This official is so weak

Ning Rushen’s hand trembled when he heard this, nearly throwing his short legs out.uoNaCTStzthTPEkQNjUpeJRQKHtydq

FLKkMIiLeidQkOL

He forced a smile, “It’s my clothes that got stained with the incense.”EEZLILlLMfXnpYeDTgGklcAdXcnhlu

zNGVBUxyfoNyAcR

Li Jingyu blinked, “Why would Lord Ning’s official robe be stained with the emperor’s…” A large hand suddenly covered his mouth from behind, “Mmm mmm mmm!”dXTrReHDBpXXsSWYKEriPojBjaKEKn

DFGhGbXtGbFYBOB

Li Wuting stepped forward, eyes downcast, “Li Jingyu.”ugZzjJLjekPyWzHLXvdyLVDqRQKzAh

CPyjUyfDnwzLxbA

Being addressed by his full name finally instilled a sense of reverence in Li Jingyu. He obediently slipped down from Ning Rushen’s arms and admitted his mistake, “This minister knows his error.”eeVWaLqRIHmveQIMCHNjRqOUvHUYEz

BaymuDbxZtoZHPN

De Quan immediately suppressed his bright smile and understandingly said, “This servant will take the little prince to the dining hall.”hgUVezFitsNSlWPPnryJorXGNvEjsd

DNpfYSBhmvJWlVx

A subtle heat arose in Ning Rushen’s heart. He lowered his head to sniff himself, “I clearly aired out my clothes…”IIlHfpdokdgpZSohlndtRxnlmbJpFO

HLNVfyPOTflINOW

As he turned his head, his slender neck revealed a patch of snow-white skin.ThEKZtMIElQuJVLhLgUNCqyoOaHsNd

TZLFBjTDJdRJtOX

His delicate collarbone moved, exuding a faint warm fragrance.dtuOGgRGeNKsBDqLXdNzwUNMvNnukh

trVLDQOenHgAGPn

Li Wuting stood half a step in front of him, tapping his fingers on the desk, “What, do you find my incense unpleasant?”bxPobfITAVRDQWrFCYcMaqWfKyNUeA

bIKwlvgEIzjxavk

He pressed his lips together, “It smells too good. I can hardly handle it.”XxLxsivoZXIQZtpQnBPSFqKpOloiAh

QvhiZoYbyXnJnyT

Without a word, he turned on his heel and left the room, “Follow me.”VNXxYEGbIDKJrQLUFnijPuKhTRxqSr

OosgbRDRCkRGzkY

In the dining hall, all the officials from the Ministry of Rites were already inside, respectfully greeting Li Wuting upon his arrival.QQocJCrIUxuGLrBtFTMHgJZggpQoxW

qzNZrmWtMmEkXMD

Li Wuting said, “Sit as you please, no need for formalities.”SHnogZTIfZzoORBDGQBpDkvyYaVRzc

FTVzOcnzOzeRJdj

As soon as he finished speaking, Ning Rushen darted from behind him and sat by the rice pot, rolling up his sleeves.AVBSPBnUVEusVBDQRIIJSVUenyAPjH

QHpZendykzjockL

“…”RmSErlUcnvNmsRfcpubOFybiTNXDks

EQkutjJCffHqOza

De Quan’s eyes widened, his voice ringing out, “Ahem ahem!!!”fthSbKtdMgwNIoZMgbpMkLkcPCEoOJ

oqAGfpVFjfLsvxL

Lord Ning, can’t you be more mindful?OYWGGITVGNFFvuXjVeHYigelzcausC

VvLsVApRYhwXtWu

Is your rice pot more important than His Majesty?jgjWJfMaLNGoQCiLtaMetrGbksEMXm

QSNTSQmxgUBmwgO

Just as Ning Rushen rolled up his sleeves and was about to dig in, he suddenly heard a familiar warning sound. He turned and met De Quan’s frantic signaling:CEFNnjSiqoetjevqllmayLPmCgFsJL

