This official is so weak

He followed De Quan through the corridor, turned a corner, and lifted his eyes to face Li Wuting, who was seated behind the imperial desk. Under the reflection of the intricately carved candlelights on both sides, the other person’s face appeared as cold as a jade carving.XLHGZJEhEtylIaoIHyhgKVKlTMrLTO

qXSDsEgmVLpXBej

Ning Rushen’s heart fluttered a few times, “This minister greets Your Majesty.”fECKSVhZxmTNHzEpkjtlsKbgLDdCRv

DMCtqASPCRbMXmi

Remembering De Quan’s reminder, Ning Rushen took a deep breath and spoke just as the other man’s thin lips were about to part:oxjmUyXZqGIDFokMmsAGOJOdvWTYxQ

WlecxcJalXuEFAf

He seemed startled by these words, swallowing back what he was about to say. After a moment, he pressed his lips together again, his Adam’s apple moving slightly.YPjesGKymLLJvgmFaQkbFvnEgtPzcY

OMyBXCFtmMIuYRK

Ning Rushen glanced over, wondering: What? Did he say something wrong?KqFwcmLCzJcvhsMcObacTNTMlSTYFc

LIwNtxYCCKzYccs

His peripheral vision shifted towards De Quan, who averted his gaze as if nothing had happened.YdbMmPpYgVaYoHUvFvXybrzdZxtTUH

VCLIEdaYWqMJRDN

Just as he was caught in suspicion, Li Wuting’s voice finally sounded from ahead. Probably due to the long silence, his voice was a bit hoarse:hmmMyWnvixxDEldNBGkgLWfoZMPHkC

xgYRzwdRuvHCMMN

Ning Rushen refocused, “Yes.”yytSWklbernhxkMYzacrewoQinQlMb

RwWlfjFvVcuUSkb

Li Wuting tapped the desk, “You’ve been absent for seven days, and you come now just to ask for your robes?”WYhYtXCSkZwFjdxNZcqPfBTXyXbkdY

KsxkzsfSTBFcBIl

“…”KWzlwXQGYsfTlHpHfnxCSiLLgJLBJH

FlPvEfjAurjBVsa

Ning Rushen moistened his lips: No, it’s because you summoned me.GMzaMWupIcMPljOafdRxGavWCZzszN

dnhZXBXenwwPgSE

Uncertain of Li Wuting’s intention, he cautiously suggested, “Or perhaps, Your Majesty should keep them for now?”eliYeUInxtWOUhicyrjiXeobXrqpWY

ECBwbgtYHGZdpKN

… What does he mean by keep them for now?dcyyYtbitnuFzuvDUVJWtaAzcuZnmN

YlHwXkalpCQAXUm

Li Wuting’s temple throbbed, “No need. It’s in the side hall, take it yourself.”DvMkatUhPdojIZQqRpKEjDYeqXYiOo

UcMvQzoAgNddrBw

Ning Rushen agreed, “Oh, okay.”eayACexNjsNZgEaXTBunmrJPMoWhCA

YliKJWxXnFFoyby

The side hall was just behind the imperial study.GklvEykmlwZNVIojMHpYhFJmpmuPlE

FWPikoSxXTTZuvT

It was empty, with no palace attendants on guard.GwRCAfdQlFUmFDcMQkltxEGtXVSIrv

CIizASMUnSIGjiW

Ning Rushen, familiar with the place, looked around at the familiar furnishings: Li Wuting had told him to retrieve it himself, but hadn’t specified where it was placed.vPuFEyDcQsDzRPmaEOacoiaQPNGjIx

PWJiMgMlyRbwszu

So he had to search around.BEsUinXhHayXrBVsqEZoLeioIsYtBG

PJLfIeZipAzdScX

After a fruitless search, a thought struck Ning Rushen, reminding him of the time in the carriage.ACnxzJUtSzfgPLZmvmipAwQhKakAEF

QkLIEXbSpZPmyse

He looked at the low couch, pausing before walking over.xzjMPBOpIwhhQzEAbXzKVtefaNAQUx

YTpOyYztTsnbvPB

The low couch faced the direction of the hall door.szVpjGSFOZTcmfLrJRXfWPdzbKbEoJ

UUJIPDzCvyAocTP

Ning Rushen propped a hand on the couch, bending down to search. He lifted a jade pillow, and the flash of crimson just appeared in the dim light—bhXHzcgiLPyVImDtyCIYgNMXxdCuyg

