This official is so weak

Li Wuting stood still for a few seconds before walking toward Fan Wan’s carriage.ulHZeInWwGgEnvbTZjQojVNwFySTVr

kvwLQGoXwjHgGEG

Over there, Fan Wan was brooding when he suddenly saw the emperor approaching with the head eunuch, De Quan.aQGRaHErzoxgKADMHnFemZsjWRTFfU

BNYinbCpprgvgkQ

Startled, he quickly got off the carriage to pay his respects, “Your Majesty!”KvBEEXpjQtxkBWcnmOmjRmovZmAeES

VRkjFFRDTWisgch

Fan Wan, fearing he had done something wrong, was about to inquire when he noticed Li Wuting’s gaze passing over him and landing on the carriage behind him—VBUhTwnMFgtXKLpNUPaVlPLSQhNZYq

VkadqIQSJZeLsVR

Ning Rushen, wrapped in a blanket, was sleeping soundly, curled up in a ball, with a flush on his face.lPWomgSeklQQJlhocSQLYJAYlGYDYT

xWRmdqxnehNWLmN

Fan Wan was completely at a loss, not knowing how to explain to the emperor why Lord Ning was inexplicably in his carriage and sleeping so soundly. He hesitated with his words:RVuCWjTlwwpomwYfcJFrZDgUFRIRdR

DfxmChmbkAJZcOI

“Uh, Lord Ning… came up to rest…”LUakGEGDDcwdnVnusxGoUXZsHgHEjQ

XBCJnBzcTZmEPfJ

With each word he said, the emperor’s face grew colder, until his voice gradually faded.dBAPPkQqidAJsmdebIOWildjVrAWEM

tIacUhSkhSLCHqR

He was utterly impressed with Ning Rushen: the emperor was right next to him, and he could still sleep so soundly.msqOrNJEfZBrUSXMmQsCYdtuPJvTPB

gmkPStFyGuhpRrl

De Quan couldn’t help but whisper: “Ahem…!”QwMFFnSAtRFjNRWejVkKNxTxWaxEYc

GjQaNHaQGAOrfZB

The cold air combined with the faint warning finally gently roused Ning Rushen from his deep sleep.nOEHZyQuoBPkzOtwbLAHKAfGuNHWWg

nJgdvXYSPLCtKJO

——He opened his eyes to see Li Wuting and De Quan standing outside the carriage, along with a sweat-drenched Scholar Fan.WFdasbivpVRJIOygrvAlRXtbbAnPDH

uNjweQDukByeaoZ

Ning Rushen, now somewhat awake, greeted, “Your Majesty.”zqweBmptVyrFonHwrRolYLKSHtUJTX

jmyKPlmDgToqKEX

He then sat up and peeked out, still wrapped in the blanket, “Is Scholar Fan coming with us too?”omZPUDcICMcKguIAkCuGJEBhLAUMvr

vSKuROYSbhazEOx

Wait, what does “coming with us” mean?UMSXAFpUNWHgeRtJeEIuGDBLdOwicv

IJAkJWWPVyQcgov

De Quan couldn’t stand it anymore and reminded him angrily, “Oh, Lord Ning! You got on the wrong carriage, hurry and get off—oh, and return the blanket, don’t keep His Majesty waiting any longer!”AJFhMQXfMCxCFuecMOGdjDdDjEIHpT

cVrlwPWeNjtvhmN

…Got on the wrong carriage?BttKpbnFcjffYOzClKIxwXYPBPgntK

LVdfMFLPnXeykHp

Damn! Ning Rushen jolted awake completely.cgfYfDzLCncYcGZAziFYPRKMVGjbvb

oPxAKEniVCnitwE

…CIBGwhgCzdQlmLpGczlIzdwlJQGhGE

fwCdWrcYDAsPnCa

He apologized to the bewildered Fan Wan.ypoujnnsopScveUbJYByseTtTYRnxn

XythNQqQTxauKJI

Ning Rushen hung his head and followed Li Wuting onto his carriage: Come to think of it, it’s not entirely his fault… There were so many carriages parked outside, and he only saw the green one.TCSwjTtVVhCiqUptyKtnJYOuHmJwpw

PzVkxmZSswxDdUJ

Back in his student days, didn’t he also get on the wrong bus?fTdLVAxpIRleCMggWQyISucrKEpnyJ

HzcqItISFHKChHt

Just as he was about to slide into his seat, he heard Li Wuting ask:WtSFPNMfcroKctgFowJRAbnBBiYdBl

