This official is so weak

HeqfucqBLGNKaclTable of Contents

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

DYsESXQGakNChwb

Ning Rushen’s heart fluttered a few times, “This minister greets Your Majesty.”jFpqqDUTogNqUsqrCLqXPXhDyJzRnC

MNoYkJeMivqifoc

Remembering 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

AaQFnDaQawEndDN

He 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

RIvFewOxBnrLxJr

Ning Rushen glanced over, wondering: What? Did he say something wrong?VtNLcvPidEhwZxrBuFAHXTMzotsLqq

nHFMaHUHvnHPSNf

His peripheral vision shifted towards De Quan, who averted his gaze as if nothing had happened.sfJRuzJVpAynXBCGPerKPMSOsrLdwF

yDcTqTorIwOAgDv

Just 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

trLEVtFknJAcZfn

Ning Rushen refocused, “Yes.”EdQvdvOQHAEgZGsoHSRTcRNYFOLasf

SVwjRhDWZGTIOqv

Li Wuting tapped the desk, “You’ve been absent for seven days, and you come now just to ask for your robes?”VAtkOCMuOrjwicYzmrULWaCtnvNXDt

WVgFlqbfbAAXJcu

“…”nsJBqiuQZQhRJgizyKddmvsMmYBqPK

kMZySjwShozZxGg

Ning Rushen moistened his lips: No, it’s because you summoned me.awJKNoyDRZBYtUmMenkGAHbFKdeYoY

XuGgRPRapLekBht

Uncertain 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

fAGXllvdkmOsSzV

Li Wuting’s temple throbbed, “No need. It’s in the side hall, take it yourself.”jWJCUtkkmcBBdwyAawXFNpJnjLhPgY

NqsQLeQpNPsnNLL

Ning Rushen agreed, “Oh, okay.”gAFaYlqpxTGHbnukspxsllgKBUbxZz

pRnhNxPRSifnVMF

The side hall was just behind the imperial study.BFgGxenZyvqWAuhkaoLHLdZqBtumQL

LEjvZQZDKNmmBrk

It was empty, with no palace attendants on guard.DwILQwcKxaxtxDgfirxpYanfvHnCSx

PCZbcVGbcSaSQBf

Ning 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

PnZWugagtTsEFED

So he had to search around.XYHVwdyFUNqPGrURKhLAAIgJvdkWeZ

VPWPJRxkCbBCwBp

After a fruitless search, a thought struck Ning Rushen, reminding him of the time in the carriage.whgSJWnihsTwayPtabalzPZdQBWlYn

WwhbJQKbRduxPhU

He looked at the low couch, pausing before walking over.TutumHJBPOfthUXMWasPKRuIkDFcVW

HtPRDqWlSLskmtd

The low couch faced the direction of the hall door.MBAaPsWcoSbsMlmDatgBXrRXWLLIfp

ypiUyKffapKSoIr

Ning 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

rfwblcmJfPdSnFh

A hand suddenly reached from behind him, grabbing the official robe over him.eiRoezgIXgXlWwkhbixCcGcHXVXpmM

uTXJkhYZQUfSRVz

In 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

hKkrzHhJnVFByef

The black sleeve hem brushed against the back of his hand.darxsnojTmNlyFYifnlZKbknvCFuLz

XAADJNjqhJMYlbO

Propping himself on the couch, he looked up.KSDGIcRbPnsoyhChvZVshdkkBrFGbZ

lsCQIcvCnsFEmeX

He 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

VswGzXVfhQwoQMl

Looking up, his black hair and sleeves spread out behind him.LMlzHUHSrXnxkEauJYaCCSGvNNEzWR

oCHMUDbAbTVlgqG

The 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

mMnlgymokJGKgqD

Li Wuting: …foDahJusePnznDQgqCPMUhhahLMFap

wcPYOjjIsiOXYHj

Ning Rushen tugged but couldn’t pull it away, looking puzzled: ?EremdLuedCrpwccbkNthtxKHavqoOx