GvYYIaQpkrahdPl

Remember His Majesty!dpshaRnpMyvpYsQlCQgcLUGnSrbtuO

ZFJyjrIqmxHXNmY

“…”SOGXSpYgCkvCahdyQjMDRfBkaZqCHQ

NODhQAcZgWYkPFv

His gaze swept the room, noticing that the other officials were cautiously seated according to their ranks, surrounding Li Wuting like stars around the moon.SWcJeRzpiprlKKIcdYzxbvzKNsaTxw

digVlYeLVMmhmAc

Only he was left with the big rice pot, positioned diagonally opposite Li Wuting.urkPBUavGDGRpombsIxPKsELvlhTof

IPwGVGXdhRwFjnW

As far as possible.RnKhofbBVoqtDpDGhECOfhgaXvswOl

CCMXTiyRQIlKqOW

Ning Rushen swallowed: gulp.UeOSIuSTZuvGfkdJnlXDcksWcYeYnJ

nWyXrDtoiZZRuJi

What happened to sitting as you please?iCLHaAwFAFpAVubZKSXuJpNlDVpBFu

MVtKeoFSuAVRXYx

In the quiet dining hall, De Quan, Li Jingyu, and all the officials from the Ministry of Rites were staring at him…nIqqETfXyjVzPmghJnUIOTVjBPCVjK

ZFVRWgrMzeVyOXZ

Li Wuting said nothing, only lifting his eyes slightly.QJojnoDPcnKWfXEKughbdDMoAVtNUG

HHXEEHApchVDnVy

Ning Rushen felt a pang of guilt.OHUXClXLrIPQJbKRCPgRwBktEUddDC

kbKEkbRhlVTPcmK

He pondered for two seconds, then had a moment of inspiration. He stood up and filled a large bowl of rice, placing it in front of Li Wuting:zCKnggylsmdWKkBaMZvhtxVnBrGsGb

BaVPfhyWfzzRgWi

“This minister was serving rice for His Majesty.”bhdqihNmhahmKoFtJPToeoZByvTdhd

gQmlvfSpOEUQouy

The bowl of rice was piled high, almost overflowing.KFFawrSFCbHbvUuCZBcsyAEovWBiBY

DMGOpIQKThTUTPz

Everyone fell silent, “…”xGEOrmtmfmRsLpzTfLgrjnMiosgXKN

DeYOYezVvMBbQLt

Li Wuting glanced at it for a moment, “Lord Ning, I don’t even know where to start with this.”hxDWqRkiZZIGFCPdJlWrJpgxiQDGYp

hDUPyIOulbGkZbD

He commented lightly, “It doesn’t look like you’re serving rice, it looks like a challenge for me.”njVzbJnfscJeidWbhlOutREmvtewlo

peVrLNBGBPeLjyI

Ning Rushen: …RemowoROxgvTkUmuAGNwwsCjNvnDbY

MfFINXbedUyJSPI

He lowered his head in shame, “This minister was too reckless. I’ll serve a new bowl for His Majesty.”rTiPaHIqNCXrCcVHMvHDBmVslKraUD

nmOdZgqUmEroRhU

As he spoke and prepared to leave, he was stopped:ITALGrtLlqEsabkJocEFOeaXkfhKUW

YzXIALwWIkhxhhf

“Forget it. I’m not that hard to serve.”FaVWyHRhdcXNpTFvmFeuXNvKgZNubh

dgtmJMgOzCleJej

“?”HeadyTNGESBMGBmnosOOSSUpaYianl

knDIPBIqIMXwSaG

Ning Rushen turned back to see Li Wuting taking an empty bowl and personally scooping half a bowl of rice into it.EZTuyntdlOXLrlvcfPoJyoqNXOBkgV

gQHpLeuecyhgfld

The entire dining hall fell silent enough to hear a pin drop.AtcqMYeRljLpuszRWxecpBygaXwjKB

VZKMHAqColCnzCR

All the officials stared in shock at the emperor’s humble act.cLMGzEFBdTXWKmDQNEqGKXjbYiWXtE

icochPPoDHhHyUn

After scooping the rice, Li Wuting placed the bowl beside himself and said to Ning Rushen, “Eat.”gAUIbTuivVBwqokcLTtJLTWWgcdYov

