This official is so weak

Li Jingyu seemed to be pondering the relationship between the “Pixiu” and his second imperial brother. After equating the two in his mind, he raised the gauze curtain in his hand.dieYNIreWqdimETwwOlyvIdIvgxzrj

xDzxKAgYnEoOOIp

Ning Rushen couldn’t take it any longer. “Let’s put this away,” he said, quickly stuffing the curtain under the seat cushion. He couldn’t help but glance at Li Wuting.QNPJfCnVoEaAYqbrSSFEdqzxVLRvTx

mCkBvHLJTHavGON

Li Wuting felt a sharp pain in his head. He wanted to say something but, constrained by Li Jingyu’s presence, could only stabilize the situation first. In a deep voice, he said, “Jingyu, don’t let your second imperial brother know about this.”jreReHDoWstNQqjPpXWCXVkONCaUAB

FUewTpyWCQyWzAF

Li Wuting pursed his lips. “I fear it will upset him.”ZMDBIrilRiXNmWVmJCLhHrBbOYKncL

XdvHZUxDVFVPSrQ

In the corner, Yi Wusheng was almost embedding himself into the side wall.SewvNRJYazlmsBwWTPTDiKGIKXOGWy

woFwHTucLwyhQLL

The carriage stopped, and Li Jingyu eagerly jumped out.lLbboqLXKVpEGrlPyhuJsHcMIAIQOY

PhBVLoWQjovTLcm

Once he was gone, Ning Rushen finally looked at Li Wuting with a complicated expression, having recovered from his initial shock and embarrassment. “Your Majesty, you…”CIaAvYJOblRPIXJCrfswoUUqdRjtCg

WxxoXCaVKbVUERf

Yi Wusheng immediately took the blame, clapping his hands. “It’s my fault! I just put it there without thinking! Oh, look at these hands of mine!”taUlhsTBdSZmtICSNLPVdxKzELzhVm

lMMNnJAWxBgdqQL

Ning Rushen watched his seal-like clapping with a mixture of pity and understanding. As a great eunuch, he was constantly taking the blame for the emperor.JRRMUDsrITZMMrURMFkdEgmDqWgcrm

reqxOGcvuqTXlJO

His gaze was too direct.wMYTmnJnWZtUwuuiXOQboPszKaEYtR

UiPVzRyvzynRZHY

A vein throbbed on Li Wuting’s forehead. “Ning Chen!”YbeuZrKKfZNfEyHrTJMAhjjKzlLbGT

BIASKbkSAlazyKs

Ning Rushen quickly agreed. “Yes, yes, Yi Wusheng put it there.”SSfeRxlvcKJiHZWNQbnoyydJlwVbLI

lKZJffghAZYJUWv

“…”oXWlaeyKoNFidvFWUpIhSRvxpKmWEP

zAJgsNjvvhXlTlx

In the tense silence, Li Jingyu’s voice came from outside. “Huh? Why aren’t my imperial brother and Lord Ning down yet?”eoIxoyAjVQZvSHsNIfNxacTEbqdSdd

daXBiVnoQZtdGcg

Then his mouth was covered. “Shh… don’t rush them…”ypqCboKlFDgckfzzAPiJOqVBZoQfIp

JUAysKKEiWKcKPS

Li Wuting, unable to tolerate it any longer, stood up. “Get out of the carriage!”WoYbmulzVTNLJBRHRowWxqDUWmmzMA

pxuBNrweUYjVLdq

Yi Wusheng hurriedly crawled to lift the curtain.IQuFIArhYidKXtCvtKVSLbTELfvvBT

EJqnEBcTYHlarGn

As the curtain was lifted, the bright sunlight mixed with the fresh air of the suburbs flooded in.pVTQpLTsnLttVxebxABHDrnisbmmiN

xVlpgIqfKcjJEDP

Li Wuting stood up, his tall frame blocking most of the light. Ning Rushen looked at his straight, upright back and thought of the gauze curtain under the seat cushion, feeling inexplicably like his heart was on fire.dGzgCZlhndYmcOQUcDimkYkocudiWU

