This official is so weak

In the hallway outside, several tense voices echoed, “It seems no one was seen…”dxAEeocQKgthxejvbhfDVfgECGrsBw

bMgrbWUeHHXEtBW

The sound of their voices, mixed with footsteps, gradually moved away toward the stairwell.BjQmifwORBfZdHNJOIupBECOwwKpjr

vCAhFbyGRTKBMdJ

Inside the room, Li Wuting slowly released his hand from covering another person’s mouth.FJjnotKDFxNrDWcVMYVijiAdsqeFYD

KhtjyxHAotZMvhQ

Only when he looked down did he notice that the person in front of him had bright red ears peeking through black hair, a dazzlingly red mole, and a trembling waist.miJWiNfcwhNBIpuwLvTqQmiTsCmqoj

HSQbMHKkfrGFAGW

Ning Rushen, with a trembling waist, turned his head, “Your Majesty, I…”UohpfCbAkZOjwVFDgrESEuQNTPOLXB

mEKUlBdqjNhuDkT

Before he could finish, Li Wuting spoke first, “What, can’t you withstand such vigorous shifting?”gHkYbKKDqmnedzeoxIBmHyvaUDiIAV

WSDdcFobmDwpUJe

Li Wuting did not hurry him, his gaze resting on a screen in the room, waiting quietly.YSpkGSZWsEOBVwlGygrmkyEHzBcVar

BrKTPQbHUIKnuhP

Apart from his identity as an emperor, Li Wuting was also a proper gentleman.iUdjDuxoilaFAjhwbfiomcMhQgOics

JGeTxpFKkatYymo

He rubbed his reddened ears, waiting for the lingering heat behind him to fade, and then, regaining his composure, said,jUGZpiDXNJSZIQimAjSSZFFeFpxzmz

AZtJlaciScbfTio

“I saw someone who looked like a student sneaking around… I just came to check.”sWTzkCOQJPcmdKoFXuRXvNJhamxQEt

afmHRdydfKKrvXu

Witnessing how “just” it was, Li Wuting snorted with laughter, “Heh.”bqsVHnXhRbWQUkAoStAvlgPvwEtTFS

xwWeaWSStTPvDGX

“…”LnFvHuIrOgqYWCOYAfVApLlKPunEtx

llsYnveAdBnCrSt

Ning Rushen diverted the subject, “I heard them trading leaked exam questions.”cINcQEpIskZSvaNgyZYvJVSCpevINv

nbrEnPZPyIuZSJo

After a few moments of silence, Li Wuting spoke, “I know.”ooVpjXCVJHVpmIeuAQkDDhKqaeEbLR

nthiTcmqDxUyVLp

“?!” Ning Rushen widened his eyes.jZWTWixSRzckJPYXmnDtqlOlvyEqaj

ROYtNqDSOugPsOh

You know and yet allow people to trade! To boost the GDP of Dacheng?wwJPxAzRDGjCMugfXuCJfTyNkfLfjz

rbndhQkSbgbKvkz

His gaze was too direct.QyPqjfKZhUmfwEVErddmokvuKGQkhS

qrhwHBicZhDhQpT

Li Wuting glanced at him, “It is leaked questions, but not entirely.”inrtnIAfkVlarRFWyyGXYSnufTcSfD

jtRDEXdxhmUMRuu

Ning Rushen pondered, “A riddle is being leaked?”UgmMDqqskcBQaaMzwAHPAGJZxZTcpL

aypDFeHvaXUcWXt

Only part of it is leaked, and the rest is left for others to solve?doouiyOIXuzWHDqIEmxuBHHoIWXWnN

ZUEbwlakDdrscHO

“…” Li Wuting, “What’s leaked are fake questions.”kISnqJRFxPiLYWHpkegeDorpIuaaMh

sUbsdgzeslAqnNB

This was a case that had happened in a previous life.XmUvfJOsSnvldlfsWNXXMlWUeGgWBF

IJWuohOCbwQrxPp

This time he had already had the Jinyiwei on watch, just not expecting the location to be here.MJQQsoYIvVyPuoRXRqCUjTNhRFSByL

SSOJqPxculBghdC

Until just now, when he saw the words “Moon Fairy Residence.”xUwyyZVVLyWNDqAVXlbpGazfaObCMh

hrijktaeTbSujIM

Ning Rushen digested the dramatic twists and turns, then looked around again, “Where are Eunuch De and the guards?”lXhOqiEHTrGzaWQwKhwGvkarPimYrB

