This official is so weak

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

bftGCXJBpMJRoiZ

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.RiIaDCgRxiXmYTcoNaMKFpJtQGEPNz

dbugGakfDTuvhAO

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

aZCCJwyRAEYGZuH

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.”nKcqZWSHAloynRSvzpfZPHOIXrezVx

UQiKKSiEzuPjWfW

Shiyi nimbly jumped down, “Two today?”MUPpoMoulzISktshKZcxAtkqvJnvYX

LDnFiAJYqBpqVoP

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

ezonwzybdfByIZK

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

DOIpUnLlXOxhABC

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

TOUjEhfLvaOYEIr

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

uizGMAoADeKjGFG

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!ApwrAprIJVDDPLVoHcpPAQSCGmAAtQ

blgJJtCWidchIqC

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

pCEyFYyWVozjUMu

“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.”XMREBuqmwZmNdksffEiUeeIDWbLAvQ

mzYLZlCwpozetZg

“Yes, Master!”zjrtwZhMuEBXUPyGKJCJfZrliKmEAE

dcNDQDPLFZWLXPh

Ning Rushen nodded and happily returned to his room.AqsOAYCrxMkRTHsEYnBwDkVfxXuSut

PjyNlwwkcYlZust

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

VCSlYQyiGwfkNwv

Oh, both are males.qXzhAsTDIUiTzebQWDEcRejQDAgySo

IRKNqGenJHuCQzD

·rZXfsOrbjQLhsfmcliGCNebbTHoXLf

EmaNXxiYDYCZFeh

The next day, Ning Rushen went to court.QUoWXdEAsTXjJPDcrOvAbkxslPhftk

KJKfQjisMRMnydY

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

sJMAMVBSxtUsFWk

He was secretly scheming, calculating in his mind:KITzHsUdUcNCUKuyrANOpIzGNkbtzi

dwaIHjBKJaZfKIe

How to slaughter gently and without a trace?GfSNKWOUoOvHpCcOCThLnOjbctTPbm

DOsYXepPlHGjlxu

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—”LoBXyKpLVWlAvLqjxrbzeKxLChDZuR

gvTmWilVLwDadGm

He snapped back to reality and looked up.mcHugoaMdCHDQzVUbZXlVCqZmNPawG

sXyjQCCFYFVHAEP

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

UthKcqcmXowYlJk

Ning Rushen was momentarily dazed.lFhsrYXggIMagnXBhtUdgVPBjlxLao

rOkOYPRMoWzdaKB

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…svExYyDVoXBvRZScRhSvnsuCKiAoXi

mlsDyKgAbnZCGlu

He licked his lips:oSVzMKSBsovEGfGoBRZyNRDZbEMDyF

ecVJBppYnqVmEcm

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

OTzOBozarsevYWw

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

fLWbMpmMqeqRnlx

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

YfPSQndEBIrTEOm

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

ABBOplFwjujEOWI

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

GEIokTFsBKVizyn

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

sbcpHMcVUfguPtM

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

tfjSxclsGzUEdNQ

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

OKwINxsmrVWAxMI

Their scarlet official robes fluttered in the wind.WCRvRAXuVUAozUUUTvHXiZMNOBZepu

qwjyvDKUYFBWHhb

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.fCSpFsYwsSAfIAHbtwCXUotXUYHjWG

gKsOaLCWIWkZUdR

For a moment, the distant court officials speculated:XWLbrUEHFqrNBMYxxIlPKvZRLHOvHY

nPpVAALWINBvXOA

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.YfAjNDTaNyHnRtOkZvSCqxXPeQqmyc

DuvlugeCRLWHKWp

…qNNiMFxbUzeqmPPZzJfYqcOPKdKmrr

hGAbVGQquXyhhOQ

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

XndWaUlCMqEUHGr

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

heuLbaxBbiGPTFc

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.”DlHDhslYHDFVbKMqGRPEkZaxQmmvnW

ZpJnufPUApjfPEO

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

ywfNPGjnfrpitxX

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

pPlCOIixYCEfSnl

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

UMLaWjnFBoJCSlz

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.RlnxtiaCKYQpzKodtwPtxQUVgWyvbR

LkUscqSTbHpddCv

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?”JTuaILZgAhnjZPySrtlxHaCRlIVorl

jOquQqjvIshfGvQ

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

PMBqKiSAETXHvoE

“???”XyleZcpdxvMEcPyDKHPKWjKbkVxJcM

ndqsADjhPYDTDlF

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

YsEdSsUenKHENwc

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

abeFCzPPMDpZDhk

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

LGFBjTjtcfyJrNa

All he could see were weasel tails.jnrcOJYBicffkkxgEYxfmkzcEyUGqh

AMVNiQcIIIsgelV

·wPkLNKydTjjjMHyjpFZuhBoAeJgGqo

RJbQnxnakrbOpHg

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

uIpFwsQkNzFfDkH

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

nqwlTXlDXTrNzeS

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

qhNeDDiQNrwJBuq

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

BNUSUJAAYTFOcin

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

uLslJJTBgAdjvDI

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

JiredXPFAbgeqMJ

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

kLVOzcXHnweuZdG

“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.”aLldMRZLTJbsApoeCfskbRlrmrDDJw

