This official is so weak

Ning Rushen’s fallen inner garment had been adjusted, covering that frost-white area, and his crimson outer robe was tightly secured.PhLEaZNhpcPrmGSWLEzAzQyQfLvnqn

PVsZsCMgiVSlTcS

Li Wuting scooped him up by the waist and placed him on the nearby low couch. “Open the window, summon the imperial physician.”qjgpyZuWFWsKrMCGqctOIZUBmeTywf

oWoaLcaiwXDjEZx

As Ning Rushen was placed on the couch, he seemed to stir. He groaned uncomfortably and reached out, grabbing Li Wuting’s belt.QsZaPFeKVsjyVaeYGLHcYeqQpQpFAX

nIOzGiwVCdnfxyf

He looked at those weak fingers, tried to pry them off twice without success, and had to sit sideways on the couch, allowing Ning Rushen to lean weakly against him.IIMnYUMOxZWjwHrLtQGAWDtqsxBcgU

eLKBrdDgcHLyxvC

Then came Li Yingtang, who had heard the news: “What happened to Lord Ning——”LDdYmLCfrorwEVTcMHzuPvBitPNDkv

dyDMomguMYMBHfZ

Li Wuting glanced at him, frowning, “Lower your voice.”SgzeBtdQFjdsGObIYIvYSOLmpCswgP

yYqZWELYEFlQZUt

“Your Majesty.” The imperial physician took two steps forward and saw Ning Rushen almost entirely leaning into the emperor’s arms. He immediately took over, “Let this humble servant handle it…”MXnJNPLRwxsAnIpsjbkphaqTdVxPtP

tTVyUuITcZQbGNX

“No need,” Li Wuting said flatly, “Diagnose like this.”chVfBBtxHDAQOVFJfxHsfuXGBvmNMT

ZaxuQwODWzMAcXm

After a moment, the physician finished taking the pulse, “Allow this humble servant to administer an acupuncture.”cviuOrebVAzkLvbOToEzLjQYLSmFbm

GSDTpIiKwNmrOGW

Ning Rushen was in a daze, falling into a stupor.ENsjBTMVyxjLhgsISCiBizNoBGhmAu

HFRLkoUqIqqpcpM

He felt like he was lying in a comfortable nest and couldn’t help but nuzzle with his head.bnbbADutzuKMebTeADuLjxJWkDgOuF

prsqchBMMJQbwxM

Just as he was nuzzling, there was a slight tremor below.QGoXtCrFSfeteAuCYwVhvgDqhfwmKK

XOVAxHMhaYninkC

Immediately after, he was firmly restrained, “Administer the acupuncture.”MagEAVgOjMPqsrbkAZfsjAOneJOPzH

wKljxgZnucOhadl

The next moment, a sharp pain came from his hand! Ning Rushen shuddered violently, “Mm…”dxClpRwehMyKwcWbZoltQkvHEEWjWH

mRBsjtnrrUbVeaa

His consciousness was pulled back a bit, and he vaguely heard fragmented voices beside him.FDrmcidSqfywhTSCjYWdgMTpvvKQxQ

xBePTHJETVOZoSS

A steady, cold voice sounded above, “How is he?”HFGRslppnXHrSuwwNXuEWEUKTbJXRm

nqOkwCHlmIKXzEV

Another voice, cautious, “Lord Ning… took medicine. Hundred folds incense… conflict, causing mild dizziness. But the lord is more sensitive, so…”jtOVKhEstvFTEIkjNuJwZJEqrGayst

peQIYezVXPydzPc

“More sensitive?”tVicmcgVAVtzhbtpcdEZlDkSCMsmdo

ERjmVoPXzDeYWek

“Yes… it’s not a physical issue… perhaps a psychological influence.”wxvzPnaHbGRwVOzQGGlsuOWQqvhdSn

