This official is so weak

“？What… Ning Rushen licked his lips and said, ‘Does Your Majesty also feel reluctant?’LaoThXcPlwCpRiXCrvpLsWiQmcnpFG

fOlfaIoaNdTfgsf

“…” Li Wuting frowned, showing rare annoyance. “A leak will sink a great ship.”IlYwPplVSKpqegaPSGhgGoUGQpvTTc

pEqPKikFTRFxXiu

During a two-second silence, Shiyizhong suddenly spoke up earnestly, “Your Majesty! Do you need this humble… subject to go fetch him back?”aYrJXBZOxOHXaKHwhxpXzixPLLNFLo

RBsYSMMGJtnhJbo

Yuan Liu and Yan Min on the side disagreed and warned, “Ahem! Your Majesty has his own guards. What business does a small guard like you have interfering?”HxvheMPJKAfkbbBTlUQjgqnjGXUmle

mPZQqGlbQFitnDZ

Ning Rushen sighed silently. “This isn’t even a leaky sieve; it’s a transparent glass cover.”eBQUbhbRVmigtrqmiKkhVthblGNbHM

gSFqAHxGRxumwaq

“Enough.” Li Wuting’s head was starting to ache from Shiyizhong’s words.WGMECsdegHYfHCUsfkxHouCCRHBTUd

mvvOUwRJccISdNb

He relaxed his brows and said to Ning Rushen, “Next time a pigeon flies by, you stew it.”QhieeSNldDKVgIZgculhrJYKrYdymE

AVdPvMOAjiRpIjS

Li Wuting’s decree was rarely so pleasing to the ear.oBhGRpBcpqXJILMnfGNoeNcIWKEPyJ

riaHlOTldpEzXKz

“Also,” his gaze fell to Ning Rushen’s waist, “once your waist injury is healed, stop lying down. Remember to attend the court tomorrow.”XaytHaietFVUGzpnmgBpgjvxpecrLe

hJcgDUVuextEpfD

Ning Rushen’s enthusiasm dampened. “…Yes.”QpkWdqodfpyshwlfAqumYwPGXMOoSf

IlvxOCDdtEcFkHe

The horse racing case that had been lingering for several days immediately reached a conclusion:qJNeOkssJInfLpDSkoLndrsOQoYnFQ

nvmqQZqUNNwLhqI

Yu Lifeng was dismissed for his inadequate management; the children of the Yu family, arrogant and troublesome, disturbing the people and disrespecting the imperial family, were punished and sent to work as laborers to build rivers and canals for the people.ThCarTCizMnxdcyHyXIlhMjHYqXyrn

dQrgZeiPHCuEBve

Those in the Wu City Garrison who had committed offenses were also dealt with.sqsByOjhOfEzxmWaqthHPCHXhbEkyD

mFmRoGfRrCgPMjG

For a time, most of the Wu City Garrison underwent personnel changes. Before the noble families could react, another decree appointed new noble families to take their place.ZAffGujvnYLFeIQcRFFrZhsasYVipn

cowbpkIHDWHaWRM

The series of actions came unexpectedly but were orderly, obviously well-prepared in advance.VzbDGsnqTAUMsYoaOeDoPlwaUidsjo

ElVToZmnezpEYaj

As for why they had to wait until after the interviews–llzwyWhhqniStrTgcUGXDFtjgZxnjq

amABTzyBEIColsK

Ning Rushen glanced at Li Wuting, who was sitting high on the dragon throne: Oh, just for fun.ARVIOPxvTuuzKQcsTjsHnAHnWPQIJN

vHbsdAcGeTtysEH

With the decree issued, the dust settled.KIaqChGHfLQMZkURbaRcxBVvYeAIMc

hnzutYmXwVPYLFw

Even if the old noble families were dissatisfied, they were powerless to resist, as the newly established noble families were determined to erode and devour them.HKBQhNhexXCFoQyzfExgPlvJecVpoN

TWGrztmWyMwqDHn

After the early court session, Ning Rushen continued to the Imperial Study as usual.YGblhnGyckBMrpjjVWyHwqRPcogTPg

PpgpAwDCOxkYaLt

He wanted to exchange views with Li Wuting on the turnover of the “hundred families.”KwbGLZlkEGQTDStEaEcrBVLtgEwjNw

qHftqCVCHQxKIGN

Halfway there, he was met by a palace servant who brought news, “Lord Ning, His Majesty says you do not need to be on duty today.”amJDtygYfEmRtwhrGVaATQmdRmQKwa

