Chapter 24
Ning Rushen stared at Li Wuting at the door, momentarily caught off guard—vEcAbhqQsFhyxQcVDEmeNHbqlIKxyd
UFsongkCbWyHwSPHe then saw Shiyi behind him. Shiyi met his gaze and nodded.RWMosrETdZxlDLqTscnYvCvCgsRgED
HURyvbZHseECtcM“Get someone to request leave for you, and go directly to the imperial court!”eFHcUlsNMznTiPWapueQdloddYkArP
AMwwFKLkriEHeKMNo wonder it went from “Imperial Court Jin Yiwei” to “Former Jin Yiwei.”LGEkfPCKXcFCOxmQaQCBTjxwueNWSz
sbVWpXLLaNDkHKrGeng Yan, trembling beside him, bowed, “I, I pay my respects to Your Majesty!”cDVZopcUVhLZKamzyrYNnENnpDhREW
gXIFUVXBrNXHDHGLi Wuting glanced at him, “No need for formalities, we meet often enough.”TPtyhVNZAZkxYWfpiyDWlLmbTvnjWi
dQqMVtnKMpkCVFxLi Wuting withdrew his gaze, then looked at the thin blanket that had just been put down, and walked into the room.yLUiVUqDoLwuTpdVciXhmcQroXDqBX
SoyoCpsXQQiqSRXNing Rushen only then regained his composure, hastily sat up and saluted, “I, I pay my respects to Your Majesty…” He was wearing only a thin robe, which hung loosely as he sat up, revealing his slender, white figure.KkWbQLWbiGAaqSVRouzHttPziuCQbd
dRJQxzFOJaRqMzGLi Wuting’s eyelids flickered, “You’re excused.”RdAsAvfYpUTnvQmYZypSwXlZotEtVy
YMPdPYMYOXMElMgNing Rushen lay back on the pillow, facing Li Wuting.ZQupNMjElcuYensBTRrolgBUZkGRLV
OErMXqllihpNmzfHe had been so irritated by Geng Yan’s shouting earlier, and Geng Yan had only stood by his side, so he hadn’t noticed—vQCZBuvnmpIkSPtcbjrigrvOEFrrJt
BPkfqAbYMthcgYXBut now, facing Li Wuting, he belatedly pulled the thin blanket behind him, and the silky fabric loosely gathered around his shoulders.mEqkFPzFxNbLgFJuLtdAvhQWBsYEpu
sfhsxLmMEzfMpdYNing Rushen adjusted the blanket and asked, “Why has Your Majesty come?”qxTfYsvKCKAXeTamCfyjCmZVQIVDJc
KenvOuPutdglyueLi Wuting finally shifted his gaze back, “I heard Ning Qing was seriously injured and still hasn’t taken his medicine. I came to see how Ning Qing is recovering.”jGkRBcPPgenMwUrWgfHeXIhlJrGgrx
OhvhRppxURxOnAb“…” Shiyi, you’re great.eDNxTHlVfvNpMTsjibNIMyfjSyuWeC
EbeiLObsPgYQgqZNing Rushen lightly quibbled, “It’s that I haven’t taken it ‘yet.'”vMEgfKXmvSCOKvqsOetPcpSrASaCFg
wNfXqBkVxaFYEcX“It’s been so long, you should have taken it by now.” Li Wuting didn’t believe his excuse, glancing sideways at the medicine bowl on the bedside table, he ordered, “Go heat up the medicine.”xLGGxRbYcxgvQimuoSaksYJwQbJRWg
ymXdZgjnfyjHgEOXing Lan immediately carried the medicine bowl downstairs, “Yes!”doVpuBRUccaNQvRpeUGzuDnaMdKyxI
MpUhtKOJtpNQqRmNing Rushen, “…”OKumnXvyzFEmTkuKDLLlPHRyrvnkWO
wdsRhIidlVvNoFDThe medicine was quickly reheated and brought back.fSWRnZgqZzLcDePuixzznDOwupKrmf
gDmiughIqUKrtQINing Rushen watched as Xing Lan brought over the steaming, dark bowl, unable to resist trembling. Taking advantage of Li Wuting sitting at the bedside, he tried to hide behind him.JJHgMcPYsSJZHhiSmOzWzmmYrpQJvg
