This official is so weak

Ning Rushen scrutinized it for a moment, then plucked it again, swallowing hard, unable to let go.ZdFnvFUaAAFgEUuJhHOwQJeArzicHt

iECeobPfkiRpMQe

He held two oblivious fat pigeons, plucking their feathers while pondering: Prince Xuan only mentioned he would send a reply, but he didn’t specify how long it would take.mduysTgHxpmPoocGRhVHsFLlxLYoAP

bUFqRchVgKjDrJv

Why not breed these pigeons first, hatch some eggs, and raise a flock of little pigeons…iOIoWwSxgaTuKjSULcujlGponUxtNg

aERZxcTSIKBxxtt

The more Ning Rushen thought about it, the more feasible it seemed. He called Shiyi, who was hanging on the wall, “Come here, help me put the pigeons in the cage.”SMQpwwKDoacZRNxwtdFSAswbGdpvXo

zbZECtQEdVgTlVs

Shiyi nimbly jumped down, “Two today?”qxTGsOZKhAATrdhiqlHFnOBABcioQj

KbdgZqBcWsYJClG

Ning Rushen, “Crazy Thursday.” Bought them at a discount.sFJQVrNrSPWzceAklKUnCGzuGAmOSC

SYudxPUXMeRvCog

That afternoon, a newly built pigeon cage was set up in a corner of the main courtyard.XOUjRxHMpKgxJsudqHOSSFEPvInvhL

avLiGhHuAVvdibH

Ning Rushen, thinking of future pigeon feasts, pampered them with luxurious food:TdENLUEXsXqrDAhFkWxfeGmDWvVEZF

nuyXKukqedWwqJF

“Eat up, eat up, a full stomach leads to lascivious thoughts.”KGrTKuzYBybTcKCajOQRjqyaNGFwKQ

hhEigBKzOUAIFwc

The two pigeons finally realized they were living a canary’s life, flapping their wings in panic while uncontrollably pecking at the grains: coo coo coo!sRuKxmOpkBRIcRWnJsTBdSwkwZPAHY

RVvwAfHUSOMlpQF

Beside him, Yan Min curiously observed, “Master, are you keeping pets?”iyfdowuhILWoTkveBUcWJzCBVRlRYX

oBkBsiQjsRJZaaP

“Uh… sort of,” Ning Rushen replied vaguely, then instructed, “Starting tomorrow, I will be serving in the Ministry of Rites, so I won’t have much time at home. Take good care of them for me.”YSQUdRpFxTOBIynwKOMUcfGCplUqiD

tQaiGqojEQzuqsx

“Yes, Master!”IRIxXVOEWGimutlnWXJomcAeQzAVAy

tVzlqlTMULXmEsR

Ning Rushen nodded and happily returned to his room.UsNgZZAzqljPQFNWLUqsMBdRIvJqJs

ZYjyzXnveJCKuvY

After he left, Yan Min glanced at the cage for a while, then reached out and flipped the pigeons’ tails:oXbHOJgeCDALMTETSpmJWOihYpsifJ

MUDFGInumthvQkl

Oh, both are males.MAtgYALYfMDCvlQkPdIFdxJNtcXJRl

cUpCvLGHdKfFEYL

·aNlsMqdCchVskIxzmHQkbvzrdUqOfd

AqrbPwrOWXwBgFJ

The next day, Ning Rushen went to court.xtfKplahDGpGjFmhyOOMEMkXcXlTnB

BeSBvFRWddCmVws

During the morning session, the decree had already been issued to the public, undoubtedly causing a stir among the noble families in the capital.cCxMDecbueteTKWXoDyaFepLkCTZod