UPXNTjPQmMxdfpN

Ning Rushen paused. “What’s the reason?”lkxjiIHNwGAuLyhymLUJJKBOVFQOgJ

EiCCvsDrbvgMGVn

Using and discarding him after he’s served his purpose?XVJkytmoKlpuIExCjitsVoWvaeKGOC

HZoubaMxaJaSBsG

“His Majesty is going to the Hanlin Academy today to review yesterday’s interview results with the chief examiners.”ifSDVQOxCQmicPBQCHmWvZJleiEPyF

zIlCsHiRiCgMSgW

“I see…”uFuykFDxcfZvCOzkdZSflqTZpKYzyt

wYIWqHutVylvmlD

Ning Rushen thanked the servant and left the palace.VRVhBbtykqQzeoZpobiazUPnKfKIbM

BtKSSSmvpeCDnZs

With a crimson robe swaying as he tucked his hands into his sleeves, he walked to the palace gate. Suddenly, someone called out to him from behind: “Lord Ning–“DnFTeBWECAaGiiQodLZWYuvIARJnHd

HYErdcPoYWDVUtQ

He turned around to see Huo Mian rushing towards him.vwzkiusdIvJKXLnXXjLUzageQxZzVP

xbioYhUXMVBdUyJ

He turned his head and saw Huo Mian striding over with brisk steps.ftwifTGAviFRaOaAyZfocsbApmPiPU

bezVzDZJVqNnzst

“Sure enough, I didn’t mistake you!” Huo Mian walked closer in a few steps, instinctively about to slap Ning Rushen’s shoulder warmly. The palm wind swooped down—then he saw the frail shoulder tremble, and he instantly stopped!TPbeJQRhCSxBjwFZHRsCHNwpuOxUeK

swVmhbZAqPsnzHu

Instead, he patted twice, “You’re not on duty today?”CMdvsiaiuvxUxnkOjiDEkFeTUdgwQR

BZlAnRxzhTrMuxR

Ning Rushen glanced at his hand, “…Hmm.”nuSTXywrRaAZqSiFlVZgAFJmJCmSzR

LnmeZTFiqnVyuOi

Forget about being on duty; he almost couldn’t even function as a person.CHYxOBDBtGMIhbCeLIOSWplXkHAKRC

TBlVmBLACzGMsqX

Huo Mian, full of enthusiasm, said, “Great! The assessment is over, and I happen to be free. I’ve arranged to relax with the brothers today. Why don’t you join us?”wWwmOTpKGnkKhmLRHcgZgldcKmwAqi

tToIPLvNZuvnROw

Ning Rushen politely declined, “I’ll pass on your brotherhood gathering.”DzUgEUEYuZpzAeOzBgwoKjPCxagOny

bKfsTMibqAhdcuk

“Aren’t you also one of my sworn brothers!”ChzMBTHyzPWbkPqGczoVXIbzTYXYhK

XoPljogPKBYTcgH

Huo Mian slung his arm around Ning Rushen without hesitation, walking towards the palace gate, “Plus, the trusted brothers are also thinking of you. They even asked last time…”wFcuVdKoAgvErcxdytXAsukbaaNGRH

tBeENhXhBCaaXbD

“We’re going to play Cai Xuan Ge, Liubo chess…”YIrrpRePvdxLgsFcSUWJcLuUeGRavw

pFPqjMRgWeTrRVc

“And there’s good wine and food…”rYRfqkEiEBfNnBKDGSfJrqERYmtNtM

pVuGgBamVELZnWp

Ning Rushen was persuaded by his rapid-fire sales pitch and ended up following him with a dizzy head, “Oh, okay…”ymVTQJXEfbCpwfNPQlAdcPdEuZJYVG

ogCyKstGoMWySPy

---

Huo Mian took him to a place called “Hua Gui Lou.”XpfbBDKlLYaDqOzJtFRBiPCbRqiRIr

omrTuvxvFaIdzfy

It’s in the east of the city, not far from the Ning Mansion.DoMrOVANPhpRFRpSzOxAuHPCrUtoiC

qjLoODfTBxioxua

The furnishings inside were exquisite and luxurious, similar to modern entertainment venues for parties, with separate compartments.nQLRvcedVzLvFlDTuyEyNQQHuEsaKK

rmbywdqjtWfvDJk

Ning Rushen became interested, “There are places like this too.”AkfxRfIdpRJmlbyYLexdtQCjGhMeis