yOtowgfiuLrPOinHe shook his head at Xing Lan with a look of resistance:uvVhktToNjpmeEekQQhssqTPQZEmLs
wpPvcFZidsNkokhRed flowers, small bridges, old ladies!UimnoIZQGnnmWRqDeqVMLCvJxIUpNd
AIQbjGUfIGhPkbRXing Lan was momentarily at a loss, “Sir…”BNkSlhWcqRcAzJbWDVWAErTomYsrmj
ItbVvInbdhJBYYaJust as he hesitated, a hand suddenly reached out and took the bowl.zPmWCHWdlZqlsPiKbLypRUeiSFWwrA
SbxjpOMMbQluLkGNing Rushen: ?HfbGuYkwQsiyaKNwBUSIMhpKkhlLVP
lngTzYJkpLLpKutLi Wuting held the bowl of medicine, lowered his eyes, and looked at him, “Where are you trying to hide?”IruomynBrgWcYYLFiXPKFMXQagOrRo
FDNTEdVeiiMRLIrNing Rushen, painfully exposed, “…”UvPFATsjRIstnshajCFthlDaVKqthw
ZVqjYERUkMwTEiwLi Wuting said, “Well, since I’m personally serving you, shouldn’t you drink it?”LTZzuNURyvqivOVYagCpejBEabFbFZ
wmiXihuvSINRZyBDe Quan immediately laughed and intervened, “Oh, Ning Daren is just being formal. He’s thanking Your Majesty in his heart!”ENlBbJyeUYUxgSHkNCskgsbtGAVNMm
oDFIXnfcpipPKZfNing Rushen thought to himself, “…I thank you all.”LGilBOsfzWfRyjtUfUsGhRUidkRabe
lBVqPdeYlIGtehOThe hot bowl of medicine sat quietly in front of him.VRlsVpGqmBNbWWkRjrhIlkpNxMgaUj
YXtKBGmUmdRfuICWith Li Wuting’s calm gaze still on him from above.WqAzGbdKMEpecRqGuZmPZYNItaAvMB
OwAwFGeaOScDqGbNing Rushen hesitated for a moment, then clenched his pillow, leaned his head over, and reluctantly drank from the bowl…VGYtPtgLZMJHuNwgnqjXtSssrIDQPT
IIocUDQGuLhsUCuA few steps away, Geng Yan was startled!cmOZsjfOSESteTHTSDAtRLjnsyQGUE
HJyzZSemhiMNpWXWhen His Majesty says “bring,” do you really dare to make someone bring it up to you!cdMtoxQSsmJKzQdqQeWaiDxAwpiqjq
OtJhYQqSWZBiUawHe glanced over nervously.VftnoYGWMSKSBCauHArOYQnFWsVQjv
jgXaSwloeoxCPOQBut the person carrying the bowl didn’t seem to mind—kHTAZolZtVYojjkXWkAamWgKbGakQi
VqgSIRRhfkHSVQGLi Wuting watched as the person drank the medicine, holding the bowl steadily and even raising his hand slightly to match Ning Rushen’s drinking speed.rThVBPsdAQnkTOkEcrNrrBtAZKXDGp
eyssdzBdDyiXKMqThe person lying on the pillow obediently leaned over to drink the medicine from his hand.KEKbyuenoUVlXggVGJvihMRPkOwAdS
UkGdmmhNutvhGqmIn a daze, Li Wuting felt as if he were feeding a cat.KMTBwJOqqypSUjsooPhmoDzpZoOTzV
pPzHKtzyUUTZAXvThe bitterness of the hot medicine grew stronger.wnHVpbCisKUMDYkXZKPxkwEWdJZuAc
PLBJPyIAhtoUkFPAfter drinking a few sips, Ning Rushen felt the sour bitterness rising to his head. He vaguely saw the old lady waving at him again…huaPYXpcjHMsSfPRafREWSAJFNNoWi
nQWVoPknmTIZxamHe trembled his eyelashes, couldn’t help but push the rim of the bowl with his tongue, turned his head aside, and exhaled, “Bitter… Your Majesty, it’s bitter…”nFtuaxfKiRpNbeCnPYgsUAwLgnyuRX
IcElBttPHEbDEbkLi Wuting held the bowl, “Drink it all in one go, or it’ll be even more bitter.”SlVZbZKPiXdBIMoLxLJbpEpAAICsPF