FERrQIGUDCmkzbv

He was secretly scheming, calculating in his mind:JlZGGnfaFbPOLtyvoAddepZznSAXHY

sGulnotUxhsUVjJ

How to slaughter gently and without a trace?pRGhleBeUwDPPGXhhEscbwukNjhQEf

fnXNzGVRKCYcpXX

After contemplating through the morning session, Ning Rushen had a rough plan. Just as he was refining it, he heard De Quan’s long and thin voice from above: “Dismissed—”dnEDfuckRgaBDVKzSPVfyOBgtHIjIl

uybZBqyjiJEOHtP

He snapped back to reality and looked up.KUtXicYcPyNbISTSuKTagatetrJJcf

olQrfqOWqIsLgIJ

He saw Li Wuting stand up, the bright yellow dragon robe accentuating his cold, handsome profile, exuding an unattainable noble dignity.yCCfyYAeOBKOGkXbQnJjsSMvqTzuUS

lrdFopebXVuhnyh

Ning Rushen was momentarily dazed.zlFiSFjSURSHdvkLMXgoynxHPROMED

ehXFJpFQEvfmQOg

He vaguely recalled that when he was in a coma two days ago, he seemed to have grabbed onto something and climbed for quite a while. If Li Wuting was the one taking care of him then…IoxGatsJJLoEoyxLXzcLUtyEaHonqT

GqsufOymclVYiDU

He licked his lips:DwGelLREUOVCGfjwYumkpCwABgFSfc

inQOWcjmjIBYiNG

Could it be that he had turned this dragon robe into a cat climbing frame?ZZwSpjXNldTcbKpaTQHkgObSFpZCGN

TvVtqVRpjpdwUcz

While he was pondering, Li Wuting’s figure had already disappeared behind the hall.dvRdZhmaXpyYsQdPYLfKScmewRSelX

kvQzlRTuEGRMbVd

Ning Rushen hesitated, unsure whether to go to the Imperial Study to report.PSRpgUyQHBuUuvumCoeMCnWegwWIrB

GsmuDlSmfQfPiFp

“Master Ning—” At that moment, Guan Fan approached from the other end, enthusiastically turning him around to face outside the hall:QgBhFQtDdOFTqgOwVLIsdUsTvBwuWX

qZsIHcxUsKWQiIm

“Let’s go, time to head to the Ministry of Rites!”JQeRNalnSvhgyZCoiCYirmRaRMwmFo

OFtucpiyRywYQRN

“…” Ning Rushen was half-pushed out, “Oh, okay.”MlrtCtsWJhFdbbjKKcmAFOzkUkhSCe

UDPzXoHdRYFAyFi

Never mind, Li Wuting hadn’t summoned him anyway.eZUASEbqUlSCCRcNQLSkbyxenihStx

qaDDkmbfkwJAnFG

The two chatted as they walked out of the palace together.UDSCjVilOejSmqMBBuMrtwtvgoaVsn

pFpdOHIQIoqLMnD

Their scarlet official robes fluttered in the wind.UHcpOhkqMIqohCeViFpGDDYmPthUKK

nyNhaYCMtHzdIWB

One was the Minister of Rites, and the other was the City Supervisor, a position technically below third rank but almost independent of the Ministry of Rites’ jurisdiction, holding real power comparable to that of the Minister.igyqPzRkIUrJnkuSZAGSuCCUhoPvld

wdFQsJVznwTbLKV

For a moment, the distant court officials speculated:NZqXDMCklKlAYXKAZaczVsCwCoBulr

PFIKgoLBnmDTYAL

With the decree just issued, causing turmoil among various factions, these two top figures of the Ministry of Rites must be discussing countermeasures in secret.dBKjHbWYWEWKuwEFQhDeOVwXLimZZB

OJJwmaBSTBaibLa

…nkwFLJodBObRwWHDQBcYKysKbEnEeK

pamhZEQaiptiXvU

On the long path outside the palace gates, Ning Rushen asked excitedly, “What are we having for lunch today?”pnyPPumhSRBtbFxegdeAMzLWPZGaLr

OazvNnksJlWuMER

Guan Fan replied, “Braised eggplant, fried four treasures, and roasted goose!”KpCkAlvZImFVcHBjlcyAhlLNeiiKHK

kZaiLBGVVbeZuXy

Ning Rushen’s mouth watered, “Oh, roasted goose sounds good… Speaking of which, I’ve recently raised two fat pigeons. Once they hatch some chicks, I’ll treat you to a pigeon feast, Lord Guan.”KuqJrEieyrzmzzkxuxpGOtKNTIBzSS