KLfClbHcLNZourL

It made his ears burn, and he was truly restless.azvYTlxfjJHCRqlGncYlphKQnYngQN

JdgvmCECHaQSMsY

At the moment when Li Wuting bent over to get out of the carriage, Ning Rushen couldn’t resist leaning in and whispering, “Your Majesty, even if you like that… please don’t use something I’ve used…”lfHErnwmKjCzKVWPDIClMdouoNPsqb

EVAzwWigibfJUsL

A large hand slammed against the side of the carriage door.GOfCGMBDnInRXMsioEoaHglpPqztOf

IQWxuFWcwTtJqCg

Li Wuting turned his head, his gaze deep. “I don’t like it.”ZsdmmLOYMRMVmOTWVyxvkPZxFBKVYa

cpMyeSCDYWeNcSC

Ning Rushen pursed his lips. “Oh.”zWzQngdQEWRaeZjDxHCxakyuMGkSGR

vCQFgpecjzGngha

The two of them were stuck at the carriage door, one tall and one short, while Xu Wang, a few steps away, watched with glowing eyes: Lord Ning’s ears seemed a bit red, and he looked very embarrassed…dydILdZiUQzoGyUleUWrRNuZcpUTLf

SpZvOzgSoSRmdHG

Heh heh, heh heh heh…vOirjgJPFPQJJavTfcRnFqXxtGzQMp

HkQEudZuNabbSnd

In the few breaths he spent secretly watching, Li Wuting had already stepped out of the carriage. His cold, sharp gaze cut off the prying:TgRSojNRlefNRfIuksBeRxTdQEkUVF

OUIJSpJNhcAvpdq

“You’re back.”YETAHvBWYYZCCobiyktZFWiYFecqPw

aPVwUDKZCBCFlMk

Li Yingtang appropriately ceased his actions. “Your subject greets Your Majesty.”nuianihOdYJlSFnIEzfAeTcVHukSAb

bUuiJKrGpSrQKwF

Li Wuting sized him up and down. “The Dragon Boat Festival was worth your return to the capital. Did you just dip into your fief and come back? Is Jiangnan too hot for your feet?”kmUNTYDICYFLVrjUXBROiglfAzGZZC

VZdeDNQVOPDXNUN

Li Yingtang took a deep breath of the capital’s air. “Your subject loves this land.”ZrIJapORBhzWtDJCXKULZtkDnVcUPL

oypBTezrnmhxADl

Li Wuting saw through it and let out two chuckles.aYMlecPhyxxkMRtPrRiMjVTAfNfeXP

BonbKetrsijHEIh

After Li Wuting finished his sarcastic remarks, Ning Rushen finally found a chance to pay his respects. “Greetings, Your Highness Prince Xuan.”LrrLTlIlZwZjgTLSICiwseZreGhyue

kYuKkSjHoYJTKtW

“Oh, Lord Ning,” Li Yingtang turned his head, “there’s no need for such formalities between us.”ZESPmNwFGMjPBwSDiqUvwMwYHrIBai

uQBFAdBLljHeHQZ

Ning Rushen: ?nFDGbzeHyfJrFUdWjTEMMuKqxKDsdl

DweOZfctFMRWrlt

He felt awkward: What, does he really see me as a confidant?feWSuKYalvfIIaCJttAeowDasvVhwP

AXFtrYKjDIEUOUE

Li Wuting couldn’t stand it anymore. “Alright, get in the carriage.”oRUOZJrtPSOfmsPqbmConELwdXYmIa

crPoMWxaFhemRsz

·LYGYGScVrxbeIWByMxephmvpRvFQLo

thxMcfqZdiiFMyg

They all got into the Qingling carriage.NPCSXKSJCqZrwASvdvwqGXiVQLXYEm

wWutjAiMhHvVDhb

Li Jingyu sat to Li Wuting’s right. Li Yingtang was placed in the “Pixiu” seat, with an empty seat between him and Li Wuting.JyBRvXDUvrygNWiwnGnGrBYAwBjrkj

GZfRLpiyOHLMARG

Ning Rushen glanced around and sensibly filled the empty seat.vPBlZQpTasOVuIbdMZObcebwTigyQo

rOcEXQHwndrbCXt

The carriage started moving, heading back into the city.MnQDZxqNNqaPWDdhpiSzcGLuniPGyk

