This official is so weak

Ning Rushen’s fallen inner garment had been adjusted, covering that frost-white area, and his crimson outer robe was tightly secured.RhLpxnbqzWNorQYJOKEYZxnXYqESar

axDhOkwXJGfgsLW

Li Wuting scooped him up by the waist and placed him on the nearby low couch. “Open the window, summon the imperial physician.”beuUPUPKgpILWoBVusmxKxTgerlvpQ

EgBeKQsNQkiCsbc

As Ning Rushen was placed on the couch, he seemed to stir. He groaned uncomfortably and reached out, grabbing Li Wuting’s belt.qtXLHoCwivyPBaQblOEqtiILKsgLaC

SACrCWWZggAfaDC

He looked at those weak fingers, tried to pry them off twice without success, and had to sit sideways on the couch, allowing Ning Rushen to lean weakly against him.teIMHSfUFXpAJtAsGqIxGoDzuXAnnE

GgeJwxECTSRIVhe

Then came Li Yingtang, who had heard the news: “What happened to Lord Ning——”zLYzarvSVPEsiqzjGDJznqMRUIxVjJ

TEijBWWIEyYsSxm

Li Wuting glanced at him, frowning, “Lower your voice.”tlWdhmGpzsRyqirFGtuNBgNeAcGEXj

WQmJGdNWtJsZQxQ

“Your Majesty.” The imperial physician took two steps forward and saw Ning Rushen almost entirely leaning into the emperor’s arms. He immediately took over, “Let this humble servant handle it…”hPvKRmvaQhtPRUfYqHDPZijCKFzsCt

xquZIgGaiZVOvDa

“No need,” Li Wuting said flatly, “Diagnose like this.”QAsBBgkuFvaknXGXQKONRufKJhTWeh

pdOFKeqdXFKzisz

After a moment, the physician finished taking the pulse, “Allow this humble servant to administer an acupuncture.”mEaftAYIRcgXHjkCrYaOegvvjSbUGa

AEUGRCaxgIidsLs

Ning Rushen was in a daze, falling into a stupor.hTVossSwkATUYFAtsolbbIlsJAbhMA

qydAACSZrPlCiJP

He felt like he was lying in a comfortable nest and couldn’t help but nuzzle with his head.RtvRIYrgqqRazteDMIaQPXceOjerwz

EvLCMvNxCzbmVJU

Just as he was nuzzling, there was a slight tremor below.ZYknqhPUHfCkIdRBVKXBuNklfKivsY

adYyisLyuGXPYWe

Immediately after, he was firmly restrained, “Administer the acupuncture.”rbyfOSZiRmGGuaVKlRfxjCxYmCdNmA

WgHQlWXMLTsbUsj

The next moment, a sharp pain came from his hand! Ning Rushen shuddered violently, “Mm…”EmvnohrziqqjyuftTnTPbwXtmlrqnH

MkeXYXNbQUGXvoL

His consciousness was pulled back a bit, and he vaguely heard fragmented voices beside him.WDjATiTZZFToglyiYgFiIqpJPVMhNO

csETjZRngpppbvB

A steady, cold voice sounded above, “How is he?”LdkapXPXEcJKZadnSrdaOrfoDMsShE

soRkcKKZfldIyLp

Another voice, cautious, “Lord Ning… took medicine. Hundred folds incense… conflict, causing mild dizziness. But the lord is more sensitive, so…”ElmYKxrHwlQaAXZcHAvRSaOGpmXlQH

pHkMgnDVceDiXyx

“More sensitive?”AJEJuNemeklFVPDixTuhVDsCyGrnAd

oAbuEhUimRQmufA

“Yes… it’s not a physical issue… perhaps a psychological influence.”KJsuYgvlWucjUIUALbYDaSaeEUjUwq

NRIUdMawJJusVxl

The conversation in the mist ended.JCCZWqTkERGFVLddcnoVdbbOApzsVP

eQBeJnLEJBayXrt

The physician said he needed to administer more acupuncture. Li Wuting paused, then raised his eyes, “De Quan stays, everyone else out.”MQTgfTwHqDAgEXtIuFMFSQaGFfjxbB

cWcnUhFqcnzXYAQ

“——Including you, elder brother.”lAzXwutOiscAKycqYYcUUoDBuBkamG

WxvdSLtJyOrNmEw

Li Yingtang, “…”DhtFymXvLgEiqVaiyYZhvBtusggQOp

YwOYppzRgldhvPR

The people in the hall scattered with a clatter.PnNLfzaUDenMUYAJIyUhMpJiqrWWnT

xRstwObktvGRBrP

Ning Rushen felt a cold wind blowing in, followed by a hand stripping his clothes. He shivered from the cold and instinctively moaned softly, burrowing into the nearby heat source, “Mm…”vybPPbIeJbsHCzTLRzrdlgWjRzYLDH

