This official is so weak

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

tffnpIoOFIusHNt

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

GjEWZLHLeVuYFyw

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

XCwXzrvwiplRKho

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?”daXiaduYspGVbFkhnECGetPGZimsds

YZKGajZVzQiJSbK

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

XxYNCPmsRnAUaFI

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

JQihHLmwmTNCkoR

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

FKAdkgSauwpcyRB

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

sqMUiiGsRpxtahz

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

fbkjcMNXnsFASmY

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

UGLsocQiRrSJvDD

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

AdOZkHzvrtQXrBX

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.FYjjirvencaaXAhyBqQsJlNJwBQJpL

uWgOCMLGBQyKGbX

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

pmjZFdYtisWCoNd

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.HIgIXZIOsVmbzIYbNtpfapJtAuGQNe

jkRlvxKKadKUjad

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

ycbjdDwqVnDyWYO

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

UMTvhgFYsFEcJWJ

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

tuEoaBiqexEmfLW

With the decree issued, the dust settled.UASBCjJyeFAhzvPOcCKPZvRrnXgvOO

kNFrKrooMdQGjdj

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.qvLQjUvXOQynVMJjaSSOdHYIfncrVd

hfpbJmpjVGnHZDL

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

iJtnKsNpgbMjBId

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

sVsvJVKfzzUcVlg

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.”bbKImQrFUvHGvXeOIlJoYJXJqvesho

dNdDceMMdlzHkiC

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

vvwSaoIEqOTgpnG

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

rVZOFSDIBmUHVbT

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

XQzBsEisbUucwHa

“I see…”IOhUrERkHMZswkPDxANBkMCQXVyUUR

PSYHLVPmroRVRNV

Ning Rushen thanked the servant and left the palace.ZbwjsrGLjhrzxyQhnxXyqTBpAIBRGr

PUVaiBepUlGZwmC

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–“hmvpdoWkoDiDmIqQqnLbPtjDhXIpUL

QJkJShuXKpaFHLV

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

VILLqwPUsQzcDFG

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

BmxCSleprxitKVk

“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!HboMeTbQeaAoBCfaxJrIacPlStYKFC

eXxPiCtndpYSFBq

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

fnztknmQZXeMQLQ

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

PmHggLfQKYNXakd

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

bXVDCIrlVAUtFet

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?”ndQBqWsaGFYgbCvHOFjSSZLzfpdzQU

ZxUOpIkAHdakaRW

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

bpzMroMsfFvCroW

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

RkBoprUqWEhlNwl

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…”NcIYjhFSVCPYSTEeukUtCMOPwkmCZZ

ZgoyjRzkGCXyEkH

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

lajeIPkhmYbzkyy

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

PPvNPdLpYSZJKzx

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

fqJBssxImFCbKvr

---

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

OgGnZBxoFwzlvzI

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

bfylqUMwKqkEuOG

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

zYKsSciGmuXPfsW

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

HtydsqZXsBsHwqW

Huo Mian led him upstairs, “Hehehe.”FWaJrFlZiDulrFpQQCZsdTmbiBJTxx

LAKNBeFDAXmytgW

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

NcZnHHDkdIgoROb

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

HBQpQxaCkvAGGdf

Ning Rushen: ?cVbVFlOgSaAMmbyaCyJRWnpYSuDfbS

aAGyqsYQUCurGVu

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

JyGPumUOUpQHkOs

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

JDnlNkkFUQnTbqC

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!”aLUOkpnbbDtwlxqsvuUafbplZcAEzz

opeqLLFFnAFEUUX

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

WdonIHDvRwnaluW

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

AYCdVAuVwREGMcd

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

wUuALuZnmPHHrSj

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

FiEAdbhUWdcpMSe

He nodded, “This, this!”yZWldFEWAKNVnmmyEkpuksEGwrEsUA

AasnBtSQCorWbhA

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

GnGJiHLUmsqONtw

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

WxjUqmgkhYDakWP

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

OQvLTBlqNBFYQAy

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

cfSNZdSFzQzLTvV

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?”MlmkzJkzxceJDEPCDeHkLmluRYLDdu

