This official is so weak

The cabinet door closed tightly again.cWzOiwdzRvYeumMMYGJTECiTmYuVax

cchGKUWlMrMfHCm

Taking advantage of Geng Yan’s grogginess, Ning Rushen shoved the gift box from the shelf into his arms and turned him around:yJTzqpMoXgWuLpqVaXGmlVwgpkLxgI

SZPPzqZxrBfVajt

“Go on, go on.”PTNbVXZurhqYhnjFEQzSRgvITmwkbk

sHYNhqBHrjTRLXS

Geng Yan mumbled, “Oh, oh,” as he clutched the gift and left.RyhYHZJlpPGZyZnKcBjYiKCOGgbIvB

GTlLfdSezMEkzQY

Ning Rushen felt a lingering fear:xpiQjduzrZnRvkCjEuYIIlGjHBxSrd

ZgQuadwkHXDyuVv

He really is a genius…TzmmkCFAkzajfRyIwjSpWSyAuoVQai

OWVMhGvImghjFXk

Thankfully, we opted for sliding doors. If it were revolving doors, Geng Yan could have been spun right out.vpHgfdLCgUJMNlEwcciVmMinnMCkdy

RzhNrXyAtcrbsKU

Ning Rushen followed Geng Yan out of the inner room.hOuVytrgaYDmaHMazedQwCdvEnljQW

bjuxOyJNUIPJwOF

Before leaving, he glanced back at the flawless cabinet: Geng Yan must be a detective dog.lFQQJULQdYqRrhNTRYaBSgzkkGfRVy

CWUZFQPZrxjUtpw

The two of them returned to the banquet table and distributed the gifts.XmsQNvhXCkajeFTcNkOJawCGJmRKSB

OpSjlJeuHqhEduZ

The guests cheerfully accepted the gifts, and they played and enjoyed themselves until dusk before reluctantly bidding farewell and leaving the mansion.jvndBWGoLrzhuPxEyynqUMyILaUwBs

yKZmZQyDmEYhAZm

Ning Rushen personally saw each of them off at the gate.apekMSgefxdkzNdlyzRDRPnuAbDihr

nVnwOMOCfAHiqpo

Just before leaving, Fan Wan awkwardly held some goat milk cakes and said, “Master Ning, you’re welcome to ride in my carriage next time.”nnlGKHXAuxoyYFDzqWTnEnkatVqKFY

SIdYGtucnHZfecZ

“…”VGLxiKwyVQqRzXQjXsuKiSyWXxFUyb

puKwcPpcmBIcAxa

Ning Rushen waved his hand, “No need, you should be on your way.”IvfsoJJiOUxVaBlVppPxJfwxeVKaoz

FtOvjhvodnZFZqo

After sending off the group who ate and packed away everything.ubUcdlnrgHGlfZfasxzGVaMdOcgKkR

dMgPzXonHvnorgx

He returned to the courtyard, and it was already late. Hosting a banquet for most of the day, his frail body was starting to feel the strain.yQgOMlgNSrSqCkvFvswOGptLlQczsu

OOIRCIMsJAnQWaQ

After taking a bath, Ning Rushen walked to the bedside.bLLymfPWzXsoRQFvyZbwYcMXALAdla

MdmZkXuTEmyWrql

On the nearby shelf, a decorative hourglass quietly stood, almost as if it had a mysterious allure—vFDepbXhvJLQDhEkgMcUUyQqqhWpif

eJTJKmQBvBQOFba

Where would it lead if he walked through it?gHaRfbjOSKwYFsbtXVmdjdLiumhsgW

IEaeiDlRVUWYmTn

The palace? Or straight to Li Wuting’s dragon lair…CvfqorvgsAuQuMCKxFzvLHtClntYWY

HxArDTMqSZIOxkN

He pondered for a few moments, but in the end, he couldn’t resist the overwhelming fatigue and collapsed onto the bed.NyKnPFkDDRDkPNpPmTnSiNcbKloZEA

