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.BNkNbdDqijsKwkwglUMEnikWNIsvnl

LhktgoZLagzaMGa

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

FGfZGiXsdiKevsy

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

xtUEeQqWrkPXzuA

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.sVcyaHkxjAetzdfGXuNCMGsRlDIlHK

qPKqEAKgVOwnNSD

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

RUnogsElDcyxHWo

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

cftQbqKqvhZMaff

“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…”PZaEUvxTjhQfNwcTXKwAHiHMlCDCvr

wInfVjZeQsqWnbz

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

YBYmxexPTTIepjd

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

HuLjFhHAFCrzyfA

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

dzWWVfrdsokcIav

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

OZWPjuUTTXWRDrI

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

IwaMcvHwIWwRcmq

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

xxdmXXsESjCmkgM

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

zRWuBtGaRJjviHj

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

vcmiMeomVFsgIzI

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

mIhNOwyFIicdMnp

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

FODTvbmleAQxIVL

“More sensitive?”CBYnUjYCXtbIVbbDtYFBssRaovBUWj

QEyIfeKYnKaGTuI

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

zrjpjEiXsQMoRQz

The conversation in the mist ended.ucbWBKlMhexRmXBMreCnkDHNnQcJTj

LYYkjRTWMARhIQb

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

UzCzoJXUIECvBpD

“——Including you, elder brother.”gpsgKExveuNrYwkNfxCVeBUVgGGByJ

KcosinVTHrrItCp

Li Yingtang, “…”xWfQaZhteQKOnwPYtCWGVEuerbomMb

YDijkwJxgDTcwMP

The people in the hall scattered with a clatter.NKwGrOCbroLhtKOTYHzwoDHFYQbFGW

LIByYfEwinrRZXs

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…”mejizTigXJGOzNgCuCZyMfaNfYHTJD

dQWcvnWmwfLmbJD

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

ntkAsIxFUeSrlun

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

uUMMnIGgCkYIuuS

Ning Rushen whimpered in his throat.OrDhNqiiiAcXtPgjKqfdRPWvwTUBVv

zjptLhyQedbZQPQ

A series of fine pricking sensations quickly followed.fEekErPXkTZEXOWBPKtAImcrfziJZE

eOaiEMpFckXOAIg

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.pFvAanxHyfKKVgpMilGnzroiQctGhR

sLHIPDUJTicPRyT

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

NcZXxpYdNJVbClw

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

IJzZmhaxZgmBUJQ

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

rfiIhGxBWTGJqtW

·rFmuQiSRtMGwjFhrmicjbXXmSKsiSh

KgLNCeiJMjqHHOV

In the side hall, Ning Rushen quieted down.vsWXDjNSihQXWAwQVeMDNzixkoypkp

yyClYYJMCAZcrha

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

pDplZdHvyCJAmCJ

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.bvvevDqrEtcZraQrNtBQeMZdFlwyXw

MiHgMlCZKEDsShd

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.jPUVZnWJtnFDZCKaZLzRkOnOdhEhVD

NsMkkwtqYmyqPmW

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

NsiVJJZJecplZFr

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

erNizkjmNzuGoUG

“I understand.”MOWeemzfgrucXdSpALLQnCJoaTKDrZ

ThKuxGQiDCAYhDg

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

OlOIGSwNIThBrJx

……IQHesEjvERAVmwDojwVjjvGkORPEgx

priybEOhDmMBuDg

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

bfGdBwJeMMGofdi

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

tUpaKXyryUijVxG

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?”ACaBNsXaYVPKRJHWxjKAvOtUkddUEm

FIcyOlzWFxkOuCC

“……What nonsense are you saying?”OBujRamjPJMQvEjWXNjHGSswzhFnXf

VeCNyCZHMweyBte

“But I feel so light.”TJRFRclZShUjADfwjGBswSdoOMggFn

QVpDqMwcooftRLp

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

oFmdXrzhKaIXWbe

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

ozDckrRvNEMosZi

Li Wuting chuckled softly, “Heh.”hsQGPiNWALBJIYbvyCiWhYcdfWXbaR

YhTxLOorZKBsfdG

Seeing him awake, the physician retreated.XkEyujSMuhNWQUNqtsANUlotIgbpCm

iNxkremfPKcwjjL

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.wDfWiDyRldGOoPUukuZmFPYmrouYjf