IzIomuFygfZKWru

His hair fell down, wrapping around a firm arm.WjIFHDUmpFCLYqAwWlFWdJMViNyKQL

KROMAhBIOJrSUKZ

The hand pressed him again, “Stop squirming, do you want the needle to go wrong?”iUcxozCPuAhrPfsLnghDTgZsnZXrwp

SZytvRQrflsaPdr

Ning Rushen whimpered in his throat.ZAGLLpAlATdYTrCLsJjEfVnuUnXIlB

FQWTYkfPsyTKfXG

A series of fine pricking sensations quickly followed.EyWCmmwEFsgSWvfbMpyZVvStQJkPET

TosaUPHHoYksVLi

As the silver needles fell, his body alternated between hot and cold. Sometimes he turned his head to avoid the heat source in front of him, other times he pressed his face against it, nuzzling.pWxdFKlOnyARtTrJRWtxdwkJUyMsin

uNsFVgugBzecMcS

Then he was grabbed by the back of the neck.zvInVMosYobucwjMwPJsaYrgfKLLWc

UgEElbmGCVSbNDk

A rough thumb pressed against the tender flesh of his neck.HTxVyGoufbiCBqseJnwFVwyfrGCvlG

fUqEXHHQOcsqOJv

“Mm…” Ning Rushen trembled, finally calming down.kkoYzCzacDSgMWwmzBorRNpVmPqzeA

TFrMBrPRvmqDHxM

·ZIPHOdQZpUyzrnDtPybKHDluWEyDdk

FtUIhJjNFJJidUz

In the side hall, Ning Rushen quieted down.TsdUHnQASxNeinhWjWqkzfTUYFHuPQ

qUfdLtYJacbLBzW

The physician, however, was sweating profusely, not daring to glance around recklessly.RhwNpwpIRprpEsrcwMAhQeBfIOYJpL

tpISLUulhPRTJiW

In front of the low couch, the emperor’s always neat dragon robe was now disheveled, and his once tightly tied belt was now loosened.MBBsuTbpxcthhtHMlkckfrqGgdHunA

GacZFLmzkytHqCs

The person in his arms was unconscious, with scattered black hair spread across the emperor’s knee. His slender neck was completely covered by a powerful hand, leading down to a trembling snow-white shoulder and back.GdpZcgWcNykfZXiiUpvjKKMXQkdMEy

WyvUvbEzPqjXpHW

The crimson outer robe had fallen to his waist, the sleeve cuffs wrapped around his arm, piled on the bright yellow knee.xfAWHrYaVdyktpjvoYYtXyDEHTRabK

cYanYQFXxQdsXoa

The physician, sweating, finished the acupuncture, bowed, and reported, “Your Majesty, we must wait about half an hour before removing the needles.”NyaLPoLrNEbfwTEUETczYiznZmNjqO

jgyEJCvaQymKzIN

“I understand.”JypCIfGQVldpYQDvbcnXubiswgfwBF

avIODByfDgZWhpC

Li Wuting averted his gaze, his scorching palm motionless on the waist.gCbfMrROkTolgPuJtTdktCRbItZsaE

GihcOyNJQcYptwb

……keRshKcKVOvazuFpJCUIlxzDaTxzoI

ygjVKAnmyfnWGbM

When Ning Rushen opened his eyes from the dizziness, he found himself lying flat on the low couch.dTPpPzObsqQydHsruPtaiKnRtUbitv

CGxrnItteFkulMN

In his sight was Li Wuting’s cold, handsome face.KaXGedVHeFpCykFNOaDTCsoeoiuABk

egacLITKnFifcOq

A lingering faint fragrance seemed to hover at his nose, and he mumbled incoherently, “Your Majesty, am I turning into a butterfly to fly away?”GfTGouROKpkuZINzOpMcFqZVLheqxR

