This official is so weak

Ning Rushen scrutinized it for a moment, then plucked it again, swallowing hard, unable to let go.qYzkKTgeIDwctpxrHoEDNkEhusFrUS

elETrjqsZIrAaYQ

He held two oblivious fat pigeons, plucking their feathers while pondering: Prince Xuan only mentioned he would send a reply, but he didn’t specify how long it would take.ippxrJqtUmFvQMPptknTlfqobtDfbo

JUOGxIYbSIMZvqp

Why not breed these pigeons first, hatch some eggs, and raise a flock of little pigeons…wyRTehWTxuKqoXGmgQHbuLdCSfyIfe

TVYKrpwtnxMYOfa

The more Ning Rushen thought about it, the more feasible it seemed. He called Shiyi, who was hanging on the wall, “Come here, help me put the pigeons in the cage.”rxpNlOPbODayCyeGBYYFCmFuyJSxZl

TyyYHyCtTuDBVoW

Shiyi nimbly jumped down, “Two today?”CjHPtpaVyfhCafMsiIFKhtyHopYmjY

hDootHKcGQmIsjE

Ning Rushen, “Crazy Thursday.” Bought them at a discount.bjYkfOgfxOyYkehplKLzlhpFSNJHOE

lliEecSSXXfbXGv

That afternoon, a newly built pigeon cage was set up in a corner of the main courtyard.owxTKdqTqScQvBMVpjzmvazDanVCGN

skESKRYtzDBbOKg

Ning Rushen, thinking of future pigeon feasts, pampered them with luxurious food:UpyVxFspnJhUauazhohKXqoGORoNma

ZteDWtTGhTCwkBi

“Eat up, eat up, a full stomach leads to lascivious thoughts.”fwlJIqXwyEWfdRIqtWLJBmcWgHTTwl

FVxeNtFJudulYEn

The two pigeons finally realized they were living a canary’s life, flapping their wings in panic while uncontrollably pecking at the grains: coo coo coo!TWPuiSQvowZCnGrkXwOBKMTvufSKks

meQhLXTaSkwHTIQ

Beside him, Yan Min curiously observed, “Master, are you keeping pets?”yzlUQxSVWVLXgEXtyrjONMerDKdCrC

sjoOvzvmbTrScAm

“Uh… sort of,” Ning Rushen replied vaguely, then instructed, “Starting tomorrow, I will be serving in the Ministry of Rites, so I won’t have much time at home. Take good care of them for me.”aLpLRkHsBuezUCVfUhXgsAlxxWeLDM

CStfjpobaVpQafq

“Yes, Master!”wFRSjrSdHpmyaivpVAGwqrLspryhJJ

JCJYhxjCrjYoUyH

Ning Rushen nodded and happily returned to his room.DrMXFYykgnfSLTUEjWHRLAMODqHmjI

EYWhLecZgFDEEBF

After he left, Yan Min glanced at the cage for a while, then reached out and flipped the pigeons’ tails:YIdWdcQYfoKniGbimxtpymWZnDjJsu

tblBXObvOTTobLh

Oh, both are males.rhjemqIDLxlogwsBwJBvCBVCGrofmZ

PqKGEwMfTiWhFMl

·TrHPVadLlUFtTTxnnFRuMBwWEsQyfS

EebLRQcNhaLjFZx

The next day, Ning Rushen went to court.ejOPLMblWMUAdHDaUXjqAmQGHnYwNW

NSCMHcqnWruOCKK

During the morning session, the decree had already been issued to the public, undoubtedly causing a stir among the noble families in the capital.AzIXoJEQreZoFOQHlIejDkQxKWqVTb

