This official is so weak

Ning Rushen was stunned and asked, “…What do you mean?”CStatQgvGPnFCUkhMcszrwsAXmxLgd

rwCqFRWOubWVfeD

Ning Rushen swallowed and slowly processed the information in his mind. The expression of the Xuan King surfaced at the right moment, mingling with the bits and pieces from when he had entered the imperial study the day before…CPoFAsZycJlmcLflYdAgUOUKVcWqXZ

LdxAxGgoHaXqyKl

Li Wuting really wanted to see their little book.vqecUpHWYKwTSBqhtYnLRgYOUhuPmM

sWcclkycweFEGpq

But why does Li Wuting want to see their book? Ning Rushen, under the glaring sunlight, felt dizzy for a moment: Does he really have such a high tolerance for this kind of thing??JtTodJBjYisKPqnoRLECivHQzEujBh

JcWPBvsfPJQQpqH

“What’s wrong with you?” The sudden voice of Yin Zhao fell from above. “Your face is so red.”ilpXyDSXadXwOtPeKXyFlbljZbtXAf

CJnHqjXUMRmSicI

Ning Rushen came to his senses and saw Yin Zhao blocking some sunlight for him, frowning as he seriously examined him:dDxqrMfOVPVEkwQZjvkYCfEPbozYhG

CsfDMPPMLvsJQzW

“I’m fine,” he said, trying to steady himself.CSKDWXzoEecVMftGXdRifDLCNiszgp

keSqYbuGJwcDdtw

He then looked at Yin Zhao with a complex expression: but you—WJdDnnsOYbKqEHTlldNBGWNZlUbLhb

WYVDqtycVwukTpm

As the emperor’s blade, you’ve stabbed the emperor yourself.UvyAkszIFwFaxyZOiVVxCVdOEUxZIG

zbRkARXFZFauPBZ

After a long time, Ning Rushen took a deep breath and patted Yin Zhao, “I’m going back now. Yin Zhao, take care.”xXElDVSAKdqXJgcjjAbEBJoUDXgvxJ

wqllRbbUoGpmOwc

After saying that, he turned and left.heGMnaEsXFYujCqWnkgViVoGcjlnWr

MEtlAbdpwNvwqdj

Yin Zhao looked puzzled and tilted his head: ?VVTDLqhbJMKnENRvYeKpPUTklGHXrj

nwWcqJWTVeDEuAC

…WKsahbYRuCjwJQDvlpLlDkSHWGykLw

JVLXDblkKxXdkNX

After Ning Rushen left, he went straight back to the residence.QXtGJJmjvEIjNGdLeRQXSuaonFJCxR

YELklsVuHdOdqKI

He sat down and called for Yan Min, “Get me a cup of tea, cold.”hTzAiyxjejLxRksiGywvtWysDpDOgL

dwOGQIEgKQRdpei

Yan Min glanced at his face and asked the same question, “Sir, did you suffer from heatstroke?”bsIxhfhFmsjJrCuvDpykcMmkzLoDoH

KffFGZjATdXqHxz

Ning Rushen pressed his head, “I… I’m cursed.”PkqKGPrYdaLlIufzgyZhQhpHJzsMAC

BPkBdxUULgYDPTR

Otherwise, how could everything feel so dreamlike?ozaowVtsmrXKISrcpWwNgDHSFHzMnb

IrldvlxBgTMblUN

Li Wuting took the initiative to look at their book, and it was still the same book: they were all over the place in it, in various ways… even to the extent of being overly affectionate to the point of being out of character…GBGfriKIKpujMHdXfDZdqXdjViiHQD

oYrjFTBoiedLJuf

Just thinking about it—nKSixouEfGzfehNipteFFwUvITRsvy

jeutOwHoeHONMgD

The past acts of grace, touches, and embraces, which seemed not to cross the line between ruler and subject, suddenly felt ambiguous at this moment.tXguvYVuxwihBNyhQHxNYGgzyTWhTJ

