This official is so weak

Li Wuting’s gaze lingered, carrying a faint, amused smile.HMoIScbOGjWuewOXTGfkHpwZDqTDLV

MbfUyMhWFyQsnHo

Kong Shuyuan scrutinized him with suspicion, as if trying to figure out which strand of hair could possibly offer him protection.AIzczrGohsRXQLVjMyAypZWZrWNLAt

APPJsmBhxvVFewn

Ning Rushen, who was struggling to keep his composure, finally spoke softly:kmgPrfukllPheLNACFjDcRAZaYPEsw

txpaYLfnXnvPFWi

“…What are you smiling at? Aren’t you going to say something or dismiss him?”DhXJaxASXryADSapqldbfJQgsmDQxA

gsmFaYfKHVNYoec

He pursed his lips and started to speak, “If His Majesty doesn’t need—”KulbPDPZDIJokRhuoCqVqsTwWmgruW

WOVujQCksjyzwrN

“I need.” Seeing that Ning Rushen was on the verge of exploding, Li Wuting quickly interrupted, “Come in.”OqqkySLuzKpxarAQEkppJJKgNdzfFk

XooykOaVCHmxJBk

Finally, that was more like it.DBzMdSxuIOkkbVKoZbpopOXNklbkPk

pWeceAxfziEJHnB

Ning Rushen exhaled a breath, closed the door, and stepped inside.yZKwTqUoOLjomubeNEmhoEHAIkiAtF

iMwfNwNGomkclZo

He glanced around the room. “Is His Majesty still discussing matters?”gDNvNImkhLPMHqSMFtLkJHSjWoTxfM

fmUfwZYbKtZebuH

“Yes, regarding the bandit problem,” Li Wuting gestured for Kong Shuyuan to continue, then said to Ning Rushen, “Sit and listen.”mAIjIqfBaWuyeyCjOyvEUWWPCNrctp

sTaQkTyPHRQLmmw

Kong Shuyuan acknowledged and resumed speaking from where he left off.EodwifrXNODHmRdRLhvecyaNtkbfGT

zdZpCRNSPQUwNfk

There was no chair by the bedside, and the prefect was standing.PjASjyxQoqNqCZQgvwjXQpJHbFGzVp

MZZtizIUFGGgVQt

Seeing that the space beside Li Wuting on the bed was vacant, Ning Rushen naturally sat down.TSLURTvrNxjohHJcBiwgHBMnnhPjbi

qSCPzdUtHAqRhDr

He sat directly on the emperor’s bed.FpxoDgRjVdhpMyQaqFmYuBpVJGbjKq

eUwFPsSOmnVvQsL

Kong Shuyuan’s voice abruptly halted, his astonishment rendering him speechless:jozhkdcrjOhsCgGJpHfyKNclHSQVTq

HcpFZrYiLMMYwfj

This… Is he really allowed to sit there??JjkLWsLoflIRHdPVqamVgDLrzUhTYn

YKQDfxwFOfDBlia

A calm voice from the front asked, “What’s wrong?”vzwkHAyAbnEhtGyOgBtDgxzKAuSjao

iIOtWYiUtyTJvkf

Kong Shuyuan quickly suppressed his thoughts and continued, “It’s about the Renshan outside Yaojin City. Since the nineteenth year of Chengping, bandits have been causing trouble there, month after month, without respite.”YLpdppZtZozNLXfzLrXLDnQEsnAhPL

HDfUrrOVszbKSaJ

“But from the moment His Majesty personally led the expedition, they suddenly quieted down for two months. We don’t know why.”uhLDEgAzZdyXxyHMPkLjyDoNmjIqTk

xKaNYZhZHDaTRGR

Ning Rushen leaned forward slightly, “You didn’t investigate?”ukISTRpXpmvbJslgttiXdvePOXqcto

KUPmrKspMRWjZdo

He had just finished bathing, carrying a light fragrance and a bit of dampness. The hem of his sleeve draped over the edge of the bed, overlapping with Li Wuting’s dark robe, brushing against the latter’s hand, causing a faint tickling sensation.FtGIAVeugpowmIBKLapAGlyRRZspdr

