This official is so weak

Ning Rushen endured for a while but still couldn’t hold himself and continued to lie down.yqtvVPpljQIYvePgbNckvHHoUfKALx

zWAzheGgHHquICZ

He fluttered his eyelashes, pretending to have just awakened, and casually got up. “Your Majesty, I have already…” As he spoke, his arm suddenly went limp, and he collapsed back into Li Wuting’s arms!VBFsExFsNodfcrxPesTOvaxJWUHzbs

JQYTClFNtDFtUke

Ning Rushen’s nose felt sore from the collision and was quickly lifted up.fvCPfrOTiQhXKAJwCGAdghONejcZiH

TFujCQEQanZTFNZ

With teary eyes, he glanced at Li Wuting’s chest. “Your Majesty, you are too—” The previous expression suddenly surfaced, and Ning Rushen hesitated, swallowing an inappropriate word.gZQcRuCGdQJjiYSOnWJTAfsAycIHWa

XpzaXoKVlDubTYU

Li Wuting seemed oblivious. “Did you bump into me?”FwkhRumOuEaXwjTrpaGjueohXRRPpH

zZYlMLzbCUhjgaX

After a few seconds of eye contact, Li Wuting said softly, “Blame the Beidi.”YJqJBdnSsvAKPQuCgYFiYgjIuouiuB

OojZTsOSaVGoqfr

With a scapegoat provided, Ning Rushen hurriedly nodded. “Your Majesty is right.”enAJDzidwGltmHunnmMmnzmkLHQoDA

eKKaXnVBCZxpNes

Ning Rushen turned his attention back to himself and felt a wet, cold discomfort. Embarrassed, he spoke up:WDnQaznpSBFsukkHKOWCcYiZssktxo

hzNQqjLKtXSXVbQ

Li Wuting shifted his gaze to the side. “Alright.”OsIGDKZNLUwKImvmjUZOAlArrbzlQI

cNkTBERqmxKPOrV

He called for De Quan, gave orders, and then said, “Bring another basin of hot water.”KQQCkGNqRIkAYiSxepUlEGMzPkuhHb

vdyjUWbONkKTjjJ

When Li Wuting said this, Ning Rushen recalled various things from earlier: Li Wuting had held him while he was caught in the heat, wiped his sweat, gave him medicine, and dressed him…FDmihtznhxeiOaWvtNQmBOCNkIRkIp

cpVCChgJqgAXUAm

Yet he had still scrupulously avoided crossing the boundary between ruler and subject.pVjJCWGCGtxenFXmujUeVhCyNGNDiw

OAIDRNdRUaMVDnV

As he thought about this, the clothes and hot water were brought in.sxVaiCuTWxDyxhYTESDHgiuDxTbVNK

HraAYcRDqhgSimo

A thin blanket was placed around his waist, and Li Wuting withdrew his hand and stood up. Just before leaving, he suddenly asked:xrJzQPNdkxEmvajaNTEofhDgaIdWyh

aPKuLiaRqzSsaSt

“Has the effect of the medicine worn off?”XvcQEnmCmJmdfILCiBTUEwWSPlRnjR

gVUFuVVWyhuVJAU

Ning Rushen was puzzled. “It has.”DfKKvhvAmrFvvNlVgkpTxZsEWElWWa

gGtVEJMNfiELTyX

Li Wuting scanned his face, seeming to faintly curl his lips. “Is that so? Your face is still red.”AwndMNswkjcWlhEKZjoDAvfNhGFGCF

erTkKpSInIFHaYU

With that, he turned and went out from behind the screen.pFrkEssewNBLpeHFsFPZqxjZnYAzmq

bxrYXzUdjAyKTmp

Leaving Ning Rushen stunned, staring open-mouthed, “…” What?DiTUgapQwWSzMklmrMcPnNOcDVnEzs

hppoamqyYwdAISF

…foWGFoDASuAmjdOwrcxEiYlhckmtRO

LfLszafXcgyADjT

Li Wuting did not leave the area outside the screen.PMbIDQDGAXdUJWkthyJHqfdlEWYfcM

