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.QSNyZJyjczgiTRIcZReqKcYCuCkssv

jXcTaQDrbWLLOwq

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

qQFesJtVZBHDNOg

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:WKVsDPPZAFpXvKMYuFDjkNHvnNImrM

IwhzSTKPZXtChtf

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.bbKyfTxgXDgzWfHpDYVCrHXuauKsOE

sFoiwvLNyqTTCoX

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

qBCTmHbjqZbBLVi

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

VCIdcGAIkVxNkhk

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:UEdtPjlUaYotOIirkFdFKMETMJZTAk

fWoINSeGaQEtzDr

Ning Rushen refocused, “Yes.”IVBCEAOuLroKTucjQRmsfxeptsSnzW

PPjvXLIDptPPoqx

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

SvpcKsTUmRjFFKc

“…”jYcAZDNXMmAgnzeMtwDUlYjECyNqCh

SOKUzyHlmqcMtrm

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

HcjFXhVQxmslJxn

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

KwUeCEQzbYfMrbI

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

HScxUFqRLaiapIC

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

YBppafcTIEgvfcY

Ning Rushen agreed, “Oh, okay.”uYNrhnyTsHtUIfKXLJHPRYxWLvijBF

BtwhBfotHevhwmu

The side hall was just behind the imperial study.QWxtdPySzaXPARszCFElInpptMsznk

APVwLmyIqepQAqq

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

deTKPnZHzsmAogx

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.EkwIVsfalISPlCzYmIRnEPgjkgfjqX

xatXpDfUwtvTKIf

So he had to search around.nbjvSCueIOWAhMTtyduDUfPKQPufrV

poBiPbBJALlSLAh

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

KswygyslyYFytnF

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

MHilnjqZlvODbho

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

EOZxNCkNRZCnfrl

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—NDuyvDuWxGjpRgUDFPuODiKttXTIdJ

BCHuFSbSZEwzjop

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

ATURwvlqnYRILJu

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.WRdLJhYGmFvEKJtBhePNALQeNBwlJX

NiozPPHlrPPRdyy

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

DBowzvSaknQoliR

Propping himself on the couch, he looked up.tJCrZfIRiMqtxgQWTZaHABgIpRLZRR

QrkHCXBzEUgDLEY

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?”pQmBAeJAMNwLQjicTXkhpXakSBbyBK

wSTsALZcMqWXfxv

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

HzQRfaqmlvVLfAS

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…”pOtDHRwvlHdUZnUiQsGElBrbYLcrYu

gujVbypFLkAULMb

Li Wuting: …gqmiLMirKSFtsGJFYiiSrACSRtzgtK

lRvRvpxQuhIuEXZ

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

pgnPxXPJQqJnYwp

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

YcEdaljjxqLsNqy

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?”jjxuOsgIkfTQYRZwkpQGsRqYMUuvqA

vauCiExNdzHlGBU

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

jlbBnZKuFHCMuoF

Li Wuting, “…”opkVxxPsIvjbQXSrdEediGvuGVAhFV

NeDgFtgICpWDIPC

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.”ZMqUghWMLetDjBpSbeoiYNnsoxixLf

eOuxpMlgEkmfaxQ

… Oh shit.deGhUYflWlzWotPVQbNLlwNThAoLOF

khGLsCvDluCRkct

He had forgotten about the duty reports.DHhrjpeLitqVxLylbVqayjcjqxFCBA

rFQvHABtzjgIxzs

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

fLauzVKgKdyLGRt

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

KABYiYXcKtDGiPP

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

fJSPcMHTAhCUsub

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

TQflgDwlCHsQCMa

Both of them held one end of the robe.INyOGMmqGHfvbLPSoSjqUHfXLiecYo

svBljtLNqvNdtFC

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.LtRYWtPRDaCGHVPWcxAvLsjTjHjGZA

osDYuBOTtLLwUNK

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

jpIPGTQMPnJOpzV

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

fNfjQvshnRQapwI

Curling his fingers, he belatedly realized:zeTogvKWkFQIYXpRxaulHCUFnDoGWN

BAiQAuEPBPoMGTA

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

KmzhORXniCHihoU

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

tbvxlvSVuCdXmaB

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.”OEAEmjauHBEcVOKtyhZKrsuPDaRWhK

rGoYSknZAvLMNkp

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

iKRacvBTljLkDpb

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.AcbUqBOrplNTYOMrRyjRYOREmzjfIS

rJQtzbuZWaerFLD

“Is Your Majesty satisfied?”udwVTBBDpWbWEmMurvHgJKcOkoUzfY

HNBkGRmfyRciHAH

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

fTraxsgmlzGunVP

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

civEqiMXNWIJNkQ

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

wJVFiwCUcQUxUvE

If he truly wanted to hold him accountable.eRPMrNsTroHIxAbDssjehPMTlQSNAC

EjNgaJUpXqGNebg

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

UhYpyZSkpmFLZEk

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

LKepBHdbWnjTUXd

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.”POLbxmVGrFIhvLjSOXoNRXUgemKGWB