VaqbcvuJpYIJjmD

The cool fabric of the robe clung to the large palm, seemingly dissipating the heat within it.OnddSJGvHrRnupumtOEGcNorkDJpMD

pAYOrZZGgvNvVdv

Li 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

SUinbwnvlbclmyO

Ning Rushen immediately showed a look of great interest, smoothing the tiger’s fur, “Oh? This minister is eager to hear the details.”wOhnunzMTozQCELoiiHmcdInegPHdn

UZwakeJpbdEutFk

Li Wuting, “…”oOThXRiZIiEqAxaWFJerfvnCVsetBj

TeWeOvJOmYejkTM

Li 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

LyKeKYwzgjXIJuz

He had forgotten about the duty reports.aXmXiiRkaamkFloncewUjgTqVHDWxY

lDiEKYCkzkHDhPu

Ning Rushen gripped the robe, his knuckles tensing nervously.aWmpgMMdatttIGaEiFBadgAKFnFBmO

yqcjwVNTSZmkome

“Still not speaking?” The voice fell softly.mtbooanepLqxtkbsXxAQGQboFSLseG

SqGZUadHVqVWPuB

Li Wuting maintained the posture of handing over the robe, not letting go.oDqFenEmSMittjoGOnTgFOvsVyypLa

DteDEIELlOuXuOU

Ning Rushen had no choice but to face his deep and serene gaze, reluctantly beginning to report.SGeHHLYoplIckAQXXjLTSfGIBXDZAN

umTYEzGQybiRmqc

Both of them held one end of the robe.EXfIDzMCQsTqcMdQJWwBMLcbKRHKNl

rYLpayckRJCejEg

In 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

YBsbRAHwwQNuLul

Especially as he reported, Li Wuting only responded with a few “hmm”s, looking down.UvJJuJJAvvjZtLdYYwglrPJoGYLkqi

EkcPBvteRFqzcKN

Ning Rushen felt as if he were being made to obediently confess his wrongs, a feeling both unbearable and vexing.IHMlBORSHgQntWPsxOofFBxFsAbKnL

WPyVzPwudshtSpy

Curling his fingers, he belatedly realized:nubAnLtKrvBzDBHlCeoZtuBWSbwurc

FzaTBntwZDTnfcx

… Could he have fallen into a trap set by De Quan?CIWnvPvNckjQewEPFrEIHIMOhStlxz

bAZGBaAUmIhvqPE

Once the report was over, it had already been a quarter of an hour.iCEeeUxWgMOlBrhrEJIEGfXkozOGbw

ikbhUkHARiHBKYf

There 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

aCpRFoQXdirCbrr

As he finished speaking, he released his grip, and the official robe fell onto Ning Rushen’s lap.OIzVqNZAecKHxnxugJCyuJghZvHibi

rUHMyAuPzJiOxxU

The 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

RMFfIASSTmiYnEZ

Li Wuting’s gaze fell, “Yes.”BiNRMegSUgPaaQuJrPjTmXyslLQpkl

YQXVMFWWYvShnDd

Ning Rushen hoped, “Won’t you hold me accountable anymore?”xYUuQvxjBVMBwLYnhoLVJbIwGsXXCk

yQojJjErfbEHTxk

Li Wuting chuckled, “I’m not that petty.”mwpiVpqGQEcfMMAMVHHYnBXToKVUqm

GERYxiWdPRxMSVM

If he truly wanted to hold him accountable.lQzpqqHjfPoNMbVdJIgWvClaomgSML

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No minister would dare be so disrespectful, sitting on the couch while reporting to the emperor.UZwSnoJhMDgtAEFpxJHDsuKWkNQmMD

ASYjLWBlNpZQVju

Ning Rushen felt relieved, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”XfTecuxQGDXxseBLDGHodSIQrZKknm

dUWNXkoNiXCaSgd

He 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

rdYCBctocdeNbaT

Ning Rushen recalled the pile of clothes he’d taken from Li Wuting: …zNLGXRHbesAdAfzhDlYncTRsruoOdr

tEgGxfzxIUnVBrV

He felt embarrassed, “Your Majesty is considerate as always.”sqQBxSVXfXBmUoimDndCaQROzJvkDn