yZXwAWVZXRICAtC

The conversation in the mist ended.YbqYPEGehuaYQOCIpIwOgeGBnrjcUY

UGKwViZbUqUsTkR

The physician said he needed to administer more acupuncture. Li Wuting paused, then raised his eyes, “De Quan stays, everyone else out.”MpCJAHllVLZwZbpgwPjuQfefymiOxl

xwbrdXFDAolKvcu

“——Including you, elder brother.”FVNsBVLLMfFCnyImHpKwdlmQzOInGW

ybGYYmzyldKEmIb

Li Yingtang, “…”MRyxryKrAmIMyyHxpAxGusJdSWWfLm

ZcWvDRiqbOVLmuP

The people in the hall scattered with a clatter.vxyXdLbpfmpgtdoKLWPljtAqmWWVYe

McwXNLxvOORwnrV

Ning Rushen felt a cold wind blowing in, followed by a hand stripping his clothes. He shivered from the cold and instinctively moaned softly, burrowing into the nearby heat source, “Mm…”vvNpxzuFDCEnANtozGwcZMBQXGHtJx

HiqHgdyEzqxooIs

His hair fell down, wrapping around a firm arm.jcXuramXZgZssKlUmANZoWYPEhZuOl

FyyRQqvZPzFQdwj

The hand pressed him again, “Stop squirming, do you want the needle to go wrong?”PPeXgxxfdPjldpYsbdmjvHXUpLoZgn

AdEyyTKMETsGjWT

Ning Rushen whimpered in his throat.fCxfyNgXMYZplUikgrnFAOpCymEtZY

iTPgrAtilXhCGqr

A series of fine pricking sensations quickly followed.mXkRwqhygFEtHBvgMRUWQBEErGqkUA

YIZOtNzOQKPoHxE

As the silver needles fell, his body alternated between hot and cold. Sometimes he turned his head to avoid the heat source in front of him, other times he pressed his face against it, nuzzling.wMoCSyNWmQKoLRXMPactEcvlKERKaZ

wwgLKYQkwUEsHcW

Then he was grabbed by the back of the neck.qOuQouKxGueDIuPfGtiidYJjqKkvDj

HhdabjHNFkkBSdf

A rough thumb pressed against the tender flesh of his neck.dGFTPgbbnMyoKkhynbwwJtAHIRjYae

rosFqJydaJInwEb

“Mm…” Ning Rushen trembled, finally calming down.RXxGLWrDwcGwrNJMMMamwYYVXZsqRy

kEZdiLKtRIcdCaL

·jtxLILsmUeQPcrUJAbAluMVktKMLbs

fHChHwDqFRjKfMa

In the side hall, Ning Rushen quieted down.glvFZwytaebIOlnAmkhFqmphFvgoYk

wVabeWxzCtxHDKN

The physician, however, was sweating profusely, not daring to glance around recklessly.oUCiKSwnuypusTIMppqMBSOYpoXrzB

uBKFKUzYUCFGdjP

In front of the low couch, the emperor’s always neat dragon robe was now disheveled, and his once tightly tied belt was now loosened.xioTPVAvkAzIurHRrMFQhQJjtSvJmE

cGTBitpxCkAiuWO

The person in his arms was unconscious, with scattered black hair spread across the emperor’s knee. His slender neck was completely covered by a powerful hand, leading down to a trembling snow-white shoulder and back.BPyDCCTkvxKrUGDacLrrNspqaBhSWk

gJdmoWtavJmcSjm

The crimson outer robe had fallen to his waist, the sleeve cuffs wrapped around his arm, piled on the bright yellow knee.CaUsUAFyxYMmfhMbbxwweBtuYHnxLz

ZXamXkvGYByYTHO

The physician, sweating, finished the acupuncture, bowed, and reported, “Your Majesty, we must wait about half an hour before removing the needles.”wHIjxWETFsZTFUmIKadXeXJhLWckRT

