This official is so weak

 CLiMCVRLGrgvnclrTcgPkJXFZnDNEi

tMTpQOLywmAdbDq

De Quan suddenly slammed on the brakes and reversed.wjtGXIGpCTKoRPfpHgDQpyROWJhmif

gwRrfjWyEWQGdlA

He focused entirely on the hands on his thighs and waist.xbGCnvmjkydsjJkWRFTBccfJFUGOGi

oyeAFBBPpqqMRPG

When he regained his composure from the shock, he realized he was sitting in Li Wuting’s lap, who had wrapped his long arms around him.fMsOXTxcVePfakjGVJZjhwEbMIFuGK

ZPFTDpnhzvifiPA

He grabbed the collar for leverage, trying to get off the lap. As soon as he moved, his scalp was tugged painfully, “Hiss!” Immediately, the hand around his waist tightened and pulled him back—HmOkUlrlsSPUVInSeDttElsuRNDDCc

RkRJInJhbHFejny

“What are you squirming for?” Li Wuting said in a hushed voice. “Do you want to pull out your own hair?”qlnWmZUvVRgcsXAblOdCjiMRsGTovb

NaDIcLFbOiTPoPN

Ning Rushen’s mind was a mess, his waist was trembling violently, and he was enveloped by a layer of heat, with his earlobes and collarbone turning red.gbECqltbbpoxKTisVWHfiuIaNQrnDq

gNXhvklmbdRtSVB

His hair was tangled in the buckle, and his hands were pulling at the emperor’s belt, fiddling in front of the person.DfusdZqwdiCvyeHIdBKqwByBeiZAgK

maHCIbArAPbHuNs

Li Wuting still had one hand wrapped around him.VsHrNRYuZPuhIvClzYJejKLsXDhQrB

hvCUTCGpveCpuIS

The wide sleeves fell down, blocking most of the outside view.LzyoxVCOudOgKyfXsrxLbnvLyXmQOC

oCxcwXwlFRJyncb

Ning Rushen buried his head, tugging without success, his fingers bumping against Li Wuting’s abdomen.pBFuXxnIrlwEiOEXBRAsElqcXdZGcc

UxoGgZRJMpNYVph

The large hand around his waist suddenly tightened.VgIgbvltLAeADzwRYAwOVSnuLaVUTg

zkixmnxOYkdYGUT

Then his hand was pressed down—BWAHKKvoarmMebQMWcGIklnHIdmkAY

UBqhimBRuDITWmh

“Enough.” Li Wuting, as if unable to endure any longer, tightened his grip, pushed Ning Rushen’s hands away, and began to untangle it himself with one hand.PxjIHIfHBcGUWhWpwtUgURCVMzpwnV

svoyYxCJjAKUPYT

“Move your hands away. I’ll do it.”rufosXfJuRmtYmheVdWRILmANeYBBg

qLOmECBVqOiwrnr

Ning Rushen was burned by the warmth of that hand.vyWjtYtccKXcpOKfMSXBfKMFEdRNwr

PTXGdvtRYsBSRmN

His fingers bent in mid-air, then he grabbed Li Wuting’s collar, obediently allowing him to untangle his hair.dNnalKmHbAboSGstOSBppASpfgVrkl

PhjQXrLgIDIeRfq

Li Wuting’s slender fingers moved deftly.FGalrVXYONaXRFiGwzaJbiHxtAlOwh

dpVsmVVMyuIslov

In a few moves, he managed to sort out several strands of hair.PLtpDSfqvruOZKKxzPOtFhCFpSLEUf

jZMRryrlQdymhYM

Ning Rushen, watching Li Wuting untangle the hair, suddenly remembered how he had neatly untangled the red veil in the carriage last time.brbGMbbuqwkiLqYABQuBRpDHFXSsXc