SiDjBskYRQOiPxk

“I didn’t let them follow; only the emperor and the Jinyiwei know of this matter.”NUItcpzXBRHoEjZyunViSFzXaoDiTp

gSLCMnmFYlVSNnp

Li Wuting looked at him, “Now, Ning Qing knows too.”MrNrvJzQelFcFVoKtDCjkIoLKrserR

KNgAsbNeoDJpaTa

Ning Rushen admired, “Like adding wings to a tiger.”urRjIGEuNlNXYsMRPWDvhUoVSqNHVq

DyhNRDKteCTgyvN

Li Wuting moved his lips, about to say something but then held back. He walked to the window, lightly pushed it open to look down.grQpLSrFBIJieEDgGeDqvTsfTYuJmF

AZPmMaXSVKtZLeW

Just as he opened it, a head squeezed in front of his chest.pXnskjsfJeVDVUXmZMMSeecooZAQrF

oeMgbgQXsGNzrOE

Ning Rushen skillfully leaned against the window crack, “I’ll also take a look.”OwfNZQerzESoVLtiCllLOeEZUkjoeg

GLaOGbMCxrUtwFU

Li Wuting, “…”RmRPpjBrzhWDXMvwPPzTDJTTzQWonZ

ZYewXmZVlLKkQhK

When he leaned in, he was no longer trembling.qXUIWMaziXarYATADzTsbTUdOSFcwv

xOpRiUJuwmHGeyc

The window directly faced the street outside the inn.TZZqFKxhKWVwAMcWxLavlKAjvOEUmi

GzSPyuBvdjwKiGJ

Just now, several young men hurried out of the inn, with their voices faintly drifting up:jFlBjqDxyasSsouSXvdeNLmTtOupET

pKDgqrVIFaozLUb

“They say it’s due to disrepair, it makes noise with the wind.”EofYjOHDnPmNESCGBfdzkZEkyLbncl

ApfSKjkBfUfCGDT

“That scared me… let’s hurry.”JrCsZYIcWWwfCdhgKniaNVgydbsfjU

BLtzOmrgIVziGir

There was no more movement outside the room; perhaps the person behind had hidden to avoid the immediate threat.gKarAhRRykjDsWghBJFihgGrHxQNzK

QWMOssmqMWtBIRM

Li Wuting spoke lightly, “They’ve gone.”LlDUKNbCyXNTrqgDPMTTFntFOxEPCb

KaPdiulPjhSHCpw

Ning Rushen closed the window and followed, “Hmm, yes.”qqGvQsxLWKmmsijaVUmBaiqbjAOSIq

WSvlFRNhahdZpIX

…zUhbCfeFZarlSLNboXCFxMFFXOfpeM

GaBISxvuxMABbaa

The two encountered no one else as they went downstairs.oqAVxXxZNfZQwsZjPhQlGguafVpNJo

lzaJwWdlVZzRhwd

When they reached the lobby on the first floor, the previously listless innkeeper suddenly straightened up. He composed himself and bowed to Li Wuting.uQCaqYAOwAfgSFWMgQYEDuWLdXROKv

djxzYdaozcZbtXa

Ning Rushen was slightly stunned, then looked at Li Wuting.kdwwhSNozRIeRIcddMuscYdlPEKhGQ

XnNuzSpvwNjtPmm

Li Wuting kept his gaze forward, “Jinyiwei.”BrRELBllAyUICKynywyKfAFTHTbEdx

vJJlSySArqbtAHU

So “due to disrepair” came from here.mJnZQVuzyYOPFrUskSDnmLurJHUlGR

aAOnRPjHCUbFnsf

Ning Rushen was astonished, “There are actually reliable people in the Jinyiwei!”EbjpmrjtDHfEpJmDqwKyPQPMFYAExN

jEyNacdIgySIMJJ

As soon as he said this, both paused.AjoVJqKgRPHSBevtCFUXQgrGQoGTaq

ZdcwsVxrTtzktcd

Ning Rushen closed his mouth; sometimes silence is more powerful than words.XDiXyFOTVtKtpJHJptpGbJGSAzjSQy

nmEqtYmEqkIMyer

In this tense silence, they returned to their carriage.cUFfWfmRHAEzEtnUmOCCTtsJULaCZT