JbFMtoCrTqYaRml

Li Wuting’s gaze fell, his fingers barely noticeable as they twitched.QmeRDdDGLkCKBmLpkHtOhdNQWsIFzj

rFYJyKQVHLOrLLh

Kong Shuyuan replied, “Yaojin’s military strength is limited; even maintaining security is a challenge… We really didn’t dare to rashly venture into the mountains.”pKyURtUVrclQowgvMdnELxRNQUcnDg

iAZwJhCbnudjVlE

Ning Rushen nodded and sat back, “I see.”rVrXwfOCTYCxoKUttJCsNHLHPpVCuL

watSFycYLILDatI

His clean and soft profile briefly passed in front of Li Wuting.hurOWtuIJahLluYzkRLBmhrzpzNQJK

cbpIGXDtcoJJVSp

Li Wuting lowered his eyelashes, sinking into his thoughts:SQwydpjpxGbOkgECGAUbafXaHgwZPN

xIodRNsDcqHXwUH

If he remembered correctly, the bandit problem in Yaojin was reported to the capital in the second year of Chenghua.lMNZPCBjRmQfqXkaSYLzXnpQofuKQG

ymVQPGpVSOIAIRr

In the previous life, the war with the Northern Di lasted for five months.JOsBysSprlwKmxjzbwMRdeoRnxWUgY

QOstlhYzYyJeDpz

During that time, the bandits of Renshan took advantage of the emperor’s absence to wreak havoc in Yaojin. But this time, they suddenly went quiet… Why?dFrIbsYAdXwNSwbgeUCDaDaCemxSSc

izxHlEczfcuxMjW

The room remained silent for a while.TOuFNkLtBqZyNnTxBjyizrrkykPLuw

MDoPFJboUSVuegq

Until the flickering candlelight slightly shifted, and the prefect’s bent back began to ache, the emperor finally spoke:eXhNeBmDyuVqozSnZvnsXNUOTZoZOx

sUXdEudSnHdoRoT

“You may leave now. I will handle this matter.”wWOSAAzojzfbpMzjelVOwymJMhJsDP

ABqNVGGQOduaAvM

“Yes, Your Majesty!”LwnfbqDtInBEkHXXTCLAiJvWlxfHHp

IIZksqJucpoDgYX

Kong Shuyuan quickly responded and, as he stood up, glanced over once more.DoFvYddQrfPKZRGAxKzzbkPvKUSPay

EeopxdBJRgpzFbO

He saw the handsome emperor sitting upright, while the young minister beside him seemed lost in thought, with slender, pale fingers resting against his lips, his snowy white robes spreading across the bed.adtXoiIVIkKSlsMMFxVqnhLoKgaekg

PowOWFpxdeMZWYi

The emperor’s long black hair lazily draped down, with a few strands winding near the emperor’s hand.ekddYGYrOKrISqmLEKPjZIPCCsOusQ

zHcRjojLcmLtdaE

Kong Shuyuan felt a pang in his heart, inexplicably afraid to look any longer, and hurriedly bowed and left.sSzuKayvJJbBTktkTKcckUlquMyyEy

CYWwVgqitmCzuvP

…aSUUvgoFnruhbnRgzeeGhbDjUMYFXj

KLSmRuQBwEVvWeD

The door creaked as it closed.mUqwDtxmCRBBcSiTyFvjOwsGVBDHYA

jcctYyKcnbIhoCt

The room fell silent for a few seconds. Ning Rushen was still lost in his thoughts.nGiiNLbfSSXPCcxgCzAPrGwRKXtzSM

ozdaBxQuNeJhIhr

Suddenly, he sensed a gaze on him from the side. Turning his head, he saw Li Wuting looking at him, with a hint of warmth in his eyes:NmeTHqtNKugKHZwPJBbXooTNJSmUYW