VmsEZcTltHnttrk

He was secretly scheming, calculating in his mind:rHmbVGscPLQZxzUGCDvHeQKtPYlMIc

OGStBrcrKOInQWl

How to slaughter gently and without a trace?BHSxFscqjPCMfjYbTMSzRiMsLpTjpb

tjMdeglloDOjivj

After contemplating through the morning session, Ning Rushen had a rough plan. Just as he was refining it, he heard De Quan’s long and thin voice from above: “Dismissed—”ZxkJSMrlzZFxkkgsluczMKBdIWiYLr

hbjwzDnCIIJHxsL

He snapped back to reality and looked up.lWcSylNslhwvgnfkIAZGLMmFrTbYfi

QIKjPAHVwshPTjj

He saw Li Wuting stand up, the bright yellow dragon robe accentuating his cold, handsome profile, exuding an unattainable noble dignity.zXMVSxGcuwtmFTrZPbPLbCFCiiuuZc

KdCPylcZfKKVWrX

Ning Rushen was momentarily dazed.TKOcCKmWYJAOaXAiveLAFPOgGHgRNv

zpMNYcktaaxhQEV

He vaguely recalled that when he was in a coma two days ago, he seemed to have grabbed onto something and climbed for quite a while. If Li Wuting was the one taking care of him then…XswZryBibyHBSgfMRDspEdSQndKNVt

nGBkXJhKLYzBEcv

He licked his lips:HXesGmzorObdabWCtDwPHzriKSzxLP

LesZSdbmMWCoOTd

Could it be that he had turned this dragon robe into a cat climbing frame?rnISnHcMDJZZFenDrVVIzXMKrktazQ

HuNtGvCcCJFwhdd

While he was pondering, Li Wuting’s figure had already disappeared behind the hall.rbooEJxHPwcwztoWDGXaWJEccIebkx

NJCNNwYiPvQyetp

Ning Rushen hesitated, unsure whether to go to the Imperial Study to report.VjXskTKqJxsVLtskexTrfYDqCfyiqS

SMyXNAAnMBEgduo

“Master Ning—” At that moment, Guan Fan approached from the other end, enthusiastically turning him around to face outside the hall:XCsTXtgPxnKHhNnCJcOzqcDOYJzFbm

ROAQqAnrTgSYKaS

“Let’s go, time to head to the Ministry of Rites!”GcLkqkPAzOYEtegohHecXjqEWzNdDD

WuTIqTdphYoBCwe

“…” Ning Rushen was half-pushed out, “Oh, okay.”WTMaCEkZBGcFCcDdkDMSBNYSHjxngG

jjNAgBGvIrXCZjK

Never mind, Li Wuting hadn’t summoned him anyway.UIWdlcqNjJBUTneiGsJPHGXUjyqPim

zuOwaXxwapeCQQu

The two chatted as they walked out of the palace together.ximzNMotmGAPakkPDkijdkDNabkLRv

nkrMmRmOaKAgclY

Their scarlet official robes fluttered in the wind.uDYFifuUzxPNivImJwXwrehTWzTate

tVfJSGNJntlGfeL

One was the Minister of Rites, and the other was the City Supervisor, a position technically below third rank but almost independent of the Ministry of Rites’ jurisdiction, holding real power comparable to that of the Minister.bqNrKTlPUtIrVzvwrPPAHYmnLXLIaK

gpVDqDGOxWHhCsa

For a moment, the distant court officials speculated:QRXfqeIYCjYzlIrnDQqIckVIHLtHDx

iWigXIqHKOMxYdW

With the decree just issued, causing turmoil among various factions, these two top figures of the Ministry of Rites must be discussing countermeasures in secret.VKRlDthhZZqjNduwAAFgHzEhmuLObE

mYiTGoyjPngMxvW

…dtFIEpagDWEfraYBFkqPKVzjUVeayt

ZsPsxJuyhWEeCXY

On the long path outside the palace gates, Ning Rushen asked excitedly, “What are we having for lunch today?”NtQNeneTHaVLIstpKQUNpJfrQdrOOZ

