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.QKfhDwTuPAfBBcJvRlEIPcQzmjxIjF

ZklPvnyToqWhOxb

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.AUVRgtIcOqzUhfLIDHuNBaELqejora

XjwXlNufXPKqNtz

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.”mLMmtIFVivbaaSBKRshSIsAsvhIxGs

pkwloxkPZPMSPOZ

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

VQWeyhjLvODCDEL

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

LzkbABkfENZzedM

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

xdxeUriYCAQgAMM

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…”aAIzDaTtmZEqpespwQzFSjSUWnVRcq

ASGkTOhhnQkKZTw

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!”EQsFVgxSbTKVBjFSZwyrwblTWynsfw

vkpPZgHPHnmIEHn

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.BtmdNxywsrASONzVfdXPVOxeCoSFKf

WnCrAcZgIOGqVNm

His gaze was too direct.ONajGOrGQBXcvxxONREoYvYJYKVLTH

ZWOxGYRMPBpEWZC

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

elWgfuMbiCgkDap

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

sSrGLIXvkgtjGUk

“…”IvXfolBFlmoHKNaGGQxiWSSrgcruys

QLhfsszbeMwBjnq

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

aFpMfRvSdDzZAmQ

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

eeoHTqsyHFqRFNB

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

LUcXZVnzISwgBpQ

Yi Wusheng hurriedly crawled to lift the curtain.XLwXGgwXORpAZisFyuFqesocpzYGjl

TqDQfprgnzyUHup

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

aYTUgIWirksmpZf

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.WrdebOPHoarwapGpelwLjwTSospzdD

MPuCeiReOuRpvZC

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

pZtYZQDFEvdMOFW

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…”jtiMlqLoUcFMvExEedWBHizlUCtbJr

rjZxAytZggCQizY

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

LvWKcfLIQolRMfx

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

ysGKsqFLKTOliME

Ning Rushen pursed his lips. “Oh.”DsHTbFnOLAkYHUATNJSuwOWpERBLpJ

pyWNRjwUSjoFZKX

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…aRpwAadRbrQfGVWhQsDGQxYdCfKPam

mqnWMgcUQjpnDKf

Heh heh, heh heh heh…docqADulIhvnovgfxJiKglcZFFkrLF

mCZoSSpDtKRPsiq

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:zChxVCZHvQAKwCVwIBtSeOyJzdCsmk

NyNeRpUkIydLMdP

“You’re back.”YQEJFqRvAxdXMuITlmYQHwKPdMtXdK

bMfbiWJHJrOcawG

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

nguMUdJxMAMbxyC

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?”JufzPMvinDbNjSKekASBuPCRgVojgY

GcgLDVHkMbzhHls

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

dQKAXpUdKoKVBLd

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

jKXhzGTDeNHPxxd

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

sJKWkuFqupXIEnv

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

OLvwGCUYRzCFwsW

Ning Rushen: ?TlZxsGMjAPbschIWbHARfpYwFaMGul

XiOZQRaloEdPAIY

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

jXawKMCoAMMVEek

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

XMdxYlEJtfWojSH

·nlUJPcdgUmLaUyDlCveIDFFGXNFYbj

GUYFeSSrrTYSFDS

They all got into the Qingling carriage.dmWParSqyGJOGgrnqCzcEjIHGpUpBz

ZztYoIpGrnUzGdl

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.DilBYscLYnNPwwnrpTiefoWGlFPnDz

cNDrarZCEZgkDEv

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

CdSJHIiIymsWWNV

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

AIZerxgVtCmrYPe

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

BbyADRaSYzubpac

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

FIYOYijZRPattUn

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

FKPTxLxQOugkCgU

Li Wuting shot him a glance.iWeklgbWFCSsPXMFyRyvuscHBOmXNl

iOQtQPpIFkNWeGL

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

xSXSWLZwMuCmPOd

Ning Rushen, “?”fFGUZKXsONRUNPujYIhTHMeXWwvXtQ

DuoGBaTCseVjZyB

What kind of mixed expression is that?wTRuHiHMcwlrVYIPmTuHrNXTgyRGXz

mbgokVDWQiVvOZw

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

PGtHlzBRKyYKDaH

“By the way, last time…”wMPIgLKHLsvKGIOJjDlagRajNOCole

LfkZphsvQQEyBWM

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

bQtcbyGZvTquEHV

His back pressed against a firm arm.ogUiMlhLstimaRKRnWkfdQdMyysLiA

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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.thjrEsjEjGtRNgjMgQkSphsknetKuH