nDbfntQQqlkrXLrNing Rushen swallowed, tears welling up in his eyes as he looked at the stern face before him. He took a deep breath, leaned over the rim of the bowl, and drank the rest of the medicine.hARKQcMmSDHaKHRTcaySseVVqSLUeW
ybxdXUEBliPvLqj…iRJoFGdFselbkxvDTWfsdMoGjigofw
weHClCBXTSijCcLFinally, he finished the deeply bitter bowl of medicine.KhDGHwHxrZVTfFdmPWyQDVeGehwMCq
wrLaEGwNHUcwdCrXing Lan carried the medicine bowl away.VZcVEbgGYOwstaZVWCgGxjEDZetIcP
iYUxTZYiMsaUwtISince His Majesty was still present, she couldn’t bring water for Ning Rushen to rinse his mouth. She could only bring some preserved fruits instead, saying, “Please enjoy, my lord.”avmHGbFCVdmRJttYMkMFsFObLmFAsa
DylZRrmgUtmyGWhNing Rushen, tears in his eyes, accepted them eagerly:gkNaMgVJReWTKsJLrQTFYPcEFYPUyo
iEjnFRCpJgkTVnc“Great, I’ll use my tongue to lick them!”uETOnOdgSHqbmUptBmGimPmruaJFRW
KtwyGuSiKzksmSDIn this brief moment when he was reviving with the preserved fruits in his mouth, Li Wuting sat beside him, using a handkerchief to gently wipe off the medicine juice on his fingertips.jcNWBOqAghhiRkeHKZLCaolGbyTZWx
dIcOUHfYuTIaEtq“How did you bump into it? Didn’t you see the cart coming?”qRXCUIjMdxqybDRNYKEZcxcgoOfrSn
JGcrcXkYctCLcZb“I, I was trying to avoid it and bumped into the cart.”wULPBlTCYakHVcbFekQcbCqrWlcUxY
RoXBmUtoTYZVvGrLi Wuting looked at him silently.OKTquCegciWGgxCzHKyddTNWZkNyme
spKFiXGnODsYVuvNing Rushen thought about the various possibilities and tentatively said, “Your Majesty, it’s the Yu family.”maStkYWgYmLIqIXQcGGEGXXbbHVSTs
mXVbOyGtymzpOBX“Mm.” Li Wuting replied nonchalantly, “Ning Qing, what do you think should be done?”KvIKmkWXCPmzXDqwsbAbxVDOZpUtpg
BiEUizYbEzMOqZbNing Rushen thought, “If I knew, why would I ask you?”fBCgAITzmbHuMuAQHIIcrIWjnCibCB
EzKmhAnuQPrYAzyHe met Li Wuting’s deep gaze and paused. A hint of socialist light slowly rose in his eyes. “Naturally, it should be governed according to the law.”yrnRPmTetTHTwCYgWofcwSKMWHJCio
pIuqEzgknNTFkOLA light sigh seemed to fall in the room.qkysQUSJtUXRBniGYukUczFoDtvplj
OqhjLEUWftNOXYTLi Wuting then stood up. “Ning Qing, take your medicine properly. I’ll take my leave.”YulJzCHWYswbCuJjQwWHUPtBPLfwXU
YFcKuObjaRialmSNing Rushen raised his head in confusion. “Your Majesty, please allow me to see you off.”HOoPnDRFbHjWFLMAPHIAkvMZiujNPi
GNSJHavKswusfNqEveryone in the room bowed to send him off.jsPwSybjMxkvdzPFTsRcGUIlqNxnKA
NDIVLxpjrTmDHgjLi Wuting nodded and turned to leave. As he passed by the quiet and calm Geng Yan at the foot of the bed, he withdrew his gaze, lifted his steps, and left the room.iMyOmsfGrgTabZUlJYURrDXZtxsYYt
fGKEGKhASYuOOhqThe next day, during the morning court session, courtiers reported that a member of the Yu family had ridden a horse recklessly in the streets, disturbing the people. The Yu family was in charge of the East City Military Department and had overstepped their duties.XNWDhhjtQEBzEyBhDZgVeQPhWAmnpR
ZtQDjVIymcxvhkUThe Emperor, with a stern expression, ordered the Jin Yiwei to investigate and deal with the matter.GljhFjkLGvVFiZMLNncpfonHQEEzvw