CxzkDUvTujzoCYH

“Did you sleep well?”lZcgCAADiQfwAgpqutHVhqRDicgBMz

fmGIaNcuYrCqquN

“Well…” Ning Rushen started to respond but then, rare for him, a sense of caution arose, “N-no, not really.”WoaluYGclRFcTsUyUGWUjjtDTTRUqx

iwQhlqZcBoSaSVM

Li Wuting, “Oh, why not?”foQKfmKlQUZNNcRJGfaTmLDOySOfUr

gtaUennZSNbhuaK

Ning Rushen slowly slid next to him, “It’s not as restful as Your Majesty’s carriage.”QxtOOquokIUCVTIGeYduLicBAnLtTQ

dSsRDObaXaSNEYq

Sorry, Fan Wan, didn’t mean to put you down.iSubnMaMRQQQPTGqflvsRaUIxmlfiR

SRjjfvogRfafNKC

It’s just survival instinct.xAfCfkeahHaDdQSOVtEteLNHwHDrsu

pmHlDKwOqrLdWLq

Li Wuting’s stern expression softened a bit.PeTndMVJahhNbasbahXYMcpAqtsgVI

iiBmqNeqCtrBjCh

He gave an order to move out and then carefully examined Ning Rushen’s face:fOHkILzZkuVaHybgZWhOxPUTEezzlW

CBLtYeorOBjltyX

“You’ve got marks on your face from sleeping, and you didn’t wake up even when I called you. You still call that not sleeping well? Then in my carriage, how much better can you sleep?”graiqcgvcgmfGvEWSkODbwaIyUkeze

aNGfTjOlGsDlLLV

Ning Rushen steadied himself in the swaying carriage, “Your servant could sleep through even if Your Majesty hammered on me.”DasuCNaOaowILqEuQAHUqEUJYoecpK

paZYTsxYVWSOYXQ

Li Wuting, “…”MJhcevKcSuLdUGRsCtmzQffdZGaxYQ

VrlsbxGdKUYsoFP

After a moment, he said softly, “Then you might never wake up, Lord Ning.”NzbiftyBzZAMAUbYmtfpTElDsqJwJd

kqRlAWuCTPRfmDe

Ning Rushen shrunk his head in embarrassment.EqqNHqGbXwRowsUSweYuMSrHnfNuyB

wSuLBhAzKonvFUE

·sFQspsgXRzxuixWuzboqrPoIzSczVf

WmQMSvSbzGVjZns

The carriage moved forward.soGMbDFnUoxTWyVNHurUzjMjUWFRSz

RhRJBJdTHObAJHc

After that comment, Li Wuting didn’t speak again, and the atmosphere in the carriage grew heavier than usual.KtwChPMvqlKcJKfpDBSKZBMLyzFEnr

SdJITPtvHFUshxq

Ning Rushen glanced at him: What’s wrong?BeqByPQxEyejKvqdMiPJGSvWlMVoyZ

aUcgULomFhngLFD

Hadn’t he already admitted his mistake and returned?ydIlUNXiGmyPMRxWfUCKdehDKuUhKF

EUxWznUsoHOAXTN

Could it be that he felt embarrassed by getting on the wrong carriage? But, wasn’t it himself who was embarrassed…DayqBPWYjktFlQjOZlCscoefctsiUq

NsxIxKcmNTfFEVi

Ning Rushen touched his nose and looked to De Quan for help.mwelDcAIaFkzzcIaGvCmMwqZaEAWpF

cjwJdCLeSPenNxY

De Quan gestured towards the pastries on the table, the blanket on the seat, the incense in the corner: Look, these were prepared for you by His Majesty. That shabby… green-curtained carriage couldn’t compare, could it?eTsYeAqOZatVdpHoikcyMueCTmmYrd

xWQYAiqBCOTqglV

His Majesty’s carriage isn’t like any other carriage!gXpTASDcUOcFCztAjpevTxofAArHhM

LcdIUjRqpEcASrz

And you got it wrong! Ugh!CJjNEwoHtvKXaiyTBOEyqMONCdUEps

ZvHMNtiDZJxblVF

Ning Rushen, “…”mPuUQkCQTOSDccVnSNPMMLQhDcfIPP

nwTSkTPaFgGKdWn

So he was mad that Ning Rushen couldn’t recognize this noble carriage.NlxzVKwCSqiImfdTApXUmOMwKWDoTA

AtKYejhfvOZTVIF

Ning Rushen murmured, “Your Majesty, I understand my mistake. When I came out, there were too many carriages parked outside, and I was dazzled. Your Majesty’s carriage is certainly different from the others.”kNIuiVUNoAOwDjxKnQgnIzdGtgOkRJ

LOoYtlwqjhKOAzR

“Oh.” Li Wuting finally spoke, “How is it different?”oHUdLNuZrABcJXvarWyUiqHBMuifLP

lUUnokRChkmdkBk

“……”oawDLDiZEcdllprqAjOszlMLPlVDZq

NhhIiXwgrjIyTww

Ning Rushen was suddenly stumped by the question and looked around furtively:hbqiHutnoJGCEIFxItTnAhdoYbkRrv

xRHYLlIKjKDhrUh

“The carriage curtain is green, the cushion is green-gray, the carriage walls are silver-gray. There’s a blanket, a low table, and De Quan…”UlKTroJNATdLwrNKczyrJWoNeMgdYF

