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.swoDXEzmfGmEJLYrwyIzntLdRUKjmT

tkKnmAdNRafzKGO

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

dDyXYuqQxHIQLav

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

uNUmSWGULnvehGc

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.IsAwELXAwQdNVgLsLnGKXlParQkVbC

jUDqNFLxKGyTskF

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

agZspEZxTOGkguu

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

ctWzxjxCfejByTf

“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…”HAbciyBUwEuVFUskNbjoIFevXJzTqY

eptCiBjVQQlXFoS

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

VmfepUsDSTJynKB

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

BvcflzfXhmvLArn

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

LClDhYoJGpVPVQs

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

GwEBpyFyqMhwAlT

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

PhjCBQrTskaPmcm

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

LarFKQBIGUlIOjR

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

ndexrPwBzjZhCAc

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

SdIrhhqoSEWjzeF

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

NIJXyJbVSDfZmjS

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

NeFQQqWQfzdUPab

“More sensitive?”KXdLUOSAeylyUlkWwYWpNuRvCVkoqo

EeraVaBUEiUTomv

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

dgZnrLUTnjmKkNZ

The conversation in the mist ended.cEkTbVgzbCTejfnIwdVxpeVnvodjTZ

SrwPhqQdirZBHto

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

aDnesDscGwEaPNC

“——Including you, elder brother.”JCYnZGjkisDwsOFBlozOCrwvyMlTiu

zHNlgJNvGorypeF

Li Yingtang, “…”asEQXcqHwdvUsFjfJFNVoCWfwCEHRM

xGvcuJJosxhwFdu

The people in the hall scattered with a clatter.eIRTUpDrTMAZpvGJRuRGXoBlzazcRB

nVLDFbFAiTPDTKM

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…”kzNbFXxVAdpbmbftlkoKmpKPtHfjwy

CcnpAWWZzgSFmvj

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

ROFEgZdkErSzNLG

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

fjjAxkkSgwzMwnz

Ning Rushen whimpered in his throat.pwNFTBWwayLDIpNMAGzZfQENqCIFpW

nHgAfWXZovAVZuW

A series of fine pricking sensations quickly followed.ueSCAVygnjmhTBVFGIowtGVWsWgMRp

VcqhOKMrqTmntne

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.ovwJVdwlKcZABjPlTAptVWOjPlOTJE

xvOyEkqEnNdmrpZ

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

SwxnzOohRKPfBrb

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

RwEPAtYzjOSXTig

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

kPjpiqfhmAwiOPP

·iuPjQxigTRDGUBFqCAewCKzBpkvhPR

kCLucIrVaVcPpty

In the side hall, Ning Rushen quieted down.RvbKpmIeiiCAaTZtHBVrQhyThusMIV

tNyVYrPcfEnpqYD

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

QrslJPkPjnljMMl

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.xkSZiMRafstlYsjioEjUOnFmbtLFzY

CzEkbsdAZNorQHI

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.zcRwGffMpDqnTztwCAgLDhTbiJCNlf

LqToXzQEQgZasap

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

kqqVClasJLAUXaN

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

zgKaUlyVrmMjniV

“I understand.”ZoMGtDshaPHXGINTeuVPXwaCpYfJnA

jWLDPSfkOgNWzlI

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

byMjbQkTcwdLxcX

……ExIeQxNxvVUqyosSsDKcQicXmyPcAx

CujrdmmPIwEKneM

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

uubIoNSZOFVAxgI

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

RVhVNgFLaKmuUwZ

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?”VnPFYBdmzCnBMJiHFPnUVTCNPrIiRx

WwaTPqFiZcWGbVt

“……What nonsense are you saying?”HfpQWVMpaZbtHlWzPsAXMwxmttzuBg

jTFJLzPfPLykomq

“But I feel so light.”AFrKvxAochISIcALoWUkRMFAFdfTpN

VdcXozKFGJCsMWG

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

ircjGhCfdEdDDdP

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

ZbRyrYczLYqdTqW

Li Wuting chuckled softly, “Heh.”KuyPiEdcrgXwobJDLSMlsOUalJMaVK

BUyAIVttTmSRGeN

Seeing him awake, the physician retreated.iZayBdFYZPiJgoziaJNBkyTtHnYcrJ

kHoHsYvthiqKDue

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.rVDDvgTHLsrcvtWgPlSOWEccreYfts

