This official is so weak

Ning Rushen cursed quietly, “Damn it, I’ve messed up again!”tkgMmavquxQLRwbwizsqhdIBGfFpHq

LVdcdFvmfFhdZlu

Prince Xuan was still staring at him intently, his hand already reaching into his pocket, clearly about to pull out paper and pen.qSrcaqjEjjgqxjiKkFiqgoPFfjRkeW

rFPlZhjltsQivFf

Ning Rushen then composed himself, suddenly taking a deep breath and holding his forehead. “I can’t… My head hurts…”FfKgfmQGiPKuhFcLGlMhxxBxUXfsPN

IrHnCcNKIVhqSRN

Li Ying-tang hesitantly asked, “Is it because of His Majesty—”obuOPHKitxdzipGfqcxPZbmbMSVfNA

NFNtkqPjSXdjJTb

Ning Rushen’s face turned pale, his eyelashes drooping weakly. Li Ying-tang wasn’t sure if he was genuinely unwell or pretending and hesitated to ask further.ZldRaEQyCHYDqZQnCCuaUrMHxyrHSd

dLxMrXVIbAinPnn

With a hint of regret, he stood up. “Then I won’t disturb Lord Ning’s rest.”mXqlVNIaFexrjkzAqAiRwTKIibVcOW

FxrUlZYlsdRmQhY

Ning Rushen immediately sat up, maintaining his usual expression, and ordered, “Pat, bring a bundle of long spears over.”KbKAvRWquIbaiIOgtKnMfdlHXPFKFD

LEOlHDgGoJgfezu

Ning Rushen pointed out, “Stick them all at the bottom of the courtyard wall.”MsfphgmMCSjDkXUDkVQlygcvctFUqS

ASzWdRrxlwvYXLD

Yan Min was horrified: This is to harm the royal family!FVlKDemCpoARBEUGtGofNpNhKBnzSg

FvuapnmyAErydTE

Before he could intervene, he saw Shiyi, unfazed, already placing the spears neatly and even asking seriously:gEtOzuUUAIdzFjWSXGygRMYxkleVMf

gdwBtkbaTgTFxNF

“What should I do?”PqiKMqEfZCOkzYryxHonXESzDHeHML

LLZqehLXNXWKStb

Ning Rushen patiently replied, “Can’t you find another spot to lie down?”xRRYZucpFPvMwCuVhfeLtRcvURFqlQ

CbIgBblSSqjuaLP

Shiyi thought for a moment, “True.”iCWyAsvnWmPeqcSrMxKVWjSVDpzWcU

XLboSBjztLvWfqg

Yan Min: …ySTXknkWyGSCUcbHVWlnxfQywswDvH

sdFNoCKbGbTvLZc

The defensive wall was soon set up, and Ning Rushen was satisfied and returned to the house.fRiZQanbLopSfinhlAKAEwWNEnUEZp

ydNYoXJzujKTOJZ

…NVyBcvigMtWvslgPEfmSqIdEQWFShr

waFKDUoARIjSHno

Since the transparent glass cover had returned to the capital.sntdCPtJUfaBXYjorGUbdAQnicjwYI

zApqbckAzWalzav

Ning Rushen had been feeling anxious these days, fearing that Prince Xuan might be talking nonsense in front of Li Wuting.ahMDiezMXGoYwQcTZBXtcCwGpEfQuX

UBndKhrIuGnrkuh

He had been secretly observing in the court for a few days.XGtAWHcuxWBVbRspvTHpyRnjlUsYiD

KfBXFSDmPgZVHFK

Li Wuting finally couldn’t hold back, putting down his memorial and asking, “What are you looking at?”TDwdFAgRETFeLhoQypursrVMGOBkFb

VCgRNnhOODoMlly

Ning Rushen retracted his head, “…I was just taking a look.”rhXPWpoIXQIROztFJJIVZMcyfhoZfO

vNQFzOByahKtgma

Li Wuting’s gaze lingered on him for a few seconds, then suddenly asked, “Did Prince Xuan say something to you?”cbSrwkPsKdyrWgOCwrtKfGIPxbpZPW

TkCcXKFiwUbdmzg

Ning Rushen’s heart skipped a beat! He forced himself to remain calm:yLZkoEjwbtFNIOBcohCbbveNuvgkxG

