This official is so weak

Ning Rushen waited for a while but received no response, beginning to suspect that he was being dismissed casually.aHohMtLItCPnVBVnxNrESfCATnqyTc

eGQgqTXuAlJRpZg

He nodded to Jingxi and said, “I’ll be leaving now.”sCufNlEFwqrfUlkrtRUAHcezxJGlpZ

FjOTYvjGhGYZUaw

As he walked toward the gate, he was suddenly called back by Jingxi:yHOHGszfHuenNUwUFBjMCiqwrYwQDr

WukPvuCMPnugaic

Ning Rushen was startled and asked softly, “Are you sending me off?”WaRJdAWfIxxTAzsSLdVwXaefRqvrsQ

bBjulZmJyQjTJuP

Jingxi quickly waved his hand, “Ah… no, no. This is a thousand-year-old Bodhi seed, consecrated by this poor monk with recitations and offered in front of the Buddha for nine hundred ninety-nine days… It only requires fifty merit points now. Do you wish to make an offering?”sgwgYKvyGxBpqYCscZkngBtdRzcLYz

DLxvQHycSyVBLzV

Seeing Jingxi’s smiling face, Ning Rushen hesitated for a moment before taking out fifty coins, “Then I will make an offering.”nhmQqalQqwOoZvHbZdcJlPoyWUCRGH

ohnXeWhGrVLvxrE

With the Bodhi seed in hand, Ning Rushen left the courtyard.AebBkyAoDjgXUphJOUGaaPzLxiNnmA

bawdmQRbfoBwImh

Outside, it was quiet and deserted.ihpEnghoPwmeyIKFyFKbLNbTdlkaVf

oTFuaGwxXfBuyPk

Looking around, only a few leaves had fallen on the path through the courtyard, leaving shallow traces of the wind’s passage.jFLnocFzccJwbXklSXILuMpcwWKKJW

yxHfcOsNdnEmGgB

He paused for a moment and then walked towards the front hall.zvoZADPFieFXaaPeeXjkRftPoJxdpw

CDMrzqkzNmoAUEe

In the courtyard of the front hall, several monks were cleaning or studying, with a few guards and temple officials stationed here and there.tUYvHaIHIqHLRKndylJiXBgKDRFqBH

QIjTlZmZElDylkJ

Li Jingyu was sitting at a stone table under a tree.oGhOxTXIxyiaCNHzJtitRUaoFvLdss

AlUjFEvNiytayTq

Ning Rushen walked over and greeted him, “Your Highness.”pYkHQDkHwdZVLUEnAOLfoIRnuPHDHM

SDBlwhWlddaNqgm

“Lord Ning is here,” Li Jingyu said, patting the table, “Please, sit.”kyVvYSEJCHQwYSTybNodtFKQxJIcJO

zDpDrfsLNEPMMbj

Ning Rushen took a seat beside him, “Why are you sitting here alone, Your Highness?”BdslOAHifqpHphWXjrMLigdOJsgDFO

hNyywryVBteyAHD

Li Jingyu replied, “I am waiting for my elder brother.”GyhyhlOcTnrsKPqZPGRaOCyyvXBWOf

MzokdXLNtHNwuSf

Ning Rushen looked around, “Waiting for His Majesty?”zEeSSbVeHsJTJwrpiOUSaxCqeIioop

HAhgzvtQePODCRQ

He had only exchanged glances with Li Wuting that morning and hadn’t spoken to him since.fKwIFJtqaIZYUeuJTbNhfmytPduvuN

bzHSXQzJJWDmCsF

According to Jingxi, they had been discussing scriptures earlier.ZcvLVROdbpdBlJLFmBNSpTPGUoTjXl

EKkyIUOxITYoCHv

He wondered where they had gone after the discussion.WyOViweuBfSJNWGmKyJHErJVVsHGyS

otNBEKBVlkgGNFV

Li Jingyu said, “My elder brother is carving a lotus.”CJvwbzNbNQhHiSOYBcCsehQkfUvKpI

LIqwCndBLeALGUI

“A lotus?”oiyCgVhrBfgeKPlNQSDtWTfuQaTPvf

fRWSIwXfksXaQHT

“Yes, for sincere prayers. He is carving a lotus himself to offer in front of our mother’s everlasting lamp.”CGxONyEWRIyoGtniazkQODMoQgZXaM