YQWBOPcTgVXWAQG

“Heh.” Li Wuting sneered and completed the list for him, “And two windows, a carriage curtain? Lord Ning could be even more perfunctory with his answer.”vrxtgsbHeNSRkJkFvAYaeSXWphXVHl

BXbTveNhDJDkjcQ

Ning Rushen: .fGpksvGqBRbHfwBfGzmQkCINwqmNuF

HsbQGGuzzVgcxxr

Seeing that the emperor’s anger was not diminishing but increasing, he resolutely made a guarantee, “In the future, even with my eyes closed, I can recognize Your Majesty’s carriage!”cBMVHpeZoDbmLyGKNUSMHYAlUtBMVy

RPspDPEgpUeMtua

There was a silent moment in front of him.qasGPMEGmKwMSsrpghVNLPTPEajlwv

qFnpJGAWqvFxbWA

“Recognize it with your eyes closed?”MIYuDLhpUzhcZyjGKRbIusRvFoVeZi

lSqUTpDplvwppnY

With a swish, a two-finger-wide silk ribbon was pulled from the lid of the food box and fell in front of him.oAnDPcOnMWftIAjkOPfqjgjcVTZFnM

YKLysIAQyYxBzuJ

Ning Rushen: ?yZNSIKYPMdZPiNFGYrDLXaPXfdeHwy

hWOkplCjvgRdFCC

Li Wuting looked at him seriously, “I want to see how Lord Ning can recognize it with his eyes closed.”hbNnnIkslngyNChHnQrEdnpTwOlmuW

POSuTlboYKZbUvN

Ning Rushen, “……”UOXFMIeoiQfrOgXwzPwkMBloSnAiCT

GUzxNgOuTltyRxx

No, he was just exaggerating.JjIPPWEfPQrohyoqyvLcMwwTnCgOLL

TmOmtBhESSUdniA

Li Wuting was still waiting expectantly.mMhsWLrLaCoDVIVhOYOXqCRkemugwd

BWYQtvyptPwXMDw

Ning Rushen swallowed, paused for a moment, and then reached out to take the ribbon and blindfolded himself.MGmUjWHEaNMRMJWEwIkJCPMdhyFsHt

yVSVRFqSMIbCiik

The cool, silky texture made him shiver slightly. He then heard the low voice in front of him say, “Recognize it.”TvGxogIGPNQWegXxsJLCQfSNTMwlMo

gOxrQjONWwTlxDC

“Yes…” Ning Rushen’s heartbeat inexplicably quickened.JbsjZjqHdrMbwuDVEtWACuaJpcTXEM

JcrVYRAslKbMNHR

Without sight, his other senses became more acute.dayQPHwDKhyEOqeSIuNxUtfrhgIIVG

ajtSlukQLAzeQWf

At the same time, he felt a sense of insecurity.abBQOEPCOecYjFhHGWpYYNJRAHkzac

GHcuKWbvCmfnuDh

Ning Rushen first tentatively touched the cushion under him. The fine, soft fabric revealed the hidden texture of the embroidery, making him realize that the seemingly simple cushion was intricately crafted.PBGQHxZTAcntSFwBNCeuInXPPhvMwt

VnYQufhLoGVzWfU

He then moved from the cushion to the carriage wall.BeeYpVqQfHNHWIdfUyTrWopXYOqbOh

lMgUzbDcZDdTQxT

The firm wall didn’t seem to be wood but was covered in silk, meticulously detailed.NjGJWjhbBUCajFWDyizKrFOaXRRDZk

phwinzHNpogMSHi

It truly was different from other carriages…WKujzRrpJeLvtAsekaBtyYSPUvXXPd

WeNRVmmbGHvsRKI

Ning Rushen carefully explored his side inch by inch, knowing that Li Wuting was sitting nearby. He deliberately avoided exploring in that direction.buiulsaZMIqpzGEzShUTivWVvGrKZa

cEorSKpokejeMLM

“Have you recognized anything?” Li Wuting suddenly asked.nqqLoXQltLhChXiSlFiXEmDdBSxWXR

YeJvEEFItuXJzuR

“The cushion and the carriage wall both have hidden patterns…” Ning Rushen replied in the direction of the voice.MgQCIPFeNtwlCaBzXkLItPZUCqdyKB

typBsWUTXGBxKVU

One hand was still propped on the side, and because he was speaking, he subconsciously tilted his chin up.rNsqcSkfjmKuAcxARlIwehyjvcOlyb

coJrBAVatltzpRh

The obscured vision blurred the distance between them.geliTBAxdrtnVgljcEcuNENapnctgo

mVDrKZdkrEJBgLO

Li Wuting looked down at the person who had leaned closer.KmwCalOnXeUotNGfYreBqPBJWVGDuO

qJqroVYvdIqIYqq

The black ribbon covered his eyes, leaving only the straight nose and slightly parted lips visible. The combination of pale skin, dark hair, and red mole made his face strikingly distinct.HxvsHoHvwFBYqgMDvNWRYDsCoKSZMi