YpcgFNmgjwgqlYH

“Hmph.”SeTjngdHUWIlGcgRxtzjbqgphYartN

oDNndEDzqJhHbnP

With both new and old issues settled, Ning Rushen followed Li Wuting out of the side hall.cNYlEBAqcxGSnDXQxdvpDQQgnfssqs

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As soon as they exited, he saw De Quan quickly retract his head, pretending to stand guard with an indifferent expression.bXQqRtyGAjwEqLuYIsZqiXdvLZgvil

ifNfHjnzcitjFTk

Ning Rushen, “…”oHdBtfiuAEkqCxNVLhKXNLUmuqZPwk

JaglfYpsxeIXpRA

Even his eyebrows were raised, and his neck was all twisted.NosPdtzOsDdrVmaNcmtmwxhSmaVPcN

SINVArXMZngNzAH

Li Wuting cast a casual glance.huQdoIkEYkCczJuyVGIEfdRfHnkpOY

BrRVWcpFguhBpIh

Then he told Ning Rushen, “Alright, you can go back now. Ning Qing, don’t forget your old duties because of your new position.”cbHnaZUGAmikCihQEPPHsanvFVCKeb

rttgEMDqNufOvcC

Ning Rushen promised, “This minister will handle both.”BCNJREMCzWWqWYRnuGZanvtMwWEmEi

fmyhBbsDFQwRtlb

Li Wuting had grown accustomed to his phrasing, so he didn’t say anything more.MfUwbFqPglOruvjBOcciebYyynffas

JRTrLSoPDYpUmeI

Just as Ning Rushen was about to leave, Li Wuting mentioned, “Oh, by the way.”IEOxjgenUgEpnrCEplagRkuhTORHzd

TMYUVwfqKIqRYTY

Ning Rushen stopped and listened attentively.mPdusKAxynnResRmbWkWrqFTIzYrnL

ldwKyXlykJCHwtu

“Stop trying to make two male pigeons incubate eggs.”xcrANMlbuRfdBPYdEiaORggnrmXBkT

MBLJMCFKQdsxmHW

“…???”TfiuDcKpOykSeyrTSjkXWhpQAuDxrU

qPvTQxfDprmShJZ

spCVXEjwpjMzgjNrRtSkTmkQGNESif

zapCZxQwClFzPCp

Ning Rushen returned to the manor in a daze.GMFiWrwcVIxSfMyGrGPLIgwHWMXyuE

AYyvXcGshDLvqjI

As soon as he entered the courtyard, the pigeon cage came into view.SYskjBJIULIeAcKbjUaJbAjloJtKUY

PXrasdpHxePSrcE

Suppressing his turbulent emotions, he didn’t even have time to put his official robe back in the house before summoning all the servants.HzShMqfRhJuoZnVTDSFawUjWNtBVWF

oIaYsKqhZQHRfHe

Ning Rushen looked at their familiar faces and spoke with difficulty, “Did you know these are two male pigeons?”owXvjoSunrJtwtBslzAVDYRcToTPzk

cRuZQpXSuNzuKDB

Yan Min, Xing Lan, Yuan Liu, and Shiyi: “Yes.”wqoDeryfmxZmBpkiVHQOwUXqXnxtJT

QAWGqaaPTLHLLwF

Ning Rushen, “…”ZoYRtHCZzRDGFpCfwEwUIPCHfOZzhE

oAfBKsGyDbVtKBe

He took a deep breath and finally couldn’t hold back, “Then why didn’t anyone tell me!!!”wPJoYMxXJTqEpvRIMoPyBGZXMeOEdB

LqeGbpqMbOWzkpU

Yan Min was puzzled, “What’s wrong with male pigeons?”VHoiojzhcTjiPyuOZRnUQMqgcSZbdB

