This official is so weak

A wave of heat shot straight up from his tailbone to his scalp, making him freeze for a moment.GsCtaoAHilKmeCPsJBXhITzqurAPAU

iWNxgprXyneRNbz

Had Li Wuting been possessed by something unclean?uCnYWesqSLSjZXYZuljchxzxOEeoLe

NgnoayYBxsLdMyo

His Adam’s apple bobbed as he held his breath, unable to come up with any lewd words for quite some time.KwOliWrJYnPCFUvYQOhoBDZTcBjEnd

rldyRONPtcMvtIx

Li Wuting lightly tapped his knuckles and reminded him, “Exhale.”kZZFXrJwHxIXGJwVDXxMhqSbKnLYkN

vCexMMzUNSvtYRT

A shaky breath followed his words: hoo…MsGJXOPFosSMokMvRuwAQoLHolcYWU

vawXbmJdqbsaLoY

Watching Ning Rushen’s pale face turn red from holding his breath, his hair almost standing on end, Li Wuting, seeing his rare loss for words, finally showed a merciful smile.sRemmPaDWFIfRHdJqAIKOcGjloPovT

tOawuwrUqAjGhbB

Ning Rushen’s stalled brain started working again, and his breathing became smooth. Seeing the amused expression on Li Wuting’s face made him dizzy.IiYCCuhnBNYBFKeIblLeaOHQEVBMWx

BMfwmtWwPXisWvf

Is this something to joke about casually?BUqjuRPSdgreYSVjFnoaajwrxBYZuA

aOWtQvCaJepxYAb

Besides you, who else would laugh?hhNtiondNPgepZSnRKOAHutcAZOjQU

CCpeyOmLSFvKkeC

What if someone else heard it—they—Ning Rushen looked around, suppressing a roar.hVAgdnIOgtQJtWZoKZPxgqkwOKLeTt

viITYWvLNwiofYf

He locked eyes with De Quan, who was grinning broadly.MMQOYWaFYNqrbFhZKYlEkNiSFEpkzb

WoFuMEXeFbSkqxm

He was speechless.lvZzUeBQtxZvboVfPysqAiXAMToUco

oOJBRsdWvdEccTa

Alright, maybe they weren’t normal either.dFWcvmTPPORgqfMooYzypFnsWScMaT

ORfstHoQGXRrWyO

Li Wuting spoke with concern, “What’s wrong, Ning Qing?”qjYrjBDFeSdTdhUkJQPCxBXYkEodnS

EEVtnIPelrdwFok

…Forget it.vZgkTHIkKCsNtFXrQNuMZGUhrUhKFW

FbdzHOsGpShWgXI

Ning Rushen took a deep breath and, with pursed lips, praised, “Your Majesty is so humorous.”GgPuXmjvfolkmPtUOtpCWhvFNKfgja

yTGlEDrjyzlBcsX

“Humorous?”qrdRYXMntLGDfWXTbLrAfLvqfAVshU

GbskULVNpulIOwm

“Humorous. That’s how we say it back home.”euoFvWKouTYHMXXboHfovOkgNWHrAa

jMzkIhkrQhnvtkP

Li Wuting commented, “You do have a bit of an accent.”UQvSyLGIbABDbUnZiYqkMHqrKcPYTb

lvcqrcUzXeadhma

Ning Rushen pursed his lips for a couple of seconds before returning to his initial question, “So, what brings Your Majesty here?”mNMGqWlnyFumnMxubirZnEfHvEoFVL

nPyONcIexSxZXxG

Li Wuting stopped teasing him, “Do you remember the day we went to Yuexian Tower, and I asked you something in the carriage?”MMSNAjPOjaOrJoDvsvptvbNEjCfAXy

lThVAEiIUjOdxWk

Ning Rushen recalled: What did he ask?OYexlUlvHNsQZInpEoUjyyCrTVguYn

vnNmACJBkkESNXq

“About a bunch of bastards?”VdqClIBUirQeSMNfkMhErHldBWFVwi

hUATIOVbbrvULNH

Li Wuting ignored his choice of words, his expression turning serious, “Though talented, they lack virtue. They seek only personal gain, having wasted ten years studying the sages’ teachings. If given great responsibility, they would be a disaster for the state.”zAXCPktQRXnwbuqBymneTihQojWRZZ

mrgxLKyueofsGQa

As he spoke, his tone grew more solemn.yXeXpyrcqBNjYNqvUelcThVYRlQGQd

OMMmHIjLjoclWNi

His gaze, falling somewhere unknown, revealed a startling sharpness from his deep eyes.TgtGJVkALDEJgdFpsQlBnmatkLIegp

CQGUccygBpvdTiK

The palace attendants lowered their heads, not daring to make a sound. Even De Quan, assessing the situation, closed his mouth and stood quietly to one side.iWgEtXzmNmaTuarWImttWSfNzEtHaE

XaVvOkTBhzXIHKZ

The imperial study fell silent.msjjILnUlsNQDMidQnROEAkFduWMGj

mzlvTKfMZQzYvtk

After a moment, Li Wuting snapped out of his reverie.aByUiOdeGGZETjwBJKcVpJnJgSMvEM