vjwGDATRspqStKq

The sweet aroma of the wine filled the air.ZfIfAEaAXmVvNgbFWdhMSTPVSIfNNf

nckhDDyFmSXMNXj

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

GZRvfYXubfIPoPY

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!”uaIfjjZlNtGvfjUAKpkoVIMLqbXKau

wnkwKrCJBJcnzEi

“…”VdMqQcTNlnCIHCcEPwQTsjQQdUHWWN

sIbIWFrCobAwDhX

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

RGFoToACMIRfuJf

The group cheered, “Hey hey!”fEvLOcWdJHJylBNxIhIiepGETSKPEN

COPQNZBvmVvRvpQ

…JNZsjCaTALXQlqVikUohYjbmnpkOOR

TYZbyKsGekNWKZC

There were many games played in the private room.cjwvTVKVNRPPVsPOcncCqnkRSgaose

waIXINcXLFmwlKg

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.InpgrILdGfDrwZoRSdvGZeOIQQOSrU

JYNqUkKwlzKYSiM

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

bFNGFpVQqVBkFPp

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.yjFAyfRZrZrUVBQAFJOEtisVBxqDkr

SFvBMJLcNclOyon

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

IiUKJQjJBmAwxfY

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.EeqSUjiuIZSXHRSvRbbcnYehxYGZyt

vIAWDXZihizmbsm

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

ptqfWJBFcePCvfa

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

dHvKCYhmGmjVUYe

“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.”PMqSZldDmgRSgaBLohoChKDbALzMNi

qxqpPnkbyCJAeVU

He was acting too obediently.xmrLZslnRxLwcQJewLuWRXDgfsSHIp

mfoDxsaWlikEYrc

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

TWPbmGRMucxhMpe

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

EHOPBvTvuNbNHpO

It was practically taking advantage of the situation!fZEgmZJOVTqWvRNMCQXmDthZqFUIHT

IxyvguhpZGsXbqP

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

QgDgYGCELDGZEot

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

xKXKGTJLSdjMcKW

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

QXxaAeHcdEtNiol

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

rwRuPfIscCokykr

Ouch. His hand hurt, “Ouch.”xIjYDOqMsCyWIuXxFLFxPJoDnFIEpB

XsIDrPEgTiVFvfH

Ning Rushen blew on his hand sadly, huffing.TIemjbOUYpaYiulbXyFlJfUKUHSIhv

bwpuYGyHsCDzZCK

Everyone else: …AOngddhCQQWufaLRoVBZUZYbXycsob

zYrOiiZsPydgeVZ

·ypaFtoLZaXFMPvgfrQBKtvahOfOLQq

xhxIZvZpBoADXEL

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

BCApBlUdnpicvZn

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.iDviNxiLCQHegafdVMbHmEXIbLuJPu

mgtmsprjuKNdpHb

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

hKPuFXVvozftBKC

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

OTjdikfOulbgcWf

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

hpyKdKnXzawfzhE

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.”kXUEcrxqHVUhcPMMJlGQlXtghvGlIE

jkIVvinfDFXgnSt

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

BPwCMJTuwrhYYWC

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.”CSAOqEciQiaqJViyCbLTPBvCbxRGbx

vncrCBfQtOaPXSr

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

AkETyjTbthMBQij

There was a moment of silence in the carriage.hfVlwCIzBscXEwBBAkKaMPCPsqFTza

waYdWIcmlsEUmEB

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…NCpfXezVfyCHXIHMdzbDNHehRGWbDs

CtftNYUSVjnHYax

It was just like feeding a cat.JTzBersFrGkgMJwZkyveJMdxHgMZvH

emqKglkiKgbfwPu

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

kkvoayTNxuoryEw

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.”aZiGYrqVYbqMsRAjiMACOgCmoSvjgj

hXwuLbTtUuNPTQO

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

GFDyxICyXLijxhp

…APQLXdnyRjVJeyqlbdUnUXkfEPViYv

BweqwTTJqMeIIYL

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

extkAqLKTZBNjLF

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

mJwhAYPTCMSWFWq

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!”lliElSmuCiZGXjyTnxbOHBgvMnFpVW

fTihSItoutJjevV

Li Wuting waved his hand and entered the residence.mMZYCtoBlnPWLKFgRFyptiPhrjBuTi

oJlGFVmNyMKEGeQ

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?”ARUkdxmMLtpjyJJamPCiHgbzBoQxEb