MUPDQnrrkjDMLTt

He suppressed his shiver and tried to divert the attention:pCRWXaQZQgXSNksyKYXWLHymZvKSvv

nKBUvaygyFmNYBr

“Your Majesty is so skilled at loosening clothes and belts.”OomSJmDdQZLnYKinusvvpYnqsmGTsx

TsqXwNuVHZTKPWe

“……”otMdMlgcZDLdpANcERtAXIhYplhxjC

TUYPKCPeAfQdcOn

The slender fingers paused, then suddenly tugged at his hair—QLkvMXkjqZeTRORByaaCBtfPDSDgly

gbNmqqxMHNaYoDH

Ning Rushen, “Ow!”tEMkJumRNITXpZFuiWupuVffbrsFjp

SGovmlQpkPymkBC

Li Wuting lifted his gaze seriously, “Don’t make noise.”QmvgxmxjpDdAnAmyBQMvyjCvOPomhG

JxFBUzALlBtyvIV

Ning Rushen obediently closed his mouth.wcjPTqzJfrrTeUZcPcUTkjoNXwWXMs

qnGzlPuGphineXA

After a few breaths, his hair was finally freed, and the ends were frizzy.SSYtAxaLWfbBlydfexwGSVPaHIKpwU

UjJtcVBYYUaVGUf

Ning Rushen quickly jumped off.sBlQxiLkrdKFUEkPxyjERbMSMNwWpy

mdkNhKaEvwyTsdT

His legs were weak as he touched the ground, “…Your Majesty, forgive me.”oKdYJsBRUiDoiagDoHNeTcHBUwoFYx

mRWnwiyuYkVJDMK

The warmth withdrew, and the embrace was momentarily empty.GunRBhgjOIMEMhcGpxxGmBbcbYqIGo

VVHIqYwHdQsrRNq

Li Wuting clenched his fist and said lightly, “Ning Qing’s hair—”AXlfCaeufMAjkkvNsXMQlHyzmxSZMr

FhzUfMFlaGaTDIj

Ning Rushen clutched his frizzy hairCXmqcGqCHRYboCxFxDFhTJysROFTgo

oWsyPGOQwQZqNFp

“……Forget it.” Li Wuting looked at his flowing black hair, which hadn’t yet reached shoulder length, and his face still looked quite youthful for his actual age of thirty-five—grkKTlMeodniDzdpvIRFtNkllPynTv

AdILbEXfZWexmCc

Li Wuting said softly, “You’re still too young.”sUFBaBLXnzyFeppVREbgZTLrFNaYMI

nRnVtkrFFWgzUzt

Some things…both inside and out, in terms of personal feelings and public propriety…how could he handle it?KtzsdeaKGjZENTwhHfZffklByWxnln

PKzwVotSerEkuvn

Ning Rushen, confused, “??”dmypGnaBJbVMWJVHlkJnLKMzfWcykd

vweSERatYdwohDc

Too young for what? Such words shouldn’t be used lightly.APaStdwHLZQDILKdZjwiGeOpLhvOmS

XaBNnEwzOXkYMWv

Li Wuting looked at him again, “Ning Qing is still not yet twenty this year.”QdHUabyyaOZvGkVUqjmcBDVYuCowTY

FlAEVwxockRKLys

Ning Rushen, “……”symUBwNNlvkyVodugAaRaqpxzsmFJz

xcnNkpgfFFtVFqF

He felt a crack in his heart: Aren’t you just in your early twenties too?JFYEgZEyvsVuelzoCCRzOnDwhygYrf

ApyIXbBmXIdxTpR

Moreover, he was actually in his twenties already. There wasn’t much difference between him and Li Wuting.GobkfokFrhipwbYuoAqZzdJWupIvlO

TvyNPHeaLUMrpjO

Ning Rushen straightened up, “I am mentally mature.”sxJtgSCIUHgeHEDVBsdUDzwBBDvxti