NmIsDdqcYVclKzv

From the appearance, he seemed to be facing away from him.hDCQgeeEZDUjcahDeuejGfeXrFeOyj

pWZSDxwaADuMhST

Perhaps he was afraid that Ning Rushen, left alone inside, would collapse again, fall, and be unable to call for help.nSAnPblxJpAkinqPhMScTAQfRhGKXm

LCCjvzhEOtevTFP

Ning Rushen huddled on the couch, using the hot water to wipe himself, silently relieved:HpWCaDclABFiRDfmPtObqjdxHjKpaZ

DXaqvubZjeVSYLb

It’s a good thing Li Wuting was here.mfgInuchEuJZlcLQvoCaqIwZFAZELR

EXEZLsAnHvaAivN

Otherwise, he would now be in a cold bucket of water, hugging his knees and shivering while murmuring, “The water is so cold, I feel so unclean…”AfPEKOAuNvJLLUNFNZyRESqLkpTcGc

JpsKnFVFPXYcJLo

The warm chamber was quiet, with the sound of water being rather noticeable.vIOWojEtwpItEDijUHENLWMQKVhEiC

snCEvFZNKtRLioB

Ning Rushen asked, “Your Majesty, what is the situation with those two courtesans? Is the King of Heiku trying to…”mLJiKVuUnNXEpgOVMiFoArBlcBfKjg

NlWrbAHSSAXbPrl

A cold laugh came from outside. “They are testing where the line and capabilities of this new emperor are.”OfNoekECxpctoKxYvDxXXhAvVNlnDo

bzBoSdtaKTiCPFs

According to the customs of the previous dynasty, it was not uncommon to send concubines.hZOBpfCavPeYdFLNFjqAhuzoNAFaNi

CKQjGDcjELRDQZz

But none of them had come with alluring scents.rPHnneJqudVCVNYkeWXPjHbUvmiYHz

pXJvDOwZRHgBJWc

Li Wuting’s tone was chilling. “If I were to accept them, it would mean I could be manipulated. If I refuse…”bthqryrhwGIIKKMuDOhYUIfNleEpXr

qtjwNDTbRpBflKY

Ning Rushen quickly put on his pants. “Then it’s as solid as a fortress.”nINBTjhOzjOwcuBPIUyfhRpXreGCAF

XowxTyuWwUaulJV

The beauties with alluring scents couldn’t shake him.fJblnZicInmqIOXARQMVrGiZeNJDfJ

ldgXQWleZrEJqmp

“…” The cold tone paused for a moment.uDwvIqfoMVQOLKvzVyePhKggWMHnfv

VInwhMcpMyIRtgS

Li Wuting took several seconds to regain his words. “Refusing them is also a blatant provocation.”TwYnVmUbgtfBrEkpBxMPTINNAqMmqC

nZiwQQnHYVLWGLa

Ning Rushen shyly fastened his belt. “I see.”ztqlYfVFMCBTIdSufOUaZHTNxAzndn

xLaJpCEmqtKcuwm

There were still some court officials and envoys attending the banquet outside.GaVAoWhPkwHfwZXSymDunycqCpuUfc

TnmLwDNbFyLqRtA

Ning Rushen waited until everyone had left before preparing to leave the palace.fUsPTYEJRVTYpDrUCvqwQQcGgIajwy

AtEZdeMCbvUBQsA

“You don’t need to worry about this matter anymore,” Li Wuting said as Ning Rushen changed into new clothes. He tapped the desk with his fingertip. “I will take care of it.”UafRhxPtfXEwcPTEomxaXjVzlVKKgH