BVVcLofjorTbEIJ

He glanced at the silent palace attendants, then at Ning Rushen, who seemed slightly dazed. The latter’s pale hand was gently pressed against his chest, lips slightly parted, looking at him with a hesitant expression, as if frightened by his stern face.eqffyGxQOSOLHANwxZsSwdxgXFODph

SVdeiIknOWQapVJ

Li Wuting paused and softened his tone, “What are you daydreaming about, Ning Qing?”AmcCjNKfYNiNKeIjMbbNWUvTOUyCii

oXytPozcUpRjzii

Ning Rushen gently stroked his third-rank official robe, feeling somewhat flattered, and asked, “In Your Majesty’s eyes, am I such an esteemed person?”YeUtObdNbRCMthUuAyevQBjzLzGqdd

KRsKGafpjyPZvvJ

Li Wuting, “……”PKVEtVyYvCelZoTrPrLIHQsDcFmKDr

AIUiqqHJHkTwIsr

He looked at that slightly flushed face, thought for a couple of seconds, and softly said, “Mainly to wreak havoc on those who harm the state.”BgdejoXNvCYszzUgMyBzrdPseggItc

LAmaLOhkCvqXHUv

Ning Rushen: …amSTwEEYBkVdoKWrEzgNUcBpOqGWOX

AfSNabXMyyMPRPW

Nonsense, he was clearly bringing dreams to everyone.WzIxMAYTYFhUVgKnvmtcvjPtrpzOGN

HEcNNfsawDNZshk

Ning Rushen went back and continued creating dreams for the aristocratic families.khYynAWLJGHNZgvgIBkzXShJYdMouF

GPTSSEhQnYVYsci

He did this with great success for a few days. Upon returning home after work, he encountered a young eunuch delivering an oral decree:CIujZhasCHaTojERRiNzeoKVbYMeJC

JNGoitGEIazhUxr

“Lord Ning, for tomorrow’s Qionglin Banquet, His Majesty has summoned you to accompany him.”TGLUiWyBCVMDdrSUhNRqfQvckpOLgv

NNVDrFBMOlkOLQP

“???”xTrTxcNKGnDgnxhcepRhSkEzgRvlCy

nQCwQiOiJRnyZtZ

Ning Rushen temporarily accepted, “Understood.”yKFQxbljXITxYYocOHFxQVRdBwLBjf

puOroAAlrOmLEqf

After the eunuch left, he pondered in the courtyard until a “plop” sound interrupted him.TLvtVmtzbcAdByEqrsmpGOsoyHSzcd

BHBzTTSaJulnHPj

Shiyi hung down from a tree, “Why are you standing there motionless?”McQsYyqbOjJmHhmOXCXlOePdMFqGzb

zJvDueFifGPsRSs

Ning Rushen, “Am I attending as the top scholar from the previous year?”LChdcaIufTLZjFqzcRpetOcmtJkcUT

inAEvenzyLdMUrk

Shiyi, “…”BHSNzTVlcceDzNyHjDDwlgyRhWYRbg

tvsZkvQulllfxMI

Shiyi, “In the Qionglin Banquet of the Great Cheng, the emperor can bring close ministers or distinguished scholars to participate, so it’s not unreasonable to summon you.”MBsHYfysQeYjzgWIPezSvlkhLoFIou

HjsWvFCWWAiBNoF

Ning Rushen was momentarily speechless.BwhXtQrREgURmpVzsntuzWhXVIBGGg

UXYVfYPXVLrJUMd

He almost forgot, the Great Cheng was different from the history he knew:HgKxhTtCKUvccRhDjiBOASjjXjiCqQ

MPOhzUqDiOtKLOu

In his original world, the Qionglin Banquet was initially a celebratory gathering organized by the newly graduated scholars themselves, later funded by the government with individual contributions…fWYgABaPcFwhLKVlyCOuSMpXfAjtmw

JWTlmnuhEvFvHRo

But the attendees were generally only the newly graduated scholars.jcmfCbnMzuoCwAhwFyhwhqsFhWSmNu

RTnYlhzGFAjsmVB

Ning Rushen recalled for a couple of seconds, during which Shiyi’s gaze was inexplicable. It seemed as though he believed that Ning Rushen, being favored by the emperor, should naturally accompany the emperor.zsRRAnrFmQlmZIKYsRWSwNoeZmhIYx

EqRfbFXhHgvAvqq

He swallowed his question:AiumxcVzZDOIxkWcnMMKVJnLbyQusN

gITXZZUeWvCgUPl

He might have memory gaps, but he couldn’t remember things incorrectly.IojorxJPtxWvCKleDjZdQOMYNMiDpR

eBJoaTazktSguyx

Ning Rushen glanced at the servants in the courtyard and decided to ask Geng Yan, “Uncle Yan, let’s visit the Geng residence.”savXzeYJcCbZzEZHLCwhiqOkoppIhY

DTaynwXgVyznGQA

Yan Min responded, “Is it about the Qionglin Banquet?”TslXDWKZxvfmDoZnfGKGmXUWBnMrZs

OtaPpvYkjcikMiT

“Geng Assistant Minister’s hidden… illness has suddenly recovered, prepare a small gift.”YjJUfUkaYQlWfETyszrrjDECGNMSar

whcpANNNlekfpAv

“……”zZVdKdNzzEamQFikCNCrRIABwhzqnP

ESMDFAQKgduhuef

Yan Min stammered, “Then, we should indeed prepare a gift to congratulate him.”yrFZJIXhpwSfkmePlmmPjOVKMKALaI