KFbUfMfcpcZuHfu

Especially when Li Wuting had held his hand, wiped his fingertips, and embraced his arm…czUXlqIphDcFQsSkeoEiBZlmPllbgV

sWxOWRFCOzbKwgu

Ning Rushen felt a wave of dizziness.ncSfIlLmMemuyaFhsAZVFmFHfdzzIs

RmtaxxEVenpxpaJ

Yan Min brought the cold tea and saw his master with one hand pressed to his forehead, his pale arm like jade. It made his face look even more flushed, with blemishes like dripping blood, and his eyes and brows filled with boundless spring colors.eafBUjKxXWGFEznnmHidZZPPqWXRZU

pIYnPNOfDHvvqSP

At first glance, it was almost soul-stirring…ifbYTAnxpgzHhhSwfDFiGDThcvOIVc

TPBiwkavTWnCXin

Yan Min swallowed some words and set down the tea:fDLQCETHDpiyFngQBQoKiHEdvhcGWF

FZCgwBmjmZbUADk

“Is there something wrong with your health, sir? Why do you look like this after going out? Should I call a doctor to have a look?”QhKbEfAgaQCOOSdFOpzFDZNCnOrAcc

rKjWCGsdtvNVBdk

“No need.”nAiAfltxDiXmSqaGjfltgcHZKUnduU

qxantzOGsDzQeKV

Ning Rushen took the tea and gulped it down.dieqLzLojzlqQQtPzbdjjFrhFSQzeg

zLfrvaZsTSjqPQn

The cool tea flowed down his throat into his stomach, barely cooling a surge of heat. He pointed to his head, “I’m just…”nglwqlsotrQZGmoCnGeFuKlujJoqcY

gsqvPXOiVGwkYkb

Yan Min looked inquisitive, “Is there a problem?”IgSLipEGoruITTRlORCclldZGShKvX

yexNnguUyUzJHCW

“…” Ning Rushen whispered, “My thoughts are a mess.”UvVFYHxDtyUlLkhpVUrIvvndOwWnus

PATTJGhjDIJNOfr

Yan Min lowered his head in embarrassment and brought another cup of tea.DdwEEdPcsQRhyuUFXemwhaVXIZgJwc

TqQtyFKVbLcAynR

After Yan Min left, he let out a long breath and rubbed his aching head:KJHgPaJqQbeVprfgJDIIYfZsSQPSEH

OknnWmeGikPeAPR

It hurts so much, as if something else is about to grow.vLKVMwBNiBJTXgYiSawldtlXuKtfqS

GkOsJZJpcHQrEwC

·GjMJmXLhDEnPRDKzYmMnwfxWKSBsPl

zEcdUAMmSostUSJ

Ning Rushen couldn’t calm down all day.HqFlSligmioZhudqPZJMuGpWOTWAyF

liyfwaaLlAvhNJm

The next day, after the holiday ended, he had to attend the morning court again.ViUmSQkVuJryfVnrbnpOTepiXAxidG

tRFZStKSKQWGkHk

In the solemn and imposing court, he stood among the civil officials and looked at Li Wuting on the dragon throne: the bright yellow dragon robe was imposing, and the cold face appeared extremely austere.hiJVjtyItXchLLazZeFKRkkibfgXZn

pbVmAGMsOzZefLX

Ning Rushen was momentarily dazed, thinking he was likely dreaming.PCwpKLsXQJlKeheTtYOgmXqpGfgzID

mspqvIKhxycmnsp

However, before he could sort out his thoughts, he suddenly heard the emperor’s indifferent voice from above:VAkfQyllprUfJbXCiPgHDlSwVDelBn

SKefZetycFQgBgD

“I wish to select a supervising general for the northern border. What do the ministers think?”tcxYPbDdvSXIMoHHBSkNyuUIYkmPAZ

hqhsHxnMayYXUMX

Wow—like a stone thrown into a pond creating thousands of ripples!pGljZZnzJdxAHPODfKvXnVjlAkdUBX

IldoPqCTucgFNNZ

The officials in the court exchanged surprised glances:jUzazkDPnDVEFlMIKjMOGIzNdEQazZ

DNKOvXkdbNhfACC

“At this time…”WWXgCHZSqhPhuTSOxIhJLHuOrRGIdi

ZSKajUPgxronRSK

“Why suddenly send a supervising general?”SxmHmyWoejLBaRAaCyINwPsBrgNTZh

eRHfdaQTCpvRGoj

Ning Rushen’s attention was drawn back, suddenly recalling what Li Wuting had privately mentioned to him a few days ago:NrgQlebAsDfcZMHOVYeRhSgviaYjOi

cRXVwSEBnOVYnst

There would be a war in the north.OvkBDJMWUZpsMcKMgLFrHsmGbElHKq

ytMRNsRAqtaNYMd

But his thoughts quickly shifted back to the previous sentence:CtzIKfIuBEsRGhgtsiwrwjVBmjGDTz

tMQdEyWkerfFMgb

“Didn’t you say you wanted me to give you a harsh response?”ODmOBCPvgBJYUdxGpmFJbJJzChkKMQ

