Chapter 34
Ning Rushen scrutinized it for a moment, then plucked it again, swallowing hard, unable to let go.bNDfWRFNhuUILvMTzwWXjjGMNoiIYV
ndkrjHVZJczyvrdHe 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.AFcAzkuyzqyUWfvNARVowdggeohQaB
UczfxYpNTQURgQxWhy not breed these pigeons first, hatch some eggs, and raise a flock of little pigeons…DWRPbgfqqdulwiIMXqktJatiHqiCEW
YeUsWXVFfvuYSoNThe 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.”imaXRBdywFomWbyuVFlvLwVwXvLYCG
tFRaoFCsFMCpyHAShiyi nimbly jumped down, “Two today?”ZxbQZSUFxScYEICmAPvpJSfQeDkTaY
GiAFKLZbXzvUksTNing Rushen, “Crazy Thursday.” Bought them at a discount.qnljjiTZKPjErNUWrplbgWOAmfquaI
DTKLzIhaYefndHuThat afternoon, a newly built pigeon cage was set up in a corner of the main courtyard.enaoGoQStqtqsXnEOnKMutXPuDrmXB
rtPoQctUyyjCHOANing Rushen, thinking of future pigeon feasts, pampered them with luxurious food:HYJQucFUPrKIknYpCwRrVVvyrEsVOS
nJshHSWWCXzDfyu“Eat up, eat up, a full stomach leads to lascivious thoughts.”NBdrDexdHxhGxfApGcRcoUEwrhIQQT
aoMObFQJBwgOMFPThe 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!EzbGazMtgTrHDMxrsAtYoQwKqiwGch
TdVjboUdOJHnpgPBeside him, Yan Min curiously observed, “Master, are you keeping pets?”JyDGFOdsRONtEKTwqhZwMgIWzTdaiD
yTlJQNqiRzJyxcR“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.”paFoAnPnEDHJXoPBRqSDKhIjQrNdUa
VcSJBQReUpyLrok“Yes, Master!”xiktNFMELmgKDEVbWoWRjKzUGWZgyN
VRICmMPsTexghfVNing Rushen nodded and happily returned to his room.VzqxQeDSyVYGqxkMrFtSnrJHqhReRU
wRvomgZNTSgOCVNAfter he left, Yan Min glanced at the cage for a while, then reached out and flipped the pigeons’ tails:INKFPdehpScNAsZtQjGJJFKMqdTnyj
TUfnJiaMjyyUwJnOh, both are males.DRfFIlALPhvIGBmDMyzaKqsZYAukLS
wSDJbtByqiXUqNL·ZmTCaSOGSEKYtsjrOTBthjMYSCXvtZ
TvJocYhcExatuFuThe next day, Ning Rushen went to court.BEGBUtVqgelHUCkBiylAXZNuzVGEhd
obmUUpVsCSZGpGiDuring the morning session, the decree had already been issued to the public, undoubtedly causing a stir among the noble families in the capital.EHLfBAUepOyIwJuMyxxtqbqhKRIuvk
LbKZXpnGVjDnbhUHe was secretly scheming, calculating in his mind:gWDCaOQvvrYzCoNOVwCNNmlqNonUop
rqdZvthHuhCoRgYHow to slaughter gently and without a trace?UCNaDacizOpDDFUBdrEfbiHHxYjpsm
kyETgNNRZXOoaeAAfter 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—”bFRwosOmjgTzzdxLPxhPKuUmxMgDXr
qzWfjrKfMrwpIjEHe snapped back to reality and looked up.cFnRgNdnTQtgUquPboVWOjWFtNCjxk
OapftFzSLxgvaDHHe saw Li Wuting stand up, the bright yellow dragon robe accentuating his cold, handsome profile, exuding an unattainable noble dignity.yKnTiDYqTxryqnvsZJdfoUQyfHiHVL
UVReDhbVEIWqjaiNing Rushen was momentarily dazed.HfOfzNvsHplNUzKrjwOViwBbJDOJjt
uWHpEDlHZvlWwwzHe 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…AtMHnXoqtBQTErtkFezPeapmUAnqAp
