This official is so weak

Ning Rushen held the candle and walked further into the tunnel.UUJLbyiwtuWprxwRUHNhizBzzlkVwk

tTZXjooskILvypl

Ahead was pitch black, and he had no idea how much further he needed to go.zumeDwRRxsbhhPxDBQOYQnHECzupRg

AsyYsTwyaGJVAVp

He suddenly felt uneasy: Could this really lead to the Dragon’s Lair?ClHDKLyTFVPYXZeKGrEPUOtEyuHRPc

ZKSuOZiytDXIMWE

What if it hides some royal secret, like a giant skeleton sitting at the end of the passage…prNytdqGizkuEydowSvAbAYoVTfcRL

NAZsrzNbckRPwka

Or perhaps, there was no end to the path at all…XTCSGZsTTNIHUODBuYnwbvBCJXzfPo

qQHFPDZxYAGbPjN

As his thoughts scattered, a faint sound of footsteps suddenly reached his ears from ahead.EYaSkiHEqrdLBpUyzHiUSQaJFvSVCl

ZEmLVkfukJYdqLT

Ning Rushen’s heart tightened instantly, and he stopped.xVvtcdYNBLJCARsZbzfmsOUYWyclCU

jZTPsTzIwRVuvBY

Just as he reached the corner of the hidden passage, the candlelight illuminated the corner of the wall a meter ahead.qIGULzpBBcwfGkrbxeACcMdhhpTHso

YuxsJUeEpEwMWbR

The next moment, a figure suddenly flashed by.MMvHKHhvXCwpuBnhSctCqUfBlbkdCL

FhTiEQwtNDNruWh

He was so startled that his whole body tensed!fxYySVkjqwPxtACTiGsezUdvATwYgN

hPmthtqYgplcUvZ

The candlestick nearly slipped from his hand, but it was quickly steadied by someone else. At the same time, his wrist was gently held, the warmth of the person’s palm soothing.xoiGVPZiKiBdFvIGjMoCVxWWPWJaeO

usCudwEaixdvbtx

When Ning Rushen looked up, he saw Li Wuting standing in front of him, wearing a bright yellow outer garment draped over his shoulders, and a nightgown underneath. His handsome features appeared more defined in the flickering candlelight.EjlsSfZQipfKtYEfpsADgHpIPCdEqB

wthsMAUiZkHadiB

“Did I scare you?”jpXvHVnGlFiwiNIlqBzlyCkyLeqSZQ

iAlKaPiLNBTaPuV

“… Do you even need to ask?”icXNSQAYBlpUYeIvqMFmAXKnzDVFiD

SDLrpRQwBzUSNpV

Ning Rushen’s heart hadn’t calmed yet. “Your Majesty?”hDLyjoKKodtLPfQSTFEBklXSPIyUda

SRGfLhbuIgSevlj

At this moment, he was only wearing a thin inner garment, with his dark hair spilling over his shoulders, his face soft and delicate in the candlelight.szWFLSKQHOFqqPboshfiAGScGguYXg

TrXqjXNVwoOelkR

His eyes were slightly widened, as if still in shock.BPZxGTUrSCvXAvniRcyWPvQCRdIGxY

nnBIZPVXyPLUDhW

Li Wuting couldn’t help but pull him into an embrace. The warmth of his chest was overwhelming, and inwardly, he sighed:pbIZZKAgZndNXMhNRdsLbBRYgWSIVN

PCNxDsAeolbmqzV

“How did you find me?”NFyUmTTPnxOHfthMqyipkCAXWiHzGm

jKDUsLxPekqJUYz

In the quiet tunnel, there was no one else around.lJrNsTfwPDVfvfDJcjLcLgYwtoLYGy

DMoWkovqOuLiwEc

Ning Rushen, now wrapped in the warmth of Li Wuting’s arms, finally regained his senses. He couldn’t quite explain it, but mumbled, “It… was just a flash.”kwAPSLTWNgVPOaVgtkekKqJuqmEsWT

ynpSTyxopYqWlZK

Li Wuting, “… ”MsJhyJAKyFxrBtwezMYREfasdegEKI

vvBVBTdXWYYGXgo

Li Wuting seemed at a loss for words, pausing before tilting his head. “Shall we go back to sleep?”KLEzlmHvqEIOFpJAeJIUCfEJpHMrkc

hQYnXcxukwRHPuS

Ning Rushen responded, then suddenly realized that they had successfully met up, feeling unexpectedly happy. “Where shall we sleep?”IFYEmJkjuEJTQkeiCMDONmVuReipmf

WqSQfWnuqFUoGDJ

“It’s still far back. It won’t be convenient for you to return to the residence tomorrow morning.”AviFyfopnTkPOCQHDAUUOjRztXSRDe

PwQuoHHFLFbzeLU

Behind them, less than a hundred meters away, was his main bedroom.iWcvtaaDhtacUnjxqeqcNwszDvhmaa