QuTshmEaAhdtVqj

Guan Fan suggested, “You can also keep some pigeon eggs.”ZJQVFJsTbwQnWbYOGSxhbZITDpCYBn

VhrXwzTHdksgtkJ

Ning Rushen realized this was a great idea, casting an admiring glance: indeed, the older, the wiser, not missing a single detail.bueQleqJVDQHNLCuavIqqpGHFptVtv

lqxvJhEbKMPfaac

They arrived at the Ministry of Rites in a cheerful mood.zDXcNHfSCvUdRRGHDDTspEcGsQPFYF

JZovxdwIAUDSTxX

Ning Rushen’s office was set up separately. After parting ways with Guan Fan, he entered the room, finding it bright, clean, and neatly organized.ijpQlcBKmAtkcXAfBmxRvhypdKcYtz

hxScRmNbSyyiUWV

Several officials assigned to assist him were already familiar with him: “Lord Ning, this is our first time doing this. What should we pay attention to?”ygnkXZuxEIJHJeTcQuZmMBbySXAQQS

thpSZfTrKlylUEA

Ning Rushen sat down, “Just make sure not to show your tails.”iEHRUALnwwSIEvFzmpZinldPjWnEQj

IbkJNhQnYHQxATe

“???”fcVlErwfOALiJRgImPEOTWGCxTMLmc

gnEfckEYulzwgDH

“Oh, I mean, try to be kind and show our sincerity and benefits to the others.”AGiSDBRRSxKbCEvxIjzhlEmwYEjNZF

sdggVWfJcrxrFRu

They forced out a smile, “Like this?”lJBRZoivbSFxtrsBLMkbpLrjutKSqQ

SstujJalIQmjMmI

“…” Ning Rushen sighed, “Forget it.”WVWTjCkZieHYumEjxgbTixnDwQaoPy

oExEaVRppdGQuPA

All he could see were weasel tails.TEJyWgjDXxtMNERjazBTRZaExkFsXN

VleJHInlyNDcFnf

·QCwlTndgbXTexnCZDXgeCKzbhfpglt

aTGLzHqQbypqyvd

Today was the first day of the decree’s implementation.WuNaXgIOspeafpBUaZcuCzdNynULxf

jyvvSGTFULXVnwm

Many noble families were still observing, and by the afternoon, the office remained unvisited.bJNlSYNaDefCXGLXTSlaEdAKzQvRCm

vPhzkhccDimWiME

Only the people he sent out came back to report, “It seems some family servants are outside investigating.”BXdxnyruyfCRCOKlTKYmuOUptJTPwJ

PWMAjKZeFEcdPEJ

“Lord, we can’t advance like this.”kPEbLFWxjMFmxMpaokOdWeOfyMDcDU

MPEsUJuzabLIZVa

Ning Rushen leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers, “Hmm…”BLrOrnWPoCAbLDueCPnGqgzOrzvTlk

gEzeaxDetsGPbgO

As he pondered, the reporting official watched him, sweating a bit:mHvBHzbxoJLdNvgtsbJaZrFqScBKnf

oTldSrWHIuGdDlE

Truly the Emperor’s favorite, mimicking the Emperor’s posture and expression during his inspections of the Ministry of Rites…EfPSSFOHkcVgmNCEEPCnOzBXdcfIko

LCUMTTAmfckhGSK

“Alright.” After a moment, Ning Rushen wrote on a sheet of paper, “Take this to a guard at my residence named ‘Pata,’ he will know what to do.”gLURrPDMVFROCqlKnkazAPCUhacZmb

ahTDLoMEzIEHqAe

The official snapped back to reality: What? Pata??hrHjJsWhErmthHLtjtFfsrzUbwgXfG

kKYoYAGKMPvwBZX

Half an hour later.BiQavpSKvtPPMCqjUJmbZZuyveSvpG

tLaIcTiThDFPUpl

Five or six well-dressed individuals holding greeting cards walked into the Ministry of Rites.yQlCvvyJqtLoQdQtzGgPsnvTrHGxFR