JMoQcpGQahDVFjQ

De Quan, seeing Ning Rushen return, suddenly smiled brightly, “Oh~ Minister Ning has come back with the Emperor again?”uhBimznjSEHWohltVacaeSnANBzNzw

DeHnpRwePWBKhwW

Ning Rushen reflected, “If I hadn’t followed the Emperor, I might not have come back at all.”sqeZXDPuzQsVbyjrrmDReXndEFwtzy

SrOXNkftibMLoKq

De Quan was instantly confused.GFQgIkHjahoRauzsKILUNQAYIeUaTS

jXHOPCpmahdQGPA

What happened, did they go to some shady place?AhoDgJzCkXgGTGPHqNUolHzZFEpebR

wjDPdJytljEyTpm

Back in the carriage.SSyYHwJGBhFtXJwfwxkEpRXextYWPk

SBYwgyVgkAlTxwQ

As the curtain dropped, they continued towards Ning’s residence.bqJcCqUYcmXrZHnzfzFJppXMBoCJfd

GlewsRXKyhplvSw

After a while, Li Wuting’s voice suddenly broke the quiet in the carriage:bckYMwxWCcOLEqHgVvgyQNtSHizKZV

xXIfkoRTuHQGuaH

“Among those students just now, there might really be talented individuals. Yet I chose to let the situation unfold…”FwOvWfulFbClndjtqrDQKVkzCsSNGl

liHsHZLLZDOpomA

“How do you see it, Ning Qing?”OkiUYhyaoJxwGfmJKYpZksGKWanrnT

YjokJsgrWiJTxTi

Ning Rushen was refilling a plate of pastries and nearly choked.jIkaewGkeaUhzvEEYaiRCJPWKdVBEP

GNsEZGzmvWprwSP

He, of course, was peering through the window crack.JICWkEEPidlsMvnOUAFVfqWbtvFAEK

YBHbHSIpbpFoxnO

Facing Li Wuting’s gaze, he replied, “Talented but without virtue, entering court would only bring trouble.”LJbBedMOBvsRTrktqCkkdfQbmXfcQN

QZkwOEViuqYKNBa

Li Wuting, “…”wegRlnuIoyhKpqasZAdKpWVxGDILfq

GRhtKiQntDgZfyg

Li Wuting gave him a look, his expression inscrutable.awOwrMQBWgbMAGdAbJacJeVbDyJaUS

acYZxrQIeYnlYOV

Ning Rushen straightened his back under his gaze, “What are you looking at, Your Majesty?”ztmhNNqNncKkoCUNgQDVOzBFGZqhBK

JMgUgPovJuztNGd

Li Wuting spoke casually, “I’m looking at what kind of ‘zi’ Ning Qing is.”rfzjsfCqjyBvoBZuKWjzSPxmtSHrZg

PPDSdsIEpkWHcrz

Ning Rushen: ?MekpVCEtgyayfpvnpaAyZjUtyuNWlf

oIgNAohHlZDScxV

…lIWHTQuqOcToYBwtVsNIetFZjvCrlD

vtNGGaLxPSxgqvF

The carriage stopped not far from the entrance to Ning’s residence.RkjDGqDApUsZlbcPLpqtqvSKyShAwb

lRWFKVQfUxSRXbJ

Ning Rushen stepped out of the carriage and bumped into Shiyi, who was leaving the mansion, “What are you doing here?”suWpTcPnkqewkMMnqKBmVDezqhWwPi

SsIiyrcrNrmapHD

Shiyi approached him, “Yan Guan didn’t pick you up, and fearing you were kidnapped, sent me to find you!”MOKabMUlTqsTnHvQUOvJbuabuBqlPZ

OgBpRjENayvKNqv

“…”hCyrJKqGNycbYVIKuiQdUrqJVbcNCW

rbzJmqGVdLrocwg

Behind him, the carriage was quiet.etnRaknGsCcRIwEXrSKXHsaCBUjjdM

GRlVxqqxyMbIgPs

Ning Rushen whispered, “Let’s not talk about it.”hKoLbONgnBtVGSGXLyWcsJvYRuIbLl

qZIHVrWPGktRRGX

Your bandit leader is sitting in the back.GJwQrInNrrXmslYiheIlUhQoWJRTgH

QcNfzLrHPzbyCYv

Shiyi, confused, “What happened? Hey, that carriage looks familiar…”kovwsQmYlWPvGFQxawJtByBbQeVHcn