ZNjtVgmHiRbORdI

Ning Rushen’s heart warmed. “Then, let’s go to my place.”CYztJgMoLHAQnAZPSHVGclEhZnsLEl

dBBsRgHUwxRZSFh

The emperor before him pressed his lips together, suppressing the modest joy he felt. “Mhm.”
Ning Rushen turned around, but as soon as he took a step, he was pulled back. Li Wuting’s gaze fell on his feet—his slender feet were only covered by socks, nearly bare as they touched the ground.iXSlIKvimAbuicdcUkDwcWsgQnxWUC

XsqUYcoXLWuTvNH

He exhaled softly. “You’re being reckless again.”TlCVStuzIiyzkJESWgUSNaaQZbGQVv

rknXnkKStuiccLu

Before Ning Rushen could react, his feet suddenly left the ground, and he was swept into Li Wuting’s arms.BZMAqfjFgdYlAHGtAESKxdbLfEVhWz

FqBoNmRLUYbtHhN

He was startled for a moment, instinctively tightening his hold around the other’s neck. “Your Majesty!”hqlxQaMLEKpBbmWTxiGFZjpjLwvHhh

zZGoWsbYhzaoLHV

“Don’t move around. Hold on tight.”ZcpsNKjjuoWmMMKpanJfuhRngVjEHK

qGUjBNYzcracwWv

Li Wuting held the candle with one hand and supported him with the other, walking back without breaking a sweat.ATcIXijrtbYpIKXNVEAurYgoBvAUsk

YxMzSVNNkhBGEWR

“…”GHgQGfyEnKVOtTSIgNfQWLYkrPQRuT

GsEpTUaKVFEKXYp

Ning Rushen, still trembling, clung to him in confusion: Is this… normal?oPoxSVfFiQkNEWXmhdHfipexbPoCWO

yEIqoglXYLjgAsP

…rRcfCIwQMRqRgHFtQKSXCWuzmQmQsQ

ahAPaaxHsQGgEnf

It wasn’t long before they reached the end of the tunnel.EFaOJkAlwCdqfamrpAGwQCXXXFGwQn

faUoPGSgGqpNPUG

Li Wuting fiddled with something by the wall, and the door opened again.fWjLSyZHVXgcrmgtxvQwxyxbNJIYAe

uWWUGTsmpULPQgJ

A bright moonbeam streamed into the room, illuminating the private space beyond the door.hTdjEIeawGjzYifDwQvAsfFWvaAWmc

tpICmEwULrUvRIn

Ning Rushen was set down and immediately took the candle to place it back on the desk. Outside, Yan Min, the night guard, and Shi Yi, the groundskeeper, were still on watch. Just as he was about to extinguish the candle, he turned to find Li Wuting still standing there.WRUKbMLRvCSuKUQTkpAJkdUcdewbZt

TUPjTjEnzbXGwHx

“What’s wrong?”qcyNkXCYeVsCTlEXwIHFcJOKWdbyrw

MXnSdmqrzNWhSBE

Li Wuting clenched his fingers in front of him, his posture upright and formal. “I… think I’m a little nervous.”JiDcDeAakLImCszVXPSEjWpCzLUPWf

gDNwAUvtQSCwaNh

Ning Rushen’s throat moved, his heart skipping a beat.oBZvDqTaNGRUrjivONZBXIodXojxfl

prqkmTyXBuhMDFb

He hadn’t felt anything before, but now, he was caught up in the same nervousness. He turned to blow out the candle and then casually sat back down at the edge of the bed, trying to act calm as he patted the space beside him.FFpVcyecCmZzbMTCTaWlRBELNCIzbX

VkLSzWGSCLhlFCP

“Come… Come up. Treat it like your own home.”djwBRirZdWKpahepFIBMPhVdeAqggD

fnYrSuHBVobeBlK

“…”QqbANSItIUrrpzdhvtkQpjoRNqUnEB

mjBwkWxXvBvaWeU

Li Wuting moved closer, walking over to the bed.jQqBKYgEbVKlhEtycEOCSnObkMSIxU

DVvPLwxfEPWwpdO

The bed curtain was drawn down, and the two of them lay together on the bed. The tightly pulled drapes blocked out the moonlight outside.mspkrGzLlbiFLblEJXcgdyjMYAzZFN

YcZjVdUlzafyZAO

As the blanket covered them, Ning Rushen was pulled into Li Wuting’s arms.FhKBgEFVBLbSoXNkUVmPHsiDpHGQLy

SSkvZSwRkxrGfdr

Li Wuting casually asked, “What, is this not considered my home?”aYiBswDBYJKCZUOUHqBNXuuCBwCVjg

abuVuFPrRVDjVmn

“…” Why is he being so particular with words? “I guess so.”fChtAbAXykZVDUznKCDFltaQPXfRob

CygIVKcpDBtxODT

The hand on his back patted him with satisfaction. Li Wuting then asked, “So, what brings you here tonight?”kRTnwZgUmEWuZytnPzbgqAwmbdSlZh

