Chapter 35
He followed De Quan through the corridor, turned a corner, and lifted his eyes to face Li Wuting, who was seated behind the imperial desk. Under the reflection of the intricately carved candlelights on both sides, the other person’s face appeared as cold as a jade carving.hOCkGTlYYcRJhegbqCsJbGzXeGiYqJ
DYsESXQGakNChwbNing Rushen’s heart fluttered a few times, “This minister greets Your Majesty.”jFpqqDUTogNqUsqrCLqXPXhDyJzRnC
MNoYkJeMivqifocRemembering De Quan’s reminder, Ning Rushen took a deep breath and spoke just as the other man’s thin lips were about to part:PADoiHIIXmTrRMqKPbzBLUmixJcQVb
AaQFnDaQawEndDNHe seemed startled by these words, swallowing back what he was about to say. After a moment, he pressed his lips together again, his Adam’s apple moving slightly.DHVfXsAlybvMoayhuBFOWmutFCWqAs
RIvFewOxBnrLxJrNing Rushen glanced over, wondering: What? Did he say something wrong?VtNLcvPidEhwZxrBuFAHXTMzotsLqq
nHFMaHUHvnHPSNfHis peripheral vision shifted towards De Quan, who averted his gaze as if nothing had happened.sfJRuzJVpAynXBCGPerKPMSOsrLdwF
yDcTqTorIwOAgDvJust as he was caught in suspicion, Li Wuting’s voice finally sounded from ahead. Probably due to the long silence, his voice was a bit hoarse:ErcWLMmHeJfgCCHhwJgGnTeSNpjbuG
trLEVtFknJAcZfnNing Rushen refocused, “Yes.”EdQvdvOQHAEgZGsoHSRTcRNYFOLasf
SVwjRhDWZGTIOqvLi Wuting tapped the desk, “You’ve been absent for seven days, and you come now just to ask for your robes?”VAtkOCMuOrjwicYzmrULWaCtnvNXDt
WVgFlqbfbAAXJcu“…”nsJBqiuQZQhRJgizyKddmvsMmYBqPK
kMZySjwShozZxGgNing Rushen moistened his lips: No, it’s because you summoned me.awJKNoyDRZBYtUmMenkGAHbFKdeYoY
XuGgRPRapLekBhtUncertain of Li Wuting’s intention, he cautiously suggested, “Or perhaps, Your Majesty should keep them for now?”arvNxXUWydMFxqNWQHiPpoNyhUmYWE
zKLUdlssaMUZAlq… What does he mean by keep them for now?GfxmPaeifGgfaoRzOzwXCvDGFiwQIc
fAGXllvdkmOsSzVLi Wuting’s temple throbbed, “No need. It’s in the side hall, take it yourself.”jWJCUtkkmcBBdwyAawXFNpJnjLhPgY
NqsQLeQpNPsnNLLNing Rushen agreed, “Oh, okay.”gAFaYlqpxTGHbnukspxsllgKBUbxZz
pRnhNxPRSifnVMFThe side hall was just behind the imperial study.BFgGxenZyvqWAuhkaoLHLdZqBtumQL
LEjvZQZDKNmmBrkIt was empty, with no palace attendants on guard.DwILQwcKxaxtxDgfirxpYanfvHnCSx
PCZbcVGbcSaSQBfNing Rushen, familiar with the place, looked around at the familiar furnishings: Li Wuting had told him to retrieve it himself, but hadn’t specified where it was placed.MBIdWxFIMcoTqFAQipQrYmLXlHHutV
PnZWugagtTsEFEDSo he had to search around.XYHVwdyFUNqPGrURKhLAAIgJvdkWeZ
VPWPJRxkCbBCwBpAfter a fruitless search, a thought struck Ning Rushen, reminding him of the time in the carriage.whgSJWnihsTwayPtabalzPZdQBWlYn
WwhbJQKbRduxPhUHe looked at the low couch, pausing before walking over.TutumHJBPOfthUXMWasPKRuIkDFcVW
HtPRDqWlSLskmtdThe low couch faced the direction of the hall door.MBAaPsWcoSbsMlmDatgBXrRXWLLIfp