HecsHKxYbZpgrLj

Ning Rushen hesitated, “But…”iuABrzZMSBmobqfQplwjLOcBCFmkBY

ujwQhxGbWPGjfHj

Li Wuting, “I said, no need for formalities.”pwBXhqNnYgJFCCbVjcujcZDfLcayge

WLjHYjVDrRXwFjN

Ning Rushen swallowed his words and sat down beside him, picking up the bowl to eat:jRSwpcyxMmyWgJVlylffnVRHIiQorL

HwJYUjPlVhgmVmf

But, this isn’t enough for him…DzGljnoBSSqpAljqeLNFbIJfaaZRXd

yRyuZmnTKXVlKpg

As Li Wuting began to eat, the other officials finally started moving cautiously.gvVldTpxuXOOgtPSMSFbEBWWtjmWrw

RWlgNXwDtTQXAXj

From across the table, Li Jingyu glanced at Ning Rushen, then at his own empty bowl:jqHsSpZGGeoXQMbFfewrvqantMHNhH

hmnoCKNKLKiQnoY

As expected, it’s different, and he still wants to fool me.pyJhwjrYLzKQQxebYQDTVEktpBuoSd

WGQMudAZJwHAFmr

After lunch, Li Wuting still had other official duties to attend to, so he took Li Jingyu with him as he prepared to leave.RnjCOTeMSiPkUNiTANUjhEoByfFoml

laqbTNwTuCmJVzn

Ning Rushen escorted them to the gates of the Ministry of Rites.UvysXywAUlxjszhAgCVgICeMGDAcMG

xrsynEiczzuOJKO

Li Jingyu looked at him eagerly, “Lord Ning, I’ve learned a lot today. Thank you for your guidance.”kXocXHHoeYDxgFttDlyQflMDwvasko

AeNtlyKEebYitoF

“……”wLyQLOIWTuDChxhnexkVzWymodQrao

anTyLVWaIMhEIVn

The devil’s whisper briefly surfaced in his mind.XgOqVzkntElgpYalEjpzvlqTUGMdyY

vueQYHVBpDxXMol

Ning Rushen took a breath, “I don’t dare take credit. It’s all thanks to your talent, Your Highness.”uAIcsrsgLKTXatZnqIMyDHBWCPWJFS

UEFewXaytVloXGg

Li Jingyu wanted to say more but was suddenly picked up.cIDXRPZNXItIOEkqbREgZfsEfIUxTh

FkfveZYXqJSCszp

“Ouch!”UgiwVjDtKrJdKWLFHOxSXWrdLUkHPg

vixarYymdEXuRhh

Li Wuting calmly said, “You’ve learned well. As a reward, you can copy your homework three more times when we return.”DeVkDxkUzoAiERYepqEaRNrPcKLxhO

rJMazqRHUAsfhRU

Ning Rushen was momentarily transported back to his student days:GrHxoVqbyRbDijuyjpmRoxysNKqgjK

udVNSONdCALONOO

“Happy birthday, here’s a workbook for you.”NtVNuAImBdOBMMzKzsaZjwYceBBwnO

qThIwXrAaRBHiKb

Royal families, from top to bottom, are truly all dark-hearted.PuIZGiSuvHJrsxzZKfiDQpskVofwFc

mVWGpScMHmquuIS

He watched with mixed feelings as Li Jingyu was carried, sobbing, into the carriage. After a respectful farewell, he suddenly saw Li Wuting lift the curtain and turn back:ZscZpPuOjWjcGHDCLReMIevvAsSwEV

TyPDCZAsPFHTRUF

“Don’t forget the palace examination in a few days, Lord Ning.”UKCIDHERHqjMfAmIddYcVOSqJMDnjf

geBLOFkOiDXfTvH

As he finished speaking, his gaze seemed to linger on Ning Rushen’s official robe.snypMROJhriUCsMODnMexWvnWmANnl