PFIknTjINciPVJi

“No, Your Majesty, why do you ask?”XjRUKJcioiaHyjCWMdmFgsfnEKMYkA

gZlyWWfbkHtgBQW

Li Wuting frowned, “He’s been… acting strangely lately.”tjYuZIzUQKObwGIqsZJEZDQjalfNXG

wUCnbTBUIwWIqlb

Ning Rushen cautiously probed, “How so?”RcENxHaSKWOSZyezEoqmMbucMyyzqe

VdhDVibxFMhgkvd

“Strange smiles, making mysterious remarks.”tmWKGmcUBOLeqGvmfojUkIIsGfNFnY

ZqqXMNlvxEAHzVZ

“……”EppaUACMmozjvNWbWcgERhhRwTmcMT

KzdejXhDZkWjjws

Ning Rushen felt slightly relieved: It seems Prince Xuan is still lost in some unshakeable fantasy and hasn’t gone off talking nonsense to Li Wuting.bNRfCaIKnfGYZnZqtXtpDzSsuDIVHT

wGKQuMPqdxfmQhp

While he was thinking, he heard Li Wuting say, “Keep your distance from him.”xfBbFnRvZVyiNiIKYCMSGVAAjHIMUV

HoDYJgaXvrneSqv

Ning Rushen eagerly agreed, “I will!”fXTzYMMOybbDWBgKLvgEFDkULmBLVe

gGFkEosRuAVslng

After he answered, Li Wuting’s expression softened somewhat, “Recently, with foreign nations entering the capital, the city is crowded. After your duty, return to the residence and don’t go wandering around…”eWsRDkirsTfJvEjVDHWbbBPsMWbijX

ClBsjpiyMNvLJfE

Ning Rushen vaguely sensed the swallowed “fooling around” words.bDLOVkxLHkqaercbVuNzircbIEoEKB

fhNgPpqvnDnaSsu

He narrowed his eyes: … What does this mean?OgCIGEtrXALUGGegicmkBZCMBcDdLW

TKugapoDazPSgIm

In the end, he just nodded, “Understood.”MdTZsIhgOcKifXkMvWtAWQGQSGPVDu

mkvOJhBNvaVSAaT

However, in recent days, the capital had indeed welcomed numerous envoys from foreign states.oAakQqrNhlnpaECizYTyINSdHBkJdv

tDcKXMSyMwSyAgW

As Ning Rushen returned to his residence after his duties, he saw Hu people in short clothes and narrow pants setting up shops along the street; young girls with long braids curiously trying the local pastries.DaFBCqwNfohwhOENtCvlPGnZdOPsQl

zYBtqJyBGtiZlSF

Guan Fan accompanied him, “Oh, those are from the ancient Qiang tribe.”bLGzbpNCNSWRYpfxNTqCRwbWRUOYPH

BKGovauJqrdzHQK

“A girl so young has traveled such a long distance to pay homage?”KqqtfvAKNnVrXZvTwCjWQZAMNuZxrh

UIEBmhSrNMoOSWk

“Our Dachen State is powerful, so various foreign states come from far and wide to pay their respects. Those who come to the capital are either officials, merchants from their tribes, or royal princesses—people of notable status.”GFonQvfDlzvlazUdKtwBKCQPPrTOUa

KyfMIweJjRhVDuz

Ning Rushen nodded.LrKIlhMCSJyteQZXFtnZycUqVuNUPX

gZWlEZBZwJsvRWO

Guan Fan added, “Speaking of officials and merchants, the threshold of the supervisory office must be almost worn out by now.”NBsPYRCIRPsBSmUqyvPPCKHvtSRhVL

ADQtOekwtulLXLt

Ning Rushen sighed, “Everyone wants a piece of the pie.”KIzTFVdsmYXinXgcfsxZgxksFBvLuJ

GtwiigokefsDvxB

The capital’s trade policies were highly effective, and local officials and merchants wanted to emulate this success. They seized the opportunity to come to the capital to make their case.fTZsjlWAwSiGGMREPXYXHKLbHaUedm

enGJOJkATuRTiid

He had kindly guided them until he nearly had their backgrounds figured out.JctcIKRjDfdMSOMXyMGOscyEyMGhQE

KcQAeZqBibuiqWS

Guan Fan asked, “What are your plans?”nmNIgvPwGPjngwwiUlpHFoefossIca

zlREBQxzNdtJBrL

Ning Rushen replied earnestly, “Naturally, we will wait until the Cheng Tian Feast is over and let His Majesty make the decision.”mQJIRUhthnkoHhMouXjIlDkTEmDpgp

fUuiFptCfvKjuyB

…ztKgVxcSFVebHrKapGvxFcIPEVNNGe

YFWGmNLVxdFqVHg

Amidst the bustling and complex preparations, the Cheng Tian Festival finally arrived.OrnZuHtoxxrOHGOdKfKthyQLIZIKzF

okUMwlhobDhciyz

On the day of the Cheng Tian Festival, the sky was clear and sunny.ZqREbXbYIBTAoGXNGFktFdUfGFdTlD

blhyajqRRlgCqoN

The palace banquet was set for midday.mytqlcUMWPPmhzhJYPqsxgwCLKeAxe

QRsQNTPCXDzABVj

Ning Rushen changed into a scarlet official robe and secured his hair with a white jade hairpin before heading to the palace for the feast.mBkCfCqNQOdIgiYbNOyBJOWshSoDOn

