUEZebqb

Ning Rushen suddenly recalled the struggle for the throne, the passing of the former emperor, the mourning period, followed by Li Wuting’s ascension, the purge of the old faction…jozuEFjtvrKqRGbVHQllNlNYYYxbfL

OYDetPYnApVGxLA

As his thoughts wandered, he suddenly felt a deep, lingering gaze upon him,UzwQCtvEZqntzlvpVJgsMzUgtwbtzo

WZARAYWYSrasnLH

“Speaking of which, Lord Ning was the literary champion of that year.”kSgqkplLObgaokaieZqoqkoPHHQfUU

IvEtSDSUEFcsImd

Ning Rushen looked up: ?wHntcHRZvdaAYMChuCTEKwUgZRinkq

kAsPiAtBDqFxccM

Li Wuting gave a barely there smile and turned to leave.QzgvwHcOqfYqBpNczDpnbEJfvvawxD

YQYbjcruoaQbKAU

Ning Rushen: ???TMuknZYqNqbnaoAFXPYbYRnYKNjbWl

AQAUntWrudDqWXW

Ning Rushen found himself unsettled by Li Wuting’s laughter.oqCrRNtJkcWwSWFUXABdJsddehGUKr

dgXVxfPxqYOSFqg

After returning to camp, he remained vigilant for a few days, but the latter acted as if nothing had happened, not mentioning a word.mdUNeZdWZfiGJDEdRtJFDhpZPOLDeh

tVlruUJkbjMhihu

It was while he was eating melon by the fence, watching the sunset, that he ran into Huo Mian, who had come for a drink.NSQvGNzOSCFDTuPGBfvZJWZImbxKYM

pdBGALagCgaLDpD

Ning Rushen greeted, “General Huo.”zwpNQtZCEePRmQFWzDJmyUfobUNdww

HdStYUABWhDmhvZ

Huo Mian looked him up and down, “You’ve changed a lot.”ncNgVMQIcwlWaxiFuozDQfGHFDRYAi

aDqsBkARoduUbLk

Holding a jar of wine, Huo Mian sat beside him and started chatting, “But you seem much more at ease now, much more than before.”ZJgzuELqBJfevLEmFmSWXNCfmdVDgA

SlPqDapKHgtKuew

Ning Rushen looked puzzled, “?”lsRXnCVsWyyGiijCirHVszOYXCqApy

vJJmzvmiffOkyqH

What’s new, another story of love and hatred?dnrRsXLhCPZtfwwNAkYsYOmvbSeyxf

BmLqJuBteSOsIjo

Huo Mian, straightforward as ever, said, “Oh, we were both top scholars of the same year. Back then, you seemed overly eager to climb higher.”PVqkdwaNrufKTVvBRjOdjnTQdHKtIL

ypvdRwbKCpcWzzf

Ning Rushen hummed in response, “Is that so.”ubonjIzvwILFBpxKUgwDEWPNHFqWUp

sKQfCRDJjNSAarJ

He remembered his younger self, orphaned and of humble origin.UjcGkSSyeKsKfHRCLvaLdQmydbhGMI

gEoeDGYvdBAukYo

Perhaps it was the environment he grew up in? The more one lacks in youth, the more obsessively one might chase after it later.yRStRvVSlHOTtsWjczjBXrDPwpNIeS

SeiRjkLfyTmxnyw

Huo Mian sighed, “For those of us who have spent years on the battlefield, life is uncertain. Fame and fortune are like fleeting clouds, and one never knows when their time will come… You probably can’t understand this feeling.”fdSKJnNOxsIbOyYysanhaTkMnkDAzT

eSWVdwQJCONzKmj

Ning Rushen thought of the moment he missed a step on the stairs, feeling suddenly nuanced, “I understand it quite well.”wUyXrDcyjOgukjYpJbqNytkrrgKPhA

neDSiSjYTyxpKAU

“Really?” Huo Mian looked at him, passing the wine jar with a hearty gesture, “It seems you’ve really come to terms with it. Here, let’s have a toast!”PKeUrrKKqktCodHVbTyCfAaPMJJKuA