FNcoFUUkaLSduHc

Ning Rushen thought about the suffering he had endured. “It should be handled severely.”BvVZyUjZPOpvdyhsSxkRNWmjWnEgBT

xsaRrctLyQJdXTl

Li Wuting chuckled in agreement.mJCKUtbzNKSstftXMIzVftXAkhxyrP

ozDnlmLOUEbbNol

He then instructed the palace servants to remove the official robes Ning Rushen had changed out of.dwyzygbxxcGpxWfqUOQQZEauFWAkFa

xHDdRggQznrtpWL

Ning Rushen felt a rare sense of shyness. “Your Majesty… I’ll take them back myself.”pvFcEzbpchcxWYQftmXOsUXjOIuYXb

cateDTZNyqVyrkA

“How will you take them?”NDPYXkzUWyDiMaBHjIsbfAbroGzTUX

hPCChzikLtEdHKi

“Wrap them in a black cloak—”fbneZmGbIjEUfcPPiVLmYShvRpDQcH

HbGicisajdRWJHB

Li Wuting echoed, “Just like a thief.”lusVSbPFUDmifSNOnQePzAsiDhSufA

tsYdPGHpBPDUmWt

Ning Rushen, “…”gBbUZvTZtRurEqIkZMdUHnrRCzhcVk

ozWUNHNkQUIKqVl

The overly vivid image dispelled his thoughts, and he left the palace after taking his leave from Li Wuting.uHlqdLkVQlpqNDhEoRTzOnqzHyuulU

UlGDLhsZauQwpns

At the palace gates, Yan Min was waiting outside the carriage.iLZXyWoBEEMiGabSrNTOMHceMtUDfq

TUuanacgZXXXZSF

Seeing him, Yan Min was surprised. “Why has the lord changed clothes?”qhafsJpfzxCsgMLCtzQZLCaeHrnyWu

eQgLCKnXWVzsaRj

Ning Rushen waved his hand dismissively. “The wine spilled.”oVZEbjNhXlfutbIPnYUyfwJpmzCVsV

KzZNeRSFxpLInSd

Yan Min responded with a simple “Oh.”RNoHYUQNONmiUUFYRoRuGrzjnzhfAB

TKOjuuGhGXUlIsU

The carriage swayed slightly as it headed toward the residence.YjdvZTQxEKcoXEtFnXojwNNwnNvmBb

qbfCGwVrBjgkpSl

Inside the carriage, Ning Rushen lifted the curtain to enjoy the breeze. With no one to interrupt him, he couldn’t help but reflect:ZyPbHfuhYFLZZVZbYJJlFoyWGDkLDp

RSEXoEbXpkiSeoi

Was Li Wuting perhaps too kind to him?yAcKlzWszLBWWMCqfXcZppObiRByzz

ExBfogsQvayJNek

Did he treat other officials this way too? Or was it because he was always around the emperor?DAFKUNIQOaNVKNvIegBsQAibhSDrMB

pjCBRLZLMTLUGIU

No wonder Xuan Wang wrote such stories.EgYVHbHteNEjKESEZcuzqtaXyMLzkX

OIvWJrGIjIIsbdD

Ning Rushen pondered privately, thinking if the protagonist weren’t him, he might have been hooked.rbxLJGHPBhgYpvZbMUxzRlxEDXqADJ

ekvGeYuoPLFutXc

…puBiGCWgxpZnpupRqRwCPRccjxinvH

KJFnckNPiaDxgWG

After returning to his residence, Ning Rushen took another bath before resting.DhnBiasrdGfBqMCperjdyMbLxnLLWL

xvnJOiTBQZmROCj

He didn’t go out the next day.KzKgXCDFZKKpaSTTtdLJzAyIzMoNKn

GaMSavOLNaXCYCU

Though the medicine Li Wuting gave him was mild, his poor physical condition left him still feeling fatigued after the previous stimulation.DnWoswAFunaYUSrvGQsUKbEzHJZqRk

KCyZKUbAIgQAZgP

He moved a lounge chair into the yard: relaxing was more suitable for him.KSWCpQXBmIrzWmPLpxdjlepXYTcfrX

dswWtUxgqOLoCyI

The Cheng Tian Festival was to be celebrated for five days.PaFJaKHRHwdPCmwwAXCmPYNjiiuoGq

