This official is so weak

Li Wuting called his name with a hint of a different meaning, as if scratching at a deep, elusive question.cMqbinDqwXzQgpbKnYhKjYKIGGjrZB

XqxBriZbeqrptBO

The hand on his head adjusted again, and Li Wuting asked quietly, “Ning Rushen, what does this character mean?”sEWKhYYosXALmqljCSLdbjYEXuLZKf

gkJyQNKCZieVDhL

Ning Rushen was surrounded by the smooth sleeves, his vision blocked from all sides, leaving him only the view of Li Wuting’s handsome face below. He let out a slight breath, “…Hmm.”ybGJZamrlbukQIalhZKFNJYBOVeiTe

ESDarmwmGTCatbM

The other person chuckled and finally withdrew his hand, “I haven’t asked yet. What does the character ‘Ning’ signify?”OJEczJVlUKWLYXhdIAFSnvWlGalZhL

WgqWWtZAInidcFB

He replied, “It represents the good qualities needed for serving the Emperor: reserved and profound, endless as the deep.” Keep quiet and do more work.dxbZncJIOymjpeCHPmHoZbAlfFhnIP

gxjOdcFcXETqIDO

Li Wuting was struck by his “endless”…!goLzMUAwhBrjQDRMwBfOIlvEbVmkoz

LJFXFurHlJpMPiC

After a moment of silence, he softly said, “Even ‘endless’ can have a pause.”wLPKZlxgkZzFGlUEfXEiXnnecgQzqz

IKbBhczsoFqXiRp

Ning Rushen bowed his head, “…Thank you, Your Majesty, for your consideration.”QMpWSCvmQTFqHyBJYUxrtZDrJlHYms

yQGWLPxCzmvaHgd

After presenting the jade hairpin, Li Wuting prepared to return to the palace.gjlvBDNvJHVvNlukWiHCiJdxYJRWby

rYHYMVAWkEbWCUw

Ning Rushen sent him out of the mansion with a slightly awkward smile. Li Wuting stood in front of the carriage, glanced back at him, and his gaze finally fell on the top of his head.LtLrYwtvBeyJbhVfbwUAgviBxGdhiP

kPrYJamQHmJKFKu

Li Wuting turned and boarded the carriage.OyhYeUNMqFuOZJjAWMLnuLZbhKhtMX

LQEkbIHLpqgFLzc

De Quan turned and grinned at him, showing a big white smile, “Lord Ning~ make sure to wear it well!”KkNkbzLueeiYqouVnbnmOaDSufBahL

mQkrqSFnxOMIheB

“…” The carriage curtain was lifted. “De Quan.”CFWSgTQjCPxBgTCIGvLPDpeQzjrsus

zAqidOYkPmJHiPy

“Eh!” De Quan hurriedly covered his mouth and climbed into the carriage.AarHCLYpMFBXFPuWPMJgkpkTXVjvLi

CLhPGpSeWhufYSX

Ning Rushen watched the royal carriage leave with mixed feelings:VQrviZFpBFaWKwxWgmKORLEXKwszzy

ehWjenwoAlnrnsw

…What exactly is De Quan serving in the presence of the Emperor?EBotZsDBUeRKiuLOBRyKVeRfEloviw

cRZFmEBarMwSuhs

After sending Li Wuting off, Ning Rushen returned to the mansion.ybkpmZOZfKUHhBSdDVytCyEQhIvJIJ

KAodUrKAxrYDbbI

Once the royal carriage was gone, the front courtyard immediately became more unruly.IbQBYzFBhDcUeqfGsrCRfWVgVYtyQz

WtRocUQOFxgTavV

Ning Rushen was dragged by his colleagues to drink a few cups of alcohol. Just as he was about to use his usual “escapist” move to leave, he was suddenly caught by Geng Yan—HwXlzkhGHKRtYEEGuFAxGEnBxyohLP

jSXtZcoDlOZXoom

“You changed your hairpin? It looks so precious; it makes your plain head shine brilliantly.”aIAxhVCwLagcZpHRodxTMgnARKzvnN

cTzYiGvqgUZRLbC

Ning Rushen, “You really know how to compliment people.”jfFYqhfrPXGkHHuGbWaoHdSETGPmEK