DJKqkPhrXyEgcgt

“……”fRXWhBlhCYjUkSgkIuoxnXryREYwuu

MvcnnBpbUzJpDRp

Ning Rushen closed his eyes amid the bustling court.MYTGOjaYfSNdXOhyNiBWEIFQYiXeVi

DXTUnJxHgEfWGLa

What a mess… go away, go away, go away!CFvoIwJhGxbFLSYDkMBQmtNqABRfuQ

cTfEVkmDZIEWcpL

The discussion about selecting a supervising general for the northern border didn’t last long.CLrMhMVwWocuKHQZcWNEmwyarGCQuW

kGsjZvOktOQEBfP

Li Wuting didn’t give a clear decision, and since the northern border was still far from the capital and appeared relatively peaceful for now, the officials felt it wasn’t their concern. They asked a few questions but didn’t press further.ndWKSmzkIfeDXqqtItUFaYirzboOdA

qAdgCssvldVWTRd

They would just wait for the emperor to decide on the candidate.gCQWqFEhgiEUuHVbMtCagjkcvoZrPj

AccqNLhnWEtrArB

…rerWipNylOlOmNyOsdderUcwPxIYzR

UFfxZRILaeAOHNR

After the morning court, Ning Rushen went to the imperial study as usual.deHpNGjSSePtgFIUosUpcuJBWEZfYd

yYJNCmyTNBIdJhv

He felt a bit uneasy before entering.cbtQMeAasELlqpRrbOORvBZXOLpWiF

EDlvYDNaxDukmSM

Once inside, he saw Li Wuting focused on writing something, his head bowed, which made Ning Rushen’s heart settle a little.yhfWTMcMxFnbQgiVqYTcqCpDgwvWrN

ciZFRtrhQTtsEEb

Ning Rushen walked over, “Your Majesty.”YxVYdYIoPngxKAFhFOvoeBbnMNIhip

mLLROuKtTohJcwz

Li Wuting acknowledged with a grunt, continuing his writing, “You’ve arrived? What do you think about the supervising general?”jqPHwdMAAfhcIBTFaNqsgwoLRCvREj

pMEfNZMDhvegrYk

Ning Rushen asked, “Has Your Majesty not decided on a candidate yet?”IiwgbAhQCmkBpuRZcajZeUdfkEfYSI

tVFjBlcViUQLWtR

Li Wuting frowned, glancing at the list of names on the paper, “There are too few candidates.”nJzuJSgaUmXWOdeodYGMfWHVryNlhz

ixSVnWgvgeLZVfI

Ning Rushen pondered and understood.ByCdTSLLkessvSfbbrwsfpdxJMRHwf

XfJGnbyjDKSOcoq

After the recent power struggle, the court had undergone a significant reshuffle, and now was the time to employ people. The newly appointed scholars hadn’t fully settled into their roles, and the older officials were too frail to handle the turmoil.YLzSBmHllCzyNMvfkUjGGohQOQneGk

yVvMPmqlYCRUsBX

He needed someone talented, trustworthy to the emperor, and available.nwLvaPkpHUTVcGPCQwAtCMcWmWLmJJ

nqbLzHmdgfZXoob

Ning Rushen glanced at De Quan, “Then…”GPFhKHGzlAotVJCvkYTjrsoXDjkVMA

TjQmPwzBBCToYla

Li Wuting followed his gaze and dismissed, “Not suitable.”pNEJrPYKCMUohaPcQaYIhLLnBzhmPW

weNObBNkkukZuPB

In his previous life, he had sent eunuchs as supervising generals, but the resulting discord nearly caused problems in the military.HnupPFdWMZEGxzhYbvaqijoWyKQhGL

iumslFWBLfzgXNa

De Quan, who was absentmindedly peeking out, looked puzzled: ?voHZkLiHfvZvpSgowUyVigfPecGcbC

WoHvBOmEdPzWnnb

“Forget it,” Li Wuting rubbed his brow, “I’ll think of something else.”mkuMFLqnItaHhRJpeKpnWEICxpJbZK