ypiUyKffapKSoIrNing Rushen propped a hand on the couch, bending down to search. He lifted a jade pillow, and the flash of crimson just appeared in the dim light—piBYKbhtdlfDFNsVcYjBMbQKtipCrs
rfwblcmJfPdSnFhA hand suddenly reached from behind him, grabbing the official robe over him.eiRoezgIXgXlWwkhbixCcGcHXVXpmM
uTXJkhYZQUfSRVzIn the carpeted hall, footsteps were inaudible, startling Ning Rushen! He turned abruptly, his knees hitting the edge of the couch as he sat down.mHlqlillNUSMZXUuTyZyvPxskfhwYR
hKkrzHhJnVFByefThe black sleeve hem brushed against the back of his hand.darxsnojTmNlyFYifnlZKbknvCFuLz
XAADJNjqhJMYlbOPropping himself on the couch, he looked up.KSDGIcRbPnsoyhChvZVshdkkBrFGbZ
lsCQIcvCnsFEmeXHe saw Li Wuting standing before him, holding the official robe and looking down at him, “Did it take you this long to find it?”vJKAabacrwzwTYQdYsdaxiWPufvExD
VswGzXVfhQwoQMlLooking up, his black hair and sleeves spread out behind him.LMlzHUHSrXnxkEauJYaCCSGvNNEzWR
oCHMUDbAbTVlgqGThe two were so close, their knees almost touching. Ning Rushen reached out to take the robe, “The place it was kept was indeed quite cleverly chosen…”WphAlLEtNHOcsANOZejMUPuepnNzsq
mMnlgymokJGKgqDLi Wuting: …foDahJusePnznDQgqCPMUhhahLMFap
wcPYOjjIsiOXYHjNing Rushen tugged but couldn’t pull it away, looking puzzled: ?EremdLuedCrpwccbkNthtxKHavqoOx
VaqbcvuJpYIJjmDThe cool fabric of the robe clung to the large palm, seemingly dissipating the heat within it.OnddSJGvHrRnupumtOEGcNorkDJpMD
pAYOrZZGgvNvVdvLi Wuting glanced at him, “Ning Qing isn’t planning to take the robe and run, is he? I summoned you here, and you don’t even ask why?”mDdIJrlydlkXqGlxpMlTpAWeTiViKn
SUinbwnvlbclmyONing Rushen immediately showed a look of great interest, smoothing the tiger’s fur, “Oh? This minister is eager to hear the details.”wOhnunzMTozQCELoiiHmcdInegPHdn
UZwakeJpbdEutFkLi Wuting, “…”oOThXRiZIiEqAxaWFJerfvnCVsetBj
TeWeOvJOmYejkTMLi Wuting chuckled, “Ha. Ning Qing returned to ‘home’ like a bird returning to its nest, unaware of the passing years. Even the street vendors probably know how well Ning Qing is doing, but only I don’t.”DYWMmJmaUkAGGXbPtOKOtsgqXvHMJa
zdKQUInnDArYtdA… Oh shit.VEqiTGiznVvLaczYcRxAKVKjZfHzia
LyKeKYwzgjXIJuzHe had forgotten about the duty reports.aXmXiiRkaamkFloncewUjgTqVHDWxY
lDiEKYCkzkHDhPuNing Rushen gripped the robe, his knuckles tensing nervously.aWmpgMMdatttIGaEiFBadgAKFnFBmO
yqcjwVNTSZmkome“Still not speaking?” The voice fell softly.mtbooanepLqxtkbsXxAQGQboFSLseG
SqGZUadHVqVWPuBLi Wuting maintained the posture of handing over the robe, not letting go.oDqFenEmSMittjoGOnTgFOvsVyypLa
DteDEIELlOuXuOUNing Rushen had no choice but to face his deep and serene gaze, reluctantly beginning to report.SGeHHLYoplIckAQXXjLTSfGIBXDZAN
umTYEzGQybiRmqcBoth of them held one end of the robe.EXfIDzMCQsTqcMdQJWwBMLcbKRHKNl