AmMCofiyWKUbfmj

No, I really don’t have the energy today.KxfnaMHcFGioTozsieylNxhjsTlUvb

JqrwGNRhfJXlVox

Sleep, rest, lie down.QsxvMACOIPogWOciWxlHqxuVlSmPDO

dInIpakyXeiHLah

…XBTarWAqcNRZSdiZPcJHDxbFRYvMju

EEfdKEmsflHWmGr

After a day of rest, the next day brought court duties again.NmdklGXKjDlZZKApNWIisEVHEjbrZS

tbYDOtuohFvLtCN

For the past two days, aside from briefly seeing each other at court, the two hadn’t found any time to be alone together.yQKgBCSlRLvXbhNhMMVZlpGDTiUicP

BrVtnzUdWSguely

Every day, there was a line of officials waiting outside the imperial study to meet.qbScpgQCqdFcbxxweoKTgbUrqUBQuE

EUwqsezWZXbBKFD

After the court session, Ning Rushen was contemplating whether he should get a “love queue number” today when Dequan came looking for him outside the hall:krUadDzsKZRNZiRNpaZFvLyLvOMLcj

GnXOeFqfrwhlhXJ

“Master Ning, His Majesty has summoned you.”tLcHFDpfdtYFeKAFyHeLyYkIyrAhBz

whXtKNCudJnIBve

Ning Rushen’s heart stirred, “Alright.”bGNBejDZjzfxcdBqrjveNPbvxrtPvk

uzTPxxoSDJDDtep

They walked through the long corridor of the hall.djNRvqEDvhQqoUhmTTUqWBisJXaMrR

yKyVruLyoCpFABu

As they walked, Dequan said, “His Majesty is not in the imperial study today. He’s going to check on Prince Jing’s studies and specifically asked for you to join him.”WYKdnAkgMJxBttimATRMRJKJLvWGSf

PgRSNzqgnHGklgm

Ning Rushen asked, “Is there something important?”ddIqrcGvnywaeWcCOcjmjPMdGIHXPD

kYkdXNKEzQjlBCc

Dequan gave a knowing smile and playfully scolded, “What could be so important~”aAaqxIMReuqPZiiPdvjlyaQrpUMWYC

OsnaXJXFOzTscMl

“…” Ning Rushen understood.fNvHHMKWCdBPxYFHedZySjtygAuwsA

rQWIHjRZnRhpMJs

His face grew slightly warm as he suppressed a smile, “Oh.”fxsOdkWwUlxlvkSSqcZMCcBspgNZsr

sjzKskefJpbKTGt

The place where the princes studied was on the eastern side, in the study hall.fWaLVDlpsZdsinTLsGhItDhCwAOiaV

YGTUAlebKGxFgRf

As soon as Ning Rushen stepped into the room, he saw Li Jingyu slumped over his small desk, looking utterly miserable. Meanwhile, Li Wuting sat nearby, his profile stern and cold.rPTZGIhRxKIozicQgjZdyaXJRrdVGr

KOydzQAWXYVBjfq

Hearing movement, Li Jingyu looked up, “Master Ning!”xjgGCfYHqjLHCxfxvxUQfBOUcBAEQY

TEhLKKoBbwbkYmM

Li Wuting also turned his gaze.vvOFIojuDStyGhiHAvUQPfedCRxLsI

SjGiGKMWbLLjnWk

Their eyes met, and a ripple of emotion appeared in those calm eyes, almost as if there was a hint of a smile, “You’re here.”qIRNoAKssmybGrdathUedhhbWyCyvw