OusMYjjPPeUWyLp

Ning Rushen, trapped in his embrace, countered with a question, “What about you, Your Majesty?”XnMXfnpCHQWfaXCHijAaCRHLOOKdWs

MvORKGrMKlwsrxI

Li Wuting answered, “I just wanted to see you. Couldn’t sleep.”yHrztGLtygFKWqdmWFsPjfkIXmTbpH

HgmxqqEGXCNcISq

Ning Rushen’s heart skipped a beat: Who says something like that so plainly…!gbbpeSoZffwmrpNqJOdiwfveCJAngV

RSRCybJRPmEiSJv

He grasped the fabric of Li Wuting’s clothing, suddenly reminded of the letter Li Wuting had sent him before—uLYFbBdntEdVSptAQdInkjBGdIGXcC

fjJchcPjBNoTDmM

“Just like when I went to the Northern Border?”cyiAPzKCeaYXfPrzGeLPSSKlaRyjtF

AxLaWDuVuqNuIJO

There was a brief silence, as if Li Wuting was seriously considering his words.NKKOmNQLaPPlhTZmHPxDbAUfoDmsDB

sWIyXlSuDJJQcZs

Then, the embrace tightened a bit more, and Li Wuting buried his face in Ning Rushen’s shoulder, his voice hushed, “I want you more than that time.”UmsFtNioduSdfLaUHUbsbtWSJxRIUF

WYsGWZXmkPEDpVh

Ning Rushen was moved, but suddenly felt the weight of Li Wuting’s body shift closer.mdAjvtzHCLDMkUwvZfUTEtGqdUNzzS

rNMBSjnJGHIPtKk

“…” It seems he really does want it.GnCmRcdZCuUIMiwvcqSQVNxsyKtrky

tKemCzOCRQsDsNv

Ning Rushen’s face flushed, and he shifted his neck awkwardly. Then, he heard Li Wuting ask, with both desire and formality, “Do you want it?”pHEzUsfSwDLAxdwZToJuSkEszFtohi

LCwFrVSbBckUknv

He feigned hesitation, thinking for a full second, then replied, “… Yes.”EJnsItMNJHfJlpiuaDRTiPJYOjVtGa

GbhlltiiJSoaLgu

The bed curtain fell, hiding the intimate scene.VeuJnUCtRFJJhmONbgAgfvhuVEPXFs

qGlQfyIrXqYthJW

Under the moonlight, only the faint rustling of the gauze could be heard, and the beams of the bed frame swayed slightly, casting a thin stream of light.QRuufkLuuAnQxsDovGlguDUENJsibe

aAqSWZdICqWqJcg

“`uHHDcUPortpTOTesncnTBMMLuKKvni

GlBCimpoPTyKExF

The next morning, Li Wuting left.VKYPNBwUAXuKheRQOufZGZjnXeGiat

AXRAccPfYjCSbDx

As Yan Min entered the room, he was surprised to see his usually bed-loving master already sitting on the edge of the bed.RexnjWQFFuBJugNDeCCOrBbYhxexuz

LSqElfpVWJohDpj

“Why are you up so early today, my lord?”CWEdInaMFjHKkLhMbODWUyPHgAShPp

khWKXDaXJzLenHs

Ning Rushen, with a calm expression, finished putting on his official robe. He thought to himself, Luckily, Li Wuting left quickly, the tunnel just closed.pLFyIpqRFqCvKpOEfWhhtwovTuVmgX

bZWDemREeZawvft

He spoke seriously, “I used to have no choice, but from today, I want to be an active and positive…”XuaifCPssGroiyKIFWgflQhCGHGAVZ

ttOISSgQYhQlTLN

As he stood up, a bright yellow sash suddenly slid off the bed and onto the floor.vfvSqiHiEeDsPiOwnKSEfsOAObumoj

JPCDazyAwliLMcy

Both of their gazes immediately fell to it. Damn! Ning Rushen’s pupils contracted, and he quickly scooped it up, tossing it behind him.OPeyNbbeSKwXKBeNsjusANVKixRTKJ

icyRvXIMCAqgaIk

Yan Min blinked, “What is this…?”xmJzxPsUCmkzqYeCAsYgqSEBqbLblx

eUXeLRwSjeXbpmT

The rare yellow fabric was incredibly eye-catching.AgtOvteSVQdzloPWFqiHIfcTGscElQ