EyGGQpAXrUaRUNr

Huo Mian led him upstairs, “Hehehe.”FzdjCtOkEdbvhpClmEZODMxAkFLaUe

TWBwPldAgKKchbv

Upon entering the compartment, a group of trusted brothers was already inside, playing games with great excitement.HfhxIpoVSaWjjWiJVLoWwEIROOREGT

AIpNnjQtgVcKMQp

Huo Mian kicked the door, “Here’s the esteemed Mr. Ning, delivered to you guys!”csZJLeBZQEaLvkMiytzMkCnsoBMCVt

BoIBDpzrxnRFDlm

Ning Rushen: ?JWKdMDpsRmadKyMGqrkGPgaRrGmppz

JCBLhmCoOcKIldA

Everyone turned their heads and immediately cheered and eagerly welcomed him! There was even a mix of surprise and admiration: “Hey, he’s alive!”IddaBKhpRkwAnKdExQiCuFHBcnhZxv

noQsbsDctktosru

“…Was he just dug out of the ground?”LVjqEBXxpIsBFsPTNqtWYFlTFASYtG

bPpPAfPioZYZIHz

Huo Mian kicked away the untimely remark and turned to explain to Ning Rushen, “Last time you were called back to collect junk, we didn’t get to play to our hearts’ content. Now that you’re here, let’s have a good time together!”BeekawDiGCSwGLXZuGBzhTiWwGCSUO

kHNOeBSZwnbNRCf

Remembering the generous sharing of fruits last time, Ning Rushen generously let go of his grudge.kZKWrfNnDGUrzicJHNcFgKUCyMCCKf

vQbipWUuQImyXJp

He looked around, “What’s this?”UdhIFgoEAAulKrZqtvzQyvbwLfFmPK

srCXTEoUBkvzBhl

Sun Wu, the right guard next to him, looked over, “Oh, Cai Xuan Ge, the Promotion Chart. Want to play?”RLiOgLHjJvKsiylURrpEmmGzagRijG

TGqAzsNnBwLSJhX

The Promotion Chart? Ning Rushen leaned over to take a closer look, then suddenly realized: Isn’t this the ancient version of Monopoly?BKejoBAhRDHSzEECprirfDhFnLomiO

SEwcvijDXDlEkQN

He nodded, “This, this!”rZvcOCGCssXwEXvsHMqIHNRDlzkTbh

OIbmnllJCMRMtIK

Sun Wu and the others immediately pulled him to a seat, “Come on! If you lose, you drink.”emGYAReeDTeVyPFNxKyldRcLHZdlxI

SclzyjAUtlgSAeS

Ning Rushen respectfully declined, “No… I won’t drink.”xGUHwjIzSJTdvYAbdYbzXBGuiNrgdp

YInMPXsblYjHpfI

The flowers, small bridges, and old ladies were already faintly visible.PwkbjPgrBkiBOnqzyUqPSeLXtxjihS

kGpuVENAzxnPTfM

Sun Wu said, “Hey! Coming here and not drinking is like coming here for nothing.”tZDaYhFkHCbviDBnSDkzpEGXinFcmp

MTmLKyQtSTQxfSs

Another person simply pulled out the cork of the wine and waved it under his nose, saying, “This wine is not strong. Last time, didn’t you drink two cups without a problem?”wZqHyCMIWPlSAjPQKkaBFFEINxIQpD

UhxHfapqUsiurvh

The sweet aroma of the wine filled the air.doLiiXQBimgOnUiZqGPsZIcwJSWoaq

GXiiMBjeNgceLei

Ning Rushen shook his head vigorously, closing his eyes: “Damn it, take it away, take it away…”NWdYdGyzXaglLiVdrEwfUflnzfPomW

QYBkVOulBfWmkro

Huo Mian took the opportunity to pat him on the back, saying, “Don’t worry, even if you drink until you pass out, we brothers will carry you back home!”xcnIWReQVsnlaDgVFJsEDIPrhjFLxa

QhJHVRPOwJhjMLQ

“…”fQzQnfDXBjVFYYFyFTGEHbbilIbaIP

qERriyduaqwctep

Ning Rushen opened his eyes after a moment, “Then, just a little bit.”KqjshkqkSpqbMaxGqBGAKbQLEuOMDP