CtYMuDSUSttunFU

Ning Rushen’s heart beat a little faster, “Your Majesty, Your Highness.”VcnBSOImdHtjWWzTSDWDYWIyCVeMJi

limenBpYJquPokh

Li Wuting glanced at him and suddenly stood up.fyjHIUDUpqxZvkUCxrjOyiWPMcQDBn

wFoioBJPPWSvpvb

His tall figure blocked the view behind him as he walked over to Ning Rushen. Looking down, he studied him for a moment, then softly asked, “Have you missed me?”rnDAMxJYVyJhdAtCduoiHAlITvVufn

rnIswzAFURsdqPs

The longing of the past few days was instantly stirred.nXeyhJTlFmLAOSCyRVVifdcZdIhAUQ

ehgyiZSjkukFYqG

Ning Rushen could feel the heat in those eyes, as if they were saying: *I missed you a lot.*KaMcXFlvZukEuEpcgBtrJmDLdjoGiu

wUoscnOViMmwqnf

His own breathing grew warmer, and he whispered, “Yes.”MFaLyJPFBJAkJJyKDFWQzvppzvrLbw

rLAljTrPPxGMeeO

Li Wuting’s lowered eyelashes fluttered slightly.nKTprbPPACPuXXqAjIOuNGhuKBiqdA

dZNEmOdsPNXFiEY

They stared at each other for a few seconds, and just as Ning Rushen was getting lost in the moment, he suddenly noticed a head peeking out from behind Li Wuting—WtQhLcVSwTpYmDrExolkeFkCcDxGEl

uEdPeCZTWIzFFoe

Li Jingyu tilted his head and blinked his innocent eyes at them.EySQEyfVgTBTpNfzsagbHaFUyxzHfv

OddctONCUnJjkVh

Ning Rushen, “…”FFdPRzItPsDhHujIcrMfEgxWhXjKql

XmIJOAGxATyTubH

He calmed himself and gently pushed Li Wuting, “Go sit back down.”HrsNhmsfDppluZvynISdndVsFbZiAr

cIYfFagDnfPucNe

This isn’t a children’s channel.NbeVObpyHsyAbrmZYwuXmJdGxqrAZH

NPwLHgmqSsJORGs

Ning Rushen sat back down at the small desk.pESQnyIFEedJpXTClNGWxfdsHucmWT

nrXxsbbNScRtLVc

Li Wuting sat to one side, while Ning Rushen faced Li Jingyu. When he looked down, he saw several policy papers on the desk, along with a few pages transcribing memorials to the throne.iWokGIqGvnLslNKbvBfMyINTdTtxoE

XcJVMuzdxxuiVMT

He had been spending his days in the cabinet reviewing memorials.rUNcTiKovrSHCtXbCgNvGpSwrpPgAE

YSeNtrBrrhdqpzI

With just a glance, he recognized the content: some addressed water conservation and flood management, others discussed public order, and one even mentioned the bandit problem in Yaojin.QbAEpaGSUytJvoDZPrVLqXzeFWSIwx

aEEbUdWVOkHjkml

Ning Rushen slightly turned his body, “Your Majesty, how is the situation with the bandits?”gNEKShTTlvZUXGRGQKRThikWKCkiSP

bNnutmBNSTMOSKj

Since it was a task assigned to someone, Li Wuting didn’t respond verbally, only shook his head at Ning Rushen.xjOlhjrUGofyfdhqzTNEwiNFxbfUOQ

KLZAgKJtKUKehKa

Ning Rushen, confused, thought, “What does shaking your head mean?”nGgwqVKyvlVLMIkOAJzuUbkxitEIwY

kainqihOcvoHGBY

Li Wuting held his gaze for a moment before his sleeve moved suddenly.wOfNqgRTaAkmcViuSoFzJcNzvilUGo

HiRINMIfJaThgyw

A warm hand slid across the table to grasp his, catching Ning Rushen off guard as his heart raced. The rough fingertips brushed his palm, causing his breath to hitch as he looked up:CiCBcWEsNpLzIhKnQNsEpRjEQLXrrQ

LQYunPucMSIiuKh

Jingyu is still right here…!vOdhdVMaWOKervvZeWiFKLRvAuXhID

pBMXBjwQROLEujN

His cheeks warmed, and he couldn’t focus on reading.KImUwIfOcNCJHSFEQoUnKDvDyFywKc

cAdhNndZhGlHLGP

Li Wuting noticed his reddened earlobes and curved his lips slightly before patiently writing the words again.hjoxsyumYRtQlcgRtgzkWPifPOUZSb

