This official is so weak

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

tBNOpyJkbLrzDXX

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

vfIbYfdcyQceVfr

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

aTHLOrICdNtQbjH

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.gSfOELQIxjJYYlxFRIoqdPjQjKOVIM

MaslDyatnuUBxfr

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

ueAoQFhEVkTodHg

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

tUlbINbUUmCzvmP

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

zeYROdNNZLfmElf

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

mRjnVEUYIXEnkWQ

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

JmpmGQeWAYmJNcQ

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

rvlgTskOyndpPaf

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

KqTqYOYcnHzRWpA

“…”HqQKSrPYXdZmtwMQxQImOSvUsCgiQK

EtGEZkrjwUszfpZ

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

DlIKOYEubsExktN

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

qMilnEEIEhwPZVB

“?!” Ning Rushen widened his eyes.LCktAOJwsCUZYoDMeTMOjpGkOZbHHL

VNgszruoNAhAqWG

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

dJDFPgVNpWDCPNp

His gaze was too direct.MQdIbVxAKcpxuovMCrvVsKMRnJGvli

hyYSfqOlEJimRYF

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

ylAoYbqnLQvWsNo

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

aruumxklntgbcok

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

bYyfNVmxzXZvYiM

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

WzTFuZivKSTzfSG

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

SySKZHksqATqnyw

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

dblPVMLxXsIKaoL

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

ZBgxYzpUdekHtjJ

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

rgxGUFElGtKWPim

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

OcmMRdVvEdzuilX

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

KLYCAmSVcqwLzrG

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

tWxsjggiFjPgwgc

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.ZgByqcbSKNxcwvzILQWzNzgfqxFaED

oPLlGXhsekCkvRQ

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

ssoClvctcYQmwTy

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

uWMICwTmAPuXELe

Li Wuting, “…”nkxpVQoqiwVWDPiSOIhYKGBJPxdHpU

DBBuGRrGquncGiN

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

ONjZWULJBDpqexh

The window directly faced the street outside the inn.oKQeIKzOmQiAQEcuBSMnSVJpSvVshx

fhDSYnrAdepyjKd

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

lwTJnAbjxlSGIgA

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

WpSQpiFyvQrVyxa

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

pxaRdlTrTTcrlCI

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

GAYZKKDAOWvYnde

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

QvMMIVBIeilgQFO

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

vJOzKnksmyaYiLg

…wYABvnvEpZyRbLBTOysJMUZfXWTYig

bvxmaczBWWcKDDf

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

vzfUMQDtZTCGWnU

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

iFBGQiuAuqOwBLv

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

PHLEAKczAOKdiPs

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

vMLGctPYgtIFqMm

So “due to disrepair” came from here.GUdSVYlYpOrSGvYfYQKotMWNTThubT

ARRuDWsNaodHzAo

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

dXiiJmkVymquQzA

As soon as he said this, both paused.QxaUWAkezmFMQMJJXbAJWjqQAXAyVs

yXhReaxpCDglTLT

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

mBAEmunFyCQOFIC

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

oxKomBaozTNECXO

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

TftAHqxWIrpsTyy

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

MCEniRAtpvcPKAb

De Quan was instantly confused.kGAfdYkMEDbiJCODVfPcNdedmCAYcv

jciktlVzPYbTObv

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

HwllecyifYhkQxk

Back in the carriage.zZqSKhaziyJumMHuGAolKIAeIDIrSU

hMiFmBFFWKHDbvJ

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

fnyayqSazYamYse

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

sUDdmUitnZfxnHc

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

EgEHZBHIyTYoTLJ

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

EvTQJRhgApgdQIO

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

AuSUIZCDmaScNtk

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

ctlcEajoLunYWbB

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

tQPRgtlPSzQvnGF

Li Wuting, “…”iwOkblasqyNOfGFMucSjLczsFDZWPT

JRyofVoGcrQRTuI

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

vuWcfYpswFuVhOR

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

EFnLJdCsSjRNapr

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

xveCmxFugpqKqrQ

Ning Rushen: ?OdLJKODbHfEfvxtwIBzSiAcUTMJTig

YancqoRuQMsnUWP

…pPTqwouXFoLInDYGJLMMHVjEBxWkLk

gffzOEgmIzIHmGB

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

lrsikMwVXlVmKjg

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

BfplIUavurOvujG

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

OOYLHLlhVkuGfHh

“…”KyhydyAEOpZixqDMKhQGYJpNnrmjfj

GVNwdVkvLfMZkGB

Behind him, the carriage was quiet.ZzHkuuXRBGNFHaPNqqSkCCMtQnGtgu

DFUVaFKLUUmaVcl

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

uPMBOSMsYMleSQz

Your bandit leader is sitting in the back.zFIEAyiEGNWbvEdNLTXLAErcTGbAcW

fIGRoMFFfduLXSr

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

ySNErVRoDMlrJSZ

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

EbnYygORbyCkpKn

…GQBPjDqLiJgbVQOIhVJjyPwMyfWAby

TSRuLvSTnGiDIln

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

zVjzFHDkqOKJRwJ

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

sQPQGtcpEBzdDof

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.”ceAOzQfuQegBhtQfOdaflXdrhXRzvJ