usoadgzBfMPWBJF

Ning Rushen raised half a watermelon, tapping it, “Let’s use melon instead of wine.”AEnZSXMvSaVhnJENkjqtSuJYNloPzo

bVAbrSLCKxqiFTb

Huo Mian, “What, you don’t drink?”sazgQBayiOLfKIegjyOGMoOGjlgNyx

ZcJpQsLKgjgPZwF

Ning Rushen shook his head, “No, I tend to see bridges and flowers when I drink.”CoPrPDoWQkfAhsYPfwMcYYQlUzoJtf

ftOiWMLUqVEOqTh

Huo Mian: ?aHVasPwmeQyaSWARuyEMuEyMJJqJrH

AgVRRERQTwjtQYe

…kUyhKsOWGmuqRNFdPhhFRnMbnioQRq

mcWoCGhyaJcYGDU

The spring hunt concluded after about ten days.KxysptsAfgXQowBDJqrkuOvVfAnqOx

eicQFyKiYFPGlBj

Ten days later, the civil and military officials followed the emperor back to the capital in a grand procession.zNZBeOuAjkJfAkvTzqtogAxEJOGaCe

BYDAVcMcxfUbFOs

Having been away from the capital for ten days, Ning Rushen finally returned to his residence. Upon entering, he almost bumped into Shiyi.mJpVthQmnraJsrljsAVhpdoJNBZWeC

XXlQJHnFiKaAGzi

They exchanged glances and then looked away, tacitly agreeing not to mention the incidents during the spring hunt.DJSNuAZculANlLhIcSdnfHxMCuJjyL

DZLKOcxbASsgoda

After returning to the capital, everything resumed as usual.eRELGesEVGaWVVdRcvZjvZnkQzoFyN

zktfZalAxfctUxH

This time, Ning Rushen, free from illness and calamity, went to the morning court session for the first time in a while.HRKJPSdtfAWKtYXMhhOUZpNxlSyMVa

whFxqPlzmrhMNGY

The session started so early that he nearly fell asleep standing in line, longing to go back to sleep after it was over.anZDknoZrBGvCiABxoKYGvvTJSKLLk

ZmYiCByenYDZbEL

Finally, he heard the announcement to dismiss, “Court dismissed—”yCMyspcUNHTwTmGcnbGCZwDkUwTuWf

ncErqSSZdidpdOU

Ning Rushen turned to leave, but then heard that lingering voice, “Summon Scholar Ning to the Imperial Study.”jguMvygicawtSXzuDdxVdLsEDXZThC

byRoOmyJCXZimpa

He, “…”yanWijlTQVrDuoEznZIeDjwUTeoErA

hMdXrRRHDxtBOIY

Did Li Wuting have a vendetta against his sleep?jtvzWTVOaTrUXdlOcXsTfiJIbvuIAj

GDYGocyRCYZNupM

·oXdFuSNGAKOvpVwksmfBqTwVmEojdn

FQhaWewOHUisQkQ

Following a eunuch, Ning Rushen arrived at the Imperial Study to find Li Wuting washing his hands at a basin.GKfDMnOFfqXRUuNlUZHRauYKOIfrht

nPJjouYoeQayWNP

“Your Majesty, what matters require my attention?”UEpJkCzVxEHUSfyhdcKexvRiSVtujx

JOvpfVYbImehNPe

He yawned discreetly, his eyes tearing up.qkzLeyOwMVEoIFlkcKzwWiZiDzHwyV

gflfgmBaheZbFhX

Li Wuting turned, his movements pausing at the sight of Ning Rushen’s teary gaze, “I haven’t even spoken yet. What’s with that expression?”qUyGOfSlZbZTMMTCtCyjRJveRfxHLR

luDqBuUlbtrMmUa

Ning Rushen, “Excited, tearful.”mKCltHuwyHXxYAQfIzeqPRpKvXenQv

gzzIVHojuQHRYDt

Li Wuting, not wanting to dwell on this, moved to his desk to toss a document over, “Take a look at this.”rweJsaVqXVrSlOFHEmlRsOVUsCdEgR