PVFxMEhsbIRMffG

Ning Rushen, still flustered, rubbed it a few times before stuffing it under the pillow. “It’s a holy item I got from the temple, helps with sleep.”BfTSwrCzKYXdNBiXlHVAMBolcUpPaj

lcOnqFOzTTQkebp

Yan Min was confused, “Oh, I see.”EGsOqjKFGXcLcjqqXRLqIZnFbwCcds

ehtwTNYLXgHzfAk

Ning Rushen’s heart raced: Li Wuting really…WrkbyIwZzVRcWOgNztttnCBhxezHVF

RFEjRbwdwiegjmp

Why did he leave him a little ‘souvenir’?FuLMsFgrMNxrhaLWxNacLtgEsueRHj

BWtAQuuopUbJALG

In the following days, court affairs continued to be busy.UukDBSUegOlVeObnSohTPJiQTQYqBb

fszZGGIWeYhXwWa

—Especially as November rolled in, and with the end of the year approaching, both the cabinet and the six ministries were in full preparation mode.gZeleFdxJdetLkWvKIjfNYTTDjBoeK

HsTmipPFCZOPyfk

Ning Rushen was so busy every day, he felt like he was spinning in circles.ItapcOqzwsIrQEhlKFWhpbfucoTMgk

QKbwzgMXIoQWBeJ

Thankfully, there was a hidden, almost miraculous way to recover his energy—every now and then, Li Wuting would return with some support.TOXIXaonswWHtWQSuEuskiYAdKrGvI

PaXHuhYboPncswX

At the moment, Ning Rushen was in the Wenhua Hall sorting and reviewing memorials.GIhoSTWYnWolXhOhZDqsqBjcIgZumg

lpxfrmaftZesOHq

The memorials covered a wide range of topics, and each had to be prioritized according to its importance. He had just finished going through reports about banditry when his thoughts wandered back to Li Wuting’s words the other day about “pacification”…VOqblVaQMKBFpMEKccNMPfdEeJRWOK

qAxiEZMAcFAUuqu

As he flipped open the next memorial, he was taken aback when he saw the words “Taking a Consort.”LqhSeUOwGWViFAvQueuraxApYZSgnR

abKRnZtxSQnXgzZ

Ning Rushen froze for a moment, stunned.yKBLFpDdNgOuZOZyGCbHKLPNXNGBQg

jvkZbAwkvaqQrpp

Beside him, Ji Jie, who was responsible for the final review, noticed his pause and turned to him. “What’s wrong?”vwtfWUiFWPmWtuBwOUPYvzUGSIBipH

YAzbGhByKbIdDMp

Ning Rushen couldn’t find the words immediately.WlOxosBVIPEhsXcwAfBKffRQwRRJUy

gvJoOjLwRWxGjxG

After all, the memorial seemed perfectly normal: to the public, Li Wuting was the emperor of the Great Cheng dynasty, and it was expected that he would take a consort and establish a queen.nQXlhOQgOkMTPXpDYTtbXQGtGsLBeo

rmhUpubXUgAmpUh

He didn’t doubt Li Wuting’s feelings for him.otdMdNHeAwzhCmvwgCxSQxDgEblPFY

NOLEXlwVmtpNNCd

But… He flipped through the pile of memorials again: So many ministers eyeing the position beside the emperor…xDcJOXIWHljPyDxVexvlGVhDZSbzkr

WRDYEGWHYmxEUkp

What should Li Wuting do?mfoaSFjlamJWChiyDMzbZtPbqeCtbd

DaKaQDZXoVanVbY

Thoughts swirled in Ning Rushen’s mind. Ji Jie, noticing that he hadn’t said anything, leaned over curiously to take a look:CnbJbNfFKaATGjkIHGYfkoabNSLMge

jvcNVkDSfiGvtrf

“Oh, when His Majesty first ascended the throne, the factions in the court were still in turmoil, so it wasn’t a priority. Later, His Majesty personally led an expedition, and this matter was temporarily set aside…”EOZLSlGHEaJAWqQeJpfbUOuqdhbHNs

TZBhpaIyRFuhgVW

“Now that the four corners are peaceful, it’s naturally time to bring it up.”eebsNBqTiDEfJhVgEfrrSSNeoHIjos

MmAUHPdaDgRVWOV

Ji Jie sighed, “It’s a pity that Lord Ning has no sisters at home. Otherwise, he could have at least been sent to the palace and made a consort.”ugwmToIlNjRttUdRWVWGOMrjLblIXq

PtFLpwztwKWDwaH

“…”NRLxcudUtiPhwnVohXbTANhKKlyzDv

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Ning Rushen swallowed hard, thinking to himself, I’ve already been there in person.HRRlVtyoNDdshkObQMLYicJWEKIsLh

xxRThHzdjkgWxXj

He handed the stack of memorials to Ji Jie and mumbled, “I suppose so.”SOKsbRNZGTIzHGzBQjoWQUFXbbTYLe

qdcRCByMmZNeJHt

Once the memorials were sorted, they had to be presented.fsGIAlOSIaPWMXRrHnAgWxZkRGRBAc

ydYIEJQEksprsOT

Ji Jie finished his final review and turned to Ning Rushen, “Lord Ning, please take this to His Majesty today.”EaBnmJRSgowwKUxPdRbcOSGuXZknYM