EfVcnOdGrnoSwZQ

Despite the tingling sensation spreading through him, Ning Rushen carefully deciphered the words written in his palm: *Recruit them.*hQLwlGImbFMPvsApFmNPrIUvEcnWWI

XAmYQmrUSfyQNXd

His fingers curled slightly as he glanced at Li Wuting—qSOBasLGmVLJiULjKuevHywZLfKiov

eSXDKPZTWOhsPSk

So Li Wuting wanted to recruit the bandits? The head shake must have meant the process wasn’t going smoothly?FNPclEAkXZcFgsLOoiOoJWydPBMdsk

TyyYBJXrqxoOWJz

As he was contemplating, there was a sudden thud.HZtvGKrCHXDRwUqbCjdHvHwrrAzIpN

DhWOIXYiSoapQak

The table was bumped by Li Jingyu’s short legs.IJNnylBwgeFYZfORZtgnMuKZDOWLBN

HkiPGNxCkdlflbr

Ning Rushen snapped out of his thoughts, realizing Li Wuting was still holding his hand, and quickly pulled it back! He shot a glance at Li Jingyu.ewsWjZoGPAWkkVtyBkSeXhfKmdDTjc

rVSzNHUQrLuILKT

Li Wuting seemed to chuckle quietly, amused by him.fFcbXhsdtEWFJVUBLSmSWflPFVqwwu

jMYWBIOLrLzkwfH

Deep in thought, Li Jingyu looked up at the sound, “Royal Brother?”WgEPQyikJIAkShLXDAhJTwDZlZpQMR

XECymkLCxbCmUUK

Li Wuting replied in a low voice, “Focus on your writing.”SpdxwfkXwdEGzyaasqPpfXUBVkbwNt

ukurphRRYSFIHUW

Li Jingyu glanced at Ning Rushen, “But…”mKrEunvHqisExASNXkjWSktlflbEnC

TIzeNRSwNKaFBbg

A hand pushed his head back down, “Continue.” After a pause, Li Wuting added, “I’ll go pick out a few books for you.”NTmrNNgNKVMBAsvNEmUCyjaLQrPCXx

dOJrHJyQKksTWEI

He stood up as he spoke.yZXuixeYORKouBmiudqLJeCXCCYHjv

byqZeNKHrAvCPFK

As his sleeve brushed past, Ning Rushen suddenly felt a suggestive caress in his palm. When he looked up, Li Wuting gave him a brief glance before heading towards the bookshelf.QmMydkaoRolthhAJLgzSqfgrIbbzdU

eNgKAMxCPvcWxWZ

…What does that mean?hLYqZVTInSBJnNvYGKYiqlUyTiTEVX

PYZOzNDdWxiSnLR

Ning Rushen’s heart pounded.zMOPTuWYnJVcPmRLfXhMTnGyBSdaby

PRjEAiJzDQCXYTb

He watched Li Wuting’s retreating figure, and after a moment, he too stood up:JTBgxuIFFfAQjwqmAXAembwmDqCgut

OUNoaEPZJWLTZhk

“I… I’ll go take a look as well.”fFpWWxLvGsBdYBFfdZiVbexlROJMOB

ZEHznWRQXlsmuxo

…NizePCAZXnsYdBxdsFQLsEhXrjgtBx

MCPVFAROexvDgDe

Behind the study hall was a series of bookshelves.HADmtYtdDuFIRVtSXhCTzGNaODrTez

FNnoSMSYSqINIys

Ning Rushen followed, and just as he passed by two rows, a hand suddenly pulled him in—EAGuIJmkrhCkuWKZklxbLenZQdgYMY

gffSzwSkqZdaBbQ

“!”HGXfPBQiBdbfsguUnxbChFMTtVaUbW

BqrnvtDJkLfvayD

His rapidly beating heart began to slow down when he recognized the familiar face.XhKxyWDiFMEhBUGabVnsXSAihGtOIn