jcHufzmrHpuoThX

“Yes.” Ning Rushen approached, flipping through the document filled with unfamiliar surnames of noble families.mNbwRaywcQbbgUSzfRhJvyggroefko

tbzcpFiAjFMnNrP

Holding the document, he looked up, guessing, “Is this a feast of a hundred families prepared for me?”drCOTxdKAdnPHESdMISSzUgEDjPOeo

kVjfZWnQeDXYoCD

Li Wuting, “………”JBXQSvbrGIzGNXlravlPzTMyAunthh

ZzLnMuwyjXFKWGG

De Quan busily dusted off his duster and sighed, “Ah, Master Ning, you really have a short memory. Those are all families that once attached themselves to the Cui family. They were not charged last time, so their family members will participate in this year’s imperial examination.”bsRutMAokcuGxWDbRoWPAQgOJlvXcO

tjrtQaLORzkzckr

Ning Rushen suddenly realized: all those intricate connections with the Cui family.udZoZlDmVDdeLLGsiaMXQdpNqXYpGX

nGSanOpoOvyobTu

Li Wuting looked at him, “Master Ning, do you think we should give these entangled families another chance to return to the court?”vGDovRoXoWCeQwLuusMfqiVomyEkkh

EmeyYypRLDtuntE

Ning Rushen nodded, “Of course, we should.”FpGhzgRxpQmGqHYzxoTGBJltKnkgaF

CDVLxlQVEYotUPY

Li Wuting’s gaze deepened slightly, then he heard someone say, “But only give them one chance.”lYOEPglAFzMPgaczFODHFMxupnwJZd

YCYoDgxhgYANlmA

Ning Rushen’s mind raced, “Just throw out a bait, and they will fight over it like fish, consuming each other in the process.”KzqyYbovFmgCYSWHlaQDarfbtlKolv

LpGpqJGrmAfXCWZ

It was just internal competition, something he was all too familiar with.nnTTRBOvLUmXPlJSkfEJJRYczqLwgy

dfFmajoFnqnaVVp

“…”DXtDljgIDaiBMmKjBvenwfCCSCwyTl

TnCCwabxxOGqrVp

After a pause, Li Wuting’s tone lifted slightly, “Oh? With so many candidates participating in the imperial examination, how do you plan to make them wear each other down?”BUsuLhVymAYgMNczyzGnwouomOhwvI

VfRqxjQqiXzULgc

Ning Rushen didn’t know the procedures of the Da Cheng Dynasty’s imperial examination.msgstkpHWyZruDPCmPDUiajFdXCkPP

ZPxtzbGrGaUzHft

He began to plan based on his own ideas, “Add a group interview before the palace exam, and put those families in the same group. As for which family to support, that would be decided by His Majesty.”mxtyDBUwlYRDRTNbpCiFRxaEoxUmIq

CdSPZGhosrHvjgq

After he finished, Li Wuting did not speak.iDLhjpKrpGVcIfrBtAkDgzyVUUHZFE

svZDeFyRJMihEZj

De Quan, however, looked shocked:QUcOhouqEkKtlYkbfIyGKStiXIrCRO

PgNVlLhWVBqDipi

He remembered vaguely seeing the Emperor drafting something similar to what Master Ning had suggested, only in more detail.SvsMFXEmAYSDansfSRYXzUoTpDZJxF

XPblhsQBHVrwmNb

The study became quiet for a moment.qsiGtzNtJsvsscErJpaCuVkMnVBxay

zfQGcJGNSaBBpfR

Then suddenly, Li Wuting laughed lightly, “Master Ning.”JyKBcDXIJeQvtekTOGohjoxWOPFsbu

lIBnVzkTgBXJhaV

Ning Rushen looked over, only to see Li Wuting’s long eyelashes slightly drooping, his lips curved in an indescribable smile.pXDNjhRixQBRNZRbLwMblBZauyBKRv