DJWcjUfLJFSFegu

“Did you come specifically to see me?”adpRZOyvCSbiZBjXjHbbmCAYzGbGBI

uhasNPRAiBxIALx

Ning Rushen’s ears grew hot at the question.pbwWKqXYhmEKlEGRjDPQJHnmfVnCFs

vpKzYzhLPAQmUfW

He thought, who else would I be here to see, Dequan?NrlZZPVtzSNagINoOlReSDrQgjRypj

ybIuVddTiINPmel

He forced himself to sit upright and spoke seriously, “I heard from the servants that there was a bandit disturbance nearby. I was worried that it would be too dangerous for Your Majesty to be stuck in the dragon’s lair alone.”RbvZPVzYtzMEnsXKrEbgbCCJrejZUp

bLhHuDDwpQYGJrq

Li Wuting chuckled lightly, “Oh.”qDvIRcddhJAMENbwAlIiJPajuxFuZV

HngwCutOSkDJeIr

Ning Rushen suppressed his embarrassment and changed the subject, “By the way, where’s Dequan?”ZFPnAGwsNigfjKNvFbKyIbJxBBEZCK

foBfxBptRkziPNb

“I sent him out on an errand.”HuwYueqmmORiFuMsyvDJHznLgiXTnx

wDBfAKeRKzRqAHz

“Oh.”vtvnfFprMJBiBHvDBhPpCAcBZhsstd

lQVFmGxLOeIBTjx

As soon as the words fell, the bed was silent for a few breaths.IgRVnAddMabdyRjmodkHOnZefyQcwQ

QPuVfulSrzVuyTo

Just as Ning Rushen was wondering if he had been too forward, he was suddenly pulled closer—eFBgXtWHJkLzimATtYCGxbdDewmsbr

neqJIwTXMEjDbzF

Li Wuting wrapped an arm around his waist, seemingly unable to suppress his emotions. He lowered his head and licked at Ning Rushen’s lips, prying them open.hMLQpvoaBDEAbljpCfLxsbFDSMuijB

dkubSoWkAayjLBA

“Mm…” Ning Rushen’s breathing became erratic, and he quickly melted into the kiss, his waist softening as he fell back.SvHKtqCqUAYAdADLGsoGmUXhInmrbn

PGyolZpCPbZoucZ

His hair spread across the pillow, entwined with the heated breaths between them.ZuRAMVxDYMJNgoJnPAzANQIVlfQcJy

oMxvaxfXqMSDBGX

Li Wuting propped himself up and looked down at him, “What made you think of coming to see me?”ocNneYKeIZVZTLcAGYlynuwcdGiBgx

rcAGGXeNOUTFxIw

Ning Rushen’s face was flushed with heat, and he couldn’t find the words to respond.CbdBPhYcijgORPiYEJELggaTfxgtHZ

bpArwSXOBTTfxRM

Underneath the gentle and refined demeanor, Li Wuting’s voice was husky with suppressed excitement as he softly asked, “…Did you miss me again?”cmwQNfGriaQmxuLgsXzjufqzguUyhf

YbzIRtEsixynwEK

Ning Rushen shivered at those words.IhKNXijSWZSLrKdphggLWKPwduLXmn

SyqRtQyBYMwtHtG

Feeling the rising tension between them, he brought his knees together, trying to prove his innocence, “I… just came to accompany Your Majesty…”yaVGyRSVdPBYYamGcKKqUaeJsfanwB

QfqwxHrjZEOepef

Li Wuting lowered his eyelashes and let out a faint laugh, “Then it must be that I missed you.”BzpxLNIVddbjWfMavyeUDQxyscDDHd

ipePVBUuiQsbSqI

Ning Rushen suddenly looked up at him.fUZfRPbLffuRIfBfjKcpcNXQEwudug

PVJsWGivLXOygci

The usually composed and restrained emperor had become aroused because of him…oDxhGhkWkrlGEAjRpjzuXogALOqdJm

wklXoqpiGEwMzKG

A wave of heat washed over him, and he too closed his eyes, feeling stirred.DeAIQKHBkjkHKeHYMtNrdjMoRdfrIS

