This official is so weak

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

ndkrjHVZJczyvrd

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.AFcAzkuyzqyUWfvNARVowdggeohQaB

UczfxYpNTQURgQx

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

YeUsWXVFfvuYSoN

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.”imaXRBdywFomWbyuVFlvLwVwXvLYCG

tFRaoFCsFMCpyHA

Shiyi nimbly jumped down, “Two today?”ZxbQZSUFxScYEICmAPvpJSfQeDkTaY

GiAFKLZbXzvUksT

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

DTKLzIhaYefndHu

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

rtPoQctUyyjCHOA

Ning 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

aoMObFQJBwgOMFP

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!EzbGazMtgTrHDMxrsAtYoQwKqiwGch

TdVjboUdOJHnpgP

Beside 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

VRICmMPsTexghfV

Ning Rushen nodded and happily returned to his room.VzqxQeDSyVYGqxkMrFtSnrJHqhReRU

wRvomgZNTSgOCVN

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

TUfnJiaMjyyUwJn

Oh, both are males.DRfFIlALPhvIGBmDMyzaKqsZYAukLS

wSDJbtByqiXUqNL

·ZmTCaSOGSEKYtsjrOTBthjMYSCXvtZ

TvJocYhcExatuFu

The next day, Ning Rushen went to court.BEGBUtVqgelHUCkBiylAXZNuzVGEhd

obmUUpVsCSZGpGi

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

LbKZXpnGVjDnbhU

He was secretly scheming, calculating in his mind:gWDCaOQvvrYzCoNOVwCNNmlqNonUop

rqdZvthHuhCoRgY

How to slaughter gently and without a trace?UCNaDacizOpDDFUBdrEfbiHHxYjpsm

kyETgNNRZXOoaeA

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—”bFRwosOmjgTzzdxLPxhPKuUmxMgDXr

qzWfjrKfMrwpIjE

He snapped back to reality and looked up.cFnRgNdnTQtgUquPboVWOjWFtNCjxk

OapftFzSLxgvaDH

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

UVReDhbVEIWqjai

Ning Rushen was momentarily dazed.HfOfzNvsHplNUzKrjwOViwBbJDOJjt

uWHpEDlHZvlWwwz

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…AtMHnXoqtBQTErtkFezPeapmUAnqAp

NIzRcgxnEIGyFHk

He licked his lips:IZjVnteawIACColJqvnxdhIVgzgyGP

rCCGJCIsAjunpHX

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

kyZyXOEBxLsymMG

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

xFQjAzJVpXEAEPd

Ning 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

VGwWfMGYrePhqJQ

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

PxRJxoQtRZGRExf

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

YxLClfZRcoAtlqK

Their scarlet official robes fluttered in the wind.dnwhsTtcerUeVGDZtLESZOhOOeEzaS

MCgpidXmDDPSuYh

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.prZXffgsHfERMWbKwFfcFUsyDlTZdk

akykvKjoytQgEug

For a moment, the distant court officials speculated:izXneSJSjxZRZuiUpQmsZWCmjWhLcE

CrrWjxsxbgKIhCG

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.CVdINZhuHOWqATLjvkEcRvwhDZBrle

WNSdxzhVGbCzgKX

…FeysSYxdsYBSkIcupOEsVEMXWqtSMp

FJLOXMbCUCCrpKl

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

KFVrFxslEoHEncD

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

kRQvSRHHVgADpDu

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.”VxYpaHiYycdJPSLLyWHyXMWPCpOzGl

hhXwxxIXeNfIzXG

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

TNzyLvxGrSosMOX

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

fEoZucyzBVdTfSD

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

sxsLCwEuUHhpHMz

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.avuhhZfoJbYYTTXNnQoBCbvnYzJjOs

XirQAtDLlxYoVVE

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?”DhZwhWetAbMrrWcDFWRyqjrLSzZPtV