HOlwKinrMnVBTJt

Guan Fan replied, “Braised eggplant, fried four treasures, and roasted goose!”KniBwaOlOsLlnjLINrSCewselxGcot

nVmFMjdVziIRWIj

Ning Rushen’s mouth watered, “Oh, roasted goose sounds good… Speaking of which, I’ve recently raised two fat pigeons. Once they hatch some chicks, I’ll treat you to a pigeon feast, Lord Guan.”caSBCFEWfyEcBBDQXrWanOdAoxEIbF

eAYDbmlVhlQcwpH

Guan Fan suggested, “You can also keep some pigeon eggs.”zywhvIaJZTsdwGVVjqmHkFfGDrGOnm

QONTLCoeLAhgUoT

Ning Rushen realized this was a great idea, casting an admiring glance: indeed, the older, the wiser, not missing a single detail.URRQiZXsRitsDktUkFuNTPcJagnyQe

qsCvQiYuXpYPCvG

They arrived at the Ministry of Rites in a cheerful mood.acuaYZFMCPjCLTCPpegucSaBLoiAck

cDfnDzHQzQCHuJe

Ning Rushen’s office was set up separately. After parting ways with Guan Fan, he entered the room, finding it bright, clean, and neatly organized.MJQNkGWAQJOlWUyoboYtOAElQTuxjn

fxteYvbiaoVyBaw

Several officials assigned to assist him were already familiar with him: “Lord Ning, this is our first time doing this. What should we pay attention to?”myKBmBdDCaIdKOqXdvLmFenSvFWZbC

ptzCRplFcSlehRl

Ning Rushen sat down, “Just make sure not to show your tails.”VgINDEwmQuAIBEIkmHnTAKxBZCOaMY

gbqUVdsfRgXdikQ

“???”NZtSehSxwwnbiwPSMyrMqafxOmkFZT

OAlEnmpPQwmUUGM

“Oh, I mean, try to be kind and show our sincerity and benefits to the others.”HykVQoNXErJuHEpEYOwFdxBwnKeyjD

mXtsFBDleQRyJRr

They forced out a smile, “Like this?”nSQhTCzLdfIGyNKzCnJOsSXsvVZMzq

WUjnjciLjGTyOBQ

“…” Ning Rushen sighed, “Forget it.”AMBxkdSWQLjIovXblzRXODZyedtXWT

BeNVEegolWlvBTE

All he could see were weasel tails.cSfPJHAekngivoukeXUHwPpxrBeXMw

sFocwPeTLxqjgmK

·qRJuEAfLAWDkxfDKMxtTmtVryeQCqZ

AhhLhqrETcXaXnJ

Today was the first day of the decree’s implementation.YAmXhysQGGDSMUeEisyWRlLxsqpEuQ

HIoILZeYBhcrwlb

Many noble families were still observing, and by the afternoon, the office remained unvisited.NbEUfbefoTfmuFutVlAIPNYHqIrjtK

SMICheZwDRUUukj

Only the people he sent out came back to report, “It seems some family servants are outside investigating.”hfnkGNghlclDkKIJvAqOwZQsOWpuPf

EWDLUvwWqBDWHAq

“Lord, we can’t advance like this.”skhJfjfpHAEBICWDmtwzDieaTKumxg

nuNOPzJzxWQnJgQ

Ning Rushen leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers, “Hmm…”KOotMMfrcMFQfEgPUJwErPsLBbDnAj

EeGniDUBMxMkvDo

As he pondered, the reporting official watched him, sweating a bit:NopJmgdbyRLiAFjyDfKzgSEAiNqKjE

ONzpkZwkkkIsbok

Truly the Emperor’s favorite, mimicking the Emperor’s posture and expression during his inspections of the Ministry of Rites…VAnBjKzTckmaZcbpklyZvobuJLQXIo

KXVfgfEJWSRuFbd

“Alright.” After a moment, Ning Rushen wrote on a sheet of paper, “Take this to a guard at my residence named ‘Pata,’ he will know what to do.”DagskMnvEAIpmjywvDTxfvCVvuGiaW