QKPIuuYJSaoywEj

Various activities were held among the people, and envoys and local officials from different regions continued to stay in the capital to participate in the celebrations.KgSMfccGqaagwvELJRROqQiMozxtDJ

LMGMZZLuyWsvICf

The grand event was organized by several major families and was unprecedented in its scale.OXLohNdxHrDtVOzhfSzxmEGUiCwGAa

RikXREwYEOgqloV

Ning Rushen lounged in the courtyard all day.ZjWflOdYMXcbbMQZGspQHtBdJqNiMj

LcxoUEOpqJHWRXq

By evening, as the sky darkened and the night fell, the outside became even more lively. He decided to give his servants a break:HOSzLakXzaCfryWHChbbRViEvPUYuq

GHvAPoSzEzwXJlf

“Go out and have fun.”THwucULeVuiSoDFgbTnDNANtFLJpJI

unduZguVQivilHw

The group of servants immediately dispersed happily.wkreVhFSausEyFUfqHimfVVwbGBiEW

XDHJxGMVAiaeONo

Yan Min stayed behind in the residence, saying, “This old servant can’t row a boat and is too old to strain my back.”PhbZcQGTPwgWQkVRBqbJmjYoKZMApP

cSCPyCeIErYqPIN

Ning Rushen, “…”CvcLBjWKhYfxfTSIUPZmvIaXSWItQR

tYXauuumXOjULfM

He saw that Yan Min was intentionally staying to keep him company. Just as he was about to be moved and offer ten taels of silver to make Yan Min leave, Yuan Liu, who had just happily run out of the residence, came back breathlessly:xZdcWuiEZOtxgSkqdPRxEndSKYssln

yUqiciitofJLvLz

“Lord, Lord!”KWLabNiSqdhdmsyCPdiXxwFAfarkEd

uGtHNxzUygODDJB

Ning Rushen, “You look like you’ve seen a ghost…”ZiNUQviTEEzmFdthAINZDepakuDaDK

fLVExKAkvpXwiIl

The next moment, Li Wuting stepped into the courtyard, his deep gaze immediately landing on Ning Rushen.MEhAvZUNouCXteKgDPTbwESYGrVtEP

blxkJQYntCUXInn

Ning Rushen changed his tone, “…Is this your esteemed self?”UNgsRnSTxDCGfcMnhwhvXmPYUApXce

HMggQxHicijeahy

Li Wuting praised, “Ning Qing’s Yuchuan accent is still as charming as ever.”LMxhKsvpJJHpgnEmVzcEbWxJgrMlMa

MjcXuQSFlxstrDr

Ning Rushen lowered his head. “Why has Your Majesty come?”LYvOeEmgnwTKzEdbUwtiDZFaojTTCv

RiutNrydNyuURQs

After a few seconds of silence, Li Wuting turned his face slightly to reveal a distinct contour, and his Adam’s apple bobbed:LLtuYsUfsOLHzXHnbrKBaaDvlutCOE

bDeFabpdjqSsQqr

“Change your clothes and go out with me.”jhIYGSehbkXErkDVSSMYfBuxSssLNM

UXyZPGCVRYbAidt

Ning Rushen: Huh???isxKLIatMGFqzylKXmdWiFmHUYHatn

aNhMsOtDYpnxVfu

He changed clothes and left the residence with the others.VtZvCBbUmiqwEcIKJEshbOOJmKttAU

TTCPIpAnIdsyFPk

The streets outside were brightly lit, with the ten-mile-long street lamps illuminating half the night sky.quQjQEhBkFthXmqhowDJnqeGvuIKMv

nmGCfwRSnqGHmRk

As soon as he stepped out of the alley, he was met with the bustling crowd of the street.XKcrJhZWVpwePXutFkcAwwBdzIiebx

CsssdEyFmtqTNye

Ning Rushen walked through the crowded streets with Li Wuting. The latter was dressed in dark robes, with a silver-threaded cloak concealing the sword at his waist.BFxMXyhqqqRsQBghxBxSqrSDyndgsB

mAsmEcJgBmGrPwg

They were accompanied by about ten undercover Jin Yiwei.QGtkGkXsJqDVTLmOGwbIrseqZrSXMZ