TwHapHYWrxeaPkI

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

pehvMFphHiPheXF

“…”MeHVXjtguACjwawnoyKPppganZfkBR

VPBBeSksZzfGKcG

De Quan’s heart skipped a beat.DmBcDqSJuFkAKsIVwOrMlbTaXdiOuC

VMHHKobrrIQJKIk

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

KHowuupoblJVYLB

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.”XSAZuYpgqCcCXhPRSdJvBZpZTHhnnp

VtOuXHKapKhfdCz

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

zcBjiKeJsziGmxA

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.ilsBVZwIeipFhyjpdKtGyCpBDNyBPK

kaQpDZrMBzFLbcP

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

etZRqhjCTaiwIKH

They sat like this for a while.CXSAjNQyMSgrCvGztqjZdacFQICTdR

UHCaOuqhmPupcGm

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.”TdNtWhfBTIytxOHojBqpUwdaabeVVZ

fTLrXhLOkgfMjZI

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

czUpZxMBEDylwtN

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

xBFloQsMSQGoBuG

“Mm.”uiFFuHrkyGIgJhgMKyBCXFQdkRxTCs

lWgokdBQHwPZJBT

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

KpqApRlxIspWiMi

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

qnvZdJHWaVwpeGh

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

NcJCiUQZNmKvFAl

…EodYAbdpzhgFLLsowRXtTmYjxdctOK

MYLoLnvYGgippAt

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

xTcJNqHySjneBUr

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:aFAWDEMEQQhrdubOzJMqkQYXPwFHbs

gTXdhIOtYVihAOV

“Ah—”mWyvLRQDaYSePtFGZMiJDhBmeWQuHW

ptNLLDorOqpzfsM

“Ah ah—”CWNHflDqzUSUOWyELRpevqJJKwKoAT

uvKiydUtNEzUcMI

“…”jmMNaPTIgAismiDnwQhXiYAEZBaXeN

VKQVVpWwpwdJQAj

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

UywnhxNTwMePZOG

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:sOKIYwRupZTWZiaVUYbXdiWqnQuceV

aobrhHRQTdzuBlE

“What are you all arguing about!”oElkRIPVaXewtsvwfKMDMqyhoWtAvV

txfBtnjKfWWsEYC

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

iIzZsBazQoGSZXR

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…”PPXlfEPjJdwOpoaWnjuMPylnXIaaWg

axODaINlNFCxoVx

Everyone fell silent.KbsXYPTyKbxtHbKDScBkvLALGGyzKf

LCwMYUMQIOiFsZa

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—”uxyblxxYjySXBguyPSlRuDRpGEOial

yluFUfckuwvxfQc

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

hedKOBUAEzAufKO

The wine cup fell with a clatter.mDMpnVXQOkwYfMUlFxycgOUFNCDRkY

kGzFpfbVrfHCSTG

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.MImlRVfMRIWuDmDwDJOcVXDffxQDEj

ZQWaOhCXPdwuiYZ

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

szEHrKrRAwcHyIj

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.WXyhXnhDfnjVEwDQUOCGxElBOBmfWv

KgtlqXJOQtnWnZW

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

OlmsFESsWDhPQYs

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

BbEfIthANAlBYLZ

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.GpmPWXVjombozWgweATfVXGTekaEWG

SCqQDjRjQIqPgOy

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

uCAVerYbNjhgCZX

The guards around him tried to persuade him:bhcZkuPqkuPJbTnuzysGzDguNPODZP

xcNSbIFmsePCVwt

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

YatZdDhBNOxbZfd

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

txdZqfwLwFdYUJo

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

wMOtpUkSHftstiV

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

yQWsruyatCPxbKa

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

mMvExguyIrtLkzS

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

CIHJEXwLqodwZol

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

cPEeWNhZfFhjpmd

A familiar warmth and light fragrance enveloped him.ojAFXufXRSlaUYzasMdsSoMYIcAnBn

UKbuWNEwYYrtYmZ

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

OdGbOWsWGrnDYRU

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

SYeoDmslyvIXmxg

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

VgLEQGAwcWRCOeN

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

WpdtAXHDzUzkqHu