DrlJyUgkTkkCNqx

A kiss fell from above, and the bed curtains were drawn down.fTEphTGIXBpkizSVZBbSHRcUwKOOIn

tlDTkanBnNaBypO

The white gauze obscured the candlelight on the desk, casting shifting shadows as garments slipped to the floor.UkpjkFAFkGOqOXDFhJsvHWBKPlXIAQ

LkGTzEiKaVFvUTt

·utmZRrHaAQifeiogQDneymOKDJNtkZ

IEueliqJwZzffhs

The next day, Ning Rushen got up from the dragon’s lair.tsanNWnWWyfYKlEjpgWgOzpXaAwFcq

ORtXbUpcePdZHkM

Dequan had already deftly brought hot water while tactfully keeping his senses shut.aZgWUmetvktPfQLAHKQNpktlVJAhcT

pGYZsxfprBdZEbl

Ning Rushen steadied himself, got up, and after washing up, walked out the door, only to see that the guards in the courtyard all stared straight ahead, acting as if they hadn’t seen anything.CwopjSolreAnstuJvafVcUJHWGeymm

dOqLUrbPojKLGHJ

Li Wuting stepped out as well, adjusting his robe, “Let’s depart.”jRANMJKNhpHVfzFryGtgrMdcciQLBT

KjBJtYxbQMKkRNX

Even though there was a bandit disturbance in Yaojin, the imperial carriage couldn’t stay there for long.jbyLtTpUtTXuNoEpRsGQPwNFTNrogv

okAVUdeKBpLGXdH

Before leaving, Li Wuting gave an instruction, “Strengthen the city’s defenses. I’ve already sent orders overnight to have reinforcements from the capital stationed outside the city. People will be sent to deal with the situation later.”EsluACRNdwLoWPKgIFlFgnvKfvjFEG

gOvFumPpcNxTNtz

Kong Shuyuan repeatedly kowtowed, “Thank you, Your Majesty, for your great kindness!”bdQgbDPpUsLLDdCiTjPiWCWxPrqtVS

qZCjFuqCBtcpQpf

After leaving the governor’s mansion, the group set off on the road again.mlRJICsuAQYpEEDcTzfmXHuzDhcHnX

JpSPUXRUnrqxCBt

Yaojin was very close to the capital, and after two days of travel, the city gates finally came into view.JmHSAzSisNMHNRZxwLZwnffefNQmXM

nQuHkPaKKlroJNF

Ning Rushen lifted the curtain of the carriage, feeling a surge of excitement.BatYQMYqsEYMYcIMfGYaxwJhsSzMiM

FJIjpQgnhDLltqP

As soon as the carriage stopped, he followed Li Wuting out.VtviiJZHgzKCBTZcLAceBlGlgIZelc

xLiRcSQnncDSXgi

Outside the city gates, civil and military officials had already gathered in anticipation.cmDhSWrfFaLiMqVTqFkroCLgayaNJo

fupthfpoydBLhHc

Under the towering city walls, the officials looked up expectantly at the ancient road, where dust swirled in the air.IHbkvplumBMBZMFVfyPxPkXUrWYxWA

joxNaMzlSAZxXAZ

Ji Jie stood at the forefront, leading the cabinet ministers. Under the vast sky and distant outskirts, a chorus of voices rang out:VsQemOtEspPUCwPyHkXuXDtVkeRuIQ

xtXjYSTbufFdHNZ

“Your subjects welcome the return of the imperial carriage!”KICfwvHkSnQbDuYyeGWAAeJaWejsMA

KIPlEOaFFmOFEbY

“Long live His Majesty, long live, long live!”rKupsORGEbejorkepeebrbExnulKRa

KCOZwsvXVfyUFJl

Li Wuting raised his hand, “Rise, my beloved ministers, let us return to the palace.”rogEJfIZWidZJoqZYcIoAhAJJSWuQu

nhLoeTQcixLhROL

The officials rose in unison, stepping aside to form two lines.PImtzMTmxanRjxATNlGBznfYPxpiIA