SKRhcMSonoEbgqA

Ning Rushen simply responded with an “Oh.”XRWLHfoxqchTQoFgLWETmobAPBXUNf

bLoSHENcPjlcIER

The imperial study fell silent.EqAvnwpEKlWsSskySNdFnhInjboHRP

lyiVfIMPyYZQAzT

Li Wuting pondered deeply behind the desk, his long fingers lightly tapping the paper. Ning Rushen watched and suddenly recalled a few days ago, this same hand had tapped to show him their fanfiction.lqNVVbWNLDZkBVmyyMdrJRvLzZPAKm

PMveLRaghMQjqoB

“……” Ning Rushen’s gaze involuntarily fell to the desk.UJdHlkaDQzcsQxuyaUnytgfYRUjpvw

XevxxkXngUMyQEm

By the way, did that stack of papers get burned?FrkixVaBxsKlhMzkXAdiPLcKQWbOKN

YUToaShTXrALfnc

And which emperor keeps their fanfiction in the imperial study drawer…sQWAWrsqSJIkzYWLpObDTVUgfbmPRR

JdlHaAbwtmQkLNA

His mind began to heat up again, lost in thought.iMgsqzUgYOqWKumksXjHuEZpgXzJor

kivjrDSoaOvfmDU

“…Ning Qing… Ning Qing.”tUnxTiDaTligAbXfuqBVrIWhHhCAsd

iEMgvbKmLpADJfh

After a brief pause, “Rushen.”MwMKPZZmGlHKenlRkXcibUUPSKrQMZ

jsLxRJoEdaSFShB

Ning Rushen’s heart skipped a beat, finally brought back to reality: Hmm?zIKMFCxpbtavWrQdGtrObzxxdyOioi

hURRJBHxuLeXDpS

He turned to look at Li Wuting, who was gazing intently at him with dark eyes, “I’ve called you a few times. Why are you daydreaming?”dGRxRBUliJRMFOSlXdecZCgelLkUDw

ylDoFMiyFxEXKab

Ning Rushen opened his mouth, “…Nothing.”PtoaNOHkClSDntkHGygOIKHWkMVZlG

crXpqsyZSwNiHpz

Li Wuting looked at him for a few moments, then suddenly said, “Everyone, leave.”xGoyeRgHiWmmvdervsLgBtFkmobXSW

xLdHkwssmtKqQvf

De Quan looked up, realizing something from Ning Rushen’s expression, and hurriedly led the servants out—slamming the door shut behind them.mnqqOPwBfOzhRiykGJoHJaiAlZFKrn

jzXWQWXrkJGoYGC

“………”ADJYgfpOPWnIsimwjXtDDbhNgzApmq

hVOAUQHCMGtJjRl

Ning Rushen was bewildered: ???yqsCoetyQHoqvfeBKZwmKzsHOELBIr

FLgWiFzOeGWRjob

With everyone gone, Li Wuting stood up.xlYzydzsOtOIMopDcOocdNoMNQqsrI

nbZAwbSRXUWGPTU

The tall figure moved closer, making Ning Rushen’s heart race. He looked up and asked:MdisNHPcuPsqmFWTDIDxSVsOuPyDHV

XUKqdixOLuZPzRp

“What’s wrong, Your Majesty?”lDiWxwhANjaAQegJstIERjoCxJZUpK

gaChWtvKYjtVANu

“Why are you asking me what’s wrong…”NWLGpMlSNiLNJYNvjTtgFJNLhiCwQy

sWvqgfxrLJcwTNW

Li Wuting looked at his flushed face, controlling his slightly erratic breathing. After a few seconds, he raised his hand, “Are you feeling hot? Should I call for a doctor?”hIECpWazYbHNtBLLEAyWxbnLKeEEnr

motWddCMZrwTWWb

Ning Rushen flinched at the touch, “No, it’s not necessary.”AmsjWLrqKDyxJotqJBnIrFFNJIZLYt

OsvWLarZtwoEDXq

“Then what’s the matter with you?”pAdbRmywTkxlyILZVAWlaiwnuQsxHM

xzRjikcGBMRyxzV

“……”WIZobWSUQPNDmaDSckvncDMcaJgNIt

QZiUnpzPebkfHnl

Ning Rushen took a slow breath, avoiding Li Wuting’s close and handsome face.awsTFPevYKyDTZObTopaDpczMlNJxV

utKVdkRIFMWDwgL

He thought: I should be asking you what’s wrong!naFGGfRwFDoeAGBZvWYYggmznToKLA

DZtaUUNbSNopfaF

But he couldn’t bring himself to ask—RIcNzwUwwyaQwbRrQxINyCmKhxceCQ

vnaKVYhWxxiBrqr

Should he pull open the drawer and point to the rolled-up fanfiction, asking: Your Majesty, did you specifically come from the palace to read this?bvXZbXLnfswobGcntLGFYvrgVUxHKm