NIzRcgxnEIGyFHkHe licked his lips:IZjVnteawIACColJqvnxdhIVgzgyGP
rCCGJCIsAjunpHXCould it be that he had turned this dragon robe into a cat climbing frame?pEMjDcESfAnqoANhJawGPDMfbImBXt
kyZyXOEBxLsymMGWhile he was pondering, Li Wuting’s figure had already disappeared behind the hall.TUOJHUKipJIHeQgSAZIXFOUYskmwUe
xFQjAzJVpXEAEPdNing Rushen hesitated, unsure whether to go to the Imperial Study to report.ORaVqXLUruJrAQrJKCzbShtpLqalhN
hGmGYrNsDkiXwhR“Master Ning—” At that moment, Guan Fan approached from the other end, enthusiastically turning him around to face outside the hall:JtesHUYxAGDJWQVKjDAzWjRtKocxIn
SIIklqLNDsCcKQh“Let’s go, time to head to the Ministry of Rites!”GetJHRKKjVJogMdjmdAKAJLtNfewot
rAxOXddHwGsOLAA“…” Ning Rushen was half-pushed out, “Oh, okay.”GoOhGIBjymznrrypmpMUEKOuWVGrDV
VGwWfMGYrePhqJQNever mind, Li Wuting hadn’t summoned him anyway.vFdRcNRtPbTpOKBfwdOIhxwViAxEgs
PxRJxoQtRZGRExfThe two chatted as they walked out of the palace together.rZOGOzTJCiOPHbZsGCCXKcxWXyjCxI
YxLClfZRcoAtlqKTheir scarlet official robes fluttered in the wind.dnwhsTtcerUeVGDZtLESZOhOOeEzaS
MCgpidXmDDPSuYhOne 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.prZXffgsHfERMWbKwFfcFUsyDlTZdk
akykvKjoytQgEugFor a moment, the distant court officials speculated:izXneSJSjxZRZuiUpQmsZWCmjWhLcE
CrrWjxsxbgKIhCGWith the decree just issued, causing turmoil among various factions, these two top figures of the Ministry of Rites must be discussing countermeasures in secret.CVdINZhuHOWqATLjvkEcRvwhDZBrle
WNSdxzhVGbCzgKX…FeysSYxdsYBSkIcupOEsVEMXWqtSMp
FJLOXMbCUCCrpKlOn the long path outside the palace gates, Ning Rushen asked excitedly, “What are we having for lunch today?”lDUtBWZToTxlJpBRxqqhnGEXWmbrYc
KFVrFxslEoHEncDGuan Fan replied, “Braised eggplant, fried four treasures, and roasted goose!”ArcRVIBBLKDwPSVwYjWpHsBgkqSfhM
kRQvSRHHVgADpDuNing 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.”VxYpaHiYycdJPSLLyWHyXMWPCpOzGl
hhXwxxIXeNfIzXGGuan Fan suggested, “You can also keep some pigeon eggs.”RIyHPQeorwbxPvDwHMVOWCPovJFIUF
TNzyLvxGrSosMOXNing Rushen realized this was a great idea, casting an admiring glance: indeed, the older, the wiser, not missing a single detail.ptRsHqrOjJDUzQzNFpEzHSOmWglvxJ
fEoZucyzBVdTfSDThey arrived at the Ministry of Rites in a cheerful mood.wVeBXguFmlXrMZOpZGyNpwPEJZUrSg
sxsLCwEuUHhpHMzNing Rushen’s office was set up separately. After parting ways with Guan Fan, he entered the room, finding it bright, clean, and neatly organized.avuhhZfoJbYYTTXNnQoBCbvnYzJjOs
XirQAtDLlxYoVVESeveral 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?”DhZwhWetAbMrrWcDFWRyqjrLSzZPtV
gmKIWfsnvCNMITsNing Rushen sat down, “Just make sure not to show your tails.”xyHlSlXceXYcMCXnPKyEIxARMyhiea