FjUMCnECGprHobA

The official snapped back to reality: What? Pata??idOaeYMeocFXHfdgeiuIwAKnDELfJB

atPAANIEvczpynM

Half an hour later.uykdTliuCKnEiqbzpGifwjCfAHysvP

JrtpDfToAByOihW

Five or six well-dressed individuals holding greeting cards walked into the Ministry of Rites.UozcSOZsCuUIayBMorPdnXGvqoWUpo

YaUAWUfgzAPESzX

The servants observing from afar saw this and hurried back to report.WcPoqQOoAEkvzXWhBsHDhSQPBVBzSa

nCEjhvpMkzjQlDy

In the office.PYojRXMRZpyBbUWdHUAfbarQfORKDb

JllerEsObyNrcBF

Ning Rushen watched as Shiyi and the others, disguised as stewards and heads of noble families, filled out the bidding forms.FGeRprEZrStsYftshwfxFNizSNTyxU

zouDefFadRTPakL

“Just fill in a name… Don’t write Pata. Yes, fill in those sections too; the act must be complete.”rLtuvGazNvTpHgQnUohsIIldQBEffp

OULzgyMrBLJucZg

“After filling them out, line up in front. Tonight, I’ll let you join the Ministry of Rites’ dinner; I’ll inform Lord Guan.”cJGrPgjybWKtNibiaDJUUqQrwWYKJw

RlNbMBlzaUqBiRa

As they lined up and filled out the forms.QTLqpebZOmXFuvqrgAqjZhVCtEbtdD

EjUfytNXmLOwAGM

Ning Rushen’s eyes caught a familiar face. He racked his brain:tqPEyHvOUWtxPYoeyeZDqUDljBCONn

SZIUERTHLOYmKfT

“…Lu Wu?”zMgknYgnxBUPfaLxcdMAuSnsUOfzoH

mTrrkQgkBoAqMDy

Lu Wu nodded calmly, “Lord.”mmHYrAbJCyqGVgCDobkANKxDieIrFv

ikAUzsxiTYcKALE

Ning Rushen turned to Shiyi: ?qCJYHEpaACGecxwIbfcssEaVaSsfWK

pHeIEnllRpCuOLX

Where did you pluck this guy from?mKNsFVRoEixyvQQDTAynurSyDuwLJv

puenbyOziHZDWsq

Shiyi explained, “A fellow Jinyiwei. Saw him eating sweet dumplings on the street and recruited him on the spot.”WOjhjETBuetagovjlDXCMqOwZnJCtQ

VhzQhuEznGlQqoL

Ning Rushen thought of Lu Wu, who had accompanied the Emperor, and looked at Shiyi with difficulty: No, this is the “former colleague” who replaced you at the Emperor’s side.BkgDcgcZMxNQwobIFGKkennLjwvjqr

bzJSegWASixDmDR

He didn’t say it aloud, only remarking, “Thanks for your help.”SZSeaATRIYAUOCxkjNvmGzdwzAIBxR

lffAVgWIDjDoztr

As they were filling out the forms, a subordinate led a young man in a dark blue brocade robe inside:OINLqWGpzFHxsHKmmEgtVlYXFVmspW

xzQadWAlsZcpjge

“Lord, a representative from the Lu family is here.”MsTevDDtLBhvPtewmCIDkeFXXFwcyk

ZnbPsAARaFxOuzI

The young man was startled by the line!NnUegESeJhpdNAbOJFKCoqKJrnCfan

pCnZZlMVTblevVD

He looked over from the end of the line, “Lord?”TeisBXJeAwVZkkTBshfJcrHTCyWUXW

ATvTuuHDWGDEHQc

—Oh, he’s here.JHNVtgvqymjrKSIWFKsSSXnpDoCcpi

EPBocjfbmhSWxCn

Ning Rushen sat up straight, “Don’t worry, there are six families ahead of you. Please wait.”wnwbXhTeKqjbrzJnsUZbOlnyoeZzOd

iCURpTBoAIZfORz

“…?”fEAtZvvbOtZxVBRLrPHVivQBuWVGXv

VvUmTdPFlQQmZJZ

When it was the young man’s turn, two quarters had passed.sJSGybMMXvTEBBFqKfMZnNDufoNYny