RivRBtDPrloioEg

Is that so? Li Wuting replied calmly, “Your pastries are gone.”kTXCMgZTueSMLYfKpQXIFBVitzzXsn

rJoAfhknuRksUQm

Ning Rushen was shocked, “—No!!”IPRsHGNzAzxZdjzPlzJjFQFoBLLdxn

NGbOUJdJYpiDfei

Li Wuting, “Haha.”BWztTglYlJWwNNbvajZCOLGWtSJrmk

kOgudzxjINGSxen

“……”EBwKZFkZIMqIfCfGoXxzTCQlAeNxTk

GRVWqmmbAMULuAT

The ends of his hair fluffed out a bit more.aEhhZpBlVaNnZLagOJBHSgDyoLKwgm

lkCmEvAXnAMzKsf

Li Wuting’s lips seemed to curve slightly as he called out, “De Quan, take someone to the Imperial Kitchen.”dAoWxuwNURdAAcGBgZWWlVpjvrYVxx

tUijVsXENTQWoIb

Ning Rushen was gently stroked into order again: That’s better.YhTrKSiSSRdEBkNlCCGdNjCODMzvjC

CwBkzPKRAoIlsrH

De Quan responded, slowly moving over.aDGwMBdmSFGWDbJpmpJdJkpmJWPJai

ByKkIpTwBZFhmfs

Li Wuting frowned, “What are you dragging your feet for?”XnedUhGWzrEQGpKWLbcJkAmLopFuTe

EzdUOWVAFBVFRvg

“Yes!” De Quan quickly stepped up, thinking: I’m not afraid of going back and forth again, am I?AohtowuocWsAxpBCCZxxYzjOZlVVIq

sKIFXAKnZhakJWL

Ning Rushen immediately followed happily.CoOkarkuvfcTrzCHclDrcstQlbUnOj

ibagyQTxYUZjFnN

Before leaving, he turned to Li Wuting to express his gratitude. As their gazes met, his waist suddenly went weak! Ning Rushen’s words stopped, “……”vWaEIixGNLPLJDXxFoIVdrKdMpUEKy

fOHmuAfrNSxlUoj

Li Wuting, “What’s wrong?”qqStHvLkkSWLtXunacIXeBnmCmzNGP

NCxKFbNXSmQhGcC

Ning Rushen, still a bit shaken, “Nothing… I’m just… strong-willed.”yKIRXexDPOdsJrXdnJykzoTDkYrKOh

ZRvFRwDiHYdOUvM

·RefQUbEzdPexehIBRfdaokOEFgDxdL

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On the way to the Imperial Kitchen.wtfWFwZwiEeeztVyZOXGGVYzALImeC

MnmWzFIWbnoPJvG

Ning Rushen asked, “Is it the same kind as last time?”TBNEUINPFEfNGKeyoAABQESwnLSGJm

QbZeQUcOJtUyOkJ

De Quan said, “The last box of pastries was bought outside. You can just have the Imperial Chef make them the same way this time—after all, nothing beats the Imperial Chef’s creations!”nMLNfAlNhJJPGeiniObGphELyUZNSS

lPieqvLUiQHzHSU

“Then why buy from outside last time?”sswLxiPhMufKEQcvXoKbNGqZbsqmkf

HpwjJRyfohbUFSE

“It was a matter of timing—”luHDmwWyMLLksIzbREjZHPyhBGoiRi

IuqKHmfrUHpLUOr

De Quan’s words were cut off abruptly.zQYcTQUrUEIoielGffrSCOKtUNGOtf

nQefcyeIUdiUNve

“?” Ning Rushen asked, “What timing?”rfkSEcxlJuMtuYfmOLrADQjktVrbFT

EgBVgQbhJDEJMjt

De Quan had already changed the subject, “Oh, nothing, we’ve arrived… Lord Ning, please go ahead!” He then hurriedly pushed him along with a dust whisk.kYsOOPIErDwPTcYRdUjpifbTdPVAdJ

RjHmCgvZqWzmocZ

“???”pTCvjuaxAOzgfxMAvXyCHGvlHgMKVZ

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Ning Rushen looked at him suspiciously:LxwXzLwWjyTaRWidfgXAJUyfflpVHb