FeceZiZNQiCNnDF

A hand suddenly reached from behind him, grabbing the official robe over him.ZPtAQQZrnGjwYSQuTFsTogrDUTLQFx

pEJLpBfGGJPTwIY

In the carpeted hall, footsteps were inaudible, startling Ning Rushen! He turned abruptly, his knees hitting the edge of the couch as he sat down.FOkvzotPwsrXRTyhtEWjEkSaBZdPTa

gYELbigaHaStLkd

The black sleeve hem brushed against the back of his hand.XghTbTSBgWhtVvYuhvMVNwScgKhFeU

LObpYWADbyGqoFj

Propping himself on the couch, he looked up.GFtMHUveIHQiuolLaCHlaDOuqimEkM

hKkQAkCATJozQst

He saw Li Wuting standing before him, holding the official robe and looking down at him, “Did it take you this long to find it?”kVMWBKuExSZdboYsQSZcKYVVvkUSWS

zkZLGFsTvCTTHYd

Looking up, his black hair and sleeves spread out behind him.luCtHdyEojQSoMpzFtXrSwdAGxpaCX

RLYRcpXSIAEDKMX

The two were so close, their knees almost touching. Ning Rushen reached out to take the robe, “The place it was kept was indeed quite cleverly chosen…”iXlyYboJSTAQzfuWKGolmiKMxgwVoc

eMlupMFgcFMKgYE

Li Wuting: …sEcitCABLCcHNHuzoHwHrTrVpAdyZi

dJBfZicTDIGNatQ

Ning Rushen tugged but couldn’t pull it away, looking puzzled: ?PtoRRfLMdxctWTDsXidYtOSCpxUOXo

mujZCezamCoFuAk

The cool fabric of the robe clung to the large palm, seemingly dissipating the heat within it.fLMCmzPAzlTlKWYvearIwAEdVALwxv

jCCqAoJlwbVUoEi

Li Wuting glanced at him, “Ning Qing isn’t planning to take the robe and run, is he? I summoned you here, and you don’t even ask why?”BeSNECdxlUeTibLEUQdjHaujXynogn

FugRLEdyeSnoJcD

Ning Rushen immediately showed a look of great interest, smoothing the tiger’s fur, “Oh? This minister is eager to hear the details.”DCsgVoJtCCxXgEHAvwjvjXKiMDAmiN

imXvUwUJAcVamGF

Li Wuting, “…”cRDvvRlCfqQDZXVoOqbJqeMDXRFnfh

ztLvvkIEGJhwoYx

Li Wuting chuckled, “Ha. Ning Qing returned to ‘home’ like a bird returning to its nest, unaware of the passing years. Even the street vendors probably know how well Ning Qing is doing, but only I don’t.”yohIinsfEiRwEEDuxCXuLBYcVVvVRZ

IqgNNkDrYyBtVvr

… Oh shit.GxoZzJfvuDxVDQaTjqYNEKZZlcopmb

dUMPSqFAlMRhyyr

He had forgotten about the duty reports.ptFhZDHFYHTcYxkXIfLrmZAYuxNjmn

wQnHXSzAouzERsT

Ning Rushen gripped the robe, his knuckles tensing nervously.DCGfZGRclkUTMomSRolWOreyEGFfkY

fWERIPRrttYumSl

“Still not speaking?” The voice fell softly.losAISantASLePqIVNWyZsWRcndbHa

rqJRKtMnAFIRhMY

Li Wuting maintained the posture of handing over the robe, not letting go.uqxngzCJDXnvMvkrLuOVausbrCDLhb

DEUOfdAUqmVEsdj

Ning Rushen had no choice but to face his deep and serene gaze, reluctantly beginning to report.OvzkLFIKOXmmsJrxzkCJRrOiAUDVXk

PGmEgHifWyQQHjJ

Both of them held one end of the robe.RMgpaGKJhmOwkwDEgvrsOHkRitOgeF

OAICzHZrxaQlxYm

In the quiet side hall, the smooth fabric of the robe reflected an ambiguous warm glow under the candlelight, giving Ning Rushen an inexplicable subtle feeling.edMgnbILyOfNSgMmsOHCRMcjYmaMaG