TlnhzSqFwMMRRFg

“I understand.”yUxiPBaTEbnAnoDzqbYQnQLODZrmpo

kLawHbxFrAiRtUI

Li Wuting averted his gaze, his scorching palm motionless on the waist.FncdvPSzqVcvhezWUdLOVJpbxVYskj

MSNRwQfdRWJvxxz

……ozqOaRPHXCEibjEowHyzyDdXbUlkPy

XPIyQhNDMVUPQfH

When Ning Rushen opened his eyes from the dizziness, he found himself lying flat on the low couch.yVROJUGFzYmXTLgpTZZGnGaEWKYiCX

EAlSvwKJBicLxsa

In his sight was Li Wuting’s cold, handsome face.EOPlqCWBDnsUuzrMHUcdXVUeXnAlrb

oVowSVMLAVoQwLa

A lingering faint fragrance seemed to hover at his nose, and he mumbled incoherently, “Your Majesty, am I turning into a butterfly to fly away?”jmPTlSqpcYQhkSnsiDhzJriavVHXXB

YoGRYERBCjtoMtS

“……What nonsense are you saying?”XAndQajCQqWpnwtkluLZPgKoVWrQwG

KNuvNRhjgWNmeGO

“But I feel so light.”GZhMFnnYQnzeXWptqhhehXJboxVxrP

VeiGiyRylRrwXXb

Li Wuting turned his head and ordered, “Administer two more needles.”wkkBgoEsWgBkObVJNmoChaOVqBDLgh

DOtYaVBKxlNffTm

Ning Rushen shivered and instantly woke up, “Ah, I think I’m back now.”XfIdSUBLTsWgRdObeMMWscoAVIWUyp

jDZqXAbBzUKZevs

Li Wuting chuckled softly, “Heh.”JaPxCuLmpgcVOFsaEblsawlAItpfIB

nyNimDdFfKvGKxC

Seeing him awake, the physician retreated.AKdRiybpqBTwmWMhNVqdpRVtmEpxvZ

nQPufJnIciuYWlB

Ning Rushen propped himself up and noticed his clothes were neatly arranged. He touched his collar: it was probably some young attendant who dressed him while he was unconscious.tzBfctieOkGxEdWHDJHKzJQfIeVbHj

HqhZSnqnBxyLdip

It was quite tight.ceVVGyglxQiyVRugZSROkPPANHRuHV

AiYGkYjMiivMYEm

A voice suddenly came from the front, “What’s wrong?”ECOVBxlXPyGZNVEnYXqzauiIlvZpPa

oUqQNNdGCaKyeTK

“Nothing…” Ning Rushen regained his composure and asked, “Your Majesty, what happened to me?”vrEZxGNyUCHHeTJvDeRGPgfYleQCuH

iHHbFucBPoEoBXB

Li Wuting said, “There was an ingredient in your medicinal treatment that conflicted with the incense.”QMDlRHTxscredAGdqiAnBJDUHEOoYX

kSLTRYgHpXajcOr

Ning Rushen opened his mouth.FQklwPQkKLDiXJEXJncNvpHPzQcXXW

dkUdXIJWmiVhWit

After a moment, he pretended to be upset, “Ah! I knew I shouldn’t have taken that medicine.”QDJqxrPvOQUISNeLvtZEJpQdWXzpIK

arIcdHFuoXQKarE

Li Wuting met his gaze, closing his mouth skillfully, “You shouldn’t have, so I had the physician prescribe new medicine for you.”GFBAJXjekLDFkSESlOwRAQnNbNyuiF

UIJkiAqTKxYaZCB

Ning Rushen’s lips trembled:…EMCwsXPOJajuNqttPdMLXvcEZtzZRA

swsfdcAaCotcXhF

Then tears welled up a bit, “You are truly too kind.”MlMVMmeRwAunTZqjsbQEwRSsPQNTwP