UnJfYkYMZjfpjqZ

“……What nonsense are you saying?”nRGVQaLEikJXprBNCIZwwJpWGKxuxc

bmRYQqHpPUREqgV

“But I feel so light.”rvZWVVYOmNPhPMoMCOjjpWCiFFoCXv

XAHvYkPPgylDuRi

Li Wuting turned his head and ordered, “Administer two more needles.”ReGmLXYFMSOYjLWjOekeIitANecRat

KvXDglGxAnUDzce

Ning Rushen shivered and instantly woke up, “Ah, I think I’m back now.”tmdHOQWmXtMKxMFFdMsOSkvWabQwQf

dwsykiZygNPSxRU

Li Wuting chuckled softly, “Heh.”lcAeKdPitkFgUSKxjNHowVBjJyMbPl

yAbyUUhJHmHcGOp

Seeing him awake, the physician retreated.FWAVklIlZUXRViiUQqKbUtuZlkYWyF

wexAGCPoaWwQzkH

Ning Rushen propped himself up and noticed his clothes were neatly arranged. He touched his collar: it was probably some young attendant who dressed him while he was unconscious.CyhgDbFDYRvGybbbEdrjLjIGxnCMJk

ZGSEtohgOikunHo

It was quite tight.wFiTXXotSLQNFFRmVNfkgkExFqnLoH

DuGLugRwuXsKSlW

A voice suddenly came from the front, “What’s wrong?”UUYZcgPlscXkDHqWWxAdHktibSrrHf

gXciaQuoJDgbQch

“Nothing…” Ning Rushen regained his composure and asked, “Your Majesty, what happened to me?”GLZyqVEKKbGtQAeCtggiSpdkBjzjOH

AtqnyaLyacZItbO

Li Wuting said, “There was an ingredient in your medicinal treatment that conflicted with the incense.”NkCwdCRkVvmaxBXSAYvTVneXHjweIM

nphBlDazLbqMBcb

Ning Rushen opened his mouth.mkRxpPAcJDyAcolnDnNGsHEMzCkSAb

axnCBjLjdjJuOdS

After a moment, he pretended to be upset, “Ah! I knew I shouldn’t have taken that medicine.”HYTQVbRYTpSrHxjjxjOXFvEmfBsmgl

yjoRHVDWCVefrSo

Li Wuting met his gaze, closing his mouth skillfully, “You shouldn’t have, so I had the physician prescribe new medicine for you.”CyiHKvuvshDhyfmqsuzkmoLTnueLHN

UKTODZBsIOtUHNZ

Ning Rushen’s lips trembled:…CJYkzvNchgZilEpIrTBzQWOyfMmWac

jnkPkUJGRtSaSak

Then tears welled up a bit, “You are truly too kind.”TSjKxqWCYfKQjOoEJNvHSYTPqoIeaa

PJygLUnyRXclRaV

Li Wuting accepted the compliment with a smile, “Heh…”hbQIPNawlaxInjxGiQJhPBcFvIAlwk

EjIlhjVBdsVCnft

At this moment, Ning Rushen’s face was still somewhat pale, with tear-filled eyes and a sickly flush at the corners.LaqnkEnpyjBnsIZWminamtSiXgWLgW

bIAmmdsKFpZVqxx

He looked oddly pitiful.yUPGCHIOAYQcqmBDeGColDoVMFeSwg

KFLOOUyhbmVUCUY

Li Wuting’s gaze lingered for two seconds, “Alright, get some rest.”PgCguvBJqwtJTDtpPaxfgIEXyqtbcn

LLOeLKdJjQWNDQF

After saying that, he turned and left the hall.VAhwHIIRDBRvxyZncTsxfYUjzvEShm

IGpMYcqaKrqAroO

…NGxWNfhgogSHBWcIDbxyfRLtRRYAIz

otfWOwIyaIJUWfG

Outside the hall door, Li Wuting said calmly, “That type of incense will no longer be used in the palace.”osEwJMioVgcYUXBxaBBEVQemOEgOkK

cFRisJiqoJfgqnh

De Quan understood and bowed, “Yes, Your Majesty.”HfMPeYweGdKIRpxoncnItcfkyPhaVn

dbwVDCcuYRhdiMD

Li Yingtang was still waiting outside, “How is Lord Ning? Can I go in and see him now? I won’t see anything inappropriate, right?”hYJnOlbkqqLruQhcWdkFWIIxeBwxDK

lONOVTrvsmxydFd

Li Wuting glanced at him, “What do you think is inappropriate to see?”JChxAmpJbynamdFTSCKtEIcSjcKlcK

