This official is so weak

Ning Rushen stared blankly at the cold, handsome face in front of him.JFdrfscikkrStpBieQjndwZTuixSfk

SWIKvmjMLWGhDwy

The room fell silent for a moment, then everyone knelt down in unison, “We pay respects to Your Majesty!”UKeNDkzqNAHTbsPtIJATdZdMVmXnmU

ruNJsHTVpfzzehy

Li Wuting’s gaze swept across the room full of blushing, bare-chested men from the Northern Frontier, “Hmm,” he grunted. His eyes then returned to the person in front of him. As Ning Rushen turned his head, he finally saw the faint vermilion collarbone revealed under the loosened collar of the other person’s clothes.GDCwxXWwPMmxnjSojqZfyQjTzbgQSG

fqhYJZAwjpXJutS

He immediately felt a chill, and in a deep voice, he said, “Get dressed.”usQtZKlDlHmdzaPwdPaXBSTXxXPTbC

IUPcyXlbVbczoYf

Ning Rushen felt the fingers at his side hooking, and with a shiver, he straightened up, dizzy, and lowered his head to pull the gauze draped around him.DcjHADOwQsypEjLTQhluPLnbUkuguz

hJcvdQGERnxFHNK

He tugged a few times but couldn’t remove it; instead, he made his clothes even more disheveled.mQVYTZnvLjPMdNUAOKNhDQrQXUqPjQ

zHhZAVtrQFLlAuA

In his flustered state, he suddenly heard a voice in front of him, “That’s enough.”SqjygJaQdnkTVQZAIwREbMkGtrkejs

nUDkmmPFWnhCMoc

Li Wuting pressed his temples and said, “Fix yourself in the carriage.”yOnyrmQoPlyKLFCTRWOFsmJVhAFiWr

AwAARmwVnmXaKOu

As he leaned forward, he was suddenly poked back by a whisk. He exclaimed, “Ah…!”nedtyRznNFHKYrNngJVskSEageRQSC

NuRzKyvmnayhyeI

De Quan, intentionally or unintentionally, stood in front of him, his face unchanged.KFmnARQfdXvFIXdDFPJokCHoIxYguW

nIRzwIYmNRDntUG

In the brief pause, Ning Rushen had already followed Li Wuting out of the door, clinging to his back. As the door curtain fell, those in the room, including Huo Mian, could only vaguely see someone stumbling, then being steadied by a large hand.NUWpfQhgSqrwfHRbbMDkouRRGJJbOW

dOhAZKQVyoUrDxJ

Ning Rushen followed Li Wuting onto the carriage, with De Quan and Yuan Liu staying outside.OweXbGySXOaRkhfgDQdiujLebxBwPc

LZdyzbnChQdKEVx

He clumsily climbed onto the seat, tangled in the gauze, and then finally heard the emperor-like figure in front of him unable to contain his annoyance, “What kind of messy things are you playing with? As courtiers, how can you dress so improperly!”hZWWIStwNuieiGGohaOProzBAUaKIw

jeFAVnlYKQUqlvH

Ning Rushen sat in front of Li Wuting, looking at his cold face, and explained in detail, “This was accidentally pulled down and hasn’t been fixed yet.”hTAHmBgjAoORhrCGpJXLHylIoeLOqp

GmKqvAsXZZeozvc

“Oh, how was it accidentally pulled down?”unFVkfZUZxyuAzvgeLMAidhVeNymmh

aRvtumcjlRIfDxD

“When I was about to fall, I grabbed onto it as a life-saving straw.”yYoGiEcjMtfbusIviFquDiBAxlvoHC

oaPeDTkLtLkKWBa

The gaze from across the table lingered on his face for a few moments.excOBvgfnYUwoTdnzcQMGBRfcVruRK

dBkCViBMDmaOoDA

Then Li Wuting’s expression softened a bit, and he said in a calmer tone, “Remove your life-saving straw.”XUFGNOkwWWrSUXzADsrCnUwgNlbTNp

xsDARWdUGliDxJt

“Yes.” Ning Rushen was also uncomfortable with the entanglement. He lowered his head and began to untangle it.BgCWyFNpGuqLDfDmCsLBQlorsOxUSy

ZRdjYdftpDocgUx

The crimson gauze wound around his fair neck, over his shoulders and arms, and then tucked into the silver hairband. As he struggled, his loose clothes revealed his fair skin and white inner clothes.DlQNycvORuHmRKPBsjDYyXWroZjCfH