EZjFibjQAszwotD

The two stepped out of the courtyard.SjfsXaFccxuYbgAnIkpeEqNBvolbvX

UqZnmKDnSLlwdRS

Shiyi, hanging on the tree, thought:FiwGOKukXvHcPPTPpnSGMABdjIkDbk

ErklSkmAUEHCBXC

Hidden illness… oh, he’s referring to a private ailment. Should he report this to the leader? But the leader had said before that if he mentioned irrelevant things again, he wouldn’t need to return.xcPpQHlOBdDDYbPEunweylWHWByIMZ

ODzWusjrfMwZBHL

Better not, Geng Assistant Minister’s private ailment isn’t important anyway.vnLjqyCLhmfFHcqpTUlMzqvKtBgyKs

cDMJHDKzUKoGLFk

…NgaVpZrlcBKKbcBpHBNBYLhTZmllac

mtMiTDEoRDDKbTg

Ning Rushen brought a gift box of nuts and arrived at the Geng residence.laHmyLqlHFRjWJsVAWImaQhdMePcts

wyswmdOwUOGmWQz

He went straight to the point, pushing open the door to Geng Yan’s courtyard with a bang, “Open up—room inspection!”IKOibkCoaQZCOwixqRUuJcoPQcvKLU

QgmBrrwVnaMToZb

Geng Yan was startled, “What the hell!”camcheeEuwIwoaKhzDrKmRJjyXOcGb

YgHZrSsFuDZnpIL

Ning Rushen dismissed Yan Min and told Geng Yan to send away the servants. Placing the gift box down, he sat, “His Majesty has summoned me to the Qionglin Banquet, tell me what I should do?”frUYPcgnqxAJwTikaImOwsMgJXpVEj

ZMmcXDcBfcNiZhi

“You are to accompany His Majesty to the Qionglin Banquet?” Geng Yan said, “Generally, the close ministers or distinguished scholars who accompany are those with profound knowledge, either to exchange ideas or to select students. As for you—”zLYqlURlmiJmQrpEDShICEDjKglMvA

AUbXddtcpVbpcPn

He looked at Ning Rushen, dressed in red, “Are you going to bring good fortune?”XsHcrJrbFLdSUtKcnsIDIjsZSKPnno

CPGKmdAQXurzzIx

Ning Rushen kicked out his leg.bSeqqllbosJPabQKAIzLXrWrEEvQrR

XZgzYgSIIFkwsAV

Geng Yan dodged swiftly, flicking a nut with a scream, “You’re trying to step on me again! … Think about it, His Majesty knows about your head injury, so it’s obviously not for an intellectual exchange. He probably just wants you to come along.”pLHryyxbdqNwofijqNicMUprBfVPvh

mfJCSPMlmgiwqjA

Ning Rushen chased him, trying to step on him:LlNWqJoNRXhwzARdHPcJqjBrrzptfh

WPWqXUCLcGtIHLN

“How could it be so casual in such an occasion?”JDaMwRSTyZQLXaeGtAvvgSEVHEJjuq

bqHiaQuOlfOxouN

Geng Yan kicked back, “Why not… ouch!”SoGqqZprGtrZIUVbzRQWApIbZxNiJJ

VaizdytBvoGftjQ

“Anyway, you don’t need to worry too much. Even if a new scholar challenges you, His Majesty will protect you. See, His Majesty has stood up for you several times.”BMeCdrzhukxEVuVRxAhleBrAYrmUCS

lbVNKMACzVYhiLU

“……”rdfHLtOJVwdGoQvoFUCiqWGaGMLAIz

KSfGbbmliBHQXbB

Protect him? And, “When—”bvpsqRQRRPcHVijeKBWMozGIBlohKR

zTtgAodJyMuWmeK

Ning Rushen was about to retort when he paused.VoWRvUtcLfuUQQsukLOVJtEQjGAGbV

LVoemzsQrZpiZEM

Li Wuting’s words “why not” flashed in his mind but quickly dismissed it as a joke. He continued, “When has he stood up for me!”CWQLuMjzPkDlOZAfOncSUnefOzKtIB

XuPEEUwHBayzMUV

Ha, hesitating. Geng Yan retracted his leg, leisurely munching on nuts without replying.qMlrskYvZRuduKBEBnOLUuXyxYXZmZ

snosCriPlQTGDwZ

Ning Rushen clamped his chin shut.LSOnumGZfUmDJyUakBJrfGHgGcdrFx

WhUWDAHftJevgeT

Geng Yan, “Ow, ow, ow!”qrMCzJNtHgmvHvSkxDXEDcLIvjIRMv

BcWDlPRkwuqFZxT

·xOeLoxKlTiHrOhyQHSNtwZqfoogglI

VtLZaeyOplKcwAc

Having understood the general process of the Qionglin Banquet, the next day, Ning Rushen went to accompany the emperor as summoned.TdEWXhKemaMJpsChoDvLmjahAymWPq

jnmvIdKrJLfVoNB

The Qionglin Banquet was held in the royal Qionglin Garden, featuring bamboo groves, flowing streams, and exquisite scenery. The banquet was set up in an open space, with a lotus pond in the distance and a peony and apricot grove nearby.irdvfwYwKCPlYHrrcqxrRZeveKjFON

gRwOYwxmllqootY

Upon arrival, Ning Rushen discovered that Li Wuting had only brought two ministers: himself and Grand Academician Ji Jie, a true scholar who also served as the Crown Prince’s tutor.mNevNmaLoTDdXYzZwFWCZYJNztSaBW