UjvHUaRsXJaJizh

Ning Rushen murmured thoughtfully.YKjKMWZMfeqhDxZWZCYBXXqtKtGFZJ

eLiEOyhNRlZvnwQ

Suddenly, Li Jingyu leaned in, “Lord Ning, if you’re secretly trying to find my elder brother, I can take you there.”TJUBIKyYbAjIfrxToSkeIQihJsaeIC

qPvrjBluToiRxcJ

“…”bYFIbJfLMasUWdWvPkDqLhohMkenWM

QpsoYSTYxljFhWz

He had already said he wasn’t sneaking around.jVQCTmcJdXHNJyaegOCaHKGpyeirZF

mDrJmWwQAbDPRKc

Ning Rushen replied, “I won’t disturb His Majesty.”AUpvYjxiFMsCCydxUGHmwXEWfDNRCz

uwXRFzRfxVzQQXj

Li Jingyu looked somewhat disappointed, “Alright then.”hUhfHDzuOgGRyanLRhLybXIPlOxtnb

OOevqhGKVLrxRLB

As they chatted, the sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground.SlyBHMKAVypppkFvrsExXzVMAIlxsm

BbOxFAhcLqGaPhd

While they were talking, a commotion was heard from the other side.dvZjLgFQyOqmxRPOrafBpNakVPVXZG

cohwGAZzATgvnof

Ning Rushen turned his gaze to the sound and saw several palace servants running in a panic.XQevGDhplwSjHhgETnjJhExmmWEaoJ

RdlvrynOBcQGFvc

He felt a sudden tightening in his chest, “What happened?”SuUWMndLGxRjFEqslWXkMGMqPgTwDx

YfNbwvPhoTigNMG

Li Jingyu quickly summoned a servant to ask.EtJCKzVEUiDdnYwukbfnwXjaGLKpdr

ETJjWwUOsJDlStI

The servant, in a hurry, said, “His Majesty injured his hand, and it’s quite severe!”tHZvGrwQLnYMxMQBaFSPqFxAeNPxBi

uveyRKTwmRTKZPC

Ning Rushen’s heart sank: What’s going on?EfYWMGzBuusHCypUwFTmqNPsGlRSKo

vjTtSCtRvsBJQgi

Li Jingyu, frightened, stood up, “I’ll go check!”JFnIfxytNNbUCBUJmGsZcKqoxLwrTH

ImnClNQdBcgjGZD

Ning Rushen quickly followed, “I’ll go too.”NXcjlKRIxxsjZdgjVtPjPykztmpsoe

crPnQMmPwHpakbu

The two of them hurriedly followed the palace servant to a secluded courtyard, which was already in an uproar.mxsJNShnAEatFmlhUukyONjpHVwuBP

FdOzYkZksQrlYuj

Ning Rushen stepped into the courtyard and took a look.EWBwhcXHAjymWLZzKLywNDUMEvJwrz

zEAcdnnuXKTkNyx

Li Wuting was sitting at a stone table, his profile cold and calm. His extended left arm was resting on the table, palm gripping a blood-soaked silk cloth used to temporarily stop the bleeding, stained with patches of blood.qKNwtZEQHyibsqMOsrBDJKrvEGTkzz

txzEugzBiyzxOur

The half-carved lotus lay beside him.sKLFroRjLxbaaAhDAdsGmxMjfsZqsi

CsjOuNzzGktVmre

Because it was stained with blood, it could no longer be used.kDhmFyLNAKDyOrpazZelqfmWKZpWUK

YFEKgsitGNHwfrU

Ning Rushen took a deep breath and said, “Your Majesty…”wtoMEQwkBdSHbnaBclluoImjfcOGQc

ncDpbpOuZyFAVFj

With the noisy crowd in the courtyard, his voice was not loud.FyTGwVKLKeirncaSIKTJyyOKlvieHl

WwtJszTISftjsMV

However, Li Wuting seemed to have heard him and turned his head to look.LfFpUPBOLnUnxGPkrhWoNDSpobgeuI

WEBeqODONOtJFAy

His deep gaze cut through the chaos around him and settled on Ning Rushen.mOpHkKzFaRxRRxaTIIiRYrQWxmoLXS

lVeYIyMKWRxcXEe

Ning Rushen walked a few steps closer.cLzyRkOCLjndCpOpbaWScdqczQADNR

ylFVzhOdoOXdhia

Li Jingyu was anxiously calling out. The surrounding area was in disarray, with the attending doctors bringing medicines, a basin of water, and bandages, preparing to clean and dress the wound.JOwAAMtHvuagljGdIxTMmlUXSyeFTE

ZOVWyZgwOLFkJgO

Just as they were about to move, they were gently stopped.RCbpzcxfhsbEeAtZAxDVzbdacYqXkW

LrvFwVTssQGTrBy

“No need, I will do it myself,” Li Wuting said.nZrPOSDQkZkOcvsZqlhDoIIvgBqDbC

pDYgAVSglRgGiQI

The doctors were alarmed, “Your Majesty, this is not appropriate!”HZPgyZXULQAykgSrggBjqgxxCaXaqV