VLaRLfUmvQcurus

His voice deepened, “And what else?”SbozzzUpmkNXPToMOKjPMSxIcMPCPp

LPGkdxdJFmyizJq

“The… the carvings on the table corner…”LswLcyBJjXUcLLCpwmJoWwvInNEkLe

VKKULvYZlwjqWFC

Ning Rushen’s hand groped along the edge of the table.PofxmYnhzsNrouOOZkSqUrGPMLThVl

kJRamxZFrRHNeqI

He focused on not touching Li Wuting, unaware that he was about to fall into the emperor’s arms.nekYVbvPLdWhcnqNWoEMqrfCAMpXXK

tfgaubRIJFCaPqH

De Quan, kneeling in the carriage corner, peeked discreetly and couldn’t help his racing heart: Lord Ning looked like he was unknowingly throwing himself into the emperor’s embrace…jWtpvvQYFKeODYfMHtUDOnnQMVZSNK

wphyKeCgYMNPykR

With the carriage swaying, Ning Rushen stumbled forward.OaoJVzWYAFbATKDINlOfsFMJUZbKLv

ZrdafBnsYUbrvJU

A large hand suddenly caught his shoulder just before he collided with Li Wuting—startling Ning Rushen! He moved his hand forward, touching something firm and warm.dSXbcZKDzdgratEGIdWfGlfdbydpjX

GOLrsvPgewtCdFj

The hand on his shoulder quickly pulled him back.gyPUGaxUMwTqkkloPlaRdzNVNxDcKJ

bSGCzMGvjykmGgv

Cool air rushed in again as Ning Rushen hurriedly pulled off the ribbon from his eyes, his heart still pounding:QrHHfyqSieTUbwJXBczXIbmHBWLpOY

WxfHPCmrvQWOcpo

“Your Majesty?”FhYPVIOVfcbsMhFKLTpoESVthiMQRC

OZysCtsdUksfBee

“Sit properly.” Li Wuting remained indifferent, “You’re about to push me out.”QzpOZtFxjcXpHSZYDQoOAlXnBnKSJF

dmmlLcBrxrJhJyQ

Ning Rushen, “……”iACFQlBXoCwAfVqxCmbpmpxKIqufjM

CSAYdIsLGItbHrp

He wasn’t! He hadn’t even touched him.egbZDjYZyvbaJikONiyyHZqZHoxKGW

GKTLwEwCHTUflAp

Push with what, his 1.8-meter presence?gEzoBObcfbqcbUlgVprJqAegIMbGIT

yosnXSKsGZOGkVs

Li Wuting seemed to understand his expression, his gaze falling on Ning Rushen’s fingers, “Are you recognizing the carriage or me?”XvSeLLDnvRSboXDNSdeJTuVvCOcEBS

wVdHRtuftIDQbvH

He was referring to the touch just now.LHnhcuyCDcJNBKXHAiXltCZxHMWhoq

BgXSBGhhgjspFst

Ning Rushen thought Li Wuting was exaggerating but, knowing he was in the wrong, he decided to placate the emperor:oJPtcenJsSYEXylRnFpxjpQYkRBsIJ

YnQlitNmQsahatQ

“If I recognize Your Majesty, then I recognize the carriage.”smmaHqRkjRaAiUeUlCWzsqIuwzOoJy

OHjnezHFVFDLwhn

Li Wuting paused at his words.EMazujGIMfzlEDByNYzmJPECNrHSxo

xhVHYBiicYjeygK

Just as Ning Rushen thought he would be scolded for being perfunctory again, he heard the emperor’s voice soften:LskZjMvaJYUZIJQhJgfWhhqXKtGyvM

bQAVBKxWsUAWxFF

“Now you can recognize it.”ICjtHszJkYJVljOqMUgpQfotVZxCJg

gBQxOTIyHmkuHni

“……?” Ning Rushen blinked.GcUzSqfcAYIDjDhpcBvdSnYZHDBION

itbuprWHHpMDGcz

Li Wuting moved on, gesturing to the food box, “Are you going to eat? If not, De Quan will throw it away.”mEVkyrMKbzcHMDfZccYWvGBFsNIhuV

vYdSaWUphJiZpVs

Why waste good food!TSTzElVGDbaJjhCNjMAypCRVADNTVq

VDyCKEAjpPfrqOH

Ning Rushen quickly dragged the food box over to himself, “I’ll eat.”oZceMpOyGDsxoMrIOBghYYEUtDBjXh

LtDnDMDVlzdVcGK

Li Wuting tossed the blanket onto his lap before sitting back and closing his eyes to rest.TcZjjrQAymWGXnKfNFXXLLdLOZTsyM