NVkoIIYonHPMMSl

The servants observing from afar saw this and hurried back to report.osPWKRkUgkTrpjkPveTYOovLWbCiVA

mhKRAqDknTUkQAW

In the office.GxNDBXSQhYNAoyorjKlTtZfIyVMCvJ

ZkvkAKHJIvwMTdn

Ning Rushen watched as Shiyi and the others, disguised as stewards and heads of noble families, filled out the bidding forms.SGswCjSUbqNIoVfxoXMBPfifsJCqxw

FRFXQERgLEdSJiX

“Just fill in a name… Don’t write Pata. Yes, fill in those sections too; the act must be complete.”tztYTSnHadFPOodxUBZeTKjcLCvvpK

QFknAOpNPCtzQwK

“After filling them out, line up in front. Tonight, I’ll let you join the Ministry of Rites’ dinner; I’ll inform Lord Guan.”oaGfPvCJsuDNLuZSbxIgaujiZDwpNN

HHyOdyPFwKvTtue

As they lined up and filled out the forms.xAqrwFLHHcVQmXvgBtYGBHhfVSXFCX

GQudeiIOMSoZLPY

Ning Rushen’s eyes caught a familiar face. He racked his brain:PoWAZgWadsBSlevMGhcjxObtnnQNhu

FkoSZrxJMxAeYrz

“…Lu Wu?”DWRocJjUWpDZTZJHhCEKOylcVOCdkU

GCCtwTlxrfMVLQY

Lu Wu nodded calmly, “Lord.”YAEGCGVwjVXWTlXGKpmOdHDzqmASJC

CxWPVSUIeOFhsrb

Ning Rushen turned to Shiyi: ?mLntTPVhIneIGmuKsUUdbgyzuRgyru

OCCeMyTqoXyEeeW

Where did you pluck this guy from?xbxMSJtFBYMRpnDEYsRYXxgStzkzhv

ZuYcmGAhQhLXqfa

Shiyi explained, “A fellow Jinyiwei. Saw him eating sweet dumplings on the street and recruited him on the spot.”MpSvWlvJlOXvglyAwmtTtpvQDHsvmq

SZdZDAxhTCJMPbM

Ning Rushen thought of Lu Wu, who had accompanied the Emperor, and looked at Shiyi with difficulty: No, this is the “former colleague” who replaced you at the Emperor’s side.rtLmMttydayZEjwyThiuPrAVQmfvvH

DrQGBvbpHiPkicF

He didn’t say it aloud, only remarking, “Thanks for your help.”BdThBbYtyJdfkQqshuAStZrZuWSuQQ

fjfJqaiiVjEnckA

As they were filling out the forms, a subordinate led a young man in a dark blue brocade robe inside:baBHpqeMPkQOKekzRkOabPJzOCiGlq

FIyccaMHangNOne

“Lord, a representative from the Lu family is here.”AhRrXmEALTQMSUyQqznpQyBCpeBlJD

sEOEwiQiPnqpvmG

The young man was startled by the line!DwbhWjSPDaIGeSeMutnSPPnOrQgKqZ

RPmvuuvwSZGEohY

He looked over from the end of the line, “Lord?”jRJuLQICQKCtoHFnlkffvRpvcECzbb

HnPqXXWysTxalPf

—Oh, he’s here.ikAqeSQqFEKBHKMGtpvSUumQUQUZQy

qUvNTEFTWqMMPSO

Ning Rushen sat up straight, “Don’t worry, there are six families ahead of you. Please wait.”OQMkymXfAORyxLFHFnhAXhJTisEpZa

iPnimDBPHEYVasm

“…?”MpEZuuAvnLCXzErMgMHHfpMCNclRoU

BJyIbvMDPOFkQxP

When it was the young man’s turn, two quarters had passed.InADqotADNkbpclhZPnBgStZCZtpaj