IUsrLrlhvlBAvPQ

Geng Yan rubbed his hands and tried to pry, “Let me see…”XYJiLPjEGPMHkTqoLdtoImxNduGUnH

GLbzKCuhVUKXrWI

Slap! Ning Rushen swatted his hand away, frowning, “What are you doing? Do you have no sense of personal boundaries as an adult?”phsQamoriVWueVGcCvWtVbKrEHcVYH

PRKyBZLVLYxXrQU

Geng Yan looked incredulous: ???vPMaWiXOSuhvcZwDVeLZnegglusoQx

lhWhyBaZxKnIGAn

Ning Rushen gave him a disapproving look and turned away.PUgcpGyfQgfkPnOPtXgkQayeYzOIhZ

nDxsLehnCnwVTSv

Leaving Geng Yan standing there with his mouth open.OvqzlSDSsBmhkrAXzuFMJgaqWSSGCG

AVwbtcyvGyWzeAr

After a moment, he looked back in the direction of the main hall: By the way… When did Ning Rushen change his hairpin?NYQJIxqVUuBOeMzAgaFgRRmJfiZNhB

uvIgMpbOmUlFgUQ

Wasn’t he just over there looking for the Emperor?ITMMbLqfGwAjWYgDqwQgnFlyiTTFGq

OoJaJbiDweAhXPV

After a day of the coming-of-age ceremony, Ning Rushen was utterly exhausted.UkVBSKVNDyFwNEORILntfzhFMAosYC

UKusFyKEgrMzHXT

By evening, when he finally rested, he changed out of his layers of clothing and sat at his desk to remove his hairstyle.hTbOrXluHXPSjFaDOSvcfgIcpJSxdP

alKqTotIvymiUwi

A small candle flickered on the desk.RfeDvLHtvTqfRrrDTFQinvfeNnreuY

aGyHlSPtIRMzRCQ

Ning Rushen lifted his hand to undo the tied-up hair, letting his black hair cascade down. He finally got a clear look at the jade hairpin Li Wuting had given him—BXKGvlOIXnuvExVrWIbYjUWbhsGgmQ

kcvHgVqNWZormqD

The pure white jade gleamed and was translucent under the candlelight.trtpZIAlnmjkeDIRpKiCDrVGeNjikB

OflndEQeeVAjKku

The carved design at the pin’s head initially looked like delicate, floating clouds; upon closer inspection, it resembled a finely crafted jade pear blossom, which suited him remarkably well.raQVPUaOCVWXsMGTQojDxwUqbiuayK

dafyjNMlMYLXZRk

It truly was a gift worthy of the imperial family, elegant and fragrant.IujUwxiaIXOifqcADfSvIfJqJVffzW

gZjLEhxJWCSArJb

Ning Rushen lovingly stroked the pin for a while. As his fingertip brushed over the head of the pin, he suddenly felt a barely perceptible tiny seam: ?MMrUttCfByxMrxvUoxRhgstbxdGayY

SbtOOmkpwQOLwDs

He leaned closer to the light to examine it.HdbpektebesYEjfRkIREQdQszxrMFk

sGJuSiBtzhnONmt

There was indeed a fine seam… perhaps a result of the carving and assembly?LLCKZRcGtMzKvTJzbQnoxwyGozeWYW

NWhxpufXiodisqs

He tried to pry it open but didn’t manage to, fearing he might damage the jade pin. He decided to set it aside and ignore it:rhFSzsKAyRTRaGLqrWQsBhTPrpXJCj

FYpMpLJKsWLdzXx

It was not a big issue; white jade naturally has some imperfections.twdUfIapAXRkzsdSbhntvSzxShoaoA

SyzFZzeLUoFfeIC

For instance, Li Wuting’s fate, King Jing’s mouth, and the entire body of King Xuan.gUrcnqLnXeZPzMXydsQRJTsBlASaTk

MjaKTIUXLjxRRoe

·yhhlWiTIWAktjDrNKFqtuLAzZlLtje

xRrWVCwqWtrBlRm

The next day, Ning Rushen wore the jade pin to attend duty in the Imperial Study.AvESvvlvdBfwYarBJzNPSzhzrbRiHt