HGUvDCMJvGoDxOX

It seemed they were there to select students.exVCHJTZtqhbRwszaTFmIJykVLVfmh

TNGFlqqQBWQlEia

Ji Jie, an elderly, noble man, greeted Ning Rushen warmly despite his status.dhFlCyaIpsDrhuyjGexCvsOGFnNQmd

DmiWnSuGooVFBNU

Ning Rushen bowed, “Greetings, Grand Tutor Ji.”vkqBzWPOztnJIkqXwRGNFhkNzbJaJT

bDdsRdGmnDpwKXz

After their brief exchange, Li Wuting said, “Let’s go,” and led the group to the banquet site.OyEXHPEIBaZNwVQtSpNqxHotFWlgeo

rLxAJNEynkCcJaa

Ning Rushen followed on his right side, “Yes.”fnUMXEJzHlewUmKHUrELdnlAeawqEi

rGiJAAucbKcuybf

At the banquet site, the new scholars were already waiting.FIrIiqCueRzrdfJrpQlNxMtamsdkTM

EYGObUDWvxGdZsP

Everyone rose and saluted.GPToGPAYpRdZixyuyiKecpiotvdcQJ

faXNSGxDzoRlXpC

Ning Rushen sat to Li Wuting’s right, surveying the excited yet nervous faces below.yairUJNJBfUAJetzxnhPLjtnccZZbT

WIjutUourwEVAZf

Li Wuting’s voice floated over, “Ning Qing, does this seem familiar?”VvlRyZvmAmNmhYnsfNAYmHsLhiPiCN

AorYlgjjQXNiHEb

Ning Rushen nodded, “It’s like when the aristocratic families come to bid, all eager to take off.”zkHgVbrorJtGGQyMPVUxRVJAqQTxDY

AwaobkmnKSDNuWH

Li Wuting, “……”PAELbZSptUujcSHVsdTAhkVskehSYz

kaRMoUaawEEZNzl

He moved his lips but wisely chose not to continue the conversation.riHxcuQDftscSjXZNIliUBAazILXCx

RhFiJygjipnguDL

Traditional music played, and the banquet began with a “Flying Flower Order” poetry contest, where the new scholars displayed their talents.XGYnvuKZOSHgWbRHAZElDeauQeWDrI

iZeIIpWsyqsDxaq

During the event, Li Wuting proposed two topics.uFTfjWLfFBAVsdGhcYSDopFCeTRAXz

NklHpdJPfkGUsXP

Grand Tutor Ji provided guidance and commentary, creating a lively and enthusiastic atmosphere.erqxDZszivBnJVqvDIQQbhebzvBbLN

NWxeplGSgXHuePy

Ning Rushen sat to the side, eating snacks.KXBGTvNYIGayRvFUdPJlZmExapfYdN

vHEOfYktQGwuTsz

The snacks had the character “Lu” printed on them, sponsored by the Lu family bakery.VpHCmgjOqrkSpvFfmVmBYsQttIrbJX

YuBDsdphRJolopv

Time passed quickly at the banquet.mQKndUgdYvKNiAmiDtYFwkuyciESZu

AYUjGfKRIUnbWuY

Ning Rushen, enjoying the lively scene while eating snacks, was suddenly addressed by a passionate scholar who stood up and cupped his hands:PHjqLRmMrxZnHrcIfroPQdSnNTBMvI

ybpNjcaVGMOBGMl

“Lord Ning!”cVzptywhJclfEIqsUPdFYGXHRfOIrs

EMDVDddarcuXwnb

“I’ve long admired your reputation. Since you are here, would you honor us by participating in a couple of rounds?”LPTBuMjDwqDQmTxQGtPAvmcZWMzAaB

FElxMPMOUTwRPbq

With that, all the scholars turned to him.ONCWVBGTUCSBOwfRPUaIOxfdSVOiqN

IfEgxczAzGtmSuq

Ning Rushen looked up from his snack: ?XmvelXZZTpQXvHpevPprrmsDZjVZip

KwsQtqlpYXeDWlp

The top scholar, Fan Wan, reacted quickly, standing up, “Lord Ning is our senior. Any guidance or a question from him would be appreciated.”xMhGymqaoxmMdcCbwJrTMpjbgFtujR

YFtMlMfCRDfKzJr

“……”JGZNnFhUyElRHdjEbdJyKIJPiqBYws

BRhFtzNVDPfzIcF

Letting him give guidance felt like a bit of a stretch.lXvYknvscrNegadNUBTcCfUuqzOuQU

UWWVQeBaaxatdLv

Ning Rushen was momentarily at a loss for words. He turned to look at Li Wuting.tMyPdtCsjgbDWBHYzHzsgsGlDgSbHK

SCItlDIjFtbVyfW

Li Wuting was quietly looking back at him, as if saying: it’s up to you.DhezhuJendqMsmadEMoUPxzakSWFAj