DFuWoVUxAaMnIgc

Li Yingtang began chatting, “We haven’t seen each other in over a month, Lord Ning. How have you been? How’s your waist?”TSAlnsNjPFmarNCUQJEgNkbPvKkZvx

QeCYjhXxrHGCmNO

Ning Rushen touched his side, “Quite well.”MMPyUPlTVLEJhDRMmEDPjugHfmWSrI

mJcXDQRvKVuOGai

He thought for a moment and added, using Li Wuting’s previous phrasing, “I can sing and dance, lively and energetic.”AvOATDIZVGEBifmTocbuGqXhtxIJfO

AkdDpzURDxNbGzl

Li Wuting shot him a glance.qTBYouuLHZKPkhEPBwWdVjQDcvyEpH

OYzqGacsMnsioOp

Li Yingtang looked both regretful and relieved. “Oh, that’s good, very good…”HuPFFLyEJReXPHaClDJjQqrqiEhCve

qsbgVRrvEVRXnRj

Ning Rushen, “?”wDwMOFQWfXyRuqjbFrHRclUmNycXXZ

MYWKRYxdPKgjYRX

What kind of mixed expression is that?FzRrSFcIkVBtRlIYcgggLGFBPSKRwi

QGPuewKEgEyDwtc

After a few more random conversations, Prince Xuan suddenly stopped talking and leaned in close to whisper in Ning Rushen’s ear:wyVWwoYDBrfCnXzRSnlpEOAakNDovJ

ofwnYGGhzwtQpER

“By the way, last time…”wIltUELoMEvdeQULYatCtWQyJDKrSd

SmrLTWwRSTkxVYR

Ning Rushen felt a sudden alert and instinctively shielded his ear, leaning back!KgCbVsgsRUyoLQbmtOcipsQbqMzcRl

bNFjSXteoquHYqv

His back pressed against a firm arm.dxHCtokOjfhevTKKhxleUIaaznnzuC

JgcYbMmBdZpgrgx

The smooth fabric of his official robe rubbed against the emperor’s dark sleeve. He moved slightly and looked at Li Yingtang, who was blinking in confusion.fefFkTAkPOdgMiyxRhCPQuDTRkrGKM

vPPxfQWsekcNxFG

Li Yingtang was puzzled, “What’s wrong?”cCtinzTmuTJgMvwGnUAktXkvPMPbnF

JQgsHPqBIlPfvAr

A gaze seemed to fall from above.oUfkgTpxKBFRkBqJqKiVqybmWhJbee

OgKTpuKDWnxbUZj

Ning Rushen moved away a bit more, awkwardly holding his ear: How was he supposed to explain that his ears were sensitive?xzHOVhxqCsKwUaiHfzvQEOQmZOgVDR

VwBoEoMxgxtlBJb

He paused and cleared his throat. “Your subject’s…”kCBscLMBCgEAKmqYzOrXLWKDbEsKmF

MLsNKWXdSEsHmHy

Just as he began to speak, Li Wuting’s voice fell, “He has ear shock, don’t get so close.”vMaFtYdxZXiBRjYiASqjRsTDFNFolC

ogIHOklkazwqVsu

Li Yingtang immediately backed away with an “Oh, oh.”PlxJKkjfUONMDVRJQhQqIJdURVZnYL

OUmmANrvAMfWOBs

Ning Rushen glanced at Li Wuting: Huh?XsBilhHpFnncwMGBMQlJFojgbjqjbd

aGyGnNbWxSOXRVs

Li Wuting lowered his gaze to meet his eyes, his lips slightly twitching as if to say:KhgnUkXZEKsprXtCNOfcmBQrsBTVnm

lPqyAwMSXkaQLWQ

Trying to fool me with that excuse again?LuZixRoaOYGPeYumGCXPMYZvJJSeZi

IngcNJowFNFJVGq

Ning Rushen, “…”XIiemTWvPXdFvPwocpScUiZUNFVQzw

KEmJbuCyjlGgSXW

He reluctantly turned back.aieMPIadTGYiUNwqWiZAztRTLCWzQg

vuNkKDgpSltDTkH

Li Wuting said nothing more, only glanced at the ear that had narrowly escaped, then turned his gaze away, looking down at Li Jingyu, who was peeking in front of him.WffMqkoAAgjTXRKYxdyqLLZsXedslQ