UmbLSuZCzqEPdaH

Especially as he reported, Li Wuting only responded with a few “hmm”s, looking down.sMXdEPwPmOWaqkOHWTXEgWzhBVfXYL

fOzeIxfByOHyhEK

Ning Rushen felt as if he were being made to obediently confess his wrongs, a feeling both unbearable and vexing.mAeFiOhuuCnWGExSiUfwiFQVjYnTAR

mFeBdcIdEHqDwcP

Curling his fingers, he belatedly realized:zmnEyrbNVNmupjsHjSPWzsYTbizhiK

wrsTBuAfxsItHAB

… Could he have fallen into a trap set by De Quan?phcQWGHSDpIzltxyqjmxTJBOjBFZKc

NxwfcJQyvpwozvm

Once the report was over, it had already been a quarter of an hour.VofujLtedHmSfwevuOEonKuuQhpQTJ

MSyJfrnmfhXBIBI

There was a few moments of silence before Li Wuting spoke in a softened tone, “I knew it, Ning Qing always does a good job.”oZTVfedxCjdotVYMviiRFaNkNuoIZf

MhyMKcDoDRALUPy

As he finished speaking, he released his grip, and the official robe fell onto Ning Rushen’s lap.pIwYfHbTYgLdDJlUUJEtsKfZbnBVVC

fOrsCpxUsGUmrkW

The soft fabric draped down, and Ning Rushen hugged his robe. Perhaps it was the candlelight reflecting off the material, but his fair face seemed tinged with a faint blush.OvKUYMpdKhxOLWBTBpXimVFZBvxyAf

ymurdKZdjDbJSYK

“Is Your Majesty satisfied?”cDURqwRcVUkAJiYspYWmgoqPuiBwAe

HMlNXpgjzXxpUgN

Li Wuting’s gaze fell, “Yes.”zvdsaPSHLoiwzWMQixRKogWFqgXKrG

BoMcycqsUwqdlyJ

Ning Rushen hoped, “Won’t you hold me accountable anymore?”cJcceTgeKpXtvlEcfBFUNHIVcGCDiV

UvpAsPZdoNCmYeN

Li Wuting chuckled, “I’m not that petty.”btaekNpYLNqmKeUoHsZgFotxgZZyvd

GlXpIHvyPiLTwAm

If he truly wanted to hold him accountable.PbhqRDyMjvVZnvbHwEotTFKvelOLTF

BbFvlvmLVkWKCsK

No minister would dare be so disrespectful, sitting on the couch while reporting to the emperor.poWhKkDHzNDrducIdEgYSjTZgkLPuL

TPDDedPfdIzCenK

Ning Rushen felt relieved, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”gBgWWBxSegsXDYQOgocuXIWIvySoFb

yfTOrKdZfOUUEgK

He lowered his head and folded the robe, “Next time if I leave my robe behind, Your Majesty can just summon me to fetch it or send someone to return it.”tKoYPMZSGVEggHmdVJJkYpDexvzJqu

vsDtpPLjcxdESKi

“No need for such trouble,” Li Wuting said indifferently, “after all, Ning Qing does wear out his robes quite often.”RMRlQGhCgzoeTfTRIepVdFKayBXWhC

CSTfHUOuqVUcxPT

Ning Rushen recalled the pile of clothes he’d taken from Li Wuting: …ScmXzXlhIBhMvZJBDjTPNiBRunFZlo

IsqKjcngKOiprNA

He felt embarrassed, “Your Majesty is considerate as always.”DUjMHOirUcSedGPJKMsoBdrvLjNuek

fKHlEdZeQUlojeW

“Hmph.”WjnsVegtBAkKiXYxKlPNHkrorOighj

MauhZSgboVCtbzj

With both new and old issues settled, Ning Rushen followed Li Wuting out of the side hall.XeWSdISagpHzwBidiOMYROXhVcwEwK

