This official is so weak

Li Wuting did not speak, just kept a straight face with a slightly cold expression.XlZbBIVWbapHYUwjqIZTpTDzrjnOBH

THDkaxDwfvGIHYG

De Quan glanced at the ring and hairband that Ning Rushen had used before, which were still lying aside. The latter treated the palace as casually as his own home, but the emperor said nothing, and the palace servants did not touch them either.QunScnXaKRpgovLIjaehvQIPkCouaF

UKsysHHOLaUXjrj

He rolled his eyes and cleared his throat, “It’s really something about Lord Ning, not coming here anymore, and not even taking his things away – just cluttering His Majesty’s sight!”xZgTrevQuKidaJDtwmdltcgyVcGuwp

OecDLksEBvSuzQZ

Li Wuting said indifferently, “If he doesn’t take them, just throw them out as junk.”JsdVEVZabSSuFFXszroFmHsyiJbFyZ

CutauhuduXQNKcx

De Quan cleverly seized the opportunity, “Ah, I will send someone to call Lord Ning back to collect this junk!”KPvuxGDuFjshUdIWzydNUJBJCecWww

BKOOQvlHsNzfqkp

After saying that, he turned his head and waved his duster, “Go quickly.”JCjquSMsnbMfTbjmhHDKatpcnQJWTi

NesyKiIkIbNLynV

However, as he turned to go back to the side, he let out a lukewarm snort.dyZOzDmXYAjoZLhoWNhpcbVYxXeEJk

nHPCOhSalOIqCml

Ning Rushen followed Huo Mian into the mansion, and at a glance, he saw the entire residence was simple and majestic, with strong branches in the courtyard and wide paths.YHgwuJjFGkecebyiUbcqRsWOjrBWMz

nBnngZfdfhIgTBb

Passing through the front yard, there was a spacious training ground behind, where about a dozen personal soldiers were sparring and shouting.biRavjYwbuFyoKjIvsLocQqtSHiUfv

JruSGUhpVKOwpXn

Ning Rushen was in high spirits, “Your home is quite lively.”XGMzMwGKZCYextLzoSvXCKyylVkXvD

lqOgtIFZuQDiegh

Huo Mian pointed out, “These are the brothers of my personal soldiers that I brought back from the northern border.”ziskvAHJpzoNCFasxlsLQLCOVFPbxR

CehQPWozWOUsrVg

As they talked and walked to the side of the field, he called out, “Come over! Let me introduce you.”jLyApLgjGMtQcaVenKbwELVExXzYCz

enZOYEqMvpXMolx

One of them saw Ning Rushen and seemed to size up his combat ability, “Eh? Is this the live target brought by the general…”ajXQtptiCYEnVXcrQQQCNZeyUBCoHs

QPDmDCnOGiVjhjZ

Huo Mian slapped the man with a heavy palm! Turning his head to correct, “Live… brother.”qznYeLpByUbxnrAEzmLirJZblxyonv

KjWvFJghDqSUPPN

Ning Rushen praised, “…sounds auspicious.”yJtzJlmBNmCyuFvUlNVAPEoXnzycbx

TMoxgKMzjiOPtSP

Huo Mian reintroduced, “Lord Ning is here as a guest today. After we finish practicing archery, I will come and compete with you!”IVjyJPIcYYmKjJhxXJvkResXkLEQbh

oOCGpBLcrCeqJHg

Ning Rushen took a bow and arrow and stood by the field with Huo Mian.MZrkIKviOsAKiOLCjfHZnkuSOrqOAX

tFLHkQYJOMMOhDg

Huo Mian was not as strict as Li Wuting, chatting while shooting arrows:pGSxJugRKqfVLqhowTxkEmknklOXJg

MgNTzAEVELNTiqH

“Are you also participating in the imperial examination this time? What are you responsible for?”CujeWtdslgUPIcuhmgCXPKXyMjHbWG