UNtykEVvsvbFGrO

When he entered, Guan Fan was also there. After reporting, Guan Fan was about to leave. Noting that Ning Rushen had his hair styled, he congratulated him: “New year and coming of age, may you have plenty to eat!”NCCBEHnwemiHNBdAyvMuAvOJNhuzhY

wEBqxVxDUNDclHw

Li Wuting, “…”zINrsVcIXZbLjjDIrqXyhytBciBsjq

rtHUEWvphlzXGJl

Ning Rushen sincerely thanked him.TcXQkNBetOybprAgZAFbbSDzqrLJxz

EdxxvQBrWkvbbJc

After Guan Fan left, Li Wuting gestured, “Come here.”oneNKVEvevHpqWsnryFPINLIsjcvGN

BvwixFgsRAfjlQs

Ning Rushen moved closer. Li Wuting pointed at the desk. He saw a memorial spread out on it and, without suspicion, leaned over to take a look: What’s the matter?EIrLGGPMQADTyJCBbJXwncYlmrESot

QLvasEYwrHRQaNK

His head was right under Li Wuting’s gaze.jusTmAhxEGazEfmvZelKNJldAFaDSA

iUrXxloVbQlGUve

After just a couple of glances, he suddenly heard from beside his ear:owMuEEbvtMAgVpRIizPswwzFlhIiZq

CoGqZdFGxUGLrSP

“It suits you well.”WgQqTCJWpIUpNuVBvdjcsMievOhJGQ

mtEWfcgFfaeKYRF

“?” Ning Rushen turned his head.hTJcawfCubBCNzrhkcXYxAfneBeeCD

ZNHuniuDEWnCsxz

He saw that Li Wuting was examining his head with satisfaction, not even glancing at the memorial.SPKkoVpOnsilvHAaksQCDyvPTVLYOe

oKhDEPItcsXJIjY

It turned out the point of the desk was just to make him bow his head.PCkCUiBZZHMAUeKcfvIJrWVOSlJVgh

JXEXcZEkPugdpju

Ning Rushen commented softly, “So Your Majesty is using a diversionary tactic.”XBxroXEFIuNdqwulVMbImzaHwIDqxa

oBdvRwaETPLprPO

Li Wuting lightly agreed, “I am indeed avoiding the main issue.”BfmdZqAwDcmcUjzFqJYbvgQbUoLDih

NZdBaTjpEXWuRFL

“…”UnmPhCbRUmvOyLqZYPaODEyhVTSOfN

rdZVEintPQasWpB

As they faced each other, Ning Rushen’s neatly gathered hair made the contours of his neck and chin stand out more clearly. The slightly open collar looked particularly fitting.budUzikpzfonlLdVjyDGTOqQSMGRpQ

JlWeKNLZQeDhJqN

Li Wuting’s gaze fell downward, then he pulled Ning Rushen up.UvBnkKwJSkaJCSlCdNjdVEatEGUiHV

EWeFznThFkXvHBo

Ning Rushen: Um!uExwPJdQNVYVOpRbmjgusmxOtShiNu

VVHgEDDkCwBvjZU

Li Wuting positioned him firmly, and just as he was adjusting his collar, he heard Li Wuting say:lUHPuiLUFzKuqGydDeXyDqQWMdczaH

mEVTjkeudsTVfev

“I thought Ning Qing would put the pin away.”VbWUVhhaqfbJDvlgeBbeWtjYKSufJi

XeuqaMNdqdmhHYm

Ning Rushen was puzzled, “Such a fine jade pin, putting it away would be a waste.”EqDhyiKXrCkYGGxLpbJcQnLNGCkuKp

bRZAszUGwBKGSdi

Besides, wasn’t it Li Wuting who told him to wear it well?wNNDWVWpDNzHoDQTDZFDgXEQTiMuri

kPLyfDnvlqqfoJW

Li Wuting, “It’s just Ning Qing’s usual style.”COitvoxapKaLWWknoOWrLHSPPeBNcZ

XCHWBbxFpchRcCu

Hmm? Ning Rushen looked at him in confusion.TxAPCFkBettLIynjPdtZFmvbioAPLA

pecyHkLDBrMwiZt

Li Wuting, seemingly in a good mood, had a faint smile on his lips and gestured at the desk, “It’s like that bow—”EtujQkUFPxfSaatBgRJwlEScOSLSCU

lzfdHDGMXKjhRyD

“Ordinary people would keep it at home as a display.”XWgJdVnaDFGzsyqXRNHVNDZBXKOewv