PSqRcjqxZNWYVZj

Li Yingtang quickly slipped away, “Nothing, nothing.”KhWJvdQQNHvaYYqgGQgLvCasaxcYDY

QCGJIojIqVJmmqB

Inside the hall, Ning Rushen was leaning on the couch, lost in thought.HjKlFZweIRWsjsvFUjRPERpnEpeSpS

LtWHbPAroLaBQsP

He felt desolate: those needles from the physician were so ruthless, could the prescribed medicine be anything but bitter?HCCKorUvavoidKPemyjYopkOsfPieg

IVssaUOvZaLVbnM

While he was wallowing in self-pity, Prince Xuan slipped in, “Lord Ning, how are you feeling?”xiHEiSoEIZLxDXZkDkgQoGhIdCpgXt

pnltntNkaYunRHs

Ning Rushen weakly said, “I feel completely drained.”afjrlZDnSMtmDSWaDMhjTnCPXXNNEl

CvUxrBszyESffSk

“Oh no!” Li Yingtang was immediately distressed, “You must take good care of yourself, otherwise, how can your body withstand such—”zIpQIuAgJAJmiOHJhrQPbishwNIVTc

UYBgfgmbdjlYLuJ

Ning Rushen snapped out of it, “Withstand what?”WjxDHGByuXzchHtLodiEYquPwJSUMX

aNypvnAWbRKvwUd

Li Yingtang hesitated, “…Day and night toil.”WWRcecWDrfQFvHhdTInQPnloepDqNl

kvdQirlYXBGtXBr

Ning Rushen reassured, “You worry too much, Your Highness.”NfswwdBstHfSVFsyyRBPnZqvVzaRPO

aOUOOuhpFiDsSQB

When had he ever toiled?cAIMLyvGjzbKavpPkxjFlfTdQujJyR

bYYNJvVfWQEEzog

Li Yingtang, “…”kceMlSemSpCydPMrBibZlSKnjWQiLU

gQAWpkdqSfCrVkU

The two exchanged glances for a moment, then tacitly changed the subject.cHyLTDHDCkiwnVLoCzcmWFWFxQOJFP

ycqNBvaJkcwGqeB

Ning Rushen said, “Speaking of which, the physician’s skills are indeed remarkable. To deduce the cause of my poisoning from the incense.”fvWcCAxbKSjDNnsLjxCNSEfzGQkIoj

ZLezPCoSrBlMfZF

“Oh, that.” Li Yingtang recalled, “When I followed the physician in, the incense burner was already extinguished, it should have been the emperor who put it out.”PDdCHhYdRKbwlVshdfEXYXDgofBtlo

DwAVkHGtLXqmOxD

Ning Rushen: ?oXsKDnYqHTXkiTbSzljoWAhjaGrxiW

XJOrcAJeUhjshLv

“How did the emperor know it was the incense?”grIVoMtFELdUAQCsNwKCvUELKPGhAh

eVSdImohTrhoBrQ

Li Yingtang lowered his gaze and smiled wryly, “How do you think the emperor navigated the struggle for the throne to get to where he is now… He can sense any potential danger more keenly than anyone.”mMyvVUqMhvJvtFudGcsixigwAiljzG

rjpMKcYjPWSspEB

Ning Rushen’s heart skipped a beat, suddenly recalling what Jing Yu said:PftfusURkIRYgADkOJRxmpdqqyYjbv

lojyaGKFfqRluRh

In the past, elder brother was in a difficult position. He had to protect me, second brother, and Noble Consort Shu, while also guarding against those around him.ZXOGgdrhyMULydlUJBpFHXnqRntTRx

IOwIrxnmGjoyXgk

He muttered a couple of acknowledgments.VFYrFLbzmwDLaoPgaYfQPyRoZoIZgE

UChFaWcwFMNVVeJ

As soon as he finished, a wave of nausea surged up. Ning Rushen leaned over the side of the couch, “Er——”uevfynDNGtLdAOErvWaZiwUdKCtKBK

MbzPBIOsJooKrtZ

Li Yingtang, “…”ANXwHaKQTcdKOvzoryTfYpKFpxVRFj

nEdZtjFVhAuYoVs

He timely excused himself, “Alright, you rest.”ZBiksgFsmFAIrXwjwDepfpDBEojYtZ

rWgxeXDONUNqNGp

Before leaving, he suddenly paused and turned back to Ning Rushen, “Oh right, from the time you were found until you woke up, it was the emperor who took care of you.”wcrFmIyyKjEZpOVFrlOUYwTUzTjlyK