MGlOXatYJoBxGMc

Inside the carriage with the curtains down, everything was blurry and indistinct.WaKdvgTHEMnCQdZFIfqUFkfDlmqkww

fGFpGWNTzsIjKgn

Ning Rushen was fighting a losing battle with the gauze when his raised wrist was suddenly grasped by a large hand.qKjJkRtfzZtWVFsyxVDqeQgjGXzTkc

fIMpXHdLLUGQRHP

The rough and warm fingertips brushed against the delicate skin on his wrist.REbEyyzlAKOYwjtcmLdlERbkSiNmTy

mihAlqWEyheXiUc

The itch made his fingertips twitch, and he looked up, “Your Majesty?”JLsJtyzUmhMWFEftaSJcDixDxXYxyB

hodgXYttCLLEaMs

Li Wuting sat upright in front of him, paused, and then pushed his hand away, “Come here.”XfPnxIbbNLnyRuBUqQyuDKAnxlIqmg

FcgHmrFXFKyYuOj

Ning Rushen approached, puzzled.VNqAupOHLGHJFFKlCfmqhxKTrEEXts

yOIzArwILibzhTU

The hand reached out and hooked the thin gauze.UYuOUlzelzptvMgTWFHOlTdSJuDZZg

JVbvUmbeEmkrpzg

Li Wuting kept his eyes down, not looking at the exposed collar of his clothes, and skillfully pulled the gauze open.SIOCUyvmzXoJoWekLuLFPcOGSMjhAW

tlAkqsoMmDetmgj

The chiffon rubbed against the fabric, making a rustling sound.RRUJAlYtjsdRVXcUzPFnWoZqhulSqS

jJdiilQCafnKMcD

Ning Rushen felt like a bamboo shoot being peeled, gradually revealing its tender core.ADJvggVEpKHoFBSxvHCKbgCmyJHBLc

YroADYwmlXuHyLR

He suddenly felt hot all over and started trembling slightly.tFxdvqZzZvKcxIasNOBfIKymbIsaRC

brWsBOUkssIjWMT

In a clear and deep voice, Li Wuting asked, “Are you cold?”uMKpMulsBQniuWXiLCBsZLWQDEjMEs

FgrTvUcMvvqNHdm

Ning Rushen’s eyelashes trembled as he said, “Hot.”khmtwiCUIamQVWDnXZmVYwOeXQzMrb

QjpmUEyLOIHvzvO

“…,” Li Wuting remained silent.UZipwIPfhKCEsVbYlXViHurgxfGPfp

ePYcapeFzdDxhvB

After a short while, Li Wuting finally pulled away all the gauze curtains and casually threw them aside. He then kindly straightened out the open collar, tucking it neatly into the belt.bTXKUzaDLsSQlSeLdMuGoYTJlgNkqa

ikWOHmpjgLYlooN

After finishing, he saw Ning Rushen still sitting there, letting others manipulate him, and couldn’t help but feel a headache. “Do you know what you’re doing right now?”UDJURDogqBRkYfbmykQeFoDQpURLoV

afAkbREXnsVWZja

Ning Rushen replied, “Yes, Your Majesty, you are helping your subject…”nQetGIFEfDgdUYjObeldzIzASPkuvj

RQOrnMZhKYESaMM

What was it again? He thought for a moment, “To unravel cocoons.”ojgOpwOrdZpvRdEOUFGweeVFmzOLYh

gTMUbnflIeVXBES

Li Wuting “…”ZBDDKFpJhzmpPEqJlvFYtjPMTsGPCy

ioPfDPkRXXLbpQr

“Alright, no more talking.” Li Wuting turned and instructed outside, “Back to the mansion.”luUvWmUbEAPuPADjVHexjIHnGXxzyC

tcBNMbgFUYgsAOP

The carriage slowly started moving.nlLvGxpBOiXMOXkVgSlpKwAbonejvw

xqhzVfkaMyEbMLR

The gently swaying carriage became quiet for a while.HQLeTHKyYDngSxZdNztTTdJOqcjbCi

gQfudDzIUQByJbj

Ning Rushen’s restless heat gradually dissipated, and he finally regained his senses, “Why did Your Majesty come?”XoSyTfUJepxuMTkBDMcJSJYcBssUzm