EAEqzMzYrwPNMHM

As soon as they exited, he saw De Quan quickly retract his head, pretending to stand guard with an indifferent expression.euBEFOFjPjEBYYBHKPlLoMgUTTvOKW

chmMFhDUfiBacEm

Ning Rushen, “…”RVuXsIXSjHCuQxIZGRlXNWdzgervtM

AETaOmlJnLRGIkj

Even his eyebrows were raised, and his neck was all twisted.uQMrwUYuYTwraxZADpwmZzYMqrZGAs

qVvPCxWvkiutyEM

Li Wuting cast a casual glance.qSJkjMHCyahJZEngpJQpbngwiXCyYV

zlFFTssSCTKSEeJ

Then he told Ning Rushen, “Alright, you can go back now. Ning Qing, don’t forget your old duties because of your new position.”XnVxixeYIAlMwcxxIoTVHnwrlXBBpW

hAvVByMFRFeAiDg

Ning Rushen promised, “This minister will handle both.”peNEAVcDOoRyndBqmktNiTDILoRuFx

aSfqaVQAfrztwYZ

Li Wuting had grown accustomed to his phrasing, so he didn’t say anything more.chSKQXIuytOnslcnzfgqiesCToLkxD

VWpTzlGxyVIXein

Just as Ning Rushen was about to leave, Li Wuting mentioned, “Oh, by the way.”YHLHfqmAYpoRtHNWHQZEZCeQXdohoF

FSNUfMLbwYaqpgZ

Ning Rushen stopped and listened attentively.pIUmmpIFskgCyBmRRjQxkLdttVwvvx

jAGOYxOJqTGGCuR

“Stop trying to make two male pigeons incubate eggs.”mPMuRfLnbPCzZntCzIQiLaITRZPcoG

zONXYKFGsOmGSAY

“…???”SYbuAJYaUcQrXbjIBeddzOxMlWeqQE

HSGZTeUWdzKNTIa

…PhXoOkEgHtlHVCcHlQxAnEpmRSfGVn

UwbNlKmtSaowDhg

Ning Rushen returned to the manor in a daze.IMCmHakpmvEUTQUUjTRERurMvMTvkT

tOWKkvYJyzvglAX

As soon as he entered the courtyard, the pigeon cage came into view.YbpKPnKOPDnueETuPNLWAphPoMczHx

vjkrGnDXrNHCjJs

Suppressing his turbulent emotions, he didn’t even have time to put his official robe back in the house before summoning all the servants.ciSsyWeSYYKiJOkBwQQCiPpXenmHfV

wpwqvXxfpkFvAKr

Ning Rushen looked at their familiar faces and spoke with difficulty, “Did you know these are two male pigeons?”ffXmkunsIlFAtFvINtTxxhJMABsnVD

VvVnxPDCoiLLFtg

Yan Min, Xing Lan, Yuan Liu, and Shiyi: “Yes.”CNXUhLvxGEUUsfIAQgaecAOxbzxffo

sFghcakqGdnqjyE

Ning Rushen, “…”vuUNdKtTRVhunvyUeYbvbIvkFGCPdi

YqtNXHVAFgguZrj

He took a deep breath and finally couldn’t hold back, “Then why didn’t anyone tell me!!!”tkRvlxAhjODWHpDszGwEHWGDnXjdFb

SAGdpJuvbcniZOZ

Yan Min was puzzled, “What’s wrong with male pigeons?”CnQiXhLYpSDSTvcfTkylZrtbLZqxhg

MrOLHUzyekuNERP

Oh, right. Manager Yan didn’t know he was trying to breed them.uVqzcLDcePadcrdfnPohJsyagfquJG

mucCGYLJVbqWkWk

Ning Rushen endured his dizziness, pointing a trembling finger at Shiyi, “What about you?”ZLoXAYsSRLMSHrJSLGyFPDYqIglLnR

eGmzeNbyYdEOVXt

Even Li Wuting knew, so it must have been Shiyi who leaked it.wppoBzLHnBYYYunMGELsFzEYjQrkuD

rCrqqnaZRDPfBXm

Shiyi calmly said, “I thought you were trying to prove something.”TJQjcPKbImJbNHdraNkRcfCphzvfuH

mZtlCgRAmHCTzlU

Ning Rushen opened his mouth and looked at him: Prove what!sUZdwprqPBTHlxFXxecdJpZjmSzllc

QRwWjJoziOtmVOe

Prove that willpower can overcome biological facts!?kVNRXnlHLmKFFJbtLfwgmmMLGPXtXo

YbPhrvZLaMpQycJ

Shiyi seemed to realize something, “So, can we eat them now?”SxqQwlJtJJyVOqxenedQebsDuDvNPJ

qUjpOdAZuoqZyHQ

“…Forget it.”iiFfjrEaeVOYfpUeWzCueScSfEukDw

SCdVemTbJkuIhBK

Ning Rushen thought about his recent attempts to force them to mate, feeling deeply guilty. He turned to open the pigeon cage, pulling out the two fat pigeons, “Let them go, and get a female one instead.”IeGkrQEXKbpJtUPKyYUVgBtIAcOaJE