PpcDysxNfcUUNFm

“It’s just a minor injury.”VZQmvNLzzxXaoeMuqYrAopVRvFfLZW

OctxWImKnwyVUQX

Li Wuting said this as he took the wet cloth himself.AuiLqiXOpPbyyEuRcJRCdlwXfXZOqP

qhldFiAKOeDGvRB

The cloth, soaked in blood, turned the water in the basin red.OuSQuqSueodrzVDDFpyEoCOFZXmLsx

asJyDSVZTKfrzQp

Ning Rushen felt pained just watching, unconsciously tightening his sleeve as he looked at the scene. As he did, he noticed De Quan’s gaze, which was as intense as an emergency signal.HDQHgqeLMMwplLGcqGJafNomUGeKnc

EowsokjGzTEFSJs

He turned to look:?pmEVkTWKtqzOQVWNbUJVedPdQRBkee

zZSGScqZDeBYsLf

De Quan’s eyes were filled with complex emotions—surprise, frustration, and a mix of others. He seemed to want to say something but ended up summarizing it in two words: “Go ahead!”iwTkjzfhZJkAAQIpOTUznXiUlfDHgJ

JKUGpWYUwMFoHpd

Ning Rushen, “…”lPDeqcEoSimSKoJyhXtmGSXOfuJrZL

JzxXnyEOnejxxBV

In a few breaths, Li Wuting had already cleaned the wound.srbqHfUCTjYiKyjKWaHMxAqGanOGte

gmxhmzHewqsTKnC

It seemed he still didn’t intend to let anyone else handle it, and he was preparing to apply medicine and bandage the wound himself with one hand.XmMEmPYWDJOpYWHURVbZGGoPsAGNzc

vRzVUoqrfeWaAHC

Ning Rushen couldn’t help but say, “Your Majesty, let me do it.”iUKeKByRdgiBaRSblVORqvnILKoZfl

wtpyfSweSMHwqwd

Li Wuting paused and looked at him.TyrhcBUleADojPapvmOlRhfMqLFblr

poJUxgfdtDsmErD

Just when Ning Rushen thought he would be refused, Li Wuting moved his hand closer to him and said, “Hmm.”pucHeVectIRjmDBaDFmAEcqQGHQAvP

fkFVVZcRkzbhrUS

…Hmm?hPGeuThPnbVVxPfqkkHuBTNIayacbF

zEIpGidtcUrySwB

Ning Rushen was momentarily stunned before sitting next to Li Wuting and pulling his hand closer.hVlgsMNxDCfkhGjMbRJyxfPsZuFOxu

kUwedNxaBuOiwNM

The warm, large palm was held in his hand.BjuojJGDuVFnsLXApLmLuPgzOqxlda

TojToXRvvefMfgN

Ning Rushen then realized that Li Wuting’s injury was not minor.rUuvXiNMYoBLepXKhToemrUTOxUEjF

vWRotDuunHKTzgh

The wound was still seeping blood, with what seemed like wood splinters at the edges. The palm’s complex lines indicated a life full of hardships.uKNLucnvtbCHEDxovCAPUKTixyAWvX

BYfZGJyWPsDSDGN

Ning Rushen felt a pang of worry for him.IDKwZidAJfjzpPYNqPEupRXZrPErth

DvdazPdPIHLSAwl

He sighed inwardly, holding Li Wuting’s hand gently and lowering his head to clean the wound.ivjbugvkDasCnULGpvSMGsyZNinfbG

LYEAdiOjyqwFgvz

Soft fingertips carefully pressed against the rough palm.TZUTPaaHmSCBbMqjOdapfbrTnZGZzu

MdcqKQZZWAziIQa

Fine medicinal powder was sprinkled on the wound.bDDHurkfKRgMcWxAFMcykeeGbVhqXX

MaoPyeugsprbgmr

Ning Rushen focused on treating the wound. To make it easier, he naturally rested Li Wuting’s arm against himself. This close posture allowed his hair to fall and intertwine with their overlapping arms.HlXOEpaYBiPulGytmVkUBAEEOWGtft

cLhWaPzRfqzdoVK

The palace servants in the courtyard had long lowered their heads and stopped making noise.gZZamnognpmAxNiTwNFUmKZKbsVnvf

ghVuBOzCRssYoYv

Ning Rushen’s eyelashes drooped as he worked gently.MAjeKFfbANlntOgKUMpjwishGFZqaR

qgZkKoXNtKxAKkV

He applied the medicine and blew on the wound to ease the pain. When he blew on it, he couldn’t help but hiss in sympathy.KQpRtHDAWJToVvIgeARlxIdfGHrqPw

hViSbsLNIOJYTof

Li Wuting, “…”YhPizYvQszojSoCUfYswkXoULThBCB

KGdXjzZoqJtTduR

In the quiet courtyard, only the sound of Ning Rushen’s hissing could be heard.EicYUEospRvCtryCraJUyVYSFlQZhf

cWAphljnxjpNfTE

Li Wuting watched him with puffed cheeks for a moment before finally speaking:tbSwKhbYSCorCXZriceZlhXiDnfhTu