RvlxyYOnqdsSHsV

A rare non-sarcastic and rather refreshing smile, like jade.DShlNzzBmbjRwBovkfuwlyKlwoCTOZ

xvtKEvziZSJvuEg

Ning Rushen hummed in acknowledgment, “Yes?”WIDUioMJJrQcwZwFjXcmHnfyNeTPxM

ppRXDXLSvVAQvRx

Li Wuting said, “Your idea is very good. This group interview will be entrusted to you.”VsAHuwYhbRkKdSYdDdyrzpzZfozcgC

ynRgdUbPRCFaDEW

Ning Rushen: ???yRHpnfwJLHgVAvUKGdVzzxaZJZyQtf

jFNNOVhKPaBysFT

He was shocked; he had just spoken off the cuff! And, “Your Majesty, but I must have knocked my head!”ibndXjfaAxFbxsMzFcYsYpJXfpLuMA

cmUPPyaDfmBzuox

Li Wuting nodded, “That’s why I’m letting you take charge.”flEVpSUaPcYthLFuBEdxQvmLRolWuU

GBzHMPAdYLwJOoH

Ning Rushen, “……”HXUVXXuHtzHmXsnzaeyVnyPctEiYzK

EaKxMUakImvWxmg

Did you hear any respect in those words, even just a little?HbJriNaBbuALLOvOTcCgphkcwzSCQI

BxpSAexRUAEEmxy

His gaze deepened, “Your servant obeys.”GPIUruywuxvhdnZxAEmrXnFCQkZFnJ

JYgNJxzNnfidqVc

·GzcWZuYsQrduYPISJHTmrTxtHlwrJF

gbDCrGqTWzLXxCA

Somehow, he had taken on the task of interviewing a hundred families.dKYYkqrGatRunKmuZXdbbvQobwnuwN

QOAmoRvVdbdCdlW

Seeing that Li Wuting had nothing else to say to him, Ning Rushen prepared to return home to catch up on sleep, “Your Majesty, your servant will take his leave now.”pmHTVKMwBdqkRPCXLTmTPCDWdzEqcI

xiXsekHWJURhiJD

Li Wuting was organizing memorials, “Master Ning, you’re not going back to sleep, are you?”UzQaIAXCwjxvikdkfYyWsMrVruAjfo

TuZkCZLdvWFpsVB

“…” Ning Rushen, “How could that be, your servant…”DnYJLjKMHsYblkNuZHGMoZPizIUBYB

VKLQghnSqyyrFtw

He paused for a moment, recalling the bow bestowed upon him, “I am preparing to go back and diligently practice archery, to not let down His Majesty’s grace.”oExOFwbweiVyOVtUMciEuHqottDuCo

vRRMgiqJaJzwgak

The action of reviewing the memorial to the throne stopped, “Is that so?”HYvGJFBJUKVFTCvnAMopJhMvTvKZka

ynJpOENnLZKrMbp

Ning Rushen’s eyes were sincere, wrapped with tears.TkoeOKMVYOzcmGvWltapXhhDoyrtVH

MlisaVvnjnklVbH

Li Wuting gave him a glance and chuckled, “With such determination from Minister Ning, I shall bestow more grace upon you. From today onwards, you shall practice archery with me at the Archery Pavilion.”ElHLFlZaqcGdpIvkuYQVGtWYYjwYZF

WXsQgDoJkcfxMIn

The tears in Ning Rushen’s eyes somewhat receded, “…What?”RUtQRnifmXnpUiHMEohLAWwzNykMOc

ztluZDVHVWexZrf

Li Wuting had already put down the memorial, “I was just about to go practice archery. Let’s go, Minister Ning.”oMTnZltKhuBgVddWQjEdkHzPmcflvX

HckVNwmDhAXCDkt

Ning Rushen: ……%*]#<$！UVFWxAbRvQhTRWznrydXtzipACWTaH

VQKaLRidOFRjLUy

The Archery Pavilion was located beside a pond near the east gate of the palace.nrRRlyEjyhuRQRDTWNUbuLOrXDsheX