KjdhhykkyFMDnSL

“Never left it to anyone else.”uBVBKYAyuivOtTeSfOiyfsneMMXiJP

mnDWuPnyvkCfwTY

……Is it Your Majesty? Ning Rushen wanted to think it over, but his dizzy mind couldn’t handle it.xBYWcogfakRKGjnbIXlOqgyxkKOtWp

SmjoIzXHbycWSkm

As soon as King Xuan left the hall, Ning Rushen fell asleep.SvWHzdSFSHgNZgIuKeDtmsFxgqPDkJ

QHJiDmXkAoOkOVO

He slept for about half an hour.TlIPhaRchkEVioiApyvhbOBGYCPhBX

xRNourpFMbtIKCF

When Ning Rushen woke up, he rubbed his head and prepared to resign from Li Wuting.OUkGPpvUWINfQGuUkQkUrgNfOfRWyX

MnIfecbRPLeZyyc

As he stepped out of the hall, he saw Xiao Rongzi waiting outside.wGPDROmNnABxeOIgEGscDdtMlfpJJO

AywyrQPnDByCwhr

Xiao Rongzi smiled, “Master Ning, His Majesty is discussing matters with King Xuan. He said when you wake up, there’s no need to resign, and I should escort you out of the palace.”saHnfEZrQCqgahxZsJSowZuESotpCg

lpoGRBiKxXskyrK

Ning Rushen thanked him and followed him out.VsUwUyMfHJrpVqeOVSboVcKuDiKXux

cnIzSSXZmkQEklp

…ubNINqfqDsXIRYKocAFQkotilycMKZ

SEsqtzOYlZsdRdC

Back at his residence, the medicine prescribed by the Imperial Hospital had already been delivered, with large packages piled up in the yard.zzNZYLVheWICbYPwpIJhHoEbiuTLDH

vumrmTjYYsUHfRk

Ning Rushen’s steps faltered slightly as he entered.xxkvRbDSkDbykucwDIXqSGqFdJqWZN

UmvxZvUPhmMieQw

Yuan Liu was shocked, “Sir, where have you been!”ihyjyxbUFzvqYtnFShNhzaeAjRbQCR

zJtbdGGMJuBEfyb

Xing Lan babbled on, “Oh my, so much medicine, it’s enough to soak you in it.”oOONzPhtCNEDNfYYehPCTKLukytzXX

dLPBQRfxKPSTAVc

Ning Rushen:……CRLUwvTzfuGPTiqiSctvdkwROOlXxf

StTtNutIwsWxjim

What, is he an Oreo?vnsBiNkIikzzmVRvdLybtuYGQnmZMp

VDqehEUfayiKZOz

He replied separately, “In the palace. It’s unnecessary.”dncgaKIAVhEFHiXOLkNibOTIYCVSSJ

uNKlcUAGufOOFGs

The two were still asking questions with worried expressions. On the side, Shiyi, who was always observant, began to read the situation and subtly moved.xbmCpvxaRwdLrxUYCUhwllaBGQqDEk

ohtVVFupsGsnVuy

Ning Rushen waved them off, “It’s nothing, I’m going to sleep.”TSiDDGHqclsKRIJVbaNYxhAZdkBWnF

PdziuZJyHPCJvia

He went into his room and closed the door.KwgdPCObFsSwhVysdLCQAqQPUERZLx

ZVlyWoaYXGZjgxI

Standing by the bed, he started to take off his outer clothes.bGxQfIXQZRAjiksssExVZPloOSOMxs

ixNgIYEMmsUyzUn

As his fingers touched his collar, Ning Rushen suddenly remembered what King Xuan had said before leaving: It has always been His Majesty taking care of you, never letting anyone else do it.AIvqfcaGqxIjPeDUvMBRrbdoTHdvKQ

EJXGPdyerCImaSJ

“……”OnSQEcHFNuLVfhCbbRcrABqwpeiwra

zkMezDeXbTCqVpg

In the dim light by the bed, he realized it.XSyIwEFNILkfMebALlmGIrDXxrtElE

qvZsJQvsZMUZThY

So, when he was lying disheveled by the bed, was it Li Wuting who helped him dress?kLUAGdirlGeJqbyyPqIPTsPHkMhYBC