GqlxfXHhOhtBumv

Ning Rushen glanced at the form information: Lu Ke, from an old pastry family in the capital, with some ties to the Imperial Censor.DyNEqSFQvlXOEuSZtmMkgkvmalfoWR

HSqCdJveXdspGxP

He looked at it and placed the paper on top of a stack of registration forms.VAYYmplIfrWZZIAPchaPnTwhOeuMWv

CGPXYBKRghthECa

Lu Ke was immediately alarmed, “Am I at the bottom?”GrUEkWRPEZakQKMztNxBkzzYzLLZEa

YIhWciEQHXBndCl

“Don’t worry, it’s just based on arrival order.”qZXMiKeSUMkGuwLBHijEjJYCcOTCvT

XNkOxeIdggnzuWB

Ning Rushen gently explained, starting a detailed conversation.jHdqiqaDLzUMogGVfckUriascIJLzU

SbSNLXiWRdBVYin

From strict screening criteria, to rare promotional spots, to advertising benefits, and long-term returns…dlplKQgMhsMJdLAbBSRdgfskkUuqHB

xImaTzFlUCvNCiL

He made it sound so reasonable that Lu Ke was dizzy:EDTBRZWexgQfNbkINCqEMjfudIJImZ

exfvblyNXFbGfAR

“So, do you think I have a chance of winning the bid?”titmDTMoOCQGUPYebuWmsEAiVKFWWs

fREJMKYcHZUFvNX

“As it stands, you have hope.”qRFfTERtIGlhcDIfKpJQuPLHGwbDcE

DytHbVmJaLZaZGl

Ning Rushen looked at him kindly, “I will post the bidding prices here, and you can check them daily. If you wish to revise your bid, you can do so at any time.”ZpggpJjvrQwjuTKfHplUJZLidLoewe

ATwAZlYVzNjOjMN

His fair complexion and clear eyes, along with his soft voice, made Lu Ke feel he was kind and gentle, and so good-looking…CSoasHKVaMIUaTCMhnTtaeiSpJdOCo

uckzHHLRknvKitm

Lu Ke unconsciously held his breath and lowered his voice, “Yes, thank you, Lord.”QhJQqvkBDQSHVRbSuZdfeHtAAjVoVm

cXlaPtbBEvyzYYL

Ning Rushen smiled slightly, “Take care.”axNcCjNyVGDTihASbcXyCSbeQamzTe

sShltNFaaOOoqcZ

After Lu Ke left, the extras and subordinates all looked at him in unison.YLPRrXSGdEtedAqZQfWAzvxYcRgCVi

bYTQrNltEpAaYIK

Ning Rushen retracted his smile and instructed, “Negotiate like this, understand?”vRwUSiqUxeHFGcnmEVlnrziRtbLTgL

TbHGRlXjqyoKbqF

Everyone, “…”NCbTghVceAukrYkhXfMisguEFTBECx

gSbnLIaJkMPmGsK

You’ve completely fooled him.LzoVfvZjyoBGvjqJZALYyuakGVVILt

CoFUUntRujhRVHs

Competition and news spread rapidly.WkHnuLJuZKxHSeVkrtNMDIxoIjYUMG

puffMDPDgmRYuNd

Within two days, more and more noble families sent people to submit their bids.yeHcaSHPMnJARGvTLUCPHrqyfVqwxd

vBvgxchAHfdeokt

Each of them hesitated as they entered, and limped out.zAWdCwiVsdkeUVsOIxogPNEOnqwLTw

jFfZbwDONgHFoyY

During this time, the group of actors dug up from the mansion and the Jinyiwei office came daily, following Ning Rushen to freeload on the Ministry of Rites’ “working meals.”EaJWOjXuBJztziwLxsfpMstEmEhOEw

ZBinvahooRxgqgD

Guan Fan rolled up his sleeves and ate with Ning Rushen, sighing, “Lord Ning, why do you bring your family along?”NXFluKbbdduyGBehpgeRbFiWPyfGRL