MgklWeGBozJpdED

Surrounded by red walls, several clusters of pear branches drooped down, with pure white flowers resting on the red walls and roof tiles.pEbAlLgGmgObBWKkcnuLTOAIDkkMYL

atOkVTVCjUtAkNV

Directly in front was an archery target, with low tables around for resting.JTKjPMebVLsLgmQVlURRVCrAFfWcEP

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Palace servants were in attendance on the side, with thumb rings, various bows and arrows all available.BEZYGAecTTGWKAHTACTcdIguOdIKtS

WbyFzhxIlmzwOhR

Li Wuting changed into lighter clothing, bundled his sleeves, and took his usual bow, casually ordering the inner servants to pick a lighter one for Ning Rushen, “Not too heavy.”mysbGxcQfnzfQAYvHfZLwlLRxmMvnU

GylzHNjikADcrBI

“Yes, Your Majesty.”ZJuUKzeMBZcFPuTqKBtJreWuFuTHhb

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As Ning Rushen chose his bow and turned around, an arrow whistled through the air.ScVGWShHbaCzSUstuLSxuHVKlqBGXN

ZxDPXnxvRVqTqIG

Shoo——ANtVveHvOfaJQttjTapGsmZKGQBUDk

JCDIVWnMWpgoxig

The tail of the arrow trembled slightly as the arrowhead hit the center.IjgfsNZZjtoHuJhNyXiReFirVHfQnz

vUbBYPwnxgFsLHZ

Li Wuting drew another arrow onto his bow.tGKVAzjULzfSvtrtBoJkmqpFOPxNkQ

eMhVjGmUZQMmYkN

His distinct side profile was handsome and focused, his usual attire accentuating his tall stature, slim waist, and the beautiful, smooth lines of his forearms.PHBCteYzBLmlpbanmYubwFnQkZVjRm

EXTHCLCXMeYaAEj

Ning Rushen glanced at him, then stood in the same posture.AEJaVXbfMstVqNOJRduJHoRsbapVuY

SgcgMSbHLSCmmXZ

Just as he lifted the bow, he suddenly heard De Quan sighing beside him, “Minister Ning, your posture isn’t quite right～”jEhNsGvynSELRKdkwDOMjnxBfOxAod

iMUCoMRoAreXFhq

Ning Rushen, “?”fdGIBtAwkPgZeJaJIUobEswZitTVeq

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Li Wuting, a few steps away, turned his head, scrutinized with a frown, “Have you forgotten what I taught you?”MzsfGGfvWIuxRZucHQMBIGETSwkKwY

oekDlMRwGfNyHpY

Ning Rushen shuffled around, “I remember.”pqPspgcYNkeWnpYZofpRMUZjKMRuMd

YQmedsRfGSdtEGv

Li Wuting watched for a few moments, unable to bear it any longer, put down his bow and walked over. He raised his hand to touch Ning Rushen’s shoulder, then paused mid-air, implying,OoeYCaLmtjnwsLgJrLNKdOfqAQwNSM

jYytIsocgyuYQZf

“Is there anything Minister Ning can’t withstand?”XeAAzKRkqhvsjOROzKQBeiPHKPLlaH

kcHUjUjXUXVEiuq

Ning Rushen hurriedly said, “I’m prepared, I can withstand it.”LzPdIkezQQGHMhoJsZxmqjlNHWegbS

fjmejapvgdiDuaE

“Still trembling?”qtotgHnZFNeKbbyFznuJUaXljQfMXW

XtXHremyRmciluY

“Not anymore.”ZgVTzhOYnwEfLaWkzVAFhKtqLUMpKk

inteqaOjWPlSMAZ

Li Wuting then adjusted his stance.LgwUgDHqWFvYInJyCxgfnRLYUJwjlC

KSJDkGNfTIZavNZ

Ning Rushen, enduring the natural reactions of his ears warming and waist trembling under Li Wuting’s adjustments, suddenly recalled Li Jingyu’s words—DZkLFoRBSvKqPEhdTJqPFXULrwXeCk