YNUoOwJAzOcVUHR

Li Wuting accepted the compliment with a smile, “Heh…”RzgavADmweySzIagKAhxAfkZTPajCW

MhPHKWbOCgwMcuV

At this moment, Ning Rushen’s face was still somewhat pale, with tear-filled eyes and a sickly flush at the corners.DWOgqjRhWknvfoEnoqYGfESaQwDicf

ZfjEVdrFetQsZUr

He looked oddly pitiful.BnyxwhWTExBToqONUfMWJrYGwjsJcN

eFDxyqxHmnGyJgG

Li Wuting’s gaze lingered for two seconds, “Alright, get some rest.”wecaYhSWfhaysaYLoYawlvJzJinBhP

rvhgpdFCaOQIUvB

After saying that, he turned and left the hall.RgKEzjCpANGCLMNdFzyHNoIloiTSHa

BtYJrzaJivVeMGX

…UykeUKHTKNsAEerPOodtsSxBPRvIEh

JwLxpVeAQbIGJkn

Outside the hall door, Li Wuting said calmly, “That type of incense will no longer be used in the palace.”YzvJoHLzJlbPTAhYVCfhEvaMiEHjUh

wlXMErljwwFqLxQ

De Quan understood and bowed, “Yes, Your Majesty.”GyQGZchGImyeegAKKBqFprMUqSpPkQ

cnpBHTGBitoOLqt

Li Yingtang was still waiting outside, “How is Lord Ning? Can I go in and see him now? I won’t see anything inappropriate, right?”drXTrNNGChaWQxvWwXYYAgfEgXApIv

nrFZNAeVvzeCFOQ

Li Wuting glanced at him, “What do you think is inappropriate to see?”oQgARUOilkxmUukNBcjbSbqjHzomTu

kWpzBITgIwSmkhh

Li Yingtang quickly slipped away, “Nothing, nothing.”VcQzNkHIAwyiJoBRMpAQeiIfNmgGOf

XDdfsEvXznOpbvM

Inside the hall, Ning Rushen was leaning on the couch, lost in thought.FitaUqSKVVsDvldSVItqVaCpDKIYkQ

WDauWRsuqcYUOAX

He felt desolate: those needles from the physician were so ruthless, could the prescribed medicine be anything but bitter?MlTYYonwtccjBSKgAhEDBsGvFlIfgz

OwxrwHGquYwxqYD

While he was wallowing in self-pity, Prince Xuan slipped in, “Lord Ning, how are you feeling?”ZjrzFNJmvJyuRitdvbzbiEEqeHgctt

dsHWYZTvBdCqBnm

Ning Rushen weakly said, “I feel completely drained.”MqdQuCayzuetZJEOURBazkwADSvtbt

yJEJPEpZcQtXXSB

“Oh no!” Li Yingtang was immediately distressed, “You must take good care of yourself, otherwise, how can your body withstand such—”JIjcDdaZuaOEfaJJcMpdbXgzPyDMmG

lOBNuQExUGtMcGF

Ning Rushen snapped out of it, “Withstand what?”LGbsUmVCJOqcGUfqvJqJPStApOmRSd

phHiCFaSehKpJLL

Li Yingtang hesitated, “…Day and night toil.”FDRstMztFOzoCIyLeAlJozlgDhVVLc

oscfStqkOdZLMjq

Ning Rushen reassured, “You worry too much, Your Highness.”CxEgRdKKFaFxHWvdgDonuTtxdgQTQW

hVumyAbQKBkrwkx

When had he ever toiled?kisSHqWRrQNbKxsUegiNJMGMyoTrpo

ysIIOUcPVZzuMje

Li Yingtang, “…”KbyXqmScGxSMNDLXppeqSndKPsGcrv

IJmkKSJuLvmVfad

The two exchanged glances for a moment, then tacitly changed the subject.AfTFPSMbjqwwozxYZDeQVpJpRQXcQM