CZTknilgkxhlKqx

“Alright,” Ning Rushen replied, glancing at the memorials. The very first one was the memorial advising to “take a consort.”jOKeVGLkRgjnssJcweeaQCQwwiEAmC

xygbZxJAGlbZsMP

He pursed his lips but didn’t move it, holding it tightly as he went to find Li Wuting.ysbNPeJyVnNbMkxmDgXIfIwjtpduHR

UZSwVTgNITBbQEa

Entering the Imperial Study.HQgoTIkqnVVvbHdrfmuBAvIGbWSmNX

WgHoenJcqTLCyBq

Li Wuting was holding a brush, writing something. Upon seeing Ning Rushen, the furrow between his brows relaxed. “You’re here.”vGbuAjEXVTCrGILktHfQvWmFSvonOd

xcCppOTTyWfHDqf

Ning Rushen gave a faint hum, placing the memorials on the emperor’s desk.ELJNySBdBpNwErauIHvUcxGTbZyNNz

hvnucFnjuyiIwMc

It seemed that Li Wuting sensed his distracted mood today and, feeling somewhat indifferent, he blinked. He pushed a stack of memorials toward Ning Rushen, whose gaze was immediately drawn to them. He casually opened the first one—TfLzLApRLhkGwGcogMKVHNMiJTTlbB

VNefNljiNvEbocV

The words “Take a Consort” suddenly caught his eye.YuqDaTVPpbJPNnQItqJGtgLTNTXsRS

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Li Wuting froze for a moment and then looked at Ning Rushen. “…Did you read it?”iDhTvxOVlgRDQbTvsBBDbOWVdZvmeo

GrTUaLUtEerGFNo

Ning Rushen tried to act natural. “I don’t pick memorials based on my feelings.”NEzpZjwvxQsFLgKAxwGXkqEUbizkiM

wsUQifXswSiBuVU

The room fell silent for a few moments.fFgIxvbfGnTGAffNqUfcWusSHFErnd

TAMBFOetWaYymHI

Li Wuting suddenly spoke, “Everyone, out.”nCJLCNqBUBlHpeJLIHcBCTrnpYBoCx

kIxLAGOqJysykqA

Dequan immediately led the palace servants out with a rustling sound.EbsGYBoxTAblpzafkyHmgWQMlQYoUh

FJWufhBFDCpoxBr

Ning Rushen glanced up, confused. What’s going on?LeGSGgTSqoWeetuWaumGtOUuMCPtBh

AXRpzZAfEFXIPDq

As the door to the Imperial Study closed, Li Wuting had already walked up to him. Before he could even get a good look at his expression, he was pulled into an embrace.MqBXCNVqXtggzzgDUrlsEqOEdjKZhy

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Li Wuting’s arms tightened around him. “I’m not taking a consort.”OAaDoZPuUsmhYwspqUXMbgVSFteewX

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Ning Rushen’s heart jolted, and the remaining clouds of doubt disappeared. He grasped Li Wuting’s sleeve. “Is it because…?”dWSrbxSJwHvNzBOYoMPloyAXOpXqcu

hdwoTrXoVPCfuop

“You know why.”OvNAeEPLDwHTOeckRyMOqLYzKKRXjt

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Li Wuting closed his eyes and whispered in his ear.xaMzyGBXkiJmDTbzfSjgAfVdjyZDOt

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His large hand gently caressed the back of Ning Rushen’s neck, stroking it twice. After a pause, he pulled back slightly, his voice a bit hoarse. “I won’t have a wife or heirs.”qYgmxuAMmMOUPGPnCtdkuIwMEUYCno

drWkOiPSwYcIQbY

Ning Rushen gazed deeply into his focused, profound eyes. “Mm.”eyDTqYAZlQyFAxeMFavZEdRvMkHfFR

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“But what I feel for you… is not because I don’t have a wife or heirs.”VVbKyMcgImfAvjskuduFeGrekiijvI

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Li Wuting’s gaze was intense as he took Ning Rushen’s hand and placed it over his chest. The strong and rhythmic beating of his heart surged against his palm, clearly conveying his deep emotions.LfvccYZjdHPvwsmhgHDqWJqeakFjNV

OylqXWEcRUHolys

“…Do you understand?”wAPrppdiMASFCMtGooarAFJgNVkuDd

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Ning Rushen’s fingertips trembled as they felt the heat from his chest.WkxMyxhbphWOqwhismQGWFNmpwJXaO

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He withdrew his hand, and in the brief moment when Li Wuting’s breathing hitched, he leaned in and kissed him.ruzzGgmfXrJtlBsYBBADRfwuTLWshI

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“Your Majesty, I feel the same.”wJofckFbqVEVyZkMPrcAlcMqopZLra

axWnSHeGdBcIySx

As the words left his lips, his eyes suddenly welled up with tears.WFTtSDbYxyqrUndWXbQAefJkPezfOY