yqKVvGuLkIGNCth

Ning Rushen hesitated, “I’m just…”FDNCnUgDZYeMBNTvYQqNkMcCMhYghv

HoOEZccMCWSAWWs

“Overheated,” Li Wuting finished his sentence.ZdOAwSaartTiBPZcrorXhByxgyimAC

nhqqEZHWfIIiZMy

Ning Rushen: .TNKQLQeJxmIwsXlqrngFtHPiNFMpQE

ttrWexTplnJNfrw

How did he predict that again?IuBlzIXhMeAFlQOlejciQaBGkPeZcs

FhwYwtJQEGHqceo

Li Wuting’s gaze lingered on him for a few moments before he shifted his position, moving the list of names on the desk aside:zkoUUmQsEAJLbYBtugnHhLIeELXBKJ

JjHxMjCsESVeGWU

“Alright, let’s go out for a walk.”QWVZXXAEEJNyLkoqGdjbCMrrRhEWYS

dIbpejCQnRPWOmX

With that, he beckoned Ning Rushen and led the way.fSKixvPWDSYjbHRrktskpIJjbWeGgM

WfNdcflhoUkrKZR

Ning Rushen was stunned: …What?gPyhjcNcGdPznKIFifxSaGhSgqpNdn

zWXRreJZUGbsVlg

·qkKRyGuxblqjqjFjyGxVbPfsKLUnCD

ONdPanKlLimQlSv

After leaving the imperial study, Li Wuting only took De Quan with him.KSmjcvDHlzFvvCcdhtFLbqEbcycooN

gfOzYmgORQfLOuK

Ning Rushen followed them outside, and not far away was the imperial garden.UWZsjVNTHiMWFyoGOGHEwpHoViEePA

YTRUmtzgPusboUB

The garden had a large pear blossom grove, which had already withered by this time of year. Ning Rushen glanced around, remembering how the pear blossoms were in full bloom when he first arrived.nMMsYWusNbVnUDDhpLwVYdISQsxduM

AqYDHWVHPQEwpyx

He had even found a spot to be buried.zTXzFsQZyoQpYnEWiNAoutFQdshpGR

NzmNduYIMwwEeno

While reminiscing, he suddenly heard Li Wuting ask, “You said before that you liked that tree?”ULOSDRZVEJmwuEpntrmuQPzBdyWhSD

FoLuliLZRbTamuh

Ning Rushen looked towards the tall pear tree and couldn’t quite remember, “Um, I guess so.”udPuDTQHovXWpvyAtrFGtaoRvDGEcm

uipvXKtyuSIAEHZ

Li Wuting nodded in acknowledgment and didn’t say anything further, continuing to walk.QwSQVzzDwTsrNtSqcQDbFswfCJcHLj

qhCaMotFVujysYA

Although the pear blossoms had faded, the garden still had numerous plants, with the layout being elegant. The flowers and branches concealed the distant golden palace—EMJjBqWTOOBdiCHCXfyBsbBTQOSCLu

ewrBXgnfHXakSsF

At a glance, it looked like a park.cDbTuMvVrXLEkbjJYOsWfptRngePza

oupkrLgMOHDTBqo

After strolling for a while, Ning Rushen felt more at ease and tentatively asked:URIgUaANLnRWsNvYjUBoUlEPhtiykK

ABjyWtrqiiYDlCA

“Is Your Majesty still busy?”mWUFWodHAgKACAnhFnVjRsLdJnwzdW

evyEXqkMVjYDqAV

Li Wuting stopped his steps, “Not feeling hot anymore?”EGpveraKsgJBpJejvnniwKlWArkVxj

FUpqeJLfWbrYnLS

Ning Rushen nodded, “Just a stagnant pool.”lKOVRKcdvjuMHXLqFJVyoYSoORUneu

yJvOtavOuISkEEO

Li Wuting, “……”TdJwIapZMRgwdzMJAQPzuTwSNKsLZe

HyxfHhOmiBTkDsI

The garden was quiet for a moment.ceTgIziNWHDmGKUWLueePIokPjPCiG

wgbpXtkOXZqkekk

Ning Rushen was considering whether he had overused his metaphor when Li Wuting suddenly raised his hand—ujajscNtuYhhUrWnGYVFwAqQmzvuJq