ByZISFbOFXNHOxu

Li Wuting pulled him close, his eyes brimming with heat.FlOVswAPfpyNjPvIaWRrmoRLeihFnV

CmnPbQDVbYQToyP

Behind him was a carved window, through which soft golden sunlight poured in, casting grid-like shadows. The light and shadows danced on their joined hands.MFEPUZaxIqddpiQcSGfxKJSANOJxNF

hQFndKLzlNxKQwZ

Dazed by the light, Ning Rushen looked up.RmHliacrVjZBbQORctDyHREmBBzxtb

RcJjlALYymmqVpU

He saw Li Wuting smile, as if asking him: *What are you hiding from?*ElaGfRDvteUpWJrVIFNaczpZZZJWYl

DbhIanZiyZsNpEJ

He thought to himself, *I was just worried about your little brother still being here.*pSyAlwndRZrrIRXTvOPlepdwEEfmJp

YtpCbgrWFItBiLM

Li Wuting’s fingertips brushed against his again.qvoxKBUssmkaATwXANgadTcCttTgNl

iDYmHHEDfZiICtx

Having not been alone together for days, this rare touch sparked a current between them.cCRCkXVzLyufVWIZXKHsVKtXzVVzil

CrYUwaDWbUfDRay

Ning Rushen was lost in the deep pools of Li Wuting’s eyes for a few moments before he couldn’t resist closing his eyes, lifting his chin to meet him halfway.dzpyQgGulLBWcDoeommtcwajqWrjZC

LdtxuVBEyqSOrNX

The breath in front of him grew heavier as soft lips pressed against his.qTqzECsmeEvVRRyfrsZgMSpipoMEpu

IQRCAqZMFutFrOx

Li Wuting’s arm circled around his waist, holding him close as he kissed him with restrained passion.nNUUIsFKBiIiUjzDzoRApyyQhdBCid

JcfqhxJLEwVpHBX

The study was incredibly quiet.tGPMsCBduGoHKQhrmjgoRMtKoIhOsH

FhcuELZsmfQWGmi

Through the gaps between the shelves, they could even see the front of the room.VrTvrKjJdKHLoisgTZXFpnSCBVeupc

BtzxWjqNpGdXNZx

Neither dared to make too much noise; even their rapid, uneven breaths were suppressed, exchanged between their softly entwined lips.JjwghbQrRsqLZtzJIEakVVYUaDztuL

HFqElGDfQNwFdbm

The restrained, lingering kiss felt like a tease.yhpOdEfoFVAaNrAEvIaZcOBneUQJNm

SKHGMAVixOhEmMF

Ning Rushen’s eyelashes fluttered as he was kissed, clutching Li Wuting’s dragon robe. When his lips were pried open and he couldn’t hold back a faint gasp, “Mmm…”AnAbWtTjBcPolvthOVvWoNTczRqIaa

XfEAVIKSiuotOMg

It was quickly swallowed by Li Wuting’s lips.BgcqjPGlPDomReriVQoeYTjRLezBtB

OGsNeWDYYbDtiDj

Amidst the passionate yet restrained kiss, they suddenly lost balance, their steps stumbling back: *Thud!*HHtYhEzhAERhoUlWsgObSUuIpFpAbS

BqLZmfqxdAMMlaF

The bookshelf beside them was bumped, and a book fell to the floor.ubHmRsvgzqyHFVYlCdBvqCdDhpqAIK

riXjOtBxbNaoqZe

The sudden noise made Ning Rushen’s eyes fly open as his consciousness snapped back—ihkwAyQWNAKnEBUElXkzKqqQZazMlP

MzUfrfawVyXHXMY

At the same time, Li Wuting pulled away.osRaHnIpxQvfmCcqcrRdyDfIHkyjDv

EVfSmlpWEsulepb

A flush crept up his tightly fastened collar, revealing a hint of his reddened neck.zvJZXLTIWjwejErqEbXZEnFSAhtNld

ilFreksvHorFlks

Letting go of Ning Rushen, Li Wuting bent down to pick up the book, glanced through the gaps in the shelves to the front, and said in a low voice, “We should go out now.”ltdkpEqhMeQXXDmcGdRVxpiduuDZQi

lXQZkxtldNnvEhI

Ning Rushen pressed his tingling lips together, “Mm.”KXTogVSUduRakTLlFhYBKxHwflrPCE