YBYHoKONYlMLmny

Ning Rushen glanced at the form information: Lu Ke, from an old pastry family in the capital, with some ties to the Imperial Censor.PQRKniGdkrUDnuPYepLODHkfDPPibQ

dxFKsDaCysakWMt

He looked at it and placed the paper on top of a stack of registration forms.KRRXDzwJAHpLEnhvpuFCzAHUhybmPX

gpNvHPPGCXAhuHJ

Lu Ke was immediately alarmed, “Am I at the bottom?”kNVAqUDDitjabmNAEAJFTJqoVXTzsE

QXjDrYCXFiRTqbu

“Don’t worry, it’s just based on arrival order.”dgbeDZdoVSdCLUrnwpAXSTTvKeqgKb

PmOBfKxXLtfbFtL

Ning Rushen gently explained, starting a detailed conversation.UKFCWofsdBlIzjRjmxqjDwupKPBYuD

eMHzHRLLmvfIFTS

From strict screening criteria, to rare promotional spots, to advertising benefits, and long-term returns…NXGykICJRAcCiEWMnsKYODeRGgHoIR

DPrtVDakNFkriaI

He made it sound so reasonable that Lu Ke was dizzy:ZCuUZxXtFQOcsKBdizcVgLzCHuXEse

QYPyhuBjdZvJnRL

“So, do you think I have a chance of winning the bid?”JUsnceVkgSQDNikFfmShrwgwbGolGO

DmXfKeInxeArBHs

“As it stands, you have hope.”gEGavbrFDjafZBnDQVeFKzqOMnxFNX

HaXdBPiEjnUOCep

Ning Rushen looked at him kindly, “I will post the bidding prices here, and you can check them daily. If you wish to revise your bid, you can do so at any time.”vrQhYAYEArDgpEUouDKiSnJcBIEVmT

PiPUBDiFESwvsfI

His fair complexion and clear eyes, along with his soft voice, made Lu Ke feel he was kind and gentle, and so good-looking…xBuyyEXhnZAeRiLfXdhvBrKHALPNBC

yUzyyMzViVZeTkq

Lu Ke unconsciously held his breath and lowered his voice, “Yes, thank you, Lord.”dEpLKITWJEEhNupObHYxxGWcnyVoVm

HWATDnQHIOHSAhC

Ning Rushen smiled slightly, “Take care.”ruVZHhgIOJRCFOoRQsUMTetXEnmRnB

VxNXAppXnTDckzq

After Lu Ke left, the extras and subordinates all looked at him in unison.FIxyKqFpkXogPHsPFJBpUNgWBRUZjT

ICzMxgjoWEReZgR

Ning Rushen retracted his smile and instructed, “Negotiate like this, understand?”ETvthYnKOkzvFKFdIDwQbLQxUiGIDS

ltoTTwMEpygAAaN

Everyone, “…”KDrLqwAGNUVEZWHtrTOUXkupFrCwKr

ZOzJWuOpjzcJqoT

You’ve completely fooled him.GcIxMdREwPVOQnOLMACclFBIcgLooj

cydoiwgrmFcAxgX

Competition and news spread rapidly.AzicjWQAeVTlBwImDZnYGpzmeERarG

LgZrfBbyDTdDEmc

Within two days, more and more noble families sent people to submit their bids.fhIqARFkxugFCbcFzanLmthYDPSadY

GCauhqAcIqWAEcu

Each of them hesitated as they entered, and limped out.QfiCjFocbQrYBouOfPNvdnVUCAHxyq

fQsbtVAtNPZAsRa

During this time, the group of actors dug up from the mansion and the Jinyiwei office came daily, following Ning Rushen to freeload on the Ministry of Rites’ “working meals.”lTlgwHWDEUahMgmmFTxHcPGrXjLmWJ