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Emotions surged inside him, filled with a raw, yet tender love, making his nose tingle.NVqmLOXmXjFjiANtEYirgHAPlVLRDl

sgJGTXHUDmAQFAa

The emperor, seeming moved, pulled him back into his embrace, pressing him against the desk. “Feel the same about what?”LayaiXMHkefQEzELLhHiKZsIjDWEzH

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Ning Rushen rubbed his lips against Li Wuting’s and took his hand, pressing it against his own chest.elOYPszyCEOxcagMEzXgsqsRrVQXAz

KOaTMayZtIZVZkF

Li Wuting’s large hand wrapped around him. He had originally wanted Ning Rushen to feel his heartbeat, but suddenly his hand was shuddered with a tremor and fell limply onto the desk. “Mmm…”WnCaSScdDnTnLmKdZmzKxawDBRuxHs

QRypttyBfLZSbxu

The world spun as his vision blurred, his head resting against the beams of the Imperial Study.FijncgvopzyEfhTXkHrvyrTLbJGmVd

rIsOAenjEeYxZeG

The memorial advising to take a consort was swept aside and fell onto the floor with a rustling sound.uWDbVYkHxNGSOUUVJfsxBmkhJIAXZf

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Li Wuting pressed forward and kissed his subject on the solemn and sacred imperial desk.OTdvRMAbMvtaLaAWEBwEBdTAbQQYAV

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Ning Rushen wrapped his arms around the flushed neck of the man, with messy memorials and books scattered underneath him. The bright red official robes were draped across the table, and one hand supported his leg. “Hah…”tCnmDigwVMAAOHbcZvfpuuHAMYaNxu

mvRzsbhrBlaRvuA

Their lips and tongues intertwined, emotions stirring.mHAdRhuCOnfRjcdwAYJmFUonKOiffZ

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Ning Rushen’s eyelashes were moist, his breath erratic and hurried, his thoughts muddled, as if his mind had been stirred into a pot of hot porridge.vxAXTuTFiSFwHfudkhbGXcnuFYuRLN

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In the meticulously arranged imperial study, it had become unbearably heated.FWvyaXcWZkdrGXkwFiIkOjSOmQzFCa

IBQqHinAZoPiwbj

The imperial brush dipped in cinnabar was knocked over on the desk, spilling brilliant vermilion ink, which stained the sleeve. Amid his fevered trembling, Ning Rushen’s hand slid down the desk, and the cinnabar ink accidentally stained his fingertip.qgYBwdSMoAlaKGrpvYwuOFcjlBUtpS

hgnYNsZBsrRPEcz

His jade-white fingertip now seemed tainted with rouge.kDJwzFfoSrHfImUvSlAjqyrNzzvuKn

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As the emperor, unable to control himself, leaned down to kiss the side of his neck, Ning Rushen pressed a hand to his lips, a trace of red ink brushing his lips.OPQFZQhJzeTfylRMrRTgtoKCTrFukT

GYcsGZEwxjToGJd

“Your Majesty…”yuQIVVbWiJnYlZwfePGPjezvQyvysy

lFbLTnswKUBIFvu

Hearing this, Li Wuting propped himself up, his heart stirred as he saw Ning Rushen’s gazing eyes, the faint red tint on his lips. His stable hand nearly failed to support him.QJyrKRKXiwdOuYTwgosYQzXkITVGQA

FraHyMzjbhXxOws

After a brief moment of distraction, he quickly became aware. “Don’t lick.”eMoUjKNTVyutArZEPuFfMVPPHdJKXT

CWfGRbtrxSXXHJJ

He pressed his finger to Ning Rushen’s lips. “Cinnabar is toxic.”AKGFhmxyzuVmtaeQenEaQzOvGQYNDg

ppJgEoZACWFHMdy

“Mm…” Ning Rushen, with his lips pressed, couldn’t close his mouth. His official robes were in disarray, scattered across the imperial desk.XcSmPGqQpNyRSGrrdfGUAJfGtiywTW

UPbGdmYMmQsayyr

He seemed to be immersed in strong wine, his gaze soft and intoxicated.VtKdfekwdFacvtjVwMcjZNVKCxJYZe

BeuMwPbMkxHmKzL

When he was pulled up by the waist and gently held by the emperor, a hand patted his back, and only then did he come back to himself.lWFpBDFJHrQcEPNAhywcaFVxVYHcTg

wrIwhYoeYSZFcEq

A voice rang out from above. “Dequan, bring water and a dry cloth.”iStelJOgXfPUdyYCORgqitgKVcWjEe

WRIBUhqtYXEVjXB

There was movement outside the imperial study, and the door soon creaked open.BenbRcESZLBslNdvJeYADWACxgVtIS

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Dequan entered with a basin of water and a cloth, instinctively closing his senses, raising his hand to present them.dfSrvujPZxOiNYitDZQcLFjTTsXHKg

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Ning Rushen saw the water basin coming so close to the emperor’s face and thought:hXFylsAoWEXvAFDDqvPQdVMbwaiqCI