WsomMMzxvWLkEgF

It was quite tight.JUncQpSrIkFQuaJLuBrEBSrZnGsYxy

AkbsWvwsXjunNga

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

mAyAWSVCdJAAFHq

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

PEnUlUtQQfUdDAL

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

yLfmiOgMbsXHAcx

Ning Rushen opened his mouth.njfqQRxRflkuFqJBFXAyQdzRBeqblb

BAPIKgVuyiQTXfl

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

uFqYNUzRzsptPzD

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

UBxCjdvEcgQszpG

Ning Rushen’s lips trembled:…YTLWQWxYMOHRKjvfdkyWQIZaSKNCIv

pevRmOtEyTjalld

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

qjmVyPTMoAJUioH

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

ibxMNcTLxVuwDFW

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

OGvPLMqmHNGlTZl

He looked oddly pitiful.yaWivmMHqdeuTbwaZGJPAqPdSpORRz

OKnBnRPrMbmOZQi

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

WQmWaepemZhqxWK

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

KNlecLgdZkMyxIr

…NXxzsxFzCjjDrJBuNLsInVVzIgshvA

ynMbbWCqxuhHniq

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

PcEVTluWLAYokJN

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

gCeqmaudadncwOX

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?”FHLwNZJAzvIOoYpvhgoUkjUlzteQIu

iPhNzHOjFeJDqxw

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

VZCSSxYGbCjRoem

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

QcywvmyDrthPYAt

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

UwCFXCOzhWEbAMq

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

uOnYRNCgOdkeLkt

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

FQDRYCvdJvHrbnX

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

GhMOnRTPPAxVMLO

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

fFwWpWazimqqtcX

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

CsnVKPOJmVwbWIB

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

rMANcybDWGyZNOi

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

LnqvHmsAKNPhVNq

When had he ever toiled?UhkZKSwyJvbMEcTjbFVzfnCFbXcfEk

acHrPSOnKPdaVVv

Li Yingtang, “…”KMiVjoJrYOrSMbbXGtfSRrPLSaReZS

hcXjlgkbAMmvZXJ

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

RsADvufpiAwTWMo

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

erXdbgjKtSlgqZM

“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.”SRNQcbnnBJnvFNiSfbvKzKeuOSrLXv

tHtWylqMYHvXCUX

Ning Rushen: ?QaKPlySzdwbtXPcWPHCyUuqpkjjjbU

TUVaUOAcfrVNiCX

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

RSwXEgTlSvdgtfK

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.”EcxVKPKIkMVcgjvuYPuRMobsvqxmZw

tsdTqgRGhlrmRvj

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

QSXvZMwfoepxOqb

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.slEckMfRMbfhLkeHxSovYxnjVUPnZr

lCRwyVdSBQdoiKH

He muttered a couple of acknowledgments.FcJAUEIyVFWfbzYhGhHfrXRWulWUhm

VFsUOROMcBeNhfa

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

wbHHtcHnebspDxO

Li Yingtang, “…”VkeImZLutIBevbxyqqeHXzbqkVsRaP

PNjNzdxSKpdezmt

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

LEKRJaiAdyrLqiz

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.”MjSrreikCLYIWBnosQXWekosbeafxS

wLoUKbDpyykesDd

“Never left it to anyone else.”hHtaGZpazQwuMzCrUcyaWPYNukChLk

GIjHzQHqyWyKJPV

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

CWupWMBtPrRLbMT

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

vymjPlwxubKiysd

He slept for about half an hour.SutPYqyhSSPFXVUhwTKebljMqexjNc

papAurLwmbxzDoB

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

FeslxcyzCtirSMO

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

DlvcrZbTSwxdybo

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.”PqRwxnblkRAaiSuqNhloVZxvfEfiwQ

kPqjvtTNFBIasGR

Ning Rushen thanked him and followed him out.BJZHfDFbGBaZUEYDVfcrYxZryhvUfl

ZaGCvPrnXEyeXgC

…egnLpoUNWFXzEXLeKKEsdUNBhwtXvs

BwchZcASjgXTokp

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

oRzlFwHDXuvYXIj

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

ZwJnleQIHSasTLE

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

ysvCLzBHnzuytcW

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

vhWHQdAZtOBqTBt

Ning Rushen:……axYPVooGezDJWEwXvEnfrouixEIjsA

pIABYHdElTxbNAX

What, is he an Oreo?rdrGoJRKbdtzRRARQlsTxKSlfRrfzU

TNqMpxFmqRiEcDB

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

VLrkMnnHyQcziGt

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.KHZRzzKTcRRBEXhJXoNfkeSDktsjHp