KpnIkSasZpzJgbL

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

dgJiVbAluoBJcTi

A gaze seemed to fall from above.IaFlwMYdjHqKHUnZWMEyCebzBYmYRh

JUxkKnuVfIynAEb

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

RMmmAYtLiZgCVuq

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

zUACAntSusJaPTl

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

uHKakPKLoSPbQrx

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

HbjJOnKLCNoOYJN

Ning Rushen glanced at Li Wuting: Huh?nzNBgoKVzLCgYmQEmSBEEopqjJfESZ

WTAgoHLbhbpPIWn

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

HMwdvhZpmoDGbWd

Trying to fool me with that excuse again?xxIDjHRwCTbVhxZuGeYDDfGcLXVdaq

kSgiAUJijYQuCts

Ning Rushen, “…”VWqxivPhNBoyMyjwRtHNJseViNplFw

WOuVzLsQGKwfeuf

He reluctantly turned back.foDrnVsfmYKWQFNodcMDQYnmqdkBUF

gOuQyljfgzbpmMv

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.obMTDxmPUCwOPyHIARTXzUloMyztde

ZEMgyvUqGAPsyTr

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

MplglzdTPrCjfgQ

His fingers slightly curled on his knee:QrviifjBQvsWdNPTrXPmiIqqtVaxux

tedlHNBFiKYguwK

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

jPuDYPhonmwzRQF

…yEHyVfRDBEDLLvnWjYuvKrgscGbQQb

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

jsIhRYSDVDyWOHf

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.ReXxHNxVWbxSqZnJgFsNOOAhqXFdDX

EAMApRihtOReqiM

The two figures walked away down the long path.aszNUpcwYpONsweUBhCIINKoFQzDWV

wDwRtuInIfqIqDO

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

WshRpzFBVFCJARm

“Yi Wusheng.”mTjtLfdkySglTrdNUmqSBWVsPmaQiL

OoimbeymhVvLnAm

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

KMbDnEEaNpMkCkF

“Dispose of that later.”SAEwuWAQpbQoloyhCRCTVllfghGDmu

YzHAVLyJEGAeelu

“Yes, Your Majesty!”dLrFRiogrswFVOxkoXeAYFjMtbRWRL

HEKrAGLxlaWRney

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

dfjcXvuWTLwRrLq

Ning Rushen was stunned.AumXXhfxEQLlLFCeeXqIYqVSGyOFOB

vTUVwMNhEiUGtwm

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.TWdLSfsLlRpGQvKEfxZayJYDWIohhr

BPrufarLKydFdft

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

EbkkZGVZMQlXkpg

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

RwpGfxdvKcyHIoo

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

FRsBGeSzQnMcTWb

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?EvXwBlHmYbObPWYSxvXPZFhXZDdWuL

cWyxRwsyxAsmNlD

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

wUUOeYgnRHEOZNG

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

CgvzkjGPAKGDMAg

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

MagwwiyROHovdNp

·mSmiGNkTilvUVhamhtMSRfyjIFiVnV

hcOMBxDTeMGGihY

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

TaskcmhiDUMtlwC

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.qZeFtGMtuYPfUNfFFDeThbAUCotOFV

YColABvlOKnHwig

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

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

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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.IaXdswrjSyqbhnPHWmZbVbSTPUKSVR

zBcpZzEwOEHPWhr

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

wdBvcyzpGIPIeTG

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

WCaFoCbFLQDbFCU

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

gNVTXPSsDqyCeuQ

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

bhgKABaiFZPPAHM

Ning Rushen replied, “Chat…”GEHFQnCSMUndDcxIrimPWEkKUCWtKC

QHJIJfMaqwMKRag

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

pwSovYAUnPpmXjz

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

hhMXDheITLQmTlC

He hadn’t even said anything yet.xJVmusfxDASXCuEqSnDeWxsNLHZeWn

dcwcUxRCNdoqjAz

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

TsGrSrmodBBskOm

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.DygaiLBPhSxlccHAMJDWPJYkoPgMdu

rLFEwrqVQYsqZMS

The group took their seats at the main table.ovvSHvuhRuoGccHyAclVVTBafwynJS

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Ning Rushen glanced from afar.SdGYyMLUyfaOQTeECYegVkwJYVjwSJ

