This official is so weak

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.ZllEpAxdIeQReIVArSVUInWipuyoRh

GXziBLXIDGaEdbw

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

WbQfvVMGWuuKPAX

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:HFzjvmtaKeySzRsyWbijdROsuBYHui

BZoquHbvQmCCYhi

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.oCPZcZuIDEqazuQgxWqhKDumEqMaBd

wwjtxctdftTJXdt

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

HbEyTXeZbwHdyyR

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

sGAIPkqMnwQHfgr

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:rYjOeRfWwhyxTziBJHzZZqAKtYEIdp

YeVDKnEnfNVYeBe

Ning Rushen refocused, “Yes.”DXZDNPUeeodgCtQUWKlGANgCROcuYH

dmCUzkJpzEPIrjv

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

yvZzwccBBBstKGd

“…”AXHozvaVDuQgVNojDyHPjSINJviXZP

qVqUFMCeuyPisTN

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

iMiFkkWTzJqTaJk

Uncertain of Li Wuting’s intention, he cautiously suggested, “Or perhaps, Your Majesty should keep them for now?”HiBlZkxxnTrMnHrJfxumUaRwrBlEsX

GfNxgYYHDMTRGaG

… What does he mean by keep them for now?PUBfPysxEnQfPvuWKjcfgyXxUDJTza

btXYTIcStcdvpRp

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

QOJSnsGZbiAalTv

Ning Rushen agreed, “Oh, okay.”xvEMglCostnkTZYILdhsQoujbKVITZ

nRgFUZaHobGhfwB

The side hall was just behind the imperial study.beZlUjVzwCVqrOiBXwQPHvBmfSFtGl

GfkmkpmUrBWbRrY

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

BDaHXwQLrWvmcyX

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.FRCFzqwbxiUobSDynZXraYkeVhIKzV

SVhyELuBqAmZjpH

So he had to search around.FNBiqwCehsBIMjKqpjWIUnaimlujxU

oFNhMWxgfYNOMnj

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

DXOuKMObxooKzvC

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

tcBVucsbwkIsivb

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

XOOHrWgWkRkMSEB

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—pLzYQWBDwmJUUgZiIOZfATmoQdxvYw

llRqioFoDaUnYjn

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

TuSryanvhvCHcpq

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.yMuPdQUGDJTPIAcsKXClPXoYsJYiTi

UYptPEIiKKEvcOB

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

ylBkBErCehzpxIY

Propping himself on the couch, he looked up.GUjNxUPgrQXCLricQZfZeMGOwhoEHv

tuXgAGOwAmVWwcz

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?”pAHeJqxHVNdjMcmOoJPunqhwKVBjKn

vzMETijMHYKkOGG

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

xYthsxKMxBnBGTA

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…”YTcmSJMaWNjJEGRxQSDrjNHhQHRQGk

MGZIWOizWmWWTbU

Li Wuting: …cRClQXHNwKICgsPaIBjYQhFCwpmLVG

rDwHjDXFCGUhlZl

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

TOosKVWUWhQTcso

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

LxkGGZdXPqSDBXM

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?”mkdwJHrsZdMxsZMpgvxtSOtgMZTSgg

MwZDlPeFsAlANiw

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

eYDnOYIStvNFYyo

Li Wuting, “…”WMISkItPrQujJaPJHFKMSYNDVqJHGj

WCVMdxgvuyYyFvC

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.”oxmvrIlYMFCnLfKVvKyzsiGAUhVAmJ

RBGayqavbqFYqNW

… Oh shit.dtnHVOhPouDcNCBGZPWsPntDMythwx

KGBKNDlATcZPNbq

He had forgotten about the duty reports.VDQoKaIWSaNEYKMrAPREkUAhWEBzBY

dTIsnbiPkqGakVf

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

oJXFuOmQHbnvHKJ

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

CKddoDxWWNswyLB

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

wLzLBWmColoaMhW

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

ituiwApEgKkIprJ

Both of them held one end of the robe.ukYAHqjagFsXOdjHsszKUbjqnqYPhO

ftPSctVHSFttUUY

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.qzFCklFfMDGIZpsXewZNDCNRUddKFG

mKzHAowEIoXBzHH

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

ZeGlvKIhEoUXvtX

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

EUDPxIKScQglduQ

Curling his fingers, he belatedly realized:CKxYChZxKgAjvVCcAHmfdJxUbtRmtR

avLubwnZnZGIVSc

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

fVFUUOxDCMMVsBM

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

dbWjzqeTEBfoDse

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.”WbNcNTpMLpPZGrnQXYdpGmbHnseYgZ

bsBElyTuXKFSQTl

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

XovxnaEiNTcQPeU

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.eaaCXwLMEAoPzjTFWYEXfvTlJtgEwI