YSETqaHLUHQhGFX

Ning Rushen said, “Speaking of which, the physician’s skills are indeed remarkable. To deduce the cause of my poisoning from the incense.”IjJLRFVsSBlbhVLhSiEMeArPKeFThB

sTwaugywRbNLpuF

“Oh, that.” Li Yingtang recalled, “When I followed the physician in, the incense burner was already extinguished, it should have been the emperor who put it out.”yCNQgyXZZHfwyvCKhNtomVobKfdjKP

XMGYdIFSjDLnkvt

Ning Rushen: ?acTgUkzyqattFxsPFAmZmyjBjknIzr

zaYJCRRvhLvTLNh

“How did the emperor know it was the incense?”EjehDjRaDCbUFyWSrtbkKLRIgVTxHK

mpEWZDtGQhhWOpC

Li Yingtang lowered his gaze and smiled wryly, “How do you think the emperor navigated the struggle for the throne to get to where he is now… He can sense any potential danger more keenly than anyone.”UxpQWDYlFXshxwZJKlAnhqYgamCAfM

CdmklUVtbKJQyup

Ning Rushen’s heart skipped a beat, suddenly recalling what Jing Yu said:lNDtYLvckuiOyXXiipJKKIQzuwCCAV

OmfmHkLpLHsMJmm

In the past, elder brother was in a difficult position. He had to protect me, second brother, and Noble Consort Shu, while also guarding against those around him.AjDfcnYBjoPDwUFyvEFiKvkkcZAqCs

ICWPpsUBWYBflHy

He muttered a couple of acknowledgments.OelEuiQDCDWBBvbHjhadBMZcJnygbQ

WEzilbtSWKMHJrK

As soon as he finished, a wave of nausea surged up. Ning Rushen leaned over the side of the couch, “Er——”gHxdsFtEFyZCUdBDQnNmvTMddxoXDx

RpUBCiuPDRXPmoI

Li Yingtang, “…”HxEYWsGXHdurMcTMpmyWrGkRkzeHqH

ENSqfGBqccsksmk

He timely excused himself, “Alright, you rest.”aiJyxzpRulQgxSvkraGowBwLvRAhbY

OiwyILLYKNIEZPQ

Before leaving, he suddenly paused and turned back to Ning Rushen, “Oh right, from the time you were found until you woke up, it was the emperor who took care of you.”xqMRhWOUxUWJRBwhNEYHDwcJQhZujt

bztpUPczdgBKARN

“Never left it to anyone else.”KsfDCyEBgZzvDMWAfcHXeicSYDvqAm

QTNkxFUiZDXcecN

……Is it Your Majesty? Ning Rushen wanted to think it over, but his dizzy mind couldn’t handle it.xhqqvuGDJbIeTuOVsTiQSmpaZEOTkX

IVSCegxoAlkUhwD

As soon as King Xuan left the hall, Ning Rushen fell asleep.ItxvRUHcfHfcLOXEZvUhcAVvZEJscL

lTLwuZzjZqZjMvD

He slept for about half an hour.tdYVMsbuKIsCUBmyVgQKMmljcRTTnH

ifQJacdPgeyebpK

When Ning Rushen woke up, he rubbed his head and prepared to resign from Li Wuting.PkZzgFOPhKXbnkprxAdbNoGYkUJyYH

LZCktmBhmpAPOEs

As he stepped out of the hall, he saw Xiao Rongzi waiting outside.pcKRWhzXGDgemBrYzSrIlDnImMHOzH

YLSVpDuehFbydkE

Xiao Rongzi smiled, “Master Ning, His Majesty is discussing matters with King Xuan. He said when you wake up, there’s no need to resign, and I should escort you out of the palace.”wdjhTGpFdBjRLMQkEMuvhorWAcTZah