JUCjTIAgVTZZySV

Then the curtain dropped, and the carriage sped away.rSxdfXPNpMMmkNxKGoeCqFpBRUnEmo

bBkBCRQkdOmEvAv

Ning Rushen unconsciously tugged at his collar: He had indeed almost forgotten that the palace examination was coming up in late May.CbXwXobeysZKruXQPcdlwYWNuLeuBG

pLUtQzyrroGnuxt

·EclriEUfQAHECSKHEbYMwLvgQwrHig

jwdmwfrmuHnJIgS

The palace examination of Dacheng was held in Baohe Hall.bucszPgWMJUedWLKGVTKAfTcRypGcO

aqbplsTZzlIREjX

Officials of the fifth rank and above were allowed to attend and observe.TpxBTYvtzlooiXYfKGFNYqDuxeKwWp

drAgYILNxvRRjJI

On the day of the examination, Ning Rushen entered Baohe Hall with a group of officials. The hall was spacious, bright, and grand, exuding the utmost imperial majesty.vTkpZqfkUuoKLHNuPvTTcTZqodIJNx

VqSofGnuCvUJNuv

Officials stood on either side of the hall, leaving the center space open.qCWWqSuOAawoBCgntfpNJBeKGzFvRV

TndTuJPVKKIpBYO

Ning Rushen was positioned on the outermost row, facing the incoming examinees directly.vCpQyUqPwGRFEduFhzeGQDNeUWlbCC

zeeWwWpwCPUFwuF

He instinctively touched his belt:WbDlnTZEDRNGDmXKWJIqOthshCmsFL

tOvDgnnzFJFCAup

Front row seats, too bad there’s no sunflower seeds…yEKxghmjzaLwuVUGuvbuKgaCxdaOmV

hCGdLxWzViGhvbf

Just as he was thinking this, the bell rang with a hum.kQYhLwzNqflNepDpzqeTmFYyqJUpDe

LWQIjLVBQYdzmBs

Li Wuting, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, took his seat above, and De Quan announced in a drawn-out voice:pHXRRuTiiVueHFFVrkJqSyCNqKCGTJ

fARUMooWbRVwFmj

“Announcing the entry of the examinees to meet the emperor—”jhpUZWFdkdKYqVitUcyruqLlGGyLbi

InmGsXtMyFIZmPM

A group of examinees followed the ceremonial officers into the hall.jJYJxKqzVdnymEoofbTZGCpSHtGJDB

JAHcXsTjKSbUXci

Ning Rushen, looking around, saw mostly unfamiliar faces, recognizing only one, “Zhao Shuai,” known for robbing the rich to help the poor. As he observed, he inexplicably felt a subtle gaze on him.qEArfsvQzSuDBAYGiJXRymzEUslrAy

fMiUEqXwfuZtauX

“……?”yZosXTzIjuMPHpOyphSeonRcfMrCoH

RuSdPVRVrwHfsGX

Ning Rushen checked himself: Was his belt not tied properly?SXMzVXxCpTcbSElSTURNXttltaKrto

jGNkSIoznXNFrsf

The vice minister of the Ministry of War couldn’t help but whisper, “Lord Ning, you were the top scholar previously.”OOVNDCObZiXfXfdbtBNSQiHzZpKnam

eYbRLTswbPSbAbB

Ning Rushen suddenly understood, “Oh, that’s right.”fnvmXtKDNywmMZbrXGcDcBWdfAFuXQ

EMqThswwbjyHXJS

The vice minister of the Ministry of War, “……”QmaAsjvZrgbiAPZTJObjeyMqarXCWD

ktRjyfVmHFYqOzI

Everyone in this hall is striving for this, can you not be so nonchalant?MYDRNWhzQnFNKOimaapjyhWSsjdQcT

XWSKQuVEPTlqutY

Opposite, some wanted to curse but held back.HmjOUeXciKZLiIgvokysCfQRdJHbzd

zpQsbvqKfZhGhbE

Ning Rushen didn’t explain further: He was no longer a top scholar, just Li Wuting’s sharp, fragile knife.jvENBiBnPjrkPXwyLAooxtqzcXoLMf