HQFKylOlHvvbRkr

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

uIGbmGZFFYCTxXx

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

OvZoUJzASazucpf

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

EvqJnkiyXiqWVJj

“Hmph.”tJiDSWepwAsgWdhCGLVDHHcuQUuiLk

dfqMCaTiPfERFGG

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

DOmUTkfkNxCEwgd

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

MCxLLhyvTKRecKd

Ning Rushen, “…”rAdIqQVLreKrouyJkPKpBTXLRgSIhh

fBwwtMrCwDTZphI

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

MQJDAnVNTzEGTCd

Li Wuting cast a casual glance.IWMxFHVXSwtPsjWBBYjqjIhNgWkljC

FunsPZFlKCKtpPI

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

QrkPRDDqfFCyKsF

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

bsBcGXBexgqEWBP

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

clTBeAnkKLyNvbv

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

qodidekGykwjBRh

Ning Rushen stopped and listened attentively.NLqdDPLfEKQAIKCpjpYuaCHDjGyacc

ZLeuXHQcCvzoLZu

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

VkbUoBdlgRSTshd

“…???”msRGVbPubHDeDIJPuKcuZdvGvfrwLC

rHOfwJmxlFUjqth

…eqUNMvcjFyQQsFOGJLSpgSRACitKIt

fCKearoMfYfuodB

Ning Rushen returned to the manor in a daze.hABzUPWClmIiCWLqVxghWkjkYSNQoD

ORbQFaMRvdsmeeC

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

xkCzWpTFYKNjPJK

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

ErcekYZdKqprnWL

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

nLHJjVDSmnKeUrI

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

PaQDtXOSwGTCvvc

Ning Rushen, “…”UiIeRqObIjJiItgkUQOMGkcCeGgLWy

DrywgHPsVIhRdSL

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

UPAnPEbkaXgPwCO

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

RgbwXbyDJSWioBQ

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

ThOlqYRGAruToNM

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

tpkmLwIHRQmAKWy

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

ruEXNoUvBWNZECH

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

erbneNLZGxTZMma

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

OEivPfGeErFuyRW

Prove that willpower can overcome biological facts!?XRKhKjzartLKOATisJTLYuZjKRQXov

TaRnvCONEpWZfvq

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

TeJGhaBrVLGMwJG

“…Forget it.”qjtVWFNASxPOqwWOLpdtsGpSbAzIdu

nkImPhgOwZiUcZg

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.”fjKrupBdOAxiLkFoLWlGJpJRJUKRjL

fFAgCOeswXHgVXN

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

EXyLQiPNLuJzvul

Flap!yvDDUiRDbywDqEmRKPcXbsQSKoORXV

teEzlKXJvVrtdtm

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.KIrSFjoAagQftwFnyiXyeRAeQVEkFg

GOIJhjdFbTdwQDD

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

WhbllNhCEYTqGdV

Ning Rushen, “…”ibRTZZGBVWUlnKByTxowhATAoZWWxA

ZMVkJvnALcPcDTg

Ning Rushen, “???”XGZPaJMGXwANGqAvTUuAIEqoNBXAtQ

lTZhWsBzvZakgQM

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.”dRstGJGGpDpiLwSgpEsZPZxWGIZiQF

kDnqutJqeoQweVN

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

FpMfAyfnMcLiUjK

The sustainable development plan fell through.oJPUutVqxGCdcWzRQuoHTwLAUkuSIz

BkpXfYJcgBWRBKc

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

QIQRqhKtrfrgZEw

The official robe left in the palace was retrieved.zqmCIowzofKRiZLAKlOmrleeRQMXWg