YsvATCBNsYYjeTc

He recalled Li Jingyu whispering into someone’s ear before they set off.uSEnMVtvJyNjyOnjzFUEhCzJdlNkFK

WEvhECMyxoUcLfi

His fingers slightly curled on his knee:MnDSYZHMAqUVdKjOuleGZPWtAfCvhu

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So it’s okay for a child, but not for a man.izjCkfHzgcWXEZjNAQTwrWeLVuIBeE

zLOoDnAgnNQhEId

…CoOzNZTbggtSWNLQqLcKUCQmlwTORU

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Not long after, the carriage returned to the palace.FqDQaByHpSxURKFcAQzxnSNdKbBMwI

VkMIFWuvcokLplS

Li Yingtang got out and took his leave, “I will first go pay my respects to my mother consort.” He then casually grabbed the peeking Li Jingyu.MCbnkYrywcPRexCKhwKpLnBHVdKmpt

EaUVigZUfufjiGP

The two figures walked away down the long path.haLWXJxkQnkRYQMAnoYwetePHoJbQl

hwIPBBDTfPFfZjA

Ning Rushen grabbed the carriage frame, ready to get out. Just then, Li Wuting glanced at him and then pursed his lips:ilCiAYRITgoGvUNXdPFvQRRXtsNxak

mUtyQAXBiGFDiOK

“Yi Wusheng.”OdZitMIPcKRJKPeLPAQbqwvitKwDjv

FGCVnzMTJRAstLh

Yi Wusheng rolled over, “Here, Your Majesty!”EwgdrOUZQXBHNdvisnwFqldEISuspc

zlpNdtVIrIpqsGq

“Dispose of that later.”fyPizCCZYRlSyQLhnRZqtzMBPEsepO

qnSwBqJXDxmKNKb

“Yes, Your Majesty!”eXLWOgiZRiOfOqORAEslbaYRAaaDQI

qedsgrjOIpTweRY

After speaking, Li Wuting turned to Ning Rushen, “Is that alright?”pVDuebaHJvqVjrWPirQUqcPlnEzQzR

hPIaVGHxeSKgHXM

Ning Rushen was stunned.lXlkggCkVoLSlyogpMFrzAPVgWjzkh

zQXBehUObyaWnNu

His newly growing mind wasn’t good at remembering things. Prince Xuan had interrupted him, and he had almost forgotten, but Li Wuting had specially addressed it for him.EgOwAErxdaQbmjAbrWJIIWGCNoZjEH

ubFemVSTJdvjsXj

His back inexplicably felt warm, “Yes, it’s alright…”xlQxAFfjzDhTnzrBQPRwdKqwzlRyxF

gWmKhCmGnsYCtar

Li Wuting said, “Then let’s go.”ROQSoIDwNSEwnZnkAddNYzVIZOXaRV

kaCJwowbInsBEGN

Ning Rushen left the palace and returned to his own carriage.EoPvOkOCAfBQjSjdmPCQPNlexXplde

XMMVZuAlbtPjduc

It was only later that he started to reconsider: He hadn’t completely gotten used to the hierarchy, and he hadn’t thought much of it at the time. Thinking back now, was he being a bit too forward with Li Wuting?UJqEoXzMFgNIIrOmsScQmtraqEtYDq

PTXrgGntDSpQwXT

But Li Wuting hadn’t blamed him and even considerately asked, “Is that alright?” It seemed he was trying to clear his name.yBLlyjmIILmbUcomnzgVoZIZCYMnrk

IvxMnQnHuHtmkte

Ning Rushen thought about it and decided that Li Wuting probably didn’t know about it.YNjBHflVvmeXJITZVwZqKWpjTMgJwN

oLpcCClMCwrKyzb

It made sense—someone as upright and proper as Li Wuting was hard to imagine being involved in such things.vnLUBBddEdnxKHhtAUwgCeRvoicjsN

YLDDuPSehkjVNNB

·iqhLXDMvokoGYWpauceTqMekGYRGPZ

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Two days after Prince Xuan returned to the capital was the Dragon Boat Festival.WdrzPJVEaMvfLAirhQEmRjqShyWmni

bBDgzTdIxpxaSNa

In addition to the various activities prepared by the common people, the palace was also hosting a banquet for officials of the fifth rank and above.iXNKHbbYKXXJgqSKFqVSzdEruzdlnL