EjOWOsExbOzyqAX

Standing beside Li Wuting, Ning Rushen couldn’t calm his racing heart: they had finally returned!tdjueAnkynaFDUXtCYqIFNnxRArTHh

OUiWeBMnELfsvMt

He looked around nostalgically at the familiar faces, but his gaze suddenly paused as he locked eyes with Geng Yan in the crowd, who was staring intently at him: Whoa!oDPvnTyEzJXDPHfrnSwdXTLpuHLflK

mKxzLBaWPrGtpfp

Their eyes finally met.jEvZhjaFXyUwIkMyNdGahikTqBABhn

TFwfsDtdhnFWfRR

Geng Yan, excited and a bit mischievous, gave him a thumbs-up, nodding in approval.vGJnvVswblTyZxKvskYzrHUqIyxegP

KKQnwVZIVXqQAsL

Ning Rushen, “…”HwuTMHxJdnftHKcGyrOlFtykLMJXex

UBzfaRWmpLoHjJN

A few months had passed, and he was still as eccentric as ever.kngYbjslUmCaeFWGGdYSuoPdYEncwh

vjbBLZouQsMClaU

…vYBvNnKnHmShbySyueCrQJuAHFQGzk

GTmTduTlaIQZmyv

The group returned to the palace in grand fashion.RCYNqHgYkQZaSALWmVzVEzNCSPwxnX

lxvtjYyrvfmtlSm

Li Wuting still had nearly two months of state affairs to attend to, so he summoned the ministers to Wenhua Hall.yktucpdtGxuQuomiUbHWpDeHMhiwhJ

WtAdYVPwHGxuMsS

Ning Rushen stopped in front of the palace gate, ready to return home.XURozSosAPxoyWGZRLexHFsNWywOhq

mwSBaYRbwUzNoOv

Yan Min had already prepared a carriage, waiting for him.qpJhFngjMlLOmaIxakGFZPXcOgubsA

xZbgmZZosbTlzBR

He glanced back at Li Wuting, who seemed to sense it and also turned to look at him.YGIByVNJIWadUlIWPhYKcaqcodPoGf

vBdpPYtsUImpyeF

Across the throng of officials, their eyes met.ftjcaavLGWzUtWrlaMIbQMIMdHmdiw

GsVOOXEYWeHBsUJ

No one knew how drastically their relationship as monarch and minister had changed in the northern frontier.SUNeKjIJLuIADLPTUsamnwNXuvPqND

QLoZvNFMkVQInuh

Ning Rushen’s heart beat a little faster, and he mouthed the words: I’m going home.AejmPmrBYuERNPZEAUGjlULDyoyLwV

sjUoKdCOdaqQRmh

Li Wuting smiled and lightly blinked in response.vyxvnSArHmmCUwlspBRHrYMnuQhElu

LpXmWqHYPfVEgaC

In the broad daylight, Ning Rushen felt as if his heart was soaked in sugar water, filled with a secret sweetness.buixibjlssLHENRmLPKiOxIeFNtbqj

DsagqPNzUagvaue

He turned and got into the carriage, “Home.”zhpMcAFYomkELJzFPlelfiFPqZCrXO

zPpmbpFHURtCYsK

At the Ning Residence, the hallways were bright and immaculate, with festive carved lanterns hanging at the entrance.ZPBuxQpVSDgPnSLHGXOUxKNMdDTPxW

RxotZauTqZoQBqF

As the carriage pulled up outside the main gate, Xinglan, Yuanliu, and the others rushed out to greet Ning Rushen from a distance:KHIPiIwtWfKjWudUWQuiCKFGbApwwn