NjDKsOEwBYqNBwt

The Cheng Tian Feast was a national banquet.jQAEKcbxfnnKlljYCZosMCfDHkoaJr

vXWqrDjjenghyjj

The banquet was held in front of the Taihe Hall, with grand arrangements, surrounded by the sounds of bells and drums, and a hundred-meter-long carpet laid out in the center. The entire scene was both solemn and lively.sTEVnRrmphAgvHkNRhdkyOxRLBlMvl

QUbIAsnxMSlvEFJ

Ning Rushen took his seat at the banquet, with Geng Yan sitting next to him.BeyoyLTIbovNptQVSaQOJMTAbEPIMo

fDzrxKtzQrNiQRv

Geng Yan greeted him cheerfully, “Hey!”JUhISbstggCWlYyMNDcXtldnBZbpVG

QNAnDzhLbiCMEuc

Ning Rushen looked around, “You’ve changed seats again?”zohjXAMSHvcsCkNDlprFahITJYlpat

OPUNppDpXTBcaaE

Geng Yan said, “In such an occasion, how could I have chosen? I don’t know who arranged it, but they happened to place me here.”xTyPaLbURCwnAnxKXefCkCJsBKxkan

vodBMJqvSPDQsSW

Ning Rushen was about to say something when the drum and music sounded.hXTEmZQXtBarKXflSIDtwjnKKCrFKT

SDZZVWYGGJxMbGw

Under the vast, clear sky, the imperial procession majestically entered the spacious banquet hall.uhWMeVJEpnJIuugOCxdXORVhDBVWfU

WKvYcgYBtRcfJkt

Li Wuting, dressed in a bright yellow imperial robe, took his seat on the high platform.ROrkkFXxfTdehBbfcsfiAszVrtagLh

wyHMxnxYoWvaQDF

Li Ying-tang and Li Jingyu, the two brothers, also sat at the lower seats. Guards and palace attendants stood around, and the banquet finally began with the music.fHdYxZdlLuOrnmLNCuQCHdRUDMyOiR

eNxFnKnrZwgWjwZ

As the feast commenced, envoys from various states entered one by one to pay their respects.lwCzVZMkAIbSAJvvjLJWKGglTZeIHx

IRlsgMprgODvdQH

From his seat, Ning Rushen watched as the delegations with tribute gifts walked in from outside the hall:NMQblyryJvYpaxRmUlfCdQZmPIriMO

aVLmTTQMDqWFdfT

Foreign attire appeared like a blooming array of flowers as they passed by.lQffRdOIwIKtFnEZjmUrOAWgEeMNwI

VaPHXgMkINwkcPE

Among them were those leading camels, those carrying carved jade landscapes from Hetian, and even the famed horses from Dayuan…tisAeSoinZgoAXKmQwOcJogaDoQkCY

nPGrobEwyLcWOZC

Among them was a familiar creature.KOgDMfbscSYjryzSUFqOIIJLhfkDbP

LzpMqJLGCCllrPG

Ning Rushen looked with mixed feelings at the white, fluffy animal that seemed ready to spit at any moment. “Isn’t that… an alpaca?”NozzEXkPIkxEqIseVuycnCbTioVqUC

NtNhNJaIYsNYdLq

Geng Yan didn’t hear clearly, “What??”kFDkzMgPCZSJfLsTlhqGPkFJZIToGy

PpDMwjBEZrOnWxv

Ning Rushen pointed and Geng Yan said, “Oh, it’s a foreign sheep. The grass… what’s it called, a horse? Is that a flattering term?”nApWtNPweMCQNCxuouGkREPZYJqFgL

EvLDVoqsYnwSWOt

“Not really a flattering term,” Ning Rushen thought for a moment, “It’s somewhat like the Geng dog.”WNPcPeyWbsxHHhIRYjflLxwhkMNdqH

zjPXSeTrbENUHmP

“????” Is that an insult?belhreemMruOukAtqNVjvLWKlajNnu

rvNzyAbfMahSBCC

As the two were secretly stepping on each other’s feet under the table, a group suddenly entered the venue.ImjgbERtdRayDuzzWNSdjxYrdExsvt

CUGcIHSlibUdGHt

A series of jingling bells—TNBRnfNIIgBjDvqErtEKokflKPSYOi

JLcukLOemhuqKvJ

Ning Rushen looked up to see a tall man in a short coat, tight pants, and long leather boots leading the way. Behind him, a fragrant breeze followed a group of dancers dressed in purple silk and silver ornaments.LXcDKAiMiHYOvsfgjexlTEVsqTRcDY

gJMsAOfRcHhAADE

… What is this, a dance performance?svzODcWLBvIUNgcnaaaaxaAoUDvIea

QxACIcEzeWbBMPt

Geng Yan suddenly whispered, “They’re the Di people.”JDXUrSOIASyTFdHiNrHkOosGcmJllw