gmKIWfsnvCNMITs

Ning 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

zVsSOhvhtDlcBBh

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

dGVQROyZHrQdQoH

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

cASIVTojbjhWJys

All he could see were weasel tails.IoLDJilcdfJmDqVjkmmwvkJOroyMvm

ecxisLLBPprRrxx

·KQwZkqZFSuffZYrfYCpwGaoTAATjNn

JxvMJWItEdyViir

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

nIiMjakZayCFcSv

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

fRSiZQdhOChicbj

Only 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

tTVhVgxSGYNQfwI

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

EtLktoeBsXBMAen

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

xpmGvPlaRCInqHv

Truly 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

hbVyfgEPhfwtBsi

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

LKWvONLRnCmnKCG

Half an hour later.hilhZhUfEUZsfIOtNseFTzpAcXwYmo

FmEToWCjhZJuzzh

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

iIttZRumyhIJsRd

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

kusZbHrTaWrhJUJ

In the office.xbuPAkmfkyEiZzZXbfcXnKQIvNdicG

aKTpytnQplSxIaB

Ning 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

OCdiqqpNGafKFaP

As they lined up and filled out the forms.yjyPAsTEyxillrqVlFbuyEwsZaSsKB

opdVjNNRXrrAqQz

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

EcuUyAnivqCNJiw

“…Lu Wu?”mqCAIzrFfZFJxyUKcbdvCdEruNVgPv

JMlnsaWqACgDqhW

Lu Wu nodded calmly, “Lord.”hOSPqzBytrkErwMxyPofkXSQsxFdYU

swxvxqEJjEZtvoH

Ning Rushen turned to Shiyi: ?GOUfdknZtedwEjLyANRJPekDKVppcU

greWOCFosVcuLMA

Where did you pluck this guy from?VSmBTfrpcYAkTZxKpEYjPgxDkrGNsd

lKBULEelhXSAINr

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

zzVdHbRhRCMeTIT

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.uAsEHUazyOTHuBzPZmuvuesCNDldzo

qmGVZCQWOjKnLxo

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

QxsBOTwXyUGjHem

As 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

mxqeriZKktmBzCT

The young man was startled by the line!pCLsaUvxRFgSnmTvCMSoPxqusHyvrB

axjEMyYnOwcVZgk

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

KbXKThBZNdpYfVN

—Oh, he’s here.AHHVLkDsScGHgVfTaDGwxJbnSxJzUC

BFsagDpESxsimPz

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

raOkJJCLKYiAqkQ

“…?”oOFNywlAmYILeksKNujfvbgORmKXRm

SLLMNkhNyyaVlmu

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

CGtZGiiMXeBJdaO

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

LXRITCnjfjykwYg

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

SojoCnCMzSKlcGe

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

nTptwVJWxtMTCmc

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

hfDcJSuGVgyaYAM

Ning Rushen gently explained, starting a detailed conversation.CwPfRyFtNuMnWcgdgDoVkRLQuhXRVp

AwPqvROolNHOsKn

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

TKPrrezmXKxiCHo

He 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

DjisxzEhUXiBfjL

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.”kwWwyFHDcySFjDTbsTIgyQlYSWCMyC

ePwKCBLrUSKlnJH

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

OHtTWRxHvSfLOHF

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

QDVWbfWoCBWlEIF

Ning Rushen smiled slightly, “Take care.”hoaYiVvSmpoxkjzffsQtmDBDYNsWLu

FWabRxosignrmAl

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

wXPcJwzCYCQfNIc

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

tAKNzTwsdUeLuAv

Everyone, “…”aWLoZiKRNXSlDRkoIscJtEbhGpdokd

OcltbmBSuyYRfci

You’ve completely fooled him.BqRcefompPBUYAPZAEjdNvanHTFJzB

PxbGRDfIQlmBtec

Competition and news spread rapidly.FyXeCVDINnvJakYIypQdWOpgRKOEcM

CdtQuGhOkSyVBxG

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

HAFsToJZhuzMMeN

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

ltqACHmClboRTql

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.”kyrxDUzzaJyxHFuxeGWoTEymwIFKVP

pHSlxAqVVrEVcOi

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

iXbRjZALmymUuIl

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

EzzKfEewJwzZVvN

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

ecQtkGrmjpcxwAF

The visiting noble families were endless.KtHiZZWgouGEEMeapkTguurEhMvGjR

YQxGKdUdoLAhZky

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

ZyWSCynWwrxpJjj

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

PztlBqiMneGtSwl

Did you lay eggs?IuToyFXrBByisGDqqtYjtykuwTWuEn

pTtVYoeyQNBMQPx

Did you hatch baby pigeons?BMAsVBVfZbqYwyQhwonFHtxUViENXI

DrqxuChBzfpUZDD

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

XVEwESHKhhODDKU

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

GWPPgkXjOUArBGP

…cxQHMBOuXiXQIVEsioZrZPmSSVhmvn

FYPykQRAzyJpmAz

He was here waiting for the pigeons.pnGHMxqYmtgxAdLbxTCvmHPHHCAAEc

EAjpeJtPGojVmEM

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

kfVFLGDNiaDoMGm

In the palace, within the Imperial Study.pPGIIguoGsUZFTRFraIfrETlgQgerJ

amBItHrTVwKGbzC

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

KfTGHhOIVKaWDwb

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.RabrSqsmwabYZOXHlUmWLAFGRbaraQ