YJMTOuDysvJewkT

Ning Rushen turned him around, “Let’s go back to the mansion.”bQlCkOMNjYDBBtiXPNANWUnyXSMmjw

rgtUUpeARlhElpv

…KGakfiuepJGXtTnZGLIpxtEKblowhH

MmBfOPATuZnIOpU

Shiyi’s return to the imperial court seemed indefinitely postponed.coFwljEZtMrvbaNXQVYaryQdHBwfhJ

qscXjQXyohmsGJo

Yet Ning Rushen had to attend court as usual the next day.DXkHzfVEjswDhzNjhRVAOSeuGBaxYv

OItDpAdmaUMBedA

After the court session, Huo Mian tried to pull him aside to visit the general’s mansion. Remembering De Quan’s overly expressive looks, Ning Rushen, in a rare moment of inspiration, said, “Maybe next time, I need to serve at the imperial study today.”NupuNWgQfxiUbEYRhnBBZamdaeITzF

mWzbWhVdRcSuWIo

Saying this, he headed to the imperial study.lAjLYCUDEaujAYbwVPvsHncJdDeIFb

JAznIHbZknNuUip

After being announced, he entered the study and was met by De Quan’s overly enthusiastic gaze.qwrKehBOdkJSGwObvoiZeYbonMZeuF

zZrutmVcBbSvPVF

Ning Rushen paused, “…”MkRIqrhBkHrNZrWIVNcfOPGLoRQkmg

ZeKjvchQXvJPdHx

It was too much; it was almost sickening.oXrlHPkPYbsqWgJqLeRGTEPlJEvThf

ChvOaToMZcylmRm

Li Wuting looked up from his desk, “What are you here for?”luzWrvBgaAZyuoepuQOjBKgDKrTyKV

aOAFwYkVMxzchpt

Ning Rushen replied, “Your servant is here to serve at your side.”YDgdnUnYsGJMqcXLiUrxmuXXQiLhTs

qIYnsWoPAzyunvk

Li Wuting tapped on the desk, “Aren’t you going to the general’s mansion to admire the valor of my Dacheng soldiers?”WTiqbFDyYlfLCxFXxiqazSMePBxrPG

CAlwJwAfJpvudXH

“No, my constitution doesn’t agree with it.”TguBjGXEpdKlXPHkQDMrmUBQgjdtRJ

GGaYVlZGWfIjuJH

“…”KrnoPggsyEvRGFOMlfZpaAyKVaUksm

WrfbrVkwTBfFyfR

A few moments passed, “Fine, come over and grind some ink for me.”tqwbwuDtcOGIjvdbzJSmOPezfMGpuA

hnjWrVFqXLdNuiS

“Yes, Your Majesty.”cGcAflDthvWywvPKtYXdCijQLunmNE

TqVuRVYyrAFowxi

Ning Rushen walked over, just as he was picking up his sleeves, an announcement came from outside:yhqKvBPfPJGWjxUYaWevOezlkKeXwR

WuISXfZqSzVUBLk

“Your Majesty, Prince Xuan requests an audience.”dbGLByjACWEThUpSNuQbsjAHEOFcMY

eGzqwoErtnjUQCs

Li Wuting’s brows twitched slightly, “Let him in.”IiTuqfIgLIiDWWEiMsLvQoleIOICBj

OLqsNjPNIZSGfcp

Soon, Li Yingtang entered with a fan in hand, “Your Majesty, the weather is quite nice today, how about—eh? Minister Ning is also here.”bcNOGncEdfqCGQoIoXlZEZeHrCEXFr

dXGaMBRNZucJKxD

Ning Rushen, “Prince Xuan.”ScNdaoOZZYSpSzzNhYmkJTnOIorDxf

qfvXOZykbwLzAWN

Li Wuting looked at him indifferently, “What is it?”zsxdGiYlvgQjqPxPxyKudUegNFfVxk

UKLOFYcdnktYyLr

Li Yingtang returned to the matter at hand, “I’ve prepared a splendid feast at my residence given the nice weather, and I invite Your Majesty to grace it with your presence.”IJWipnkbeKKiCGUlYbnkSATCredroy

ewYjMBnEBsOKYqJ

“Heh, is the royal brother using emotional appeals again to avoid going to his fief?”fBKMcfapYGJnUeuOcSSvcGYaUwfHOI