DowuKmxqpfjgLrM

…ZnMJjHJpCmPBZMRUdTLsIdmBWHrNnY

wMSpUkUxEjhBbRV

Before the examination, there was a series of elaborate palace rituals.qaTqAJjUlbotESvdmQDEpPprUZXTvC

gujxaexqXYbPQvN

Finally, the examination began.yeTOSOinXmjhaAAcRNsWlvNCJLXBTK

RTZhwqngIdcJuOo

Li Wuting, seated above, selected examinees based on their papers for questioning.kBmZyiodsVVhBgtkqFxDzvhCqRvKub

uXMohpVxCEQfDbx

Ning Rushen listened to the recitations of classical texts and policies in a daze. After an indeterminate time, just as he stifled a yawn, he suddenly heard the sound of paper shuffling stop.PFWZYhoBtdbNYuFCkuNPyZNlVgWdtg

wiarXYiGGrUwMnF

Li Wuting’s cold voice dropped, pointing out three examinees in succession: “Evaluate the official appointment system of Dacheng.”VgRKptzyjWgYxhyayoIYubRyHAmSXZ

iooDXYXLngjJFTM

Everyone in the hall was instantly stunned:MPyFYoEkSfxiPDJSjVYDpzhaqtSzzO

QTptUPLzdTHNIoX

Three at once?aelPZBuAAuhWTByHpnfSbWupWUkhDG

mKvphrGjCzsWtoY

And on such a critical topic!WUJvFRhYfJPVZfqGvChQhWyINqPhNL

DUqgMMndAYlknKD

Ning Rushen was immediately alert, looking up at Li Wuting.SxqJVEqkslKwJGwYXOWOVHThmkvvNh

WIfVUIYxEtdepAb

Li Wuting showed no emotion, merely watching the three examinees who stepped forward. They were already sweating profusely, losing their composure before even speaking.OTeIHpriJmIjYrisuNDpVzNOCymPII

iZJxOevISkITBNR

After a few moments, one examinee cautiously began to answer.WYEGuqGUHiYbfRiRMVSRxGOxeLlGhM

ErshKlEoSmTwaQG

Ning Rushen found the voice familiar but couldn’t place it.CeLSQNhHYixJyeXggwFudJFcZLPlXd

fYYxjNUvazwitJH

As he observed, he noticed Geng Yan across the hall frantically signaling at him with wide eyes, nearly bursting, his hand in his sleeve.lFfsQcbwedPdRNXYsXagXmhSANtOma

wVzPeaxpxXUFCJh

Ning Rushen: …?gsTMFQCIJUpqnEAqXnOariUmXGyWOE

gywaPYeQaqZFVsl

What madness was Geng Yan up to?uQCjRxxRsPAmYszRsWECbSytsMNlAg

NmrFaaemZhZZdJd

Just then, the examinees finished their answers.FdrhneWWZlYhpRoLncGwGutMvqesFq

EHeQwRpxbphpIFC

There was a brief silence before the emperor’s voice, calm as ever, broke it, “Really? Do you not think our dynasty’s selection process should favor those with refined qualities and elegance?”iyRSISAbDsTFWAhKoIlKZKuLLuLENO

JKvMQYSvCYqjcDq

Ning Rushen’s heart skipped a beat!lkeXKKtsIolRHvOaGYUKvygFPwuZUq

kXqvvvOAPUViGyw

The examinees in front were also stunned, their faces turning pale as they knelt, trembling, “Forgive us, Your Majesty! We spoke nonsense… Please have mercy!”RTnLPyvdcyRkFMLxNQlDYLQTgNIAnB

YIJYkllTPFGoxvO

Ning Rushen suddenly remembered:WMThAPlAEYzvNDXDfrGSxbDLzxmNOu

YYuGuXjMpjIMmSA

Weren’t these the ones who had previously gossiped about him being chosen for his looks?TXRtWvuAUNopoFMCzJVmREdJNxbwhd

RgJPvXgLjCKwaQO

He glanced at Geng Yan, who winked flamboyantly at him: Remember now?rtmSLmpAYcCfOoyDKTbazFkKIcFwSn