kBpyVKbvCSWZDdD

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

BhtMwjAKNXjkXfL

Half an hour later.UBSPkNUffWUkdNiWSLqWWDQnVFhVBg

igrUcqSMSbkWLaW

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

hVSRvqfPhMihCVR

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

GJHLHQvxZHYSuZc

In the office.WxxHHnDGjinFCzjCkAFXPcPiKkEAfI

UxMQOgALBmRXyJJ

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

IxmTbPctScECZlo

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

IAUyMXSvfLjAfia

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

maoLRcXsaaPvDma

As they lined up and filled out the forms.YdACOOgYPwgnZDYORYxdToRekMDWLZ

QzDRCGoIKdvwxJg

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

BSMZkRUbBIXkVuS

“…Lu Wu?”AbtJVoCHEvRpvxRWtiKSndumvXtmIQ

zhCcAgSmQrKlzMN

Lu Wu nodded calmly, “Lord.”hJrPphwTBQUWHAjULZQflryuyMbvAL

obmtqCxgxSatRln

Ning Rushen turned to Shiyi: ?nyHlrlDKIXDptiWnzUHyJZrqkSTUvg

dsDBBUruYOuSWQc

Where did you pluck this guy from?uThdJspOErnOFIBEOzpSvSbNmHdQiw

YZxAYmlPoRvGmbL

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

kMywzwWjJEMNNHo

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.FmqXboYodslJnIyayJcUXtLRfSappQ

hpDiLavSlDFqDRh

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

SSAfzrfSdZBwobi

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

DDgSyPwwZisXgDI

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

bDoGkRLrEsFSDCn

The young man was startled by the line!hndyQEZyVQvUeHwBefoFOHDeuPBehN

bFMNyiYvdECJnSR

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

gtBCtYOvimhXKPc

—Oh, he’s here.yypkerIcKTtcvkpUfbgIfPDrYKLUis

LjKQmSKbKoDRwNU

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

eYttKLAZNzFmDZl

“…?”zdfFIjwYDjAxNUclhWctzwgEARhyQO

usmYtMkHqWIIdrJ

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

BkGdqIdyYtIFLnu

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

iPhTRSkMIxSkjXS

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

HjeySyCEpwwmfru

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

ZlDSqxwOcKXoJZn

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

SgrLaXAPUQyhQLz

Ning Rushen gently explained, starting a detailed conversation.xxkinkVoAtuhmhKMiUEeeVSziVefnx

MzBChCsrIRymkbH

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

qXAzGjVhCSADWyr

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

trTqhAtibYMXkKA

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

RXJXvEuXwAZhpvd

“As it stands, you have hope.”jmvjzIBOdxWmTnojvmiKEkhTDWfJhB

duQmBKGgIvWwwUt

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.”KGaEPgBkWBrBJnJmjhkeTlqyiXvXVo

yphHcXbwWIqEjqH

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

DhjwPbHmQjQLFUV

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

gtVNGvPorrkvInX

Ning Rushen smiled slightly, “Take care.”ARBUppGCayElxUjDmmsqXcdCPUWAsh

jKoKThihPVnLSrF

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

DuzWIrTSLsNtFND

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

sDRngisXaTQmLCK

Everyone, “…”mcEOWDKoaFCqnhxBbLVnTBUZQLBIqf

SdmrraffWWjKLXx

You’ve completely fooled him.nGGrWYTWdUnDPzUgPtXLxjRQdpQwMY

UjGdhJcluzgRaBv

Competition and news spread rapidly.KxQQnEtMMdSxqyKRVrXEyAZRqvoVOK

doznDgrhDPPDwxc

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

LzzZOOjEfRnLTMn

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

dBNeJBmejzcnGHO

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.”RNCSNgnMKBswlwZnTeZcstuZHfzJRc

uuKGJxCekKQqHhr

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

lPmecPqzzvAJBXS

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

JVepkeMVtBkbCZv

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

UxOgBjxAzVdZXVD

The visiting noble families were endless.xOEreFCNFAjcqpHjVbpRJRYwiDKpRc

ZUAVYgmTIhdQuMP

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

ThwZRpiAojrRMrk

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

KTMyJDJaHYFnLqJ

Did you lay eggs?PjWFOFbYnpfxXJSXxaaoiCTaMugFPM

nFzSgTUyosgrmAE

Did you hatch baby pigeons?DNKLlxeOFeWOMbDfmGFNaZwZVPtzTl

HeKFjPRouQYtbIF

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

pOJndeouqtZyXym

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

mKsKRqSuQapQVqP

…StuWwshPYqnkdNlGjMKBVGeKEFCqIN

wUzMGKehFlnQHnG

He was here waiting for the pigeons.WVoEoABomTwXdUMMJlEQEThnhgaDsP

wKNcoTGUKVbQexK

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

dpuhKimKMFsDhwx

In the palace, within the Imperial Study.WgroHJYKELeFORNGVDDBPTpiEchWuL

HsTjLwcbeaKGLCx

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

DwaXQKRjMsclMOF

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.bfCJjVyCvOwAqHlAZlNlQaEgzqGHVo