BySKGSTnEKbQslf

Just as he was about to turn, Li Wuting grabbed his hand again, “I’ll go out first, you follow after a while.”uwqgLRUvTaSBAolACyQhASYKMiWygq

ahZbIYUdrUaXhqW

Ning Rushen turned back: *Huh?*QyIlOQdnaiBOWEZsFPraKdLrIpLxtf

EjziRobugnJadGS

Why did they have to leave separately like this?XDhzMqVoNbNiwmnQHRlNNQXcTkBqMa

QrMdgOCTGaeoSXh

Seeming to notice his confusion, Li Wuting’s gaze fell on him, his lips curving slightly as he softly said, “If you go out now, everyone will know that I’ve kissed you.”MUWPuYpNilUVVJdKJXSDVUWInFlWLY

QEMEsauuGVdfEGB

After speaking, Li Wuting swayed slightly and walked out.CAeDbxyYLvwkkIUsjbQLVOHbzNPHzV

LLlkpPoJpDhnIqg

“…”SEsPwEOFvymezICpKlcRtZsGmUwMdt

dthkmTUuYJebFHI

Ning Rushen stood in place, his eyes slightly widened: Fuck.rcnbVQSJxospOpasBtGSjhfHQmjJTQ

ZnSDzNvVWcjwHcw

·zIpKHyRMjYKHjNMdUyBuoGduaLCRdO

LgGAZjTODwBGwIl

After calming down, he finally walked out.KIUdSAYnCyYnoYFioJHfxcfNGAzlJM

EJiURrMkaNLhvtp

Li Jingyu had already finished his homework, while Li Wuting was sitting nearby, carefully reviewing it.sFqCeMqjKDWxWHKJviJYmPuGBLwTWR

nIQUuostpLIrXRs

Seeing him come out, Li Wuting glanced up.EDTJHrYLeMMWhCDkbZrAhrqDlPVxXp

OFvptCGawKLWKdD

Their eyes met, and a silent ambiguity surged for a moment. Ning Rushen pursed his lips again and sat in front of Li Jingyu.GioSwEorKFBGbDperpMsYaicOeaMBf

PBBxxTXDjoYmHeO

The book that had fallen earlier was retrieved and placed on the table.CeNllCJVDXoZbxTlNWlaORhmTOaLtT

KqKkUbHVtRRiEtd

He glanced at it: *”Policy on Governance of Officials.”*makSxidIUlDorUaNLpjYFtMvpyOPVC

hLEvsVBqkfcskOi

This really is a step in the direction of grooming the little short legs to become the successor…yGnCFebXqErVUZYjrKmBTNEshvDMws

bogpgkNzFVWUrHB

“Come take a look,” Li Wuting suddenly called out to him, handing over a bit of Li Jingyu’s homework. “What do you think?” Why was he suddenly testing him too?SCYvstxDtXWNoAZiAIDvMhYnmFKUDX

qzvyiUoXvaKssmC

Ning Rushen glanced at it and saw that it was about public order in the marketplace. After a moment of consideration, he leaned over and started whispering about it.QtnTOzOQNOfqHMKvOXkxJYZCvqEMsJ

MGtrfoXQSGEQYFE

The two of them were close together, their sleeves overlapping.TtOOIdNSCrpTcKBPRMYUtTdOkLQRjm

bdrxKfvRCdUaDkn

Behind the table, Li Jingyu lay quietly, watching.SStiJacfeAhflyoCjHxeSqkYDScivx

qFWSeaWButkgKed

He took in the sight of Lord Ning unconsciously leaning close to his elder brother’s shoulder and his elder brother staring intently at Lord Ning. He recalled the “Theory of Innocent Evil” that Lord Ning had once taught him—jMGUnxjzqkbsIcqqOFiMcKMCoNbGSI