BpWbGTktNwhoEdF

…What exactly is Dequan doing? If one didn’t know better, they might think he’s trying to feed Li Wuting face-wash water.LcVHxdkBiMkXLsGHSsDIVdKovesShr

yXzzutqBJXhkQnl

Li Wuting lowered his eyes. “What are you doing?”JAxPuxhZBvaRtJoANOdihswzaexsFg

naLgYCzpFqMpAsB

“?” Dequan secretly opened his eyes. Seeing that they were only slightly disheveled, he immediately regretted and stepped back a little, speaking in a remorseful tone.mBqnMIbBWHqOuSOHvvbjpZyqbZnnRR

DhpNahElHYfIpdF

“Your Majesty, forgive me! Please use the water.”YPxciePpPjrYkgFJuUPJhBrjKkGCQw

tiivNkbutjKpAlU

Ning Rushen’s gaze met the familiar face, and the door to his realization opened.hNBXrGMVlEkcOaGezzYpKKbIJCGkIK

tkbrKrlZieAicnE

He dared not close his mouth, only trembling slightly as he adjusted his robe. This Dequan… always going off on his own!ZsFSomHhuUFINQbUTvPuKRuwiwRpjT

wQtgHUblzooQVsQ

—Though, what just happened between them could definitely be considered chaotic as well.mNcTpWxrNFJQBOOPqlFOhkcQALzgtW

eGjJYmMbGVwMaOt

“Come here.” Amid his wandering thoughts, Li Wuting pulled him over. The wet cloth wiped away the cinnabar from his lips. “You didn’t lick it?”EDtNfhFScrsLUMWLSKHjgfgKITOxst

mxCUwvByTZkMJmp

Ning Rushen opened his mouth. “Eh… I didn’t.”RjvRMlCFleufLUYBBWrvYkcLNhPJSx

nHkyzrukVGkCcGg

Li Wuting relaxed, his gaze lowering as he carefully wiped.fEMJMxDWOhByoHYkSwFcVJOhoTmgCn

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The imperial study quieted down once again.LSgHqgCOhjlOWRWImtUxTFwPoisFme

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The emotions that had been stirred earlier gradually calmed, and during the delicate and quiet wiping, a tender and intimate atmosphere emerged.KVmgnofFvrRtoOPKtRyDZmepBFHjsF

ijEnqPLNFjOqCZm

Ning Rushen tilted his head, allowing Li Wuting to handle him.ifQeklYnXlIAvOlcZoyIFYiRkhkHdn

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The wet cloth was pressed gently over his lips, wiping them until they were moist and red. Li Wuting paused, unable to resist and lowered his head to kiss him.juYJNYxvFrHjfEVTsDlIVKqhSxKSjG

aZfxJfItNvXuOzJ

Ning Rushen jumped in fright. “Is it clean now?!”HZdHcNPEWXUGzIymlawOQbsiaxzDql

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He wouldn’t be poisoned by the kiss, would he?zBzTeRBaSQVhMrgEQJkyFipuzYLpbY

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What would he say if the imperial doctor asks about it later?UgeoOuCdlIShItnelijbCcgAlwknwt

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Li Wuting pressed his lips together. “Not bitter, it’s clean now.”rvRSPdcGMGUwUuPSohucXNPKeBvKYj

JgDjqWmKkvnAoxf

Ning Rushen sighed in relief.FIPNcabtUhHGCCmnDUulaMaMvcCDlh

cxQTScIYjRPvDVZ

His wrist was suddenly caught under the sleeve, and Li Wuting withdrew his fingers, looking at him for two moments before suddenly asking:ZItrWtukEhvbdDfACgzKuvOUVcKEDE

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“Do you still mind?”ebjfsNcjbtAjzWVtOgViiJgZQLNvZX

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Ning Rushen froze for a moment and raised his eyes.rjYjtzKVxlblnhrogcxKuJmhiXJoqH

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Li Wuting’s expression was calm yet focused, his tightened fingers showing a hint of nervousness.CbezwYORrjTmpzMsfnyfpjzvDhBPjL

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His heart felt like it was against his throat, and he gripped Li Wuting’s hand in return. “…I don’t mind.”aYzBSiFYMdAqhUQdoossBQOaySFEnl

nZpucdjheUOLgcA

He never truly minded, though he was somewhat concerned.xZuknwRzZzdGMJpKrslWOhUPtsVWjy

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Li Wuting relaxed, his brow softening as he smiled slightly. “Mm.”rKZJEGFjgQCHgjqyyLwLgXkyuimdsv

pMoYTJjVWRsUIyb

Ning Rushen couldn’t resist his look. His emotions were stirred deeply, and he looked away to regain his composure. “Then, what about the matter of the concubine?”eShufNlKOCAIEzPKdOkoabTAAaIBui

doqqzwlWKBChlXT

There had to be an explanation to the outside world.IcZnPkpmoKjQwaSDnkVzzpYWOduBRR