AYbOMGFwPPGeQKU

“……”ZyqGIdYgDGOhYiJHVbPvCIsDsSkFIQ

ALoYgdHiixsxKnD

It seemed that the shovels were being used to lift tiles.UvojFvdYIwSNzGMxyAQrUZhJWWCZCq

XntLDxSLABrbHCR

An unexpected incident had occurred during the palace examination, leaving everyone guessing. Although no one knew exactly what had happened, judging by the Emperor’s reaction, it was likely that these people had failed.QHZTyccEQSjHmbOjXPFSVfgCVyLyKO

PKItbwSHqXHdrEa

The best outcome would have been to retain their status as tribute students and send them off somewhere.vaOjYriFLREisqtBzRtSAKYRqxJjHv

urcyZzblBxTdFAo

Geng Yan had made gestures to Ning Rushen: “Vent your anger.”QlazKwpblygzFbjGrPDQkrXpslstiM

WNjjNeoSSdJfytz

Ning Rushen had mouthed: “Dream on.”xioEptYRhiVcgqLxWmOfHXJSWqZwXr

qYSAQckCSkKXFLL

Geng Yan: …piNYGiIMzIrRNUjTelvleiYxGwvCRs

HNZzVeNzFOqETpR

Ning Rushen had turned away and ignored him. This complicated little dog was always thinking about unrealistic things.rMUXEyPOpCgjztkjfGxyNjjfFesLIa

OhtzsenGeeukCdr

Li Wuting had always been impartial.aYSujIPEXZWWyqtmbdHgocFWBqeUbS

BicMsxlJHVwulVc

Moreover… he had glanced at the immovable figure above: they had no personal feelings involved.HFXVCXNyUconLkWNSlfDRdjquQdQxY

WrVSPxlaFTABooz

—OMrznjQqxtNMSGPrnJXqQpHlcvFbSa

RNmodsgeFRCkhGH

The palace examination had finally ended.JokcEvosHjlrAbzxXjHpqKFmgfoKhE

BwoKgiJRzdpMORz

Li Wuting had personally appointed the rankings from the top scholar to the others: “Tribute student Fan Wanwen, talented and outstanding, will be the top scholar; tribute student Zhuang Qin, will be the second place; tribute student Qi Siy, will be the third place.”OaBCuUutBXjVOaKaXAFKnyAupHuYTV

AsnoZpKnCJmJLCn

The top three were set.wmLCrNOvccexrhcVfgdKkCBbvRbZua

WeNVYszzsKZXaip

Li Wuting had also assigned several positions and instructed the Ministry of Rites and the Hanlin Academy to make arrangements. The four examination banquets would be held on another day.ygwNPCgbPxJIQWhbVVkqlNzqYGZQqT

ZMIrAAVSmijsLpd

With the palace examination dismissed, Li Wuting had left.otdCGnULrpUTuKvAKIKKOCJgLWHOjm

DDwNlfXnnbZrwFZ

Ning Rushen had reflected on the names just announced.EvNJJppoXUcDpfGDnkOBEXvAGEOHmE

HiTjhtBqlgSKIKH

A scene in the imperial study flashed in his mind:ZAIbxDbIOpwHpjYTkpmGDjEcpJhabw

zsGFjLVTYkDWyGP

After the last list of candidates had been released, he seemed to have seen red marks next to a few names at the top. The top three this time seemed to be among them?YREsEXPWYxEdzSCVdNgFHGXdrMtqxM

zNANtWwgEbqjYpF

Ah, no. The memory was vague…gxbMWEThBQuUGMNMoaHHKKNdeaxxlF

JFJZOjFSzRbOorA

As he struggled to think, Geng Yan had suddenly rushed up to him, “Ning Chen, you say—”VSJFAOgcfEcLBhqpBvrWsaONEgAOWe

fGWrheHZXlHHbCk

The sudden loud volume had immediately disrupted his thoughts.IiLnCieJFcbdoCwtJJdUAMGnIPsNYg