FDCDjobVNnNQKtE

Ning Rushen turned around, surprised, “The enemy is allowed in? Shouldn’t they—” He made a hand gesture like a knife cutting.jDDtossDWIfbQcrnloXmcRTOuYrJZT

NIStcWGTuqjsknn

“……” Geng Yan said, “Northern Di people.”rooEaPPrbzTtTnAxNSzgqEqXuNFxXf

qyhBEbtKLKiTYYn

Ning Rushen took a moment to process, then realized, “Oh.”lFjlexUNWwnHdcNqiJFzNCasPhwcZR

CVFCLVDMaZsoaXF

The Northern Di’s King He Ku had already begun his congratulatory speech, and a group of dancers presented a performance on the spot.ijPvvsAZDvaXFovUZtveucryrPygqe

wnzTnNQFanaVBEx

Ning Rushen asked quietly, “Aren’t the Northern Di a general term for the Northern tribes? How come they are specifically called Di now?”EJDIZJYzBRZSROPobPzVEwwOXLBsqo

ETTBNzIxpEqZigd

Geng Yan explained, “It used to be that way. But in recent years, the Northern Di have become powerful and established their own country in the northern frontier. Now, ‘Northern Di’ refers specifically to the Northern Di State, while the remaining Tubo and Yuezhi are just referred to as tribes.”ebRwGkMzjAzgWamROCXtlLgQAnxemf

WytBbwJhcWCVDAA

A powerful nation dominating the northern frontier.rHszeUUWwCasZAFMNBPsvEDQhSCLSh

iJVXQcOTzxKSilq

Ning Rushen glanced at the rugged King He Ku in the hall.jazPkfNxXfwmpJuJImNYRbxDDZfDTg

EGdbdoOCVeqNxqW

—So, it turns out they’re still enemies.wJHIJuqNkHGkcGsslRrJpkejdHDcFt

thuHlKzapogvjci

In the midst of the melodious music and graceful dance, the atmosphere of the banquet was not so cheerful.CZdPKWQHSZKxKNTRsiNpniGsbqfZuo

vAURFGlihWJKDJi

The ministers on both sides of the banquet table were solemnly observing King He Ku, and Li Wuting’s gaze was slightly downcast, his expression unreadable.cQRgYuUqzAnkDpjPyjZGoQFHuVBDev

hoBTPMYJXKycvHO

In this somewhat tense and discordant atmosphere.cdAwuIOaKqAJZFFvDtlEIGduiuBpaA

xbhJwwHVnLqaiZT

The Xuan King, sitting at a lower seat, suddenly burst into laughter with a “pfft”! His gaze was absentmindedly fixed on the void, laughing as if no one was around.CeTWBjVbVcOcFYFynTEKCYyLOBODvM

bKYQCNdHpfIUQqP

Everyone: …IwkkXJVDPGvLbNVQZPvVJkiUsNaIVb

tNnojfPclDmbVwa

King He Ku: …TZDWtbVlGuvUhvHwnmOeqyxsIgmaYE

IxchEdPvNrPFyau

At the main seat, Li Wuting said, “Li Ying-tang.”CoeBhvmwpXUcypUTbdhbxRGWOlkLaJ

lcFrToyUCvFonLF

The soft but cold call brought Li Ying-tang’s attention back.tWwKdIjsAWByOKDGEmwpDNxfgblSaN

padjtKqjZlIEjIC

He met Li Wuting’s icy sideways glance and finally composed himself, straining to control his inappropriate smile, “Oh… Ahem!”BBfQxLbyrpJjzybGUweSiQwKirfRYH

ExGBUPQBNAyiTfC

“……”WQApYdDyFVfmjjRTjVkahomChlHHTV

cpmhAMriaZOiqeR

Geng Yan couldn’t help but ask, “Did the Xuan King get poisoned in Jiangnan?”VCuyrYCTlMBpgViWXUcAYzXJRhlliL

EWMENVkUlzCzOKL

Ning Rushen showed no expression, “He doesn’t need poison.”GcAWPfISWmmkGZUzfZwTNOygPWwdnL

DANHDKmHiCVTFka

He is poison himself.pAaDdggeDNSvXAPZwdjwKUcXaTvUIp

XPEtSzLbryxNZQy

Geng Yan, “Huh???”FkKWtwtdoWTvGfaHQJauECKONBTrip

lMaKIDrHjdnGTqf

·vqUDxzRUNzSSnRWPWmbBCEQIzSSSma

wIBWPokGUYzBCzo

The Cheng Tian Feast lasted nearly two hours before concluding.QYVoOdRWHtaqLIzTdhIxMcnQdDhcej