AaGryJjySTaFAQE

As he spoke, he tossed them into the air—zcMuCaRvYXDdzDfZMRxykvBqlhAHQw

iYHfzHhXhYzEZQM

Flap!WxVIwFhweHzEkrOsJhQRokqglPppbC

nupAeJQkdthVnbA

The two fat pigeons flapped heavily a couple of times before flying back together. They gave Ning Rushen a reproachful look with eyes full of betrayal, then turned their tails and went back into the cage.IXVMnOredwYNdOsaWifALYihhhTUvx

UajElVsCgPyxlEk

They even cleverly pecked the cage door shut, clank!LwcrwOYUTSudgjnEOyuNDHIknevhwj

nAYkGcTvrrapzFs

Ning Rushen, “…”hadYibekGlllAioeIATdhNUBdVkdJX

efJrKnWvtDTjJIi

Ning Rushen, “???”EXWosdeFooWdpcGmUMtLWfqLofAZBe

ZgrBOeknZHlWojL

Yan Min said from the side, “Sigh, raising them with such fine food and in such close quarters every day, it’s only natural they recognize their owner.”ISKaQJAaijGcJWDntgkqPHfRPEoZxi

kbiBzcByOGwWqSX

Ning Rushen hugged his official robe and peeked out, “Oh.”kKRgFdipxkKmQDwkPJajlSkUJEGPIQ

HrdENbSuSedJWyR

The sustainable development plan fell through.NMSOlMzUXCRbcGWfZQPNERKEPKMrGU

JRsHxANXXrPyPAM

Ning Rushen had no choice but to continue raising these two male pigeons that neither could be eaten nor reproduce.hZFuFuKTeHlrqKdXKGVVLLxvhuAdFj

UCfqrUhggeVgCCJ

The official robe left in the palace was retrieved.uuLemqAycBPcvPXnEDCpWhWdSLarAU

uehkcRSzEPKfFvq

The next day, he decided to wear it.hRykAbtdYXgEJipGAGcygkHHpRtxFn

urcVMiUUfmEYiBg

The robe draped over him emitted a faint fragrance, just like Li Wuting’s.oziOBqrHKOhBtFHgzWoCkWkVTZdFrW

zjeXrWwrVEzSRXt

A slight heat spread from his back.ytNQpCrtqAFSJSGVGCAoeNsgZraUeJ

ZFlYWoaKmldJJti

Ning Rushen tugged at the collar to air it out: it must have absorbed the same incense after being washed by the palace staff.uxEfURMSnRFueQRpOKPNsNyPHRhrNi

HlpaTLQdmZWWCNI

As he was cooling off, Yan Min entered from the doorway:gXTqlYhhEIkBGZHzANWCyGXMCoRFiS

nccYmjGHUcofccu

“Sir, what are you flapping around for?”XoyjLLYbLBgNNHJGpNqYnDnWeExLss

XzaBkoVrobyzyed

Ning Rushen let go, “Ventilating.”HGGXUMYVeOYYeQEUnJUCUAgRATNsVa

usoVCfNeSantKmC

“…?”cepgOBBaSvNVORLjDxXBhZhELcqZGf

xMsqlMiCvUrPYJe

…vxPdGcoXmvStBOkHQnNjcXmpUNokpW

gDzbGlbHieLnoHU

At the palace, after the morning court session.DKZbKwoyBQfIHQXmtehInFRKvBEdxM

VuBQefOITgEPwSx

Guan Fan wanted to call Ning Rushen to the Ministry of Rites again.FUxgypdNMvnGnZlqDkIJcIRNPOxVpe

NqVNlOZwPSiTXDz

Remembering yesterday’s lesson, Ning Rushen waved him off and turned to head to the Imperial Study for roll call.RMlyVZqCAuYiImVobSaPYjMfmXQBCg

orhTwUJAUtwckta

Upon entering, he vaguely heard voices inside.ZwIJazxZsJDIwjXYPacGDWZqcXhvzC

TAejSjguxAqsxij

When he reached the interior, he found Li Jingyu also in the Imperial Study. Hearing the commotion, the two brothers stopped talking and looked at him.DqaSWEYgcDHtdiycShTsoWwFDyKFqk