FnJLrJPCmHLThbN

“Is Your Majesty satisfied?”emCwJnJJLVwkGdXNMqcKdjPkFqRUjF

OiYqjMtwLtplpeE

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

OqGGRVvhpnoQgOC

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

IOjTfPCPjacsxaH

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

QAFfXzScnEvidpL

If he truly wanted to hold him accountable.pcCDdOGWjhNAUBDshWNccCajHLenAc

KpHDvBfkHbrGZii

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

MeDXloDrJQrzpSi

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

FaCiOwWnRYTrPfb

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.”YagOzsunkugLoliMgtEructvnUMIVv

abrRqWimEXaTzlP

“No need for such trouble,” Li Wuting said indifferently, “after all, Ning Qing does wear out his robes quite often.”DApCSUHdohBkffvCkkuNMhqfFnQXFW

maUKdMaekdStlyK

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

iZqTJxfzGqhvFKb

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

vFSPsXirStmARFe

“Hmph.”cjImOkpDgFdZVnxmPoTKYvIGDEstnS

gtUIgpTngQZDadB

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

bHpOBmCkWfJdHIz

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

OgOPaQtubHnucZQ

Ning Rushen, “…”OKmntVwZCoMfEpowmYyZYPkyTJQCkE

ndtwfSPdxmEXWes

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

bSlWgCfiPzQzhjJ

Li Wuting cast a casual glance.AlcTneLIgnByIgTWwgVNzgUArUQugZ

WwvECoDxlLUUisq

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

wPQdHTirtyXZySu

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

UXvUcvrIxcrojTA

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

hjLZsIGfHMHbUmw

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

KScGedtJgYHHVAy

Ning Rushen stopped and listened attentively.MhjZFQSnFNXnwGMtcrQbfpimPcWrFq

RvCRbWEiYqbpAVH

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

ZklqPFCtJEhKGXh

“…???”PIbGpLRMHqMtrIOiWeFNBpWRhUqaTO

DSedjXwfFXbOQRj

…ayRHEgNNOpYktnhNfpzKbEyzGdtBTm

eyCbTwJiazmZbIv

Ning Rushen returned to the manor in a daze.TziHmfTKkZhggeCPSgvGUFePgIJjbO

YXXMTAXxnFNNlpS

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

mZnRubjeGPeXRfN

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

wJiDRnTYHyjkeIR

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

RUgBWQXjAPuSVZr

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

lJCNsyXHbKjCAKd

Ning Rushen, “…”mIQZixLrbTLWQdJmEKymzjeYYnexKs

zhSRVIYzzHAmJEp

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

McfEFrYnGbeMGRm

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

ysXyJQfQFdxpDys

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

hXqUIbRapLOzmOb

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

SmASVTDlTokMgiJ

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

PARdQxxCJyBueiq

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

fbNLOvSTqgAlnic

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

wfJyixSpQxVaDIF

Prove that willpower can overcome biological facts!?zLIidUZMOgMEbYKYqRuOBQBQPoYgMb

xTcwZPtHASkqzNp

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

ohdIensBNpUpsQo

“…Forget it.”AnIFzLEGgloWDpDhDYmHCayzBcwXrz

xmMpzvufdpuLjzs

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.”HighqgVfCZwRzuHurGIVOcFwGlSufp

JWmQEdSgRpjzegN

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

JIgCQNKjOtoYgFP

Flap!GsWgrQybiCufSHMMVbrylwKrJEjVvZ

XWBUKlZcXtCkoLp

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.bmwkemlKNiggTUqDvgLCbNadJjSpqY

bsrMCGNwDtwARqf

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

HcZBJBqwYQsSOAs

Ning Rushen, “…”waFLBaYoRAQFmsVqAMPrbXSTiJiGQi

WKWSPoiAaCyLgFv

Ning Rushen, “???”QZXKnAFSNTybkkNHhwzFzzzduOBVGE

wDqIatBCHSLjcSI

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.”biqmyxFqvQICuFDnPDcZtsQwRJwytR

BimzmPOehqjZkYn

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

OCsRSAiUKmSLBZw

The sustainable development plan fell through.GlTWaCjlTLSrUAqRjaqCBltlFRFYin

okfzLgJYOsCYzAE

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

iVraDuIZSogvIkb

The official robe left in the palace was retrieved.prszlghFCbeTwgihYgDgiAiPnVlRGJ