ZqHIwAYcXWwGvHr

As the banquet ended, the court officials and envoys from various states began to leave the palace.cYCKmCnhXrwHucahbPBUGqXfpPjVTI

NSRmHmjKlnFsSfs

Ning Rushen intended to discuss local trade matters with Li Wuting, so he went around to the back of the Taihe Hall to find him.nbcrEetzLryHULdGMGoDBmsukEMoXO

kLQlATGwtLgwCTY

He waited at the door for an attendant to report.eOhNFPtvTjGXJIsCcilBfsnZwvIKJL

GoJEcRPbmmesKNZ

The attendant soon returned and respectfully said, “Lord Ning, His Majesty is still inside speaking with His Highness the Xuan King. He asks you to wait in the adjacent warm chamber—”WvZdwhfmFsYDNNFbjwogPvepCQebUv

pNctowIzovYvWuh

Ning Rushen was about to respond when he heard the attendant continue with a smile:IDOcJIgjwQeYTmEtUZkjTEnMlZdaPb

SrxkqwdlbEGSiKJ

“Also, His Majesty mentioned that you had some wine at the feast. If you’re tired, there’s a low couch behind the screen in the warm chamber where you can rest.”fzgjLUiSlmnKhNibtMVOtuEJJTfhCZ

ASjHJlmUgfFUaac

“……”GzCwpNJlYjgoqkwEADTTHaxOBCYxYW

DYnIWsvyZwKEnvB

This “rest” had the distinct tone of Li Wuting.iZMIvXTUwEVMetADkVRfQsMCFRkzHV

eOdRPtNbSPRJZHC

Ning Rushen touched his slightly warm face, feeling somewhat moved, “Alright, thank you, Eunuch.”HoRUJAHjGJqSIgcOOnQlurdaUsCFYj

RBbOOLszzaqHeSl

He said this as he turned toward the warm chamber.uFwRcAIzzNkcAKBQTGySfYScgseCZE

UiAwzITHDpAUnTM

…PXUdHIojyBAccGmpNArilnMaiBZHDC

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At the back of the hall, Li Wuting and Li Ying-tang stood facing each other.SGQkwyEXHwnbJlicYbjyyUWQyuQSfx

FBkSKAvIDanqYPI

Li Wuting silently observed him for a long time before finally letting out a deep breath and pressing his slightly throbbing temple, “What are you up to lately…”GeGJUSQjWzMtVHOJkiLVROpclJZkYD

POMvSlQqryvhgFj

He phrased it politely, “Sick.”tsOGQnFmWoWrkwucaRgicMIFYjZtND

MriFiDaIekKfmlQ

As soon as he finished speaking, Li Ying-tang couldn’t help but let out a chuckle.GjgbNPgnWkTyIIKfCWzzhbEaoKWEDS

CwTCfdmXEcnBUwu

Under Li Wuting’s cold gaze, Li Ying-tang, still holding his folding fan, tried to calm himself and cheerfully leaned in:cfxQAFrCnwMrbIoRuuHNEwSYMuDBJH

FliHlyhwPjkEMwD

“I’m just happy for Your Majesty.”fIYtDQaTKfUqmkWasgPAUSGSQFqbIz

yoQALFrkdordrYL

“Happy about what?”GvusEBRDcqULAGvxKbKapmyXtEvYGG

omsTexKcvhrYVrp

“You and Lord Ning, you two…” Li Ying-tang chuckled. He couldn’t be too direct, so he rambled on.XbLFMuTdbNClhCKREZPlFoqIuITkrS

zjEzeouGUWATJJS

Li Wuting listened as he said that “Lord Ning is weak,” and then advised him to cherish him. After a while, Li Wuting finally understood the meaning behind his words, his veins throbbing:HmDpjLJxtXYdEvkathequWZUdELYPH

DCrGvrdAMDpFWpg

“What nonsense are you thinking!… He’s just reached his coming-of-age.”inwAjOtpttfPYBMQZaxAFvhHUiJCbz

lPypZhYCnOWYMkl

“Ah?” Li Ying-tang was stunned, the words he was about to say suddenly cut off, “Just reached his coming-of-age? Then was the letter he sent over a month ago, the one with the crossed-out words, not his?”vTpKboXRDEeclONRtJOnYdSCBDwtdJ

hyxyfwyLYELCgBf

Li Wuting suddenly looked up, “What words?”MYuGBxaNrzsYspXLZvxHKuAwELViiV

EaocZCepptNBBjX

“Ning… something.”zdWLtbXPyztCTtCPPLXcnlRmhWolKM

dNWOSkIqYKEDfgn

After a moment of silence, Li Wuting’s eyes lightened with a faint smile, “… As expected.”fqPSwuKpDsujdoZsIwEHZSDkdlZadx