tjdhxBBMffQuRzvSome keen observers noticed that Lord Ning had not attended the court session that day and remembered that the Ning residence seemed to be near the East City Military Department. They suddenly realized something.mqMHlqCUKZKOIAjmMdhsBJvhBUXLYH
CbxlaFEifxlejudThe situation in the court began to stir silently.RzRjDNNTaSOOLzRYYcyAeuzVJfcoRO
YzPPJSWpWTNsIjRMeanwhile, Ning Rushen stayed at home to recuperate, enjoying the sunshine and admiring the flowers, living a peaceful and tranquil life, detached from worldly affairs.pNTyFrPRLzJsHlAVMiVOvIrZufcJPm
PzBcDeHEcIBDXtBAlthough his waist injury had looked horrifying at the time, it had not affected his muscles or bones.eeYLMCtAmPtUvCgPLqXcfjpbgbmvYz
uNsuGSGJxnlZWxbAfter resting at home for two days, he was already able to get up and move around.zqjtSzRURitxEOSbyEbrhounFaYPig
kGkKVbIiqGVKCnZYan Min had someone move a reclining chair to the courtyard, where Ning Rushen lay drinking tea and reading.FfoPmAedPucJvfeFKSDhFXvMqDOWWk
zokEeQgnVBokdmfIn the bright afternoon sunlight, when he was almost falling asleep, a servant, Yuan Liu, suddenly came to report, “My lord, the master of the Yu family is here to see you.”kUGmcShyWFHqHjrLPxcrcIuwMoBBQZ
wKAchQLkWFVeqcONing Rushen squinted, half asleep, “Send away the dull ones, let the clever ones in.”CnHmDQrSnkWsTNmvfXKPzOTAkKvhjE
mNOvAzpDaVbzhihYuan Liu replied, “The one surnamed Yu, who bumped into you.”aDywRqrDWbsatnZRxnnePWwsEgSWPj
ArVNeVGqILmZIiuNing Rushen opened his eyes wide, “?”zOSdmleAatWLIjEEoQmXASCmBkJdIU
kehgxUxvcxIckwBA moment later, Yuan Liu led Yu Lifeng and his son into the main courtyard.TwMTkIqHRmDppNZpdmXnFSWjgFRNEb
EgjEkSAgfrRpZcjYu Lifeng, looking about fifty years old, appeared anxious. Behind him was a young man in luxurious clothing, the same person who had ridden a horse recklessly in the street. He was in his early twenties and wore a reluctant expression.XMxgSFPAYrIccOljNBcwXohAVhidiy
YsiCGnOWmLCAYYTUpon seeing Ning Rushen, Yu Lifeng hurriedly said, “Lord Ning, this old man has brought his unfilial son to apologize!”MqCuGxhBSFHkrQvBidrhWYqfDRAHCL
loUpIznFIfIgGHkBehind him, Yu Tiao pursed his lips and said, “Lord Ning.”vSTPJflUTKioCHEJxfNPqnlFhZVthh
OTsrdKaahWdZHeANing Rushen lazily lay down and glanced at the two with indifference.lumPysUCEXKwZchimLQjoZPqkInTAQ
BRYEFrOZTtCDHxfYu Lifeng continued to apologize nervously, asking his attendant to present the apology gift. “My son is unfilial and has offended you, Lord. I hope you can forgive him for my sake and seek mercy from His Majesty!”MYzskHdpvcZRRzHdaYMClKPnbLcmXg
VXtCkJXxpGZtqFbYan Min, standing beside, promptly took the gift without hesitation.aefgyDAjWuCRQUwZMuGnzJUTtvdjsp
nJKyNWMMhtZCJdCExtortion fees, collected.EGJjdiGYArjtOxDXwgKInFzwZNBjbl
YFTQCuXTqOGHZhjNing Rushen gave him a subtle approving glance before turning to the Yu father and son. “Mr. Yu, you are too serious. Your unfilial son disturbed the people. Why come to me to seek mercy from His Majesty?”VmpHUsKDKErvTNmCXOynWJARCJAHVa