QYLDuZksjGQcyzA

The next day, he decided to wear it.wAeTzYxrdwoWCrooKvxvIIHfUrDkNz

pLBUmLolCfrTMxe

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

VQFWsGjxCExDrzI

A slight heat spread from his back.NXQchnAPUBSuqevXfwJmwOkYiwwvFx

oUhxCrblEDdgHBv

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

BAKkVonpvtUmGVc

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

zwDhzGxnFJQtAbT

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

xvlmaRsdgODcsAu

Ning Rushen let go, “Ventilating.”ZKLlCBGGJgUEWJcowWRRRNLpeKKgAd

WclzaKrOtNhrMzd

“…?”ZMVLOAKFoWwzUPLuTwMtohlMIBvyoj

VDwSOVlFjQDcsBe

…wMJzRffJDEOMGvLZROLTOKNfKbCehi

VUfNRAvxwkJvSEl

At the palace, after the morning court session.nMmCNqVkwhJMNxlOWHzmIBOMWpziGR

nUPUyzYwixnMvFR

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

KkvAcjDIxLCwCDp

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

TpdetokBeuPUjIZ

Upon entering, he vaguely heard voices inside.pAjVowXVyGEGffYRrTpGmitimIAMIK

jRHykgBJgFQhVWa

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.bPFBgwbKXSquXHeRGuBKhFXyfUPqcT

rTESFOSccaqFaCY

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

idMELzlbhBnuPLG

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

qUDvGLMWoUNthay

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

UbvwtBZSGoPToEL

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

xUdJPgVEquVVIdw

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

AnHwOzBNLByRUHb

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

FXFOegkPlEojVUl

“Why are you leaving so quickly?”dXOnwYMHAjqUULFSVFkbFjFokRvUyg

JgNnSHZtCXiaWzh

Li Wuting suddenly stood up and said to Li Jingyu, “No studies today, accompany me to see how Lord Ning performs his duties.”DoVTjCdngsyIFIxnnExycoBRbaODCD

TjRgkEYtuUYUsbO

“…?”rrpWwZNMWEekqQvuwshPRazlsuakwU

UEJZexaLVGmKlzW

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

MInUgjcBeaqpgSm

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

XVBbHoYEYNjavAu

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.QccLjVXDJzXGXAnGbYjfBhDwHcJIQf

AOKuSuNxXHnFJvy

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

vfzdSsQmjYUJlTl

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.”YEOUhMRhChHbTktpCtrbaMbnOzVNiE

tjvDGRVFZaVGZGp

Ning Rushen hesitated:ydoUkINQvqYSnXsadPOARglgmzPfdu

VAQrOMqbmsdQeII

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

hqIyhvdXGIXqteu

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

XxshzhitCPLsjYi

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

szKUqHSsRPjkLpk

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

fTfANyNZOBzWStL

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

YLJyvlUYJzsIcSp

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

yesckPcasjQsIfH

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.CaTewRNtPrSjrYaSoKvAhODGZAuQnb

YhclCAdsBxYoxFz

Even leaving people feeling grateful.HnoofcrXRFPiRQRnufBPkSzMfYWXiK

zPjHVggWEEWJjYS

Li Wuting’s lips curved slightly.xbSOwuYAEzEfWDwHTscHuEHklElZpP

VuSlNjlzZLnxLbB

…iyQRBZERwUBuwYCcCwNQeIROKCSvKP

SvchkFCGvdmiLrn

After the first wave of visitors.omnMEoRqpgaZYMvRJnuNYyhMQYoTna

nFAFMiCiYwhuIEc

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

azLKAduLViAgndB

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

fLvwhnIRMckjIcd

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

SZhWUEoDnhKrmOw

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

IWUANdNjmiaJKAG

The two guards remained outside.bVBoTUhkhJwLZEVCxbUTKVmumgmGkF

jNpqpulxSuHDSFr

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

mHhNtWssyqVSBEI

With everyone gone.nuGpPihMcHNcPaOUTGxKIgwaAUDbsq

bwqcncrTPrKdJmS

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

vqbNhjFkjSHgwAs

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

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Li Jingyu turned to Ning Rushen, half understanding.ovWODjdwIaoNVcLSADDCLaJaCMHXag

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

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Li Wuting, “…”VLKWWMWyRYKTyiWigVpGlxiAckvbqk

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

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

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

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With that, both of them brightened!EYtflzODlGtjHDjZSuekuGHmjuraqP

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

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They were face to face.THoazDMMDLsRTqLFxuBPgIXoQxDIZy

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

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Ning Rushen caught the little legs.XGdoXpejStXMsmKFjijaNUtWZHrMrO

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Then he felt a sensation as if being sniffed.fDhUqjBeokQSgayWniAsLPBshhKcXI

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

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What is he sniffing?ctNQsLyiOsWzyNIiVSrTUrOtBEFsgh

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

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

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Ning Rushen, “…”nxqVpfaLMqGaCeAQBokDoCPnWdgoaS

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Li Wuting, “…”uAcIBEjDpcfrUafueqGlfedvSIvqIn

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