WXVSNQYiDmZIedc

Li Wuting glanced at him lightly, “To deliver rations for Lord Ning, but it seems Lord Ning is dining elsewhere.”rzStpvezYSFinPfWgLtWfasQwoOpQb

fNYuvHNcKjKGZht

Ning Rushen’s Adam’s apple moved, “What rations?”tyewRHEowxTakJrTVGCVPfZwAMHPsK

BFEzQiEKqbkixQs

He tapped on the low table in front of him, indicating the meal box.sddzQbhTQIlzjzvEuZhxrEhISmDdES

tUKCRpyDCLMJawm

He reached out to open it, revealing a delicate and sweet box of pastries, all to his liking. Ning Rushen’s mouth watered, “I… I haven’t eaten any rations either, I’ve just been drinking.”eMQtSAXeiaDYqesLAXqVTSSYXGItUX

rZEhyojleiNgUxt

Li Wuting immediately looked cold, “With your current state, do you not understand moderation? Do you want to ruin yourself and lie in bed for another ten days?”IiAQvzKfcNJLgbZzhHRkfjGTMlNmFx

bsVmLqXEOSvvELn

Ning Rushen’s face showed a simple and straightforward longing.csZTaOhNBLURnXVClrzhABJtpSdVtd

HuTewuwMPsTdxRb

Li Wuting’s brow twitched. He didn’t want to dwell on this topic with a drunkard. “Forget it, eat your pastries.”dtKUfwQECIIzThFSSzHsmAejCaNqJE

fcIbiSLIFfCNAcO

Ning Rushen immediately reached out.pRMblFBXnvwwobbNepkvgZGAmfvEgG

MLvauslcdAInDBg

He had just come out of the Huaigu Tower and had handled chess and card tools.atEGKzBSWEHnNutXzzCtMZOTQWqsmc

ncBOgThWkuduwxw

Li Wuting slapped away the dirty paw and said, “Go clean up—” He paused midway, feeling a sudden itch in his palm.HNOqnFjAknFcYjaOWDYNJoGRLWxOpf

BPPuysgIGyIOyac

He glanced at Ning Rushen, then at the pastries in the meal box, and then, not forgetting his initial intention, picked up a piece. Li Wuting deliberated between his over twenty years of gentlemanly conduct and feeding the cat for a few breaths.OpilXbSNNOHlleTAWskENeVrYqgYXr

xQyqwqUNrdFvHuj

Then he said, “Come here.”xnGoNbRuFCeDrvByCsleMzzfsdyyWk

ocIUMdAOHdllhbf

His slender, jade-like fingers held the exquisite pastry like a jadeite.xgLaTYwWpPHSpetYlRbSWzbUYKvReX

yNWrZClXoApcPpK

Either way, it was pleasing to the eye.zmFxyDxMNwnABJEjkZsjFdBuJbPqLp

AZcgzFgtzOiVEuN

Ning Rushen’s mind was blank at the moment, so he leaned over as he pleased and began to eat small bites from Li Wuting’s hand.zEJVBLcdvodGEteJvPkhsEGduojKuh

IDnLMChupQPmdYj

Li Wuting lowered his gaze.woNWqvljeuFCjBNkslSplQuHcytqZz

mhMOBMenyAmfvKP

He saw Ning Rushen’s long eyelashes drooping on his eyelids, his soft and fair cheeks puffing up, enjoying the food.UNuUKoqueRILcGNtRHOGydAYHnGiYL

mFqViWrEJdCGpEL

His heart, which had been neglected, was smoothed out a bit.pboHVjQiZoyoMlMmhXMfJenbgUcoaE

OxyHQPBDHrovNnU

Just before the lips touched his fingertips, Li Wuting adhered to the last etiquette between sovereign and subject and withdrew his hand.lWRZUcroGwyKeyxaLAejNvCBVfOERF

ZnitnizFcRJJPMz

…uxaeoddAfBhnIpFFDOdTbADWCJBVHr

mFONufdLujCkgZV

After a while, the carriage stopped in front of the Ning Mansion.gqAGrsWMpLEbGbbXnMeHRXqwPeGKlc

XrYDWxasseDesRW

The two got off the carriage.xaRIfmvFakMkjEOsuoufBDczqGqbie

mhoDqedzOHENdLV

De Quan lifted the curtain and saw Ning Rushen with flushed cheeks, moist eyes, and a satisfied look on his face. The Emperor beside him had a normal expression, only his fingertips seemed to have some pastry residue.lEPGxxUsGNNVqTFxxCBKKmLItbWcrx