JqHsdAhxcMyamXQ

Oh, right. Manager Yan didn’t know he was trying to breed them.QhrHQXcoGLSAwKZjkGytTSobVctMyJ

mNkJFYDLMVNNniK

Ning Rushen endured his dizziness, pointing a trembling finger at Shiyi, “What about you?”tpcZsNfiNhdNqgXgHCxZFRlJaZKIFm

VsagIIqtVtQscbo

Even Li Wuting knew, so it must have been Shiyi who leaked it.RDMAkuDGnYuAJbyYVjdEXDoJWwzlho

iLRSpTzqvTUyzbG

Shiyi calmly said, “I thought you were trying to prove something.”bRQvWjqNSNCcEQuSBFByjwKphKLeDS

fDLpuXfCotIpwUE

Ning Rushen opened his mouth and looked at him: Prove what!uGNIZVZMVXKoREVwLHkkfCJWnsDxoK

JbUTkWmEUTKrkQe

Prove that willpower can overcome biological facts!?CCIIPslqyeODEQKQIlRBvFyMxpZzab

sgZfKVjFvpbxZlm

Shiyi seemed to realize something, “So, can we eat them now?”aqSGYMlOLQtGfZJZggzZjXJvUcCpRp

xPFWdkwPFwvtNkz

“…Forget it.”mxPNAZHnhxkNlhYwyXJnzyqeQdjvsf

nftdVQrlDDKOQxq

Ning 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

hOvDEblHmcjiGiA

As he spoke, he tossed them into the air—LfoVKwsAAyvXbFuciGziuLALKgrqdr

QffcxNDGWiQUdpf

Flap!xugYFekfIfvlaVulBBydEggPqVHJnI

jwASOMnbaGmKyQo

The 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

vmeDHKmHWLlUHGT

They even cleverly pecked the cage door shut, clank!DUHaSHoPedtAMPOimjpAfhZvOrJbUz

TTRXhreUkkhKrGJ

Ning Rushen, “…”hhKpXAURHIIYlEMDwXqEJWIcuDupom

lsBcKjgVIUWuChz

Ning Rushen, “???”PpaVGRodXIqeaBSgOdCtyTARdVVbge

mVfhWvJIbXOiVTT

Yan 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

rmxTjupxzelKoNs

Ning Rushen hugged his official robe and peeked out, “Oh.”LZdeHhAvHbHaiBdOvCARFCmgiLqnrU

ZaDVcXMJNzgrYjS

The sustainable development plan fell through.DTYNpEQvmGXwxgZhvCTApSCmvsyZpf

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Ning Rushen had no choice but to continue raising these two male pigeons that neither could be eaten nor reproduce.nLNKSgMeeXALdVTGNuuMwckFpAroLt

BFmRdrDSIsWULYG

The official robe left in the palace was retrieved.IFgekzNgoCtFYsVXOTaCcVjTDbcwKD

HStLreTjpHVlFoi

The next day, he decided to wear it.SwfOtGqfmRIHvisBjKTyrcrCGITGpu

uryRUvdvuKpsoEM

The robe draped over him emitted a faint fragrance, just like Li Wuting’s.mrwuIToXaSRRZXtlAGmuUAOHAlPjkJ

vQJrrwIQuRQliJq

A slight heat spread from his back.DJaWkBshPZlNTVeHrBkmePJyTKPqCb

PvqgRiKBCPiqOYC

Ning Rushen tugged at the collar to air it out: it must have absorbed the same incense after being washed by the palace staff.offoiUraepGKvmZFxJmMQQVjzaGulp

eWcPZHlMqGbJQiL

As he was cooling off, Yan Min entered from the doorway:alGSipERvRizQZcWUHOTCBfIctECsS

TGkubopoUitjMHZ

“Sir, what are you flapping around for?”dTXiWgDsldgnoFmkNAfeNBjQxMikjy

WIUVAhSKUtIFXAe

Ning Rushen let go, “Ventilating.”DsNqzIpejZdsuPtaOHUXJFNgwlJwiC

AHXvbikIYcnQNaM

“…?”ggnPoAfQkHmVPYUpcZvrQHfdAnaTRu

WlsbirfZzHEzpXg

THEuXXkfGFwFpmWfcgdyLEVwmjomPU

mPrRCEkEgpHrhZs

At the palace, after the morning court session.GrDcXVofRxxYBmhQOLierOcZFWkgqv

iIdMpsjNdaCfBOP

Guan Fan wanted to call Ning Rushen to the Ministry of Rites again.zFIBrrzEhQkcYuuixgbhpIyLBxutDi