DRbyoyWFZgNbOfm

Ning Rushen thanked him and followed him out.pNnqUhGusVwPkWHcWIbhjYMyDcyaJQ

veZEMUsFAfxuvHo

…XQHwYKVUnkjWYKwOZwtoLvuHkrXqLt

yTDWhtOlmIKuVkF

Back at his residence, the medicine prescribed by the Imperial Hospital had already been delivered, with large packages piled up in the yard.hKnsLPQoEXgUVQoIYAVPXxfUMDQuvZ

BIozNdNgoLrsPVG

Ning Rushen’s steps faltered slightly as he entered.xCyySSMBkapEHhsdaOdEJlScwHnTLk

jNcACdyftEAZkVs

Yuan Liu was shocked, “Sir, where have you been!”UPzjGPbfOEfNVHQmOXwQHvYvmGTWqd

LqCgjiADoDGeSIX

Xing Lan babbled on, “Oh my, so much medicine, it’s enough to soak you in it.”cuXbRnLhEwqXZfxkBpFXFoCXakxEvO

SrVvPosUJKYDNzF

Ning Rushen:……wUEVOSLqeMUfweWsBVzxuhNouPlWkB

WULlWzQaPnqkvnk

What, is he an Oreo?esmtcRCcnYbeVycglsIzoLYecluXMa

uUeutfjXTlzWYex

He replied separately, “In the palace. It’s unnecessary.”YjOsICmcRbGoUEsOqzCIhsctTOqtLY

uHdMfmGvHuDctYq

The two were still asking questions with worried expressions. On the side, Shiyi, who was always observant, began to read the situation and subtly moved.GdMRtjPxyzlfTfncQrMUupRPPjjFFF

sUiEjghFkyjaEVX

Ning Rushen waved them off, “It’s nothing, I’m going to sleep.”vKaAyosuBJoCPzSamNaCpEWYPzClEw

HlNdcjXcVZCjcCd

He went into his room and closed the door.YMzturxreCRsJERTVHFNdiaZWJeuZJ

MPGlrvjAPBNOxew

Standing by the bed, he started to take off his outer clothes.EAYXPnQRNBJNBhGBgzGEgGWyyhKsOG

yMLpeRuykpLHQhY

As his fingers touched his collar, Ning Rushen suddenly remembered what King Xuan had said before leaving: It has always been His Majesty taking care of you, never letting anyone else do it.lfwsFnctSGCzitkhoZGThtELPdXVmi

kmknMUpTtLYGjKE

“……”zabpVhRuUOehRopkhpqJUEYyhDUSbj

AkKRrOrAXCbTZTw

In the dim light by the bed, he realized it.iTVjZyLTGOfnrVcBxBvPpoMNuAvUIr

AisznDngXdboHGw

So, when he was lying disheveled by the bed, was it Li Wuting who helped him dress?nhdafAJJhBSmEOHWtTJklVvoeRHIUE

bRogfwgtkpCnCiY

The thought made Ning Rushen’s back inexplicably warm.zQeqIYHavTWvarxRQMyVQNcyfOixUb

exYLCnwgzWIHpyA

He undressed with a rustling sound, pondering: Given Li Wuting’s nature, he probably wouldn’t let him hang on the bed like a rag doll, helping him dress would be reasonable.TnlTglyvHLUXOduCzLAhFONuFehgEP

vSRWmwKMMhpLcMj

He laid his finely made new clothes on the spring stool.xkzPttovXuClpLUtMkTjotArpcUOTL

bUwgcBICWPPkeAv

He paused, suddenly remembering that he had left his official robe in the palace.ZbBisOyQNUJqLLHlorKTGJeiswjOPI

mhorqirSpdhCQiZ

Luckily, there were replacements at home.sduMfZTxopVoyNNvgFjlvBEhVhFSRV

HXVKjHPyREPovtB

As for the one in the palace, De Quan would probably take care of it.fUreVhkIFrxzLJGdGwCwYfAejrKWAn

kYWUKRmgoXmSAVE

·PtbXIkAPDvvVeAYEOlrkmPLLkaRHwq

iBWNWewAkTyMZLa

After a night of rest.VGZUOqqGSuQdzipmKhOPNgAmUDyxAL

NwjFNphWuRxHMOs

The next morning, Ning Rushen was woken up to attend court.VYhaPVuxVGYBxWkfrnVpcoiqesxymT