LXtOLyZLQBfOnCq

On the day, Ning Rushen tidied up and entered the palace.FXXOaTfGjbUYtkZFTAujJofymDzEso

QprpfgJFEBEQhVD

As evening fell, the palace was already brightly lit.OsWfAZrLXXvQguOeZSVZVMYYPdfcVH

MneKPHhLAFxsaKZ

The red pillars and golden tiles shone brightly, reflecting the light all around. Outside the banquet hall, the clear pool mirrored the surroundings, casting gentle shadows on the brick walls.DViBagGVlRGRsWkfaXFbHRDJvQvUlF

gJvcEorRBcnBPSn

The main table at the front was reserved for the imperial family.VsRantcjAruBAZiPOfpPHFNkQOpruz

FNXqsMCjzNfGDBw

Ning Rushen took his seat among the officials. Not long after, Geng Yan sneaked over and sat next to him.kbbnmNsPaajjPuTClZHufCCWhtNdIY

TEXbDkAURdlkVTo

Ning Rushen turned his head, “Here to assassinate me again?”ksupqauwJTTWFGsxpvEqrmXQVOBBly

orHZEYDfVQPpsXP

Geng Yan gave him a sideways glance, “It’s easier to chat when we sit together.”oOwBOSbkyCKwYQSYDKsvVvIxWxwvYb

urtUQTzjcmzNZwr

Ning Rushen replied, “Chat…”DhZLuABUIkFgstuUfJZpaIWvwHyLdT

QkMlaHkEcwaEuvC

Geng Yan instantly became fierce, “If you dare say those two words, I’ll smash your head with a tile!”LDymsrJpUOkwXMqAueoyBJsONEgpRd

yxbfEhMEaBQPEzs

Ning Rushen sighed lightly, “You’re so sensitive.”swPkdWqjtfsFjvoVqyMQPtJiIJZdaD

AFYbmYFtJcvctzg

He hadn’t even said anything yet.leWhACftGmBUPUFpTdbyFOcSMZKSde

yasAMnyVFFzkCQy

As they spoke, the emperor arrived at the front.PVToVGHYOdCqKkLbVwRmjcAVoNyusT

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Li Wuting, dressed in his dignified and majestic imperial robes, walked in surrounded by palace attendants. Alongside him were Prince Xuan, Prince Jing, and Prince Xuan’s mother, the Graceful Consort.zkgxaIltfuRfKeuPrtbIDwvVzzKCYO

iCVzpZTLujmweIl

The group took their seats at the main table.SzSmPUiGgzHWygghNExeZsdvysrnNZ

WBiamCWtHroRSJZ

Ning Rushen glanced from afar.TvlYTzcefuDpNCpLuwgIbeRjFADDoj

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It was his first time seeing the Graceful Consort, and he found her dignified, graceful, and serene.IzARTaLsumsVdgtFXoGySNORHxsDjc

CcUzsaavQQYIBwQ

Li Wuting also showed her much respect.mJhEkmbwNHXNaLoQrAtLeOAeQMfWIN

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Geng Yan leaned over and whispered, “What are you looking at?”PbihxkkpyqcYjQJfsCSJvLcjMjNqzJ

dPzRVmrHCoqhYKp

Ning Rushen replied, “A loving family.”COqcvETqgNyKHjsSCDGrYWfcWLgPrh

muyMqscmxWQzEOp

“…”AGBHkeTKJeXhlbqquVCndkXkIYhixS

ivTNCbQpzpoVBJB

Geng Yan choked a bit, then said, “Of course. The Deceased Consort was very close to the Graceful Consort. After the Deceased Consort passed away, His Majesty and Prince Jing were raised by the Graceful Consort. She is like a second mother to His Majesty.”eQouZRQiXGYmPBzDZkQoFWDGMMDXju

zlCCnfXyfsGxEHN

Ning Rushen pondered:ToJQScQymRDrTfvVjVskjWmLrbEnMD

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Does she know her son’s face was scratched by her good friend?RMGiFAnnkaFTGyMzoCJkhqRXwJaGiP

rdlMMNpjeXKbHyA

Geng Yan asked, “What are you thinking about?”iplYLpmiujfLpXnVzQxFZJJEUKBtll

ojSwhzhZdXyYEYv

Ning Rushen replied, “Nothing, just some royal secrets.”NnKpLyBppjAcpHvAiNeyPDgqPuLaim