CtXctltZAHMUDbt

Surrounded by blooming snow white flowering trees, the hand accustomed to wielding bows and spears reached out, plucking a cluster of fluffy white flowers and placing them in Ning Rushen’s arms.eufnaqLsDbmQPmVWKOfqgbFwdgIHYg

czDUBissbJnHjhp

Ning Rushen held the flowers tightly, petals fluttering around him, and took a deep breath.hdvyTRzpJamXmGpzQOyPezESyMyQph

dSSWUoOEMneJZgt

…What’s going on? Are these for him?FhWdYpLgCPmTDajrgsHCztMcfZxGTn

QItGeOvDRXFyLtb

The snow-like flowers on his shoulder made his bright crimson clothes and clear eyes stand out even more.jmsMncnBoPkfKLNuPGsLLoEaUNjzQW

lzyWproOozEFcvD

Li Wuting’s fingers curled in his sleeve, paused for a few seconds, then gently brushed away the flower petals from Ning Rushen’s shoulder, speaking as naturally as possible:iwelYWQtWSInNhXvwJFgivKTNkasQO

CcpVssDEDqLJYFi

“You don’t have to be so calm.”ppMzvXOYdoUwdYiwuamDVPOzTJWIoB

bPXOCDsZmSPUTnz

“……”GQcrPwpvSSkGAZWkJOhiHWrkNTKCNB

fwgMQTxWpHgSrGS

Ning Rushen shivered: He really stirred up some emotions now.KTIpHjKMUzIKEYSgAsEyugwUkHtIYH

ExjVPHXPZbFPEYx

Holding the full cluster of flowers, Ning Rushen was unsure if Li Wuting had merely picked them casually or… no, thinking further seemed absurd.uMcNMHhSGWSyNlBMrXbfOITZwOuafB

jWfwFzyexFnPsZT

He pushed aside the chaotic thoughts, “Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty.”pZwuLrJIdQVClrHdbhAHpqcaAagXZf

BpztUPdTwMvfKYq

Li Wuting’s lips moved, hesitated for a moment.akFrrYlWlZsCzRBsvIatWorKGQtwDo

SUiqrEtEpDQBHlA

Then he loosened his tightly bound collar and turned his gaze away, “Alright, there’s nothing else today. Go back and count your clouds.”GShdEPqgGjuSlEkXDmfKukjzOyDCIY

ZvDCROBWzCaBcMx

“……” Ning Rushen, “Yes.”sMzthPnPQbCgPqdvfRGUkDNkoHfYPc

jREjRzFssQezfyY

·enkGdEfPHxbimwbvexHOghWoyKfkrL

hfmdzfGGaIYbfeQ

After leaving the palace, he carried the flowers and got into the carriage.TwkCHTDkVybguKXWpAyFaCstaEuBID

LNIQjTwVAxKFiEZ

Yan Min exclaimed in surprise, “A gift from the Emperor?”avMXHedQDJNNLviCPiQvYgTSoCfJMR

wFwOXqwRqOgGUJs

Ning Rushen gave a noncommittal sound and glanced at the fluffy flowers, setting them aside after a moment and instructing:clgbAfftxFsfDpflVMvEAQwmkhoXkK

CiclpXJdtFuBBdm

“Put them in a vase when we get home.”pVMDtxnPhCznKssuXEvXzTHBPXZckw

MinyyusMxdmIPNU

“Certainly, Sir.”jAmshdVktVGwJcLgQClTbtosHYoVUi

oIVWSFOjpDujnfa

Arriving home just before noon, Ning Rushen handed the flowers to Yan Min and went for lunch.ynIEevtgiHBFObFWeUCfgFNjpSSLsW

OItYNQrPIOuGWmB

When he returned to the main house, the cluster of flowers was prominently placed on his bedside, incredibly eye-catching.NRBvwARfeggauOqbOtsvzgoPLZEHMy

HPjtRfnDFGQHmBy

Ning Rushen, “……”PDVwIXZyLbklSeXEprKueXMJxelTFv

OVwoUYkBSUsQvRz

He struggled to ask Yan Min, “Why did you put them on my bedside?”OTobrEaqHmpZSoIfqWSGHOoQvQfJaD

aqeeJSTsuqhZcYk

Yan Min, puzzled, replied, “Since they are a gift from the Emperor, they should be placed close by.”NapwOqWewtJViQYobpnkeVSOBEyINz

