This official is so weak

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

CMyDeBSqMfJVBvA

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.aOXtvDAtezFNWuFdTsdtYgXbtRvaFp

HivKTvofRpRjAdN

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!”FZdtMgVHhlpUvoOFrgZvXuHvLYwRzo

EqwvfVjFjJeePpV

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

lphSKNGHnCaeudY

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

BdnHMylYkJHPOcx

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

wTXEDALtyEKTbml

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

kHKQHLOxyrAOtXD

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.gfFTPWWQrwHwsgAFAnsTiiJBGdzYRX

KgqbGlspOLQXoWO

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

bpgStPcigJBYhvE

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

hTPGEyrNuRsUPjm

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

DCPGLXflTSfHylY

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

vqmClDWiWvHBUtF

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

jwjKhvqWJBAXOxx

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

wOieWDfQzUgQCoo

Ning Rushen praised, “…sounds auspicious.”uIMlPCSqZsVGiYcFpTyQcRgZDkcBVf

wodLsPObwLZIeVu

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

aqUzrQzbabcUZTv

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

LfgqWfwylOrXsiN

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

pZUzSQKWKlYTRlu

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

BzjfbzFfAFpFzYp

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

DYcfPoDkoOTXmNK

Eating down a hundred households.DYkkBMTuwUFZcfqBcgEztuQDnFctvJ

YsljxYMYwaqVJMC

Huo Mian, “?” What?MkrYbGjJScWQlTzexkOwKGehVSFwHP

VQGPaLBEKqTzLaz

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

jvLupBmsoBlEWLh

“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.”bVEBqahArMaiVrAKcFMxwyWDvAQfnM

BuSkqkJWDbiHyPm

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

qCBBizWpCfKaXfJ

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

hymtbBDIjodOPGq

Li Wuting would have considered it thoroughly.hyDdqkbiiYTHszSzznAvqmrCzCpqDm

eJqmXcUYuiVpfpd

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

ToiccmrAexwCRNC

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

EBFXUSgNGNaHhKT

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.”zBAqMWYPmESoGGKdnGyjgcPBrtUELN

MJIzjpROXACZMsK

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

MuAnesiKBGUTxES

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

RrqSeJcxooXphCe

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

aZCVMcvEgPpAIJE

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.”tywXcIvHoSrdlkLpboXftynhcuPFZo

zgKEjgWjPCnGqGM

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

MRDKRPVGNzEpNcI

Ning Rushen, “…”KoyUPZntyOXfxxHBpGYOzBkUltWcpN

KorgYVVXMIRsQfZ

Is that laughter polite?dDmWDGNONRRzNnmBMLqbYVoebGTDhu

avoDLVrhrLzOTEc

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

aYSkgNsoGUtqRlP

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

dpmzLyTaYRzNkDS

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.”lgUWHpvDjehdGgUvmDdPjmjFXsbhQo

UHImevgKpXXcYby

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

PubNmuqdNAcqBku

·jpfyQaoVFUmcPCvQZiypspzucRWcNL

HBBJQwFyYjVjpGV

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

wKleTlSOBTknqIT

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.lShCLbQsNBnkjKBWEXlRNfXEFhyhzg

UQulEfexDhXKiXT

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.nIfugemBTOoKTmrnPXPkiDvifYkvCU

hNLTzbTQhRVGfSw

Fruit brew is a slightly fermented sweet juice.znJQEscjiNnDBScNusWBGxXsrGOEwM

JidHBgTLJWTGkcF

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

bcbilIcytZkIFwk

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.lFttHtURHMYOwXdtOhlaEsqveTGWge

gEFGEQkEsmAIHqM

Both inside and outside the field were lively.WatEtyeawKEUFgbgzIZvMCHllEaXhH

nCJIddrNHAlvZBv

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

fraAubChnhyoYYG

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

PGudrGGPqOEdaoi

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

ZDHxMCexsdyZcZA

The eunuch had seen Ning Rushen early on.DcFLrYTVPyOsRYOSdhFdffChChhQby

qvCOaVgvdxMwhAL

—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.dYphkznULoJXqEBllkjKksxLtiBNHB

CbyKKBkXgntVLCy

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

wzhfbXkFyZHfpHZ

All eyes turned to Ning Rushen.XLriOeKltjAqDvWAhbjRWjftaObpSN

uwHjsPYNFoSCuSI

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

toYWFYWnbyrXCol

Who was the leak reporting this!dIccTKfKTcaANzNMEMxBHKDVYXziBk

HcSTrySWbrNweqS

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

UhMYMXJWhuRYJIV

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!”qZJhegWzeopSyPdbjJOemSfsJMxRIx

uBIiwzPpInvXguu

Ning Rushen: …??EQiIYYuxRwEoOSTAkEDsNreiXnbosH

TVOuuMiWcJxBTVL

…wlpeTanLDCnNLjiiSruVydBJtAzVdf

AblXGLQDupqcJwX

Half an hour later.khFUaogYVvFPakywcAWEzwKqcPGsLX

aJxYTEJqyVKFQZb

Ning Rushen followed the eunuch back to the palace.IPrLLFeQBlRtKTOtbXeQfgYbzdkxmv

xEOpswtvSHNHbUr

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.OYfrBAhVorJfSlIvUIRbcSMfQASzuQ