QAweQrLcGZcPebG

“……”XActBpAUYzGyKNXdLxYMSqYGkXvYlc

FXLbfmAcCxBnoHF

Ning Rushen said, “Should I put away the hairpin, then?”tFMxaFLbpHGtZNGQVJnKqtJchwZqht

CGKCQgzrdUAVVnI

“No need,” Li Wuting replied. “I want you to wear it.”IIbEajJapyAKWqejiJKbcnWCSGxvWp

EiRduJSjQJoICXI

Ning Rushen met his focused, deep gaze and was inexplicably stunned, hesitating with the words on his lips for a long while:zAwriHVsEnNLQlyDTplcPVRNHcxbSS

PhpjZPkIOdLgBrJ

“Well… as Your Majesty wishes.”iejCFuKFMfdcmAwwNaCgIikXZitSNs

mzycIcBbyyDshHq

Li Wuting’s lips twitched slightly. “Have you looked at the memorial?”jwLnlVGjYDBHFgajNxFQPIsAoMfzRL

prUrxxAsFouFzQf

Ning Rushen snapped back to attention. “The preparations for the Cheng Tian Festival?”tfWipHxtwPuaHIRqFMsBEnFSzvYAsV

adPmHgcIxndStzL

“Yes, the Cheng Tian Festival in half a month will have dignitaries from all directions. There are numerous complicated preparations. Not only will there be foreign envoys, but local officials will also come to Beijing to pay their respects—”rwfiNkDWOZIlrOBCxjClKSDCaYDJDr

mSsXQOqnCkZSoIX

Li Wuting’s voice suddenly trailed off.AxvYhoWkAGHTeGNlQdFVftbznOJEKX

MGSuSETIlKNpRBK

At almost the same moment, Ning Rushen’s mind conjured up the face of the Xuan King.barpmOsDzsjDXriBquCQcgteKhhKqK

qMDiknKeySlcaim

Both fell silent for a few seconds.LhVtfIWievDOENFVECyQNNoBbkSbvT

FrfvxbfHjdbPzuR

After a while, he pushed aside the painful words. “As for the招商 (commercial promotion), I’ve nearly finished it. Half government and business, half private merchants.”XocWEwlPjKjnzPziSStjbZGssMcvpN

YyBiVkScaKYtLPR

Li Wuting responded, “Well done.”kQxcKbTitxsTcQolnsVmWpMCmePTIK

kxJbXacNjeFgSih

Ning Rushen pondered, “Then, may I take my leave?”cTmhETRgoGitjYgHwEyGIizaCZlKDc

jeHGsQPhbNiiKwk

As he spoke, he saw Li Wuting’s eyelashes lower slightly, seeming to give tacit consent. Just as he was about to turn, he was suddenly called, “Ning Qing.”yNkYzaWCyqJCvqBzWEBsBwpoxwzzgU

mTssppHOCENuMsG

His gaze swept over Ning Rushen’s collarbone and shoulder. “Have you lost weight?”aioLdtCPpldkMVsamteJorBpnYPZgy

lHJplUzvZfwtlBi

Ning Rushen was startled. “What?”oeUtZDjCftObhxGiOpegRxAnnoKRYI

JfLnIvYpaLrrBPX

Li Wuting’s hand lifted slightly before lowering again. He said no more and turned to call for Xiao Rongzi:nCeKqOyRxvVnDGEiTxvZkxonrfgWJz