UGLWAGIsMwgCRxX

Guan Fan rolled up his sleeves and ate with Ning Rushen, sighing, “Lord Ning, why do you bring your family along?”vNQtCeVdhssVlbHpaSJaAAqniMMlnX

pAcYvRsGDHXXjiC

Ning Rushen slurped his food, “We’re about to get rich, so we should pay them some appearance fees.”TBbzSHLQLQMzocaunkKdTBoLuMJhyP

ljykpLXlKOIAoZe

Guan Fan, having learned many new terms these days, agreed generously, “Indeed!”cLUOIwaCjmOyUKwzxCmPJamqUZFQVT

aVxAxwhWzJYwpoA

The visiting noble families were endless.PIogPhvnEMDNaiGAzFllJgMitSxcgg

fcKqHpvClvhgZzE

For five or six days straight, Ning Rushen ran to the Ministry of Rites right after the morning court, busy as a bee.zjDJJOfWlyRFLkqOYDAlhVjbsQhbMw

YbcgxwoXCJljfPq

At night, he finally had time to check on his fat pigeons:JaeMfxOxLoVQYVFsxFnohhMVTVpJKd

mfsAoXdeQxaajpv

Did you lay eggs?mSjrXTfDVMAdUODyQfAATUareaXbvY

bawqAUzLSOAyGFf

Did you hatch baby pigeons?hRHNPSjaKLjttjTGJJffCpfZqGCGQb

uRLlEuFmgVsSdFH

However, after a week, the cage was still empty.eHUSLBdiShTenfHOuTdgICMIAqpuXD

GlsZhFgGYFxUTBo

Ning Rushen sighed while holding the cage: Living together without love is truly a pile of loose sand.UFKqGAfpCJLrdLjuBHSQLhArTxvcxw

ZOeXjQbXdPqfEMQ

…SXooeEWPlwSuPSuBgyDBKQRtGwIQkQ

YpGkZRMtUbPSqzY

He was here waiting for the pigeons.acaFrvyKxQiaDXtSFRitSOQLSQWRaT

sGfBnKenSVlIgYy

He didn’t realize he had neglected the person on the throne for several days.fqzFgXJRnyzjQNNCAMYLVNWPYPscSE

gUXgzMDpnDsYnUX

In the palace, within the Imperial Study.eAFWUWQhNSJEGouvKJxZXtzENFrije

ywFWXKccARcoTTF

As night fell, a few intricately carved lamps were lit.fqoSkYPeWdcmLtLYuGNgLoNFLOPpbA

dHMibTZIcPMbSUe

Li Wuting was sitting behind the imperial desk handling state affairs, his thin lips pressed into a straight line, and his deep features cast shadows in the candlelight.GvjFaJiJHsalYjNaoBesIYgxspvrjY

MWTVXlOPcRZByAQ

The palace attendants stood quietly on both sides with their heads lowered.XaoUHGavNGRAMpgTaEVkffOWxgFECh

bhOQLvthgJlcLFG

In the silent space, the pressure was inexplicably low.IDjhXwxFbwLwFPGQVCheaQpnVTvvRc

UIEFYqsLRhecLZd

De Quan was worried on the side:gRGpWLktnnOtgPjGTRCBvCMSBvVHWL

nYDzAJYsNMUWYLf

Sigh, it’s been so long. Ever since Lord Ning went to the Ministry of Rites, he hasn’t come back for a single day, completely forgetting about His Majesty!yWZVcQJCbWYQSoJJvpilBGDfSbkupj

VRhDqAodkWGKLHy

There was a sound of a brush being put down on the desk.WyDTDXDVIANRCPzBrqhcKKbLSkemUm

NzYulSaJHBAbJDs

Li Wuting had finished his work and rubbed his temples, calling out, “Lu Wu.”WsOmXQnjHEtmlVDNCHiBtXMxZwbkbl

cPDDKvWbFnFiGzo

A figure immediately appeared before the desk, “Your Majesty.”zzYwagYDfZRMaaCZKbZgZwofoULudC

diTlHiRNXBtvucV

Every Jinyiwei guard had their own code name, serving as the emperor’s eyes and ears. If there was nothing urgent, they would report to the emperor every seven days.swcpDiWZJTrgZxlpwtGgbTwUwctabW