KRwDALjCfmfixao

Didn’t the strainer just miss something?PRzWyJxuuxPkyxfOsRokVzsTpLjkdN

BtPLmNgvrqcLnUA

…ApSUbRdqWZASeAeUrbYyXXUhZnGbLJ

UZibkDavkrkZoFy

Ning Rushen’s efforts to relieve the emperor’s worries earned him a box of pastries.djzivMHikRABtqLxewUvByIYnWFOPY

NwcMUKmgzUHchGI

His enthusiasm for work increased dramatically.gycklLMnrRjyIlantThTotxpVPfIBD

TPoIIQscubOVfeW

So much so that when he was summoned the next day, he was full of energy, as if he was going to eat rather than work. Halfway there, he even gently urged the leading eunuch:rYSRjpCRQjlxeJpKKihNNutUagpNnu

qInmNqHkFjRxpRc

“Little eunuch, hurry up!”kGkleDVyVBehlbjszHOCSlgyLLfEti

ypofqgBNbuEwOhN

The little eunuch, panting, mumbled some elegant words from the Great Cheng Dynasty: …NoMGotUOWSpntkEgltDuAyVKTiFQux

vkwWgbUhfNTJCzM

They reached the Wenhua Hall.KVVwCeKReAfRHLWIazIrTPwNSzEtUb

JhWeOudYncCsOJS

When Ning Rushen entered, he realized he was not alone today.vAVqgjCeRAofcEaMdbPyUDDfmJapSk

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Five key ministers, including Ji Jie, were present.vgfQTHMOrIkMTCIRvLwJNtdygHYuRA

tMdhRXRoHFgvyxi

Upon seeing Ning Rushen, Li Wuting dismissed the palace servants, “Since everyone is here, let’s begin.”BLUucowoIRciBjpsXcqHcuUfKOsDFw

lCqwcYOQsSrCcwG

Ning Rushen: Huh?cYYGKjJbbIcBBQCihNihQOvKGlQyiS

hNgRGCUDmvvycDk

The servants withdrew, and a few pages of paper were handed to them by De Quan.urfRHSVlhahdAhznPOZfTTccSsfMGy

nMSIODuNDIPluwu

Ning Rushen looked down and saw something very familiar:gvQFhNRdtltkULPtphHJiPUlbSzowy

VdKWYpcDOsiYThX

It was the power division plan Li Wuting had proposed yesterday. However, it had now incorporated many elements of the “Cabinet” system, forming a unique system distinct from the “Ming Dynasty Cabinet System,” tailored for the Great Cheng.UBRGjOfgKyBWsbHoMKFOaFlZWIHLXK

xtRZbSiJhgbImjy

In just one night, Li Wuting had managed to revise it.RrzrdIOhWaugzZpgZEbHiXFaDkbUas

vmoaPhwFlriwljz

Ning Rushen was astonished and looked up.sRUoEgBoLcfwKCDAXOshNpMqCEzMNq

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He found that the others around him were even more shocked.NyHxUnCXXXVnxEmhRClYjCaOmMqfnI

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Ji Jie looked over several times, “Your Majesty, what is this?”hCvjoTLZFUWUzyuULrPXtbTtUXDyIR

DpvHfjadvvjVMOg

Li Wuting met the ministers’ inquisitive gazes, “This ‘Cabinet’ system is drafted with the assistance of Ning Qing.”YinIQYFraSmDhmerusiTCKsZaLaQUU

tcJbvzNCPDUyfjO

At his words, five pairs of eyes instantly turned to Ning Rushen!TMqctQtGanWNIpOwuQGeLTLqwTCYpo

ATjQiPAdkRkYAVJ

“………”fGgTIKVyVvxsdkeVQosJiiuJhfoJpw

dEmDCOKHsKJIGmH

Ning Rushen was startled and looked at Li Wuting: Why mention me!!!dfrEKRrPSziOZAopJfSVgpbAvoknwX