OPQOtvBfKmtEfuY

“…That’s not the case.”hqWTxnpUbfrKvaZFUzJTIZTZAGscof

VmlaoilyNZSpndV

Li Wuting watched him quietly.DAVnurYabNXKJWVdnxUsZxFAerXhIl

LvFixhVXFOuYzWg

Li Yingtang then sighed, “Fine, I’ve prepared a table. The empress mother isn’t here, nor are my brothers; I’m all alone…”kEyUMsUrewkGNrCkYSJglloKVgcsVp

vnxdhJHMNGyZzov

Li Wuting interrupted, annoyed, “Alright.”dLiCzTJkHWUXRvOVohRFqEfvCDDykR

GSbWqtPppWgoTEU

As Li Wuting stood up to go to Prince Xuan’s mansion, Ning Rushen prepared to slip away.eTRfixyAMpbImSSqthIhvoaKZjyxku

czHgEUVPJHAMWFM

However, Li Yingtang suddenly stopped him, “Oh, Minister Ning. You come along as well.”DuiuHVnYuTQYojSXdeikvVOhxSoTfR

tbccawpSrbGdKwh

Ning Rushen: ?qvhuCWljFWnhPFUqGozrgmAZmvjuWM

zYHZqxzGsysLOXq

He waved his hand, “Thank you, Your Highness, but I’d rather not.”oSJmdYFlPVpXUZsQHfVIphFmcyNkZJ

XwIZvDKoXhSmXPc

Li Yingtang, “Come on, Jingyu is there too, he’s been missing you for a long time.”oZGhSOBgSUNQdmBODVppoIravRAObk

aJkPffJualnDQZQ

…So much for “alone without brothers”?naXnexPeUZaOtIheODgyFumbIbBEbC

TYibJOuIWMSdxxw

Ning Rushen glanced at Li Wuting.zahAuwPuIOnPjJPlEwkCKbuvghQhFX

AXabyEKXAWEqheH

Seeing that there was no sign of refusal on his behalf, he reluctantly nodded, “Yes.”seRXVFBrhFVUPASEnUGYqkQLVDRDSI

JwJgyPWCNDlfCiN

Ning Rushen was perplexed as to why Prince Xuan had invited him, but considering the prince’s eccentric personality, it somehow made sense.ozJjjwtaZnGqHoNFtKDyqVuZaVCCJf

MeSEWDmTgRiCyGw

He followed Emperor Li Wuting through the front courtyard into a small garden surrounded by blooming crabapple trees.EpgNCFIgWHwkUPTTEvbVvqxXqTFjyZ

PDYPbAuyRRWrIjo

In the center of the garden was a stone table where Li Jingyu was already enjoying some pastries. Upon seeing them arrive, Li Jingyu ran up excitedly, “Imperial Brother!”ENRafSraAuERKitycKEAIeMytgPbHv

MsvKtWxomRxsfgw

Crumbles of pastry fell from his hands.JmmSUjylphPopXljrslJxZPBALzQDt

wHqJAcKAseKVaBn

With a quick movement, Li Wuting redirected the little one towards Li Yingtang. Li Yingtang caught Li Jingyu’s arm, brushing off the crumbs back onto his own clothes, “Eh, Jingyu.”ijrdzEmNjSfOrPzNevegQyFvPAsSfw

qorgaCTghtoZPAk

Ning Rushen observed, “What profound brotherly affection.”giFTozNOhcyCGwSodfvPQeMjVdcPkb

pVkQtIBDtxvKXhU

Li Jingyu turned his head, “Minister Ning is here too!”EBoaRPxiCwqNpfyNpiZWfCpZgUmLHC

iSWLEIgdesOWzQC

Ning Rushen, reassured by his clean hands, greeted him politely, “Your Highness.”sCyDfswpRhXKbudolyvrxqpOfmIFpp

WqWWCsScjEyMiSI

After exchanging pleasantries, they all took seats around the stone table.tvpEWYUMrYMkUcVthRTMSmxjJLDPcw

BUwhbvIyPLtNTnT

Li Wuting sat next to Li Jingyu. Ning Rushen was about to reserve the seat next to him for Prince Xuan when the latter quickly took the seat across from Li Wuting!RyFikRbSuEyriyTpSkHnoDEipYCVmO

BzzNAnbXENKwElR

Ning Rushen touched the stone bench, wondering, “Is this bench heated?”QBYkAKrBUILxomVZMntmbewPubeIHI

gtFSrCAUHZbtQpK

With only one seat left, he sat down next to Li Wuting.KCTYeBrQmTggFsAztXrkiYqoWGjmvY