ERgKotLmjvVxxBE

Li Ying-tang was confused but was soon distracted by something else. He touched his nose, “Sigh, seeing Lord Ning like that, I thought—”EYzZoiGPOzoeMNAruLyrqDYeOdrYNl

CKpBcZuQTvDEvVU

Li Wuting’s heart stirred, “What?”PZdRiKBmDzVwGvacpLhSSEjrfuaixd

hPYqCzThkRRGRjG

Li Ying-tang recounted the matter of visiting Ning’s residence.AVnuWOLhBFFksJmVhAkVyJKmQlFjng

efkbstnZsuQwsEB

After he finished, he saw the usually calm emperor lost in thought. His usually tranquil eyes seemed to stir, and after a long moment, he lowered his gaze, exhaling a slightly staggered breath, and said in a hoarse voice:TgvTJEDRObWJrCQszkbCOVNkewlwAx

hzRrfWEeTsUXFEZ

“He… really saw your dirty stuff?”gLwPzFUwSmlfUTscJbcYBEbYQxtroO

dqoBGuQbUEwXkxZ

“……” What do you mean by dirty stuff!!!WlhfugiHsbDrvWmrsQajtAAvvqRibq

ONKCCodPvuAddyz

Li Ying-tang was about to argue but saw Li Wuting’s almost imperceptible smile:BJHqOEnaUHCGLCjsolUNrqaFGmNZyd

BurSSSIsySFKwhF

“You should go back first. I’ll go find him.”MKOauLDPlSgxFJiemKbkEuMkRYayHS

zCPMsbnHFnELSjx

·PTtarDgOxuwbDSGPgMpTRegulXJmJR

MBKsLYtgtctcnzA

After parting from the attendant, Ning Rushen went to the warm chamber.UXwMyPBDEdzdpcyxJIyWOCxSblRHFC

CgzaOajZNOVkqaQ

The warm chamber was not far from the Taihe Hall, and it seemed that the palace attendants had all been sent to the front, so the door was empty.QaRQHyXTDyoVIJSBWVuHxUZXhbhtUV

qoxnZnpwSOASXdE

Ning Rushen entered the room alone.wjlwybiZLkiFtFuHJXWMqrHlYPDGiE

IhgGochCoWnLXNH

As he stepped inside, he immediately felt a cool breeze.kfdNLxqeMuArKpadsvHxpBmzKdKfGU

PsWMZEGvRnfvSpx

Although the warm chamber had the word “warm” in its name, it was actually only warm in winter. Now, in the middle of summer, the room had an ice basin set up in advance, making the temperature quite pleasant.mZxZdNngiwSveOvXjjphOhdnHCNfHO

vrDCZDWmqgbsICZ

He rounded the screen behind the desk and indeed found a low couch.KjGqcILkGAfhgIQVSFtdtKQxHvZROk

uTHFWViRJykILze

Recalling that Li Wuting said he could “rest,”KxPlHbsSrVRYNNzZDRuRWusIzqBnrP

PpJccJtPvqRIwfj

Ning Rushen did not hesitate and comfortably lay down on it.UYToObsnkrCbqJLbEtZfQTHUZoTTgr

OirezqoEehFPwQz

The low couch was soft, and the surrounding temperature was cool. He soon dozed off.vzCqCrWZMdIyeeWGoIlIeZFuQfCnWv

bsyUrlHtAInITMc

He was vaguely aware of the passage of time when suddenly, there was a rustling sound from outside.pxDwMWwIIpboTSadodihwhRqMYDSQV

LiWVSpiYGgGbnPc

Ning Rushen, half-lying on the couch, faintly smelled a delicate fragrance…wqCaLpRikNwmneHdQLmrJvBSkdXpoS

DzlKPciPbguHUOz

Since he had fainted from inhaling incense in Wenhua Palace last time, he hadn’t smelled incense in the palace much since then. Now, smelling the fragrance, he furrowed his brow and opened his eyes.IqMfAAovlAWTqmwMCsZtwmAbjTQeLg

WeQnXviPCHCBBLT

His half-prone position faced the outside of the screen.ifEGkdceUVaDRTifyvqyYpwUJNkykv

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As soon as he opened his eyes, he saw two faint shadows through the screen, with hazy purple gauze and delicate bell sounds, and the fragrance growing stronger.xUxYzMYZozOnAXARNkGtfPKBCRmlYy

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His heart skipped a beat, and he became alert: Northern Di.iVejmDPGbXEuYnBfrlyorIGqtLwmdN

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Why are they here? Is it King He Ku?VWFCfRfOUykqbAlKXcHhAhUlEHVfrf

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Before he could think further, a wave of heat suddenly spread through him. He trembled and covered his mouth to keep from making any sound.rfvYpwMygrZNXhAZNTumKcVtfGCJkz