PCQJJOUoQqhCIbw

“If my perception is correct, the one injured should be me?”DCxXYeUNokgyximenToJhklcnztSfI

fuloLwbUehOqhUP

“…”FYBKbmeleAJpPjDqpGOWafmPWUhxOc

LHgTtWbYZZsugar

Ning Rushen paused and said, somewhat embarrassed, “I have a strong sense of empathy.”WtJIviYcZdEAzMsXwFyrpdJgvWitos

iJDqIpaVqPMLSqi

Li Wuting said softly, “Stronger than mine.”VePRaKaUHTsxNtHtAyGMgOLSivuvyF

HGLITJycAgEODYA

Ning Rushen looked at him, “Doesn’t it hurt, Your Majesty?”iTPIXbfvqJllpLrIAlMyLNkHxgxcek

oKHsqqMtkClDsZS

After hearing this, Li Wuting stared at him for a few seconds. Then his eyelashes lowered, and he curled his fingers without speaking.tgGQQjDSYIjOXaXyYGfwSpLekfyqdJ

gNoVGFYiPdYpsIe

Ning Rushen sighed inwardly: It must still hurt.HlhwlYuOreEwEGsYkFglPiPynHXNun

VoBvHdKzdNeNaeO

But according to Li Wuting’s character, he probably wouldn’t admit it even if it did. Xuan Wang had mentioned before that Li Wuting preferred to bear everything himself.ROuwZQNHewFwhISmwKaXwNZiJqluQD

LwyfqwbGreWVoxr

He was used to hiding his suffering.WuPNrbLekoWYKbNhtTtgcksgBxTPIR

IUGUhRlVWDfvzcg

Ning Rushen finished applying the medicine and took up the bandage.ErzguOCJpPlPYywTgMyKLgjQDTrriL

iXrfDTYEZuCkRaK

At that moment, a commotion was heard at the courtyard gate.lSdHZEydItYSgyAVNPORjwsPShHsQD

WHPojTOyjCBOGGy

He turned to see the Empress Dowager hastily arriving, “Your Majesty!”RjmJGrYRpFJvjUwMkpaEIuljKfHdmS

rjoQnXxcLXuYYPu

The Empress Dowager’s gaze fell upon Ning Rushen for a moment, but she quickly refocused on Li Wuting’s injury:USjqWeloGTerCxvCuhzWDoMEDbmwRm

NScXhOQydGLVgwt

“Has someone examined the wound?”jmCRJwYodBzfFGgxbpSpsshmBPEmAv

wiHJBEwezObvoPp

Li Wuting said, “It’s just a minor injury, nothing serious.”YnaeFNXkZqEkVkgUGIWfqzbYHJZuTQ

QQbhDkywwESFKkn

The Empress Dowager, worried, asked, “How did you get injured?”VJIGiNKpOIUVxnIWFgBHfXZWapeKgI

HdawJdjNDbpKcQf

Ning Rushen, who was focused on bandaging, overheard the conversation. After a few moments of silence, he said:NRSATBdTKigzCtlfWUytGFiyyVXMGt

NRPuAnQWQypMzCb

“I was momentarily distracted and didn’t notice.”otSOQJSxQWtjVRsubGGZumCoKaTrju

UhOvusmPxSIERJq

…Li Wuting can get distracted too?CgszxjGdXSKWcvlYsjdRTauWvGBtXr

GdJbGAaugAqiyRq

Ning Rushen’s thoughts wandered as he finished bandaging the wound.rQuiTNageWzOuorlJPFZvWMmvPzjBI

qVGunuQLyGQqXOS

Just as he was about to withdraw his hand, Li Wuting’s fingertips gently brushed against him.fuCfHjRXIvHTMoDjysPicoSYEzSDcN

jTMUffINuikXnwC

The touch seemed to be trying to hold on to him.kuAyBgnOqbSSwRNJhsZHQIZShRIYny

baMtxHxakwpUZDb

Ning Rushen was taken aback and looked at him, “?”qmQjPXkCCjZvZUdCcIFjnfrdfnnLVS

yJrxVXXhYFJbtsd

But when he looked up, Li Wuting’s expression was still the same.PGpRCwVBIUcdzrimwKuSluaZycntiA

yQAEgeZMjutykZp

Ning Rushen thought he might be overthinking: Perhaps Li Wuting’s pain made his fingers reflexively twitch.PwggHDgBIiOdtQRXGTqsQijvwJBcrt

wkQvnxentYlFPgR

After Li Wuting finished tending to his hand injury, he needed to carve a new lotus flower since the one he had been working on was stained with blood and could no longer be used.OLJDJqmuRcdDBrvUmbiDQeoUpdKiTm

ftIXnuIBjJcYYQD

The Empress Dowager’s persuasion was in vain, and she left after giving a few instructions.eHuJoYCmpWFpZxhFRAFJGFjApnlIpD