IpYqWOxqnkNLIjp

“Send two boxes of imperial meals with him.”ntgGpzgBUEXcBNoXfgVNCOngueZWaZ

qVgCCFIdNeigTYk

Ning Rushen’s heart skipped a beat!VzTMNAyKUQjwzIwkYHBNMvbYTNwnJu

YLypIvXEjFqwMwA

He quickly responded, “I have lost weight, thank you, Your Majesty.”LAqUecFTstZIvwvMpjUVaYWlxFyeeG

cCgHwVVpAywUefs

Li Wuting chuckled, finding it rather impolite.nhjKFuTcXCFzHvESZLOEjBihZeODpZ

QktZRduKIgNSFRk

…FwGibiSybBnMPLhFfotgsXEzovLzPW

oRAMobZXoHUFAMr

After the person, who was brimming with joy, left the imperial study, De Quan withdrew his gaze and said with a grin, “I feel like Ning Daren looks even better after his coming-of-age ceremony, don’t you think?”VQebImUuzxjcLoDgChWlllgCYiyeZz

OOpjtNnzzjMrplr

Especially with his long hair bound, his bright features were even more distinct. Occasionally, a hint of emotion showed between his brows, which was rather…LtVUpMPBmHgctdkwJQpLvnAjZfFhCq

bPLWxIymYUXinFS

As he thought this, he noticed the emperor’s thin lips move slightly.JgUPTBkCNBpILTUAEmFmLUTqgkdrnw

IAWuHLMVJDNLHjO

It seemed like he wanted to say something but stopped.hHlriVxgjBcjIAFbYcoEhHoMlIKSHa

xfpjkFUgzQGhQoA

De Quan immediately understood, leaning in with a grin, “Ah, look at my mouth! When has Ning Daren ever not looked good? Isn’t that right, Your Majesty?”rOQlhlKRVSZkYIdeznPrDhGwInxiJh

ormqJtKIAZgIrZh

His face was smug and radiant, almost overly spirited.PUTSHdAtHCEjpgWLGaburMLUJqCgTF

EmEoYNZKebfRodN

“……” Li Wuting’s brow twitched. “Get out.”bqkqFhCZFZZJlkYODttsgronReCspR

MeSnHBSHobGKCUt

The Chengtian Festival is the national holiday of Da Cheng.TkhlvOaOaLpXoBlcqLTwLdfMpfcsyg

agKllFsrnPcWWtz

Preparations are unprecedentedly busy, and local officials are gradually arriving in the capital.cXHADhkRyyCNESmpdYjKpzzlrbVyJH

ERyWdjuxcOkwXZV

Ning Rushen, busy with various matters, gradually forgot about Prince Xuan.lMwzgDRmiZQjDeuECDPIVEOmuaVqKD

VHqNJPJklqjISFS

After a few days of this hectic pace, on the evening with only five days remaining before the Chengtian Festival, Ning Rushen returned to the manor after his shift. He had just changed into his casual clothes when he suddenly heard a loud thud from the courtyard outside:kynYCNmFTYFRMOmUDClkirGhBWAXgf

QPNcHbwoODLzuGW

“Ah!”mdBPzmLCiiCXqNbdhTGGUEVuqbBJxX

PPZKNxddHEANIuy

Ning Rushen: ???UWYkjEFQXYBTUxYFMrUDlqkbscQBLf

pSMpAUVCuMXzjQa

He opened the door and saw a familiar figure fall against the wall.cvFSdNiGTfPSoWIpbYlnmAUFgvxQoJ

lyjCbQSChFyPWIV

After two months, Prince Xuan was still as travel-worn as ever.IZZDfxccuhRZyOMudRUPtUecghjWqw

gqYXcNoFNOpUEja

Perhaps due to his unpracticed wall-climbing skills, he landed and knocked into Shiyi, who was feeding the pigeons, “…”JzaHBkkkoAgQYMgnzQmDkSjjYMgxQP

eCBfwKmyzZOgscy

Ning Rushen was momentarily dazed.NoeSEGhBIQSlOLFvVBzrWnuOjMuxfY

RnmPybkVownuQdh

Was he too tired, imagining things?DPjiVHkbfAEUHRDRnbVtihCITKMFbp

oTixMLaWoDDxiOi

Shiyi had already grabbed the person: “Sir, he’s alive!”mRSWRuznkRjxYikPvYtRYPtufkjEqu

nzBfOSwAbpOQKAQ

Li Yingtang, “Ah, let go!”oGkRaWADCKrQfcFVDJMiCxEIyZkqjp

NqwbmYrugdkbufe

“Your Highness.” Ning Rushen composed himself, had Shiyi let the prince down, and asked, “Is my manor’s gate just for show?”cbdUVRTozhMTGuBFsJIWuNmjiCEXPS