TuVFSVJZkPLFTKF

Ning Rushen hesitated, his gaze shifting.aYTgJzuUUDXuRQXZCdcwkUQhudMKOp

GycVLRyKJWXAsUD

After a moment of thought, he said, “My knowledge is shallow, so I won’t give any guidance. But I remember a story related to poetry. If His Majesty approves, I can share it.”WgbTBjuCrjoJfYTekmhReZyQBgLEJZ

cQiKnHylzSGWGcn

Li Wuting showed some interest, “Go ahead.”PjUNOTFWcaxGBnlxQjuFBbVunmJnVg

CNXPSRKnkcYRciC

Ning Rushen then picked up a brush and wrote down Wang Zhihuan’s “Liangzhou Ci.” After finishing, he quietly leaned close to Li Wuting:LAARVyRZQdpJnFDdhsidQKyDDdqRqs

HwTMGxbafACyBlY

“Your Majesty, take a look. Have you seen this poem before?”pJQWMPmNsnFDTeyfYbVvLIxpwpsQCK

zhzlIuHnIMKylUa

The poem was the famous one: “The Yellow River flows far into the white clouds.”fuLZlAtFQXjGatfDaGNsrNfDkKYPnr

QuDTDQkPbXuXXfj

Li Wuting took the paper and carefully read it, “Good poem. Where did you come across it, Ning Qing?”rxDUILEzNGbNwVNnwsTWqZZiERqtMA

OUkdKqsxCZSVbxR

“I found it in an old book at home.”RldIwjHCaVEJnWVsqTljvgzUIfNcGR

IkzAngRulUjfoUx

“And you…”RCbqVTuHcHrzypxrqdbgWlPXptRCMe

XXxuuUWOKSpZcyw

He looked up and saw a bit of white sugar frosting on Ning Rushen’s lips. In the presence of many, Li Wuting remained motionless, only his eyelashes trembling slightly.NkUMmMbkaSOpuNOfcxUisSuZvQJQVq

imHchQMHLOrLOaV

Ning Rushen was puzzled, “Hmm?”LPwRyZIbWHslIBJvECsKOtWragvqEx

trnVYextpmtFjbE

The two were talking closely at the top.qwGFHxLSgfvurRxZClzYvpUHlriMMo

JlRKGgQDLxWUkyV

Below, the new scholars were still eagerly watching.JhYvvxVgOIzrBitFUgyvclfhcAWljk

yOwNlYrxFvHazIW

Second place scholar Zhuang Qin scratched his head, murmuring, “What did Lord Ning write?” So anxious, so anxious, so anxious…dSUxeiVMMRghpUwIruIXqumDhqQxVj

ydzPmagjrvVVtpm

Beside him, Fan Wan noticed his lip movements: …vmJSHlNAvhLPNofLLSBhZEeKAyvvVh

UddxLyWXJnVApmh

Fan Wan reassured, “Brother Zhuang, be patient. We must wait for His Majesty to review it before we can see it.”sPTIBWPOSfqzljIyZJPWcFqHZsWoqi

JLOKHrrIznTkhwl

“Oh, right.” Zhuang Qin settled down.WhzwVzQDzeZYjcUJRWVrTIZagotCGB

PfvlLuuBfzfpQfo

He looked eagerly towards the top, seeing only the close proximity between the emperor and Ning Rushen. Lord Ning’s back was to them, with one crimson sleeve draping over half the emperor’s desk.ckQupkocXBQNQMqBBGNPxRRwecVgYV

jXaZdXboflweajV

The emperor’s face was partially obscured, making his expression unreadable.gkUJExiCMwlfpuEnktcWvxNTlaylFu

qqDAIHtDskiUhLl

Zhuang Qin scratched his head: Lord Ning is almost squeezing into the emperor’s seat…EAKhcXVwCkGnvhhScugRvktxRLrRgo

VayCYUeDmWtYFbq

…DDelQqMMkCLHLqAoBLYkuNOCBLspWW

GmrfMNzBSWMSuCp

At the top, Li Wuting remained silent for a moment.wWvzkbnzXTDKKTcZmvlTxTlQstanIM

vTzuaeOXKaJixPz

Until Ning Rushen, feeling breathless under his gaze, finally heard him softly say, “Your mouth.”SOAFNvrspAvGFaMOsDpRMjrQHLGtGA

gFqzORDHvhLDdtl

He thought for a second, then tried smiling: like this?GRiOBfoGUkgOAmJwFfURtYuqvRoWPs

IeMOYmZOmSGaiBy

“……”hvLVtmEwvCNCVOVXeEnVhptbTdAdOo

MNpnAwViJVvHgad

Li Wuting couldn’t bear it any longer, “Sugar frosting.”yQOfkxcaaXriFqMapMfprlPNlZbtjr

UuzZvDqgdJBfHvF

Ning Rushen realized! His tongue quickly swept across his lips, indeed tasting a bit of sweetness. Feeling a bit embarrassed, he softly asked:VVULvoBicuSSOObCqULlFESrpXYjix

bMDOpMACyzSyXij

“Is there any left?”jFDlHeInSeivRwyjKygIIXkOSudHAC

PLwbzRboTSaSxcA

“None.”gXRTwgedhwBLmLesdArJNxIyplBLhV

hvkcLKZRFmVXwdi

After clearing up this small mishap, Ning Rushen returned to the topic, “If His Majesty approves, shall I use this poem as the topic?”MolxYlKLUuhKqoOaDOBppyFjmGrFKB