ITcgiFAVjRzuTJn

Ning Rushen glanced around, “No Lu Wu?”GKbfxpMsuAogzZqbKAqjrPZJMdcmbl

ycnnyHOJYAFXhyc

Li Wuting replied succinctly, “The personnel are complex these days.” They needed more reliable people.wenpAsDiyBRncaZuhHaQtNzufeBsyW

SLtdEptRrCfeEQq

Ning Rushen, “…”KQlAAJtbbBnEvSocaMdwiqbvNJwbsh

DjanPlLodaGevdz

He sighed for a long time: anyone associated with Shiyi had consecutively lost the Emperor’s favor.FhplkITWEKqCtBucjKrOqiKtGzhoga

PRNIjvoVqXkQeXj

This Cheng Tian Festival was even more grand than the Dragon Boat Festival.jWUojLJctkwFaRGcsQdWcZKqGsmhVe

tsomqkmlACYgJhF

As they walked, various snacks and handicrafts were on display, with a mix of sour, sweet, spicy, and aromatic smells in the air. Street vendors created a lively atmosphere with lion dances and dragon dances.FmlOsoIbBOzfAYZneKZHybryBBqrGf

ibrKQNlgazpEeVj

Ning Rushen gazed at the scene.ogjrAPLsWrQxaBJvEImEVIfGSZuEtg

YDiaFOyrXKDojXa

Li Wuting lightly tugged him away from being swept into the street vendors by the crowd, “What do you want to eat?”jDYmWsEdUbglxiNBwPoazHgXWTsqYp

RIbcPCFMutxiUjB

Ning Rushen, “This, this, this, and those.”XLEjasXzUgeIMeJwTCKfKMChjOcNim

CCYDWAsVIDNpihc

Li Wuting said softly, “You could have just said ‘all’.”ihnuwHNUUnwqYJQxxLprYDAvtCJCmX

ZwJsOIbpaggtOHu

Ning Rushen, embarrassed, “Hmm.”OrqQJcQiYDRRkBrMfYYKbCUROnWSdA

CNritYKuuNgBbGv

… Shouldn’t he be a bit more tactful?CqpBeFJtOEpcbcXVyeVLVoaUCjnRTG

DgwfcSmrLFzaGet

The selected snacks were quickly bought, and Ning Rushen, holding a large pile, looked down and said, “Isn’t this a bit too much, Sir?”wPHUHEyIQwFwdYIfnYYRnTxBPKEjHJ

FvupbMpOFEsQFTO

Li Wuting started to speak but heard someone muttering:EMsffdDYktmYzTohZXqeUUckNcRMcL

QzoRXyPHvpBclas

“Can’t carry it all.”ulbDPbYFcNJMNBpZqdoIxsanIGrdRO

opyqAFXpiSnzKlo

He hesitated, swallowing back the words “Don’t be modest.” Then, with a long arm, he took most of it from Ning Rushen’s arms, “Hurry up and eat.”VnIhNCssFXQCsmPlVbHWRNALbJVCHa

FaWDCEAdIXZZORy

“??” Ning Rushen turned his head, his mouth slightly agape.tHewhatdRYjPjPPOkPzsgpIlxjzuMZ

cCKVnPZarATMZpf

… Li Wuting was using his esteemed dragon arms to hold this pile of miscellaneous items for him?siictwcCxLYhNdlCvFANfvJblByFMO

vGLXDMCTuaAPnzH

“Hurry up and eat, do you want me to hold it for you forever?”ddkZMBxPGYQejBFEbiQOrbRURivaMN

gdVPcuhImrnqrei

“Oh.” He immediately began eating.NnSJwjLUzovAnhVcXonEMdescgFNTm

TnGDuXgXIExDGhI

Li Wuting’s gaze fell on his flushed, full cheeks and bright eyes, a smile curving his lips.ZllwIrvGEVnNyXqKaiQNvuHhUvpOOu

lpbeqDsMncmBCte

De Quan, standing nearby, looked on with a tight-lipped smile:mGxaddCQDYBSvEcjwhVDtyUJZxwMWA