JUTEHRohvDvdTkL

The group cheered, “Hey hey!”JdEobZyuYwuRcBYEWRDrFHXHqTNuGY

VDentMaSeYgFFhu

…yycJlIdNfCDXRAcWYTqcMOxGZsJLBy

SYHfytFgEAtFLMr

There were many games played in the private room.gViAgVNUwHYBFdBkVOyeiQKHVPsluN

rPxHrbFPaPDPAHc

Ning Rushen played a few rounds of colorful selection, then played several rounds of archery and chess. After winning and losing about the same, he had already drunk eight or nine cups of wine.rmLOHDzVJmFxsOMdKyBnxvetCzzExK

egovAQgCDzPNTSx

The sweet fruit wine was not strong, and he felt slightly tipsy.QqGRUddocClnDwVoXvQMYpfDNvfNPU

jqiDxXHjSzVDPeM

Getting excited from the games, Ning Rushen wandered around the private room with his shaking wine glass before sitting back down. His face, originally as white as jade, now had two blushes, and heat radiated from under his neck.VFRyhMbuuOBrryisqdVxZWxEozWtEP

vLnWGVrLeFvcNQj

He loosened his collar and stretched his neck: “Phew, it’s hot…”WqObTtyAckOEvvFnaWNUFKNeimzGBE

jndtjSXgdpGIxsc

His slender neck formed a beautiful curve, and his black hair hung over his shoulders, revealing a small, slightly pinkish, fair and delicate area below the collar.gWDYwfpUFavDkPtpIaCahsJGbpQUWY

zUQFvKpmOMPfnFC

Steamy and dazed, he spaced out for a moment.OaxYpmTTFdAWcTVsUXzJEdwunQSzhF

QmqHdNNtmFZJhxE

Huo Mian turned to see, “… Are you hot? Want some tea?”otIozMsishCyMYutIFCFRXKchlcfXu

jzJGQtmascQmJjd

“Tea?” Ning Rushen heard his words, reacted after several seconds, and then slowly reached out to get himself a cup of tea to drink, “Oh.”rFABSxCpgJlCeiOoECvLUoGQIWVbvs

qldSCRDSPvxciQp

He was acting too obediently.EbIFBabofkInROAsrWUnTSkYRAguIc

FGDrvJiAJPMnhpf

The people at the table looked at each other in surprise: Oh…ctFBjOtMHknpUKMgjNKsPQSfHzpwsr

HJDzAYAeeCLPQiB

Sun Wu looked for a while, then tentatively rubbed his hands, “Let’s switch to a plum blossom card.”ZckiBeyNRGKuIRevYizAFVrzYMDJjL

zuNfFCQisJERXwv

It was practically taking advantage of the situation!frPOVwAnIQifmqFvpRKKKrcPKzoKXf

hRlcmlolUMBfgTn

Beside him, He Liang slapped him, “That’s too much, how can you bully Lord Ning!”QbNMRgWMuzcrkhCFTSNyRwSWPEmOWT

hhOrRFCxafdiBVy

After scolding him, he turned and said, “Give me a fish card.”doEmDtGSpQeItiFUHEiiyPiQtZIhvo

qUUZaZlSrTciKPE

Ning Rushen looked at the two of them blankly. Although his brain hadn’t caught up, his body mimicked them and slapped:RTeZjfOtMANSKzfiIRFWToxxWjdeHL

gcdbDTBBlQaJXsn

“What’s the difference between you two!”wBzbdEeNsDxGxmyVbhnKuwQjlqyyLo

FrQLSLTKnsYwQTX

Ouch. His hand hurt, “Ouch.”qvWjeqoXfAALoMirnVKTjXKPaOBeAR

JjUiADfMxcscncf

Ning Rushen blew on his hand sadly, huffing.AKOvRKjEMPDEmcaIOFAEagGvvdfBNE

CxTGUTgDbhCCCct

Everyone else: …XzQOtuAiAEQXaRwwOjOpJuQpUICEOY

iTfsrDkkoTkrLwT

·XsdUVzuATNYsVbCExXFFKnyndlYlyP

hiEiuHPQdYuxzLc

Outside the Hanlin Academy, the blue bamboo carriage slowly departed.BsQJXGwMTnicULydjzigNqVVKzvjMr

ACqcfHmVKEAlShP

At this time, the sun had already set, and Li Wuting had just finished handling yesterday’s interviews, leaning against the back wall of the carriage with his eyes closed.GPJPDjEAXSFFNzjLeBsowoBOWFSpEu