ZlItajfqLddAmLt

Ning Rushen saluted, “Your Majesty, Your Highness.”nlPyrWmpTdFVOamPINkoPDAYPUlbpG

HMToIXgvtlnFkPB

Li Jingyu’s eyes lit up, “Lord Ning!”qyHLQFCqKiNomFwyhsKCXdWdQQTZXn

UZeifuDozXOodfp

Li Wuting glanced at him, letting out a faint, mocking hum.vXeEARTAeoFoviCxCXUTQmWhNaHTFV

krmbbLlRBgGIoxd

Ning Rushen asked, “Does Your Highness have something to discuss with His Majesty?”SJEiCewaqpEtiqPUSYNsOUWedGzYbN

sQXTMRjumhEPQvq

Li Jingyu replied, “I need to report my studies to my brother.”iBiJEpwitcYSpRrDjyaweEXXXWBitU

ZUOeREWxMsjpqsq

Ning Rushen nodded, indicating it was none of his business, “I shall take my leave then.”ZCHYfdaDCrxbYRTupiyMnGXyDMhRUz

pToqgZZQUCtcHzx

“Why are you leaving so quickly?”czaiogodUvZCwnqfhAcSHhUkfPgLHK

ORUUivLBuPUtoTF

Li Wuting suddenly stood up and said to Li Jingyu, “No studies today, accompany me to see how Lord Ning performs his duties.”qpQRSRRIaFiZKCsbSZQLDQrLhelOQm

TLWHQPmTOfeDyil

“…?”hhBsxIFshnJOoZFDqIGovUCEUcMxiW

owzATdMzaehMXXW

The Ministry of Rites wasn’t far from there.lindLSIJHHwKiaIxICCfzLPfQmwcNq

jpZNuxKsBhwGvZB

Ning Rushen led them to his office, Li Wuting having changed into casual clothes, accompanied only by De Quan and two personal guards.AroJiMpjImqLWSAsQUFaVgSRddUdgX

lKEDWmGWpKwBpiu

The Emperor’s presence caused the entire room to jump up in shock, especially Shiyi and Lu Wu, who came rain or shine for meals, reflexively prepared to kneel.CMxLkjTnBYBZbPaHtlWKAMWgCNHnuh

qFuTfkqRBpzNKsl

Li Wuting casually waved his hand, “No need for formalities.”aaNOfHGjQITklYhaPmZKtwaJutLKCN

ChIaLcphRnpoTck

After speaking, he sat down with Li Jingyu beside Ning Rushen’s desk and gestured with his chin, “Just do as you normally would, don’t mind me.”qhnDpVsgbPPowHVfPPViVYSXqGQdBL

skzYhrZoDMgYkZK

Ning Rushen hesitated:nLNflELoQwygPEkprkqlITcUROyTRr

LCGHrnDYpVOeJfA

If it were normal, that stool would be used as a footrest.LHhoLEocvsrIFOVncklOChsVTIGASY

ZsRXAxBHlOQtnam

He sat down, lifting his robes, “I obey.”YxHanMSsugIfvPuSOiFEYfknlERZLs

AdWoXpsiwbMwCbS

Today’s visitors from noble families were also incessant.YKYshvLavqAkQOeURpajdXzGqZuNQq

wVwBoMoluEbJgvb

Some didn’t recognize Li Wuting but were intimidated by his cold and authoritative presence, their demeanor immediately diminished.dXbRNISBgvgPBoUOUnTmiaJZAYQuPl

iJqPLLWJsRoxKwq

Ning Rushen took advantage of this and handled matters even more smoothly.RLECCAfqUJgcPdkqiTaEmnleeqPWEs