KgmMuOJkEfeCnzq

Oh～ The Emperor’s words might say otherwise, but he certainly seems pleased!ajptEeEmGlEPdFCjMYrhrlaGZKxwrI

BihroCTtMWZCQvb

…iCaaKJzognRWBhUvKDxuBtQnhsPddj

btpDkyhMrwzVWWV

To avoid troubling Li Wuting’s esteemed dragon arms, Ning Rushen ate quickly.qTMnayHDHSaixNIcRdvMZSAhatdBnz

URLlsuggUAIGlhc

By the time they left the street, he had finished eating.qZuuzvsEtNpTbEmNWMpcAvyqwYmumw

msmiBNizNdNCZyX

Li Wuting glanced over, “Finished eating?”eCqIRwlDoExflJfhibOcBDZEzFRHyU

ECxkwhMtvLZviKX

Ning Rushen nodded contentedly.gFMSyECJOSelMEAwZqCLnMZOUGsBjB

cMyUNbVcNNpHSFb

They arrived at another street, and not far ahead was the Ministry of Rites where he usually worked.VmwycvlmkwrSVeEKcuaQkhbILVewYB

JBOvQLRdYgpwMNX

Surrounded by roaming vendors, Ning Rushen was lightly discussing the old topic of “family reunions” with Li Wuting when someone tentatively called out:ttbaViNbrkItEmTWDnwAJxZBxUzXJG

ZwawfHMvIbGJlnQ

“Isn’t this Master Ning from the Supervisory Office?”ryGHpvawPWagqkndCahsQpHMrGcPNz

IGYEkgqXBuqwtrr

Ning Rushen paused and looked over.PjKKXBysePcOAJnFmjOftfrhUtVaVt

YSXgOkmquQeXmGv

On a nearby stall, an elderly woman and a young girl, dressed like ordinary folk, stood.nGGXPUVBYQaUqJxRhjmkrUIIsoQcUI

KETjVdXAXnFDsbp

He asked, “Yes?”OSUNTaqgBoYdxDFoHOwdKtXkyjoVtm

cHNaZOEokaLvhld

The woman immediately bowed and thanked him.YRiRSMKYkDtYNFtSGpxNnpFzxfrTCv

YCMVrVnQSozxYZP

She seemed to not recognize Li Wuting, and just kept thanking Ning Rushen:JNHqKHwIlwOVNvCtEXtxGtenHrDRbD

bnWUyGSFIUSjFtG

“Since Master handled the Supervisory Office, various celebrations have flourished. In the past, I could only sell one embroidered piece in a few days, but today I sold ten or more… I thought I might get some new clothes for my granddaughter.”VOzRIPtDRBLBfRDhXsAwbaiCqkbPey

vYccPmLmTqLAhxd

Ning Rushen was surprised to be thanked.xTKgdUwGVijyqNMuVlTsnUaODClrqL

AnbdkdSLzwQKbmf

Before he could respond, the woman pulled out an embroidery from the bottom of her basket, her hands trembling with excitement:awTsBtjnhYTFVHyFCxuWmYsDnVJjeU

AxFvbdnYbJyxKuW

“This is the best piece I’ve ever embroidered. Please accept it, don’t dislike it!”IZwxrQPxxcQNxVqTqJcjSjsalSVUnE

urzbPJvhCVHWInC

An intricately detailed embroidery was presented.gvTcMTOCOzQbivKQNlSbqHoITgfCBx

QUzAMWjwgrGzwhI

It featured the words: “Bright Moon and Clear Breeze”jAWCvrPklLCjDnHldMjoWvkKjWZcQI

sEJUUKYQClhZnMy

Ning Rushen felt a surge of emotion and was momentarily at a loss, glancing at Li Wuting: What should I say?bNImZfoFccRZnrYYlOIIWqFaWqrNLj

kNSPASRERMyBQDE

Li Wuting said, “Accept it; it’s the people’s sentiment.”WiHCEsdLQdmVcoXIUhBotFRilJINjd