APsJyoQyuBUxCgZ

Li Yingtang adjusted his clothes, attempting to appear graceful, “That gate, this prince felt uneasy walking through it.”FJHBsfTqyoDZWLfgBABFJUSKGEdNXF

YSqQrIBwRKLDGkD

Ning Rushen thought, of course—what thief would be accustomed to using the front gate?ETfoAqZjGCIOQgHTbCCSFvNzQwhDzQ

PbxLiceIpLpnmMn

He had Yan Min bring tea and invited Prince Xuan to sit down.JqaBRoARSHiDIMzvjVWDCmtkWsICob

panoPwcoChmnYAV

As they sat, they exchanged glances, both recalling the last letter, and there was a moment of silence.kNMnVNlSBNWUZTuqsDQooGjLCYqDEF

ICbLrZKgDCPFKHr

Ning Rushen sipped his tea.XIKkZUTJFmcdDjsyYcVbnaTpkNTDsq

CahvHzDwXkGiCGM

Finally, Li Yingtang couldn’t hold back, “Lord Ning, have you and His Majesty… reconciled?”giQhwNpLulzWWhYQmBtaIPqfGQIjDD

nLAAEoTixGrlDsQ

Ning Rushen almost choked!eBYmteOsegxAdlrRyjJrpKXHgjfWNS

nYIFdqbmuQgmPEK

He felt his heart break: there was nothing to reconcile because there was nothing in the first place!ChQmreFMAhlSPBTgJjIkPqgNspgeAf

ZebtCmjMQcUbcAN

And every time this topic came up, the contents of that romance book would come to mind.BKRxrqWTkzYNrlvFtHTFmpLejBfvIT

vLMOuwHjZkvSvnp

He mumbled, “Well, more or less.”vXNbSmNYUdwkVeOPCZWXiPvbqxrDoJ

keHlRdEUmkJUguG

Li Yingtang was deeply concerned for them, “More or less means how much difference?”VOPTiVOJRKfqNYwcaahHfRWGOyeSZz

kmjqrohvgkrzgaQ

Ning Rushen closed his eyes, “No difference! It’s perfectly aligned!”qmBZGVSyisKzYcxHUXvxeHwTELhQlz

HAjioLRgIDOtWBk

Upon hearing this, Li Yingtang sighed in relief, “That’s good… That’s good… Those few days you two were apart, this prince couldn’t eat, couldn’t sleep, and even the romance book—”lZahTuXyMgEbrgwAfQlPyGzwVoPgwM

BLDBYwBWdEEtchu

He abruptly stopped, turning angrily, “Do you know how I got here!”sSVEYzvJMfzMJMdHtvqzNarXeTnziS

PKmughtLcngOSXp

“That romance book…” Ning Rushen, recalling the nights he was swept up by the craze, felt a surge of anger. He didn’t even address the prince properly anymore, “Do you know how I got here!”uWNcNLQbGoOitBzqiGDIdUySyezCAq

JQDubObYQNnXAvK

With this, the courtyard fell silent for a few seconds.DHONOQzcPMFxEYlByacZVupIjZWLXf

qwXhTfivktdBtUk

Li Yingtang stared at the emotions flowing across Ning Rushen’s face and suddenly understood something. He controlled his overwhelming joy and leaned closer to the table:JHqRxgZAdstdKCVSkOpKXahFQkGmdg

RQkYhbJldoNBykw

“…How did you come?”izVvNQcrUPwTBzChKYHguLTXWsyUEZ

loQUPBhohCguuEm

 YagBBRanJgHDOBGAMpZpvCkBSNrHhK

uqCykzxxewMNAAf