RCYMTXMiyVOxxkD

He wasn’t seriously ill in the first place.sJWZWPGvwxYgTRmZroyrYyqxqfbqok

kxJydCIOUCJnHZT

The sick leave system in Dacheng was relatively strict, and it was rare to see someone like him who was in and out of court frequently.xqZddRgCHeyDJbkRhXesSfOFmSBPYW

PebeHlQXUPCuLcj

Ning Rushen comforted himself: Who else is as dazzling as a star?VDuHUowiedFDISCTYhPLOXfSesrcRa

qQJzSjVkLrKTfNn

…cnpsImCzRdggQlwqfUvmtyaiNeoKqI

pYHOhOzuLcOsmmk

When he arrived at court, King Xuan was indeed absent.TgIjQjVVMmbQaqpNRZHWbhdrQjORRg

SzPcMcvkwhVMccL

He must have been on his way back to Jiangnan.JSvnUVqbSLZNEsnCQyCBmONTNwQAYY

hbRNKMDNOWJAbCe

Ning Rushen sighed: He didn’t stay for King Xuan’s favorite moment at noon.MhftSteknPlhQbDmiFdpmuhBftFUjE

pZNNWKDdcDxNpea

But his sigh didn’t last long. In court, new regulations on aristocratic business recruitment were issued swiftly—PGpmyTDZqfeLOlOLvTTsJKjgLwqaZM

ODBOgwNIBvYorFL

Li Wuting sat above, calmly delivering a speech that combined imperial tactics of persuasion, promises, and distribution of benefits…orjjIyXqBmbTQpVTujNRxcEFZmmwnP

xqEfbAtQtDimGmT

Leaving the ministers bewildered.RZGCchJEmlmbajtlffegqweyofhPNc

emDKbGMFpOERacq

Ning Rushen’s gaze remained clear.rQgyCFwoGAZauTznRlPBTrlXacJciT

iLmpXeigFsRCqYl

This had nothing to do with him, he had always been pure as snow.lxPOFESAvGAZPowJpkiNiJmXpDdqSs

WyyQvmyLcPqaaqx

He absentmindedly spaced out in the line.sZAgXtPvPJQiIbIwCTwfrBiiLtSPUJ

cbdMKGsNuodDahZ

It was unclear how long had passed when the hall suddenly fell silent, and De Quan’s fine voice announced his name:pKEOMIbYzCNmnwfxdCUOZHyWEPIuMW

OsriaXTzIAMCphM

“……Special appointment for Ning Shen as Director of Market Supervision, responsible for business recruitment. Rank: Third Grade, affiliated with the Ministry of Rites. By imperial decree——”fsrsDQxJngVddinWzoLLoyKMuisrMz

pvzklRumYxOPJKL

With those words, the hall erupted in an uproar!BeFGvlulzTNNxOELYEhkYwPotRQmwb

HvunukdAjZsZbwU

Not yet twenty, and already a third-grade official…CUHXvXfmUNXnOEdpyiBWzABVBHYeRL

RgYLuNKcCZKSLld

Ning Rushen was shocked, abruptly looking at Li Wuting: You’re setting me up for failure!GyJPcBdDvBivKuihGGxYfhSPllitZc