MnKqbbhcQiaNQgY

Ning Rushen stood aside, “Then I’ll take my leave as well?”XlzXlSAQsltiFSEFJUihOAOaRMJMRa

OpNwODihayDYKfl

Li Wuting glanced at him, “You may go.”MketZOPGkzQAKFnsnvkbYsnUyhlwvr

rLRuFsxhqyWscDw

Ning Rushen then left with Li Jingyu.rPnHjaliXYRTMywIfMcuhSIzmyzzTu

aAyaaXPIrAOitGI

The other palace servants were also dismissed, leaving only De Quan to attend to matters.LnvsWKCHypDBvanCOlxIToGPDoEGcm

COceobBVLznsxIF

With everyone gone, the courtyard returned to tranquility.IImaowyiyhWKyBNTcqBCrzPdRIbTLS

jvrbqKpziZeGPmx

De Quan looked worried, “Your Majesty…”YOVPEZxqkkGmNxTpnuyuiOwgiicXhG

skQhSrShjTzdXqp

Li Wuting raised a hand to silence him and picked up a new piece of sandalwood to start carving again:GVpfHMfkiVWXZogjpSHQeyFSflFxBv

WDJnQTQwHFCyfFz

“First, carve the lotus for my mother.”XhHwiyRnWlPoYwqfVUgGoKVwCWJKMg

NBZpvGveJNQLQNL

“Yes, Your Majesty.”AldKQDtICiMhrkaOOXCmImdSYgbuUl

TrBlIXQplCbaBYS

…qGkhvKdFepOfLnFHTAbYHwpZzutTAO

NrJxQUzSwwpEuaH

Half an hour later.KrvSYWutcLIkxojcAdnqHdYWFifDAu

SosSCZCMpJsRHIz

A newly carved lotus flower was placed on the table.BQVrXQNSgILkWkguYPhiBBzaAbkvmX

sWiVnfqrufzOcxw

Li Wuting let out a sigh and set the small knife aside.uABmlcAMzrZETDqwqSzefDiEyRyrdS

jNLGxcofpoVZkeV

The injury on his left hand was starting to seep blood again, so he removed the bandage and asked De Quan to bring new medicine and a clean cloth.ciYZlbYImIeOjcwSszZFZnragmDrlO

FDksyPZbmBKapMC

The bandage was set aside, revealing a few red spots on his palm.SYrPbOsQzDoTrLQgebxiCowRJUfDSJ

VIXJBHlKJiPabca

Li Wuting did not let De Quan assist and took care of it himself.xWqSzaWonGPTzoSuKIGxboRlAzfqSF

SHfZWVCcWMoIrNT

De Quan sighed as he watched, thinking about the earlier conversation he overheard outside the mountain courtyard. He was quite anxious:QBlIKNeaeauvIDQsVXczkGIQXGynuc

AwIYgasWOAevCjV

Where was Lord Ning planning to go?BKjcnVZhMMjUhWDrUtkPvSPWOLYQPY

dlLiymhlXKFwgDM

Could he still be thinking about retiring?zfBRDZBnwZYxaqLkazBwXTBSkpfxfZ

MBItwgenVwIqenv

The Emperor seemed quite concerned. Judging by his expression, he was still preoccupied.qLptwdSAsodkDacYfqPKDDDtTCFIvJ

QFCDMdonZhMQjEo

De Quan took a bold step and advised, “Your Majesty need not worry. With the imperial decree, Lord Ning cannot just resign and leave. Moreover, I see that Lord Ning seems very concerned about Your Majesty and wouldn’t leave.”cuEirkpWpmilWPeBWhcSujZzmZOoFJ

pETUaEgkmRkMMks

Upon hearing this, Li Wuting fell silent for a moment.mFbTbXBdWbmkJseuQxEEqTewYKYhxw

hjGJstYDkHbLvHv

“It’s not as you think…”oLNOUizEWsbXkMXdUFRFaSbnougUND

TcpaKeVHreQEazC

He lowered his eyes and gently wiped the bloodstains from his palm, his refined demeanor still exuding the noble bearing of a ruler. “Besides, I do not force others to do anything.”eAscSgksQBYmzNCFaScpPawPlwKVND

beexTUnxBeGqygn

De Quan sighed, thinking: The Emperor says that, but why did he seem to pierce his palm when he only heard the mention of “Lord Ning” from a palace servant?ftjYSgTNzLrGPSQFvxFPEFRzVQXGrX