HQlhWOWaugvrPfF

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

iuVjzDwCTuWxyuI

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

dxHjRjVbhtbgHUq

A group of palace servants waited around.akEJLtVQgeDZFMeaBmQTpqAvtoaCXR

tKakEgdpPCxQfwb

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

ClFkgbRNDzdNdMn

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

kopzqrKnzlVbvqi

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

MSZNJsyzCnuvbOZ

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.”BrZMscZabQyqgjXusMIsZuuhOwgeCB

EpArrvYKnuKFOGX

Ning Rushen, “???”EpmJskjPZyHJlvQZyVBKnTnuJSWwlz

qBGIQhqHYFvVPdA

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

dhHmLYKSfkyEEUE

They quickly approached the side of the field.hslZaPdpUBGWCBWVYHlqfEKcjezdJC

kFTpLNyBtfkYHYL

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

inGkLQUNRXKIbAi

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

NPajaDyZmcfieZi

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.xkMlzDeuUBonBxFaGEMPJlpKVfucog

hLmTPSFYuBsoIEy

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

FSSOTQMSzDsgHKo

Li Wuting turned his head to look over.VMfgOwnqZeWewHhBJAPKkJUWCBLemP

ENKgcpXavfaadXI

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

vCCENzgwdvtMHZM

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

jjEaTPixHLpxeaG

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

HYzXQHlsaWPnarQ

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

NiCCQDIKIpZWCoe

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

WfGtcbLxobEvMLq

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.”QsABwHbuSzFWcHIatgNPzAvbbIfPjf

fTAawEqVyrIUCdG

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

GwSTbgdpTlrIDad

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

KXjJFqGydnVvMEM

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

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

jVyImTrlTPGwKKm

Ning Rushen, “…”ditjuMydaVzFVHsaelJxPedVDdkdvn

afcCQWCyksqGptq

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

akbGSrIxYcoanWT

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

PHAzHibQCUKOnwf

Li Wuting turned his head, “…”aYZKCLvUPXBEpydGPgjfxUfierXlRv

hscXNuQkavlXwjg

De Quan, “…”uftNDTqKgtOZKUGaYqeMqOfgoAFLlL

BtwRhlmdSBOMQuS

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

nvzfHRdYWvdXnYQ

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

GCiaVIodiLJBfvD

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

PjPshrJfVewIKIp

“Oh, how bad?”WBJwIkAkQDxlHbicyyxBiTmMfcxKGp

hAdoZsNpOxuBvrA

“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.”ajvxhEYBiWrVveTmPbdvxxkQPtEdme

IxDsnoVrkbAfRTl

Li Wuting, “…”MFRykHWmgaALJUHKiUUGgpjjIMPSnf

RIqmjlkrHdJjjgk

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

MEqXCxLaNAMukXQ

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

JfweFIzmiExyJPi

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

TZopmorGjNeHCod

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

OfKiaRhLohMpXvl

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

jZqgOrQkQeWspGi

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.”NsZQaCHBAhMWQsiXkVcPltInyXIROL

wjJeeLPgJVmspSe

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.XjCjKyzMEsubeoNlAylMVCUgXGCjPL

nmsOLoaVACsmONq

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

iPXdPOydjOhGGJf

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

IuowneFvDrPYtyE

Li Wuting chuckled from the side.YLMloLnISfXahuZhZAaTWAPvtsxCBH

kMitSepJfeJqFuu

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.”tPasxZeYylOnDutwNydiILfWscGGEh

OhAnrtsFLNLrERP

Ning Rushen swallowed, “Mhm.”BeMXiJPdLEWOxHrfdgXpbTzfFVQvAP

AtTyNdzjMxnAcsy

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

BzkcRJlKeklDVJu

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.EDfNiSaiDvrhCoJUAtHbyAQTGBLjKV

kPlsBOEwvfzTFIb

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

UIJkQydGHQXOnNr

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

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

HkaIoJCuxouKgEf

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.”KaqNpCvicTHkAZSvjuZNkOWfvDQOXY

OlAQACqpOWMacCF

Li Wuting hummed softly, his expression softening.VSSrBLIRTNjixuUhyuMCYVAUwTHieW

CHvHmLlNANwGzzv

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

wWMKWdbhpMWFJrz

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:InRIlsSZRXLEkvPRlYxWcLExcwqVFp

ZayHLrNHOTIjExt

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

mOKMwWNFuhjwpSL

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

xybMXURKoxsljbD

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

OoaPyYOpccuIEUG

“Minister Guan, what brings you here?”cGzwDktHysdPICGrLWUgFdKsLKOXCH

wzGHCXqOPNmcUXS

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

wmfcweQDuCQbTSG

Li Wuting nodded, “Take me there.”cCyjbAQuHFnUtEMqNpOKZADVCQgNxu

hawNTccXxaELdlb

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.ckKgruvJdWVvLPcNUFSFtJfRNOqvMX

xjMELjiFMkcdvsV

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

zmVWKkvdkEwdYFD