ReifGeAjViTpEsY

After a moment, he seemed to have a thought:ShELIusLfNKYIursvibrzxkSHkBDXw

OrYYbrXwviYFFBM

I’ll note this down and use it to reel in the second brother.OOrYvrHWyFNyDhGBJEIPqjKkaxTyEy

WdUqRRExjbQDQvV

If second brother works hard in Jiangnan, producing a bit more grain, it could be exchanged for information about elder brother and Lord Ning.GzOibIVwPwqmqQFWDeUMdWptZJfBEc

lnMPLgsMEhTJPqX

Li Jingyu touched the *”Policy on Governance of Officials”* again and nodded:MaQkNAGSYiEFntAyWicFZHdYbAiTNj

BWTBXpUCjAeFygt

Yes, that’ll work.lqPPUEODKQoxaQrYnZyXcsXfhVGHcL

TUcaqPjjCFbgMcF

…ZnDiVmAKkUtWHOXYkqMOIpnSWJhfSb

PIgIAQBYvUMZqub

Li Wuting had only come to the study hall today because he found some spare time amidst his busy schedule.jGEppJQJtAyfeyIpiiZjZFPlPBrBME

llQZkpqqldOUIWX

After spending just over an hour there, he had to leave.BWLpYWPExhvAVGgZNjTVKLPOTpeeSf

JkEOgUoiiIJACvW

Ning Rushen followed him out of the study hall.gURDjcqRzaBXbOvoFdFLYDuTpMciTi

eHWDvsIOtOtiauM

When they returned to the steps of the palace, the bright sunlight overhead seemed to drag them back into the heavy burden of state affairs.PaOxxcoubNYGdCxSFiNhPuzkcdILGa

zxKSCFdIFEFBIFS

“I have some business with the Three Departments, you…”XcHTtAiNbEDUZlRRxtTYndCOuCpYHw

CMsFiNUldncYkfu

“Hmm?”apyilEXWrNuvIKpsSvUvATjEJpTPsq

ARGOzeMfRHihfoS

Li Wuting paused, then pressed down his words. “It’s nothing, you can go back first.”cVceEJXtkufyRqWDBmXJrMGaQahDzK

OhYmDtGuRWYNQBk

Ning Rushen looked over at him.MwHKItGIEdXeWIrEdMJTDGzfXXjnKV

pBYJKUJFJEaxOVP

Under the sunlight, that cold and handsome face appeared dignified and ascetic.jkFopWwbMCGmYMlJkKRKQhCaCpankr

KxKfKMnoZBdmmpK

—But not long ago, he had been embracing him passionately behind a bookshelf, where the sunlight poured in.ktUMpYAXofMgcrapJBcapDrDVkVIyT

hFwnIyCWoHdpNlH

Desire seemed to stir within him once more.iUrKeIfzJorIVHdWjOtoAzfQcYGEBn

TVThnlvUOJvUOjN

Ning Rushen steadied himself. “Then I shall take my leave.”cjchlQftKrCVIKrDbaZLTTcjlmAcia

oFQPVwLPwBeYYVe

·azyHwbVvWHwAWLiANXFHmKOpfzTZFL

NNkfwLIDAynpOvu

Because Li Wuting had called him away halfway through the day, he managed to avoid Ji Jie’s grasp and stole some time off at the Ministry of Rites.FybtYVrbmnqDZrszfITpWJFmzEXsnV

ImdZdcUuxZkViWI

By the time he finished work in the evening and returned home, he was barely holding on.MzszJxFjBVtUFPyaUZTGPmnRhZMUZF

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After tidying up and taking a bath, the bright moon was already hanging high outside the window.khMHpHrCnXLqjjJcpZyXCoDBGQtNlS

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Ning Rushen sat on the edge of the bed, rubbing his hair until it fluffed up. Yan Min came in and sighed twice:ucYHHyeQpnTzSxlGryWqwVKlPObxyV