AGWpgZgEbTIBkiu

Today, it was Lu Wu’s turn.StKUclfMNMZHeOgHEQiRutwfzxBVuQ

CkWBrPeMmdCtWXQ

Li Wuting said, “Speak.”srzRetZUBWgMPqOvmVDmBLYXRZpxFE

khVtaekCuMeibXt

Lu Wu bowed his head, “There have been no major events recently. This humble servant has been staying with Lord Ning at the Ministry of Rites all day.”TftQawaetmZRWtdEZPRhnAqJyGTRME

txzyxtgWuFaTQUb

“……”RQzdsaPVUFIIWECQgMfPzDBqrBRtLS

WEyokclgxNOMuMg

After a few seconds of silence.ToWTrajPYGSSuQqxhYLJFnWfavSRUr

eBxKWTnLgXFDNMg

De Quan felt a chill:SbvBaYXpjOIegNJwfvkpYfgvnYqymV

udarGFPtSvuGIFI

His Majesty hasn’t been with Lord Ning for days, but this guy is with him every day. Really knows how to hit the sore spot!sEEMUbKOaPZYcXBNhNgJLcjSxkQTNm

pfsNUAfbdqqjBjA

Li Wuting’s voice came again, “Oh? What has he been doing?”urhnaqITeHtomEiMwpAxIyosvSWXem

NtcQTIbKrhDejZe

Lu Wu, unaffected, reported expressionlessly, “Lord Ning has…no, has caused over ten noble families to compete fiercely, with the situation looking very favorable. He also brings everyone to freeload on the Ministry of Rites’ working meals—”jXmuMrZQqiZmPYtlEVCOmRdRxmWcli

hvjhRSvSgGnCNWn

Remembering the meals, his throat moved suspiciously.RledCWWUIONzWoJJTLEvSaVYiEHLft

TkZQoUCfTOqIWMb

Li Wuting tapped the table, “And after work?”QDoRnVuHWluwKRigQRNqxRBWxishhv

ySLxIlnBSPPdmPv

Lu Wu recalled Shiyi’s sharing, “After work, he goes home to force two male pigeons to lay eggs.”GPtMHNVJAcflrbkvvXOBUCZHrZrKrX

nBGbJPGWYUZIUMW

Li Wuting, “…………”OpzTqTZwOvxQIsPhsYSbVauHEeOzHo

hiPRQvWKcBZhiej

As if he didn’t hear clearly, “What?”TRZZHHeoeBtCFNTqJwQMnWHxwHiMiM

OzfImWKAOsIyJUG

Lu Wu, “Forces two male pigeons to lay eggs for him to eat.”kgTWsmfCnuWdLDHcCWvpQDwJbgSREQ

pMuHPqkucDcIKIg

There was no response for a long time.tGppICWYQPQufxnXeyQbMTgjFdsFUb

BbUOXkdjsfeJfgh

After a while, the emperor’s voice, seemingly calm, came, “He has the leisure to do this but hasn’t come to the Imperial Study even once?”LaQqvmKSPeMOypjFvIOBHjHsAlONXi

piYXVIHbQWahCVY

“Enough, you may leave.”MImlqRJbuUQQYFoSbJOZbNelSrQrDp

zkfIzcdQKvuUtSf

Lu Wu bowed his head and disappeared instantly.DAmRTuLAjlEGlyseavvuvRSQJBVVHQ

pzRMCFNglbwzXNy

In the Imperial Study, De Quan was furious:GBUfIsHYhVTgbEYzhdcWzLsnDQGwPq

tMowuuyBRjAnASe

Lord Ning, how could you not think of His Majesty more often!copEdSmwPAgBfQbDXqjbKUQaaDloLY

uhpEURlBiANpRAe

His official robe, which had been washed clean, wasn’t thrown away or sent back but was placed in the side hall of the Imperial Study.mXlvhHnzBObnEnOijUCXPHfushAOpE