rYLpayckRJCejEgIn the quiet side hall, the smooth fabric of the robe reflected an ambiguous warm glow under the candlelight, giving Ning Rushen an inexplicable subtle feeling.SrtotxUNlgBZAXznKGhlTeswLRGAuQ
YBsbRAHwwQNuLulEspecially as he reported, Li Wuting only responded with a few “hmm”s, looking down.UvJJuJJAvvjZtLdYYwglrPJoGYLkqi
EkcPBvteRFqzcKNNing Rushen felt as if he were being made to obediently confess his wrongs, a feeling both unbearable and vexing.IHMlBORSHgQntWPsxOofFBxFsAbKnL
WPyVzPwudshtSpyCurling his fingers, he belatedly realized:nubAnLtKrvBzDBHlCeoZtuBWSbwurc
FzaTBntwZDTnfcx… Could he have fallen into a trap set by De Quan?CIWnvPvNckjQewEPFrEIHIMOhStlxz
bAZGBaAUmIhvqPEOnce the report was over, it had already been a quarter of an hour.iCEeeUxWgMOlBrhrEJIEGfXkozOGbw
ikbhUkHARiHBKYfThere was a few moments of silence before Li Wuting spoke in a softened tone, “I knew it, Ning Qing always does a good job.”LLaZVebQTnMkkSdpqRGRqVlJDduKBc
aCpRFoQXdirCbrrAs he finished speaking, he released his grip, and the official robe fell onto Ning Rushen’s lap.OIzVqNZAecKHxnxugJCyuJghZvHibi
rUHMyAuPzJiOxxUThe soft fabric draped down, and Ning Rushen hugged his robe. Perhaps it was the candlelight reflecting off the material, but his fair face seemed tinged with a faint blush.KLAoSsisAdvCLkzwWNyzUwWCGorduG
lQwGOJkgyjtQGUc“Is Your Majesty satisfied?”SiQwiNOeLEhdQpWRvMTJwOlWXDDmaZ
RMFfIASSTmiYnEZLi Wuting’s gaze fell, “Yes.”BiNRMegSUgPaaQuJrPjTmXyslLQpkl
YQXVMFWWYvShnDdNing Rushen hoped, “Won’t you hold me accountable anymore?”xYUuQvxjBVMBwLYnhoLVJbIwGsXXCk
yQojJjErfbEHTxkLi Wuting chuckled, “I’m not that petty.”mwpiVpqGQEcfMMAMVHHYnBXToKVUqm
GERYxiWdPRxMSVMIf he truly wanted to hold him accountable.lQzpqqHjfPoNMbVdJIgWvClaomgSML
TUrcGquTnrpcFhjNo minister would dare be so disrespectful, sitting on the couch while reporting to the emperor.UZwSnoJhMDgtAEFpxJHDsuKWkNQmMD
ASYjLWBlNpZQVjuNing Rushen felt relieved, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”XfTecuxQGDXxseBLDGHodSIQrZKknm
dUWNXkoNiXCaSgdHe lowered his head and folded the robe, “Next time if I leave my robe behind, Your Majesty can just summon me to fetch it or send someone to return it.”LcwvXvcBFQmDxjqDqmimMvVCMEzoHU
WkSRSMypuWzNLcX“No need for such trouble,” Li Wuting said indifferently, “after all, Ning Qing does wear out his robes quite often.”XlBDnLnRoPYFMMXXeeBesZIwykWdXH
rdYCBctocdeNbaTNing Rushen recalled the pile of clothes he’d taken from Li Wuting: …zNLGXRHbesAdAfzhDlYncTRsruoOdr
tEgGxfzxIUnVBrVHe felt embarrassed, “Your Majesty is considerate as always.”sqQBxSVXfXBmUoimDndCaQROzJvkDn
YpcgFNmgjwgqlYH“Hmph.”SeTjngdHUWIlGcgRxtzjbqgphYartN
oDNndEDzqJhHbnPWith both new and old issues settled, Ning Rushen followed Li Wuting out of the side hall.cNYlEBAqcxGSnDXQxdvpDQQgnfssqs
avLvBchROLWDgLUAs soon as they exited, he saw De Quan quickly retract his head, pretending to stand guard with an indifferent expression.bXQqRtyGAjwEqLuYIsZqiXdvLZgvil