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Damn it! Ning Rushen’s eyes widened in shock:SXaEXlAMMBgkKXpjIGDbcHSrfUFNPr

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He Ku Wang is trying to…aMnLPcCXJBuvirpFcCvpsVjJosISZi

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The two court musicians outside the screen were unaware that there was someone else behind the screen and continued to wait quietly. Probably because they had taken antidotes in advance, they were unaffected.wRtMsgpXWumVpfJhhlQdcteuHJZWQE

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However, as the fragrance continued to permeate, Ning Rushen was soon engulfed in a wave of heat.iJGvxJekdYCXiBRtjdJcNRTGrhhClg

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The heat enveloped him, and he struggled to stay silent.gYKzTsWQrSfMquPvSDuAJBJwdtapGp

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In this situation, if someone saw him, a court official, alone with Northern Di court musicians, in such a state: even if he jumped into the Huai Ming River, he wouldn’t be able to clear his name.xpPkkTMVIgQmSRkthXfVeivFFGSVEo

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Ning Rushen clenched his fingers and trembled.HvxtDGoPGxxnTXikMEQjwilPNKpWuk

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Sweat began to soak his eyelashes, and he couldn’t help but let out a faint noise. He quickly turned his head and buried it in the pillow, biting it to cover his breath, loosening his collar in the midst of the hot sweat.BtDRJfTfpMNAxjQhPQvEnPtgjpofyP

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… Li Wuting, where is Li Wuting?YgkcLiCEYWQuLNwGUEDuFDoIzDYvcr

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The faint sounds seemed to stir outside: “Is someone there…”eiqQzzfhkmbeDsIFUmtgnLZLCEXmMs

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At that moment, a steady and familiar set of footsteps suddenly approached from outside the door—JdqjIWLUbaYPutTXIGiKxIRUrpulwR

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Ning Rushen finally relaxed for a moment, swallowing lightly against the pillow.wgtxlxgLLlkuiDpJUtRBNKbthNWIuv

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…FtRoshCASehHevTYSnZbnhhrZsqGhf

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In the warm chamber outside the screen.iwMMifXwfDoyNjDsLwuDjvwEMTuwCZ

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Li Wuting had just entered the room when he saw two figures waiting by the desk. He was momentarily stunned. Then, a wave of delicate fragrance hit him, and a faint sound of a groan came from behind the screen.NjmBTNOxTtDJdNqxJyIUmGwYBOjDIQ

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He suddenly realized something—ZQdAGhaflfwOrPYeDnTEPFVWlTAyRJ

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Li Wuting’s heart sank, and his usually composed face instantly turned cold with anger: “Get out!”EHqEYfuchnXXGMOaLTHYcVBfrZkhuT

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The two court musicians, frightened, quickly withdrew from the warm chamber.IezEloXPLeTtocbhACizZyMsIuqHlF

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The accompanying palace servants hesitated for a moment before seeing the emperor step around the screen, leaving a command: “Get out! Only De Quan stay.”utvVFvyGiuwfqYuzMjhwyjAboOsvzw

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The crowd immediately scattered.DpLAluKDdyVVfxVMkfeSlJQvwQjLDD

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Li Wuting walked around the screen and saw Ning Rushen lying by the couch, his neatly bound hair falling out of place, his bright red official robe hanging off his arm, and his white inner robe also pulled open.VwuPNjnqfSESHyBSnMaxJXJWANhQzJ

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He was momentarily stunned, then quickly stepped over and lifted him up, “Ning Rushen!”BpSMGtHeKhSKCWZQONazPoyumGaPRQ

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De Quan, who had just arrived, was taken aback:pkvimGKsDcAPjXuMvHhSZNCIFbgLsn

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His Majesty just called out Lord Ning’s name.DCzSbKyfRSlIdwUxHzQbvmekCwQAQf

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“Your Majesty, should we call the imperial physician…”EyhJiHhzAuTZRRoFKzTtGnmztGuorD

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“First, bring cold water and an ice basin.”AvvsiqaNyywpAieJvQrrEqASyFycpe

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“Yes!” De Quan hurriedly ran out.SoMgyYfjKTEgZicOQbQvaWgRomKZPG

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At this point, Ning Rushen’s nerves relaxed, and his consciousness started to dissipate.jBIPzoVfhCfVRaRYZEccOPcGenPeke

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He vaguely heard Li Wuting telling everyone to leave.vwPtqaUbAZPIoGUBAVFOeVzNAPFNOd

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He was soon held in a firm embrace, instinctively burrowing into it, grabbing the nearby clothes, and rubbing his sweat and tears against them, “Your Majesty…”WmcimxLqMFdZiXfMPJmLnajnIRLXbn

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The hand holding him seemed to tremble, then wiped his sweat, “Hang in there.”iAqMzgfaufPySpThcpOSoiweKCQrQt

