This official is so weak

Ning Rushen’s heartbeat gradually calmed down. He looked down and pulled his sleeve back:xukXHovsLLWKWDCMPAuTHquhqoptBV

sfJAFWRGQOzUnzS

Splash. The branches and leaves in front of him were brushed aside by Li Jingyu.XlEQSTebZErskAhfDgmAPjCfNbvgFN

rRkwQRHOuaSOjyv

“I think your homework is still too little,” Li Wuting said calmly. “You’ve already forgotten what I just said.”warGOLCNZuLqbTNxCyrUwWpgVNugof

mdglbzHpbGdcpjm

Li Jingyu obediently lowered his head. “I’ll go back and study, Your Majesty.”lxEPNgwJDWIcldzvIwWxRVwQtslhta

yQDsCgpDeMbAjfS

After a moment of noise, a group of people outside left.rpaTvibwXDnjBTrJItixaQlBnKuhDO

jcQKrLxCANZbSzu

Then, with another splash, light streamed in—PunvMEPbWAekiSdbHXjPRSwytmQoXh

pCySRFABeCUeeva

Li Wuting parted the branches and looked at him.GVksbvMbvyGBmiGlGWLrfNBDNrQgrF

ljpSDqvnRFcjuju

With his deep and distinct features framed by the drooping branches, there was a kind of vivid and vigorous handsomeness.TIrkfkZnKVdyMfphQvPVsBDPsVmKMa

mfodUxlDQBEUjsr

Ning Rushen took a deep breath and slightly lowered his eyes. “Your Majesty.”yeZhNnfmrLRGDjxsOmiPlfwHIffdCF

fXZALuIZYJByntY

Li Wuting said, “Still not coming out? Have you grown inside?”DXcvfDkYXeHAWGNyYsfSlRCVwyjejO

rUZMIDdOvffPMQZ

Ning Rushen quickly moved the potted plant.HteoaKUCgnQDYgvQjvPoeCUsPlXHDa

kkbYaRGsxvalBat

He struggled to move it, his slender hands showing veins as the branches and leaves hit his head, causing his hair to stand on end.xEbfQFvTmSujdUnfKazLFwstEUasvb

qjBWTATiGYCGrxc

Li Wuting couldn’t watch anymore and pulled the potted plant away with one hand. “Come out.”vfsjeXbuGzdzfatCrzScQshAUtaGUu

iQqtYWkKFCJXEzi

Ning Rushen lowered his eyes in praise. “Your Majesty, you have a good hand.”qNSvvTNdjNafGhaAjotndlUHEWjAfw

dkrcIaxoPofeddL

“…” Li Wuting.RiCMdgxGUrJTATLuxupEcjLkMnfSax

yjofcqANAAuLcHP

Ning Rushen emerged and adjusted his clothes, then heard someone ask:ghSWJdyFNeFoIroLylPUTUouvmQfhL

usbhYccMgAHuvwu

“Playing hide and seek requires this much seriousness?”whwhFeLgzNtqjScSSwkPNARpSiSJve

ZoDRdisHEBCTBjK

“Betting on just-baked pastries.”UxIprRxFBCJcRicMbQgdpHxPiDVxPs

GiZOrfMaGzxVJEx

There was a pause. Then Li Wuting said softly, “That would cost Ning Qing’s life.”KJRJTiIukzpgzSwKQEQJGREcamqBzJ

SxYmnXIqlNsrJNk

Ning Rushen:majSvWPExLwBCVjydGSBCrtBelRTdd

vwFiSDJAWxNcCih

He nodded in agreement. “Thank you, Your Majesty, for saving my life.”ZwNckDCurBRRPUrRyxBcgtGbAZubfn

vGxoqIYtklyraLP

Li Wuting glanced at him. “Just a casual thank you?”bThDQZWRFpXnThXYprnHakNuwLYJuB

gzbUCKSADIZGvUA

Ning Rushen was stunned by the question.xbxREUHoXJxZthlNyQbJayRighkuDE

TWhzbCRATBBzETt

He observed Li Wuting’s expression and, after a moment, slowly raised his hand, giving a formal bow:cvuwAXxUtGzlRQtNMdmaVRDebOdkNA