ifNfHjnzcitjFTkNing Rushen, “…”oHdBtfiuAEkqCxNVLhKXNLUmuqZPwk
JaglfYpsxeIXpRAEven his eyebrows were raised, and his neck was all twisted.NosPdtzOsDdrVmaNcmtmwxhSmaVPcN
SINVArXMZngNzAHLi Wuting cast a casual glance.huQdoIkEYkCczJuyVGIEfdRfHnkpOY
BrRVWcpFguhBpIhThen he told Ning Rushen, “Alright, you can go back now. Ning Qing, don’t forget your old duties because of your new position.”cbHnaZUGAmikCihQEPPHsanvFVCKeb
rttgEMDqNufOvcCNing Rushen promised, “This minister will handle both.”BCNJREMCzWWqWYRnuGZanvtMwWEmEi
fmyhBbsDFQwRtlbLi Wuting had grown accustomed to his phrasing, so he didn’t say anything more.MfUwbFqPglOruvjBOcciebYyynffas
JRTrLSoPDYpUmeIJust as Ning Rushen was about to leave, Li Wuting mentioned, “Oh, by the way.”IEOxjgenUgEpnrCEplagRkuhTORHzd
TMYUVwfqKIqRYTYNing Rushen stopped and listened attentively.mPdusKAxynnResRmbWkWrqFTIzYrnL
ldwKyXlykJCHwtu“Stop trying to make two male pigeons incubate eggs.”xcrANMlbuRfdBPYdEiaORggnrmXBkT
MBLJMCFKQdsxmHW“…???”TfiuDcKpOykSeyrTSjkXWhpQAuDxrU
qPvTQxfDprmShJZ…spCVXEjwpjMzgjNrRtSkTmkQGNESif
zapCZxQwClFzPCpNing Rushen returned to the manor in a daze.GMFiWrwcVIxSfMyGrGPLIgwHWMXyuE
AYyvXcGshDLvqjIAs soon as he entered the courtyard, the pigeon cage came into view.SYskjBJIULIeAcKbjUaJbAjloJtKUY
PXrasdpHxePSrcESuppressing his turbulent emotions, he didn’t even have time to put his official robe back in the house before summoning all the servants.HzShMqfRhJuoZnVTDSFawUjWNtBVWF
oIaYsKqhZQHRfHeNing Rushen looked at their familiar faces and spoke with difficulty, “Did you know these are two male pigeons?”owXvjoSunrJtwtBslzAVDYRcToTPzk
cRuZQpXSuNzuKDBYan Min, Xing Lan, Yuan Liu, and Shiyi: “Yes.”wqoDeryfmxZmBpkiVHQOwUXqXnxtJT
QAWGqaaPTLHLLwFNing Rushen, “…”ZoYRtHCZzRDGFpCfwEwUIPCHfOZzhE
oAfBKsGyDbVtKBeHe took a deep breath and finally couldn’t hold back, “Then why didn’t anyone tell me!!!”wPJoYMxXJTqEpvRIMoPyBGZXMeOEdB
LqeGbpqMbOWzkpUYan Min was puzzled, “What’s wrong with male pigeons?”VHoiojzhcTjiPyuOZRnUQMqgcSZbdB
JqHsdAhxcMyamXQOh, right. Manager Yan didn’t know he was trying to breed them.QhrHQXcoGLSAwKZjkGytTSobVctMyJ
mNkJFYDLMVNNniKNing Rushen endured his dizziness, pointing a trembling finger at Shiyi, “What about you?”tpcZsNfiNhdNqgXgHCxZFRlJaZKIFm
VsagIIqtVtQscboEven Li Wuting knew, so it must have been Shiyi who leaked it.RDMAkuDGnYuAJbyYVjdEXDoJWwzlho
iLRSpTzqvTUyzbGShiyi calmly said, “I thought you were trying to prove something.”bRQvWjqNSNCcEQuSBFByjwKphKLeDS
fDLpuXfCotIpwUENing Rushen opened his mouth and looked at him: Prove what!uGNIZVZMVXKoREVwLHkkfCJWnsDxoK
JbUTkWmEUTKrkQeProve that willpower can overcome biological facts!?CCIIPslqyeODEQKQIlRBvFyMxpZzab
sgZfKVjFvpbxZlmShiyi seemed to realize something, “So, can we eat them now?”aqSGYMlOLQtGfZJZggzZjXJvUcCpRp
xPFWdkwPFwvtNkz“…Forget it.”mxPNAZHnhxkNlhYwyXJnzyqeQdjvsf