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Ning Rushen wiped his tears and didn’t forget to complain, “Northern Di…”ZwsqoLGMhzOjlFPfCGdwWwlaMQjsqM

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“I know.” Li Wuting held him closer, then took the cold water brought by De Quan, wetting a handkerchief to cool his hot face, his tone grim, “He Ku Wang has become too ambitious.”inlmnJKqhmOKSPWbQebOUKhdhgfPrR

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The coolness alleviated some of the heat.hrcdpZRbivZdGmrwWQeRGeuXJFKHCf

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Ning Rushen felt a bit better and stopped burrowing into him.AGQFjMksgNmnRJCTgUEpomOnfRspmr

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The ice basin was brought in, emitting a cold draft.SlrOgetoGvxaDEaNugvOpfDEgXkYfq

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Li Wuting placed him back on the couch, adjusted his collar, and then stepped out from behind the screen.pMhfAySpiocNspGEZYfUAmvEgNLIYf

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Ning Rushen could only faintly hear a few sounds:HyWeCveKaPCjoFplLRhCcNBVPdLacY

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“Your Majesty, Lord Ning is like this… you…”TqlqobTLrAoXrVjFSrQwAHETHBdasU

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“De Quan.” A cold voice cut in.FCAkBhTbFEooYkZsIFOgIlNsTXddkb

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The outside fell silent. After a moment, De Quan changed his tone, “The Fuling Powder can counteract all poisons…”XPbakrjjhGGbGwLDsztMipEZHhyYZq

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“Don’t use that. His body can’t handle it… go get…”VGNiDgeonrlJzGdyhHpRyWRsOnFuqj

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De Quan complied and left.FFTYvOZwDxqRlzICOhibzZxALQveWd

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Ning Rushen turned on the couch, feeling the heat surge again.hlCQahFvEhKiRPdaZjpyOzHuEOXltU

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The next moment, Li Wuting returned.QopGeZBTmJPZpziSToYkUcKckyUtvu

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Li Wuting lifted him again and continued to use the cold water to wipe his face and neck. Ning Rushen felt hot, but the breath falling in front of him seemed even hotter.JvMDKSxAgDZsSwqACMYUNgnLOprVRv

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He slightly opened his eyes and saw Li Wuting looking down at him, his thin lips pressed into a sharp line.YkhWngqpZGgQiVjGmREyPMgSKHbDRY

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Soon, the medicine was brought.OLddJbZbDAECaBlUrtyTFtxtbXGMGl

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Li Wuting placed the medicine at his lips, and Ning Rushen, in his dazed state, felt a cool sweetness dissolve in his mouth.ELrAAwzUWWoOTbzFMzMCSfQAIMbhnl

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He gulped, “What is this?”mLuYwOsiJvdwSwQhvddmIDzOEadbla

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“Don’t gulp.” Li Wuting wiped his fingers, “There are inevitably poisonous substances in the palace. This medicine can counteract all poisons.”WTLvsymPEGjgmlEYyimUQjilWWvxoU

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As he spoke, a cool sensation indeed traveled down his throat, quietly dissipating the heat inside him.gqridnJcllDMGUqSUUHrZUYtNZyMuj

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He exhaled warm air and closed his eyes: resting for now.RVXcDIsSRubUpLMcAhnTyTCgMnbFkC

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…XRqHVwtzIVOItxrKOEsgGrgoeFiKio

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The medicine Li Wuting gave him seemed to work very well.vCPzbzCesonVKPQTQWQbSEhfXUtRpE

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Soon, Ning Rushen felt the heat dissipate, and his scattered thoughts began to come back together.XEdaPDHUROexUltSPrDYxvdwHlchiH

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The fragrance from the medicine was not too strong, not like in the novels where it was either do or die. He was now fully awake, though his face was still flushed, and he looked as if he was deeply immersed in his emotions.PkvfxmlntGclprifUEPvHVVSlVTRLw

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As his awareness returned, he finally noticed the current situation—ofJrYJYerOZSxEHFFhovwwKrabuOhy

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Li Wuting was leaning down, wiping his tear-streaked face with a rough hand.msrjkqXVZNLqQgWHFgosYacxmojMWi

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“……”nGVAbujFCUJHzIeAWnpKkNbSeLlAVU

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Ning Rushen held onto Li Wuting’s clothes, nestled in his arms, and was caught in the tremors of his own body, thinking blankly:vbkgaakFbnraZqJIQOZMHbMPwPTJPR

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In this situation… should he suddenly sit up and act awake.NqMZhNZJmGEVXlBZVzwuWivVgrDpAg

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Or should he pretend to still be unconscious and continue lying there?nqPPaubuLImWRyMtBYsifMkLVVVzed

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 kqwdNPnGTehSRxekPCZmUulgdfPSjS

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