CAPPEcIZAIlOZUi

See how the emperor is going to manipulate you.qzVVfxwepuTMvPpByWwgzOpgAHCyPU

tybRXFEMmxkVZJO

“……”lagrNotxtTSENOJpcNiEuHSdgwiGLF

ATBpjMyPgmtaRGR

When Li Wuting said “from today onwards,” it indeed started from that day.PNoVoEIpBmkUbjeHbnwdmwXcQjmDOx

tDHYAstcgkkoQkA

In the following days, right after the early court, Ning Rushen was taken to the Archery Pavilion to practice archery, day in and day out.HBCAsKOzuUkeQyfISVAcoyXCTspmZA

unReJcNUzXxVgom

During one visit, they encountered General Huo who had come for an audience.tKCUKQmSICDlnvxmTHhmWeaSaNvDrq

tbVEVhZHdNdvbFI

Upon seeing Ning Rushen, General Huo exclaimed with admiration, “Official Ning has truly undergone a transformation!”KSmJrmcaKDzYHvzSbEAkDzyyAltVzZ

OKhFWONfxtyshJH

Ning Rushen smiled weakly, “A few more days of practice and I will transform from a chrysalis into a butterfly.”YaqeNWwCPIKlxGMtSDzvCCUtlYINne

xTvWtDCyUpiNeqC

Li Wuting glanced over and asked, “What is Official Ning trying to express?”XINSCIBYskbVzwbbGmoaivOtmFhkgo

NPQiLvBuothBmpH

Ning Rushen replied, “Some feelings of gratitude.”DqTGliTUUeEhraOcXUjOmtWvTUqwat

kuysQVaFrzQSptB

“…”eITfSAowDFafDdDcoYRKKvWPeAjCRD

aZRiFbPDbHgiweL

·fUUqzYgoTPcHzSZEuXoLyjHTUAOIPZ

buafHdsNhgIvEje

So, five or six days passed.ISRMyKIhEjJCcBrgblMUIOsQVfkvPW

qmqiGztjCBQFRox

Today, after leaving the court, Ning Rushen, as usual, went to the archery range.xRTWPKqalePcpmLxkdwDKwLbnEABTX

HrNhZZcmizuoHQT

Li Wuting, after court, had to discuss the imperial examination with the Ministry of Rites, so Ning Rushen practiced alone at the archery range for a while.FHpVHnQOIYqKBKBgivRLznnIxYyqrD

FCOuXxEeoveNUFS

After about half an hour,CGwujpaQoOSbDNDCalvWYxSekqqyhh

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Li Wuting finished his discussion and came over, spotting Ning Rushen from afar, “Your waist is loose again, I told you to keep it tight.”fVYLWfpOAiOAawMYUvsVyYlIGSxdmn

wfGTUJXJYovYHYr

Ning Rushen sucked in his stomach.IslFWDJZDfeekpjfPBOfpwFUhkWXfa

WENWjNSihHIfTnZ

“…” Li Wuting said, “That’s not how you tighten it.”bTcHXgRBSHJUaUetXSdHIAAdKewBLn

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Ning Rushen straightened his waist again, the silver belt around his waist shimmered as he moved, “Like this?”pXZYhfPDlQjXdFOfzRcbMiTfUoiwgD

cQZlQfGRRPyOlBt

Unable to bear it any longer, Li Wuting raised his hand and slapped Ning Rushen’s waist, “Here.”PcZtbzoDxhuAGHVWsDymwdeboMhlxs

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Just as the slap landed,tzHAPhTPYTLNOnDeMJcTvCnHdrJxhw

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The person whimpered, bending over while holding his abdomen, his hair falling forward to cover half of his face, “Hmm!”pcAQGXIKImovazvscCYaZpwBvweFcf

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Li Wuting’s hand stopped mid-air.CWtDMJgXCLFSRUSgkdhkALDeCKkPLA