UeGfZUQsePKGDgV

Remembering yesterday’s lesson, Ning Rushen waved him off and turned to head to the Imperial Study for roll call.ZsMqRJTqLhIDbbIizkrUZMYDXodlFn

vCUaqhXOGOzenpG

Upon entering, he vaguely heard voices inside.wksYvBrnimmCEvKKiAXCWWamkRDZAf

nsadbseAihOuXTS

When 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

nhmrzELMxqQKmgn

Ning Rushen saluted, “Your Majesty, Your Highness.”bLmYKSBIyoaxbzLmqQCLlEJdNmHyAu

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Li Jingyu’s eyes lit up, “Lord Ning!”kYibrPFsSkuGQPUlRFCWaTMqusDErW

psuyNZwioDjCeHQ

Li Wuting glanced at him, letting out a faint, mocking hum.rRoldvDkGxYEruGwGLhnHJSApeYazB

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Ning Rushen asked, “Does Your Highness have something to discuss with His Majesty?”xaaJVrfuYDtVovvxvlqvVglqArJDQn

TJTQSTnQfzKqqCF

Li Jingyu replied, “I need to report my studies to my brother.”VnZsBzFEbcwPQZBHGNJgkwwPpGasEi

UMeFldVhDSBPAMk

Ning Rushen nodded, indicating it was none of his business, “I shall take my leave then.”JwVXEPhFIdPQpWLNLhfqfHhSysRKSY

XXjseyihvhWktub

“Why are you leaving so quickly?”kAEllmNLWXkynEkzHAuLqTicmOKbAt

iRdGVJFoEnCLOQa

Li 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

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The Ministry of Rites wasn’t far from there.LlAAByjmMqWZTcWPRZBKUoKhFXKwMy

BHTziNqEhRJSSHj

Ning Rushen led them to his office, Li Wuting having changed into casual clothes, accompanied only by De Quan and two personal guards.dAYyfXOqzYdjhzMEiPddchDGUXcquY

OiEicWBAvTrbLZy

The 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

OGbamcMTtuvsqJt

Li Wuting casually waved his hand, “No need for formalities.”lFPmbODURrUhUcVCGfIZKGQKvKGQFo

AjNolsawdOoQJpI

After 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

mRmlAMMFjSPvXRA

Ning Rushen hesitated:nEfyGLfynutpdjdRZFKUgCWOYYOkBC

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If it were normal, that stool would be used as a footrest.FyIpTSmAZfWiIecAeYUzpytxjCJyeI

IPxwhyCQHozGccX

He sat down, lifting his robes, “I obey.”YboaOhjmaLecfLwuDsCjiiubEFLMNX

KSRxdjlyLWigvWZ

Today’s visitors from noble families were also incessant.iUXLCpEoAuzInITmFelRLcCOHkGkcD

cmuaUHknatEOZYp

Some didn’t recognize Li Wuting but were intimidated by his cold and authoritative presence, their demeanor immediately diminished.dQGtwUectrjzrTagwTrYMSMhJtcPyh

iBuUjlyDOKqNTFL

Ning Rushen took advantage of this and handled matters even more smoothly.vxGfKnGMcQDTQCggYPVDWWrJCIysrv

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Initially mindful of Li Wuting’s presence, he became increasingly engrossed, his eyes bright, face flushed, as if entering a state of self-forgetfulness.gazWBQxmtwUONjhEiGHNpLtgzLJQRs

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Li 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

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Even leaving people feeling grateful.nWaaGKSNmIEWUVYtOlRFCieqKrDbyB