typbKpjSYnlIUeoYu Lifeng was speechless.QdNTNZrdpyRAMDQCniBTylaHafwzcG
mYIXpfGXDnDNVuhIt was Yu Tiao who couldn’t help but change his expression, “Father, why be so submissive? It wasn’t even me who caused the accident. Instead of begging him, it’s better to go to the other families–“fLyOScHBhdGqBHOioWvSeAnLNGeXFm
JDkxtNwuLADVcNG“Shut up!” Yu Lifeng’s face changed, stopping him.laufFMMezZiUGYbnZjIfHbxJxGNQPn
qDpeasqrIGWCGAQYu Tiao suppressed his dissatisfaction.RUJpJswtZNHHsLhzdrMPbwflvGHnCK
LckkkRsAkVAeIgCSeeing his appearance, Ning Rushen couldn’t help but recall the words he had asked from Shiyi yesterday:SXVhKMhYfGvXuuFeZedWNXMYNgqMSj
WqQjbJRiornQIWsThe Five Cities Military Department of Dacheng used to be held by the fathers, brothers, and relatives of the palace concubines, commonly known as connections.NRTAyNspMGbqwZKnSbONcCZcrdtIHe
nYjwGkwxEXalWbfSome concubines were favored, and their families were powerful.SdPNshPFrJBOEzKVAhuoGypsHdKRCh
KCRDfcKUUSPWkKOThe noble children who grew up in such an environment still live as if in the reign of the late emperor, still acting wantonly and arrogantly.DyysLnmhhDTyHKbkbvfRBJctiEvAmV
jZDwBVDQOIcpoZSA group of second-generation spoiled children, nothing good to say.OvYFTPEXTRTAQnWXdiqQYpxlwufLoM
bkXJwifpvwSQvpTNing Rushen yawned, feeling sleepy. “It seems Mr. Yu knows many tricks; I can’t help. Yuan Liu, see them off.”GWJhTrsUrVtEutTeqziYIOUMwLtrGj
ICBAjAlOrJMXiVy“Yes, please, leave us!” Yuan Liu raised his hand.QuWHdmpudQvZXWKjTKvABqrDaqRlOk
aaQAdcmxCPcDuEpYu Lifeng, angry, took Yu Tiao away, feeling resentful.AnIyEXlsZrQLRKUqZgxXmzePyjoRGR
qPyLRNQQuFgwsVmAfter sending the Yu family away, the next two days were much quieter.eWVquOvwfuKcsNfmOlaKNsyOdtDYMi
YQYPtnoCptcLaSzNing Rushen had been lying down for a few days, and his waist injury had almost healed. Just out of a habit of being able to lounge around, he still sprawled out like a cat in the yard, basking in the sun.eDwNvHqdfyfOgbXwckWdEWesiuYEvs
qFfiSPhZJTkBXRfWhile lounging, there was suddenly a loud “clang!” from the wall!TOSJhtVlncOPAXUzConGlhdpxKCehx
DBnoeqdteTmXukUHe was startled and sat up, only to see Shiyi holding a struggling Geng Yan who had fallen in front of him, crying out, “Wahhh…”QFlXrakkLLJCIZdyIUPLqKiuhpexHf
VUIQCCUezInKAdYNing Rushen: ???oLqiEYVxVTYvSkSVJPMWSWYHgXjIAr
wUxvutfKDwwMUIQThe Brocade Guards were always very reckless. Shiyi single-handedly carried a servant but remained unfazed. “My Lord, he was sneaking around on your wall.”ozwvCmHuzGpxlJJtuQEhfxtxUTMxFX
FNAhHbhfklnciZBGeng Yan, too angry to speak clearly, said, “He was sneaking around!”CvGJgtpOYTvNjxLdByIgTSONqGskEv
KrcURvAJpLUxHkZHe looked complicated, causing Shiyi to let go of the person. “Forget it, he’s just passing by where you came from.”JYsazxfxMdoiZakUZYRPhSwTNSIwmJ