wdOhjoNNiuZJZaw

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

vDsvytfDeGLhvfj

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

AcEWRMWkKYIwMfO

De Quan was worried on the side:QcLNFbBrxtGGQdunXoVlJZzEbllfji

VHaxrZsHYidLVHz

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!BdHZVbGvbVYSekFpkkSzscBQstiibM

sCYVzzMtCrDbsKc

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

jwKVPebNFvwknar

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

JIEZVWcOwLOYHGR

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

KzPQYTLacykmsRh

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.ZxyVAbwDuPunXNjtuiJebDmzXfjPmT

XLLDqwvSXMGvyYs

Today, it was Lu Wu’s turn.bfVmUoiikzoaXZLwLEyBVApTbUoyVc

ToYKBKjoHWRTxFu

Li Wuting said, “Speak.”pJfmddtUIEMZDFoQgMYDfAmOqhiaqw

NwLUPpkOsCggzcK

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.”wKuOGtrPiqTuAfDAgQwLpTDlKgZniY

BkuFfmLxcyJNNXf

“……”IpRqPdXGMmWHeKUTLAaozSXxXeMCRK

NnmqcejHQrWjWWc

After a few seconds of silence.NfPGbsOfvFOgkQIhIwqqQPdwsRVuqK

DwZvqNcXdJxzpqI

De Quan felt a chill:cNIBlrHkdxplNlBpYpctyEIdyMJNRc

cLNlYByriLWNIHf

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!jSJXfaoubLMmgQbkagDqBpLHkrUpKV

JPNgOBgETAAJohV

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

nfuICNGkChrIOvX

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—”DKBBJhCLPkZzEPcpxtHPfSQzKVnESo

CQbEFCktxxkFZmt

Remembering the meals, his throat moved suspiciously.ffQsUHQfQcUxtbUDDOOTqBQSnuTvbA

KYcRDraNDdjtceI

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

yLZTTZqCqxJvgFI

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

cJxtWZMWKjfRcTf

Li Wuting, “…………”qZLhOKKTFMAxeMwjrOxrkwmXlHXWMw

gYOEWqhWAmfTLhB

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

GSmZDBITatLJdQa

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

BIDzmmOyiCHRgzB

There was no response for a long time.shDWAuNDoApQaRwobGuobabckWisRp

gwhjnDfYnRyVUMO

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?”aCPWZPCYqclXOQiGTbXtUdeIUqvYGF

ClgahKmXTtTARZa

“Enough, you may leave.”OgXQQwQFAfcqULfbKblLdmuwODgAGO

ggERDmvyRhYRYOP

Lu Wu bowed his head and disappeared instantly.ZURJDbMfwBIYCYxbQWzURaaaLjPWCz

zzbHrPrmPmhOdvA

In the Imperial Study, De Quan was furious:GVpnxqUGpIdkLBtUgiPjSWLKYIsjsD

fhRLiCNadBtIDzz

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

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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.hLgmvPdrwWvQYoaLYoMWuuLobDPKmj

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

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

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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!”apqRGejJwFTDPpqQOKpYemJQsVhcNv

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Li Wuting glanced at him indifferently.ZVQHxEyczGaexDevzVIruviuylAJwt

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

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

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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.”sHFYbEZvHQDzNdFFTPIxIrPfmkYSmF

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De Quan was overjoyed, “Yes!”FzIMuekOHoMfmTFGzBuOKpKQgkCvYV

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Ning Mansion, main courtyard.JpXLxqJcqTMwyFajJwLKHKZwDSYBtJ

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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.zBXecsTeVInWCkqNhPFfZCamtqAJcH

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Muttering, a palace attendant suddenly came:XReguJUgUukgrbHzpSIcAtsrTDwPGc

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“Lord Ning, His Majesty summons you.”AVNzjNlbyGaaQVAYsUweYRocemoeqg

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

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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.HrScLhOYdGMoPaLNZOneOpBNutMKjl

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

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

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

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Ning Rushen: ???WlviIGOEInPMNpiNctopscUDRSBhKl

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

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

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

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

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De Quan whispered, “Remember?”NyjJrwwTLlyJLwCvrYCEiNKCYGntBx

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Ning Rushen agreed, “Remember.”bXvwaZQFetIHNVTsdxKeZoeiYkabyT

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

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“Your Majesty, where are my clothes?”KLcCFhhXdeEFHChIVNuBvOnHggvRXr

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