IUEfgPJoulGUVeq

Ning Rushen draped the blanket over himself and nibbled on the snacks in the now serene carriage.UJZesmdbHSqtAPzCgmfcRFnvYubnhZ

suVxIYzEmkAhvvc

Halfway through eating, he suddenly recalled:MqOsGsHihVhYCtmnSdYJnbtCEBdKHQ

RRfcCQblCneoCVa

…Why did Li Wuting ask him to wait in the carriage for half an hour?oVwFIMkkUIRUHAeFDbFJkIjMBbZyag

sgUzFQUZNCkrlet

After the Qionglin Banquet, the newly inducted scholars began to assume their respective duties.poiZKEfMyrziPuMWcNwexhXfMHRPVI

aegquWbAYPXWfvd

With more hands available, some were assigned under Ning Rushen, significantly lightening his workload.FZehUdLSdBPhSvqrqNohJDoquiYTUU

SHvOJcIsTrdbrji

As the imperial examination period concluded, Huo Mian and the Dingyuan Army, responsible for the military examination, were also set to return to the northern border.qznIUHoEhRjXDiIlBEOywaQmFKKtqK

BuxBFwrINLTtblm

The Dingyuan Army departed hastily.fWLqiXhWCCkQZZqxAGHtfzRvSajHgH

RsOjuvChffrdeSK

When Ning Rushen returned home from work, he found out that Huo Mian and his men had already left, but had sent some gifts: a small knife from Huo Mian, along with various items from other personal guards, including food and playthings.YMoVLDGMBEuUyeUubvRkYEWQOfydoI

BQauMCwoDzqoBSs

A large pile of items was laid out on the table.qbxYTpqbSljAqRMeETgEdTJcdRZbfe

ZbvJWzrbrjSoSCr

Looking at them, Ning Rushen felt an inexplicable pang of sorrow.TrivVlkgHlmtYVAmTWAjZEMctasuNs

nDYOjNOPpgkglvM

He fiddled with the items for a while, thinking: the men were already far away, and it would be too late to send a return gift.CtXYqITnaRNWfnzcdMroWGuiOMJEVI

JXKyirjXyIpxeYP

“Parting is inevitable,” Yan Min comforted.XkZPZEyRqxjBBjrGBosRJCleieGzIu

VOVANneEBfbAwkm

“But I must repay the brothers’ kindness in some way.”fWIZdeSWAKgySvvNuQernQpABfwDWH

OaecrcmRMSEnBuY

Ning Rushen sighed softly, then walked to the pigeon cage and melancholically grabbed a gray pigeon. “Think about it, only you can make it in time.”LIObrwHhDvdvsVAiRvHSBXsMnIbOzi

dVuLIKCxodMIFtH

Yan Min: Hmm?uuzxDlZDCzQrfjHRSMaWHWlbvKVRrD

IMbQCGIryAHvXrE

Gray pigeon: ?PapnNRbuTizcyZOMBdHZbebjPRVicu

XjyuhAOftlOjRSq

Ignoring the wide-eyed stares from both Yan Min and the pigeon, Ning Rushen wrote a letter to Huo Mian, named the plump pigeon “Gray Fertilizer,” and then tossed it into the sky along with the letter—uSWbwDgkntPhwKsrQhKqAEMAqvvypB

jQyOJxzlgIOqpwE

He told the pigeon, which was trying to return to the cage, “If you come back, I’ll cook you. If you flee to Huo Mian, you might have a chance to survive.”jSXYfRnHlQdAHjxMDKcSponEHymFPH

NKrHCzDKsaqtpRF

With a flurry of feathers, Gray Fertilizer flew off in a panic.NLAHINUAYmVQAAnAVyFSjDRELTjtqs

UfhPeXFwswRuZeV

…kBrbbQxhGiWZdPHaumENzHpdpRdNSR

dXYuuMEfuAWUppV

The next day, Ning Rushen went to the Imperial Study for duty.vqpbgqGZBbwJrRbWTzoSXJTjAJnrVF

rKaUdKHsUFhCXLz

As usual, he rolled up his sleeves to grind ink for the emperor. After a couple of strokes, he heard Li Wuting’s indifferent voice:HZQDnxSZjMzyNTvOcxJToAYptxBqHn

eAKDpRZWFqmpZuK

“I heard Lord Ning sent provisions to the Dingyuan Army?”pKjnlQZyvpqJhZNDvWtPMUrQYbgiqO

fZTZlpjqfzJHnPB

“…… Well, that’s one way to put it.”noGGoGgxkmTnOKFEnrUBcOPfwjvGSq

hyXBCHiBFlzOWqh

Ning Rushen sheepishly corrected, “Just a small token of appreciation.”nNfnsdvKzWfldOtoutMOSlsSvGKJby

YWuuOzhfwiFGctc

It might not even be eaten.RRYKQekfSDqDEQBoqktdcbflPcskFH

UgWCNRBnBVNfmxI

Li Wuting, “Oh. Lord Ning seems to get along quite well with the Dingyuan Army. They usually dislike civil officials but seem to have a different view of you.”ZVtKECGUhpvhiurEaOWiAhXiHZQOLm