WRiidPsBCoByqzn

Before he could take a closer look, he heard the Emperor instruct, “Take the food box.”TgkcmlTnZyfyhNzrMHGJruOtAcPsco

DwwoaAqqVsVOGhh

Immediately, Li Wuting reached out his long arm and dragged the person into the mansion.ChodcTTNjGpKGhWRewZGbyHkgSgIFP

rYkxVMoPuqDdDeO

Ning Rushen was carried back to the main house smoothly, and when he entered, he was thrown onto the bed with a “plop.”RoXRDjfsjxvwiLsFAKFEgAskCKfhth

tPOxEuELljmMInc

“Ugh…” He felt dizzy and rubbed his forehead against the bed before pushing himself up.yPnBSppekfvrFlgVxfgBoHeWBFThOE

YLyQFiVqLjjkVch

Xinglan, who rushed over upon hearing the noise, was startled by the scene!shcryPFMBCRhynwXatUSUTvVqFdrwP

hHUlLXcTsgZUYxH

After hastily greeting Li Wuting, she turned to fetch hot water, muttering repeatedly in disbelief, “How did the master end up in such a state, in such a state…!”XnwgFhkzniQnOiXvuQTKdFLwzGHYZy

PZQewBkXLmcCrDi

Ning Rushen, “…”mPFdklYZdRaAcVvGSLaexNIzroWUVp

KfozitWeGnmKyeq

Watching Xinglan run off, he glanced around.vvLkbKIArJNXNptbSrUskgsvIMMrzX

GHLmVXOKLxdwyet

Li Wuting stood tall with his hands behind his back, his figure looming against the light, in front of his bed.MzEiVqwlNBLCdXfDlxOBkHFhcbQqmV

psYWWKyMwPmfAMa

Ning Rushen subconsciously grasped his belt, puzzled, “Your Majesty, aren’t you leaving yet?”zKFkSAFKeJIBenrsDBPVRVWowFlPgc

gjMtjUaxzwFmRKS

Li Wuting sneered, “Use and discard?”qETCALtNhIllTbKwaWlmsOScMdVlHt

mQzIushuFlvTHPs

“…” Ning Rushen groggily pondered; why did that phrase sound so familiar?TRnXOXsPeyaaDaAXfgvrRcOEJoqAxE

qSftgTHjWxqjerE

Soon, Xinglan returned with the hot water.suKzOwVbCYnidQGqCRBsXaQVfdGvsv

FuVxjwoJGNlzYIP

Li Wuting still stood by, observing with his hands behind his back.AGqYsGVkYkMdGiujNvTUtawArpIVHO

RUkVyDnsrKkAIyG

There was a face towel floating in the basin of hot water. Ning Rushen reached in to wash his face, then rubbed his wet hands on his face.UnLzdZVFeCwsHiTGlLRMvCaGMIDpGn

kWvnKnjUIFpCatT

Xinglan was alarmed, “My lord, use the towel!”GNkfpPDzjIGSAHGStCjlJvnUynaIWE

futuErcHrHCOmDK

Li Wuting, “…”lNFcpBePdhtQTbXQqmPJwCkAIxRRzb

qjIxiLMPDsaLfrM

After a bit of struggle, Ning Rushen finally cleaned his hands and face.UZrTsCPHiDfhdiMNoqaTcZdijgxILM

WSTilHxlUOpVWYt

His mind, in a whirl, cleared up a bit. He realized he had been terribly disrespectful to the esteemed Emperor.GCXaMOeeeBEbylwTafUHmVxtdeOUnZ

pAhEAPvbjYSMkOx

He immediately straightened up, “Your Majesty.”TRSHJQgChxpwgbgmOYoamhasTCwPAK

XyLADCfQIolpWnl

Li Wuting coldly chuckled, “Do you understand your offense?”cftQgSYrkYUHWLddBbCQgFPUkPvwTl

pwLDyknkXhAHopK

“I was wrong, Your Majesty.”RdROYaWBJowiERHDrDCfcyIoeajinu

eVJuEcnyWvNSKVK

“Is that all?”WvNuLAkTzgSJdTjHsWxgDsmtaRWWpy

ewqrlkeXUkSXqJL

“…” Ning Rushen thought for a moment, then, in a manner reminiscent of his past apologies, he grabbed the sleeve in front of him, “I was wrong, Your Majesty.”AlnvclCaqFhCtDCuOmOvaYDkrmIEyk