KUsNtPpHZJnBLba

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

viuItIdLyrjYooh

He went into his room and closed the door.AONpSDgRKAcTJEstErCEoFvyDuMSbn

ulHhDTSQqfendWL

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

dODLCTmpTDnRtGU

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.abmwwUPdcOwNGOfIzBIvNffRuCwWHy

ohdmebxAOmjVctM

“……”bYzPdNBxajgQJAlIKVvnIdtcvEYjJN

modGgozezxNDXtf

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

iWmcabzDzWoRoyR

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

MOfqvdZPIFaNleB

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

LEupKUSvFROkCFD

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.WJjoEvmhOVxIvOdlvzWmhJRgijmjbA

xOVcBWcAXprvErV

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

tiDbtUqxXcHivRM

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

vHafACANbNWqrKV

Luckily, there were replacements at home.MixELHNtmSYmJrEYxzXeYKNXOAlKMq

zxSgdKjjVnYpaca

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

VCHXqjqOMACylHf

·DtsoxRxWEhbsaFTFNtiYUCbYismEOC

WpISmNvjqdQsJOw

After a night of rest.iiDEvravCDdCdoQwoEADfXxpheXLgQ

CowpUVXOAjQGcbd

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

XbrHQvCxHAxbctI

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

YReDXecCMDAxihn

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.XbaqlsiwONTwzGMOFoPnTAfCouWSZL

CyCzxxZHcPHLLZu

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

XBLkQygIGyxipSG

…jAeyWpVUUMdpJfUlDRpEUJZNTJTCSp

tKlBIOvXwXRahXI

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

bnrswtGSVIlRKjn

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

WjyqVlJPqyktoxD

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

CQqUahGgRVRAtBV

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

swalFrNzNQiLTOD

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

fWnBZhnAGTBpKof

Leaving the ministers bewildered.MdVpsjSZtRmgSdhbTIkXjWumVxfrJb

RPIdKcBIgHgvgTI

Ning Rushen’s gaze remained clear.AWCjfDmSycwUnHvUeWMULNvWgewdam

GlyqCWIBfBCelQe

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

OtfGPHyEjhbAird

He absentmindedly spaced out in the line.BglsGgVbPlYCnmBmXMiztOisyZTHsE

eonDMMIOkulPCSk

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

AzJCFftfjxZrZRT

“……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——”kgZyWKwwIYgQKbXxVNUODWzSlBvDNs

ENIPCGsKBNgyjfQ

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

wPSjJNEFATdIDUH

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

tebOUzARjCaEFXh

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

AKQwyKvuawbIujv

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

PztYAOtwNgnPJAh

“……”PCydcxjIVjIGpPLCvMHXZbrKIDxvVH

rXNGSfGFsuPASzN

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

iiJeKtsVuORXzfm

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

hNmGllizJMwRYpw

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

eMmCVycTJPdTRfd

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

hEwQFGXJRMXcghi

Ning Rushen:……kyDvOFbrGReBMbrRDzJfspFwYgiCKF

xkzPkQHYxssvCkI

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

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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.JptWVLSfsQSmTnyeoBPoxRFxkXcFvG

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

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

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

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

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

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Two fat pigeons fluttered down onto the stone table.HFaVaBCjroZdENqrbrqFIPkQymwoZx

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Ning Rushen was startled, “…”xydxCYZhjSsMVdnLGjdYlanlbwMQZK

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Why are there even more now?JFDwAIWKTEqxfcBpFUVavubVPZuQvQ

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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.TmZOjhkSTRjqhVlXGLPgORapFvvfUR

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On it was written in a hurried scrawl:WKKxanoKYidFigbmXGFiVYQeeMFzpJ

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

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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…cGrjCeLwFQcLSQybEIXtAijBTsYxbT

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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.OwYhOuVMgCFTLqzRPNfvUDuydrHtEV

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

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Looking forward to your reply. Ying Tang”JhAqnNDyZAfxGTDEEkoIUQibSVDVLO

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Ning Rushen, “…”dcFztCJFFcgZNaXZGdhALBiDwfKovI

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

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

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Ning Rushen fell into contemplation and silence.GkcgjUtwwReuJsCFxCPWcGyKasUreJ

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