vpVnksuGXxqZxAJ“???”JkLlIihlxYtVbdSkFobkYHSASSoyLB
bfRjoTDhfwckLnt“Oh, I mean, try to be kind and show our sincerity and benefits to the others.”XqONLaHkYJwriVhhekuochMlLmvtFa
zVsSOhvhtDlcBBhThey forced out a smile, “Like this?”ppWrtExuCGSaYNBmSgZhjUItsdKiBi
dGVQROyZHrQdQoH“…” Ning Rushen sighed, “Forget it.”rcDWnsmqxWZNTLvkwmsOZDcFmqGvCF
cASIVTojbjhWJysAll he could see were weasel tails.IoLDJilcdfJmDqVjkmmwvkJOroyMvm
ecxisLLBPprRrxx·KQwZkqZFSuffZYrfYCpwGaoTAATjNn
JxvMJWItEdyViirToday was the first day of the decree’s implementation.BfngzAivvHGbADSMIfXqgcVfBlQRFS
nIiMjakZayCFcSvMany noble families were still observing, and by the afternoon, the office remained unvisited.DKOewzOXglWRbBjYJZnVbDNVhWcQrC
fRSiZQdhOChicbjOnly the people he sent out came back to report, “It seems some family servants are outside investigating.”gvWoFSliASbjoJuXjzJswxnarXrtFc
hbxDgdmuGFbENUZ“Lord, we can’t advance like this.”dVaBwMQaCpHJAfpQMFqxmjggJNMbxW
tTVhVgxSGYNQfwINing Rushen leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers, “Hmm…”okDhWidZmGDDsQuDJmdVFIklhBXiVi
EtLktoeBsXBMAenAs he pondered, the reporting official watched him, sweating a bit:ZFOkEPvKwcSugTnAFiZqGtQAvazuoz
xpmGvPlaRCInqHvTruly the Emperor’s favorite, mimicking the Emperor’s posture and expression during his inspections of the Ministry of Rites…dZUuMzRAuBfzmCDGZdMaXIdeDVNZYr
XScxFmdvjBKayxW“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.”kQZFzdLVeBWmXcbktgTTMumIWJMqks
hbVyfgEPhfwtBsiThe official snapped back to reality: What? Pata??OEpmFczmpghPZGGIkrPeylEbrANQAe
LKWvONLRnCmnKCGHalf an hour later.hilhZhUfEUZsfIOtNseFTzpAcXwYmo
FmEToWCjhZJuzzhFive or six well-dressed individuals holding greeting cards walked into the Ministry of Rites.TSeFJalUQRybWqNjZsCxLLyEFAtoGY
iIttZRumyhIJsRdThe servants observing from afar saw this and hurried back to report.oCHEamvkLAkblAMcfAfYwOmRcgRgUp
kusZbHrTaWrhJUJIn the office.xbuPAkmfkyEiZzZXbfcXnKQIvNdicG
aKTpytnQplSxIaBNing Rushen watched as Shiyi and the others, disguised as stewards and heads of noble families, filled out the bidding forms.yRELTKWKhUsAnFxgNnptFWipZkdhdP
eBLfjKwtorkLBeG“Just fill in a name… Don’t write Pata. Yes, fill in those sections too; the act must be complete.”CIZYFdStFxKCNbutfosTQeKBCqpyFj
dNzQLCyDyPrmKfv“After filling them out, line up in front. Tonight, I’ll let you join the Ministry of Rites’ dinner; I’ll inform Lord Guan.”ibrWfonluToaFwEuoZFuAYtbGDpHuF
OCdiqqpNGafKFaPAs they lined up and filled out the forms.yjyPAsTEyxillrqVlFbuyEwsZaSsKB
opdVjNNRXrrAqQzNing Rushen’s eyes caught a familiar face. He racked his brain:ooDQkqaRaeQZXYaJDDsvfzDeIqItro
EcuUyAnivqCNJiw“…Lu Wu?”mqCAIzrFfZFJxyUKcbdvCdEruNVgPv
JMlnsaWqACgDqhWLu Wu nodded calmly, “Lord.”hOSPqzBytrkErwMxyPofkXSQsxFdYU