UMDxBUdivNeSVkh

Inside the carriage, De Quan served respectfully by his side.MeJiQBSztProCdvEzJCViKAmtmxjWb

eykuoOpVoiTvjXi

After the carriage had driven for a while, Li Wuting opened his eyes, lifted the teacup, and took a few sips.iganZrNxeWnNRdwLWvCUnQUWMJogEL

yYFRQwEzuBTmEyh

On the low table, there was a box of pastries.PMuTnaDQbasfQvpQMfEgqieepJqLWi

zceYJpwJJpkUmYo

De Quan asked, “Your Majesty, you’ve worked hard today. Would you like some snacks? It will be a while before we return to the palace for the meal.”fNmSXBnPhGxqLqzuhVpUOxWkijmAvI

zbsfoWIkgxHwgWD

Li Wuting glanced over, “No need, I don’t feel like eating sweets right now.”YuhwzFNzMHurxkTgdLTCyRwOLMsLNK

NjYvydhrWVmJTKJ

De Quan nodded and closed the lid of the box, then smiled and said, “Lord Ning seems to love these snacks. He never seems to get tired of them.”quMstYTTXnnivVVZKCoxFjBkAIbXWy

hPVPybNSTGQLMJp

As the words fell, the teacup lightly knocked on the table and was set down.gZGdZNlEOdulQFQfgeqPQxnXGhkmMc

qFlqcGrwjHMJbIH

There was a moment of silence in the carriage.lNMdjUXHmOZgHghADmgpQRXkRztOTT

aevAsvmbmMlFmXp

Li Wuting tapped his fingers on his knee, recalling the scenes from the previous times when Ning Rushen rode in the carriage: his eyes would light up at the sight of the snacks. He ate with great relish, his cheeks bulging, and he even licked off the residue from the corners of his mouth…sXPLfgCCRZrzbgMzoqBCEpKTGgGstI

nQowuFPabmZgysB

It was just like feeding a cat.RqgwJIBrmZCVrAfeORyutUlfdkWbKk

nTVkrAgCTYnbSnH

After a while, he spoke, “He did well in the interview. Have I not rewarded him yet?”CECnrGmJVgSRdjVUndskJkKrlrsCar

FkbKMYLYMeLiQTK

De Quan immediately understood and pursed his lips, “Ah, indeed. Speaking of… if we take the next turn, we’ll arrive at the Ning Residence.”XAAVDokFJHUvqSRAKExVUrfZDxreEC

wpAgJjXEHedbXug

Li Wuting’s voice was calm, “Then let’s take that turn.”oyKkAqdpYhoUGqnnRmMcdXNKjgLTWP

flojXawXlhyxXQG

…NrdvFmzPooSvpDaTQaiBZXyYBIcRLJ

OuSUxSvoyQoImuF

The carriage took a detour and stopped at the entrance of the Ning Residence.RgHbryCisdRdNRXukjTuyftsTSnOnA

mSxGVxcuHHOQjxg

Li Wuting got off the carriage, and De Quan followed behind with the food box.McGXluluvcovzoHZJoRUGABUkruSrF

QfUuSWLYQVlfGvc

The servants of the Ning Residence were already familiar with the Emperor’s face. Seeing the imperial carriage arrive, they all knelt down in unison, “Greetings, Your Majesty!”qHQHDgDJhLxpMACABkxOpcQAEoYsic

CNJDjJXtvTgJFSr

Li Wuting waved his hand and entered the residence.GKMvrAbqzslVsMhqgserIbmuxMihFE

DOukYcXieuoTVym

Yuan Liu nervously came forward to greet him. Li Wuting followed him into the hall and sat down. After looking around and not seeing anyone, he asked, “Where is your master?”fkDQlQhJNaivsEDCPDqtTCGtQFczrb

OxmYXswIpntDgIo

“To answer Your Majesty, my master has not yet returned to the residence.”EZHFFZQzLmOpZYbaRDlnZWmGJpgHsh

kIfnLilHKcTliom

“…”yMfRwvUDenRFEvAPSwdADmXgoqelmW

ZLzzEYxpAYCtoGK

De Quan’s heart skipped a beat.kOObcVhBjoRWDCkOFPbtHXtBeQjIBY

sMtzNYDQfvSZrhb

Li Wuting pursed his thin lips, “Oh, where did he go?”pxRPPNbluaTqXsYejIUNBsHOfgCIrn