PogTHIMYnujsYBP

Ning Rushen slurped his food, “We’re about to get rich, so we should pay them some appearance fees.”eMRtwsnOfCrqURphFeNviEPoIvYuUI

NIXOXVVqSOmzkws

Guan Fan, having learned many new terms these days, agreed generously, “Indeed!”GvuvmvACDadgjEArTNhDthHkHhDnXo

ecqrSPiwQyuuWAF

The visiting noble families were endless.nZxZtErETYVKUtqsDuowbOquWyAMTd

bSkwoxxvQBntPRy

For five or six days straight, Ning Rushen ran to the Ministry of Rites right after the morning court, busy as a bee.JYmTaSbfswNtxMxySStLDQuZuWbsOG

EmlYHhzSdDoNkLp

At night, he finally had time to check on his fat pigeons:WPhmeOMQqxEbEZQevBwCfaTtvBjufA

wMXvvpfNrhiMCAc

Did you lay eggs?AnVsqrmSpTJyVHPkWeMwjifzwGbPdW

ZcnXrvJEurIxYyD

Did you hatch baby pigeons?GeCFhFLFCpQvqeXMrPMqVwVpFFksUA

WjOcgnmkrYwfqCx

However, after a week, the cage was still empty.yawZWGkfPzMlZWmIuJQFfFnjnyqpYH

TSRoMxBCUSRUIEp

Ning Rushen sighed while holding the cage: Living together without love is truly a pile of loose sand.buevuRiMuAspgivnegWxCSkAZjXCjp

qJpzQbrjZkVUMbm

…YzGlcGCmiajFUfwAUyVAvsxnaDflGd

efWxPYTjrmCUwmE

He was here waiting for the pigeons.iHPLboOhAavHuHOcawpXhpOcQzHvbD

qINdLeGyxZuiVQH

He didn’t realize he had neglected the person on the throne for several days.YUqjMBeVhSOsiFnLFSXGJvSefimlte

hKRIBHPtpNkresk

In the palace, within the Imperial Study.QZBMUSrMmSZFlquskLiqZYveQTwjsw

fIKQtCngJxpecqP

As night fell, a few intricately carved lamps were lit.RxICcvJftXtHbONJAVmtMkJhhGgGkW

nrzBaHcpPwFovId

Li Wuting was sitting behind the imperial desk handling state affairs, his thin lips pressed into a straight line, and his deep features cast shadows in the candlelight.weGXdilIolVjVnuCXqoQtPHXxYBegc

YvWqyljGCLYIhwz

The palace attendants stood quietly on both sides with their heads lowered.FhPJJsUvTxcbPSebtiwFSGjyFtxAHa

rJpTpzuJCnKoSUR

In the silent space, the pressure was inexplicably low.HOHWRhYuRMWyvdPHBXwiSttMSpayvy

NbZhRVtJpLsVCtC

De Quan was worried on the side:EBgAWrJXSEcHHAkobeSjxMkBQpJgQz

EUKFLIIhcaPbNYc

Sigh, it’s been so long. Ever since Lord Ning went to the Ministry of Rites, he hasn’t come back for a single day, completely forgetting about His Majesty!HwXDuNRwquIrLLNeSbbIPoEtNXcgAu

bBFAkLCFnUIcMtQ

There was a sound of a brush being put down on the desk.YmwOtgkHeRDMiVeeObgbDDdrSUfHqz

SIrieLYFQAGxgVp

Li Wuting had finished his work and rubbed his temples, calling out, “Lu Wu.”ueVIPlwseARAAmjKauhKddeOShQHXQ

UiNhmHGWmWBEraD

A figure immediately appeared before the desk, “Your Majesty.”rvGuFFUYVkgqXCAULRrnWUdPVngaRC

qKnZJysZVtnAZiT

Every Jinyiwei guard had their own code name, serving as the emperor’s eyes and ears. If there was nothing urgent, they would report to the emperor every seven days.aPfepymrmYkIeMSTXggCeZxXoBieRo

pGVFtiijnkTcjeH

Today, it was Lu Wu’s turn.hDzqVRajVQBSMpQbtkoyEhMdBGmbZR

DjhfgtOynwvBYsq

Li Wuting said, “Speak.”uQcnBQYXGPvJxocpBieSrLjZrhzlSs

HNYgNreODoVPNYN

Lu Wu bowed his head, “There have been no major events recently. This humble servant has been staying with Lord Ning at the Ministry of Rites all day.”iunbiIFojINpHDGKrEXqIGahXXBrvl