tyGwAYXIRNtmRLD

Li Wuting, “…”CGtdXaCqQdYQarpRcMRLLbZYCIrahx

qxQqwUIhnwPSNYN

After a while, he softened his tone, “Forget it, this time it’s noted. If you make another mistake, you’ll be punished together.”sRjUffaSOmayDnCwTpZRIelNehgvhL

tkKORCKGeRWYtwT

Ning Rushen nodded vigorously.sJBQvbvonukcOwuaTENnFVensmFnqb

veIeFBBGgjqqdkb

Yes, yes, yes, we’ll talk about next time, next time.WoXHkBaxtzDbBEmZRNPPqSnrHIbzQJ

NgWEXfOxASGIcua

Seeing his expression, Li Wuting restrained the urge to punish him, turned, and left.DjvlksLPxYasUxSAiVDVqhUjtTstou

CdUvYrOuPttHNTk

Outside the courtyard gate, De Quan was respectfully waiting.fxqMWiOlTBUuOMSuuJyDaINWIjpwUG

nhPIzHGMHOWxmoZ

Seeing the emperor coming out after only a short while, dressed neatly, he couldn’t help but sneak a glance and was then called up:vRwVIQCxMZYEdRKetBxxYKxvwJsznB

mUNIJdgxYYpxRoK

“Return to the palace.”WGQLfXDzUlQcNFQsTRPYwmCbmDOzFj

XvFbvnQsrycFcCe

“Yes, Your Majesty!”ZlFCkTLOcNqePgVrZARUqSjchpEsRn

oBrkROBuFUQyZUu

The servants of the Ning Residence hurriedly saw off the imperial carriage.MUxPYYiuOWlyiXooNPsUoIeksvrdep

wFRZZCPOvJseEBh

Once back in the carriage, Li Wuting lifted the curtain and saw the bundle of crimson gauze still draped over the seat, strikingly eye-catching. It carried a hint of the sweet wine fragrance from a spilled wine cup, intoxicating.lmYnoVrVbHMtnEYaotCzuHqGxfBjSM

xnNiVzAxBaNAPlV

De Quan tentatively asked, “Your Majesty, this?”FubOUnCFNnwaASyRpgdgJNxnVNTlYY

aoNKFyGgIBLzOVw

Li Wuting glanced aside and sat down, “Put it aside.”aiKOQJBveQhDxuwRUUrgMgHVICuMjN

UqJjjGBjluHueuC

He didn’t say to throw it away, so De Quan gathered it up.BFOKcxFtFNkArJFIgeaWDyDYDkTSyu

AfMkvACIGbPZcZH

As the carriage swayed back to the palace, De Quan neatly folded the red gauze and tucked it behind the cushion before getting off the carriage.truwvPzUQTrzEYEJlgIuWkNWfNmjYG

uuhmvrvhSOBmkxm

Feeling pleased with himself, he thought, “I’m quite clever.”eifNkjYawUmRQajSRMniqqQDgUZJVr

NBcjZUtiVAyUdiG

---

After Li Wuting returned, Ning Rushen took a bath and went to bed, feeling dizzy. He slept deeply until early the next morning.jLxqxRqsNeULTtsGbdDwqdeETNSKSh

UkxTmvGEEaxoBSk

Upon waking, he felt a splitting headache. “Did I hallucinate? I didn’t see the old lady, but I saw the living Yama…”gOXNXAVUTrLpMbyVcAxkryalYVylTX

OvTfyQgEWoZNLQM

In a daze, Yuan Liu walked in, “My lord!”FNBhVEwCkHFYuZLLXIqGBNqOKGlpaR

gWraTQIXcxQUBFV

Ning Rushen, trying to sound casual, asked, “How did I come back yesterday?”znyhWqCtpecyRJRrNSxuvSYlZUIMgq

sABElmdxVofgSQI

Yuan Liu replied, “My lord, you were brought back by His Majesty.”xItbaImcBPhkYHyxtZQDbfvPkpPeZK