NMQpHbVNByqDFJw

And still clung to that lotus flower?kELpDQQnsxExIiUBnSysNDFsXcNWRc

WHekvOZZiUDexRj

As he pondered, Li Wuting had finished rebandaging his hand and stood up, “Call someone to take the lotus to the rear hall for the eternal lamp.”ulkbroXCIuxkrPMMDTJztxOhxIPaEn

KDddLkvfpSAOSWg

De Quan answered, “Yes.”ncfCfdTlPxJhsNvdTLIWnspRRjdDjj

aVuhCYNVBKPyJEP

“And,” Li Wuting pursed his lips, “send a palace servant down the mountain…”jBAVGewlwquYukuNtYXGzPnSQcukYL

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After giving these orders, De Quan’s worried expression cleared.gCDdlQPJqZQHKggLwGecVIDuhnCaby

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He bowed and smiled brightly, “Yes, Your Majesty~”wujpPhjcXgIUEYoypKfRqgBwkylNDV

aNuyPFsPKzYSYWz

·NhLNyBrkqqMQxuuWxGkbDDnGnNIjOz

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The final part of the visit to Shaojue Temple was to offer the eternal lamp to the Empress Xian.WAeaULZqEOrFfxrqffeQJGNinNLLOD

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Li Jingyu and the Empress Dowager, as close relatives, had to go together.vloQKVYLpVUtEGhPSOmJMNoLREUKVa

qoRkCaQoiRntXHQ

The accompanying palace servants, guards, and officials also went to the rear hall.eoBIfDNsTWREToubEAQGVhtCrykPUV

qBsIjDHwYFdqhKc

Ning Rushen went with Li Jingyu.HoyYYhFOtkaJJqZnmKqVbKKmeYWpkv

wCVoJarZCFBVLPr

When they arrived at the main hall, there was a whole wall of hundred eternal lamps burning from top to bottom, with flickering flames casting a golden, sacred glow.DDOguPAyBwoKZAiPXkEaaPvOeIfDTT

WCTRkRHTyndgOth

Li Wuting was standing at the front of the hall, his posture tall and elegant.dMMgJqVQUdsvGFmKiMHEMLOETEVDQN

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Ning Rushen walked over and saw that he was already holding a new lotus flower, “How is Your Majesty’s hand injury?”pQjXlwxsXRATBRKlWKddbKMLRvvoQc

ibcFXMceNtnVmnY

Li Wuting looked at him, “Lord Ning’s medical skills are excellent, so it is naturally fine.”RPFcKupRDFfKeLTGxSwuXHCYYHtaNV

eUFbIclwWLIuzZC

“…”bigTNjlcznSIMupGedUftEzEkfHZSY

zitNEEefxFwfkXV

Why is he still thinking about his “local medical skills”?afLdJALpPWsmePToHnWjtbFuBPpTzu

XDfoviwMPIwtLwv

Ning Rushen said quietly, “Mainly, Your Majesty looks good.”cgRmVOvUHqWrZepGvWccSdMJobkOFv

zYBWzfABRYQDGeR

Li Wuting met his gaze and smiled lightly.xgEGCPtpUOzHUEtcDOahOIVSTnMQdR

wNzYPzUykiqKLpd

In the midst of their conversation, the Empress Dowager arrived, “Your Majesty.”SlEOgUZNHJMAdEGAnuoGdtTpRyPwnt

atGZPKyfMSOosKQ

Li Wuting nodded, his expression softening as he stepped into the hall first, “Let’s go.”ayUIkVZexDBMJvOMlyXeOOLKbFNGxK

BzWsAwclhRNezWq

As he moved, Ning Rushen habitually followed.MVkrqHYCuxOYEIopOzYtpEBtCxlwve

dlsyZCAugLOZoXQ

Standing a few steps away, the Director of the Monastic Bureau, Zuo Shanshi, was stunned!ipVradrTqxftrxIcuaYQNGlfhkhFul

bAEWFypHFWJflqL

He was about to call out to them when he was stopped by De Quan, who was using a feather duster to block him and observing with a serene expression:AYWoZxrEjHKPpHrYhiDWxtJPcaytsF

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Ah, how perceptive of us～mPwVAFDQJVJbtYUTZKNoEOIbdWouRy

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Inside the hall, Li Wuting glanced at Ning Rushen who had entered with him, his lips moving as if to say something but then hesitating.IZLUnWxbbTpMoWwpSdbNhbQFsaFdCk

WlVhsAvnRPGmQMb

Ning Rushen wondered, “?”UQNjKlLSjcMwolxejaSxWYHhKTGxKO

evTfQWcFhzzFqXc

Li Wuting used his eyes to indicate: Stand aside for now.FqKnnMSBhJsYxnYodmoLBHCbUolLgf