JTOxyOErfqMgtwU

Li Wuting met his wide-eyed stare and smiled.gaXOGanxHOdFkRjFOsZxmaiMvUzOlw

JviVPycNpgEtnht

Then he continued to speak, redirecting attention:GCDKOtALsstzJJsceRpDBOBVjtebvq

jSxrERnFjejAhcE

“I intend to establish a ‘Cabinet,’ promote talented officials to assist in governance, consolidate scattered powers into this system, and in the future, select the Left and Right Prime Ministers from the Cabinet.”gvUpEROamAEMDvCajUzukOiprCsQCd

NCvoEoIOfEasjOm

With that, the ministers in the hall exchanged serious glances.nwNgCSqsJqRBGvkMrfuEgSCdJMVHVj

MfkzKLrXzecRVuF

Li Wuting continued to speak at a steady pace.GNZlHDzgrVGPosmWQXQRAQUGAUxRrU

LOLFqProBWdfTMi

Ning Rushen listened to his explanation:uFXoAFOtQBssJmHVhhncEbNnXsiOxZ

NsJzSLEGlzKtjOM

Li Wuting conservatively retained the Prime Minister position.rvmYYAMbCeTrYvkZWksHcqvizkRdse

DEENqbQvFofBEtI

If there were no surprises…oWOHOaQBEwOOALrbEkWazibeJkAWPy

eaXkzvsZLjWKYYZ

Ning Rushen glanced at the five key ministers present—IKHCYCiLwbWwefRLwTbglvVRYpCZSA

KZPrfBLIqMaZpIN

Each of them had their own faction and leaned towards the new emperor. They would likely be the first to benefit from and support the new policy.VfGpgaZBDPNTeNvEEnlFjoySwZYntX

MjZFoRRnnPcFvRk

…qlLYTNdNsoUAGZeKIeVJdUPWiNRbWx

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As expected, the hall quickly erupted into discussion.plSbCtoOnOwngBIGGlrKvhsUFplOEm

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Ning Rushen stood by, listening with his hands in his sleeves. Since he was one of the “initiators” of the new policy, the high-ranking old officials had no objections to his presence.UgtIeNDurkWszsOlTRngXNRTrqPLuo

SIghCYHEdaGwIiJ

In fact, several times he met Ji Jie’s gaze with a half-smile, and Ji Jie even nodded warmly at him—sdkUVeUBliDojmlRsaOttQayKBqdtX

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Ning Rushen briefly remembered the “ancient texts” he had yet to finish for him.FvznHbZgLgByHqdXvKLpJUkIxwgwMC

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He silently closed his mouth and looked away.kRMyDFvomYZtMGnTUcbmgbvJbzwDkg

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Hoping that once Ji Taifu got busy, he would forget about it.qEyWMDyJkQkDEPmliQUGPxUHQKnHhN

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The discussion in the hall gradually came to an end.LhgRSuMvXfJxHlgsstwoMDvLEvqLKY

MUOJTCLmsqmIhNW

Ning Rushen listened and felt that some of the issues from the old “cabinet system” should be avoidable. At least the eunuchs’ monopolization of power—xONSEXLXlqaCksieygBgcJvkyjkeRy

tdykBiSzNONSQBY

He glanced at the side, where De Quan, lost in his own world and occasionally chuckling, was—JPexXNgCCwYBiwaEuHVxCViUfYUTzt

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He had no idea what the other was here for.ANOWJtbHmObfsdBllkANvCeukoxmTV

tvkAXZfqmUGxiET

While pondering, Li Wuting spoke, “Minister Ji and Minister Guo, please stay. The rest of you, please leave.”UGrgarMpiVqIMRstDmYXpjjlgItLEz

tIrVaajEzazUfJh

Ning Rushen came back to his senses and replied with the others, “Yes.”bcYCUJXxIHRyXvAAVBJYbERnvRCuND