ActhQSeFtVciXvH

Li Wuting nodded.bzgehlpXQrBrGsSsqtRaYAcdOHFLQO

kERmwGKnhlxlEtz

Ning Rushen then withdrew and had the poem copied and distributed, explaining:VQTUvkFmunpDJXzrRCaTvyXZIrbJRi

yCdiLloEJdRZQaX

“This poem is not my work, it is ‘Liangzhou Ci.’ A minister once had this poem copied onto his jade fan. During the transcription, he accidentally missed a character ‘间’ (between). Originally, he was to be punished but cleverly altered the poem instead…”whjEzlPwhGPFTzaoLEKusxrvIZHhAM

nFEIheObypcMkyz

The scholars, having just received the poem, were already admiring it.IhpgaOeOyqPLsTrDKEVTyszhVRBtRr

pPeWGyWWrTpQyKa

Upon hearing this, their interest was further piqued, and they eagerly looked at Ning Rushen.hfwJrULYMfkxdLobeGIcZrJOtGhCyD

YTIDCCdksOywRsw

Ning Rushen said, “If anyone is interested, you can also try modifying it.”KsHSIUpXlBBCzpFZJduPeOxEjnSWTM

tfoEUgmWtEBnGSc

Immediately, enthusiastic discussions broke out below—zjRjoNuQaVHGtAHInqtPtywvmoPKWs

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“Such a topic, it’s the first time I’ve seen it!”oYFdfaDUBYMuzmBMfTdmENpGXGIRfT

uARIqToAGLPnWjH

“This poem is excellent, and the story is brilliant…”LZWghTwmiOFtziXduLIrhwBxetpxkh

kupbGGMCwUavTlZ

Seeing everyone racking their brains, Ning Rushen relaxed into his seat:AIwNCuUxjseYAsAonkErwEbkeLvLJo

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Crisis averted, time to chill!izPNiXucLcdYtlVOmPcXzCENevrdWL

LPXjenoyBqRJxSt

Suddenly, a voice fell next to him, “Ning Qing, which book did you find it in?”AoSKMiGVVLELWDJrWtNZSUYbPqMUHk

CdgNEiJGDDgmJRH

Ning Rushen, on alert, stood up, “Some old hometown storybooks.”ADUnvboPpFkXiYtEAvGAJJqgvORkKi

dLuDPRfUsuncbtA

Li Wuting said slowly, “Hometown storybooks?”HghxyiEfJqXrcnZLerLyMaEFwttyNB

vHGJyYMYqdLeMBX

“Yes.” Ning Rushen nodded, recalling Li Wuting mentioning his hometown last time, and added, “Brought from Yuchuan.”KhIwKOWLsDzDDKbukhvpmFRGUOzqlQ

BmNmwqshPrwIjlh

Li Wuting just looked at him and smiled.OOiNWJNBBPWfwmRrWamCbtVGNHGhMT

JWAsEgTRUOVIEbx

“…?”bwNPjvijklbNQAkvjPoEyEOVtlQMHi

mIQPmtxTiBMiQlF

Ning Rushen silently moved a bit further away, not continuing the conversation.mQczvefSxczOPNMdxTIskHNbcDypdS

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He had figured it out: every time Li Wuting smiled, it meant he was about to trap him.PuATWwkVIQuWMCLqWOfAKraridoZtG

OhTmYwJYzlZTYCq

After the scholars had thought for a quarter of an hour, Ning Rushen revealed the “original” answer: “The Yellow River flows far into the white clouds, a lone city in the mountains…”RJotlspckLSUjiPHOndfBfAyTyamHy

RRREHLdGgZzOPaP

The scholars compared their modified poems, some shaking their heads in self-pity, others exclaiming in sudden realization: “No wonder I felt something was off; it’s exactly like this!”XdruNdXvOzkkLoIejdltefFpvpoPEN

aRvWuWSRVTwFEXZ

Zhuang Qin compared his last few lines, “I still couldn’t break out of the norm. Just missed it by a bit! Ah… ah!”qcgMBmQRRqusDqvWKghzsxsjjhWKkW

YMBpYTKEYuFiyYW

Even after announcing the next round, the room remained filled with sighs and reflections.OlDDhgGEwAplpiHxTsleHLHeNRjeoN

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The top scholar, Fan Wan, carefully folded the piece of paper and tucked it into his robe, seemingly planning to savor it again later.XwJAvUiyZZDOxSQxocbnIsvmxDCiwU

NHsFTRONGqVFgqE

…NXNFpVVVNDFnAtROLsGsgMNrdqEUOA

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Following this climax, the subsequent segments felt somewhat lackluster.cYWomqLxvDdObQoqJOLkzwuJuVasIZ

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As the grand banquet drew to a close, after several rounds of poetry and drinking, the event ended amid a backdrop of ceremonial music.wbQaGLKjAArxYJHkYrqQMEYtkNFEVQ

FKvubeWQIoJmPGF

Ning Rushen was about to leave when two people approached him. One was the top scholar, Fan Wan, and the other was Grand Tutor Ji.VhSiryEfdgALEuvhLqEREMIUuzuZpE

fhgfAUyzVzmQmWD

Grand Tutor Ji, possibly having had some wine, appeared with flushed cheeks and an energetic demeanor, pulling at Ning Rushen, “Lord Ning, how many of those ancient books do you still have in your house? Can I borrow them?”KHsbkyOmuVGuvWwZJIMydunnvCQSKC