VZwPNTsFDQeLapr

There was still some time before the meal.DKCAxJKNlzbgamyueruyIrklPTbSeZ

ngCQpEwEmjxyiOS

Li Wuting started quizzing Li Jingyu on his studies.kZAhrEqOpAWjqRXcYgmXCOAABAztXW

nuuyDRvanJxHeJf

Ning Rushen was nibbling on a pastry when suddenly a folding fan poked his arm. He turned, “?”wIpjqakNKPFUWUJrPCEuXDluUTzRBx

GrsSbTBSrafiVgC

Prince Xuan leaned in, whispering with a hint of mystery, “I heard you were with Huo Mian going to the general’s mansion yesterday, but then the Emperor called you back to the palace?”cwIhnvTIKEombyzhGInNHFJmvZsQHN

fbVQsThpLAPhUdl

…Who was spreading these stories everywhere!EDTULPyyqGZCgeBaaTZyMUBVEgXvAI

OrFAmGBAWVzYJQQ

“Yes, Your Highness.”yIKqwSZGrTvlxPvbPgiokSRRUpSiNi

fAQlPwASHJeADIs

Prince Xuan’s curiosity was piqued, “What did the Emperor call you back for?”fCVfOpLcDWmxpKGsaNQbRwikIPDKnl

FNMFTKWbfJcxgvy

To arrange? To bind? To punish??ZaAYkNIuifDNQBgwlbBQtwrpXXyxfq

palkpfnRTmWXokd

Ning Rushen replied dryly, “He called me back to pick up junk.”cokJaknnxPeUGtblJbITkNNTFZfEgy

LWnVroKicjhxiuf

Prince Xuan was baffled, “…What?”QaQWvkRvaDHwyGlRfecLSVNIKqPRJQ

aJOrIGjxvpVIaRh

Their conversation, filled with misinterpretations, went on for a while. By that time, Li Wuting had finished discussing studies with Li Jingyu.zleeDhUCWoMIttlqPYNcHgTOphLHkf

aYMCfsBSHAgTwbA

“Off you go, Jingyu.”zpmlCQpZavinQDmzbZcNYZRoaqNkJm

AuzcTZOBmHKdPBX

Li Jingyu hopped off the stone bench.ADbyUgIHXBmuwgZpkJkWEcWckbPOTk

IwvtmUOmdRHCCIc

Li Wuting glanced over at Ning Rushen’s side, “What are you discussing?”lNzqjXsHdCyMABQzeerlOENmghdpCO

fBCBOBaMMHbMtMm

Ning Rushen, gauging Prince Xuan’s reaction, replied, “Some matters the prince cannot comprehend.”eijFkdBFmRGgRrlVzrpUFPKNlgdXOC

ewHeldlbgjmwJcI

Li Wuting’s brow furrowed slightly, “That’s a broad range.”QimbdyRVcbAfwILCCNwKjTNqDpfXBq

mKXJEsguPqzKXIl

Prince Xuan was puzzled.PjwiMQcupgnovsfXAlMUsIspeccZTr

XrQlHnYPizTbYRS

Li Wuting added, “If there’s something to discuss, tell it to me.”uEfcqhqKHvWKnGozrEEWOHfSjHplGg

BJyhCoLnPkxmPxy

Prince Xuan dropped the subject, “Oh, right.”EJvbzvisWPeeDHSYsDWbcksgzDoBdB

gLTInCcRRrPQxcg

Ning Rushen stood up, “I shall take the young prince for a walk elsewhere.”uqknWTAdYkceUWPvaFkzSdYTxZGpsJ

TVsEvmlujsdIPoV

“Alright, just don’t go too far.”oKnUCNdltgnZTSlIJJenbvSrxEvouJ

fKdpGTxFBpRcHpf

“Yes, Your Majesty.”jOsTdLJiSfJhEiaeWrDLSoSWoTwaXY

lpDkUZlvcRaQldy

Li Wuting watched them not wander too far, so Ning Rushen and Li Jingyu made their way to the nearby garden courtyard.kVoEsDsSSSRuiETyaOQMlIEbCBNHKG