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Had he used too much force? Or had he hit somewhere sensitive?YEjdxPiwxZyzyEvNzIvJWhcAcMhDgP

LaXuqzFUSNgBUTm

“Ning Chen!” He frowned, grabbing Ning Rushen’s arm, turning his head to command, “Call the Imperial Physician—”nsHFBspbfMJLddHskBPwbNTmwFcvyQ

YuOAYKWHNtWmhIO

“No, no need,” Ning Rushen hurriedly stood up.XZFKseIhlRlXfYwMgMJirVXBdnQttd

thGldxkkkxAJKQn

Under Li Wuting’s gaze, he lifted his belt, embarrassed, “Your Majesty hit my flat walnut, it’s a bit painful.”adaEevqFRiluAvvhrTfQAPJbDEclOI

HMJlkTQiHVCDcIT

Li Wuting, “……”qjvtvDUkmYOqejtXvzeSAtPiUVWFva

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He looked down to see several crushed flat walnuts in the belt, along with a jade ring.GsqReBWBHOpYCpYvXOkKuVGZPCPvHd

rkLBudDuPqKFoaW

This time it wasn’t sunflower seeds, but other bits and pieces.lJHkqZdMvpQYsbomWRZLKUgDpQaRKq

mSOIhMzwhFhFPCv

Li Wuting’s expression darkened.tDPKqdnyfvvGHOOOEDTjTJYIcpfqYo

lqvisXMloZuOZQJ

…BtBHiJacsUvMhUGMScfFoCqWBdHBuz

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In the end, Ning Rushen was sent away.dmVYbCShyQRKrFobgdkzbpwTPrlJCT

NRHPBGLJyGZaUHc

He remembered Li Wuting’s gloomy face, telling him “no need to come anymore”—uZrmQgXMRKwfeonopnusnqDPvHeOfS

jbheVLapIIMAGhT

He wasn’t sure if it was because of the flat walnuts in his belt, because he nearly caused a misunderstanding by calling for an Imperial Physician, or because his practice had shown no improvement…fAFYatzFTlWnTSLmzxkiCvuxwgCcPb

QpWEMigeANrYtCT

After listing all the reasons, Ning Rushen paused for a moment.PFDBYhmVEBtaJXAtcGxofOEqsBWKBr

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He really was good at making people angry!pXSLQrqLRSeMecivFtssjadosBHYmP

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He sighed lightly, walking out of the palace gate while cracking open a flat walnut: crack, crack.DotAiDtyVFrPGpHSYJCeRoXyBHfIKu

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Just as he stepped outside the palace gate, he ran into Huo Mian.RQHHnDFgIdPVrlkaWEkDJrXAreMOmK

wNQnYabXgDeQuxM

Huo Mian exclaimed, “You didn’t accompany His Majesty for archery today?”XyRJjHruuSagyuUVvtVLkaYirCQMtR

ObeScQHWkbybzYx

Ning Rushen shook his head, “I stuffed flat walnuts in my belt and got chased out by His Majesty.”nCMiDDAPlGKvUCReHZkwIqazpHxArj

QMFfcfWPWBujTle

“……”iKLsGbPbwHbKdpfMqoqniRqwcBsyaH

LabOZqlrjvKxljI

Huo Mian didn’t understand, but was greatly shocked, “Stuffed flat walnuts in your belt and got chased out?”lPKJQYiuaDJlPOGOFUwvkyNfqiphib

fKUrKZKuMSxNKRO

Ning Rushen replied, “There’s a lot of history behind it.”egUTXtELiUsBSgGeyPnOIgjcSOjpdd

dVyHxGncFQuMILZ

After pondering for two seconds, Huo Mian patted his shoulder, “Don’t be too sad, come to my general’s mansion tomorrow for practice.”mHTctgRpzdMvXVzHzLFHseffkGfsSp

KhgHheCKVKGvxHB

The flat walnut in Ning Rushen’s mouth almost fell out:haNLINIDXeoxxyFgQQDyDZYnXMFXjh