JGvMrjRLDyXMDxe

After speaking, he looked at Li Wuting.sqsVWPBHqYwCnvyJwCXOXZNxaVRajV

PQIRnQgsSmGfFIL

He met Li Wuting’s gaze, which was directed at him over the heads of the crowd. Li Wuting’s lips moved as if to say something, but then he stopped.CLXVTiDhFhOrlvyAaiUwHDcoxeAPHG

jdkMzAjAQUHLpgq

He then turned his attention back to Minister Ji and the others.mymYdMlQFThFlKKjgyabobChqTCsBH

zxfgQojswnURYqG

Ning Rushen: ?ATTIDiIWAYWHikuVrKXniVLZaWsIvX

KFPhXoNifKFRnru

With a faint sense of confusion, he exited the hall.EedNXfNRGYtwNHyyPVdqMBDUsqESVo

OgYTEZCIDNJpaDu

The other three ministers had already left quickly. Ning Rushen had walked a few steps out when a young eunuch hurried after him with a food box, “Master Ning, His Majesty has sent this for you.”YjQmaciVNbIZsTrglwdkNAEFcdtBpk

rqgSYDOnYUaTfsf

Ning Rushen was startled for a moment, his heart rate quickening:IjUOVHdankIEEYEJmgIEluXaAxtqep

WuuAxDffdujkIiP

He thought there wouldn’t be any today…cnrVyojWVMCOkVcaUQavBzrOvDxoAV

SiCqlrDORpepWNf

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”nLZgIRkLnUryOYzAlNWEPVMCqJUvZD

dDVufvIdgpwNDGY

He said, tucking the food box under his arm and walking away with a satisfied expression.uEVuKFEjuOZgQZcsbyfOMFOEmnHpzV

JqPytjIljOqcKAA

Leaving Wenhua Hall, there was a shortcut through the Imperial Garden.XZUQdjVXfXBDjHODYbfFPkAryPkjDV

OMBQdTmDVQmovnT

As Ning Rushen entered the garden, he saw a group of palace servants ahead. A familiar childish voice came from that direction.FGYshkaUEtjEBSQLLyWonOJEDfaNIe

mCymlbxCWvWqnyj

He paused for a moment, and as he turned a corner, he saw the short-legged figure.OpibabTULvJcPpnxFylDdPYvmTmbVC

lzRcRpdCSPVQoJn

Li Jingyu, with keen eyes, turned around, “Master Ning!”juQwFzZSOiMnPQeJtFReERSPPndtJg

vAobysmAcNmGdSc

Ning Rushen approached, “What is Little Prince doing here?”guhMXJLrhwsADRbYKnSNVIztaxsARN

bwBDJPWBpTbdaZO

“Waiting for the Emperor, but I heard that the Emperor is in a meeting.”jVyVKeRLTjizOfvFrFPEeHlfXsxjLg

UtLoGNVampWCbeJ

So you were just playing hide and seek.lrKfxWSofskAekflZrLgzwhwhEKeoL

fAltQpHJRaDmVBQ

He said, “The meeting should be ending soon.”GEBYMyjrJZBRZaUJvBunOycwNvKtve

ApdfEAUROBnEnYt

“Oh…” Li Jingyu glanced at him, his black-and-white eyes turning, “Since there’s still some time, Master Ning, play with me for a while.”mqCvvzFyhEzkAwqmtzTUMgbjSHSYSt

uRpVREAvabXbIhI

“What does the Little Prince want to play?”ZKdnCCZbCXiiVxjTNSeYKodBOMpflN

EVNfrgEXpXJGzKJ

“Hide and seek?”JnHOntCcDPwwkpOmqcqcAHYVgUDWUr

SZaSYnogPIGqDiy

Ning Rushen thought for a moment, “Alright.”sHyxkkdFelaeMnyfdYBYDivoCEluqF

qxpDgQagMYqmGeR

The palace was guarded by soldiers and attended by palace servants, so it was relatively safe. But considering the Little Prince’s penchant for tricky hiding spots, Ning Rushen decided:eGxQnmViMHKKsWjTrkZhqwnDaiQRcU