YSjMbEyAcpetHol

Geng Yan, “???”pqQCzDiGOAqDjpRQaTDyEscUsYmUce

ZSetbocYQxhlKCy

He wanted to ask more, but just then, a young attendant walked over, carrying a wine jug, and stopped in front of Ning Rushen. “Minister Ning.”UxgZWonRKzqKaftIfhvvRZwuIuMihg

kTFhzRSkIfJJnei

Geng Yan was instantly horrified: Spouting royal secrets got you in trouble!DmVjdjNlUgqywgBsNYJtqNNZIsVltk

nWKNWpzzNWWUTEz

Ning Rushen’s chopsticks paused, “Eunuch?”yGpuZGuheKpwftsOVvdkgaMRIdizcO

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Poisoned wine so timely?tdHBJuakwPHWgTFVFUftzGfbITjJaN

KLVeYYuhbYyYtjj

The young attendant respectfully said, “This is unfermented fruit juice. Please enjoy, Minister Ning.” With that, he bowed and left.kOrdQEgEIAlzjBUAmlGaWjNkXlJqJK

urdAuFxgkeylySO

“…”wrCuQxArSrRplCNnEsxVZnkOSxWOCU

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After the attendant left, Ning Rushen and Geng Yan exchanged glances.YCDshJaObVpIiuWVWgCkUBrqVqEJdo

lAFRIIBlpsFXWHj

Only Li Wuting could have sent fruit juice through an attendant.MTBnYSABqDrAYQPVbqJNxcbMWyUkuA

fLBXyhgarJteRpZ

Ning Rushen moistened his lips: What’s this about, afraid I’ll get drunk and dance with the dancers again?AYSBsXNPTHPVPQPWrGIadAlSsFJiuh

suHTkGBrosEEQbc

Geng Yan was dumbfounded, “What does this mean?”lLKZIRWdxiKWXZofiMkmEkhukOMVZg

WAVZzNOhmhZIVRt

Ning Rushen explained, “Earlier, I drank at the royal court and…” He hesitated, “danced wildly.”lXMaOdfSaCzcEGxQjQjLhgpQNXZqSY

tldTVgudWgzEQuq

Geng Yan couldn’t understand how he danced wildly alone, feeling both reverent and regretful, “Too bad, I was hoping to manipulate you while you were drunk.”ZzqNhUbUcKxMSsUWCMbKVFpBvXsaYK

txFgntMxYyjnSrr

“…?”uYoowFhZXIOopOjvGUvDHigHNRIszj

BwVaSWzXjwhJclb

Ning Rushen expertly stepped on his foot to stop him.mYIPJEUDkWnAUiQAigZKHVsOzDOYsi

JuNoJHVZhdzBTwq

Geng Yan, “Ow!”UxODuveSNsctxrifqLMapFfJjqMmND

CevNlbEGVVDSLkb

After a few rounds of drinks, the Graceful Consort left the table.uAfSMBrRXlfxwAIOkykLlCCchAoRKi

xLRbBJECMXywaOm

Probably to speak privately, Li Wuting also got up and left with her.MmsEcXBEyrDqygpwnpKjrLTIyILLVY

ALDlbxxJzNTIiMf

With them gone, only Li Yingtang and Li Jingyu remained.engHGqGrdmgCcKRzHldzRAaKqWLFKq

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Ning Rushen saw Li Yingtang pull Li Jingyu aside and mutter something, his eyes growing brighter.oqbOlkMQCVrgtzGvVeSoTBkpUbJzgt

tAaFEWnWTqstvbI

The brightness made Ning Rushen inexplicably uneasy.yZpFgYAlnmZUzralAYItWhEddhwuJK

KnlLAvbEaEZABFd

He quickly drank some fruit juice to calm down:YccLPTTMLswHcUbdqOrGxkaKKoZtkR

MeYzOmYWffyvbKJ

…Definitely possessed by something.VyQfHOeQYMbpGuhGVBKLZEKUVgAioM

KwRrbKNcQUUeCfp

The banquet was filled with an abundance of delicacies and the clinking of glasses.etrvOvrXLoMmXyZReDuVEXTJqQBEns