CEfqpHuZejTbXjWShiyi, “…”lXkhWsaibBNckOJXUrxipyCbMdzzGT
QUyWDrDzSLAtaflGeng Yan was thrown to the ground with a thud, pointing at the guards, his fingers trembling. “What’s wrong with you, daring to casually throw down an official of the court!”GIRfiNcLtcqwTHnNiuKzsaqaSzwITQ
tSvNDAZHhQHYDIDNing Rushen couldn’t say that this was the former Jin Yiwei, so he took the initiative, “Why were you lurking on my wall? Instead of using the main gate, are you here to assassinate me?”oQdMtHvNrBEyFoMQfBrAOGMlhaNILM
tHiEJjeRFnYqzKRGeng Yan, upon hearing this, instantly looked around vigilantly. “Right! I forgot, I just wanted to see if His Majesty is here today. If he is, then I’ll leave.”CoTYOHcmHHxLtoHzoNsEuQzCJLjOxV
iOOuSGjZaqiLLaP“…Why bother.”JEMmCaBODFjlfowiQvWaILXOzcBbjO
sQiHcRQFHpSlYpOConfirming Li Wuting wasn’t present, Geng Yan finally breathed a sigh of relief.yinRCGRqERnMzQdhtrdmdxYGQoKSLT
qReqSWryMAQHFNLHe consciously brought over a small stool. “Is your back better? When will you return to duty in the palace?”QKHYxRASzRglGgKKnREmSxTUYTJfDK
PYJwgjVtREAGejNNing Rushen probed, “What, did your father cause trouble again?”iFLxcZluFKlEkLutMaHbxdIuSATGGQ
eUxkawzrYMUsrcPGeng Yan exploded, “No!!!”znolhjviyWNFGdAfgdizyUOyJFlBCo
gWBZDrSQQjGrFIoHe begrudgingly added, “I’m worried for you! Yesterday, I gathered with a few friends and heard from a friend of a friend that you’ve offended the sons of the Yu family. The sons from the Five-City Garrison are now united and thinking of suppressing you.”UjrHmxgqcXlluaqqcOBKyMtekguouz
LXLBSseaLQiuzLINing Rushen first sighed at how many friends he had.TxOZPEzVhokPEbpMCuOOgrQZdrCGLl
eqDdHzrHEFxjeFHThen he became curious, “How are they going to suppress me?”KelQSHsgLBonDFwKNeHWANPqeeFAEy
eTvsoDGezPoPCBL“This year’s imperial examination. Several families have candidates who passed the provincial exam. They said that as long as they can impress the Emperor during the palace exam, there are plenty of ways to suppress you, this ‘former minister of the late emperor.'”fzfTZPikXhRgNNEoYgGratiOTDzBoE
ccQHtyljkPDAVSFNing Rushen was speechless.nlbNBGoDXQECmORuypyNUepXejzKvQ
yuAyRfuWGKXrZwy“Do they not know that I am their examiner?”AHxVjsBEthBWBLCeiluIWjywcTJFBn
KriFiOYSsajPPfdDo they know that their newly formed alliance is about to welcome the lucky draw?VFYTXvYDZlJLIzFUYffdYSCoRnOIeo
qEsXJaOISJybbxqNing Rushen moved his lips, about to say something.rSNMZdwuWpHJaTyunXoFoNkgFjkQUP
buNlDnqMtWUalMJBut then, his gaze shifted and he suddenly caught sight of Shiyi standing nearby. Like a gently swaying weed, Shiyi was listening intently to their conversation, ears pricked up.BGRMvzQazXzAiSdnaDbLdabOOFcDYC
SJgHvDSNkTfIUftKnowing Shiyi’s penchant for exaggeration and gossip, if these words were to reach Li Wuting’s ears, they would probably turn into “several families are preparing to unite and overthrow him.”dFWeNXYOYWwgrqPBBmTmHdSsFSFaoP