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Ning Rushen: Mm-hmm.gMKqSdwToUfNRDuVyEpBwipfsowMll

dfNDPuuDGZieUkv

On the other side, the Empress Dowager glanced at both of them, first at Ning Rushen, then at Li Wuting.jeRUodVTSiWmmkpBenRqOkCQHdAwel

jUrrDMWNxZROYqr

After a moment, she turned her attention back and said nothing.ZUdXVJkxIAhbEOSmPhbhEkoHoncGKj

vhwmuzmScqZTVTg

…aKqyzhvwWZCunNEyxqFDNmfRJLnCPt

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The eternal lamp for Empress Xian was placed in front of the altar.ggMrrcKalLyajnlkfhrfwlHVuLYzNi

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Li Wuting, Li Jingyu, and the Empress Dowager were praying in the front.nRnUrikckcwwFlscOKfdNdXXJjTJja

gcEElwGlhutyllT

Ning Rushen stood in the side and rear, watching the flickering flames of the eternal lamp with Empress Xian’s name inscribed on it. He thought: This is Empress Xian, Li Wuting’s birth mother. She must have been a gentle and refined woman in life…UNkJoWnHYgUKipEMnXhtctoieShcFw

QYGVTrScpldIckL

Except for the time she pierced Xuan Wang’s face.JlMiZNSHSCVOKSGBhHXfHJYHzJKXxh

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And called her own son by the wrong name.jbIuSRUavyjCeBRjWaKaiowucBCzeO

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After observing for a while, he bowed and joined his hands in prayer.xbxpVpwsGSTXxAiuBXjgfKLLzpKzhp

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·yjXnvtiqnJjmaMqltxYhGxOuhtxlNY

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After offering the eternal lamp to Empress Xian, the group prepared to return.vVjXDHAEgYpTLwYsXCRHdFxHPywIpO

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They packed up and bid farewell to Shaojue Temple.FkzHdEuupdxhIyyyPUdbwhOlyMNZWn

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The return was much less ceremonious.JzSiIcUTDrLaZAxeYvzGfffZsThBlj

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As Ning Rushen was about to get back into his carriage, he was suddenly stopped by a palace servant:shatQApiAdtLnWUcJSocePxhFEEGRk

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“Lord Ning, His Majesty summons you to the palace.”yqyoqvzasbfvDxjXoXjdqizOoBlDVo

gpOIdNEeKqpoRsg

“?” Ning Rushen responded, “Yes.”iTsEnbPyqztKTZAfOsSKxJavOtaFIw

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This time, when leaving the palace, there were hundreds of officials accompanying them.lMrKKUVjxQqYmXZFoQtKVFPaaKgKrr

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Li Wuting was no longer riding in the green carriage.nsJcdbwbZWcYqBhuhfYcbkGScbkfzW

BSAKwRxKPwUAJJW

When Ning Rushen arrived at the yellow carriage, he was momentarily dazzled by its golden splendor, until De Quan’s face appeared through the curtain:RxaltKDLpWNKFuTNxcGweBMHNPOROM

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“Lord Ning, what are you dawdling for? Get in!”rYxRwqnZexcAIvCtKZYrSmvrfdvpEM

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Ning Rushen glanced again at the luxurious carriage and climbed in.sPgzYXBddghRMMhSmqyarxinMhzHFg

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When he lifted the curtain and entered—cLmDADJOFOHqCKbnyZCZHjMlfrXumq

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It seemed the interior had been upgraded, and everything appeared much more luxurious.GfnXjeAdjyjtcCLkzaKCQdXvgAcxbI

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Li Wuting was seated inside, with a pile of blankets arranged next to him, forming a cozy nest.lKXQAiGpYrjKaJZZKEAgDGtQePkndP

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Ning Rushen, “…”PjAfHmSdoPnLBMBmXQlgUvYZCBDFXQ

tJMKydJqFOKHPTX

Ning Rushen was taken aback by the inviting sight and immediately gave in, snuggling into the pile of blankets with such comfort that he almost sprawled out in front of Li Wuting. “Your Majesty, is this the seat reserved for me?”vxdBJLwybcjgjnrQyXkvBGDGtCBcai

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Li Wuting glanced at him, “Or else, is it something I made out of fabric?”WGAEJfCetEhPhKjqGBhEGCUHLhcnyu

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“…” Oh, again with the sarcasm.hsXxYaTvBDfFHJgVpHvycOMpxQYMiq

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Just as Ning Rushen settled in, a box of pastries was pushed toward him.UkFkyWiezZFwdRyXLLlLQdCmFmLjKu

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“Just arrived from someone.”BqyWBvDLLAWDgnSfjtZszunMlhwNFc