QElFNsLOOsLRNkY

The next day, he decided to wear it.QIRsilTVrKGzbHzsWkGdkWRWrQEuUc

TxFEaUCsbGlQkjC

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

WZguIBgoIBejNYX

A slight heat spread from his back.vaTSVTXjqqpVOvZTtrsOoNfVghljYd

CdGrRuNltxRkWEf

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

emxWDhdKJMclnvE

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

tCTeqtpYzMduFKi

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

WmGlrgTSiAXYaKR

Ning Rushen let go, “Ventilating.”knqEnklhmwLTTXQSYlrNuYmFFcGPae

bRYgSgoMPNIfHOg

“…?”ZEkATSYwqarGxWhpiLbDfplvnizUFj

OweqKWlJfGwxFnj

…nNAZpatZJYXkDFORiKrAveqRZILGyG

yUcvDCCroSwlMhp

At the palace, after the morning court session.lvosRHuwYhIONDolsrmEYybvYlhyPy

YaccKtMGSJKTEBj

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

cWaHfsNICttoVhx

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

DfFQsTUYiAXiyYq

Upon entering, he vaguely heard voices inside.PlgqZTKhpPLJzJaTCcrxUvqOVgwVik

FjnUrdjMBmJxAyk

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.DkXiMQLoBvLqHutGuQYiCiJxNQltUP

fmoTZQoILZWEQuf

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

BZeVVjNQBHQJgyK

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

ppptUQZOwyGywQx

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

bLhyZwzrOjBcSym

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

GLhGQNVpLKwADIJ

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

iJQnSeYLyBRvenB

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

jwVWluBYyVwUgHF

“Why are you leaving so quickly?”UHLEQcKXYdtxQHCMuwELgqccFTEEOr

JpWOchVqhcAYNUe

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

VFfCyQKYZRwrDbo

“…?”GzgGVKYBAnradHGCGbEnzJYCpgxkbg

pdmlJaPEJNXVRaM

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

ZDHBNfOcuqvvwOE

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

NiemGjvKmhpEnur

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.imSnbHTxhkBZeptPknwfiXlbWjWSVN

eHpaFwzwLmEGyle

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

OhRlbWveFSjPzFv

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.”sKflbNFcupnGXqkpCLJHlySuOYUPwD

MqUgQRWleBOShvm

Ning Rushen hesitated:QfjADNCNeJFsyQsGsulLOrEfZqojES

IEaNflvoAGSiwqm

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

NXvsHDTgyxEMGxM

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

kCAuuiOuMWRwjGE

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

VjlNkVsYvBxJmXU

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

pchLlMdexDDXMKw

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

ZkuuHLxtlfLzjEB

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

YRvpsTxlywYHbzL

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.cPHuuwJGIODGNPxDsgqugyHDAsMrNl

guOtaclnarFmRho

Even leaving people feeling grateful.cMXQhwOGGnGmHofQWBsFQDYrqLwVOQ

saCVaJZcPcLEMDg

Li Wuting’s lips curved slightly.QnhKriYqQgMswEIqDCfwZvoOVLVmsq

AXIbkSnpEtKuCQy

…mdSWFMNhhKPAgufodSXMKjcpvhOxYr

MLTNimkwNDFTAXw

After the first wave of visitors.RjxLVGtdAsRyrEEBUChitaiBgiVQsH

pyBItPxpmVTDgGx

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

OrmmvugqlJctVDc

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

wWKHkNwYNpBIzCF

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

xJsHxjsQNoSaErL

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

lXKCvVfqFdiQpgL

The two guards remained outside.UihncBcBUgctdLbMSjzvQRbUMbEzqr

QfoEYFiflhSRJek

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

NNlfeUDFltlhBRC

With everyone gone.vwUPatmexuFMJqpVJGzlcNKAupOxJB

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

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

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Li Jingyu turned to Ning Rushen, half understanding.XwpWbuKMWHPzeoOJGEkVOlzvPCHutN

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

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Li Wuting, “…”PQEStJUWjpnXnwyJwCFyQOnqogXFKy

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

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

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

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With that, both of them brightened!mtZgHvmGkZLQLkCUyDWibjXgkNaRGp

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

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They were face to face.FyXeNPQsBtFqyVYBEOTbGmrCUQIhjx

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

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Ning Rushen caught the little legs.HlzunbwGXMvxmWWCnYwDmHCazGBClr

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Then he felt a sensation as if being sniffed.PasDlvjwKVTwKwgsQXuVJUSxRPTvGX

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

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What is he sniffing?LCDVqAzEUcNcQlDkpNJFsddcgUBZfD

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

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

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Ning Rushen, “…”ayHFAicSRGQBFOhDDcURGPnTQMquHQ

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Li Wuting, “…”iPHXyCInZyIBTJOkNCPpNQHXeIhMQa

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