QhhpuOsJuYwtlTU

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

KJDcrrbJQvZxFKw

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

VgaiCWlKosQeKWx

De Quan was worried on the side:fxDonTjMUezNmrBRFfhGLtuoiDUNCv

TGHvunwuQRHxGyR

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!fLRBfhfgdBgMIeUVGXfWymzMJHzxJV

lutYtczcavWybAn

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

dNTGcIAmYmYdmwi

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

GgwAQJlbttxPVBI

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

ocXXiDPkWaTrdvl

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.CVFzwkhnfKetcRIwcslgQsRDxsMaPH

rZlGNPfNOQyENhw

Today, it was Lu Wu’s turn.LBdeWfEdsdRkSRlKYhdNeoOPbLQQyO

xohaXkrRZIewVIN

Li Wuting said, “Speak.”EMRtzyDkDSdNTxOnPxpBijABwJwueD

mYCqAGhNxeGlvtt

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.”ctWHymangdjFTMLCzWiekPhrpTSgxs

XghuXSmOTXNbSCj

“……”sHWHcghTmMuTEFQnXMwYUoVaAmsRUl

EAjbNxjhIfPmtXa

After a few seconds of silence.YHmLKfdPojtkmLuatxHdwgNwFvFXOx

VOtBeLHwYcrjvmO

De Quan felt a chill:tUIxmuKEIktVyUForJmxJesaIVKfWf

IQJKnAjdhVOFHOr

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!uZXtZHljBpWPUeQMqFOQFMCXvZtVVA

KfiMMuotsBHNXty

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

nOGjtbjmztbhpih

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—”nHKJmOwIAZCEEfFJQDMfAVbRqzyOwu

aHXbFBzbSQSaYJq

Remembering the meals, his throat moved suspiciously.iyYKuHDbtvQhBMXZOHYHGHoeeMpeNK

yQGwKcOWuByOUiE

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

YvbevFULNyohFyR

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

aKxsQtzYZJfPgHO

Li Wuting, “…………”AHuRvZuwnEGzVmRdDdFDCqUZzoVtkb

cilOIpMWExwHPwN

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

CsXdcdBhymFbtvo

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

VWtOBALcgysUVUA

There was no response for a long time.CMnvRZcgHSWchDyPLXKmDaHYiiTEFK

wjtEydmaAFvxQLN

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?”AjsMlTomRyaTtvApNFtQrZYsEFdQvM

poEGidZjytfWLWM

“Enough, you may leave.”URIoDWuJBRHRBsNdCUauVSGAWFYJpB

OoAOFvdgAXFUAcg

Lu Wu bowed his head and disappeared instantly.fCBZqmfwBrIdFyHFvLfrUBvfQKXPdL

NhECufaedIQsCCe

In the Imperial Study, De Quan was furious:dhwAiLoirTddNzTErnPfAfQwrGaGnb

fuVyFjGpFxJLvLY

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

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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.xfyhdplhVhhDyjiwzcnRRzsMIzGMUU

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

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

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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!”osheibhviyBjqggbWsuscEqxNYufUM

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Li Wuting glanced at him indifferently.dBbgLWKBejFPcmBXwYJAFPlhEUwGGF

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

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

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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.”aZDsxzIrgHMYXrrVnRTltxPQcRKqew

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De Quan was overjoyed, “Yes!”seExABZQKarKuQTwPXPKvDupBXtKEr

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Ning Mansion, main courtyard.ujpWJhMsKfYFFmyoqgBXHuHgWSNQnW

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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.inRNggTTEmEYVhAFVsKQcOmduTbzPz

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Muttering, a palace attendant suddenly came:SYHRWLkvvQhHAePUzMffVEvmIzbnoQ

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“Lord Ning, His Majesty summons you.”dGUUsTHPGfYtldgiUYHCYAHmxMQRqs

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

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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.UFXfOjXOddXXUIenpEDtbXLLnHHTTo

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

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

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

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Ning Rushen: ???yLKhGEXiWpPNUeVBFeBeBxhTCDxiXM

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

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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.VOuLgGPPTvVKrZAOUZTrntkrFhnOKU

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

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

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De Quan whispered, “Remember?”dQstDEBBZaKevUrIpUwmHNjVzSZYGr

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Ning Rushen agreed, “Remember.”LVycjMbkGmAPzrofqDVTklgvCxsXQO

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

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“Your Majesty, where are my clothes?”sFgzrBPPTykQLctqlAvkiNFOQwXqlb

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