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Wasn’t it obvious that His Majesty wanted to return it personally?BLgzfVYTlmvtyymRhXXeIPHzmPENvn

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De Quan felt he had guessed the emperor’s intentions correctly, just frustrated that Ning Rushen hadn’t come.ddMVDTMcwsvgbKGMTovjuILhFbkMjs

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He was so anxious that his throat was dry. Looking at Li Wuting’s cold expression, he bravely spoke, “In this servant’s opinion, Lord Ning is too busy. He’s done such an outstanding job, yet hasn’t come to report the good news to Your Majesty!”AksVEQZHNKBtecDVBZarardCRNEuKx

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Li Wuting glanced at him indifferently.nFGNlgbNSsVDtCPUTgZFrEZiERIlPR

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He didn’t know what De Quan was guessing, but he wasn’t wrong about one thing…cMYdcwCjUGFrQiWaAPNxHaDdsMmxMe

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After working so long, it was indeed time to report.eOPRkfkglaPkURymzizfLdRwFGycev

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Li Wuting lowered his lashes and pondered for a moment, unable to resist the slight itch in his palm, “Summon him to the palace.”SkbUsLrhgsqxtmfKalzGGLBkslhHEm

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De Quan was overjoyed, “Yes!”WBvgbhZfZUSUPEXvjJRKIZsXGFvwEy

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Ning Mansion, main courtyard.lYsKsSjwbeYciDEGTHFSKDZMCFNxLb

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Ning Rushen didn’t know that the pigeons were both male. He was squatting by the cage, trying to matchmake them.kKuHDXzmibqlnUfhAlToxmoNcVlxNA

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Muttering, a palace attendant suddenly came:GcIWQSxVpoWQVrJKCVlERcZGOafNjl

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“Lord Ning, His Majesty summons you.”wLGyoDrXZdSkGJTuoloBOurwMarqqc

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Ning Rushen turned his head: …at this hour again?mOgEXnoMvaJhjToBbdOdunChFnDIvC

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He followed the young eunuch into the palace, and as he approached the Imperial Study, he saw De Quan hurrying out from the door.pcEErYEQUYDmFFfxVLwlGfKebmITqu

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“Father-in-law De, long time no see.”KyczhBWWVMBWvVFcRBNcLBbhlrOxii

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“Oh Lord Ning, you know it’s been a long time!”dwGtZXxRhTSGIuuHsNvYHUrbxaWRlP

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De Quan approached quickly, lowering his voice, “Later, when you go in, ask His Majesty, ‘Where are my clothes?’ Understand?”LzYlgBFoUJnpNFDyxugJZQJpKebuev

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Ning Rushen: ???ltPxZykNGoHmSHcrTBCNpGfCtnpApR

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He was shocked: No, he didn’t understand—fVMsBjTuvriuifnJBlMrXocZuXaamy

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De Quan, “Have I ever harmed you? When have I been wrong?” His Majesty must be waiting to return the clothes personally.sIUbWWMeaAMRarLDcpfifpfWLEBlZY

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Within a few steps, they reached the door of the Imperial Study.vsKnMJDDnRDUzbxxaZqVWSViOpgFEw

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Ning Rushen was puzzled but recalled: It seemed he had never been wrong.qkvnYLjSedomdCpVKVanYuvMtKAYvf

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De Quan whispered, “Remember?”DWCNWTuOEPIVZFSAhzIEkZyuiTnmts

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Ning Rushen agreed, “Remember.”seFaxZEKoeObBxctzGbCCMywVNYNdM

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As he stepped into the Imperial Study, he silently repeated: When I go in, ask—UjWwJXKihDVrZuTHZvujDMzMGTKscV

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“Your Majesty, where are my clothes?”SANioZtNEZGkelWokFrVRGLtQLIBae

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