JpyhmWYxgenEjGs

Ning Rushen, nearly tripping from the elder’s pull, said, “My home was burgled, and those ancient books were lost.”FJwuSKAFklNxfpzzPAuPWbUPFXxtLJ

vdwmJFlgzepRpSb

Grand Tutor Ji’s face instantly turned bleak, “Ah.”RKOQKfOKFXNnVqmcCgFQyrLvxTmYfe

KedcGDCEUMviAsZ

Ning Rushen, “…”xqdGnvSrSAfmkoTjpeFKtkCwCuhZvx

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He quickly changed his tune, “But I can transcribe them from memory and give you a handwritten copy.”WVAhsWKlbkqetMsbwlwMQxNGXdrMMR

znJoqXbqiRCizXQ

“Ah!” Grand Tutor Ji revived, thanking him repeatedly before leaving joyfully.KyJcoGPAGZVVlyxZGGQjQSOZmwFMwG

MKRFvWsMzCFfnXN

Once the resurrected Grand Tutor Ji was gone, Fan Wan then approached Ning Rushen with a respectful bow, admiringly saying, “Lord Ning is truly knowledgeable. I am ashamed, thinking I had read all the books under the sky, only to find there is always more to learn!”jrhnJnQQnVtvVVHOraUEHbvfbmKEvB

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Ning Rushen sighed, “I didn’t expect it either…”aSRyjeJKSQNlxNGkqvqNMAVadlrgpd

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It really was another world.dMGQMkeTOlFgXtZMHjmsUgHtCcAIWK

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Fan Wan took his modesty as humility and showered him with more flowery praises, finally asking shyly, “May I also visit Lord Ning’s house to see those ancient books?”FBKbWmzbaXttDRLwNRMUmrXqkyugdm

HIHYJvcolZqhfgX

Ning Rushen glimpsed the shyly revealed fox tail behind him, “Alright.”cvpsUusCDUVVtWMzryQeByvTnAeFQZ

cmmBhnfluyeJXdd

Fan Wan was delighted, “Being friends with Lord Ning is truly—”qjRFHuwGDqKqJCmrguSxXQqIFZTnsM

ZRpoPnnCgkeciIg

Before he could launch into another round of praises, a eunuch suddenly arrived, bowing before them, “Lord Ning, Top Scholar. His Majesty summons the top scholar to the rear.”TgNLupHlpNkoHmASeJLUIULXpyOVcr

eMFLtbFjYDGEaSt

“Yes, thank you, eunuch!” Fan Wan quickly composed himself and, after bidding farewell to Ning Rushen, hurried away.IrDHgjiPXVebzMPPADglQfGJDPFCrI

yzmglDmFdsgXdql

Fan Wan left, but the eunuch did not.ulmoofHSnXxtrcnHdblhwnhleLwhYE

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Once the others were far away, the eunuch said to Ning Rushen, “Lord Ning, His Majesty instructs you to wait in the carriage. Also… His Majesty doesn’t know how long the talk will be, so if you’re tired or hungry, feel free to rest.”LTrAGLDmlrKAKUdNLLyxBAnzfQIyAi

OuykCjyblXmwBHv

“I understand, thank you.”nWeEvRYISBeEfeejRQFslZVcFrSvlT

HUmqpiquvjXJUVK

Ning Rushen nodded and left the banquet hall.XOMpNzLlXVwxiqeqiHiGTOLIHYNbNL

yOWhKHgvhTapBco

…aONNpVAWbThDIfuWSEZjrkjXHckBYN

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Outside the hall, dozens of carriages were lined up along the street.kzVRBfYMRhBfBIatIeeocafOLeCbyL

vvtQbwzllNtvZId

Ning Rushen quickly spotted the familiar green carriage among the white and floral ones. He walked over and nodded to the waiting driver.vFQxwRoLbUIinXGCihWMkOuMKasAJq

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The driver seemed a bit startled, “Greetings, my lord.”dvcCKQpghgNWEEtYGIXFoMbanfnIkt

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“I’ll wait inside.”hjNHkXSjTsCVzjlSRrFoWtcMbExrPR

GVHtdNLvxnMHkyD

Ning Rushen greeted him and lifted the curtain to enter.nAgXqkuNOcBhiJcVavdakqaOZNgJsI

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The interior of the carriage was much simpler than usual, with no low table and just a blanket on the seat. With the curtain down, the light inside was dim, making it hard to see clearly.IcEKvnrleOOqepJlCvRtuvMEwLcKMO

ikrQLHzfZFqUETp

Ning Rushen didn’t think much of it, feeling that such lighting was perfect for sleeping.twnhTNIPDPYzHJMwOYoFhnpAfnKlVA

GZyjhsGhGGDxPMX

Having expended a lot of energy at the banquet and eaten many snacks, he now felt comfortably full and drowsy.OZBHqnBIFXCEBYLBXlYMjuKJeaditB

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… After all, Li Wuting did say he could rest if he was tired.JWHGvFGEVYxeFswgdLBzyWtZCAUjGa

hHIFqyRLmcaIsZt

Ning Rushen’s eyelids grew heavy, and he pulled the blanket over himself, curling into a comfortable position and drifting off.EtGVfjhyWfdVdaifvDcsJJvlEIIFpQ