QEdDXsWqNmrrGIl

Saying this, he headed to the imperial study.zafnIweloPHlMHeybDqWLOYnEaCBtz

DdZyNJIVXjLSaqE

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

XaIQRYKMMJbfTBz

Ning Rushen paused, “…”ZNAcwpkDyIaokYCxgCglAbcwBeRZES

FocIygqNuFksRLo

It was too much; it was almost sickening.nWrvHeAHlzJZMBhnwJWaanbnUXCdZG

tEuyHAEtPEtDXix

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

QAJNbAUvyJwcsMx

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

EXsaPUOeGBkdFgw

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

NxhWAfkHkMKMdMg

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

TZcqfSlbWWxzmdO

“…”tWygMatWBIMImBhMGlDjqYVYMpiiQR

suMelbKgVgoAyjG

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

lJDNCbDlNRpJiHX

“Yes, Your Majesty.”JjZwtUTJIPHXpmTcKrMLDhGAHZtjyK

yykpjcqLkkiGyMm

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

PrValpiDmjiRwvu

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

nbhMxFeluPeyUJn

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

PKOKDElfRYbeORc

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.”mZGnkhlEVCgUxhBDjKSqhKZPqgvNXa

KDmEmrUxtTOMaCZ

Ning Rushen, “Prince Xuan.”GpWIyxZKoOOmVCRzZjdadwkduMOwgs

bvaHPVhCmaZKYVx

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

aiNsYrWUUAbiEjL

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.”PodmcpqHHXGusdpAlSQXKJlpjJiDhB

mjrUNyXUhFzigVz

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

knLCExoqoiSxuir

“…That’s not the case.”zkJJPSlhPDfeZjKtIhJwffueZiliWX

WaXoFmRjiCZjZnL

Li Wuting watched him quietly.MmuDRSxEsDjzFzxqgzfxcuQpcPApjZ

vjgdKENbMIfLMQh

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

sIvsAKCKkpDEAxC

Li Wuting interrupted, annoyed, “Alright.”VQBWiIjkbiMTGPLDaZXiRiwhtMvDFL

wBJaOHgKEFBmFOq

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

vSzATRKORbQfmmj

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

FAayRxeNWMNRnER

Ning Rushen: ?bTOjtlFclQAiORxnZwBLkZSNUHiRwa

njDGoYvdYfaMzRB

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

lrJpElbJBASrirK

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

dLRlEeKuePSHBjX

…So much for “alone without brothers”?kNFAweRDGbDHTrfjsoDNhzlxGLqywJ

ISveiTCaiWeJsCR

Ning Rushen glanced at Li Wuting.WGLWDfTjoGmWcSwNqGDVdYYUuwuUdy

WklJAQRgyDEfZhh

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

YFlyCJEACnEtCSt

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

oEjWMFuqsvmbKSP

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

WAMpVbTxpHfPQlV

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!”AaIjjVSzcSOJNYhfHJCFyxlPXqzkWj

uiwtgbiBtqDCWRm

Crumbles of pastry fell from his hands.ytSlvtyUmXJoYKkxgeZRvtxPKybQDM

wPBtotnnovADsRt

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.”yuJplhvPRcbBSAkxfyUNzcNVKsoaHc

KwxSlpNZMdMmamK

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

rOziSBbNctOcfcA

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

ePagHnFJWkdaGfS

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

usNFAckFlazAIeu

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

ZlHmCAFzbNiwiwE

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!cuDbeKgLYGpwmbMBFgmpwysFabNTMt

AzrMMkaIBLRbAlK

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

yFFEdXqFwbLVjjB

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

oEdNVLUBNcNJVvL

There was still some time before the meal.MgFuHxSZQohvPDPfpCgyqVRoMiOYmr

INNsCrXJZCvCpHK

Li Wuting started quizzing Li Jingyu on his studies.FcaGkfUZfNeTaWgGLSxTEvWTuHgWDV

mZzwXlBeDukSJSI

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

odyhhtUMNjKznqA

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?”WxiCOpNqWszVGsXnUeweNvyIPHSAXJ