KZylTkzxwcIkDyZ

Ning Rushen’s thoughts suddenly drifted, “Eating.”ckCzzOHeRqTHYUMyAXKWDieQhqctVH

tiDPttEYucLmSuI

Eating down a hundred households.nayjdkBNJBQZeAuFEiuxpAmHiYWOcH

AaiRyocuUldwcWK

Huo Mian, “?” What?sXjubGtPLyxmCmEhBFvlJQfrhNzkHS

UrawiqGWxexjoJU

Ning Rushen shook his head, pulling back his thoughts, “Responsible for a group interview.”cQehyxCmJiSLeRIFaZXhZbymctzPNu

GbECClcSMYLDecl

“Oh, I’ve heard about the interview,” Huo Mian said. “The emperor and the Ministry of Rites set a new rule, it seems to be random grouping. There is no communication of candidates or test questions between groups.”ZjbIyBUfgWOQrPAgKaQqRFPdGIuXlc

aShufkHkkGMnmMU

Ning Rushen thought for a moment, “It should be like this.”ibVgXwhBAVZOiGnrTIcxViTLlIYMgP

hjmLHRskicBXpoZ

This process is mainly used to clean up the old party, ensuring confidentiality and fairness to other candidates.rZrArDyXRWBDWIWiWPjwIwcdtjUOWL

pxiMSMnzNzQRemu

Li Wuting would have considered it thoroughly.spHVTLHCCRlbOwBUUUHDNkGVNlwROD

KenGKvIgtHyvgEI

—Except that the examiner is himself with a broken brain.GTIJEqyTTOKjglKcGqbohBsLjucqDu

RZaZXnAdzmjRPrC

He murmured, “It wouldn’t be to let me kill indiscriminately…”EfqnvoBzrMsDAbolsyfUYJkZHIzEGt

ZeXHlQmFNYaVscV

Huo Mian’s body shook, and he turned his head alertly, “What are you thinking? I just felt the aura of a rebel from you.”yceUTHpsEVBNiiVoBNeXvWBxNGvDgX

EBDXtVljeZEfpPV

Ning Rushen immediately returned to normal, “Nothing of the sort.”zxoWyosDPgjbjuNQjSFIGWuidDfjBd

NltXKxoOCgPbDjF

He paused, then couldn’t help but ask sincerely, “Do you remember where I offended His Majesty?”ijRruAjvwDneFsuqwRVNNPvmtkTAZj

xPnlwwovDRjEUra

Otherwise, why would he always be thrown into the pit?ecSTqMSxHCnJhlrlDRiDctCToiLTKj

HtYFYFfaMtZvRZv

Huo Mian was puzzled, “How could you offend His Majesty? You were appointed by the late emperor and have the merit of support. Besides, doesn’t His Majesty teach you archery every day? Look at the court, which minister has this grace.”IYUZydXMVhymutjlJfRTkJPBjlXCBw

QNOLfRCcPTveKBq

Huo Mian laughed again, “Oh! Although you were kicked out because of the flat walnut. Hahaha…”xdFHvasUvlrUWKfSTMYXIqokjYhbCm

ztLauKjLgJdYgSF

Ning Rushen, “…”HROaQczEAILObNgLLGvMTiANvIfPCA

RSNFpvgDPyxiblL

Is that laughter polite?UJzRIwlrXhVeMJgPranZfrHwKpRlBL

VIjHGbAfULjUytA

He ignored the offensive Huo Mian and started practicing archery again.hPHCRbcPRxxeHkDWPmgYjskMzsZqIk

lSjlGqEilAaFmUi

At this moment, the afternoon light was just right, and the warm sunshine fell on his face, which was quite pleasant.BlqsythMtRRldXXOjIpPPbkuQzQYnt

UxEZxEQUBgpTkdA

Huo Mian took a couple of glances at him and suddenly said, “Don’t say, you’ve been practicing diligently recently, and you look healthier.”RiXJXwsAVvleXztPzmSdfWzlpczJNZ

UCrVedAURgYGTtD

Ning Rushen was stunned for a moment, “Is that so.”KRsUdeUHWojKIOomQgSEoIgthCzdFB

UbRdHhSAwNiRlQT

·PpUJRCpPPgBSSkHDvXZcgTQyYNCqOU

YSrDbPOGUxeqRXr

After practicing for a while, the two put away their bows.NCwFKwdqNXJWtdFdTxGXwgsQSnbCoE