IaQzduvZQDmhKGY

Ning Rushen felt a strange pressure from the praise, “It’s… it’s from visiting the general’s residence and meeting them a couple of times.”VkPngGuQKKMgOJlMMGFIlPUUlHuuoH

aETPKXOLyCrXaAd

Recalling the start of it all, Li Wuting paused for a moment.UXhPDAlWizHKmFkOtQdtAwVJFIRDJc

iPcCeVSfwBEmjmS

Then he changed the subject, “You mentioned practicing archery. Are you still practicing?”FdDuodKBBQszjUEYAsGTlkPjTGUWTo

MHPItHNcvmFOWQq

“……”dIshxBEPeCmEYrwYVKmsWdwZpFySyq

HdUEZBaSKaqwHGx

Ning Rushen swallowed, “I’ve been busy lately, practicing occasionally.”FIoFSFZlemgheXFVRXIvQjvSKgSYhZ

FkUmmeLaAnwVcDa

“Well, there’s nothing urgent today. Go practice.”OxshrWESIBdEraSONKxnssLNfhMoAU

yXGIryFaKqnNKIx

“?”oNomKKzZrcgxiiRiBhVxfAssUNSKDO

rqDhIPtEPMvfCnb

As he spoke, Li Wuting took the ink stick from Ning Rushen and dismissed him, “You don’t need to grind ink; there’s enough for me to drink. Go to the archery pavilion and practice. I’ll join you after I finish these documents.”xtdiElnNxCioOFpiyYZpusFzMyvRfW

gccRJZfUiCIaqVD

Ning Rushen looked at him, mouth slightly open, “… Yes.”ohbWiCwcNXcAeFGlimdJyDEKGmVtvW

TXUTdkiriWNGHKJ

·axrRlMxNZVzNsMPztMsjYyKybbLNGE

CAMDkThywLakKlr

The route from the Imperial Study to the archery pavilion was familiar.fFYgySIsWiHaLGKneIaUMdINziYJSq

aMkiOyUZphBSwLz

Ning Rushen didn’t have a servant guide him; he went on his own.ZvbInUbLvvZwqoWzpGVPIxbQZAFjPe

MqrUpXaFgJheFvt

The archery pavilion was located by a lotus pond near the palace’s east gate.lZxInqBmQowkoytGJkrufifAtgaWli

pexDtBTdSwzQMsp

It was summer, and the pond was full of lotuses. A winding bridge led to the archery pavilion, meandering along the shore.MGbuoqMhNEUOtgEBfncLnrjITcqgrd

MgHteeyBlIIJEQU

As he crossed the pond and approached the end of the bridge, he encountered a large entourage—TBgnSgzmWaRCqpgLYRwVlaegaDtbeR

EjpDlrjuxPnrych

It was the Dowager Consort Shu, whom he had seen once at a palace banquet.bMzgpoTEKFeIhBYgoQzctawEOSFUZk

IXflIUYSTkMGJRt

Ning Rushen bowed, “Your humble servant greets Dowager Consort Shu.”BUCeNMWiPfBdaswQzyBFCulRAxkJuy

vkvVollLiXSyZFR

A gentle “Hmm” came from the front.KbcTAIRHcciFsMeAQMTFrvrmDXFMJU

vJxpyvuWiGqryNS

He stepped aside to let her pass, but the maroon skirt hem stopped in front of him, and he heard a question:WVZUFksDobhMMdznXrlwXKfBnfrlNz

lJVdikjyVisCDZf

“Are you Scholar Ning?”VJxJAJBbQIyVdflfzvwiakKJMrIxVo

QDaTOjLlXrjYxOi

Ning Rushen looked up to see Dowager Consort Shu observing him.BoxXKbbqstVouwXnpgOLOYQjvsgFcQ

pmBhnyFTvLJReyc

Her expression was calm, with only a simple wooden hairpin adorned with a carved peony, making her appear dignified and elegant.PhzRWvraolwRbtvszZtozMgqWcVKJz

jNPGWQTsxViMgKl

Ning Rushen was puzzled, “I am.”gViGnZDzbLxGhyexphFEXHJLNrzNov

PcvecTocWDlkowZ

Dowager Consort Shu examined him closely, her gaze lightly sweeping over his features, “At the last palace banquet, Tang’er mentioned that His Majesty holds you in high regard. I saw you from afar. Today, by chance, I see that you appear to be a broad-minded person.”OnGGLTDzKiIHhLAnmLcWyxxoZFcIAg

zgbHcpWVOfdkzcu

…So, Prince Xuan truly paid attention to his affairs.zackskgIlgwvVfFwsjTaqZfxwfgFfd

iBbNVRGgtPorbvs

Ning Rushen, “Thank you, Your Highness and the prince, for your kindness.”vizywqpyDgSZMGMDPeskZyCzGjqKSs

cKGLzbVLzplopvr

Dowager Consort Shu glanced at him again, “It seems that Lord Ning has a connection to Buddhism.”tfolHScLTrxkdoVKffzMSsErgEjFWE

gsnRvJGplbkBGDg

Ning Rushen thought he was quite easygoing:bMOIRRKFEUubRyLQEAuxTuWIMdBJZm

sdHtivfsqWwBKPI

“I do feel quite peaceful and accepting.”UyBXIwPMrLLkcCUgqCUDQQUptsOeJH

wrLxqIbUfyOKjEz

“……” Dowager Consort Shu paused, “Peaceful and accepting?”RXgJCXZJWzAOSbvURgoSDcegIqnxJF