YWCTUxnkrVWrwoY

The word “brought back” was quite vivid.hUmqYbsssBxelMnjMkxwTJILUvieAn

mDkSoeJXJOfmruF

Memories of his death surged in his mind. Ning Rushen finally remembered some scenes—the hand that took away the gauze, the bed obscured by darkness, and the words, “Next time, we’ll be punished together…”uyAMhExjCHAiFgjNKwrrISyzWtVXdh

tXIYbbIVEbMuetd

“No… my head hurts so much, it feels like my brain is going to burst.”HsvlOQpIMjrLIimEEKGSrwmGieIujl

YurMIetZDWdjeSW

“My lord?” Yuan Liu approached, “Are you attending court today?”rxYKgWjcKiedMddmYFvpEtsvdmyoiq

TxlpaagRKHQRMId

Ning Rushen took a deep breath, “I am.”SlpoOLFYwFvXlnxQHBRNbPXrWFbdrC

UxsnyaLBMIhOEgC

---

The morning court was relatively mild.SnovPRUtlBnKqGbGUiNBZKNnuqebci

JmhFGcFVGUqOqfD

The reports were mainly about trivial matters from various regions and preparations for the upcoming Duan Yang Festival.stjKLbjMgLCWFKajIWkhGjPTtoBfBp

TpPhCoZotFYjhzY

During the court session, Ning Rushen relaxed a bit.rRJJbQwKaUcfOohHxMpcaZcbEthaAI

ixBwbKMKxtbKaHF

After court, he rubbed his newly grown brain and headed to the imperial study.uhTBzjVaqCUSuWQIveekIPirRrLrOC

OyaWgQtbtVahWtG

He felt a bit nervous as he entered, unsure if Li Wuting would pursue yesterday’s matter. However, when he cautiously approached, he saw Li Wuting sitting upright behind the imperial desk, looking composed and unaffected.TswWIVJBAkZgrbPxHVtTMIRtGYvXIg

RzachywxQxZonPW

Ning Rushen spoke, “Greetings, Your Majesty.”iAGGLwrETKMzdicHtAyicVBnBVRqRJ

cVqiFIYntvPtQvB

Li Wuting glanced up from his work, “Hmm, come over and grind some ink.” After saying this, he calmly returned to his documents, as if nothing had happened.TVTHFhoZDBTMMxRMwtNomEItSKcXHO

aAaapeqISuFvcsa

Ning Rushen breathed a sigh of relief: “Looks like we’re turning a new leaf.”xklhxeWuiJYlmWjrjRpZbfGmSMVwFz

KIUDtlTMYFPHeYn

He stood aside, grinding ink.cDgdgQHhtZHBrcqnUzeMhhHiZVcikH

hMZmGiiGvAhjmLl

During this time, the Minister of Rites, Guan Fan, came over and reported in detail with Li Wuting about the preparations for the Duan Yang Festival banquet and the folk activities:nqbVzAjddTAkCnjBXCDLKeiBmePfVs

qkPWYYEGlbYYUsy

“…Everything is being procured according to the specifications of previous years. Additionally, regarding the palace banquet, I wonder if Empress Shu and Prince Xuan will participate?”SJrjamdzmAHtvDzwShTyXsvrQEuvrz

QMlBgiyKDJVnXms

“For Empress Shu, I will send someone to inquire.”InSWzcqYqmbcBmVQYNEGxFgbeQQreH

mVyXXFQwhIhHIFp

Li Wuting paused, seeming somewhat troubled, “Prince Xuan is already on his way back.”nHJjWUWtnNPLyFNccevEultMrRMXVU

NuBhmGjKBAIyTRN

Guan Fan bowed, “I understand.”dAcUKjSLNhbDjZZfUNaHOZqHGVMqoR

XcPEWNSGeUgADQL

After Guan Fan left, Ning Rushen seemed lost in thought, “Prince Xuan is returning to the capital?”GPhRjlTfGpmECbTgCpbJXLosfSKvvC

RVdcveVRpsFpClL

“Yes.” Li Wuting paused and asked, “Has he contacted you?”PtIMOwnukjbYLAbvnDbYYIANayJeeL

rvLvqtWYKdarslm

Ning Rushen thought of the fat pigeon and said regretfully, “Not yet cooked.”RGDDUvOfpPcQsZBxJzvHnRWoRFNSHY

ktCWhWGPTobawEo

“…”IBwkJSfcMYjBZMRVEySkrZDbXwdjSt

IJhZbaGxkMrTiqa

Li Wuting inexplicably drew a conclusion from his nonsensical answer and waved his hand, “Nevermind, there’s nothing else today, you may leave.”OCWJYPpcvbXNJbJMbDixLcbjKVCBKC

vGPPUTPtYcyarvD

Ning Rushen acknowledged and left the study, but before he could exit the palace gate, he saw Huo Mian waiting at a distance.sNbpZeuFmNiAkcxuyxgmxJnsNDLpTz