TMYkCbrYNyEWBPe

Huo Mian went to the training ground to compete with the personal soldiers, wielding swords, spears, and clubs in a dazzling display, full of vigor.RWARpvygGexUrGURpqyiwVRftwBmkv

WCJPePpZSyhnuNw

Ning Rushen squatted by the field, watching the excitement with a group of personal soldiers. After several rounds of clapping and betting, he quickly integrated into the group, receiving some snacks and a few cups of fruit brew.ewjkJUsGntTDNQRgHTxSQUmLBBYRHA

SMVxobEtLrKzDeJ

Fruit brew is a slightly fermented sweet juice.LNgrgWGHULAHzrMpEZTKAgQceQrIRv

nPZQwPzVDkAhGUZ

It doesn’t make one drunk, but it does make one’s face flush.YrmRkKkcpgitwrliPhkomcTZiAIjwx

jNJEMUSdRcDScbD

After drinking, Ning Rushen’s eyes were bright, and his ears were tinged with red. The personal soldiers beside him frequently glanced at him, wanting to say something but hesitating and touching their noses.CWnEuSqoDhocuvtlqfjKajnHBNDUhD

UoBJWlzunecaVPv

Both inside and outside the field were lively.KKQzJtWCNGBucNJxvXCUVZGRHMrmDQ

VCvuqUqjsbMdTTv

At this time, a servant hurriedly reported that someone from the palace had come.JkKzMdQQnDtvhjChiqnHzDMJmWTnUD

esJnEAXowZjlaXE

The side of the field quieted down, and Ning Rushen leaned on his knees and looked out: ?wzlfLeMSWENbvXpZOzTNAdNAOlBeZS

RjqlsbiKCynfFsE

Huo Mian wiped off his sweat and turned his head to see a eunuch hurrying over, “What brings you here, Eunuch?”YqmYtUOfXYoqiAJIVsancBvEBRugMX

eaHGeOiSxxuPlCU

The eunuch had seen Ning Rushen early on.yQgobDkerAMuKltcKCVFJSGoTFBZZW

bFRLwncxQSvZOsC

—He saw the man squatting among a group of men, his crimson official robe quite eye-catching. The whole person was high-spirited, simply radiant.pSOICsPdMWivIKRxptVRRKRbRnLcpF

LcfvRaslCjMzcCN

He hurried over to salute, “I apologize for disturbing the general, I am here by imperial order to find Lord Ning.”etIfVwTnHaXmTnZeOqvEtSeftDAIrh

dLMYiQSLhtofZTT

All eyes turned to Ning Rushen.ssVDXCKrnBhfhTpthcDSikebHdmgAV

vIDHeezvjAChCvE

Ning Rushen was confused: How did they know he was at the general’s mansion?HjEUBgipAxltjGFUyLZxCOKAoCjYtc

NcSndAHwqtpScaM

Who was the leak reporting this!hiHuTvGvsBCHDBHuOGxVDQtaEwMqvG

idLWmPfwCGNFSfJ

He stood up and asked, “What happened?”mSPXyzQmILYtmFgqEGIglKROhMAWNO

XtqGOZHEZYkTbln

The eunuch recalled the imperial order, stumbling as he bowed, “Lord Ning, His Majesty has ordered you to go back and clean up your broken, junk things!”hfUxReZZyVzeEuDMRItsqnMHOJCVpP

yLFCdkDsqayvhJF

Ning Rushen: …??GTrugdLssTDOIikuuRMbbYpDhjZIJD

WXUApQIZvreBvRQ

…NEJsTGFwMZaBdsfIFrBZEygRWVaqDK

XmdJuWcajWAqrLt

Half an hour later.EAtaXGyhakAnnxsTolFMMceuQUDNqs

COqCqaoRhwNtsIG

Ning Rushen followed the eunuch back to the palace.slyytorSSSenXNfiLsTTZqrsszPDxg

rUQkfQksNcfPgNW

He thought that by this time Li Wuting would not be in the archery pavilion, but as soon as he entered, he saw that figure.XQTzMlUWUJXEFxAeTytYEgiLUSnacl

btMacNvUmegpIVQ

Li Wuting was shooting arrows with his back to him.vnNCfPtlEDFjRPsHyPfpqVJKOdDEOs

