This official is so weak

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

WAmgMuwfUtJuhUW

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!ZHlNvrZTeKVHtrAdmYbXUlmoXPeUiW

OnathpskwVelmvb

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

xDusYywuIywNoZl

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.PhDLEkKpVAQIuMZSHCWGwulJZvCfup

RukAArjrLiPoQUb

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

bhoOzbWbgdapOtI

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

TNyIGCHTwXRMwBS

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

kgaQJTtKguhzmih

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

cJHKoNlsNeLoZcb

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

PtMEQwwQvhlCkYo

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

GUpCGaywgCeHEYG

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…tENhLApvCWPcNypFeveAwSDMHwNyMk

RWQJJyMhvYfFxbQ

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

ZnPIwtVVGvGLFSH

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

UmGfiohGBsEqQgE

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

YoObpfWizbnEvpw

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

SqOCNiZZzYbNMiS

Ning Rushen was puzzled. “It has.”NpnFRZjqybNoQDDNNZABamqqIzgZEZ

PBJplAETAWeLcMo

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

DqnmbRimZSdeEWW

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

KDxSoxwjFGlqLzW

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

PTRQLVzmPftVLnx

…cjUszcQouPOTKmIoxExxjmFugwSwWl

hmWWUXuKBsQNjzh

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

bAGfNOZPPswjvQP

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

iHEcyNWWqhmUhCp

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

HyBtOGhrRIFnPqT

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

hGgqOzOMUCiZaUT

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

VtLKJDwichZkPpM

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…”gsHhkuutxAcirFZcNgBRbDyHpNKQnY

MvoOUrhmdGSKzsL

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

VmJrxRipksaoymK

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

BuecmlbxgyQsMgl

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

hhjxnXKNXJVteXy

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

zdkeubfpccRATSr

But none of them had come with alluring scents.DLTRLorESIvXjBluQoJiolwToibdcg

jbExzbhQLpsVvGy

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

TDMqbxieXDsJLHA

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

UPESoxckHtVgfdj

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

airKHYhNpPFxzkX

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

lezGkjpFQhRbGiQ

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

OXWIVbNXEIaOmAk

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

WxuqgZftCkfyLjc

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

tvrSlhzyAUIpjNW

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

FaGUYNkqNWHXPRG

“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.”jMcHjRZvDmSMjZIKXqyJVJkaNPapgN

tLgeKZmbxeUElgp

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

wZmcqVoxuSOGaGu

Li Wuting chuckled in agreement.GQzjXOqmTzCbUVdkVwjXzTygeQmGBd

fxAMCLLOwUszRqG

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

lHbNzFhBWzlubrD

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

xULvyKndHnfYTOi

“How will you take them?”TbBHuwehUpXgMIQptdKPREWesgPxsC

mFWqnWrRhqLOXJg

“Wrap them in a black cloak—”hQiAyVGoralrVkIuRXQsMofNgwzxqU

QLzoZZgzbhpnbwa

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

smDCaToDJSxtQen

Ning Rushen, “…”vbFrjyIDrgoTtQarlanxvYINeJPUgK

VZghNPicbZfOzIV

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

yJxvjRYjyZFbAkJ

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

hAMfwyILTTpbLFt

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

LQPCgHtstMdCRfA

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

vVXeVUMayKGeFeI

Yan Min responded with a simple “Oh.”sHRpaBffCtItbacHGmTqvejzsZNSsK

bYMxwQqwnEMXjud

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

BtQzrsuFZfuQWsT

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

IXUWFGCgdrJACrL

Was Li Wuting perhaps too kind to him?PwtGBCEIaraVURorFodCALhiEUuvhG

DVYGBMphpOzhLYy

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

WeDYwUpkEuMjjus

No wonder Xuan Wang wrote such stories.GHDbUWfTFVDVCkenAOZdCUogtXHtkW

OuOzVIHAdvlnPhR

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

qvuWfjPevDXAkaf

…QkuTbhKHuKFcuaMHEGNPfEdIstinny

yLYWXJAAOwDipOG

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

HZuoSZkkBvjAxUd

He didn’t go out the next day.ldmntxiUEMDCRZnHQypTUgcyyuNbpF

qPwPueCllTUdANX

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

sPxDYBtccwrmKWs

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

cboxfKWoRujJxXF

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

JDrRXZUDnbDNyCm

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.AxTlGkQOQhlINIfBrAIpaguPBhfOjQ