UjQYfLFpjQrhrQU

“Thank you—Your Majesty, for saving my life?”VfWarNivJcvhTsfqnzhtmolOlLOKoE

UzZaIJocHuKUnZD

Li Wuting, “…”KpernKRFntFkJiqWmJxoYLWhfmzdGK

bGwEBwraMmcwfyS

His gaze was silent and calm.FPRBiWuuURWZYUgMlAUxqamSkEVizx

EdxSIYViggVTFLM

Ning Rushen sensed something was off, touched his nose, and said nervously, “Then I’ll share half of the pastries with Your Majesty?”KsHYErzaHSiYNSURlmLEXvlQImLssn

ynnbCdEwlEKwyux

Li Wuting commented, “Taken from the ruler, used for the ruler.”nDZfzDNAsuoqCVyLzFCaVuLjKevTPY

SiCWgDAfcsbEpFN

“…”LrksrAKmagJIfUTPCMFQnuKJXwMkrt

eWTIqxNGgnXjend

What is he saying? That’s half of his life!cuTguIrFUzBQLOWGkmxZLPYArDrgha

uVnsBnwGjjEjuTB

The two stared at each other for a while.gcJKfIctYjRFpoOxlKCfYLyeDzKPtI

yRhFtGrjVFgsGan

Suddenly, Li Wuting extended his hand.mMXgtucsdcFkxVEKaosuaajNaLkDmZ

WINDUbktcNTqUHv

Ning Rushen flinched instinctively and closed his eyes. A slight touch brushed over his head:gnqwEggHjoLdMetsgHgDzUeomifEGu

NXrGwYcNYCzYTfx

“If you can’t think of anything, just owe me for now. Make it up to me next time.”vzUHUKuYBgjPuCyxZnMVatXmzpQxNX

tSDffTYeKzoGuyl

He opened his eyes to find that Li Wuting had already withdrawn his hand.snkSLdMdVFDhiQILZVOJDvZfIqBqBT

SSAEciAQflDPySn

He had pinched off a leaf that was caught in Ning Rushen’s hair.SeGFigtLNGKRiGxpocIoGdygmFPwdN

DAfminOwMQUwRuA

“Oh… I see.” Ning Rushen touched his head: it was just grass that had grown.NvujCSDSCtJTguKYACZAhKmjIeWnnK

zmOcvnsbzKyQdcZ

…WzfJtOAFGuPcbvNztgcsDCFzzgeZgB

YeAAnwNSiiQlNlk

He took the remaining pastries back to the residence.ZNjvlRmmGeqBOnXLPStRYShUbfTjfK

pdHSKqTPmgpzwXD

Facing Ji Taifu after a long time, the nervousness of silently “transcribing ancient texts” was brought up again.XNFTKeIUFmbkUlLgAKPGqSjOkhEBlj

dZUUxWLwQMpWDyx

In these past few days, Ning Rushen had been returning to his room to silently transcribe books whenever he was off duty.OvHLXzDcKKlVXWNkzqpgkhaOHwizcl

VBXaDujpkZIyAtZ

From “High Mountain and Flowing Water” to “Three Visits to the Thatched Cottage.”kUPdHwqaFYhJHCPLVmBpSQkCZgwEAn

uhoByKZxIgfeJQD

In between, there were also some personal additions: for example, how meat buns originated from Yuchuan.DKdEYAvfPdcxbxrRYmVztFjHeVylfN

tgLoHdoCFPjybRW

Yan Min came to deliver tea and was surprised. “This is the first time I’ve heard of this.”xiUqYJdzZEMNaoAtkBWlcOChuysWHL

TPqxSrrRKuZDwBI

Ning Rushen didn’t look up. “After all, I made it up.”OgHqabiqLHwLmaBjePKUmzwEImUKoD