EMTXKZeHqMNqGma

This courtyard was also beautifully decorated.qQXSmAsKijCEWziprsSeYEDAPQpMOj

cHJlLyvEiOeVYXn

Li Jingyu, familiar with the area, led Ning Rushen around, explaining, “There used to be a big peach tree here, but the Second Imperial Brother climbed it and broke it, so it’s gone now.”lNoVqKQsOdWIdnawQHLIsqnmYtIhAp

kmjkPKHoLNCpeFl

Ning Rushen was amazed, “A tree big enough to climb and break?”slVDSisPuIEqhwUdnwMNiAofenVbSm

DTzyvCJrygCBWjE

Li Jingyu corrected, “No, it was the Second Imperial Brother’s leg that broke. The Imperial Brother then had the peach tree moved to the palace.”uLYkJxBJsLoUgjrsQuIDirPNMTwrVp

vosMhivXRgQLdma

“…” Ning Rushen didn’t quite know how to respond, “Wow.”XzKMdnHvLBuVLqtkvPIxrIRfWWDcVh

JDOLaRFavukYmGv

After touring the area, Li Jingyu led them to a side wall of the courtyard.XBXoswPUZhvEpeowAMmtviZwLrNKQm

PJeKfZDfQxFMbBF

This wall was carved with many intricate designs, including several peach blossom shapes with large gaps that allowed views into the neighboring garden, creating a unique scene.PwuaMsHKjKXkesTdWUSnbuAFRRcyLE

uVfqYneaEYPSZiv

As Ning Rushen admired the wall, Li Jingyu dashed over and skillfully shoved himself into one of the openings, hanging half-out of the wall.pHWRPZMobLctUyIqYhwQonwunuzyjY

XmCvIWVWjaoTshM

“…”VObRniyVpvmSyESWqdhdtyjTCheUuC

FgiVyvgxvSuNHDM

The maids gasped in shock, “Young Highness!”tcYcPlgkGbfHKbZLAKAsFCAnGjsipJ

wBAxYnQZHsUXTSL

Li Jingyu waved them off, “It’s fine, I used to hang here often.” After saying this, he looked expectantly at Ning Rushen, “Can Minister Ning do it?”zvVrIFaWfYUrkKRblbCXaToGbpSuvc

aybUAULdeEycPKV

Ning Rushen assessed the situation, “I can’t fit, but I can stick my head through.”rNHKhpwThKpvSQaXBZdGAjeRBUGxyR

xQMcsDQxbpCOtHt

With that, he found a slightly larger gap and pushed his head through.TrgICBRGDncccDWtulnnoDsOyFbdJQ

kCxPvEXUwghnVpW

“…”tkMqyoPceVkoPoWveyERPYaUChJRQD

tlpGTpPtwuwzmtq

The two of them, faces pressed against the wall, looked at each other.FruwrzPRkGkjHcStPdfJtzgecyrZfV

IpcUeQZVwnHRsYN

Li Jingyu broke the silence first, “Minister Ning, it feels a bit cramped.”YiSwREYcFMGsKCMYNqaRsguaVSqRzl

SXVDubkjPErSWEz

Ning Rushen agreed, “It is, Your Highness.”EVuAJAdzNLaXonuvWTKmjINIayHldr

IIQhiKmiafIIKRh

After a few seconds of eye contact, they both tried to adjust.gXqKUpbtDEnUPpwHOajNrYwRuaFlpu

ZRUzmoYoydCZIWT

“…Ah, stuck.”ftaZLuIXyzfVpWKKjxUWWZFexCTBDk

KaqzdsXqtGKhSjQ

The pupils of the maids dilated in panic.gBnJviTwzxFNJIIMPxNJMCWoxnpDqg

fZNmQjvxcemZBGJ

---

In the garden full of crabapple blossoms.UpaxfvkzxcfQKkoVMmQQHlFNyOkxqi

LjxzosVFMhDfPla

Li Wuting and Li Yingtang sat at the table, surrounded by a scattering of pale pink petals, creating a pleasant scene.OZPSMCWMInzGPruDNbKJJHYEFNiOJr

YrzknCUkdOINEPp

“Your Majesty, the matter of going to the fief is not urgent, I think…”UyauPDRxOLUtiFbcFjcKSjZeNcabCz

oBRdULeMRqgrpKg

“There’s no need to discuss the fief anymore.” Li Wuting sipped his tea, his gaze lowering, “The situation in the capital is not simple, your staying here serves no benefit.”eqWbWqkzfbhJjVPIiMLPqrrqXqvmnY