EgsmImkppmBSeow

Initially mindful of Li Wuting’s presence, he became increasingly engrossed, his eyes bright, face flushed, as if entering a state of self-forgetfulness.ErXpNaYOLFNzGojmbNLJHhEuPVUTSI

kymPzcZRJIPvaku

Li Wuting never interrupted, quietly observing Ning Rushen’s focused and animated expression: delicate and lively features, a slender figure that effortlessly managed the complex noble affairs of the capital with deftness.FqCfOCdHiTUgpuIqdNwOgCoklVpxps

wCSwLHBMomifsYM

Even leaving people feeling grateful.VyelBxHrfRzkXQGVswIpBXtTONCdHM

uUQmPjQVaCWvwaM

Li Wuting’s lips curved slightly.KEibtylfGprPgvtCoqBZzyUfWztSgn

ltTuufFiOtuZMgB

…ChDaUVcnKWeMDeIzyNIdKimHNftVgE

uVNKQzbeYjCjAHl

After the first wave of visitors.OJWHbWKmWKNfoaXJyPStkcbvwVawVD

wBbYsWduXeTuAoD

The bidding on the public board had multiplied several times.kOgbCQrNYtqtSSCafPMFGGZoAOUdsx

PIFbFcndVyTRcHt

Ning Rushen finally had a moment to drink tea, gulping it down.kJmcbjZXsnmDMGrwbwFzUdMlUYbWRf

aKIKJzFgaqWEZeO

Li Wuting glanced around at the tense, waiting crowd, “All of you, leave.”pqXycKjtXNrgGAPRpWeShobWGsdxIh

dXptKPMXvFABIKC

“Yes!” The group sighed in relief and dispersed.AkdwZnFoFtBxQSmOQPKJZYhPUROoBo

aCPhtpffGkDYhre

The two guards remained outside.UkFsFQzgEwzJzKNrlKrpnwuNMIpIiM

edYvmbZYcScKmAD

In the office, only Ning Rushen, Li Wuting, Li Jingyu, and the silent De Quan remained.qNLSRqZmTxHkFYoqtkwFgAtxGEPyGE

WnuQknKOnYmiQeA

With everyone gone.ctHIkflRtwslbWDvXkHCQbbsQkPPCr

vFwjAssJlNMOsWf

Li Wuting asked Li Jingyu, “Did you learn anything from Lord Ning?”iolDZGNZqopfeyfFoyawiEYJmWXmOM

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Ning Rushen almost choked, looking at Li Wuting: was he asking Jingyu to learn… officialdom tricks?ZQQuOvoKLGGxULOiwZFoeWQqknfWxz

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Li Jingyu turned to Ning Rushen, half understanding.IGpXClIMUJsgsELEAIUcPpQIQREOnl

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Ning Rushen could only diplomatically teach, “You need to say the most wicked things with the purest face.”ArmBkoAOwyCoiLJmjdEgiSURZmdjzd

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Li Wuting, “…”nIZiXrocRJrUrafBFIRPEFsxQGfMaa

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Ning Rushen, “Did you learn, Your Highness?”pkekwqItmYyjcEqgTdCtTBPYURBDUM

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Li Jingyu thought for a moment, “I did.”SYNMJXuZrjIHLIyaMIPsJrdIZokGRK

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It was nearing lunchtime, Li Wuting stood, “Let’s have lunch at the Ministry of Rites.”YoMnmjzdpEJdVGCKBJuZWiyYeYKYwq

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With that, both of them brightened!KctKlKmFpYahTsaODUakFUJoTkMoep

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Ning Rushen and Li Jingyu sprang up from their chairs—AdQssyOpytBgxiVIFoWlfukzUUQqGc

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They were face to face.HEGZOxWdcTVJnJbaeYyGtOUiNwLDxX

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Li Jingyu jumped off the stool, bumped into Ning Rushen’s knee, and spread his arms, “Ouch!”yKEImOrgiVaMbDhNolrfBnLPfsGXNj

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Ning Rushen caught the little legs.lMPZSqryBJVwJRxiLPNWPYkSKyEZCr

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Then he felt a sensation as if being sniffed.WlKwykcRepMzunsQqBJJiRDLGNzsEV

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“?” Ning Rushen looked down, “Your Highness?”cmjhPsShquMMsXWNfJCYcXBLgIEWgT

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What is he sniffing?wMcUQCywXlqmVqcRIOXXlAPrHilGgP

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The head in his arms rubbed around, then lifted.qFxxDSOMCwaSQYgjZOZoTJAeHEyddR

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Li Jingyu looked up, with the most innocent face, said earnestly, “Lord Ning, you smell like my brother.”NfDfOFgUIlodvjDyCJsGBmKoGHKGNz

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Ning Rushen, “…”LbOmPARptixbsqMyHvYZQxIAHMhgbq

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Li Wuting, “…”tuWjEUNvfJkjhYYPJhCBHQFmBitzUQ

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