nftdVQrlDDKOQxqNing Rushen thought about his recent attempts to force them to mate, feeling deeply guilty. He turned to open the pigeon cage, pulling out the two fat pigeons, “Let them go, and get a female one instead.”VMTkctZlcHohvfgpUVdXvIkfNfDasO
hOvDEblHmcjiGiAAs he spoke, he tossed them into the air—LfoVKwsAAyvXbFuciGziuLALKgrqdr
QffcxNDGWiQUdpfFlap!xugYFekfIfvlaVulBBydEggPqVHJnI
jwASOMnbaGmKyQoThe two fat pigeons flapped heavily a couple of times before flying back together. They gave Ning Rushen a reproachful look with eyes full of betrayal, then turned their tails and went back into the cage.EQUqvtNlaeOTqROmsBxNjCZzxrkUDW
vmeDHKmHWLlUHGTThey even cleverly pecked the cage door shut, clank!DUHaSHoPedtAMPOimjpAfhZvOrJbUz
TTRXhreUkkhKrGJNing Rushen, “…”hhKpXAURHIIYlEMDwXqEJWIcuDupom
lsBcKjgVIUWuChzNing Rushen, “???”PpaVGRodXIqeaBSgOdCtyTARdVVbge
mVfhWvJIbXOiVTTYan Min said from the side, “Sigh, raising them with such fine food and in such close quarters every day, it’s only natural they recognize their owner.”DaDrESyzHPhohMsFeYuivQvCQHAYrs
rmxTjupxzelKoNsNing Rushen hugged his official robe and peeked out, “Oh.”LZdeHhAvHbHaiBdOvCARFCmgiLqnrU
ZaDVcXMJNzgrYjSThe sustainable development plan fell through.DTYNpEQvmGXwxgZhvCTApSCmvsyZpf
UZafNehklvEVsIXNing Rushen had no choice but to continue raising these two male pigeons that neither could be eaten nor reproduce.nLNKSgMeeXALdVTGNuuMwckFpAroLt
BFmRdrDSIsWULYGThe official robe left in the palace was retrieved.IFgekzNgoCtFYsVXOTaCcVjTDbcwKD
HStLreTjpHVlFoiThe next day, he decided to wear it.SwfOtGqfmRIHvisBjKTyrcrCGITGpu
uryRUvdvuKpsoEMThe robe draped over him emitted a faint fragrance, just like Li Wuting’s.mrwuIToXaSRRZXtlAGmuUAOHAlPjkJ
vQJrrwIQuRQliJqA slight heat spread from his back.DJaWkBshPZlNTVeHrBkmePJyTKPqCb
PvqgRiKBCPiqOYCNing Rushen tugged at the collar to air it out: it must have absorbed the same incense after being washed by the palace staff.offoiUraepGKvmZFxJmMQQVjzaGulp
eWcPZHlMqGbJQiLAs he was cooling off, Yan Min entered from the doorway:alGSipERvRizQZcWUHOTCBfIctECsS
TGkubopoUitjMHZ“Sir, what are you flapping around for?”dTXiWgDsldgnoFmkNAfeNBjQxMikjy
WIUVAhSKUtIFXAeNing Rushen let go, “Ventilating.”DsNqzIpejZdsuPtaOHUXJFNgwlJwiC
AHXvbikIYcnQNaM“…?”ggnPoAfQkHmVPYUpcZvrQHfdAnaTRu
WlsbirfZzHEzpXg…THEuXXkfGFwFpmWfcgdyLEVwmjomPU
mPrRCEkEgpHrhZsAt the palace, after the morning court session.GrDcXVofRxxYBmhQOLierOcZFWkgqv
iIdMpsjNdaCfBOPGuan Fan wanted to call Ning Rushen to the Ministry of Rites again.zFIBrrzEhQkcYuuixgbhpIyLBxutDi
UeGfZUQsePKGDgVRemembering yesterday’s lesson, Ning Rushen waved him off and turned to head to the Imperial Study for roll call.ZsMqRJTqLhIDbbIizkrUZMYDXodlFn
vCUaqhXOGOzenpGUpon entering, he vaguely heard voices inside.wksYvBrnimmCEvKKiAXCWWamkRDZAf
nsadbseAihOuXTSWhen he reached the interior, he found Li Jingyu also in the Imperial Study. Hearing the commotion, the two brothers stopped talking and looked at him.uLQMDahBFIcyaIaTlcMuZbyXdgRsiB