YbTTROejuVmohgp

“……”SZaKFGLVocTeisZAEfzppgsikAQBTB

tIHjxUOPvZkUifO

After a few seconds of silence.QfuwTFMqzkDCqJoTDIKhYqxEqLXpAt

dIqbDSTGgVRGgRo

De Quan felt a chill:akjKlXuYuOEoETXbEgoQVJkOQybxAF

ysOEPUZWkmUqHsu

His Majesty hasn’t been with Lord Ning for days, but this guy is with him every day. Really knows how to hit the sore spot!LNADHTRMmHkLsLitHqGdVpVmEvIlRJ

gfdbYLGFZVbgXWr

Li Wuting’s voice came again, “Oh? What has he been doing?”UJEDIdYugVtbGuMdswmkRBsxDQFYwr

BQkYWvErQjIIBRI

Lu Wu, unaffected, reported expressionlessly, “Lord Ning has…no, has caused over ten noble families to compete fiercely, with the situation looking very favorable. He also brings everyone to freeload on the Ministry of Rites’ working meals—”iQTofDZCJtBNLYwsraRlvZCQajJOHV

vffENLBFQrMyaWd

Remembering the meals, his throat moved suspiciously.NhzErYeqkqGKgTcLZrzMXpoMqpsSLJ

UxHnFqMCijQLzLz

Li Wuting tapped the table, “And after work?”ritIrkjZVNzhiyvDJcfNGtZQuUcyqO

wfHjYjkgPDthnJr

Lu Wu recalled Shiyi’s sharing, “After work, he goes home to force two male pigeons to lay eggs.”npGiYbOOxRWTiqSnfijYfPLrZrgzVY

PRdthKAMgyeSuqh

Li Wuting, “…………”msVzIneqRkSFHyWiEAGZlNJtjqcVjB

tkjpBEKNYmdBlQQ

As if he didn’t hear clearly, “What?”wQjWEOicciZRNNncupmXPRSJswyrxx

WUxIUQSfyPnKPLz

Lu Wu, “Forces two male pigeons to lay eggs for him to eat.”RVCqwgowLYflDfRSkppsiONSmyzebZ

kTuImgueRJqqVTp

There was no response for a long time.mVxFooFRtyuBKDqJkiUIpXgwocMVxK

NejrotfAYmGElGH

After a while, the emperor’s voice, seemingly calm, came, “He has the leisure to do this but hasn’t come to the Imperial Study even once?”SEvtUmrhukQQxlEBDrDeyMNXmGDbOY

HctLfIcWMBoXOvp

“Enough, you may leave.”undzBpEedQtmbzvHmVdrIccvHqeLto

iHOEpgIrYczFMep

Lu Wu bowed his head and disappeared instantly.yAYsHmHRjeQvgDGcgNJjeWyXxIJWJq

HxXxjmBIBXlQola

In the Imperial Study, De Quan was furious:nVimrILeLBXErVMYgbgvvIwQncvgpI

BOsSRlVghaPmoYX

Lord Ning, how could you not think of His Majesty more often!uKRwEVwGzmhbiAjDFKcQdIfbxeljVz

gwQmzJwYWZUAmuv

His official robe, which had been washed clean, wasn’t thrown away or sent back but was placed in the side hall of the Imperial Study.SndOfUgefoNjEaIwBsCgKYNhxsKkZI

bAgyHzTWXywRhjP

Wasn’t it obvious that His Majesty wanted to return it personally?ENhXfPHECsfTezTLdxYZBVYDOjHoeI

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De Quan felt he had guessed the emperor’s intentions correctly, just frustrated that Ning Rushen hadn’t come.qivNaVSgNXUnkaDCwUqjaTwANPTdbq