SIBKQwykTLXWhVH

Outside the carriage, Fan Wan’s driver sat on pins and needles.BylesWPVsiETTuboLuuaOhNsVQNXMD

GHNfbaWboilukmW

Was this arranged with his master?gvkDqbZrEoMkLpJAtROkQFDWyNAZKl

vhIdVJcbthWUyEo

But that was a grand official of the third rank; he didn’t dare ask!MDUGvqSABroJiEUJLQGaYStzZZbvpl

gIVeXNuRNDrCJng

·hNoyVimcfUPndUgLVFmtGpoozHNDtU

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Half an hour later.RyupHomgrRGjmlVFeWsStUbNgQUgLj

JYYiOBfOqkshqxh

Li Wuting finished arranging his affairs. Before him were the top three scholars from this examination. He had no doubt they would handle their new positions well—urvgjEtMUItvtvLDBMRJFGiOsFDiEg

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He was already aware of their abilities from his previous life.SsqGQtsMPDTHgNagiOYkONCkijhUKb

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“That’s all. You may leave.”MRkNTwgBILydrQiRzJNNcpPsNTmolr

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“Yes, Your Majesty!”HFPqEzqkfRCNjDavhxHzkskLLIBrLU

klXfsxFlKBtSXZF

Li Wuting was also ready to depart.KNNAikYhwdHAKUpXNcMPCvtJGcGeaA

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Fan Wan and the others followed the emperor’s entourage out of the banquet hall.HtkkrsNBgdwckqcPRqfcGXJtdpBzGy

JZGSokfmQjQILOx

The other scholars had already left.OPDLoZitGuQNYwiIvdDvSPfrXvwKGF

QjjyXbWXLRsgbwV

Now, only three carriages remained outside, easily distinguishable from each other.EgwOiaQSdhOVhFHyOgmAkSuulevevs

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Li Wuting’s green carriage was parked further away. He always preferred a low-key presence outside the palace to avoid unnecessary complications, with the driver being an incognito imperial guard.WVacMgFgpIjkLnUREoOfeHWdANCWVT

vecNIyeyiSzvsAV

A few steps away was another green carriage.NjihYYwZlfMmhyoHydsDRmBJcfKHNL

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Although both were green, a closer look could tell them apart.weNvtEhmNdBnHHRIMpVuDFbbjqMvIz

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Li Wuting did not hesitate and headed straight for his carriage. With no one else around, he asked:DtfHXZrjgyPrYBKrtTUXODbavgFFQf

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“Did you have someone wait in the carriage?”tGmxcWNKEqIfyuBEOOyZgwezUtjDWR

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De Quan smiled, “Of course! By now, Lord Ning must have eaten all the snacks and had a comfortable nap!”OcsloXqXdlvPVLmtZzfEpxNUYxKHND

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Li Wuting, hearing this, only chuckled softly.hfpKpyBCBurSljyXYBHxkAjwIehTyU

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As they approached the carriage, De Quan hurriedly lifted the curtain, “Lord Ning—”BVfuqiRfwwlxMFKvOdMmlOEpEzlCUm

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The curtain revealed an empty interior. The snacks and blanket remained untouched, with no sign of anyone.AgJClXEJHlWkgxXwgZBXzoFuhDWCLB

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De Quan jolted in shock, hurriedly asking the guard, “What happened… where is Lord Ning?”VlothsTJcXHnvGswRSyxyrtOVOGFCZ

JwVDeGGMnZZKzbt

The guard replied, “He never came up.”oqRffWpgarkXfGcheMqXmmnsLoELSB

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Li Wuting’s lips pressed together in silence.cVtyVcMLBuHXMcopzBLpwEjJnDmhRF

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De Quan, sweating nervously, looked around and suddenly saw Scholar Fan standing by another green carriage, peering inside with a perplexed and hesitant look.bqLDhGHewkOxhZQOHGrDqAhjrQdqqB

ElDuidptWlyYdfZ

“…”LdcQGjLzUeacoVoSucMVSRxAPjMELc

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A foreboding feeling swept over De Quan.MwXaFftRbnfOSmuWXRWLJcKYuPQyLx

LFpfPKUfUfMVCgK

Carefully, he asked, “Your Majesty, do you think Lord Ning could be there?”AgWetumOSOWJbFsdsRpmEInwOgzufG

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Li Wuting followed De Quan’s gaze.AvhTzfJpsFtqgEHLYqdOEmIYAnAGyl

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They saw Fan Wan making conflicted gestures: sometimes reaching out, sometimes turning his head—apparently debating whether to wake the person inside or take him back home as is.GLQRxpvXuksXhUqyozorvaMhUGCEgT

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“…”ANothRRfTQTGNLIeBtWqUoudpvMmQI

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Li Wuting’s gaze darkened.IAxnImoxZJOBMRZfiUQedTxJuHxVWV

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Even the usually astute De Quan couldn’t decide. Gauging Li Wuting’s expression and the situation, he nervously suggested:WJSVxSOXHBwugrSIiMjtoftVDszbrO

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“Your… Your Majesty, should we go to the top scholar’s carriage to retrieve Lord Ning?”xFvIWKTHyQJgWJLAVHijRtvmsJnXVJ

jHFHnYqYwzXPRrq