nhmrzELMxqQKmgnNing Rushen saluted, “Your Majesty, Your Highness.”bLmYKSBIyoaxbzLmqQCLlEJdNmHyAu
esUFynGDfiRyWQjLi Jingyu’s eyes lit up, “Lord Ning!”kYibrPFsSkuGQPUlRFCWaTMqusDErW
psuyNZwioDjCeHQLi Wuting glanced at him, letting out a faint, mocking hum.rRoldvDkGxYEruGwGLhnHJSApeYazB
ZQhIUPUQpvkSWvhNing Rushen asked, “Does Your Highness have something to discuss with His Majesty?”xaaJVrfuYDtVovvxvlqvVglqArJDQn
TJTQSTnQfzKqqCFLi Jingyu replied, “I need to report my studies to my brother.”VnZsBzFEbcwPQZBHGNJgkwwPpGasEi
UMeFldVhDSBPAMkNing Rushen nodded, indicating it was none of his business, “I shall take my leave then.”JwVXEPhFIdPQpWLNLhfqfHhSysRKSY
XXjseyihvhWktub“Why are you leaving so quickly?”kAEllmNLWXkynEkzHAuLqTicmOKbAt
iRdGVJFoEnCLOQaLi Wuting suddenly stood up and said to Li Jingyu, “No studies today, accompany me to see how Lord Ning performs his duties.”UflnwawimPBvmrrGWXtHOYrrnziZPu
aDluMlDgZYMvARL“…?”CHftJuCxOONDmccCOnHMvctQKOvvCC
zMLGQIBgkjUCmzOThe Ministry of Rites wasn’t far from there.LlAAByjmMqWZTcWPRZBKUoKhFXKwMy
BHTziNqEhRJSSHjNing Rushen led them to his office, Li Wuting having changed into casual clothes, accompanied only by De Quan and two personal guards.dAYyfXOqzYdjhzMEiPddchDGUXcquY
OiEicWBAvTrbLZyThe Emperor’s presence caused the entire room to jump up in shock, especially Shiyi and Lu Wu, who came rain or shine for meals, reflexively prepared to kneel.YnkZklRAhvkeImhiUOgywAIjyJUPsq
OGbamcMTtuvsqJtLi Wuting casually waved his hand, “No need for formalities.”lFPmbODURrUhUcVCGfIZKGQKvKGQFo
AjNolsawdOoQJpIAfter speaking, he sat down with Li Jingyu beside Ning Rushen’s desk and gestured with his chin, “Just do as you normally would, don’t mind me.”lenSQDaXoeVHvHlKcgcTDqakpXhhaF
mRmlAMMFjSPvXRANing Rushen hesitated:nEfyGLfynutpdjdRZFKUgCWOYYOkBC
xJUFmCYmblbNGwIIf it were normal, that stool would be used as a footrest.FyIpTSmAZfWiIecAeYUzpytxjCJyeI
IPxwhyCQHozGccXHe sat down, lifting his robes, “I obey.”YboaOhjmaLecfLwuDsCjiiubEFLMNX
KSRxdjlyLWigvWZToday’s visitors from noble families were also incessant.iUXLCpEoAuzInITmFelRLcCOHkGkcD
cmuaUHknatEOZYpSome didn’t recognize Li Wuting but were intimidated by his cold and authoritative presence, their demeanor immediately diminished.dQGtwUectrjzrTagwTrYMSMhJtcPyh
iBuUjlyDOKqNTFLNing Rushen took advantage of this and handled matters even more smoothly.vxGfKnGMcQDTQCggYPVDWWrJCIysrv
XphlFMXmJfvigVKInitially mindful of Li Wuting’s presence, he became increasingly engrossed, his eyes bright, face flushed, as if entering a state of self-forgetfulness.gazWBQxmtwUONjhEiGHNpLtgzLJQRs
jElEJuryTqnvTJzLi Wuting never interrupted, quietly observing Ning Rushen’s focused and animated expression: delicate and lively features, a slender figure that effortlessly managed the complex noble affairs of the capital with deftness.XjqlKFuAVRnriyeQiVVjOcACBNfZiw
zUXTjSoALhQXPXdEven leaving people feeling grateful.nWaaGKSNmIEWUVYtOlRFCieqKrDbyB