NZEhhySbyvOGBfX

Yuan Liu knelt and reported, “According to the young guard who was sent back, the master is out with the gentlemen of the general’s residence.”PnlSMTgUpZqJXuUXKWHnSgzCoqNoYo

ofXFVnqFqJVgNgS

After he finished speaking, there was no response from Li Wuting.ucAjEiAySRJEjRWafNFpVPOdmDjhDs

PxHwTZnjCjfJaBS

He sat silently on the seat without saying anything more, but he also didn’t let De Quan put down the food box and leave.PpzGiRDMVychCGWMYIcGJRsmwzhszI

ESTSiYcjEqyGHrA

De Quan was anxious, and Yuan Liu was sweating profusely.JDRZutHVXvLPQwScEbWkwwwEPnrGLV

OKGzobIbNnfcJwp

They sat like this for a while.WNYQPkGzanDisVqARQGSgzpJwuSncr

RcjrHHqMKTFighf

Yuan Liu couldn’t bear it any longer and tremblingly said, “Your Majesty, this servant will go and find the master to return to the residence.”WoYMQOsjLPJRyyHIrwriwESvsgnToT

bHtRVduDWGzMsLt

Li Wuting asked, “Do you know where he is?”aVThvvcuJjpzNOFKjEUEQBDOEotTkZ

zEHkgdnIybzDHyj

“Yes, after the young guard was sent back, he said the master is at the Hua Gui Tower, not far from the residence.”VZHMxISAQReURGZKLMGWhVwvchTJdi

vLHSpwGyQxBJqnm

“Mm.”WkFYjmjOlVVMVkgvMhGECuryxbGzmt

nqBvDSJupQyEtDo

After receiving a response, Yuan Liu got up to go find his master.XoHRqjcdngMplQjqJAfKWOeQToYELS

VALVBcVRarZGDze

As soon as he got up, he saw the Emperor in front of him also standing up.AHIKHUuKmnmDfGPjZvSZExgxmjlkCY

lviYnSiHWedzVLc

Li Wuting glanced at him, “I’ll go and see too, what’s so interesting that he’s playing?”YCcxuiNhjPVgLajlALjrLutofTglGR

xTLqcZJrMmshPHS

…CdskDoOwsOyPenOayqfrCxnkAHPBVx

WOyFXjnqRVuqWtG

Drawing Gui Lou, inside the second-floor private room.SjgnqqxQelVAWJsBQcmNbRDWxcsWFw

tjWuNQoCRndYGXE

A group of men from the Northern Frontier Army, after drinking, became even more boisterous than when they arrived. Some of them who were playing shooting games got into a heated argument, banging the table and causing a commotion. When the argument reached a stalemate, they started shouting to compare who could shout the loudest:vSvUsjFGGKkBKIqNSgJuJDGNRYbrMB

TPLVyAfliKvtiXJ

“Ah—”jKKQPtxmXvgosQWijlPsVqSOiBTxNk

miBJUuxOhrWhIsq

“Ah ah—”DiTsnJVYiGQpxqJLNNQLOxvDHfVUnI

xZAHliuEjYzTopb

“…”cEzOOCEDkSNiAHVDRLwRgcbcRWOFZe

weBmiSpnlsShSGD

Ning Rushen, flushed and ears burning, was squeezed in the middle, frowning as he covered his ears: it was so noisy!GEQNqiIWyCqYLGkucGrWodFzRRLDVI

spzBjaQGxBvLqnu

He was already dizzy from the alcohol and now his head was buzzing from the noise. Unable to bear it any longer, he slammed the table and stood up:aJqzRDcnwvQiRvBTwSlyayFjVfpMei

StkdnpgnsMUzPjS

“What are you all arguing about!”cENewyARhDkCsDTtFrgpvcFrcgsEzT

TZGXQbUIhXWhELo

The noisy room suddenly quieted down, and a group of comrades turned to look at him.qebPRmJxacVinSWNcmSiCyPgPoxEGh

LiNhiXcVDWLWhXY

With a red face, Ning Rushen picked up his wine cup and continued, “…Today, we are gathered here to celebrate the eightieth birthday of our good friend Huo Mian…”HqgcQKZrCjdiCMICHvbnqmGhRvVYQb