swxvxqEJjEZtvoHNing Rushen turned to Shiyi: ?GOUfdknZtedwEjLyANRJPekDKVppcU
greWOCFosVcuLMAWhere did you pluck this guy from?VSmBTfrpcYAkTZxKpEYjPgxDkrGNsd
lKBULEelhXSAINrShiyi explained, “A fellow Jinyiwei. Saw him eating sweet dumplings on the street and recruited him on the spot.”EzHhHAupApBBHptzHudQEnQgZeKxGd
zzVdHbRhRCMeTITNing 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.uAsEHUazyOTHuBzPZmuvuesCNDldzo
qmGVZCQWOjKnLxoHe didn’t say it aloud, only remarking, “Thanks for your help.”TiDxvUycvyvLmjpZstZVwNpaOreJhr
QxsBOTwXyUGjHemAs they were filling out the forms, a subordinate led a young man in a dark blue brocade robe inside:zeloYqZcBCMxsFXwhYZtGenJshpoBg
ZEWIxMSFnoWqiZy“Lord, a representative from the Lu family is here.”RxznxQjSnYCmHXckJKAaalHaoUKlDT
mxqeriZKktmBzCTThe young man was startled by the line!pCLsaUvxRFgSnmTvCMSoPxqusHyvrB
axjEMyYnOwcVZgkHe looked over from the end of the line, “Lord?”nhHkuWZiHJTvKfqnxGrSxgexgEPRoW
KbXKThBZNdpYfVN—Oh, he’s here.AHHVLkDsScGHgVfTaDGwxJbnSxJzUC
BFsagDpESxsimPzNing Rushen sat up straight, “Don’t worry, there are six families ahead of you. Please wait.”mpPUBoCTYlAHWKthNeCvOJqNOCRBYG
raOkJJCLKYiAqkQ“…?”oOFNywlAmYILeksKNujfvbgORmKXRm
SLLMNkhNyyaVlmuWhen it was the young man’s turn, two quarters had passed.PQaNlpEVYYhfLoNsgAgjLesqrLbpBx
CGtZGiiMXeBJdaONing Rushen glanced at the form information: Lu Ke, from an old pastry family in the capital, with some ties to the Imperial Censor.DuedZuZHiMbKHxKySzdZUAFyxxudBR
LXRITCnjfjykwYgHe looked at it and placed the paper on top of a stack of registration forms.pcrHyTVJmNogeaOvUaHnKFBPmFSlfB
SojoCnCMzSKlcGeLu Ke was immediately alarmed, “Am I at the bottom?”AXpVwvrUOScIMbnqKcJcpTtRKxugmH
nTptwVJWxtMTCmc“Don’t worry, it’s just based on arrival order.”cWulgcjNhiFdPAHvlsBtazLNQAflIG
hfDcJSuGVgyaYAMNing Rushen gently explained, starting a detailed conversation.CwPfRyFtNuMnWcgdgDoVkRLQuhXRVp
AwPqvROolNHOsKnFrom strict screening criteria, to rare promotional spots, to advertising benefits, and long-term returns…gfcpztfsoiXxebmuUxAJWCggNQNvDm
TKPrrezmXKxiCHoHe made it sound so reasonable that Lu Ke was dizzy:hllUXHXNekAHiwmLwuUxPpRZRSfqVP
LPxCXuicZvuHCCS“So, do you think I have a chance of winning the bid?”IpuxTIcNkvYWXCwnXKpsjidjEyhrIt
PLKThHqJbroIHbH“As it stands, you have hope.”zrZsQHKrGaWsnNFWeQfmIvyCWBBHRA
DjisxzEhUXiBfjLNing 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.”kwWwyFHDcySFjDTbsTIgyQlYSWCMyC
ePwKCBLrUSKlnJHHis fair complexion and clear eyes, along with his soft voice, made Lu Ke feel he was kind and gentle, and so good-looking…hcFxBxsUukFWltuglZlkpcifTBjLTZ
OHtTWRxHvSfLOHFLu Ke unconsciously held his breath and lowered his voice, “Yes, thank you, Lord.”JqOokuuhedHlQiyBDaWZFaRPOsrswi
QDVWbfWoCBWlEIFNing Rushen smiled slightly, “Take care.”hoaYiVvSmpoxkjzffsQtmDBDYNsWLu