CsYBEprHELfIySY

His broad and straight shoulders were as unshakable as mountains.kuMSBzHyIkqmtJuNDhUdaENVhMjLcB

fElcSajoRtFVwac

A group of palace servants waited around.JXczuaYqBaQkNiujGooIiNteYbkdPi

XGvyANfSklMoNuV

De Quan stood behind Li Wuting, and when he saw Ning Rushen arrive, he hurried over.yzSjwtElSFZIKeLdXeSXKmUSLljpOq

oqkibmVVDJcaktv

Ning Rushen greeted, “Eunuch De Quan, I’ve come to collect my pile of junk…”CgKAeaqCJftXPKtxvQrmgvHARncDTB

olCiagVkDxNzbfq

“What are you talking about, Lord Ning!”QClQJZXDMzROwkeMSGCzTWrDJrLnIP

njxsJPqfncVxvCc

De Quan brushed him with the duster, giving him a meaningful look. While leading him over, he whispered urgently, “When you get there, don’t mention collecting junk, you must insist on not leaving.”ZfgRXpvoqTPHzZCmDMJiTDJSeLMzlh

UnBnYIUhHAwQWRs

Ning Rushen, “???”JcItUZFlvbQVDxpJxcrFwSBcpwHvIJ

LsuNtDoiApreQxT

Was he here to cause trouble, insisting on not leaving?WXhuNyImZVPDjcmJwvZWxhulkIomHJ

cZcGjcWvlrYZgUj

They quickly approached the side of the field.kKnfKAhIXaSmzAfItNNaYpyBtFBZap

xdFkxmFGMSTGhRA

De Quan urgently advised, “Our house won’t harm you, remember!”hzumuhyAmfbpINGuDoBRGUjRWGtwFP

dRAGjsoqsFFppIo

Ning Rushen was shocked and bewildered, “…Okay.”IEuHkHaoyObeHdZdYIujAPMHnaThtu

kaueeDNnnmrWpIR

When he got behind Li Wuting, he saw a person shoot an arrow right into the center of the target, with such force that the arrowhead sank three inches deep.ZcAGUoqcPgdRtyjcinECKUiezyWOdq

JNEiaLDoMvKfkQm

Ning Rushen moistened his lips, “Your servant greets Your Majesty.”gYceeUlZCvpAkTFSLFGbeBHMJYoJxl

UukzQduuZkdpNWL

Li Wuting turned his head to look over.TDRTkiEdsyTQekJTNSximQOorZjwEA

RQAuWmtoBqtsMfN

He saw Ning Rushen’s eyes bright, his cheeks and lips all rosy, looking very well-nourished.CBsZUIkJlPkGzXYRpBbVQyUxRVDqcy

csZYhVQpWsRHviO

Li Wuting sneered, “It seems I have disturbed Lord Ning’s mood.”JyhsjkfPqWYmLUlCGuWQVHuWGKYCFq

kcQgIgrkGxbffXi

Ning Rushen was sharp, “Not at all, Your Majesty’s summoning has brought today’s schedule to a climax.”MCdctBYFUGhFbKScODftacmKYUVqRW

MgoLuUzDGfEfvwe

“…” Li Wuting, “Are you mocking me?”tJAohZtTsKOiSKawtnRNJUfkBtCrJx

ziOPBMwLGmglKUO

Ning Rushen’s face was flushed red, “Grateful.”wNhVdOyIWZivmIyLEeGNSQBdEbzVpC

RJbIczkNXTGaTwS

Li Wuting looked at him for a few seconds, then took a handkerchief handed by a palace servant and wiped his hands, “Since you’re here, go tidy up your things.”dxDlEUNJAhkHJSLLbfayvHRcMQSeKd

QpuPXipfNlROWfi

Ning Rushen “Oh”ed, and turned to collect his pile of junk.JMXxpBqxlNAgOSbyOGhGHtTFXkgRnM

LIaquLhQACFonYp

He was collecting at a low table, with De Quan standing beside him.IvphXKOnYuLujOrikrUQPoTPRItWjW

RdfYwlRJpSfTpwe

De Quan gestured with his mouth, “Think of a way to stay!”chchGjUYPJSpVovWWwNMNKXkAZaHdG

yoLKySOmquwshHX

Go and serve tea to His Majesty, wipe his sweat, massage his arms! Which one can’t make you stay?lrwqhtquxolCCcdbQZpaBhpvvqIJtg