RMGlILWoqeSTQbB

Ning Rushen, realizing his casual language, gently corrected, “It means having a calm and serene disposition, going with the flow.”RMuDEkOkOPQtpQHgqvoipYYtadYJpj

NQynCShflgstsuW

Dowager Consort Shu nodded thoughtfully, “This is the first time I have heard such a description.”EiUTQaVvcCNkAgtmTbiFxKNXWFDBQE

kkhwOGdToyOVHZA

The two unexpectedly struck up a conversation on the bridge.eyTrMcDUSSoouDyWNzhSBdRoQjUcfo

PlDkgQkokpOkBZE

When Li Wuting finished his documents and came looking, he saw the familiar figure of Ning Rushen chatting with Dowager Consort Shu, surprisingly having a good conversation.XYbTlOIIwWMKwSaZpZdHRDSKhqEybG

rxgnlCZqPqTSrMP

Li Wuting quickly approached.oLkDrwqprHuzxcgsLSaFJSfTzrhsyk

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The palace servants all bowed, “Greetings, Your Majesty!”IYUIrAeZBasMHPQkshJvdJCIXpkzeA

awtvPpTMgjoTmcQ

Ning Rushen turned at the sound, “Your Majesty.”ImdVPWvvHGHlCBxmlwnmIDNVUczNsT

elMuCIKYNQSIlov

Li Wuting glanced at him, then greeted Dowager Consort Shu, “It’s been a few days since I’ve seen you, Mother. How have you been?”uTqnRxfumMYukojurRtAxjzMDteUNJ

OGBCMXFgbbkzfqf

Dowager Consort Shu warmly replied, “I have been well, feeling quite peaceful and accepting.”ArzkgJZnpEnauAYzKraGcZHOxcCEgj

oAczkTqmjJEZyJF

“……” Li Wuting, “??”ntLIZdkBcoqMcvYHaVOsFklOWGENvz

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He paused, then quickly looked at Ning Rushen with a deep and meaningful gaze.uJIScCWORYPKcAFLldycFzkFyfBDVc

vCKRWBxcWrpVWzy

Ning Rushen lowered his head guiltily.sBoXZaTjabascljMbpQlelrKsFKirr

nCguZcPgsnSoNCl

Fortunately, Li Wuting didn’t seem to want to pursue the matter in front of Dowager Consort Shu. The conversation shifted to other topics:oYmysnSgnzpCpOyMDSyPFnMZmSLrow

NqmtHlLvrFxqdrs

“In a few days, it will be the Tianzhu Festival.”zVMsxvdTmEzlljbHDBVTMpUjPLpUnq

lwdjPgLCwdlLsKi

“Yes, I have already…”LfuYufQFiXNaWyoMUIhLWbKtInYryh

aYGIsncLZGxPJQJ

“This year, I wish to visit Shaojue Temple to pray. Your mother’s everlasting light is still there.”OFmnTAALHDNsgTAhhiqlzYqNFtOeyN

NpLuqueOMDTMfMh

Li Wuting paused, “Alright.”WfplvxmkOGdTCJQcSbxjzdBmsyIaUP

WYgLHnHsdJdMPoB

Perhaps mindful of the presence of servants and officials, Dowager Consort Shu did not delve too deeply, only touching on some memories of Consort Xian.dErzeoRQCJmxqsDVmEZEziaYvaAHPP

gijiIaABHdoeJSX

Ning Rushen listened quietly.xzwrUTibbpUbMgdpVRDhXJcsVDlVrn

CylQVAKGgcZGrTd

From the bits and pieces, he sensed that Li Wuting’s mother was likely a gentle and bright woman… except for the matter of the fingernails.gaZZYFMDuSNlEYjNCOQZFtzXAlfnTZ

dGlduJRXjKvMxMH

As he pondered, the two in front finished their conversation.XYhUJIeGWwqMpltFazDCtnDGfyMDvv

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“I’m feeling a bit tired; I shall return.”VlGxkzxahAIcjMPrwqMfHRLauomJYA

jCGsJyBjCaBwSOx

Having spoken more than usual, Dowager Consort Shu took her leave and returned to the palace with her entourage.pTVFUHwyYQRDGZxtfSebWiIpzwHbeK

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The corridor quieted down again. Ning Rushen was watching Lady Shu depart when he suddenly heard a voice beside him:TworWIWyJHjSNfmGGMPStUahpEZTOG