ScQznarZoDWAvcY

“I’ll hide, and the Little Prince can seek.”VDMXRQjNJnVOWFTIbkjUuzpQisdKpL

aRPiiQDyUIDwEHG

Li Jingyu eyed his food box, “Hmm, if I find you, your pastries belong to me.”sENCSauhHjNztwavtjRCgAxWqOxMCQ

XoDQdJWgqcLFWTE

“…” Ning Rushen instinctively hugged the food box tighter, “What if you don’t find me?”GzrthJRZwgJSCiKyStEuNRUwftXZbo

QHhozXmRUNDRGpp

Li Jingyu thought for a moment, “Then I’ll tell Master Ning a little secret.”yWYfKSrrRrmCVDmLaGMrpoGpJjEtIB

GNnFYGJgZfUCqFN

Ning Rushen, “Will it be another scandal?”YnUkIGCrxJiHAWdDJjldFNFsEgLiBP

mKwDFxtVdCUXftP

He was no longer interested.cqwJCtGHROZlWRJtDDOZLvtGRvKjGb

vfftvDxwlecAUxl

“No.” Li Jingyu said mysteriously, “It’s a secret about Master Ning.”DXUZmCgXIKCZzBlfGmTWBccXiXDitf

KNmEBbHppqrQeIs

“????”jqRJNzqubCueUOaIiVSVnJdnbhcuhK

cDcxpIUsiJtiHpm

Ning Rushen was greatly shocked: He didn’t even know his own secret and was going to hear it from someone else?hZmtCaxoEPFSDzNyhbSJuLJEKWHuVl

jcHkfEVPXEcUFvp

He opened his mouth, then nodded, “Alright.”tSEkQfpKYCmRRcJXyfbVZAmajxIVje

ioBrQeXyYVSspMi

…IakJwfNoKyxSyICbEZBooUCQhQPscB

GgbWDUcJAMARpUt

The Imperial Garden was large, with many rockeries and pavilions.CHHezyqruhYsWrmAsrnwuYXraixNJk

aQvZBAoqMJfCKJU

Ning Rushen walked further in and soon found a rugged and unique rockery behind a flower grove.QLMhosAPcUjlKAbgXlBIlqsqsogCoK

IMvwlCuenQxkPZb

He circled around and found a recessed stone cave.nLRxwphZaBYIPEdktjdUAevwuZUoae

VwzvpcXAeinDkiZ

Ning Rushen measured himself against the size of the cave: doable.mjndfVafnjQOOtXnLIjkGNkypSizdh

twxqCKhNDVhSSMh

He squeezed himself in.fbXQAuCrhmnlKWiySDLTSXiYDHDNFN

YUITxSEBdDSNdWS

Before that, he moved a large potted plant nearby to block the entrance.wPNQuCwSsXIUuXXwPwcNDVRZjmkHLF

obezgAoNBXhfDVw

After hiding, Ning Rushen quietly waited for the Little Prince to find him.HwEabQWYiulnLDmcVFYgVNVyxAXLbe

JKLwzdrqMNxquBV

Time passed bit by bit.ppcTVyJdVbIfPUhpFMNJPEGbCGTQNW

HFLwyuVOuInFLqS

He didn’t know how long he waited, but finally, there was some movement.FyjPmRVPrERMoAQQkUxTBsMgDVhBWu

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Ning Rushen, hidden in the stone cave, listened carefully.gJLUHpNZeOtTQwsnCIXMIxmhciIuUT

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He could hear Li Jingyu on the other side of the rockery, possibly climbing somewhere, with palace servants shouting, “Your Highness, don’t climb!”mfOhPGlAroSUCFbKuAQhIoWKSYESmQ