BHdxLabhgrgTGwF

Ning Rushen, “…”cPHiBejYTbcbDPjVHOYvwpWuZdxKbj

YDwJvCCVaVlKUls

Just as he was thinking of how to stay, the face of Prince Xuan suddenly came to mind.LwOLeceAbxMNVCsTTFdOZPUlcTMICi

qXUjXtJGabHWXRB

He brewed for two seconds, then suddenly kicked the corner of the table, bracing his knee and bending down, “Ouch, my foot is sprained!”SoyjnDLrXQpHYWEhZcOZKBDQLTyzsz

OIoruxgLKHaUUfw

Li Wuting turned his head, “…”fipreYLOCpMgXBbDQIeIMTghYGkZrx

lgPSeMdJzeJkpPz

De Quan, “…”IMtigEaELqlCGUoidzHDIYDBHrDtZL

EfMczCkyUOXeELH

De Quan’s expression twisted: Is this how you stay!GVrGtcGuQWhgJFZNKWEccFfZVnbBva

TTdbHBIqmUacZCx

“Sprained your foot?” Li Wuting’s gaze fell.TFrTdQloOdgqghHcxMIBICytictDoU

HSQiSimIKyxBjgT

Ning Rushen hopped and sat down, holding one leg, looking at Li Wuting, “It’s badly sprained.”IexTmgSGqJSLLMUvNOfgRYgBHOUpgK

VEHGtHWjpgfCtgF

“Oh, how bad?”fPajdEWrZbgPbWeymPeaeyGFfJmWnw

eKhduiqhKWAOBOR

“It could be a quarter of an hour…” Ning Rushen was halfway through his sentence when he caught De Quan’s look and changed his words, “I can’t walk for two quarters of an hour to an hour.”PtEMPOkLffDKFhBMIPOlFsNktskQMM

CgvXWuPZzxNyNKK

Li Wuting, “…”VCqeGCvaIHjZiDYfVeQYkuCFGDXKuL

lVCmeGxkYjdRXJr

He almost laughed, “Lord Ning can even diagnose himself.”TrwwAuKOnWkYvXZdhlBPnaAmoaILSn

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Ning Rushen modestly pursed his lips, “Just a bit of strong self-management.”ipUGpOCnqWQCDHpGWmaHlQfIcpWrpu

SrYHEOvjQiGOPVx

The gaze from above lingered on him for a few moments.vYntKdXOAXhpDUWCqTKVMFpcJaJefj

rMhAkfviDbzZiJS

Then Li Wuting ordered, “Send for the Imperial physician.”GYWBTwVpNFjihyvwTYqmzAvaBRIrXw

xaxeOGByvEMhZKb

The imperial physician arrived quickly, carrying his medical kit. Li Wuting gestured for him to examine Ning Rushen’s supposedly sprained foot.wJhjaVKbaTDauxmIetCFvJDVKuqdts

pazHWmrrAThpDVG

Ning Rushen, still pretending, shrank back in his chair as the physician approached. The physician, following the emperor’s command, took hold of Ning’s boot, “Lord Ning, please don’t move. Let’s remove your boot and sock first.”fohWqwINhaJAxnowVFAQXjHelVeLtY

DaNBawKiNlTKBhe

The black boot was swiftly removed, followed by the snow-white sock, revealing Ning Rushen’s slender ankle and a well-shaped foot. Too well-shaped, in fact, as there wasn’t even a hint of redness to suggest an injury.FxCSYynAHssPSjrGOBIaZYGcwkeBiN

hdGAAMxsceHYYUz

The physician paused, “Lord Ning, where exactly is the sprain?”NQecAFtykbwkCNVRLaNjzYtJVpbfsJ

ZhbPfIePIfSkJfP

Ning Rushen’s toes curled slightly, “It’s a deep sprain, not obvious on the surface.”gAGnDbioyrvPPTkneIvJggEqihxHJI