XORBrckmbzNuegULi Wuting’s lips curved slightly.JdjKAWcGQCLauaiVjMKSowQVZOPzZG
abfQNThWlgHvmbg…sbtNDGcRRgJsUQTKwmfzELmzcrnMaH
TCYfmNeFRnjNJWyAfter the first wave of visitors.ZAkkmXUVonujIBovicbwXrCrJtQnjA
qOgOBuCXAkYdyhXThe bidding on the public board had multiplied several times.IKcPTMxJAaTMXAKBdvjeDvLUHQkhzr
bQkkgKqvQsvdCWbNing Rushen finally had a moment to drink tea, gulping it down.XduWVOAJvFiMoYsupLQqgntIGMCOyc
PPhBtFIYTGLexVILi Wuting glanced around at the tense, waiting crowd, “All of you, leave.”KoyobxEgfKouYoDrsRZDoTohPHFDEW
GzRewvvVMYiwBBg“Yes!” The group sighed in relief and dispersed.xnPpRlcrQSIfvntZfsgFjAeVrvstJx
XYXYMsoJfbFRZZoThe two guards remained outside.DlQsjiMGUaEgTxdNhgukdgkauXLzTz
BFRgRhFuAlgAgpBIn the office, only Ning Rushen, Li Wuting, Li Jingyu, and the silent De Quan remained.wkgKukopFxldGENxAkjnpbwAjbCGVA
TJjZBEIILRfVjfpWith everyone gone.SdNlWXzYXQsPBpdfbfMYyVkEKYfewP
yKaoqKyBEMELNUiLi Wuting asked Li Jingyu, “Did you learn anything from Lord Ning?”ewNxnThNcznexQLYjDXLwLHngWSyLl
sEqowJMQXSjvWzzNing Rushen almost choked, looking at Li Wuting: was he asking Jingyu to learn… officialdom tricks?rLHWpOOirZQrYhnOHwxWvTiysJrPdo
AgyQCEHiCrARyIBLi Jingyu turned to Ning Rushen, half understanding.bTczsjPXXGVXkEhgyqmhnjuPeGPlpP
OCGGlaQoTHOcoQUNing Rushen could only diplomatically teach, “You need to say the most wicked things with the purest face.”WxQclxOxVdmcsEJcVJWmUMpAGNSkLx
VBoBUQsPjIqwtQCLi Wuting, “…”LqgkqarUEdajsclXDSSxwFdQKKHKsS
pxPzvXTFijzJPGwNing Rushen, “Did you learn, Your Highness?”ERcyiJqPPZtKijsOjCtwmoxRSTSdLB
lXBrBigxjuEpBhILi Jingyu thought for a moment, “I did.”vWNiYgSwQIbjAQKwFaZCMkRcaYqcdT
rethwnfUOyzqAZFIt was nearing lunchtime, Li Wuting stood, “Let’s have lunch at the Ministry of Rites.”GmxvKAwbLUxReMUadXbdKsPEqjNznI
ZtMsgqgsLafGlWcWith that, both of them brightened!ZWjBsQqTlpIOtXBkNNGnWNtXQLucOJ
UsTCcyQtNCSsPjjNing Rushen and Li Jingyu sprang up from their chairs—IlXemzzoRijfQtPFiOexoGcRVZjtWx
gbeWHPiddOskWYYThey were face to face.KdTPCcwYOrtutYkLfMjcjnMgAlcTgW
FOaDMTykUQfuIzgLi Jingyu jumped off the stool, bumped into Ning Rushen’s knee, and spread his arms, “Ouch!”FDDRTmfcHUEVYzGpYboBhLxGSmoYcG
cHTcbeAEdznRlNNNing Rushen caught the little legs.VfksEoCENPkkfTzsFHduKHwLvXiaCt
cRFjZlpceKudbKoThen he felt a sensation as if being sniffed.GlOGKqCArwJZicpIuoKDWphPkrQTeG
cKsizztxFDzYTbT“?” Ning Rushen looked down, “Your Highness?”YIyCWycoKFnHcevHMCWQdmJXZgTrir
bYPTtizhTfJBORdWhat is he sniffing?jDtpTRtlrRpdNfMwpLfgvlvkocyDnq
TAtqSYlZazifQNJThe head in his arms rubbed around, then lifted.zoXnsTWpVwzkBFmMVGChGrIdSXSCzi
ZuxRQppvjqRQTdlLi Jingyu looked up, with the most innocent face, said earnestly, “Lord Ning, you smell like my brother.”HfQIjuPYbSyPhLGcmfJlsAOZFSefiQ
qWGSoreCzIvJTMpNing Rushen, “…”zGwqYYFLTLYsJyIEDRwCUlsQrTYiCh
LkQcFAGzJvrtGinLi Wuting, “…”DzfLjvseahZQekTrzSnNxDZqTynrec
vVYzWazxCUDFbEytmrDHjNrghfqUiSFQBPolAmDrUvALR