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A few minutes later, the noise grew closer.jexqiAVtSQnWLJXTyrGJbYkdxwRNOt

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Ning Rushen adjusted his hiding position: tight!SivsArSjqyMTwjdNRnLQzlaPjfbXbl

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Just as he was holding his breath, another noise suddenly came. Then he heard palace servants exclaim:GFXviOKHgDTljCDAUERvcqgnIqNImV

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“Paying respects to His Majesty!”iZMuysndUUKpuQLuUwtsKLvchLwvyr

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“………” Li Wuting?WuDBhjxSVQqKXGYOjrfcqJSCJmSKnm

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Ning Rushen swallowed hard.yASZmWKoTKZGufwWeFhMQVjhzIrsbQ

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A deep and stern voice came from the other side, “Jingyu, what are you climbing up there for?”nINpQyVstnMHgqMwzMVDlFWWAXzjCP

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“Royal Brother, I’m looking for a cat.”VlWkimXjVAHPDhfwSeNMStgHuaekeD

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“Nonsense. How old are you, and you’re behaving like this!”IGGyDgvzpBwYmAProilOBvoDeITxeJ

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A stern lecture echoed through the rockery.CVwcDqQKTmtygnczKNUzpuulFDfmsg

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Ning Rushen licked his lips:…AVQwlQBUTiqEgSUFGeThfEvTRWEWqV

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No, it has nothing to do with him.BRrgIMOGJlwDAReZDIuSDUzqOozZJI

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As long as he stayed hidden, he wouldn’t be the one being scolded.aUkJsjfzYOnmOVmYUKLjcpsdzXAmyu

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After five or six minutes, the noise finally stopped.BGSITqLwYGimCnTSfBXzauzNiPAFvq

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Li Wuting finished educating the penitent Li Jingyu, assigned some tasks, and left.VHZZtASVjtoCpCFsDWhaDeeAaHswMz

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As he walked past the potted plant—qVgYIwegtnCNCFdKkyRnKnHdeRifFA

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He suddenly noticed a piece of crimson sleeve peeking out from behind the potted plant, caught on the jagged stone corner.eKNgWNfQEhSuyUOSWdJXfFLEOxiHmr

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Li Wuting stopped abruptly.LCcgMGDpyVejKiEmapPGKimCTIMeBr

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He was silent for several seconds, then reached out to move the potted plant.mwtpSiKAQsCLmsbpAAkPGoDcODsoLk

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With a whoosh, a larger figure emerged from behind it.ZKQopIqLgqsAkbUjuvMIfknstsRNkm

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Li Wuting, “…”tgMGDmrlENmoeVqsGlWRVduoogNewz

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Ning Rushen, “…”yhPhsWvNaQCGvGPIlOUkuVRqEEjkqb

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Amidst the verdant and fluttering branches, Li Wuting’s tall figure blocked the entrance to the stone cave, his calm and handsome face lit by backlight.FaeFYkIzrrWgDNFhqWOyFTOVoVxtIT

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The two of them locked eyes.gPdFrBAKryCnFtArOffViltTtszAiI

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At that moment, Li Jingyu’s voice came from the other side, “Royal Brother? Did you see Master Ning?”zBnZDNccHXccvtcqrqNURfSwHSOPfz

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Ning Rushen took a deep breath!nqXwjqkVUpYoPvErpFeYFnQveDsYpk

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He pressed his back against the stone cave wall, nervously watching.RgejTWcjlgFnSuMnjgZTfpfPwGULrB

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As his heartbeat quickened, Li Wuting looked at him silently for two seconds, then suddenly lowered his eyes and smiled.pQIznYYwreRynOPWUqkbKFCVETUWXS

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He tucked the exposed sleeve back in.ZpitzxEBQFBtcWJzzqVFNQqOADjcXB

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Li Wuting neatly covered the potted plant and turned to speak naturally, “I didn’t see him.”zkuZhbrueRlqTVFZUnbMrebnvSMNqv

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