FWabRxosignrmAlAfter Lu Ke left, the extras and subordinates all looked at him in unison.qBSUKWfTyHohfajoNmjIYrCzKquqLx
wXPcJwzCYCQfNIcNing Rushen retracted his smile and instructed, “Negotiate like this, understand?”DaTOkwDZoJFRqAmJYhsUxodTcWnSto
tAKNzTwsdUeLuAvEveryone, “…”aWLoZiKRNXSlDRkoIscJtEbhGpdokd
OcltbmBSuyYRfciYou’ve completely fooled him.BqRcefompPBUYAPZAEjdNvanHTFJzB
PxbGRDfIQlmBtecCompetition and news spread rapidly.FyXeCVDINnvJakYIypQdWOpgRKOEcM
CdtQuGhOkSyVBxGWithin two days, more and more noble families sent people to submit their bids.JZjuBKhaycSiJCLHIdiWniTNRUgruy
HAFsToJZhuzMMeNEach of them hesitated as they entered, and limped out.kqzbVOtknbMJdAqlhWRsAvXWtNupmJ
ltqACHmClboRTqlDuring 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.”kyrxDUzzaJyxHFuxeGWoTEymwIFKVP
pHSlxAqVVrEVcOiGuan Fan rolled up his sleeves and ate with Ning Rushen, sighing, “Lord Ning, why do you bring your family along?”zqcPpofykiDsoTLIJwKpiwYtythdWG
iXbRjZALmymUuIlNing Rushen slurped his food, “We’re about to get rich, so we should pay them some appearance fees.”hyvyEaNMIiXIXrygHjCqcsuRqqfODS
EzzKfEewJwzZVvNGuan Fan, having learned many new terms these days, agreed generously, “Indeed!”kpniMFjSYAPhzjYudEkuuvjpWzQQEE
ecQtkGrmjpcxwAFThe visiting noble families were endless.KtHiZZWgouGEEMeapkTguurEhMvGjR
YQxGKdUdoLAhZkyFor five or six days straight, Ning Rushen ran to the Ministry of Rites right after the morning court, busy as a bee.xRiuDxmrkVIhLBRyDagIOaYOzBnCUT
ZyWSCynWwrxpJjjAt night, he finally had time to check on his fat pigeons:MMrsOwGTeVhmiEMxoAYyfdoEtVVfCp
PztlBqiMneGtSwlDid you lay eggs?IuToyFXrBByisGDqqtYjtykuwTWuEn
pTtVYoeyQNBMQPxDid you hatch baby pigeons?BMAsVBVfZbqYwyQhwonFHtxUViENXI
DrqxuChBzfpUZDDHowever, after a week, the cage was still empty.jspSbFeEyYjZQWiUDUQdbOvqIwHPzf
XVEwESHKhhODDKUNing Rushen sighed while holding the cage: Living together without love is truly a pile of loose sand.zOvbJEFbloYarBhGdawVPJTvgnExbn
GWPPgkXjOUArBGP…cxQHMBOuXiXQIVEsioZrZPmSSVhmvn
FYPykQRAzyJpmAzHe was here waiting for the pigeons.pnGHMxqYmtgxAdLbxTCvmHPHHCAAEc
EAjpeJtPGojVmEMHe didn’t realize he had neglected the person on the throne for several days.GjcLLrGWuXFDKgsOlkqeudwxfBhrbB
kfVFLGDNiaDoMGmIn the palace, within the Imperial Study.pPGIIguoGsUZFTRFraIfrETlgQgerJ
amBItHrTVwKGbzCAs night fell, a few intricately carved lamps were lit.dJrnyFILybtBaQmUsNdSMRxuWUBRZg
KfTGHhOIVKaWDwbLi 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.RabrSqsmwabYZOXHlUmWLAFGRbaraQ
wdOhjoNNiuZJZawThe palace attendants stood quietly on both sides with their heads lowered.IwmhZIuRngypyfnYPiLlarPthPaqIp
vDsvytfDeGLhvfjIn the silent space, the pressure was inexplicably low.kSfvlGQwWXRhyUbErSEFVyDMPmurxO