XGEGMDrZxFWFMuK

“…” Yan Min was shocked. “Can you just make things up like that!!”vWXmwaQOAxcZOxhqaUpWhaCJZrWwqq

ydRWSMPUVlbMoTd

Ning Rushen explained, “Isn’t it said that history is created by the laboring people?”qLvgqlkwgDzsUBCiUXYDHmUoggSxmQ

kplGmcXZqWruTqo

Yan Min stood there with his mouth agape for a while.OJRJVaehjgDXOPuIBnKrhsFvlOhfsU

nkwbsuOVOIyhaNS

It sounded reasonable, but something seemed off.yaUjMuIIvNSWYydLqPHIZtwuqUyQfS

tJuOZxGLufJvncA

Ning Rushen had been creating for several days, almost like the legendary Ma Liang with his magic brush.RpZdwzVkAnntbJlNvUUCXVnAnHcorR

mfuuuQVUALIBtxx

As he had expected, during these days Ji Taifu was busy discussing the implementation of the “cabinet” with Li Wuting, and had not come to collect his debt.GEFyfMSeCawlwrOgrUVbwgWbmvyRCw

xcrtGYlswYqqWsN

However, Fan Wan found some free time and came to his residence.BiWZMKAmENThaddhGuxHyVqePquTqE

okjyimgbkaXcdDn

“Master Ning, it’s been a while.”XjmnWZyAcJsNlJugSoTnmavOHtrKVn

dMfWJjHSgfakpnR

It wasn’t until Fan Wan mentioned it that Ning Rushen remembered the last time they parted, when he had sneaked into Fan Wan’s carriage and was caught by Li Wuting in public.OgodauVreOvweIzNMmTmIcgZShxSvf

ubXimjPvZsxbvKG

Ning Rushen sighed, “Please, have a seat.”yjgwZDyhGPjmRxowERCklWewPBRMlM

dZklPpjAsIBzAzM

Fan Wan seemed to recall the incident too. “There’s no need to worry about what happened last time. If it allowed Master Ning to have a good sleep, it was a fortune for my carriage. If Master Ning does not mind, you can always—”qdtHnyrMRGxUeNFVtDJAuxMfJvKyIL

paWepWvDiUcSdex

Just then, the tree canopy above rustled slightly.fXiCalQADBBpQEAoPgXSKgEeCvUDUt

ntcbBlMlzcReFoy

Ning Rushen looked up:YoATwMNhsImeVJtNKhVAkdhtvDKxbi

DhdhRghDerfowSd

Could it be another wall-scaling thief…WERtFCqZhflsPeMQkIKVaFTnzPtFme

RPfDCXYqBYAZEcE

“What’s wrong?”lcUTMuzXNyjSrSGrGPrbFoYDDfhMWO

uOwTuHrwFWgJdzv

Fan Wan looked up following his gaze but saw nothing unusual. Instead, he casually glanced at the wall and was somewhat surprised:CCzzmpzdAIoQhEcdSINNjtwWbQpNdK

MVMqXEbypwQvACp

“Master Ning, there’s a big hole in your wall.”WQnyouTALVBruKkQRApUKxZrrAIVkq

nelroyRWyegZOIe

Ning Rushen tensed for a moment, fearing he might be another thief. “Oh, that’s for the thieves to climb.”FbgxYtMPazzjrBYOKYhhxuuSggoynj

VjvEQpmeIDjodBp

Like the one that just passed.umxkSeAUDYfPFwwCQaamKHuSNZvytC

UgooWzFRYhokxLq

“???”gvxijMabgBOMZTkQnXEAsVLgQvCtaP

bdCqEkInXfyBTra

Fan Wan was deeply shocked: it was the first time he had heard of a house with a path left for thieves!QgzoGjfbCDveXZXZHPCOWWauVAutmW

DQfVEaWpDyBPcuG

He marveled, “No wonder Master Ning is young and accomplished; it seems you know how to harmoniously interact with everyone.”hpxfqLMmxBLfVODfwrXqRAntqXAFgV