qhdpLEPCMNNorZO

…Who was spreading these stories everywhere!dZOsUzPFPApKWiQzbocyOEAryehOHH

OKRElZKNMcfNEoj

“Yes, Your Highness.”CklUUKPmmKMtQBGknmsaVctcNIrYxx

ICwuYBcyoZZQfWZ

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

deaqCgAiGAuqBJk

To arrange? To bind? To punish??cKcMjibMJMKXJDRaQqAhnyjivcnQGZ

JBBbvfzlVXUnNPC

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

mPVHUBHKkscRHZv

Prince Xuan was baffled, “…What?”SGCqylUQQrTUwiNsrcwcedblaqfRPj

paBKdKsSBsagKUp

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

QkELymXDmgRtAaD

“Off you go, Jingyu.”qNiHipvwBYGMCJqqJxlFqKcHuQpXzO

rstBjyYQPnkphfy

Li Jingyu hopped off the stone bench.AYqypeoGflsqcdSkUWAiPuFvUSNjvp

fPBDufmZloFiGrd

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

hmcoLPdOVVRDEul

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

CkvVqfzFBNfPTwP

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

qXtezMQmALRYzFF

Prince Xuan was puzzled.LIVusjIleZMsMWOzpuCiFhPhyOmuPc

DykiNJSnyCnnlSE

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

fnYxYuCQMvbgXPM

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

dImRRHuqABNWyLq

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

oPfNopnOmkfUYBW

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

zGDHOxxIsamfikS

“Yes, Your Majesty.”CxTcIdjqEBzvKUYwFKihbGNhgCLLjv

YTeeSiACaDzlZtv

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

vxsJseFWJDgzImX

This courtyard was also beautifully decorated.IBirtfCbYqdqsDUCDgDRjgylStaTLs

clmelinlCXFLvlB

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.”upNfhGaYHrnxiVqoWxCwKezJulcMCD

fGtgugEvXvBASOE

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

IgsLjcCprZjNxGC

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.”wzuluyuQcMDCZcmLfeerHMeBSxRsvp

BEuqReocPiaGmBw

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

uekdLdRVCjuRvAY

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

XEskoHatmwEAfTX

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.zQkOTpQMEoQRaCxXBhKCwLZHpPOLdW

dPgnwvWPoZIHwuk

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.XUkTABYJjRIFQranBvTrHJaVhySoJe

njyggdzCgCmtCBp

“…”FIuHxGNLblMEXFAnDiyyvCCtPeBXMC

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

uKKUFcVwiOchfvA

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?”BUiUYxwfNfPMNneTvGcsnxJhOasdWe

nOUOGOBeqsqOjWp

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

GcwFkVMuVzWVUYg

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

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“…”YSaoJQrqNwKqgJMLqENnbblwKJEZfQ

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

HjiblmfymtJLiFH

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

ofmwFkIEoVxBNle

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

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

CzpKoCYHcsBjOQj

“…Ah, stuck.”MnOzuqkalRCEvLibVeAsOEbjdUynxF

GeUDlKZPIhwwBCv

The pupils of the maids dilated in panic.CwrdkKBKcYAJWFGjRKwMZMTtjmpXpn

yzxWyMxQRmeftIP

---

In the garden full of crabapple blossoms.HvDVLHYWWPtyYWzzlCQtkqvJKWapFW

BbsPqeJiyZAwuhR

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

FgpJjjzVdkNaJYk

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

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“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.”eLniusDxIICjVxpepeVVHSZGDvSikc

bGKiMRlfcHTYzEd

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

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Li Wuting considered this and tentatively agreed.ZulvvIpOtgnoAPnXapGsIruQkPifyv

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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?”MmXOQErtCYZuXVYpddEWvsQVRvWPSI

SnApludjVPISetc

“Yes, what about it?”MuueaLYmYQREinxShOVnsmiBvMLkjw

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

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The teacup was set down with a clink.gAEJYypgwLwqDjnjBESdUWJfVWJYjE

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

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

BlJreIJEhEkDTcV

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

mdwzLPDYvYXbTMq

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

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

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Li Wuting frowned, standing up with Li Yingtang.GMRrtAhmTaJdZIBvJIpfBgHpaQODnq

XXsQJEiVTZKZppE

---

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:ghAnblCgIsqAxlXacLTXDDclOtbubv

VBcoxftylQTsIpZ

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

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“When I was about four or five.”ATgyyZQnmRzfqQuWjfxwAPTfkvfErx

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

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Li Wuting, “…”tpecyaoHlOZRpqKmMUpHvNvmetHoaj

LIefjzdRQYhXJOY

Li Yingtang, “…”OFVzwEYuepvSbQGswJkxJwddZNkQaX

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

yeuKAHBvvvDsHZj

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

QHqcKCxPCltKJTP

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

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“…” Gulp.AwQeRsVuvFYaJubZEQEvlUqrcdmGke

NVwoCgCSTJIaUIK

In the slightly suffocating silence.XGuZYNZuStTQUqAsqUrPuQANKoiuSU

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

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

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