TNgfHPmTHeeZWFi

Ning Rushen had pushed his face away, “Your voice is so loud.”ukyFAtqvcOcbqeEQQApRoepebOuEei

HvPwwxjyTLfOIbT

Geng Yan was as energetic as a lunatic. “Got some free time?”zOcLBhcyzOUSFlUzajbXplrpzBPJbg

sktEKvXJPvceZVg

“No,” Ning Rushen thought of the three who had just been dismissed. “I need to see His Majesty first.”yVKXWlixmrrSbrxwTybYqTUtwniRLL

wLvTTEqtunvTzuG

“Oh, oh, oh! Of course, of course~”DpSzpWpaYtivXOGxugBvXpegsBUump

MnRAjRCBfopHTJZ

“…”hlbrVfdJGMimmEQhMeMIkrRxejtnGy

QPDKAYAIYHeQrhT

His hands itched badly, wanting to twist that dog’s head off.bCxDsaUvhWXyIrCoIJNCFaUqAZHDGk

LgTYORpeCVoaesm

After bidding farewell to Geng Yan, he followed the path to the imperial study.SIUaYpmEhxqkrYyBpSZHupYnvSmVpG

hcqxIJdKptfODFA

Upon entering the imperial study, he saw Li Wuting, who had just washed his hands, drying his fingers with a handkerchief.aDpIpZwfmsOFKXpXAMJfutnXIBRedO

CdVPaVqVxDadvRW

The tall and upright figure, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, seemed to have descended from the clouds right before his eyes.WnfhvxGhwmStyziBaeuDLymvaGbsLS

DVwvxdwvQoMvQhG

Ning Rushen leaned in, “Your Majesty.”nEThdPFmvDtshQAkDWXNBphmEFILEW

SKzuxTfpEzotBMq

Li Wuting glanced at him. “Why are you stretching your neck like that?”abpZWAsMkvWCGlpfmPJNhcBkbQcDLn

JEASQhaugBdURUW

“…” Ning Rushen pulled back. “Listening to the Emperor’s edict.”YCOoVolwDfjVrGrmmhjxpGCwbljThh

pVFOFDnXsNATGZo

Li Wuting settled into his seat behind the imperial desk. “What does Ning Qing wish to hear?”vBbVFfWIRItffXuGXLIcOnLazAUUBH

cEbEuqyDphSNglu

Ning Rushen prepared his words. “The three people at the palace today, did they commit some other offense?”VwBFyPUAAmehgLYhxCrEYqEHmyoGym

cCuTqOTZasCbGof

“Why do you ask?”gGHKutpFWnbysaUmaWtnJerWdqShlE

rwLmGyOXhEQCBKX

“If there was no other issue, why did Your Majesty dismiss them?”GHokFAJxllKjzsIZgMKKBvFtHsQaqP

hVxpGerKwSafLda

After asking, the room fell silent for a moment.VzhoGLhMPMZVONRbXyOOmFIkOLUnzN

SzybNjAIjMcLtAU

Then, Li Wuting looked up, his tone calm and unhurried. “Does Ning Qing not know why?”UwJRLNXIYuUXcWWbFwVNjGbadBniev

DFcGCyAgaeOFxgB

Ning Rushen met his deep gaze, feeling inexplicably unsettled. He touched his nose. “It couldn’t be because they discussed me, could it?”xNLHUVpXzXalqNgGpYNvfoSPklxYIy

qomleUnyFwbcGpN

“Zhen…”GvTAkxqKSWRArWSxSBiKlFoyQNvZFr

DaOnHwnwMiIYubQ

Li Wuting was about to say something when he suddenly stopped.qpgpVdOSlRISrrFfEhluuQDniVkhFp

MFzHKydSJzbloNR

He stared at Ning Rushen’s uneasy face for a moment before curving his lips into a mysterious smile and said:jcyHJoSqVetDvNAKbOCcZDmUHpeeUZ

KUIsIhXkgwcIvzK

“Oh, why not?”IKqDqlBexykKUSlojFVnhXxUkwRugC

SOvWbOWtaZHtYGr