FyuorSOzADRGVVr

“…” Ning Rushen replied softly, “Exactly.”UCVdFiIlyWqvhphngWzhfBguTqYFIi

aKhpfEYekyciYCY

After some pleasantries, they finally got to the main topic.QkmrHZAhSiKKZBETeMylopMKtIhyUI

oTPbuNTGsqVXYOK

Fan Wan subtly revealed his intentions. “Master Ning, about the ancient texts we discussed last time…”gkeYfCuOzzHscTSIBnkqUVVmOXBLXJ

tztUXZYrbanPexM

“I’ve only transcribed half of it so far,” Ning Rushen said, “but I also promised Ji Taifu that I would lend him the completed text first.”SMvqHlpVtdCpdepYsVxRcnmXWmMelF

NuTRGaEGJiBdyZO

Fan Wan’s expression drooped. “Yes, that’s how it should be.”lYNOLDcHSyJPnsOGVQQWnohgxcHvWc

aZHndwJxCSrfoSP

Ning Rushen observed him for a moment and suddenly had an idea.ZgcXXqyNElhvjYbxnOKNGYYDJfQvEf

DaJTZpvyqNkgaEf

“There is a compromise.”nMGgtlkvkQtPFdUZVrwYXPvxdQAmGD

vimVEvlakIfqKWh

“What kind of compromise?”lHxQsxceFroorSBlPIyRbUbDjdicXm

uGQWbCvMuioTWjg

“I’ll dictate to you, and you can transcribe it as you listen. That way, you’ll see the ancient texts first and won’t be breaking your promise to Ji Taifu.”iuvvTGFXHKEmvNgUeMrxSWqqjivcie

nQOauKvBGCXmBTF

… The area went quiet.UXXmuACEsQEJkGzAfWtyfLaqqGUZyT

QDvCHTPfyInsaFX

Then Fan Wan exclaimed, “Excellent!”dGMxKFvACWABggKlwWAOltZlcwhbjg

bQXTkVpZMmuzlXB

Ning Rushen pushed the brush and ink towards him. “Right?”NrXHbzNaebvdqOrMEGFRrEfpJfFZrP

GJfoNuIjekgGgUr

…PICiijrYpBMwpQvZEbbrIExRkbPPAz

BrfzhfKYmmAUMcX

Half an hour later.PTwoupgNHRdnAEaldhyiXvgpCitLqc

vnbzixKoprODYgs

Ning Rushen held a cup of tea and admired Fan Wan as he wrote the final character. He couldn’t help but praise him: as expected of the top scholar, his handwriting was both fast and excellent.kyHzoNyBZBFWbkpHIFNSHMzszxSfgm

VmCXUGXnaZmEktd

“Alright, that’s enough for now.”GluCpvijkoJnzgHvJyGhClBgtjABSF

EseehUcnkvNuqUf

“… Truly a profound story.”PVtoqfNUkEiaSAvWcSvCVOwqtDqdPc

eRkunfxhJUabybn

Fan Wan was still immersed in the aftertaste of the story.IahjujqtqlHbzTCvtmIAZteuwYmLuA

txGfqcSReEbSYgL

He showed no awareness of being exploited, holding the pages with great enthusiasm. “Today, I have gained a lot. How about treating you to dinner later to show my gratitude?”OkkCiuOzRRNPRHQvkVuQgptHucstuh

YbxXWLVkNvarlFE

“Oh, I feel embarrassed…” Ning Rushen blushed and swallowed. “Where should we go to eat?”kvKNJOBOFkBJUqThPsiYgDGHBVCPTS

nbYmItPyIqCpwMh

He unconsciously gripped the edge of the table with both hands, his eyes shining brightly. Fan Wan, who was a bit taller, couldn’t help but smile at his eager expression.HNOKGvpRuMtOExfCFlOJRqmGEgRkJl

csaciBODuSjgvSX

“Wherever Master Ning likes…”LgBoAbdnDJfZrsavYNEolvputGzDWj

fXiTNprBeWyyWWu

As he was speaking, someone arrived from outside the courtyard.UtMGuwNrCCNBDUrQzxxXlCaKRJyCjW

tABjTTlVDniLqCP

“Master!” Yan Min led an inner servant in.YlbfuYQZcpAbmXHjYzfeCifZGtrMgv

smEyGnqsMGeQvBZ

The inner servant saw the two in the courtyard, nodded to Fan Wan, and then bowed to Ning Rushen.mdcIATFSDBmDUlvpRyPiGBwkYeVJOE