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Li Wuting’s lips curved slightly.JdjKAWcGQCLauaiVjMKSowQVZOPzZG

abfQNThWlgHvmbg

sbtNDGcRRgJsUQTKwmfzELmzcrnMaH

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After the first wave of visitors.ZAkkmXUVonujIBovicbwXrCrJtQnjA

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The bidding on the public board had multiplied several times.IKcPTMxJAaTMXAKBdvjeDvLUHQkhzr

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Ning Rushen finally had a moment to drink tea, gulping it down.XduWVOAJvFiMoYsupLQqgntIGMCOyc

PPhBtFIYTGLexVI

Li Wuting glanced around at the tense, waiting crowd, “All of you, leave.”KoyobxEgfKouYoDrsRZDoTohPHFDEW

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“Yes!” The group sighed in relief and dispersed.xnPpRlcrQSIfvntZfsgFjAeVrvstJx

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The two guards remained outside.DlQsjiMGUaEgTxdNhgukdgkauXLzTz

BFRgRhFuAlgAgpB

In the office, only Ning Rushen, Li Wuting, Li Jingyu, and the silent De Quan remained.wkgKukopFxldGENxAkjnpbwAjbCGVA

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With everyone gone.SdNlWXzYXQsPBpdfbfMYyVkEKYfewP

yKaoqKyBEMELNUi

Li Wuting asked Li Jingyu, “Did you learn anything from Lord Ning?”ewNxnThNcznexQLYjDXLwLHngWSyLl

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Ning Rushen almost choked, looking at Li Wuting: was he asking Jingyu to learn… officialdom tricks?rLHWpOOirZQrYhnOHwxWvTiysJrPdo

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Li Jingyu turned to Ning Rushen, half understanding.bTczsjPXXGVXkEhgyqmhnjuPeGPlpP

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Ning Rushen could only diplomatically teach, “You need to say the most wicked things with the purest face.”WxQclxOxVdmcsEJcVJWmUMpAGNSkLx

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Li Wuting, “…”LqgkqarUEdajsclXDSSxwFdQKKHKsS

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Ning Rushen, “Did you learn, Your Highness?”ERcyiJqPPZtKijsOjCtwmoxRSTSdLB

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Li Jingyu thought for a moment, “I did.”vWNiYgSwQIbjAQKwFaZCMkRcaYqcdT

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It was nearing lunchtime, Li Wuting stood, “Let’s have lunch at the Ministry of Rites.”GmxvKAwbLUxReMUadXbdKsPEqjNznI

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With that, both of them brightened!ZWjBsQqTlpIOtXBkNNGnWNtXQLucOJ

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Ning Rushen and Li Jingyu sprang up from their chairs—IlXemzzoRijfQtPFiOexoGcRVZjtWx

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They were face to face.KdTPCcwYOrtutYkLfMjcjnMgAlcTgW

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Li Jingyu jumped off the stool, bumped into Ning Rushen’s knee, and spread his arms, “Ouch!”FDDRTmfcHUEVYzGpYboBhLxGSmoYcG

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Ning Rushen caught the little legs.VfksEoCENPkkfTzsFHduKHwLvXiaCt

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Then he felt a sensation as if being sniffed.GlOGKqCArwJZicpIuoKDWphPkrQTeG

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“?” Ning Rushen looked down, “Your Highness?”YIyCWycoKFnHcevHMCWQdmJXZgTrir

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What is he sniffing?jDtpTRtlrRpdNfMwpLfgvlvkocyDnq

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The head in his arms rubbed around, then lifted.zoXnsTWpVwzkBFmMVGChGrIdSXSCzi

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Li Jingyu looked up, with the most innocent face, said earnestly, “Lord Ning, you smell like my brother.”HfQIjuPYbSyPhLGcmfJlsAOZFSefiQ

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Ning Rushen, “…”zGwqYYFLTLYsJyIEDRwCUlsQrTYiCh

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Li Wuting, “…”DzfLjvseahZQekTrzSnNxDZqTynrec

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tmrDHjNrghfqUiSFQBPolAmDrUvALR

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