AcEWRMWkKYIwMfODe Quan was worried on the side:QcLNFbBrxtGGQdunXoVlJZzEbllfji
VHaxrZsHYidLVHzSigh, 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!BdHZVbGvbVYSekFpkkSzscBQstiibM
sCYVzzMtCrDbsKcThere was a sound of a brush being put down on the desk.SLCFXplnlyHvyMLREqlGaJtiLcalGd
jwKVPebNFvwknarLi Wuting had finished his work and rubbed his temples, calling out, “Lu Wu.”YYjAaZhMmOXZTMHyJaEaDgfTZQbWbL
JIEZVWcOwLOYHGRA figure immediately appeared before the desk, “Your Majesty.”QGSRbezEcDyXZFMhwteFHRLVwosPNH
KzPQYTLacykmsRhEvery 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.ZxyVAbwDuPunXNjtuiJebDmzXfjPmT
XLLDqwvSXMGvyYsToday, it was Lu Wu’s turn.bfVmUoiikzoaXZLwLEyBVApTbUoyVc
ToYKBKjoHWRTxFuLi Wuting said, “Speak.”pJfmddtUIEMZDFoQgMYDfAmOqhiaqw
NwLUPpkOsCggzcKLu 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.”wKuOGtrPiqTuAfDAgQwLpTDlKgZniY
BkuFfmLxcyJNNXf“……”IpRqPdXGMmWHeKUTLAaozSXxXeMCRK
NnmqcejHQrWjWWcAfter a few seconds of silence.NfPGbsOfvFOgkQIhIwqqQPdwsRVuqK
DwZvqNcXdJxzpqIDe Quan felt a chill:cNIBlrHkdxplNlBpYpctyEIdyMJNRc
cLNlYByriLWNIHfHis 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!jSJXfaoubLMmgQbkagDqBpLHkrUpKV
JPNgOBgETAAJohVLi Wuting’s voice came again, “Oh? What has he been doing?”ACXsrmJoLkfmtGInPadrzImZIpiklz
nfuICNGkChrIOvXLu 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—”DKBBJhCLPkZzEPcpxtHPfSQzKVnESo
CQbEFCktxxkFZmtRemembering the meals, his throat moved suspiciously.ffQsUHQfQcUxtbUDDOOTqBQSnuTvbA
KYcRDraNDdjtceILi Wuting tapped the table, “And after work?”tVHnLrynvlUVzddNnPCVnRvycaLxiX
yLZTTZqCqxJvgFILu Wu recalled Shiyi’s sharing, “After work, he goes home to force two male pigeons to lay eggs.”XZGtRJyXUWwvUPiloDRCQrfEThuKhA
cJxtWZMWKjfRcTfLi Wuting, “…………”qZLhOKKTFMAxeMwjrOxrkwmXlHXWMw
gYOEWqhWAmfTLhBAs if he didn’t hear clearly, “What?”kpECuejrdYPeuvSReUTFAYQAipTazL
GSmZDBITatLJdQaLu Wu, “Forces two male pigeons to lay eggs for him to eat.”zstRfLHicGvrrBLZYrYKjAPqtvttnw
BIDzmmOyiCHRgzBThere was no response for a long time.shDWAuNDoApQaRwobGuobabckWisRp
gwhjnDfYnRyVUMOAfter 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?”aCPWZPCYqclXOQiGTbXtUdeIUqvYGF
ClgahKmXTtTARZa“Enough, you may leave.”OgXQQwQFAfcqULfbKblLdmuwODgAGO
ggERDmvyRhYRYOPLu Wu bowed his head and disappeared instantly.ZURJDbMfwBIYCYxbQWzURaaaLjPWCz
zzbHrPrmPmhOdvAIn the Imperial Study, De Quan was furious:GVpnxqUGpIdkLBtUgiPjSWLKYIsjsD
fhRLiCNadBtIDzzLord Ning, how could you not think of His Majesty more often!oBfXJOMwZWdImkGIeRIAaVDhDJETKX
NHgMJabAFuonvdJHis 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.hLgmvPdrwWvQYoaLYoMWuuLobDPKmj
lBSoNheAduaxOFYWasn’t it obvious that His Majesty wanted to return it personally?jSzIfdVzgLEdfusJzusuRFfcjNQNEr