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When did he show any sign of being sad!LHfzMrKWBRxcESYLqdqhwuBjelyxap

ixCLoHHdHKJsexN

“No need, I—”bXmbqBhTbiTtIddpnHNRmYfcGAlnGC

FWElkkLADqwluuG

Huo Mian had already walked away, waving from a distance, “It’s settled then, come to the general’s mansion!”WhSywObEMQKmoFyRIODHfvzSfHGtFl

LKMDRmZJtPNhSLM

Ning Rushen, “……”wzCdFQybrNdZLmQmUOZRJsFrsLmFpd

RMHfCtDhufuqZgA

He was really taking liberties.ezISgCpkPKyJttxtfZuahxKVMhcStF

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Well, it was fine since he hadn’t seen the general’s mansion yet.GTgjcfnyIapXtochDcUalZuppOVyym

EenjUGtUDGEcpEL

Ning Rushen, still intrigued, patted the residue in his hand and got into his carriage to return home.rZolwJmJXSdBmUYyayYjVuHoyTkmxB

rodMbyCwtfCgKyp

The day after the early morning session, Li Wuting, as usual, went to the Imperial Study to wash and change clothes. He changed his clothes and, accompanied by De Quan, went to the Archery Pavilion.tbtWYmosGKLFkhkgvRHcDAQJljRPHS

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The Archery Pavilion, usually lively and resonant, was somewhat quiet today.ZZCgYJjLOHCSBKogJGuLfETzdSOdvW

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Only two rows of palace servants stood on the side, heads bowed.MewlgDzbMHIgSoyrKpGjaNgNaIvdrx

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De Quan stealthily glanced at the emperor’s expression, only to see that the latter appeared as usual, picking up a bow and immediately starting to practice. The arrows flew with fierce speed, and the bowstring never failed.tocYGfOircMjESaPAdmSyDPnAtXcHG

AgtqhOwQloOfxFv

Not far away, Ning Rushen’s usual bow was placed.PLsPHNPXlYHpLAIThiUffXtsKWZRHU

iEHDdKxwKeeHouJ

On a small table beside it, Ning Rushen’s thumb ring and tea set were also laid out.HoanJmnpJeDDXjLZrIvkSihBjEBUAK

PzIDJdrlrtMdrkH

De Quan was internally sighing when the sound of archery in front suddenly stopped.bktSIKhguIoXwaLulVjfRhavhgogUY

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Li Wuting put down the bow and turned to drink water from the table.zRTFJCHWbpGwGSWBYBNyynkLdxhEvP

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His gaze paused for a moment on the other cup before moving away indifferently.cvUeyrsnYekSJspKmEvxNCZjVDLWGf

kKGrNKerYxCecMa

De Quan, with sharp eyes, noticed this and immediately pretended to scold, “Oh, which careless palace servant is this, still laying things out here? Didn’t you hear His Majesty has sent Ning Great Man back home~”ubaQSenIiTpxlhWDMWdkyxBBPsdqll

SUNRGDinddZnlky

A palace servant was about to step forward to take it away.zFVGsdwRAlCjtVjVuaODeXUfRlMyKG

sCEClwZvaxaHqig

Suddenly, a cold laugh fell from the front of the table, “I see if I send him back, he dares to be lazy, sleep, and defy the imperial command.”XfFyashPQukoYrQbDvSTbLAfkGprTn

pLbFSzxZdOHmkLg

“Ning Great Man is still practicing…”sXTYGhnLYMHLVEMpZwkjbvhVsEPVsw

fRYyStJFVSJlHut

Li Wuting swept a glance over.kjJVuLMVaJzjwShCEvlELtTtRqkmkR

dEzUIUHVHKfkHws

De Quan, recalling what he had heard from a little eunuch at the palace gate, carefully observed the emperor’s expression and cautiously said,BySjrZQtMTYnYIQiFCPjcRQCPHzUOw

MSCAzTskSRRxvPw

“He went to the general’s mansion, together with General Huo.”SJisWmpQTJCMnMxpFRoLKukcoWzmqd

qArAHxNmRDfjbld