DHMAcOvmiPFKXyZ

Everyone fell silent.BvgJaOPelhbXkJbgIQTZtKVcGHuFcs

XeijLbxuPMRdxQD

Huo Mian, seeing the embarrassment on Ning Rushen’s face, couldn’t help but pull him down, “Today is not my birthday, and I’m not eighty yet—”mnvaYszMRUMPBkHcLqcLpwpXUPIXxi

SdLXfScovcMWDWK

He pulled too hard, causing Ning Rushen to stagger.CiDPHCWdbyJgloXdVqVxhQduRVvjjd

MXkhCbyfYmzqEgN

The wine cup fell with a clatter.LovWvtUgYOVHEILqRgEkVFLrlxipjG

pqKCXjWBkrAJWFf

Ning Rushen, swaying, grabbed the crimson canopy hanging on the screen behind him. Snap… he directly pulled down a piece of canopy, which floated down onto his shoulder and arm.AqEdECGlOpjdrJNjHGOflVpaBqsStt

rFgHYwoCyNmLQQT

With this cushion, he supported himself on the table.fqNInooJHysdbEUbaOQXrAcULnVjjr

eWMpFWfdYqhoqWu

The delicate canopy draped over his dignified official robe, making it look even more elegant and noble, a bright splash of color among the tough and manly soldiers of the Dingyuan Army.oDPkajKjFGXWyfgqdBrBbbkpPQuYET

DFXDXHUVpVoPaBO

There were a few light coughs around, and gazes shifted away.chPXsZcWCmmhFhvBqMDChodfgdNKZC

HPxAmhGeMPssGLD

But Ning Rushen, whose head was soaked in alcohol, didn’t notice.JWVExcWrsnkVUzQLOkdBRMGzBGBNkO

ofizOuAidAtUBjU

Entangled in the long canopy, he tried to pull it off, but failed. So, he simply stuffed the trailing end into his waistband, then stood up, ready to leave.kIXZvJKbnDCcJDQytkjmrWBmFgvEDm

NmtAKUQHAAAUaml

“I’m so tired, I want to go back…”TihowRMVQsnGltksIKaEUTInrlEpSO

AGPwSoyfItpxYYp

The guards around him tried to persuade him:SPSVzCBqEqJjltQEQUNHWDmgkAYtoe

XNbGvTvkDwyOajl

“Hey, won’t you stay and play a little longer?”IYrMJlVXyCLTGgPWeIjZHZEYSxkYfq

GMiBdBBkmGzbFpU

“The roast duck platter hasn’t arrived yet!”OBSqZYSAeAMdgFLYzeqrollrasUGlG

VxvDeIKeVeFteCf

Ning Rushen waved his hand, backing towards the door, “Can’t drink anymore.”KjwfBOxOAhKqQGiyEHIeephMOtwHwq

CuokRlusAvcstVx

The guards said, “No, it’s the roast duck…”rRtIWyLsGMDFEXNeobJFzuvdNtXRel

RoWNbHDikgYttGc

Just as they were speaking, the door curtain behind them moved. Huo Mian saw it, “Oh, is it the roast duck—”EOylwIWlYYcHLzWDUZOMITxYQhTlaH

GfLnNIUapWmCDUh

His words abruptly stopped, and the room fell silent.BplKYEJUUCjfnxkWThmnczdhFEjMCt

FeitbDFCroFNIjJ

Huh? Ning Rushen raised his eyelashes, and his feet instinctively stepped back. The next moment, he bumped into a chest.vXWgICjlcpgQkBlZsKjVyanXswpjNG

CwrwtiqtfkTsktJ

A familiar warmth and light fragrance enveloped him.krauYFOpnCIDskoVDWgwgZQVdegXvu

TEeDZXgBovNcEAP

His body, swaying, was supported by a large palm.qeMisKnYBJJwHWyuQxDIEOfLVVvBNE

CkasfMpfQOyzucz

The hand landed on his side, and the long, slender fingers with calluses wrapped around the thin, crimson canopy at his waist.DPizyPWSWXaypsAykWNgcTumvKBpei

RSjwBhZYYyImRkj

Ning Rushen’s lower back trembled, and he turned his head to look.xtmZFvFRuXiZzEHskHzTxUclrDPXKU

rjAUurUJEiDURsS

He saw Li Wuting approaching with lowered eyes, whispering, “Had a good time?”lXzQxzGdwQpkIbjtIxETdFYBjmBtTu

wDymUDGytkLzHaN