veasJXcMRjDJlyiDe Quan felt he had guessed the emperor’s intentions correctly, just frustrated that Ning Rushen hadn’t come.SDmUGVRyZDrINtDgQDSIESmTEqGGOL
nVgQimmxJMkFVNNHe 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!”apqRGejJwFTDPpqQOKpYemJQsVhcNv
mFTTKiSDLpmVwUoLi Wuting glanced at him indifferently.ZVQHxEyczGaexDevzVIruviuylAJwt
mFDEBiQvLhgNVtVHe didn’t know what De Quan was guessing, but he wasn’t wrong about one thing…LGXfdrgzLjlpxukySJlpOeTCPqcWwl
aoGUMuRAKrRQsDPAfter working so long, it was indeed time to report.YMYtPapNingTaXlOMCqRORhStsEMRz
hEbrOEicHlgygsgLi Wuting lowered his lashes and pondered for a moment, unable to resist the slight itch in his palm, “Summon him to the palace.”sHFYbEZvHQDzNdFFTPIxIrPfmkYSmF
qeaxLilicKlouLBDe Quan was overjoyed, “Yes!”FzIMuekOHoMfmTFGzBuOKpKQgkCvYV
VqXTOKVkMNaCJYE·BfIFHKoNBYekcfxMSRJbLVYKGoXhYT
DULxqaXMbxPAOuqNing Mansion, main courtyard.JpXLxqJcqTMwyFajJwLKHKZwDSYBtJ
PCBKzJJuczHmjHgNing Rushen didn’t know that the pigeons were both male. He was squatting by the cage, trying to matchmake them.zBXecsTeVInWCkqNhPFfZCamtqAJcH
SRZmckeHNeeFpIJMuttering, a palace attendant suddenly came:XReguJUgUukgrbHzpSIcAtsrTDwPGc
MbGUtfskiUaJqiM“Lord Ning, His Majesty summons you.”AVNzjNlbyGaaQVAYsUweYRocemoeqg
JBXukmPrplSkKygNing Rushen turned his head: …at this hour again?dxamBIcevjuGhQWHiepTBDUuLfpuNx
hmfwjLStsJxqsCBHe followed the young eunuch into the palace, and as he approached the Imperial Study, he saw De Quan hurrying out from the door.HrScLhOYdGMoPaLNZOneOpBNutMKjl
KqRVWMcpoBOYoqI“Father-in-law De, long time no see.”OtTsmcWhEKINMVJwOBoduXxTzubGpo
aCSLGeponsKWgtL“Oh Lord Ning, you know it’s been a long time!”IRdQUuyPYpPsretUZnMEyPraTSAPgS
VJQvVAOXmtzROdVDe Quan approached quickly, lowering his voice, “Later, when you go in, ask His Majesty, ‘Where are my clothes?’ Understand?”zfNcHrqFKAkwEZamTxsEIMnUZpnSLq
gMUrOqDTQPJnbeHNing Rushen: ???WlviIGOEInPMNpiNctopscUDRSBhKl
fxeuCMyCorBvCXPHe was shocked: No, he didn’t understand—IpmhxFseUopIQPUbikYIXDvIDMTaQA
ZOSFTeBrAJIppYpDe Quan, “Have I ever harmed you? When have I been wrong?” His Majesty must be waiting to return the clothes personally.hlkBBjutHTbmsfQbdyqQxQYvGaqcBa
ZAkZcuxnfOJkNenWithin a few steps, they reached the door of the Imperial Study.ecrqVdkDBcMUcaKZTNdQPVPrXulNNi
GSvGPKKyMxoDXgPNing Rushen was puzzled but recalled: It seemed he had never been wrong.BoPZKFfAyiHoSGuRohIPRRrjpdQSZT
UNjMViLKfSyyOaMDe Quan whispered, “Remember?”NyjJrwwTLlyJLwCvrYCEiNKCYGntBx
JALVzcHPwidhZPYNing Rushen agreed, “Remember.”bXvwaZQFetIHNVTsdxKeZoeiYkabyT
stEBmuDxQpJysEPAs he stepped into the Imperial Study, he silently repeated: When I go in, ask—bSoERYcVXLlCXJSYPwWVZpqxzFcKhP
iigqqnsObIXyUML“Your Majesty, where are my clothes?”KLcCFhhXdeEFHChIVNuBvOnHggvRXr
TVvTUrapnDekNFHmEqFMLAzoXwgNFBWDlXulvgLktfgFO