TZwDzJXWiJtYoTV

…That makes too much sense to refute.ZYGAhKAEdCFeVUSTbvgVnbMKHIUOEd

MkThemkeldbrOHK

After a while, Ning Rushen rubbed his forehead, “Never mind, you can go.”KrNwmqXBtqtarxtQdMTzuzifnlObgX

sZcPCUTMxWlxpuz

Yan Min confidently left.TexNETmQapSgTDjQigAWJWBuYVrTfP

nwrcjcRoYnkClVu

Maybe the flowers were too overwhelming.TCoCFQxjBpZhDxcpIeXyzOoQzCxnYG

zcXBgTfuXntfXbK

That night, the scent of the flowers filled his dreams, which were dazzling and bright: sometimes he dreamt of shimmering spring water under the sunlight, splashing against the boat; other times, he dreamt of a spring garden with large flowers falling gently from above.FdiWEkkeQpMWVCkwefXzPOEBklGidT

QOYMnDsolLenNNH

……sOsVqLXIYEspKyXFoEcAWjcAUsPUuG

nRiJiaFXZnFwIlm

The next morning, Ning Rushen woke up with the covers around him, staring blankly at the head of his bed:sLSGKceOapDRNCLfsQkuflroAmxvNb

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—He… he’s unclean again!!!ogyhWaPshqbObBJLFSwCGoaVJuZyyV

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“Sir?” Yan Min peered through the door crack, cautiously asking, “Would you like cold or hot water?”OKcAvfpFpokyLaZqqVfWRiKNLJQMQz

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Ning Rushen trembled, clutching the blanket, “I want to throw myself into the lake.”zRcUzsqWOphYBCzlwQUcVCgkExbhRN

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Yan Min was horrified.iBRNYNvdDRTYoZfTjFOoarSEtFjUZn

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…nIUqrbxfZpJJlFOiBVjwYFGxnuSxkN

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Struggling to get up and prepare himself.rMTKRRRpzVUCBWzGafeRbrIIlasbaa

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Ning Rushen changed into his official robes and still had to attend court.sSisFRGwpKczPwyYfqDBWMofELhnWK

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Fortunately, there were no major issues that day. He daydreamed in the lineup, only vaguely hearing that Li Wuting appointed a supervising general who would depart immediately, and the rest were just departmental trivialities.kjqtttVsyTShTuNYsAdtVcwWhkUCOq

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After court, the officials dispersed.smpVTMoKGTZfmslhMMAPMRVcrqcZLF

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Ning Rushen was still disoriented and hesitated whether to go to the imperial study when Guan Fan approached and patted his shoulder:eSlFURlzvvasoGKPXgVEvGCwNSGFyz

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“You haven’t been to the Ministry of Rites for several days. How about today?”kUfhhCjSyaWXeSiYseWdAVUBwngaMI

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Guan Fan subtly hinted, “We’re having glutinous rice steamed ribs today.”ZEzBlssYHfvdWoFjdLxboSNjQkosTq

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“……”QQnPfOtYbuWiaOYSdgrJLMtnrNTyPm

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Ning Rushen immediately nodded, “Let’s go.”qaYDGCLVSIyRcAHZmUvatSrcXxAKET

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Just right, he could clear his troubled mind at the Ministry of Rites.FyQXdclVMjGAAusfYniGmznVDGoZDb

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Guan Fan happily walked with him out of the main hall.bMegYRMFQssBICANVQHuphvKgOczKv

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…LRWHPyhAvTEeBIABQadnzvnCdSwrgN

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The two walked side by side out of the palace gates towards the Ministry of Rites.MilSeUDvLZiCqLndAgrInUvRZHHIJu

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On the way, Guan Fan asked, “Give me a hint, is the northern border going to…” He hesitated.DutnxvnyRZsKIkXrlFizAqQPbhkNJy

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Ning Rushen tossed the question back, “Why do you ask?”pRBlsvdNQpUaPLwrtdbuwWwILgnGGz

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“General Huo is highly trusted by the Emperor. It doesn’t make sense to suddenly assign him as a supervising general, unless.”SFJgZIdeTNWcoxsDCLIAyYkORyNeKo

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“The Emperor hasn’t said anything.” He changed the subject, “By the way, who was chosen as the supervising general?”xocFRfwuMjXTZHZpyTJpueWIEgJmEn

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Guan Fan, understanding his distraction, said, “Hanlin Shijiang, Cao Zheng. Right now, only the Hanlin Academy has people available.”OpRXgFhYoazTWPmUKqsoAXanhMdqjy