qUZRAYLiQYoodFFNing Rushen thought for a moment, satisfied, “That’s good…”JidnJNpjjUsKxycFPFaedHsYNivCVl
gmcUIxaHNYjxQyVIt’s just right to add a bit of fuel to the fire.DVxTPUfFTnVDVbeWKFPTWhDAYFNbza
pNbEhRbPYJtzZiq“What’s good?” Geng Yan suddenly leaned over, “Is it good for you to retire and return to your hometown?”smvXyXlpiYgwRGGQnSXMCGEuOvlIIC
ZZBFFYUgpgAjXaJHe leaned in closer, and his volume suddenly increased.umwNLzzwaAGZZUmfMzmJDdqTNkonDQ
QYGwsFxhTfXmTNBNing Rushen pushed his head away, “You’re so loud.”aaiMcXpjLAxJUqzpzhnKJEPsmwPRxu
AMTPtAgLqlLwNDP…RwjibpFDTsgKwehPhifJIKZvfABFIx
YwPOxBBrEbTTANHThat evening, Shiyi appeared on time at the Heart-Caring Hall.iTCqbKdSFUNAlIcTEJeSnPqfFCilyk
HfQVRtJUUaZZOnxLi Wuting seemed to tacitly approve of his actions, sitting on the low couch with lowered eyes. “How are things going?”BEGMIFEGpOFOPYlXUvAgLNglBOJKst
zRvkJiTMwqhNGFbShiyi replied, “Basically recovered.”WaVduHGCdYuLBBPmxfDDMgINNUgqdu
rhrCqMptbIFrJWkLi Wuting nodded, “Is there anything else?”NYlzVyYBvvjoXoWbroDuVeRdByvVYD
IWZcBwAQPuzRlgx“Yes.” Shiyi recounted the conversations of the visitors over the past few days, then mentioned Geng Yan, “Minister Geng climbed over the wall, saw that Your Majesty was not present, and was delighted.”IpmXEgfephuTCiHDZnsmOOWrmFtdit
YVdejKTKpnMfoRTLi Wuting, “…”BCNfQEnyaDxOZaWrUpfPkRXUxaabnr
JyFeeKRERwsoeXIShiyi continued, “Then he mentioned several families under the Five-City Garrison.”iJUMVmOqdvXuroMVUGVwAbzRQZAUOm
EFJrgqAXTzPPCyC“What did he say?”NFsrxowbBekpojTwktvtDnejfrqfCS
FVXZQBvSonKkBth“I heard that several families are planning to unite and overthrow Lord Ning.”WcWvYitvczGakoXTspElDSNCgOsuAs
mZIhnFNbcrocEdWShiyi glanced over, but saw that Li Wuting remained calm, his expression unreadable.sizEqBDbQgSzpkganSyoGMCyUTQBEk
hjzAasZoHVQhwhiAfter a pause, Li Wuting spoke slowly, “How did Lord Ning react?”denxAXQohYTjxEJcDHERCVpJojCRot
lfhWmbgNiUffDuwRecalling the tone, Shiyi replied, “Lord Ning was very pleased and said, ‘That’s good…'” He imitated it perfectly, completely conveying the satisfaction of the person involved.IKsHYSPklbwkkNdwkAVplYufasbYci
HVRvXkuifmYsTaNLi Wuting’s gaze grew heavy, “What’s good?”VBjHlOmdcbpIcaPgmRehsKEHOhxiLI
xCpYHkAkoQZNAGQRecalling the conversation and confirming there was no objection, Shiyi added, “Good for retiring and returning to his hometown.”EptLhpSsSOUXiwxRmpdrwTZRgsCfQd
CGUHgASuunthdBX“…”CvOIbcTusnXgchKuFSJgZnGNqLGQKb
CqZPznNovmloHNnWith that said, silence fell before the low couch.XVJgcNefXmJSKHTXdGEGNxktXrnZWY
gVHssfMXQXOPfrlDe Quan tightened his grip on the duster, his heart pounding. Before he could speak, a cold laugh sounded in front of him:BEQwdgxWuhYZOxhplsUvvuxQKCHVaK
KbptyGrefLMvXkq“Hah, I didn’t know. Is this how Lord Ning thinks?”KMyWmNVuAgekKjYSsUUEDnAobCnEXf
anzeTqvdRRZNytQLi Wuting’s gaze shifted to outside the hall, ordering coldly, “Summon someone into the palace.”ituiBPaBdAxGmzuVSKdZOTKbJZKiSb
nmNbuMRLTVqwTCIvsbRRYrgYZTbxfNdRnIYrTPWstPbRA