YKXuHKDeMGSyqAQ

“It’s the master! Our master has finally returned!”HmLWkzwxErLRPCafdmkORJRRDjbZAe

qmHjEnxOIdHvRxC

The crowd welcomed Ning Rushen into the residence with warm water, rich broth, and sweet treats.IePuYQhbkkLacacMegseNrubGDwEsB

tFhLFqGbTErzezA

“Master, this broth has been simmering since noon.”DpLVXFQpYidpXtdDaljvTBQxPOIqIa

ldDxHCIjmMYLyxG

“Dragon beard candy from the southern shop—hasn’t it been a while since you’ve had some?”XEYrdtDiJfowShTRWRNPiNgOnRrmSA

VWGvfKpkGBTwGBM

Ning Rushen, with his arms full of food, looked at the bustling crowd surrounding him, and a sudden sense of belonging washed over him.dddJuvoOiHrbiSTUwIrUviIXRNePTF

LIwrcxwkQTnQucz

Feeling touched, he picked up a piece of candy cake and started to munch on it.TozxJKbLhtbDFOfyiqrakEicOyaqmu

nchDPnUlcZCgsBS

Yan Min, concerned, said, “Master, you’ve suffered; you’ve lost weight!”wIHHcqamTevxtqJwEBnDWWescnaGyy

BiFyaRAdziYTBPu

Xinglan chimed in, “The sandstorm out there has made our master even paler!”uqrAXzrdBxyzMcxBgHLcMLVqEeDAyG

deBbOGujDNVoMXH

Ning Rushen paused: …zORYYlMjNUsUvLSMmxYxoFgoyDEwgm

ZDurKwMlnRVQgBy

What, did the sandstorm give him an exfoliating treatment?nHJBFKVIFqvZmSsYfWbhNmpHoviAGq

NrYLhchCxVARweh

Listening to their exaggerated remarks, he took a sip of the hot broth. After some murmuring among themselves, Yan Min clapped his hands:PBnDXdJjWhOWpibMfhIHMjrPkJlDjI

RdPszNaAvwzdodY

“Hey! Enough about that, let’s talk about something cheerful—”MyiZmrSjsYmBmxkojTzImrirokjNdM

qYXSIOUZmVdUveU

“We’ve all heard about how the master captured the Northern Di prince alive! That’s a great achievement!”usDlXIkdcvEwQmsyZLWCyTnATEvmZk

sBAuyYApMZridVY

Ning Rushen choked suddenly: How did they all…EAsIbawFlgQvrlhUPDWLtWBRksCjQa

ciibLRNxiKLgEDT

—Where on earth did that rumor come from!?EmMaKZGOiWvWJNFwVxMRCkTkysNasO

BcKPLZSByuHPwBf

He clarified, “There was no capture. It was an inside-outside coordination that allowed His Majesty to lead the Dingyuan Army and capture Landale alive.”VhlrEeHZktuyIAGtXsfjToMeDYdTCc

BRXoMiZppUzgOlA

At his words, the crowd let out a collective sigh of regret: Oh…jRqCDllWWahrVJNKEShkxRutVnUeUm

gaAQuSHpAmIYXXI

Ning Rushen: Enough already, what exactly are you sighing about?xpFUryHIhvGfMBTKBTQTmYsOUYvYnm

ZHIdzaSQXfpdhYt

As dusk approached, he stood up and waved his hand, “Let’s have a family feast, everyone at the table!”wFGIoMSbtlULLlwYtChhAzuEoiGLeD

idODEZMkXUjKnNt

The crowd cheered, “Oh yes!!!”tpzgmIPNomCBNdtiGIKPsqjOUIvRhJ

TVlfMyHmsmqagwi

…HskvaqoQDBfYlncpduGYDjCHIixGVA

bKqVLrjmTMbtnTG

After a lively family feast.oCgzKCqdJYVyBwDSPQwZBIhlcDWmCu

sEiIlPvdMBEeGWF

Ning Rushen returned to his small courtyard to lie down.HWZDdYojwwTcHvAuhHUVgFKoVdeREJ

wmlihdqZkywfhnP

After several months, the trees in the courtyard seemed to have grown taller. He leaned back in his familiar deck chair, feeling the long-missed peace and comfort.sfiGCOkETexNUjqCZTVNoAKjmOeSAp