ExALGCBwNVJCalO

Li Yingtang sighed in frustration, resignedly, “Then I will set off after the imperial examination is over.”CKwBRMTieSzrHRCihmKtQOHSkJwWxY

WOIGNWkNNjpyRcS

Li Wuting considered this and tentatively agreed.uccNkodbuCTnEjkGOaVEYFIIFnJOpz

OZwhkiotcnEdXYv

Speaking of the imperial examination, Li Yingtang added, “By the way, I heard Your Majesty appointed Minister Ning as an examiner for the metropolitan exams?”lQTyosHAGdnyYUJpokSOZZgCieVllO

XEEKnxyuMuzCvbr

“Yes, what about it?”tiqKXQSBmjcCNsZMdIIHnZyXWIQJOK

eAVQbmgPzTOgeqR

“Minister Ning hasn’t hurt his brain, has he? No problems?”XouWgoGbGWqjEqQAMSjSNFpItRNzQa

FTfsiPEydcCmQqZ

The teacup was set down with a clink.euwEteDnSPPIJPGMWEeraLaelsysZT

nPWisHAzjNktBSj

Li Wuting, recalling something that seemed to tug at his lips, said, “He just doesn’t remember things… his brain is fine.”EFbbcuutAdiheGqxuMVIWkJDidycWa

KehiJfBgvMBvRkJ

As they spoke, a maid ran up in a panic:fegDspXGRblEqJQEtfJEgHPFtPUpbW

rfrvUAaBJYIilUO

“Your servant greets the Emperor, Prince Xuan!”QqcdRNQlVrQXCUTzTcmWgvnTvKPUaX

LBdFVBExbzRvWCl

Li Wuting asked, “What causes such alarm?”KPceVjAfXcTdwXyjWBKTRkttsAAImD

YxbufuVHQYAnbhS

“Your Majesty, there’s trouble! Prince Jing and Minister Ning are…”YwdGMoyNcshQeGufOABMAajZAPNWGh

ouJNoxKaFwNUqzn

Li Wuting frowned, standing up with Li Yingtang.cIRdQoetqYnFaaFTVsBKFEidtotwAG

smdHaxurFhEYXKi

---

By the time they arrived at the neighboring courtyard wall under the maid’s guidance, they saw the amusing sight of a large and a small figure neatly stuck in the carved wall, casually chatting:JrVOkfLGqzsGaaIkzyAlWuCHXunzph

cRrdcAxKVsUAkUr

“Young Highness, how long ago did you ‘often hang’ here?”yvdNjEzxBOOjwhEVPYWNZzmyDTGHyn

pTeznaPZAdkPyqr

“When I was about four or five.”BlERzHqBfEBRpGPCqIYisjWFLNBuPS

XquLDIMRsdJLXDx

“Well, you’ve grown since then, Your Highness.”UWRKCazpFFLQpCmPRftCwZQWUtpjCt

sEtcDGyBnXRLAeb

Li Wuting, “…”XOABckKnOzcXmGpYYSlnMIcKtCgSwd

RUADTndOitmoXWn

Li Yingtang, “…”yxEqZnfiQeHuwUkMxAIVUXkujIKKtU

lbSqsTmbvbpabEn

Li Wuting’s vein twitched as he walked around to the other side of the wall.KrlKQESFrffDgyMhPLKUUgnkLgqRJd

feTveAdxzFHdpXz

In the carved floral wall, Ning Rushen and Li Jingyu chatted, waiting for someone to help them out, when suddenly the light dimmed—FeUjqsFfkBJubyealVhKFczXAaIUVD

UjofOtEhJmPsGyI

Looking up, Ning Rushen found himself face-to-face with Li Wuting’s stern, shadowed expression.InCOBfyuirdVNrGvcKBiOpxuJpMhVF

nSSXnIuGYROeQMm

“…” Gulp.uqSgbLjYmqUGrNMeciHqiIQBLsAYfa

kfrIJOvJMKDdfbF

In the slightly suffocating silence.xwaHPPGkBjwHiPUWrmmOIAYKtbPRQj

ayRSkhWQoqdhpHl

Li Jingyu stretched out a hand, “Imperial Brother, help.”kFjHkPyFjWpufOXbbGqfKEcesbSPfq

wIherByzUSjBkqV

Ning Rushen squeaked, “Your Majesty, help.”oJxEBTRFAtsqLNsEOMDZlEczyOswGE

qqnsSKgZgrXdnMT