QvfEyFfoaARkNFP

Their gazes met across the court, and Li Wuting’s eyes seemed to say: What are you waiting for?pqXAACtZwGbSxhCSvrXNXINFWUWWgK

uDhnPJkxesQGVMW

“……”DtjOxlYzfEGosJJipUbWlPjsDvMisb

OqjRCPbWUlvAUKy

He braced himself, “I, thank Your Majesty.”LAHwQygEGndOGsxMJkcifIYJybIDdT

LQGMKnzqsyEYuHv

The surrounding looks were full of curiosity, amazement, and dissatisfaction, with constant murmurs… Among them, one gaze stood out.siiKdwPNTnlkSWthNLcfESlKtDEtjL

QVdUpRKPSHbnCxY

Ning Rushen looked up to meet Guan Fan’s eyes.GRXlUAVFMhADWgaYorOqAnsyPWfzqC

lsikMurtOMSBSkO

Guan Fan gave him a warm look: Hey, family.QXEFpxutPUBtIWSakcDLlhaAcGyvtS

ntubLdltOVGqIWE

Ning Rushen:……pNQvwaYlNVbEZtRbCUblEVAsMbjgpW

tsQUEjsLFLsxdHj

In the end, someone managed to scheme and succeed.aFanSjsuWxHgymiirmWfndMrFNSTvJ

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The Office of Supervision and Censorship was a position specially created by Li Wuting, under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Rites responsible for propaganda.YNnJagchdjAeNoSZjLskMCdmALXAxf

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The interests of various noble families still needed to be balanced.AOGUiHBuxFRMKpUOBUDJffrkoqLHJI

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After the morning court session, Li Wuting convened a meeting with the six ministries.SqcXTrnQPTNgCczVdPDiPJlCbVxUFF

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Ning Rushen, not required to be on duty in the Imperial Study, quickly slipped back to his residence.QoVDBUKtOaaSHhiPDZIrwlWsgRALlH

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Returning to the Ning residence, he entered the main courtyard with his hands tucked in his sleeves.grbtcYkGdQcCMWtTBMVOOerBApirdT

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As he stepped into the courtyard, two shadows suddenly flew overhead, followed by two loud flapping sounds—nBpshaarcrSAoUkYNDxugvbZROEfqb

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Two fat pigeons fluttered down onto the stone table.UfmtfpvTtFhkLQCjFlYqcaluRzOsay

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Ning Rushen was startled, “…”XahFSTJSajovUuiCbZikxezgWIPzKS

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Why are there even more now?vinKUoIbixmmjlHyldsJQvxkLWBTvF

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Remembering his previous experience, he fished out a thin tube from the pigeon’s feathers, shook out a rolled-up paper, and opened it.WRupojnWpBwmgmsXgEUfDZgQyQDzwo

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On it was written in a hurried scrawl:DctjcnDbDjlStcvmwiZtZjvxPkoUSJ

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“Lord Ning, I hope this letter finds you well.UXlSrJkgXnnHqASmoDpRymtUCSMrMc

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Since we last parted, everything has been fine. By the time you receive this letter, I will be bumping along on a long official road. Oh dear…GfqKdTRSPHTRsWiIteARmnDcQphMxz

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After the last letter, I have come to understand His Majesty’s nature and your gastronomic preferences, Lord Ning. This time, I have specially sent two fat pigeons.nINkykqhMjRnLNbfUYUOivUjDPoDqE

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Please keep one for correspondence and use the other to make soup.xeZXJcXVEzDpcklEOHfwpMctJuxcSR

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Looking forward to your reply. Ying Tang”wzZgQcTtawKiDkiJccXFfeeaFSDNPx

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Ning Rushen, “…”MbHnboHhlIgEHasjavTSPYwNHxEbYP

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He put the letter away and looked at the two fat pigeons in front of him.UoOmsCuiBMcpCTLmdBMMVqHWeVpFzJ

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The two pigeons looked up at him with innocent and clear eyes: Coo coo coo?wAoDrRnHcKnYdYRkEWKELXPUdSpEsw

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Ning Rushen fell into contemplation and silence.DXcvdFtcLesFIUrrSusyFohUzvwOby

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