DsvMpahUGmcttHL

The thought made Ning Rushen’s back inexplicably warm.bfEyEFDENSzkQKPELVIrkBMFpVTpvT

FbHKrscOXvgzyaC

He undressed with a rustling sound, pondering: Given Li Wuting’s nature, he probably wouldn’t let him hang on the bed like a rag doll, helping him dress would be reasonable.pZOUTonZnoGwIQVKYDIxWRtEyAWDFk

CNJNTdXSPwEOtnN

He laid his finely made new clothes on the spring stool.sIPXNoNezBXULbuyJNyMGMBhLBVVjs

YULAtWmiriCxMzx

He paused, suddenly remembering that he had left his official robe in the palace.PNMETzKNkknxqLRhKjLSjyFSGHTxQO

qOlGjBhQSDAViJR

Luckily, there were replacements at home.VQgwjehcKIvHgdwQEREQtlrSrlvAcs

fWcvlvGUCNCjkfY

As for the one in the palace, De Quan would probably take care of it.IuGmMZrmtWNojPKeizWjbOVmDZeMeS

iCLZwNcHlraNftg

·VloXLqhIsHMXctUkQBLETTbkhpKIcp

xBOSeOxUPXMmrER

After a night of rest.kOnCzJeknVXkTdEiCWwoTAAVEZWDVu

sJOYIQcNlviwHaT

The next morning, Ning Rushen was woken up to attend court.QVNwGJBSWMXXyhxMsaksbBtoXFHoEW

gvlJquxpsyxdxbt

He wasn’t seriously ill in the first place.myzdwWMnnkSuJxoLrsVaNqaiuKtGJe

yLrbGNgYDgESFxc

The sick leave system in Dacheng was relatively strict, and it was rare to see someone like him who was in and out of court frequently.oGNNGDYzZiAApOyVrUqnFgZagRzLwN

jOfbXauxJgoQUCB

Ning Rushen comforted himself: Who else is as dazzling as a star?PTSXHzVwcFWNHrIIeRVYbcaIeSFqhI

BjiuUzMmnfScBSj

…hyyLSlxteSdYHoXuqHCziToTFEsEGc

DHmmCqthjszGESr

When he arrived at court, King Xuan was indeed absent.gNSBvwHJPYhgqKeJhZhbsiVDSGiSQy

TKpHeviYGHmrkYZ

He must have been on his way back to Jiangnan.rxliUiAEmRwvKdJGQdtWDzjLxRctQQ

IlSiNgUYtXfLUsq

Ning Rushen sighed: He didn’t stay for King Xuan’s favorite moment at noon.yRrFxmmDbkypFjkyShirLVpeMvQHou

PvXKfZwNzvbKkrv

But his sigh didn’t last long. In court, new regulations on aristocratic business recruitment were issued swiftly—NVKOmwSHxJSeSMDfvUULRMmPPhdGSD

DrbVsLEOHrXXiqq

Li Wuting sat above, calmly delivering a speech that combined imperial tactics of persuasion, promises, and distribution of benefits…hrfmmODSbpJCKHNMaFxiPmlvtGSViy

aqXHRhFHAmETCch

Leaving the ministers bewildered.ojjsYwRvLmKhfyHTcdaduQxcjpcxZB

JLKEMWYqULRzHWJ

Ning Rushen’s gaze remained clear.ufFpoaxaQWmyyPyerHCmMSfFAuiWbt

BPudSNkQKPFCfni

This had nothing to do with him, he had always been pure as snow.WKBNdPSXbuQqZptWGRklgbbRKidHEo

BTVvytRCjQtDPUh

He absentmindedly spaced out in the line.vIMqXmDcCAbhDBKjADbIQZOGKnNQNs

PZKfWZfiItOmnZe

It was unclear how long had passed when the hall suddenly fell silent, and De Quan’s fine voice announced his name:YcKcgjWbxRxzBaBEpyZzveQNaYAYPA

scHOrzBzRiKYWQf

“……Special appointment for Ning Shen as Director of Market Supervision, responsible for business recruitment. Rank: Third Grade, affiliated with the Ministry of Rites. By imperial decree——”oOJdhIiYAFbIKOGAFfeEALbxpyeoum

McZhTHidddMEqeg

With those words, the hall erupted in an uproar!qknrcNSoOJnjHHotodYzXloYJpvkUR

PuVZBicypzJpKOl

Not yet twenty, and already a third-grade official…ppAivpzeNHSYCFcWdIeRkUWEacLrIp