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“My lord, you… sigh… sigh…!”DFNdQqaYPIVhLnVddaeBPYIDTJIgXw

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“When you were in the Northern Frontier, did you rub your hair like this every day?”YGIvHkHGwKXHZZBXppbQkCHkdlBIPm

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Ning Rushen’s movements paused. He didn’t want to say that it was the wise and mighty Emperor who had rubbed his hair with dragon claws, so he mumbled vaguely:lBXokMlpRNfvWuYDcOkSmWleEUDAXj

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“Uh, more or less.”yZPQAIHjmISnyEZhiENOrmaJrrUhtn

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Yan Min immediately clenched his fist in distress. “Hey.”mMsBkbOIPusjnUsRkdLLzrjWTEvVYc

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“…” His expression looked as if Ning Rushen were tormenting himself.gbNavzlgOQHjgNWLzDSBFBjgXZzzXo

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Ning Rushen waved his hand. “Alright, I’m going to sleep.”tXctifxKzAyQylqbZCpTPVJHreNxQS

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Yan Min extinguished the lamp and left the room.vRyCuEMJZpEKwZsaeicbwHZbraNIMA

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The door creaked shut, and the dim room fell silent, with only the cool moonlight streaming in from the window.QCXmyvqJLYWpqhfjwFLqBOnhNsDcvu

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Just as Ning Rushen was about to get into bed, his gaze flickered.yurVJKCYFQIEvRautCsVmlmpLvYZpj

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The slanting moonlight illuminated the shelf against the wall, and the fine sand in the hourglass reflected a faint silver glow.nCgKkFSJiIMgUaUExKbhjOuBVdfTRG

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His heart stirred, and he got up and walked over.bZKtqFhvYFXzSgqRoqNjXlKFSGyyJo

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From here, would it be possible…YnqIfTrMkhVbYQftuLxHPdbWISaWiQ

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He paused, then flipped the hourglass upside down.sUUlWkhYllMEOAfgqurPMjtwFHAgGP

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The shelf in front of him made a light “clang” sound and, just like the day before, slowly moved apart at both ends…iawkZEvKrfhIjdkNLNdFnCLQmnmTVO

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A dark entrance appeared behind it.SjBmUHfFQxvAkGmFhjxsJAVwmqcGhB

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Ning Rushen’s heart pounded, and he felt inexplicably nervous.FWXQSBCNjfxjoFLSfznwFwfyMDDmqo

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After a moment, he took a deep breath, grabbed a lamp, and walked inside.xkVdOUIaMnYoDkaQrZSxxiuyLFuaLT

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…VdUrMCjVKgybVAHxZLctZQIZxucVGO

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Meanwhile, in the imperial bedchamber.tVckNZsDJuWNjPKEaAsBVYgJVoJame

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The palace doors were already locked, and the lights inside had been extinguished.TozUNKaxtGZalDTKvDOwcxFUBNUyur

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The bright yellow bed curtains draped softly down, and the moonlight spilled across the floor, the night cool as water.cGrOOhLtqsNUNQnVhXWwwHNRuMsKRS

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On the dragon bed, the emperor turned over.rdXNswlXvgyccRZXmqwmhNDjhhNCpm

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The thin silk quilt couldn’t contain the heat radiating from his body, and with his arms empty, his thoughts returned to that kiss earlier in the day.qkVJhEfIhevuibRlGwHfsfXtajHpRV

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A kiss that ended as soon as it started—it didn’t alleviate the longing he had been feeling for days. Instead, it stirred a deeper thirst within him.TBewILgYAwmpDnOQkORgoUzwrjyRJA

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Li Wuting swallowed, his adam’s apple moving in his reddened throat.kJHMCQCghnhTVzDlzRthRWnBotoZqh

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His knuckles curled around the quilt, and after tossing and turning for a few moments, he finally got up and threw off the covers.lAjjqcJqymktSdbQIwVrRfHjTFpImv

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He fastened his robe and walked toward the inner part of the bedchamber.uJjceyduDjAUZLJmRckBNbtTNQIWZa

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