WbLDEmFVCqleESm

Seeing him, the tall and straight figure of Huo Mian shook slightly, beckoning to him.VLIZqlDbTGlWdYtSsVoXXUQZOnbvcL

lofJPFcXWaezwWl

Ning Rushen walked over, “General Huo?”nfytBvZJaKsXetQCzhDcNJhUmCFkvx

wmMNdSldiMcBEEo

What’s up, another celebration for turning eighty?MIZoFJGJPzMvqECypbbdMOLSlwwdcg

RaJhoZjxBCuUQPX

Huo Mian looked him up and down, trying to confirm if he was unharmed, “You went back yesterday, did you not get punished?”hlCzbNBSTWqTdGJWMxcTyhsUPiBrhY

XHRFmNxeyGDHrml

Ning Rushen shook his head, “His Majesty said to record it for now, and punish later with accumulated charges.”HGnSUdmBMxDIrMHxTOJswIwTKqxWSH

LbWvrQuChsZDAJS

Huo Mian sighed in relief, “That’s not too bad, just a suspended sentence.”mXSaPkmOJZgSRJGnkPBwBsUCMcmprT

oeDQSbVFulafggm

“…”ilmeFboqAYxcntwhrFhGKMBVZMwEvV

lXbvUzkSihsyMqK

“By the way, why did His Majesty come? Is there something urgent?”nwuSHxZLbfGmJgWUCDCHxQbFOxNbxB

lLNigdxawNmeuIT

Skipping over his inauspicious relief, Ning Rushen thought carefully, “It seems not. I can’t remember clearly, I just remember eating a lot of snacks.”wBLhePFtlMmqWIAikUOxVReGZipJIN

uaLoILBtFicVQLR

Huo Mian: …?KwMPcXTcSvFiZjeTNAZZHzqucRUGRw

DWrssHEpyWQHgEp

Huo Mian was silent for a while, “I don’t quite understand.”PLmAxjTPJkLtlEEzFdkATVZxOXGEDr

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Ning Rushen nodded, “Neither do I.”bgLkDlPzntkVorJNnkabdoCocoAaos

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Being unceremoniously taken back by Li Wuting, eating some snacks, and then being sent back to his residence, was it just to catch him and have snacks?NoQfiMcUqnQoXwTMJMQhTuRFgcThUr

KOCmGcWiRTqhjJz

Unable to understand, he simply attributed it to his new brain not yet fully developing, waved to Huo Mian, and left.uOvQbcBogCplPGAcPEbVKwJawiVStb

sXSVhJFXBzWZMPV

…fzrRCbbLMZDwXOKMVggtkDuzaGUGXX

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Ning Rushen returned to his residence and stayed quiet for a few days.jDIYuUaueHUAWAvGUmxskwRtUrdDZd

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Five days later, it was the day for Prince Xuan to return to the capital.NkwoMKcchDVBKeQGvWxCGQwHvFWDlo

JBXrUkznFopSvxQ

That day, he figured he had nothing to do, so after the morning court, he was planning to ask the eunuchs if they still needed him for duty. However, halfway there, he ran into Li Wuting and Li Jingyu.VGMjleOYfPyuuKBRqgnHOKsgZkueAM

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From a distance of about ten steps, Li Wuting looked up.LegCgIpTfixKJtUBzKFsipLfUtNnvL

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Ning Rushen spoke up, “I pay my respects to Your Majesty and Prince Jing.”AyrSeIwFaMTeXjRIONcWhBMYioqnIC

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Li Jingyu ran over, “Lord Ning, we’re going to pick up Second Brother, come along!”rMfYvTvQpOfuxQakwnznVNMiciZutf

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“?” Ning Rushen asked, “Isn’t that unnecessary… Will Your Majesty personally go to pick him up?”KpPCbEVQMVzgCxBODJNCihbQtwMpwt

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Li Wuting sneered, “I’m going to see if he’s brought anything he shouldn’t have.” If he has, he’ll be sent back immediately.GqSJKavfmsfuvhKyocRLzkAJllSiVn