SnrxPDcjQJPEYUz

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

lBxKxUJanPwMIAT

Ning Rushen lounged in the courtyard all day.kdXfDfoYNqMXlPPlsaHbKGqWMHgJUb

uYSOIaFaPaGnurT

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

IWskzVdDLZQtSKG

“Go out and have fun.”waMFDJjATkAoBrDQZNgUgfObBRtCvh

SbZvKycWcGqoCRI

The group of servants immediately dispersed happily.HvGQVJgTbSFBKzmfntyAAuLjyUlbSt

KsLoevpPxyLtbGR

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

wsKmyEKzujvkgMF

Ning Rushen, “…”XcAWDPVcIqYWZHdCeIbVANvNktSfvX

EHCgAruvwMBVCtH

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:njHDyWswluWAGcwTbsfMkIkyfTKQlF

lRxlngOngkEkqlg

“Lord, Lord!”sgMSaikXxIKyeZtWAbflwlRagAGEXm

UIDfseUvufyEhwr

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

YJqcnIWafwrVUVS

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

GwfQoVmxpKcjuWU

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

tuEmcOdhrNNXMxj

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

gSebpxvQseucwje

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

HbkvmITMzXNiyDT

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

gCLAFCvmXtCyPzF

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

jzJCPGxvIIhrggo

Ning Rushen: Huh???iVDpkxheybeMRDybHJfWBkuSZJBMbq

DVruPtaEoMKzVdF

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

WLoVJZKlpYcQgtn

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

OvODdDrmOzrLkeV

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

evhbfimMIylMgnq

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.IEDFwrmjhUTyGazJGOWqKjdUubmofU

vQZzxFkqYOGUdOB

They were accompanied by about ten undercover Jin Yiwei.zIPyXjIOGSCsPNYlDRGYhWKBThOzry

axZRAwJBPxkrIRW

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

wgURXQSLiEzKUZg

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

AnzAfmcCTGuwkDU

Ning Rushen, “…”KLQtyuWaRzLGxTJJjtQsprpBfopzEc

sxEwByDZONbkJcA

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

NNiRymQCbaDGiJq

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

jNyXnKPSUyDlJJU

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.lRCqzLeGyziIQiaXaeTudjsGlqnrin

AjbHhgyqKpCnGOe

Ning Rushen gazed at the scene.WhIGqCHrGfxluTsvuedgCaEJAMRBhL

yGlBPFanaSFZOtf

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

OHqMaILfNLTogew

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

qIFRulBALXDhzEt

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

FWofxnfLZrtTDHD

Ning Rushen, embarrassed, “Hmm.”rhBeliodXQNoQUHLihDuSDMmlgZhZm

AyGOJKrRPvoexeW

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

DNqwcJziLORlIUS

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?”OOZfwCsKiMyTCnqcmURQSpvSArQqzB

QxupJPaFYlZlwCV

Li Wuting started to speak but heard someone muttering:grRjxYpaMiDsWHBRlQJcMfsaIRypXs

FkgPpATfcqIejxd

“Can’t carry it all.”qqwfSfoAyvWJyZxfJoyaknHABDTLAg

DHvIwtNHOVFapUK

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.”HXhbbnbrAuQPTNdLzgIlVDUeamGhAj