zKeVySSMMdTPOog

It was quite tight.OvZwIVhQRlwAcQPeBCLaHYueIQmoWk

MghqouFeSdDyZCR

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

cNsbZsTRXXBatfo

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

jPEyYFvNWbsxrSc

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

hmvgvrcXjeVNJsD

Ning Rushen opened his mouth.yrmqPdzamorvWrZkostByhdiWqYTLr

XLINvViQuGWMfXm

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

VQFThlMCIsAwinl

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

IBnNLuZOIHUfoZW

Ning Rushen’s lips trembled:…ECuNeSgJoXCHhnYrwRvEoyHXxjDchP

DpIkFnkMNOMVJtt

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

NRxsZIJBhmaIKCe

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

gpLOrKEBUIehcOi

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

VFBtHEMtWmNirwi

He looked oddly pitiful.GMncfkqJZtTwCZZjFlcgapGqKzfAko

aCPzDJVbHroDlgU

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

YENtmdhBwKoJwLt

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

dyMxCytYRDixjeW

…SrlqagVTdXZEkKiZDkDsHfxcJqjcmR

gfOwYrhFeCXwuwZ

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

WZpgzHAoIvGKEfw

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

DGTfXCMTyHvPSkD

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?”JkGoCJKacfHDvMuxWxPZCWLnZAlvCX

cuYWFSSwRALkwsc

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

QpaRFiNKBxWLnJp

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

hwvuwlhZEotJLOH

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

aLSyTyjraTMQFwr

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

mFPBgbdxgFUIrtP

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

gYJanoHeQMBGFPH

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

bAscTdMNkMkdJEz

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

WbfYhpvcedqcupp

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

CDdSJrKRouIDAtK

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

poPiAddpXiCvPGl

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

JBIwOZlTrgKxfxG

When had he ever toiled?JhtIJjhGWYQHUJxeNgSxZYRSzWWtMp

blWuIytUemImcXM

Li Yingtang, “…”gajdedpjFerlUzhRrZPgNBhnhDQOCA

VfWiCBpVkKLVtCB

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

sfGcgTPENLhYPgy

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

fUexWLIFFLmBNSc

“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.”dXuFjPqiGnyndGofQZGRGDInXhbxVc

CuRTgxXjxUxyAwz

Ning Rushen: ?BoWrAutBLIPAQkNFgjvMFmDknbBifo

LLeMmvbIYjeMjsq

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

OEaVcFzTjPcDEQW

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.”iHNIkwCWLLebhlnrTnWSBFKFUdIPwe

bjPRaJNruGIaVas

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

jjyJyuIOsLWlKDO

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.VfepQRNZNIkYnClnvncpSTiUUzNRum

lGHUDwqkigZUgIk

He muttered a couple of acknowledgments.HmiLNBMmnNDYesiXwovHvHXXbupiZn

mhDXUsvEDbESkgE

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

PxoEDgZSKYQfmym

Li Yingtang, “…”SdLZNCgurUttULVkMCYLUvWXcaMDdP

TJMvKJOaBbTyBEY

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

dNLQGalwGdgOQIr

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.”PKfatopQlFKxBcCCawakASktOWNCmk

UtXwGmIatWCqeMD

“Never left it to anyone else.”slJSuIUscHvhuvrruJBzquDfBbctFB

QqabAmXwgWVdYGD

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

oPeIAElyxnWqgGc

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

kbRzXSTbeWJEoqZ

He slept for about half an hour.lBCZASFfHCcfslogKCtPtJOJZdSkkP

YHDzCpNXiHcmXfp

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

GHCCSnNZczpOEWG

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

OdoUilRRgAlCHsF

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.”XZSTsDpUfgEjVpZzedqGUaYuYGcbFT

TYUTxiaySAeMykH

Ning Rushen thanked him and followed him out.rDBFdAzHUuDgMWBBjTiqIAYujaPmYA

SHYSsdGVoENzqrc

…ClKsyxlMNmZAAJWTyevthbKCpaQNIe

njwaTfmdDDytQPk

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

rcxccXdrcxeYLjw

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

cnmgLoHfPBZcdnD

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

dKnpWpoeHlUrlek

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

nfYFVHieKUHWnDb

Ning Rushen:……pZatGSBqmSZKfuDvFnRBuMVsAxpNFJ

cWtxZTxwFJoQFER

What, is he an Oreo?RXoPWzmzqglJffZyEpieQLZvhcLCZm

HBMbTqxjORXkfWP

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

bRvbqHfcbvSwbLt

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.TmOrdiImfaLjLWpgPBeOkOONnzeTlh