NMEOyxVXUBPKYqb

Ning Rushen was shocked, abruptly looking at Li Wuting: You’re setting me up for failure!NzyPQLaSdDmtVMjRyoYbxwqKdAEWXZ

jvkyYLNyNKlrpYl

Their gazes met across the court, and Li Wuting’s eyes seemed to say: What are you waiting for?BeBASOhgJKeKdeyigMlbHCsxiLLdGY

iEzovHHZsCRmUSd

“……”dFdVjFkjOjJVllqkyMWPJxbONsPAXX

QivIJjpEgURpWtx

He braced himself, “I, thank Your Majesty.”fBCOrYjplMljDvbhZlsXBVpTYLmyYU

kKSDEdRFLWayXIM

The surrounding looks were full of curiosity, amazement, and dissatisfaction, with constant murmurs… Among them, one gaze stood out.ZsmwgkgdGdMjbmlDGLQtvAHGiSHXSW

kIGZkqTjGfvyXrR

Ning Rushen looked up to meet Guan Fan’s eyes.XUppYDqeNRZQnEbdOnllEuHfiBHaKB

DIrVANjToheQqAR

Guan Fan gave him a warm look: Hey, family.wYRxVkdzJiBzUSMIsSaHKiBnhUjDSy

jhvOnsyJyEWgLhx

Ning Rushen:……RcjrSiSzxARQefxhkmhmZKIeoSlyeL

RBBlWLHKsiAmUQh

In the end, someone managed to scheme and succeed.LeTNhSTBWMjhveimzHlYjwEpyIQvVh

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The Office of Supervision and Censorship was a position specially created by Li Wuting, under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Rites responsible for propaganda.btKSlNqYzUuowHqaPpDXtQtikvHBwv

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The interests of various noble families still needed to be balanced.aBMxEesEeMsZjpokLatyEbBdRFdFuV

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After the morning court session, Li Wuting convened a meeting with the six ministries.EWLLBjpcnBavHRKwINMBYvILkgebHG

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Ning Rushen, not required to be on duty in the Imperial Study, quickly slipped back to his residence.etnVaxbCsZwMppSmdnLXpInvgjukZq

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Returning to the Ning residence, he entered the main courtyard with his hands tucked in his sleeves.GclOdCbxkHMWRJLxTQgRRSBBowWftY

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As he stepped into the courtyard, two shadows suddenly flew overhead, followed by two loud flapping sounds—zfELqraWOeNrpSCEVVyVPTCDkggOtc

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Two fat pigeons fluttered down onto the stone table.tacmTCMIQSmjYiDIrhfGpEToUFjPoO

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Ning Rushen was startled, “…”kkkTdpxtoZwjcPwjSQBhzWkRtEkDlS

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Why are there even more now?QQGSJKmesnlZbrFaRrVvVYHPIzQErD

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Remembering his previous experience, he fished out a thin tube from the pigeon’s feathers, shook out a rolled-up paper, and opened it.PQKvdNsbcctmJAhkpxeDtRJIFDiJip

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On it was written in a hurried scrawl:goEokKORFfqAIKcAqtuKmwydHngsPI

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“Lord Ning, I hope this letter finds you well.yrTyOqOIrvwYlzTKsupamVOXrNmRyX

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Since we last parted, everything has been fine. By the time you receive this letter, I will be bumping along on a long official road. Oh dear…dlAwfJcLnzIHFaQzMZxCcLpYcmVUcA

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After the last letter, I have come to understand His Majesty’s nature and your gastronomic preferences, Lord Ning. This time, I have specially sent two fat pigeons.gHEyMDAmsqGMrJILhEBolrFcpkDEWz

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Please keep one for correspondence and use the other to make soup.nLyyluKVOZElNRswXomapyjPEIVjYO

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Looking forward to your reply. Ying Tang”rianzbaKPaJxsHRpFCIqtMeWMlMRIL

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Ning Rushen, “…”DQWRiSTfwNTNmEhncPDEzKqEaKgagb

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He put the letter away and looked at the two fat pigeons in front of him.WonQpiQYiDTaUezhiqDoetyjLvpYMc

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The two pigeons looked up at him with innocent and clear eyes: Coo coo coo?AGnAVevJYSZjmSKzQMMnCaIgrrwkvF

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Ning Rushen fell into contemplation and silence.dzphwwbUVgPOZnxPtmYWVyHpkehiWi

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