jwDOTVvPkuqnuLF

As he was relaxing, Yan Min came in with another pot of tea:vsFvUzBuXOivGnbXZoPyWAkdhvIjtY

dNDJdhNeeRftTCE

“Master, why haven’t we seen the little guard?”mAXEjjPJWjHvceQGnjHqxwnspOUCcq

DvDeNEYvOJaBNqk

“…” The deck chair creaked to a stop.QWTPbmRlqAHSYKqfQjaNRyrgpFNLlh

JDaNIjleECuADuC

Ning Rushen blinked: That’s right, where are Shiyi and Lu Wu?ocHuAUarjuqwybMnZRopVLzHMMrbwv

PAwLhFnGnEjrlhB

They were with him all the way back to the capital, but seemed to have disappeared since entering the city.NuNvkRLTonjvSAuxpDjLNMlZhLDyeV

SPLxNWxfPuYEGvB

Could they have gone home ahead of time?qCgrrGEjMioOiFOtVmeaAwvfXeuBLR

xvffyvjCIVRJBbG

Casually, he said, “Hmm, they probably went home.”YzvOggkCoZvgqukSsTCFnXyiiglLtc

QksmNKPVvNDIiCS

Understanding human nature, Yan Min didn’t press further.gTIfhOPmefsjgoFFClIhUlzSGdBtqe

faUAEKAJoNyWmZM

Ning Rushen guessed they had received a royal command and didn’t dwell on it. After washing up, he prepared to retire for the night.fHevXhWLUFLrHhFjcePpyvSjRHMtqn

AeuKNsYeBURKBOY

The main house was dimly lit.mRqcCdARTKRmsVCnqIVGnYYmPmtwIC

QlBDEnXYeLZZGIj

The moon hung high above, and the courtyard was quiet.oYJskCjeINfnWYpnDcnREOZMsrFKaM

qRXjucPwicgehXP

Ning Rushen sat at his desk, organizing the gifts he had brought back from the northern frontier, when suddenly, there was a knock on the door.LZWLBqBAfSzusjksKvcvtlgGVcYRDX

QuUaySEsvTYbtcy

Click.rsSVLTUAxPKLYjgZkGPsecHxLimavF

coXhYXZPenAWPHR

…Shiyi? He looked over, “Come in.”FFWgLRRkvXnntXkJfFmLMVKqnIgjmP

ndpuDzGlJATpSqJ

The door opened, and Shiyi walked in holding a roll of paper.ojaCTUQRYraEaZTVEdxhHkuZbuWpdR

hXtqYuNJURvTpod

Ning Rushen blinked: What’s that?HAszpmeZkbiXAsdZEETvkjjggzHBTR

QIAWTONsAIedSCN

Where did he come back from?RaVDsFwuRZMzqalOcKtRvMceqGucxo

cvCkoMVpsEVEBEH

Shiyi walked straight to the desk, unrolled the paper, and under the candlelight, several intricate hidden door designs were illuminated—MuaxtkjoGVdWrTJbHFOsnkiJCKPgDs

ggZhkDUAzexgwwI

Ning Rushen was startled: What is this????YdCfdlGbYDhUNBqAKyypPUSYEPPEAq

zISVKaRGFQINWWL

Shiyi asked, “Do you prefer a revolving door, or a sliding door?”NavzIWsIubIErFgkhYMISQqCaNNwEj

qmZuICQQmwbIYeE

Ning Rushen stared at him in confusion, “What?”ZAXdZYRISDyDDTVQrxbYqBAmdBJObJ

xxiqqZXQYOoKlvB

Shiyi, his expression unchanging, said, “Nothing, it’s just a door.”VsZjBqAYvwOcwnRLSQgvanOsiyfUIl

CIQqgKLpskCdzcV

After a pause, he added, somewhat conspicuously, “I’m just curious, asking randomly.”ferYTFRuXHFiTzsCdxmRQnJKFRAhsX

FTBYoBCTQxoTxDI