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

gxkPPnkVQChUfeC

Li Wuting also showed her much respect.BUkhBbkXiJWJyolBBhCYUxiCOxpCvb

UkUetbkqZlIQUyp

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

QloVCsLXRNyCexf

Ning Rushen replied, “A loving family.”WNRzXkEFcizoCPNSHGNjOZUKoSkaFx

SUZEnVcMkHNDzVR

“…”aEXPavJCaUhFqxKhdONxBXzjGiJCyR

wACJpKpLZZIsHvX

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.”glwZHhubjvvlllktEyoryZxHrAXtiE

mNGfRWkllLCaCWH

Ning Rushen pondered:eZJoWDgEClOiReqtFjEPBWgGNMJSDa

EqHIUXLIMdyDcUP

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

tsXAuGEHTgJTeGE

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

bZOvXwnGvlQjGUR

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

OjkKrZPhVycaaFZ

Geng Yan, “???”QLocwApvzVMWuHnSpHAfFFiUrGUnNu

gZLaSwjGpsEaQvc

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.”RsAoMDFiYfjkSzuQKaSMuWOIQjsrPi

QIcErXoBAaZrQsW

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

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

sGxcdHOhSmFFIGx

Poisoned wine so timely?CofrtgYyvybZoYxTtAqsAVURzhXqCC

oVHvtfwpvlWWTFW

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

QFlQSYiiCsZOpkO

“…”dzgBFRBBbSwinuobRbUzMGnIvWJKSp

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

hdRoDdphjqAsqAA

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

wYRBOYCAQaaIbgi

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

MEgDivXAFaIkuui

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

usQOCcjbBXFseOp

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

MVLlokfzxokhvQP

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.”KpbVyBBhvkFFcbXdJDOIByaAXivDga

eVlhliEHDMpYWEN

“…?”bZAJrUHSGALteaygCmtfRvxOEuBtLL

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

BxFjzsxrdCRCIqU

Geng Yan, “Ow!”jBdoINJqyYKNWlIKJxsBwdCzeNZOua

xloBhQoWzCSaqXc

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

FwbnidMdWEHyABS

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

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

AoLbxOQcPNlNgvw

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

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The brightness made Ning Rushen inexplicably uneasy.tQyDuYmvdHLgFAiEiINEIACNhGgJIQ

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He quickly drank some fruit juice to calm down:kEDxsOyeSysbEYbfAgXEIRmDrVLDli

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…Definitely possessed by something.DroEOuyJeUPZDUOBymxiXcGZJdXqco

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

AlxiBJdSNWcLkmY

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

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

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

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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.CkOQKBLCwBpTduyUCEtfyHjKWFuBkj

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

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

VUdxiInMtbcDbfc

He blinked and walked closer.RYJrSYVMWymoWQycTqhMKzNCzdgOZJ

YDPisWkEdXzpoSC

In the pavilion, Li Yingtang was passionately writing.BHQZtwxkWUPcFWeEUAlKExpaFHdHCc

ZPuOJRHROkPySdd

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!TpPZycWqCnEyirItmqrtLUTFMajfTt

bJAhyayCGGmJngM

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

MEmDYGtsJcKKzTo

“Your Highness?”nSySwubvYVZNFMZciJbGZYKZuHPDaj

kkREJBskLEAHXjl

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

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Ah, crap, it’s Ning Rushen.UYGCPdMDwBnMuxyVokARswcApkkPsd

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

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Li Yingtang, “Just some literary work.”jVmQTzrPMPyxGIuwqnuHDewtbbZNBS

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Could this be the legendary stack of papers?VGjprXofSVLJPDbMEQRhteZDmOjvaI

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

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

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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!nsGDiqrOEnRAUMMvmOpCCOSIMcPQKR

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Ning Rushen raised an eyebrow: ?cagZwujtEzOokNyyXrarZuwGRINZlz

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Li Yingtang, “Better not, you…”JJwBGxzwvzQduDvBOMpTKXZeuzFkoK

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

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Ning Rushen shook his head.bWNNtpOmwazxEKwkdUCQmRtJwyFtsh

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“Oh? Keeping them from you…”XicuwWBnAPprzfNrhUZUEGvotxMJWN

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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:mbWkrYcNqBDqVIiDNqGkUDeIsaPNtc

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“Do you really want to see?”vYBIthTXGsACnjKKMYGVpuNwZOIPKL

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