kRSOuMJEKWjpPtl

“Master Ning, the Emperor is outside and summons you to accompany him.”qBiBglvnQqemCVyXSKEWLQpBbhfFbd

fLbzOnfehnpAnol

Ning Rushen was taken aback: Why would the Emperor summon him?uDOEeGxZNkRbbrmkivZHJWbErIoled

wefTFLkWEOjrTbp

And…MqJwKgtkykMbfgGvkykTAjoUSAAIEO

sOzFvtDlwxHInTy

Ning Rushen glanced regretfully at Fan Wan: they hadn’t even had a meal yet.DRBlIHuESAfoNIEmcJfBRLWKCPUimk

BWHEFqZbTIoggRY

The inner servant suddenly cleared his throat and, with a slightly subtle expression, said, “Ahem… The Emperor has asked me to inform Master Ning that this time he will be traveling in a bright yellow carriage.”cQHZMKtbyjnpVkuJbBufquxejnBHxS

ZfzSWffWdRMRhqN

—!!!ezRlbABQqCdsCSRjjkAHVDhjbdzTVD

rMmJAjHPBHMNBWj

Ning Rushen jumped up immediately!KOatJDtzenOiNpVKXfqPNtgFTikGyu

FlOXduDZjuzyXAx

Wasn’t that the golden carriage he had dreamed of riding again?zNNrljHxsKAwFSLdvNsrmuHmMZyHph

WCPUEKzYZRbdBcl

“I’ll respond to the summons right away,” Ning Rushen said, turning to the stunned Fan Wan. “Thank you for the invitation. I’ll definitely join you next time.”AouqbqCiDgfrkVtCjicxLTbTeoSXOA

RKVLaKddzGzZuFy

He finished speaking and followed the inner servant out.YXYuWYuTWFlPXRXXTpEikbngzQIavp

iWtQhIuFGsHZfWH

Fan Wan: ????ZufxOICcRVMuyPczaJBDMTYzREdnve

ocacNlIFycLdbBV

·PSDTQjbOwVfRxzyoWrNaxWxwmIVZhY

wLsmTiJNLEaftuR

The Emperor’s carriage stopped at the East City Military Department.CuZFVjtGtBbuFTbuYTaixgktdCqvRe

nezYTzGNPGEcwZw

It was just a street away from his residence and soon arrived.BgmXeVmzuETKgJTVVPRTdSBwpSPUBi

fJFTeBDGlQsWFeB

The bright yellow carriage was parked in front of the Military Department, with the streets around cleared and the guards stationed five steps away.CfowFeeraQpvVwNSRBGPDXKmAkuvkf

OUprXWMgjEGCmQP

The golden light dazzled Ning Rushen, making him feel dazed:ArCHwQNeHbqLheuZPbeZyjqvVJCUpG

mJChsnhcwCQJiSA

… This is what it looks like when dreams come true.JNoPRkqrKHFUvdkZSOSoQmYWJeelvp

RcQKzEHDqaXBTdv

With his heartbeat quickening, he climbed into the carriage and lifted the curtain, only to find that Li Wuting was not inside.ByvgApVZhuuarcpOaMupCgVcgatLaN

WMCzfbilJzkUiVn

Li Jingyu was sitting inside, swinging his little legs. “Master Ning～”fyxSXxmresnlHLycYQTUlWrQDSUpjS

EwUUyENjIQVPMVY

Ning Rushen: ?JhbfHgLIlDpsuvPvFimgipIdEmDLEA

XuAyZmpzgDmQFnj

He went over and asked, “Little Prince, where is His Majesty?”MTPvGJyqNNxxhZRAKpMZnHkejuBAjY

CKofmFXBNXzBxca

“Royal Brother said he had business at the Military Department, so he asked me to wait for him in the carriage.”xrXclOLEkXbrNoOqcxnkOgjMlYkBvG