IyBpiRTmWqyioRD

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

GhLIanLNWWuNsqD

He went into his room and closed the door.OtuCRXebtwuewPteTGVSyiLwoYFjex

DrzmfXygLbCOVkJ

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

FxtlJrwlFpnfnMC

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.QmPylXfOFgbibRULwqoyMVwfoJMCEJ

TjoHRsbsGoIGvKY

“……”WMXECBwymriwGxrxBLUqMLJTuxcIwr

twwajpZZByTRRty

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

eAtDOSwmzyGWWzC

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

UPbAXKLQuAdbBEP

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

FlrCvxmpGjIkYCZ

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.GtyTOPKGXkJJyKLKlJkZSGmgrVgrOd

TvgsDjWirDhDoTl

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

OphCtfNxBiWLiyN

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

fpYDKPADnxudhCB

Luckily, there were replacements at home.EQmSChiVYHtODCbJFtkTlHaiLqBlch

AwISckxfZirNJPx

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

HEHsaXcbMTQRjXx

·qcyLzMnTOwoxSGciNufDPjJdwIOIKH

mmpnsoEAOrwKPaQ

After a night of rest.MSLTMuWZcKfjiVUkOOQPyfktpgkWnv

mPWpgyNojRXxbYb

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

LlLSxnyDuuWCSQl

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

QOzlnqEJHxLIEMG

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.ITbUoWPGBYPOcPECkbvKKoXQMGmkCr

QqrJNEmLlPdpBgl

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

iJlzDnPvVgIqWKp

…EwxYvvTmNLkPcajerYpGKjASWiMybY

rZcZxwhQKhrZOJH

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

ArwToXQOPipUvcL

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

huRUmTEoVUeHoxI

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

zqhZpfyOgQtcqPu

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

ZPNtSNUmjFVlfDM

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

wNzUPikNvgbRFwX

Leaving the ministers bewildered.EiYmJeqambPoFXvVtvnsAZPKBdEhFU

HNxCXcbpmbOdycO

Ning Rushen’s gaze remained clear.gouaULxfbYPkcKXWmgqpdzMbQUbRdK

vqqxeVkhnGfQKMk

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

ATefMhfQvMRlgZg

He absentmindedly spaced out in the line.RyjVxAfFYAddDNAvpVrtBScNCKOdJc

FJuxJxuiWNubzLU

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

kEVucaAzofxjoqW

“……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——”GthrAiKgEWypmUkQdtzTxiZVQdYDDm

STuUhbWuPPtgOeZ

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

ecNJJJtpvjpDhHd

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

dbJgqhvSOxEDQXL

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

FWQeZIadjPnYmUQ

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

sEEHVZgzVCSLZqq

“……”oUhcwVoPMbKGDUnDeMAwZgSpJmcTnQ

ozdagpudIdYBshc

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

DnTFrPotgihpxuI

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

XYYTAHlhLmUjJEy

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

mPBDKQuhMqPYRbA

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

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Ning Rushen:……NlBJPwfqBiCyrmTIEgiFDcWahyxFuh

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

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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.DDASeynuYMyPnKUwMlEteZKWUZfqah

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

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

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

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

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

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Two fat pigeons fluttered down onto the stone table.DUkUSfchdcAkgtswnxfiOLdjrZkbKB

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Ning Rushen was startled, “…”bkkQApbEYJPDouxVKlwjjfCzYXhbev

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Why are there even more now?dmRdjGgdaRwNWaihBiQazxhfKjyoee

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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.neidfxTMFmiVskjvmEMSsEPTVRbjaa

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On it was written in a hurried scrawl:rBokdqnxENlrnPPQavaFOOrIPUxAPs

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

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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…SLIbCVNrrQYhkRcxjMMBGTDJYgAgUx

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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.bjKxbOXGYYUeesusCIFWykRLSQKoui

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

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Looking forward to your reply. Ying Tang”LEhCjXXDNufEeRjKdRmjMDnZZFwTZH

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Ning Rushen, “…”nTNHUwtnpxeNrottWeqvhWrfCOMQXR

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

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

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Ning Rushen fell into contemplation and silence.aXtAcOtgLvRjOONwxszAtYhaOMKXeY

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