ZNzeGjEXBAymryC

Li Wuting chuckled from the side.UVhEwAllMcVbAIyOmrDBiWbTyMNODL

iLEqSankONQSBnh

The physician, having never encountered such a situation, looked at the fair-skinned, red-robed Ning Rushen, then glanced at the emperor standing nearby. Unable to deduce any conclusion, he simply applied some medicinal ointment to promote blood circulation and began massaging through a cloth, “Lord Ning, you’ll have to endure some pain.”SjskRHcsNVEHzGacjCFBAIwblXvOlV

zTfGuBvJBdPDhpu

Ning Rushen swallowed, “Mhm.”XksdIEEASVkKLZQmcveTQovixXLIBX

ahEQMUXrfXxvJiF

His perfectly fine foot was now receiving treatment for no reason. Ning Rushen had no choice but to sit stiffly, enduring the unnecessary therapy.cmCjXkiKkFlsUbRNvCJECuLjuFKbXc

COCiodECkchrTQD

His foot was indeed beautiful, the top as white as warm jade, faint blue veins visible beneath the skin, with a small mole adding to its charm. Whether from the cold or embarrassment, his toes were slightly curled, gripping the edge of the stool.AotIGTrNFThfWWWkipvuqiwubAHbuZ

GiXzOVbAjgNGhzD

Li Wuting glanced at Ning’s foot before asking, “How was your visit to the general’s mansion?”UYCBreRcGOtTAWDGPEuYgILAtQGkIR

pZzAxiUSpytwLqm

Ning Rushen, hands resting on his knees, replied, “I practiced diligently.”WilaICYMsmavrmuAIwBpyOZkQXHvIe

mwRZTvquzmxfQPB

“Really? You seemed quite satisfied when you returned.”LNshMqzTExILCrsNGSGBZJgdtGLtkk

VuJeajFYbemoyyl

Ning Rushen, caught off guard by the blunt truth, blurted out, “I practiced archery with General Huo, discussed the imperial examination, and admired the vigor of our soldiers, which filled me with enthusiasm.”CGcbtPxgkMsHgeeuJOqBAXshkbBRLA

kKhBCGTWRGkHorj

Li Wuting hummed softly, his expression softening.RCebQqmNoSQHDPZBKZlJopasfSTlur

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De Quan finally relaxed, confident that calling Ning Rushen back was the right decision. Despite not saying it, the emperor seemed pleased.ProPcFqWGRTyVSzaSqFaoScIMdQYQo

TGjCFNRfaXaiWKn

After the physician finished the pretend treatment, Li Wuting dismissed him. Ning Rushen quickly put his boots back on, just as a report came from outside:HAsewOMmsXLxQUAslImKIEvwCOQbHu

bieIFBGNnamRZfW

“Your Majesty, the Minister of Rites requests an audience.”UURqvIZIFClXRNtwZpAzJJnLlyOVyP

ppRwFcdosIvgaVX

Li Wuting glanced sideways, and as Ning Rushen dressed, he commanded, “Let him in.”cKwAgchuXtrudksrZADPdmiPNzCEtE

tbJLxLtCaNUNMDn

The Minister of Rites, Guan Fan, entered promptly and bowed, “Your servant greets Your Majesty.”wVvqFKWZKTlRHHOmTBfcBWNJmKvQnu

OabnePqwfbkozcc

“Minister Guan, what brings you here?”DzRzGVkzrtHoMeVygBkzEEmOMOLiKr

alExhmuyZDGBvLk

“The examination halls at the tribute academy are all set up.”MbUdsHQXpkpPQZJhJpYUqyhXkHSoUw

kaDwIPDFSHgSEsi

Li Wuting nodded, “Take me there.”LQdRGJrhfsSQqzyPhjtiSjInNBpOnd

ruWypEdtpLBwuzA

Guan Fan quickly agreed, and Li Wuting stood up, motioning for Ning Rushen to follow. As they started to leave, Li Wuting suddenly stopped and turned to look at Ning’s supposedly immobile foot.owLKjFVFRsmeKQQWxOvqHYAATEwupF

PhBunciPoqDMRzu

Ning Rushen also halted abruptly, lifting his foot and hopping towards Li Wuting in response to his gaze.XWlhkKxpVfBfvzceOflBDWbImVEoAD

ighkVKVdolPOibZ