MNYuiWYymjkYtNX

“Oh, does His Highness know why the Emperor summoned me?”MPJqdEFgIlCFGAqjWquSGquVPMcfBu

wAAWAhbEyxwPoWy

“No idea,” Li Jingyu said. “Royal Brother was originally at the palace inspecting my studies. Then a Jinyiwei came and spoke to him for a while, and he said he was coming to the East City Military Department.”RRJYwapOQHgMCdplfyfbfYdNCXXpgz

OTTiQftBpRNmnfv

Hearing Jinyiwei, Ning Rushen’s first reaction was to think of Shiyi.JmzqxISnwClksyfqMMlPeJmsJgDmZi

fIkFBdBoBtxZJTG

But since Li Wuting had gone to the Military Department, he assumed it was another Jinyiwei reporting some urgent matter.XtRIkTbdQKcqiPSOqTUAQHwbwfoixm

GtQgyVQaZyVxArI

The little prince’s short legs swung again. “This is the first time I’ve ridden in such a comfortable carriage with Royal Brother～”qKOJmkbcJZIZywetKJmmPxaDkpmkHA

MHOcDAFcAVWzgjw

Ning Rushen’s attention was drawn back.ACGhoSFTfWVDGYDSyPmBtXzeRtjehN

GWoLaoypAzudRdF

He skillfully pulled out a pile of blankets from the side, piled some for Li Jingyu, and some for himself:YvNTfEiXGQDNbTZQTWmrCIBqGWKpFD

ZmHBeSAswtYwXdJ

“I also find it very comfortable.”UDJZjBOZFJwyxjmRYOcJTLPkCsdKiN

czNZZvWJbflnbLM

Both of them sank into their seats. “Ah—”dVybjzDpJeuFMCnigiFedrtumbhwdk

FvAsgmxVeaKoOkV

After a while, with Li Wuting still not back, Li Jingyu asked, “By the way, Master Ning, where did you hide during the last game of hide and seek?”zXSqIYcbeWDlozdxOJOlBHUJzOpBFK

sqHrJQeRpmYoEyR

“…” Ning Rushen hesitated. “Um, a rockery.”zLyftdQcVinlsPUBqRqmdvwFvwcVKQ

csxkehYfPtVmsTB

Li Jingyu lamented, “Ah, you were so close to being found!”PatjcvxoLpYMXuMEMVFbnWvcyNYPKs

lFmSAmLUxWGNBlD

Ning Rushen pressed his lips together: It was indeed a close call.wSbRtJiAbFXwUVgIkQeKItgQEToBIF

UWlQAFsOzFbGXpb

“Well, I still owe Master Ning a secret.”bnGWgyryrPhSoUWuITqogJgVrrnapw

jYDZqBkyZiqRYnB

“What secret?” Ning Rushen was immediately intrigued.QXxgHgiqxBWqJEJhkkgAizKnHTtpgZ

GRbjvlQbIsJsZNs

He wanted to see what secret he himself did not know.hfJmZcuMHcWmbnbSTDsiZLDdLvzyDf

nLBEaWICmIilvXs

Li Jingyu sat up. “I found this when I sneaked into Second Prince’s residence and rummaged under his desk. Oh, Royal Brother is about to come back, so you should look at it quickly.”cMANnUGyKKncaFdHJKxxeAniaLBfoK

XJFwmfJhraKcUZK

He handed a well-preserved piece of paper to Ning Rushen.DYOnOMSPMLumyZZrGjYslKWNVNJFPn

JrpXaaizQGJDuDg

“What is this?” Ning Rushen looked down.BdMsGxZjkdOQRHPQBQtOZkRvPEiUqF

hxBlbiPOwFNhMWm

Li Jingyu leaned closer and grinned, “Hehe.”pLywzcIUGLBvrQIJGkeqiDJiENQDlv

IOHVtPZgfQYLlzZ

Ning Rushen: …vuAKjKLkEHPSTBRCnvTJYumtXiYvTw

uzvAuPjzhwgTwXj

Ning Rushen: ???LKXCIRqqjHHwHnEQnNhELKxnuntRbx

FAJTqWqVCbiSojF

 HaZexuWrtmgSSUUPTYTRxvxXpGQBom

CZISdhPYAZLSqfg