CudWWApUDCjRhbo

Ning Rushen thanked the woman and accepted the gift.ujUNSPHGgGLTcSixTZCxJwTGFCtyxy

ypyFNLTVjiyEQAe

As he walked ten or so meters away with Li Wuting, he saw the latter give a signal behind him. A Jin Yi Wei immediately turned back, slipped a gold leaf into his hand, and then quickly disappeared amid shouts of “Don’t!”mltWAvJWwSaxTNVUfyVGJrvaURvirv

sMWpbqwWwWBLDPi

…kmMJKjXUPCVXvacltVbBiGfzGPLjIG

DtPmhWUcmLyZpTy

Back in the bustling crowd.ytXJMNTqCCasbFxLDemqagxvBPqrYH

AeIbEQibZBxYlWc

Ning Rushen looked down at the simple embroidered piece in his hand. “This is the first time I’ve received a gift of thanks from the common people.”pnIHZKzqaEHOBQmmEIWruGwjNQAJki

rNodDwVXZeTrtbv

He had seen this on TV before.FjCOxQzgOHfqkBRhtpCKXkDmYDEgap

TNThMbNnKUHvHVN

Officials and wise ministers receiving gifts from the people, and he always felt it was something very distant.BrNDGUjBiSgWhIHZZRjmKZjYUmZWJf

hQEiPCDrohuJNyA

Li Wuting’s eyes seemed to have a hint of a smile. “To most common people, their concerns are just basic necessities like firewood, rice, oil, and salt. Those grand visions of empires are too distant for them. What you’ve done… you might not know, but others can see it clearly.”lSgNkoNrsMBjekvOHuuyzDCyPpHtig

tdzdtALHXgtMfIt

Ning Rushen was suddenly touched.TnPJOoqbvwQgqUSDpZMCnuXzqhnbSB

pBalsojOqoInUqZ

He glanced around, seeing the bustling and joyous scene of the celebration.VzAdUfmKxehVZUJZjaMNAgICVXApaj

CpfkqHVtyNgGUus

Li Wuting’s voice suddenly fell beside him:mHYpNfNrwsxLHOuuwahrZMIPvLsXAa

GUkxBcGEkowwTsF

“Still thinking about resigning, Ning Qing?”ETSsOBdozPWjCdnvfOHZXMeSJXEoJv

bsvPElKZrQHrguT

Ning Rushen looked up to meet Li Wuting’s gaze, feeling that there was something more profound being asked. But—msBuAjXRqlzrqnrTkVaYzPvBKPOrRm

rSBoxSkXTciIwke

He opened his mouth: Why would he resign? Is the golden nest not comfortable, or the pastries not fragrant?xdYEFxBFWYKaPGINwDzQGgSEYUojcU

FnPUmuenJGDPvOR

“I haven’t…”zquFdPZaUuyXubCRmtipNxPhhLxWNL

ongtDYJTxDuRrym

As he began to speak, he was jostled by the crowd beside him.iOXARrhtGuAODuicOIxqILExCkVXPY

oTNYiOAwPHSCvkR

He bumped into Li Wuting, who quickly supported his arm with a large hand beneath the cloak.NbUpEboMQECjlsqBaalApAJjDuTnEb

TAbCEpbkoGsshLb

Ning Rushen wanted to continue speaking but heard a murmur.XTvElJhBlezooQjcaoGJXeIbtwYCRY

YXJyAySXazvlgGY

Then he saw Li Wuting look towards the now-boiling crowd, “The performance is about to begin.”wCqvzPTVlRwBDQRWvHhkFxgiAVpgvG

xlrrFiZvfVXrfjM

His attention was immediately drawn. “What performance?”eUTtWPKCIZtcnyPGUHkxFdQYAfLXCH