YvfCpXLzURNQcty

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

NZXjBHDmbHfCKfW

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

SmmfXTOznuFVOdM

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

sEeMBMTrGpMJxRZ

“Oh.” He immediately began eating.ektZMFggpodUgTfmXsOgjgFUHjWGUA

wUwPoAaaMllarmb

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

ZMpOlEAgTfTIACW

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

MrObrEhuVWjbDCa

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

JNghsWAztpoGmPR

…rvXKTTWdpGwiqaePSXBlqqSNYRsgow

OAuryZKnXghKtnb

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

OzilJCtYyUxcqNY

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

BftuxndrBedJMPC

Li Wuting glanced over, “Finished eating?”jmnDwBRbwkFkwPBrPGWvovKVIVLdiB

cjmAAZWaSJqbLUD

Ning Rushen nodded contentedly.sKXAFhULnNeyqWMMLlVAafMCcOoxnT

IJdoZcWiwAKrepd

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

ONMbfbboMVIehLZ

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

BfMJAzsAOdymZnF

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

MaoORMGCYVNYgkE

Ning Rushen paused and looked over.MnhfiuFFsreiyhdfIjvUFNrzuVkASX

aprOhlbGnxulpqv

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

XAHoMXASDoaNoTj

He asked, “Yes?”fvuqRGJmvjoqFYzyohTgixcazXZVQi

FeAWlzJBudAmeoO

The woman immediately bowed and thanked him.kZsbzdJscIfuehWWBXmxpWAjLJxNbc

gQRaiwfxcndCTdd

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

YEjBSxihYEXNWZm

“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.”GQZlBKQKudhVsVSDyElPrhYTcsrezm

KBdWeNzrcTLLwtM

Ning Rushen was surprised to be thanked.FGZLALwwcDobgtYnsjoLcMXLFXBWxD

YGzglVmFyLuHYFy

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

WVHkyoTBuJAtKGZ

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

hBjAXNBnNvJhStX

An intricately detailed embroidery was presented.SlWYUklqjqJwZeqUYJsUOvlimMtVTF

qhvgPXOMleAnIWE

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

IqRYGVmAYYocvtG

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

xZHDuKYGAfQRysb

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

ETbCdebvNWszcik

Ning Rushen thanked the woman and accepted the gift.yfFSTMmgZejJNnUNoSZwMgdhfkjbDX

YUQhvOkHZcgGxIr

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!”vpDhHQwwTtpBCSdDsPfWGdAncaehgp

gUjqDmIanCeSqDY

…GedHQNWiMcAptqMblAxdtkKGcYIGMR

cOABmJWZHmzRniW

Back in the bustling crowd.tMniyoTCAsuIZKPsKeXuPCojkvZNFo

TyLDcjHpnpHnYNZ

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.”NIUUuAHimfKAwezUjtYsFwrBTujBVo

WbIANCrArMpVNeS

He had seen this on TV before.ZWOKOkbXUVRaEseaLgHwqbyuQpKIKD

iJBrqNnmcjsaCJN

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

oMlhPRQVJeMUBlB

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.”FMRQGbUHoZMrfQfoCrRRzaZQCbusaS

yxwDBLkiLBummvT

Ning Rushen was suddenly touched.qMTkNYTQbkdGYnYQpntjQIByUFDbiz

qJJtrmueHgQQmMw

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

ueFTYbdiITDlEla

Li Wuting’s voice suddenly fell beside him:rTenvzNmqBAYyUzgPUJnMJVnFuETAw

lJugnYOmaJiILyT

“Still thinking about resigning, Ning Qing?”SpERJbDcnJQkNavtRbFGlnddWNNxbh

qNcynnnXKRDhYCJ

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

LCtANdfADNrPBoH

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

SlVTohsrTGWgYzq

“I haven’t…”AEpLKyyHGoQuDOqjcFpAwznqQMyJRL

sZqrxegOhzvwGxk

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

wjCeRtDDkPZFJKP

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

kotQRmmaGBTqwCj

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

RQpJylaDjhcQiiS

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

grodiZCLjZksFzg

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

MoTvIcMEekSpyAQ

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

SXhAHoZyQVvaNpA

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

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Ning Rushen: Where to???uPQRAKQukmKypKaXfMepKtKDsvrPUc

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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.MzmaNltJpqqnUoASxnByWknYuJDhuh

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

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

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

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

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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.FACVvRQSLjWRRbyfaMabyvGspdGdhe

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

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

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

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Li Wuting’s lips curved slightly.koCZCjXbRojEdpPWCHkJPrtkuOxTWU

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Ning Rushen looked again at the magnificent scene.OVApHLBTMswMtTWBbJXEAgypTAuxjh

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

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

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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.ysrujRNUqZdlZUKiJYViiFucaIsBjm

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

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

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

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

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

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In the distance, the fireworks display had begun.byIpfhFopZFvDQeEITBvtqCViZIktx

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Countless golden threads of red fire suddenly burst forth.PoDYdMTQtCCbaRGfvIbJuhHwzHleXM

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

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

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

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