HEcaZKjvKgigpeM

The room fell silent for a moment, then Li Wuting spoke, “In a couple of days, I will visit Shaojue Temple and ask Master Jingxi for help.”cFvwVkyijZfsgxJxvzKaZveZVGkFok

XejsEmMmLGtrzoL

Ning Rushen: …? Why would he go to the temple?aETTKuUyqKCWtJolBxNkyWwcprDnRz

maQTxpHwlhpzNDE

He suddenly looked at him in shock: Li Wuting wasn’t planning to avoid marrying the concubine by becoming a monk, was he?!CvNmRLGlHudSdUWELePdPqGggHOlzR

RUqIwMjdaODPxKT

“Your Majesty, you don’t have to go to such lengths—”yLKbnlpzueqdZBNHfHeHxwIehxCjzT

DqxoGfiunDHxguI

“Mm.” His lips were suddenly pinched.yNcLNekwUUryLDPHauIgKhaaiQySwv

CXhhVpBOANMLeEX

Li Wuting squeezed his fingers. “What nonsense are you thinking? I have a matter to ask him. And…” He loosened his grip on his hand.mAptnWqFsbAVCHXqNrCaEtGyUHOnbE

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Li Wuting lowered his eyes and smiled. “You should come with me.”GoZLIVOExEOdhXTAvVeuYKJjoaWjEw

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Ning Rushen rubbed his face and looked at him, puzzled. “Huh?”nhhZLhnmhcDixAjFfNRXKUpJCgCxQj

GrUowjOrVGZuSUv

Two days later, they were going to Shaojue Temple.VUFSIlRyNKIhOaergyQPjgTetCmHpS

GRbJNmwgSBxmQAF

Li Wuting also asked him to bring his household registration certificate.xDUlRlIKXPJKneQxPgalRfnYYBojyy

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The registration certificate in Great Cheng was like a household register, and Ning Rushen kept thinking after returning to the manor:NWJBjyUsEeiTsDuBKKSpdKwUPRXOuW

CZwzmhnJdrATNsx

…What does this mean?AMtNOmWltVPwcSrakqKVWHuEAQDJNz

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He remembered that Shaojue Temple still had the eternal light for the late Empress Xian, so was he overthinking this?lQnyqRfstxxiqXWgjiIvCqcpVvUzfZ

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His heartbeat quickened, both excited and nervous.ItJobObVbegxRrEzLSINDAHmsEVBwv

vpBCRGGvaqGiAAy

When he returned to the manor, he immediately looked for Yan Min. “Uncle Yan, where is my household registration certificate?”cCgMsgEJkOengYbOiCzoMqQyHPtfqp

ZjAQXZljtSmSJJU

Yan Min was surprised. “Why would you suddenly need that? It was packed at the bottom of the box when we moved, but I’ll go look for it.”WsMwFkQbBRrPvrGnncHjPCHRlKjdlF

cZTUSuCHzvAbGsM

Ning Rushen followed him closely. “Please find it quickly.”OZhORFrGnBvgIvIuNXaUZQoeJsbWCs

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The box was stored in a corner of the master bedroom.XLvUauXALASaQyoTKJFmhouauGdUSa

lTyzgDmnUrRgLoQ

Yan Min opened it and quickly found a household registration certificate. “Here it is, my lord.”nSUjtwayGUEbBjXnozQNuWVfdtIYMG

kehMuDNITAqleLO

“Oh.” Ning Rushen took it and looked at it.dsWmbDvXNpeoWSbiPDEXZsBZAxWAGS

jnOzlnKhTdJbaLQ

The slightly yellowed certificate clearly stated his name, age, and place of origin: Ning Chen, born in the 22nd year of the Chengping era, from Qu Ning Shufang County…jdqjNAzutvjcMalfHCAunUwrYrbXhe

BUVHoXCxOFEkMzB

Huh?sCSlixVLMsCUqFsHWYKhwMqvvcYycf

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Ning Rushen froze, his blood running cold.qVYDQxZHpMJBETDiZnqRIJYjrsAhuq

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Qu Ning, Shufang County??!!KBmVoBJkyEUvtOOCzvzGGSWyCUIkfu

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His fingers trembled as he pointed at it. “Uncle Yan… what does this mean?”rlNlCJCwBNybBklPCjneRBQSJhyJLK

hbJmCxqMuYCFKKX

Yan Min looked at it, confused. “Oh, that’s your ancestral hometown. Your family is from Qu Ning.”GoNPTWxjqHDsYxxpiqdWXRyBBjGtGC

uQVtZjJRmIGpNVU

…Qu Ning?! Ning Rushen was in shock:uwfiDcRzqiczVaFOFergNNyTmuYnDm

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But I already made the people of Yuchuan eat steamed buns with meat filling!goRrVqibDHULabmfsJgkchxmdbjEbQ

xHoJckAjyKHMPzK