SQDtIGwiZhfUosP

They were currently walking west of the city, with a city tower not far off. The crowd around them was moving towards one direction.vwABpTelSYUkjHysHQWUtizsxqJpzc

ZQVrGnzGUvxrfvp

Li Wuting glanced at him for two seconds, “Come with me.”xYJrslYWxvFEEShrLwMSlQJKYhpdEf

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Ning Rushen: Where to???dwmymEQUlRecvPaWmPHEniFdZleenx

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His arm was grabbed, and he was led by Li Wuting through the bustling, brightly lit streets until they reached the base of the city tower. The guards at the gate were startled and knelt to salute.AqbwhhowGfTqUUJFwunBhBWUmgPhrD

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Li Wuting waved his hand and led him up the tower.zeLibttGRCPNpcYTzuQlNWhgbRiZVt

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On the tower, the view was a city cloaked in night.viowvwxwVDoGhMUVKGETMkMDDVPLqc

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Ning Rushen took a deep breath, “This is…”vPbSviOFlJUDKzJNjlECCYcntUlmGD

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Li Wuting stood beside him, “What do you think?”nPqNKFGlpIvzIdVyoPxhCFdCRKAQhD

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From the high vantage point, most of the capital was visible: thousands of bright lanterns dotted the night market, and the distant Huai Ming River was embellished as if a heavenly river had fallen.wYCWjbjBFqhyeTeQhcmymNvSOFfwZJ

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Ning Rushen leaned against the wall, his emotions surging, unable to collect his thoughts, “What?”RwHOdnVmuQclLyzEJjqhglqleEFkRd

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Li Wuting’s voice was soft, “How do you like the Great Cheng?”SPziUQcFLrbqBQEMBFJYiNIAlduEYu

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Ning Rushen turned around, his eyes bright, “Naturally, it’s wonderful.”rDhGIHEKMtqAhXYrBFBvQCKEPXoBpn

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Li Wuting’s lips curved slightly.ePTLpejeuXnJvXUzBmuuqfKPHbtvcU

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Ning Rushen looked again at the magnificent scene.GrnuFSRAjowWATRCefIChtQtYJuAZo

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He held the “Moonlit and Breezy” embroidery, his pale and thin profile illuminated by the brilliant lights, lively and vivid.FxSAvnpOePFtyhZKHKrtqvVPlikGYo

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The night breeze brushed his face, making his shoulders tremble slightly.moqKZpweVkoLRFXcOoyqFWMJWbsrRv

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Li Wuting watched him for a few moments, and ultimately couldn’t resist taking off his cloak and draping it over his shoulders.fqFVPGnUuFSuSpHJpzKaDlNbcLmbze

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— He had made up his mind, he wanted to keep him.azcVMQpcuQAQysoqtGZyPaDAGRroiL

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Using his favorite golden pastries to keep him, and using this peaceful era to keep him.UChyAFebopOaadtJjENLqyVJNMSobH

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As the cloak fell, Ning Rushen turned his head, “Your Majesty?”uKqxmCXVKHEHAwcGPpFIVmgAPdBxLi

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Li Wuting looked down, not explaining further, “We’re not here to watch the performance.”GyQQfbdlyQZbFYwcAKqmllkcVDKqjy

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Ning Rushen was about to say something, when suddenly the crowd below erupted in cheers. His attention was pulled back.XaxKaEUctqAMVMzUuaqxQcKCAvZpgY

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In the distance, the fireworks display had begun.QpXTZyJOyzIWbtTkddXbaWEkJHjsRL

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Countless golden threads of red fire suddenly burst forth.HycAaElNpGqgMicAujWwqADlWuWRNU

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The dazzling fireworks fell to the ground like a fine rain of light, a fire tree of silver flowers.eKtnYuKkQnjzHjhkSBOBlOyfbNOLvL

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Li Wuting’s hand resting on Ning Rushen’s shoulder tightened slightly.fUPUJWFCmELMJnoGRljIZPvrFhbfpo

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His heart felt like an old house on fire, crackling and popping.JtDHIpSvyZIyDhNneUVTWuvIgzOciX

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