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Ning Rushen asked, “How is he?”ynnFydjdknjjREijNOOyLBMKiyOQUP

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“You’ve been colleagues before, haven’t you?” Guan Fan looked at him strangely but explained, “His character and ability are fine, but he’s a bit rigid and overly serious.”pIplfJeBVNLFVLRbSHyuEraQdqIcMe

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Ning Rushen thought about the unruly Dingyuan Army:QgwZTbMhFoXasivpwAzROoHKhxsSin

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…Only hoping that the person can manage the position peacefully over the long distance.ejgqFGfBxsUBHNnUsEoWzNIuIlXWDn

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The Ministry of Rites had fewer tasks recently, making it a peaceful place to stay.rUEZKwCqHeahEZTHhGQicIuJtEPTQH

DDGZRPHITMkztKV

Plus, Guan Fan always lured him with meals, so Ning Rushen couldn’t resist and went to the Ministry of Rites for several days in a row.xTlTHfCFFfpXWJMJWQExnNzhAGlnYy

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Perhaps because he ate well, he slept well at night.GlipeWmazYqkQLBDpEdWYTRKmeLcYG

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His mind returned to purity, and his days became calm again.HyaupzyTsKULzsNTBZucFMGrdFiJdl

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Except for once when Guan Fan mentioned during a meal, “By the way, I went to see the Emperor yesterday. The Emperor asked if the Ministry of Rites was very busy recently, lacking staff?”eQPBNpMXuRuMdNyQYdeTQgaMJzjtmH

xovEoPVAWmFFlag

“……” Ning Rushen paused his chopsticks.xMvahJffSDbMZvcWlWsfgRUZfAsvPq

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He tried not to think too much, swallowed, and asked, “And then?”CgWnWKGMLOJUXmMqVWtOiHZkcfeAMh

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Guan Fan said, “I told him that everyone is doing their part, and no one is idle! The Emperor didn’t ask further.”ZWUdfwSDCSCGPwSkRCblCzWylZezWV

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It sounded like a routine inquiry.LRamiJEtatgMClHpsLfUTZwghLTLcQ

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Ning Rushen lightly continued eating, “Oh.”zrFmwOxzGslPwPpJmkCOewcDzlOQQk

pUGiWECnlgbEzZv

…GVCArlXAuqNeTASrJzzXwVGQdrOvOh

ITLLwhphItEjyud

And so, five or six days passed.HFIBnZeCQSDkZGXdVdylpxVvVOdTTk

zcSgXURMGSyNpve

That evening, Ning Rushen finished his shift at the Ministry of Rites as usual.JqDzCZsYCjjcFsjqgGybZbaOxBDOlk

vySRcubuAYSKhYf

Returning home, he saw a familiar figure in the courtyard: Li Wuting, dressed in deep green court attire, sitting by the stone table with a pile of items on it.HYNDJkhGETqKSypOdxkKZxreTuvOdn

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Seeing him enter, Li Wuting looked up.UVXUcdyLDaLYYKGoUTAmjLJToNQcuU

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Ning Rushen’s heart skipped a beat, “Your Majesty?”tZBjUYKRcDOQBiZrZyCVrVVKBXGFIG

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Li Wuting waved him over, “Come here.”IDYdabhzyVLcyKdjdeQVoRpQDwQwok

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“……” Ning Rushen approached and saw several boxes of pastries, some ingredients and supplements, and even a soft blanket—unique to the Golden Nest—stacked on the table.dflSaICQoFmGInlnJLUXZZpwLxDMBX

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His heart raced faster, “Why is Your Majesty here?”dXsdFqqJjPXtDhUDWPbKorNkaqHeUS

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Li Wuting stood up, “Just wanted to see if you like them.”fzVpkAxpVxwymYscdKhGRohLnISbof

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Ning Rushen touched them, “I like them.”XbHZqyzJxrHjiPmalYTUiTZUswddnP

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They were so comfortable, so soft…HiyQGOdfnHdfvBKZlnnnXsLRqHzGgx

bqKJihIWUNMiEhq

Li Wuting watched him with shining eyes, unable to look away, and after admiring him, asked:KnVrUDAjtrTqJnROJJzVwBXnKQToyr

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“So why didn’t you come to see me these days?”nYJlZMyBkjpKEPQydMbMuSvlFTziDo

GCTMPrGwnsATkpl

 uCkiqRvzYaomstIqywQwtsZKePPMlD

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