ABuEjYYdkknmzBB

“Fufu da?”ukDqyKZXeIrIbMvDUldvjvBLbDTjdV

UAnEYUYiaKjqDlL

He: “…”yMTBVurUqyvhdLttGqEsPpveMwwLvI

auGxiMYgNuukAhT

Li Wuting looked at him with a half-smile, “Those nonsensical words of yours, you even dare to teach them to the imperial concubine now. Your courage is really growing, Ning Qing.”WRWPlmOaPcCwjJlJHEzEDLrIuoemOn

qADvguoTUyCEmEj

Ning Rushen lightly defended himself, “Just a little hometown slang.”DIHigqaKlCsAdoMlzGjBBefkzjhZUz

fbkrKshbILUqNis

Li Wuting sneered, “Slang from Yuchuan? Do all Yuchuan people talk like this? What else is there? Tell me more.”oOBNLTXgJnLJkUCojCEYTSFcsVSMJL

motwpGvytMXJrat

Ning Rushen could only brace himself and argue, “That’s right, we just double the adjectives and add a light ‘da’ at the end to make it sound cuter.”mxunEiLvxSKMiuCaGxRjuLwNPWyCEm

eBTpZxFTGsYdJTN

Li Wuting digested this for a moment.stZVCYJDfIkwrsnqLkIUfLaCbXhvZt

silAyanLcDfXyTX

Then he looked at Ning Rushen, tapping his forehead with his long fingers, “So, for example, here in Ning Qing’s head, it’s empty da?”mTRsrZTEBHITMlxLfgRnStCAZMDBJG

dukoCQaIdDCOEjL

Ning Rushen: “…”mRNygUkLajcHAMaWhMglunNwktsQaQ

nDaUGgPZVnfjUNh

Don’t use such a cute tone to say such sarcastic words.qJMJAKaYQMKDGCcTmpCDiyspGRpAgU

duBPjbpDkotbgmE

…EfcYltSFGJLsdoqrdjZIjYHEiGHkGT

PVDKxNzcrecijbo

Realizing the conversation wouldn’t yield any benefits, they moved on.AfdMXiBxwqDxImedMBpjURTLVKwHor

UuuGgeLDUFYPcxj

Ning Rushen followed Li Wuting towards the archery pavilion.tsEvUtJegVjsvajFkPJjKDIOmNioiQ

qJyQxRbKgfcQbnl

Thinking of the Tianzhu Festival they just mentioned, he asked, “Your Majesty, where is Shaojue Temple? Is it far?”vVBUPbjeMGKyBtxtAJkMyuTxUsRgnt

NCUjCHbRjyHYqtR

“Not far, it’s on Shaoguang Mountain to the west of the capital.”woSoEizcQpqNKjFgbBUozQUCtaAJqj

pGYiLdeCDnveNpO

A few steps out of the corridor, the bright sunlight made the ground look clean and bright. Li Wuting looked ahead, his dark robe brushing against the wind:uaLqIhwhgZVICsWlzvdzzQcwpuMtNt

mziNwujSwosmAeD

“I will also go then, and Ning Qing will come along.”pHuJAiTbzBNtaOnzvAPrWgpDmfnSpM

dnIyLDKCSighQIS

“?” Ning Rushen was caught off guard but, as usual, accepted it, “Yes.”khfRBIyrQvgDQwYycqfsCXSOZpgWZr

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He soon became interested, “Is Shaojue Temple very spiritual?”SpSHcilSApzcnUWfXLOpTegRGzInXK

aBqVuBEohIAHslG

“Very,” Li Wuting thought of something, “especially Master Jingxi’s fate predictions.”ZSUJRHcOuEVmynDtIbqVGDnbpsortS

CWggGIhMvlnwVbr

Ning Rushen saw that he believed it.CsoDkhEXoaHttfGQmRvCgAKShleIFZ

NyIIjKRbSPkOkVr

He thought, could it be that Li Wuting had his fortune told too?fyBIqXTxlPCCegejGxclgIoETSkTFc

vKxHIZTqgbIVhSA

Li Wuting met his overly inquisitive gaze and smiled slightly, “It was many years ago.”TZTUvBFvEHaYLnUhwQHMAafFbgftWC

FKLZpRwHDUDkIck

After speaking, his gaze turned forward, seemingly falling into a distant place.gULzscEEBcFkbnMLefPIIQDZUCJORh

ebhfBRtJrGBCCua

…SrhCImYNEFeGKiDtGkVlzblRUGFEIE

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Many years ago?gwKGKGWJMPoWcIHRIgRWYuwssqZmkg

TtKpIPJIRskItwO

Ning Rushen thought, wouldn’t that be during his childhood?jVPGOznmYSrFXknjPtrrkBmacvqnEa

clbPnWkRhcPQSrv

He leaned closer, “So, did they predict Your Majesty’s true dragon fate?”poPxxWLYcLeUqnvWJfbrPOLknQEQKe

npPcMqyYjuUmLOZ

As he finished speaking, he saw Li Wuting’s gaze return from afar, landing on him with a faint smile, “No.”LxITLaBtbiSkfQhEZGumQvaGorrDis

JMTgeDUlqcxWVcR

“It wasn’t a good fortune. Do you want to hear it?”jPcoywjBdkMqQFCirvohfMcDPXwDGv

AgVuvjWtQbJnRig