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Ning Rushen: ???UNahHSRCVuUphlIcrhfiXyXNxIZPpz

vgBuhhmIRBhrpPB

He hadn’t even asked what shouldn’t be brought when his hem was pulled down. He lowered his head, and Li Jingyu climbed up to him and whispered, “It was Second Brother who asked me to call you together.”zRtyKNDAjfLqJkevEvsvcmogDrRlkF

uEVZOqTPvuKytte

Ning Rushen was puzzled, “Why?”GcoqlnJLJAcvZSXJsaiZKISttIQZVq

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Li Jingyu said, “To talk about secret matters of the inner palace… Ah!”pjTvEHJzfvEhwypdMSHPdMiODAASbx

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A large hand suddenly reached out and grabbed him away.CWJtcPaGPiwMyfxjCbgNbaFuOanJlC

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Li Wuting glanced at Ning Rushen, “Doesn’t Jingyu’s way of speaking make you shake?”TrQnawCaljDVNsYdStWrDtbqHDqTwE

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Ning Rushen asked, “What?”YzObVuubAkjioJzBwphyrGKYXANxXs

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Before he could react, Li Wuting had already lifted up Li Jingyu, who was struggling, and walked forward, calling him along, “Keep up.”dKndzJCSKJLQceLbAgSJpPuxRUWrvE

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The green bamboo carriage was already waiting outside the palace gates.ZsmFkIserjXNpKxDDgPmcJUujcwEAJ

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The three got into the carriage, with De Quan serving on one side.LOZnMMmQEABIHLahLDkvVNrBWNMHFf

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The carriage rattled its wheels towards the South City Gate. Ning Rushen looked at the familiar furnishings inside the carriage and felt memories flooding back:APagwYJXvtJnhMnlwcWBaymRfRdsVi

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Such as how Li Wuting’s hand had pulled the gauze curtain for him.JXfXpMTcrXxGUMtloXSdPNJNGmWklT

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And how that hand had elegantly closed his robe.qWlkyJscUuvyjScZLAosyMFtuzobYH

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…tyBOCfySqvWqDrxstrMjkBtvMzQDlB

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Ning Rushen glanced at Li Wuting, only to see him with a cold and calm profile. Thinking of his gentlemanly demeanor and his love for the people, he felt reassured.CxpsCWQFqkZwRtUmimKDvXfEvtrIEP

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He turned to play with Li Jingyu, “Little Highness, don’t stuff the pastry into your mouth.”jXzmXgBJcYVGpROuKtatKowxQDwhev

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“Ah, can’t Lord Ning do it? Ah——”qebptdVNwOhQhNkDvWWxQZcqQiKqpB

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Li Wuting, “…”oeYwxxAmZxjLIFeesfAahJCBcUBsig

mfSpnzSXkOggisN

After a while, as the carriage drove on, Ning Rushen and Li Jingyu finished half a box of pastries and prepared to wipe their hands.jOlBRYlLErKnOAFnCQoUUeWjtBhUmq

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Ning Rushen was about to get a handkerchief for someone.pORjZfRophqndAyvFubEvYdFTgYTiM

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Li Jingyu suddenly turned his head, “Huh? There are handkerchiefs here too.”yFijoNNUTTPWNVmdwTioFNzNJLQzKq

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Ning Rushen looked over and saw Li Jingyu vigorously pulling something out! He then pulled out a long scarlet gauze from the seat cushion seam—a familiar and glaring color of gauze.tHErxmdnRHOpGbcBEfuaMLsNKPJtlU

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The carriage instantly fell silent.TDUthRoTGQuDhiAWJAgvOvEjOvlFEj

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Li Wuting, “…”xHWfNEYrgIwOjGWqUidJUjwvxHYsFp

NqqoIMckMZxRbDG

Ning Rushen’s pupils contracted as he looked at the person!OyOysQMARCLITTzExkdcNYFdgajGXd

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Li Jingyu also turned his head, “Imperial Brother, what is this?”LQnFzeHufBCeBqEwDmYWwaxifroxRy

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In the corner of the carriage, De Quan buried his head and curled up into a ball.DldsbtvZSrMUrhebfDIJuVOKyEatyx

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Li Wuting remained silent for a long time before gently saying to Li Jingyu, “Your Second Brother has returned, and this is used to ward off evil spirits.”BkJcWcwkKEDQNVdPDqCwgoRTBlYryq

NFXgIlKXzNCuuxi