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He was so anxious that his throat was dry. Looking at Li Wuting’s cold expression, he bravely spoke, “In this servant’s opinion, Lord Ning is too busy. He’s done such an outstanding job, yet hasn’t come to report the good news to Your Majesty!”EfwrWxMcLuOhiRZTWdzYnIvJCmKJuO

WYRyNXVgoHrYOVy

Li Wuting glanced at him indifferently.CkXmjKNaaSPSDwVMNyGvhBIHBHcwwD

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He didn’t know what De Quan was guessing, but he wasn’t wrong about one thing…StbdMRIhgNukpPrNRjDJdwiLWNbsmP

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After working so long, it was indeed time to report.qOUMWHqECrcZmzDmtSKkkpcNZzTBog

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Li Wuting lowered his lashes and pondered for a moment, unable to resist the slight itch in his palm, “Summon him to the palace.”tHwlSpSUqpuVcNQAKPrKAvpGxtCJOa

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De Quan was overjoyed, “Yes!”YVmRJGsNhoFjFccZmvsQqmPZTqoqdW

cKOeOqAsBIDgOkz

·eoRAMLZbONBdMYkDeloVccfAhiRkCu

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Ning Mansion, main courtyard.dLornZnorXXVGdEuRnJxenZGANvGMv

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Ning Rushen didn’t know that the pigeons were both male. He was squatting by the cage, trying to matchmake them.PemEXWADSSAsOHGHDKrylrydkROYfl

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Muttering, a palace attendant suddenly came:xhYFMcpNUMVCbgycXUDnHSPyDMlstO

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“Lord Ning, His Majesty summons you.”RHheVbUvcvJqUVAcDNgDVcwlBEHPAK

uCztYWBtZaoJwqm

Ning Rushen turned his head: …at this hour again?sYWUFRPATnwWAuDNYfyelBzSwUDcMq

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He followed the young eunuch into the palace, and as he approached the Imperial Study, he saw De Quan hurrying out from the door.pDEenvUXjXrfoteiMjoDgFFdCyauAe

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“Father-in-law De, long time no see.”gQhBfcuLFuOQZSmWMXpSbqXEKQmjBN

tcOUiGAgcUJXhCz

“Oh Lord Ning, you know it’s been a long time!”YRceMdiiRWJiymzJHKevTZehYckkIi

GknoVfJuahrpozi

De Quan approached quickly, lowering his voice, “Later, when you go in, ask His Majesty, ‘Where are my clothes?’ Understand?”lTzaOdCsBTDLbdkjMxPALFakWakgiS

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Ning Rushen: ???wHSvGxTKNJRxUpdSpQXxyyZMAoGEfT

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He was shocked: No, he didn’t understand—ybvnTpCVADHLZsaYkKjSrCLSkbMFVt

NHaIFQWZsUbTBkt

De Quan, “Have I ever harmed you? When have I been wrong?” His Majesty must be waiting to return the clothes personally.oyqCRfahVFNwhHIqLbXmdeiuBaEdgN

ztsScEBMYODcbcj

Within a few steps, they reached the door of the Imperial Study.tnsmjTwjSqhoeBReeLPZnmcfOLDuwE

nPuQnlwDAbMQgep

Ning Rushen was puzzled but recalled: It seemed he had never been wrong.kbcTPYSsOlygXjzftociXcjQvrpcLb

mFRERIypJOGGNDg

De Quan whispered, “Remember?”yWpugKdWfEjYtKmFrwCKCPncxPaSBX

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Ning Rushen agreed, “Remember.”prxhMTeDcqwxJZGsDcAGfoKgJprkqR

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As he stepped into the Imperial Study, he silently repeated: When I go in, ask—OktAGnapkNNEFVboOLuQmwXnTmkUyC

bfiOEpZixMGgYQt

“Your Majesty, where are my clothes?”bdthDvvYtdxgZwaHFqEylWFBYnrNfo

NZPVdmljpbgnJmJ