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Ning Rushen focused on eating. When he looked up again, the main table was empty.AynYrihSKYqHXTMGQKllVlGLqXGdcy

xujdFfePHfeemHq

With the imperial family gone, the atmosphere relaxed significantly.xtWDcqxXEcHooVZAXdbEUTOvTGmMGt

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Ning Rushen, full and satisfied, got up and strolled outside.uYSvoKBJKVttqLZPPmhQaOliCWfJXC

XvwkfXgLqJSvkkq

By the banquet hall was the pond where he had once drunkenly fallen. The surroundings were cool and serene. Sober this time, he walked over with peace of mind.xLZvGPvswyxfgQYeCzZGjhrCPmvmrO

dqvicAjgdGMtzOi

As he walked, he saw a group of palace attendants in the distance.myONYXDWtPNSaZdbsIVfteyqolDJax

rAQckMKthWiAJik

Ning Rushen looked over and saw Prince Xuan in a pavilion by the lake—writing fervently, having sent the attendants outside.YmRDgRClZmOaxZDXAwSXDUUGDyRLCH

PTkEKyUedhZRUWN

He blinked and walked closer.IowIjILyiWHcNcNisRGHcIEDXQuOPV

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In the pavilion, Li Yingtang was passionately writing.CcyebvDjpEMxelhJTjDQKbirIOmeKG

gwNsZbcSGexyvwL

During the meal, he had coaxed Li Jingyu into revealing a few phrases like “red gauze curtains,” “half moon,” and now, full of food and wine, inspiration struck, his pen flying across the page!isSXULfMLQWfdzAvLbLQKsCWnkHjqO

UhwKiMszeLaAEil

As he wrote, a voice came from outside the pavilion:cuijJKvjKhMXxYiSxhFpKbDZWrRumC

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“Your Highness?”UrMHpdGQRZKyxLfalNAhqEVRVqoTXQ

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Li Yingtang paused, turned, and saw Ning Rushen, “…”gGSVXimmxDQWskDpOffjgGUxwgcqSb

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Ah, crap, it’s Ning Rushen.CrqTnWOJzFlhKqHdAWAftAuvtHFlsP

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Ning Rushen’s gaze fell on the stack of papers, “What are you doing, Your Highness?”XFUcQbFHzcEBMhtDLKjROletbxQiRm

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Li Yingtang, “Just some literary work.”LgyxbLwUOTpzNaCElowDFvPGVxWrJU

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Could this be the legendary stack of papers?MapZCcPBFCajQZivrUVYwCDSqyoElu

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Ning Rushen leaned in with interest, “Let me take a look.”ZsAWVgRqalnGFQyzzzZrDNQERlKplG

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Li Yingtang took five seconds to understand “take a look.”bjoTBICwEllieSCMZmoLgqujcNZBBM

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While he processed the new term, Ning Rushen had already leaned over. In the next moment, Li Yingtang snapped out of it, grabbed the papers, and stuffed them under his outer robe!zHCIiJWSVQPCjBNLKaAmIGXdyvhnan

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Ning Rushen raised an eyebrow: ?sVVLapTorHWUtHmJDCZBsNMoZXSQFq

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Li Yingtang, “Better not, you…”GwlXynOQMhmVtQllgFViGVJyWGCcIV

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He paused, then, noticing Ning Rushen’s expression, pondered for a moment and said, “Has His Majesty shown you these?”ojhSxMvwtNuhVsAgBDuoTTyCyXuRUV

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Ning Rushen shook his head.rtgZUiXhQlmTczGLBlfiLoAdRUrOSy

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“Oh? Keeping them from you…”iBBZXBrLfqXeiKocpGdEZLkOIElMca

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In the dark night, Li Yingtang thought for a moment, then, like revealing a secret treasure, lifted his outer robe slightly, revealing a corner of the paper, and asked mysteriously:hCoHMXNeCwOJMLecUZVaxpbWbtGjNJ

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“Do you really want to see?”ibtkyUdPDhKfZlMfOHBXUqZRNNVMQl

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