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“??”oerTOyHtWMdgmVvVDNPbkOcNxlWiHx

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The pastries included both sweet and meat-filled types.YCbGoyNcgiCQfvYxEXskpPciTwprav

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After eating vegetarian dishes at the temple for the past few days, the sudden smell of meat made Ning Rushen’s heart race.VDkAaGuoFEqglyxzMmeIiqtYRpzvrC

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He looked at Li Wuting in surprise, “Is this also for me?”OQvVefHpMgPwVoxeEPJSykCIAfFhtW

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Li Wuting tapped the table and said softly, “For Lord Ning to sample.”rAMpekGABHHTJRqDESOAnOtqSOitSx

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“…”UdFERHfSAIlCidfcDuvzBEuVIVjZrx

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Ning Rushen took a deep breath and sampled a piece. The pastries were delicious, and the nest of blankets was comfortable, but he couldn’t shake the feeling:zCPsOvburNNmvktSWhcswfrKyNGyLE

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Li Wuting seemed unhappy but was being unusually kind to him.LbLKPYSLhpHAsFtbVOdWHJlHbcImbX

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He glanced at Li Wuting’s expression while eating.QVNPWtvlpuWXXkxrwunPdfnyfICIAK

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Li Wuting’s face, already pale, flickered intermittently in his peripheral vision.QxjFGCcSBlVDyGgsxRepCCsRxHawJU

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Li Wuting, feeling a headache coming on, asked, “What are you fidgeting about?”vfoQhtZudyCGxYIsxJBNESarNCVltf

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Ning Rushen, “I dare to ask, this isn’t some last meal, is it?”AqugzUZzNLVcUAFOzPEbUqJRqxQARo

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“…” Li Wuting, “Stop with the wild thoughts.”hZXAUAMSUAlUEjROPgoWtXjCjICiko

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Ning Rushen, “There are often stories of people being given a meal before—”pTJlxQiVWwjowUUAfycWHlcJcNCpdz

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Halfway through his sentence, he noticed Li Wuting’s eyelashes tremble slightly. Li Wuting then pursed his lips and said lightly:UlhlvGfWXPeWzZIDrAsPoSCWSuJGMo

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“It seems, Lord Ning, you truly want to leave.”xmqIVHNzhiKfRYpPGgWUjblvNGPBVo

SmtYoJBCrpnSILN

Ning Rushen: ………LHLXoZLYcufkZTGxedDvuvBFPuLuze

YycxEueiAcMBPOk

Ning Rushen: ???kYlgwbnoTBpzuChBRAexJIGmwainYv

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After Li Wuting finished speaking, he turned away and fell silent.CBNoHAvxxcuaoVKhNsTZHeOzNJyGxl

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Ning Rushen stared at his cold profile, wondering if he had triggered some taboo phrase. Where did this “wanting to leave” come from?pVXXzZGOLvhAYhinINUFKjAXAOhSlh

vjTthGbjsiZMWHn

He leaned closer, “Your Majesty, where am I—”nkwecPseoSjunVTaqxUeJEvPABViMA

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“Is someone spreading rumors to Your Majesty?”KDHnebwpEkEPHveKwzfrVQmiLhVXIX

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“Oh, is it Shiyi? I thought he might be putting a hex on someone—”WMbIHWbEypxVHgacvTTjyemhLJGWdz

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Despite his guesses, Li Wuting remained unresponsive.PkDbtRwoxbRwIBNPLNGbCjNzLyykHo

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The buried emotions and unspoken prophecies weighed heavily on his heart.rRKAGPXqQSUHhnFpeNqFKRSMGRYYsc

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His left hand in his sleeve tightened slightly, the injury pressing painfully.qiVClmlAWHbirnSNBOdmzXuEYhwsCi

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Ning Rushen, after several unanswered calls, said, “Your Majesty?”AVomiZuITqyapEIxFuSlEQYQoePwPv

lyqltxFaFyNxQap

He tugged at Li Wuting’s sleeve again, “Your Majesty, can you clarify things for me?”jtpxZXWFtoLWBdqGYVKzsVDPvJXnOB

sppTfugHCuUBpxx

Li Wuting, looking down, did not respond. Yet the nest of blankets remained soft, and the pastries were still warm.sdirxjYXTtZsceGLzEAezdPvVqweWn

urpyQwKhUSySiXm

Ning Rushen, noting the suddenly disturbed expression on Li Wuting’s face, glanced at De Quan, who had closed his ears in the corner.HcmHlsmzlHjfmktdfGnWPQkVFqJSfW

trefhRkzDTYkNGN

Then he leaned in and whispered, “…The Chancellor?”rbudrhlFfAirgdGCVXnwADFOLJICjo

wYhsRAROLzFsyWn