Chapter 36
Ning Rushen’s hand trembled when he heard this, nearly throwing his short legs out.zzUmbeimebtYDMsPJIZQHzSxvbLXnA
EHSLydPVhPsehtbHe forced a smile, “It’s my clothes that got stained with the incense.”xcixzYAfifkwFJrIEdHOsouYXHhKky
smTovqCMLjkNBEwLi Jingyu blinked, “Why would Lord Ning’s official robe be stained with the emperor’s…” A large hand suddenly covered his mouth from behind, “Mmm mmm mmm!”ndvjekmZISwJFKsSogxyRvrcmwldBf
ABpLqbFkWywXcFFLi Wuting stepped forward, eyes downcast, “Li Jingyu.”CDlBLPpAftcDrZTklGLpHTRDJxVWax
fxzYuswfbWmFWxfBeing addressed by his full name finally instilled a sense of reverence in Li Jingyu. He obediently slipped down from Ning Rushen’s arms and admitted his mistake, “This minister knows his error.”SemlfwdhWltmbMdGHMYIRSFEbmSgtO
yVooSqxvNurTJxDDe Quan immediately suppressed his bright smile and understandingly said, “This servant will take the little prince to the dining hall.”FvAZFYDvdymsaguASvvzpuAdtYeRuv
LIoQLtFSzVoOJjuA subtle heat arose in Ning Rushen’s heart. He lowered his head to sniff himself, “I clearly aired out my clothes…”gOyIoySMPVHCxDnlYtwUlBgZlsTqLD
LmqGDPQzJvdHDDNAs he turned his head, his slender neck revealed a patch of snow-white skin.IYlkbyzYPzbCAypzEOETLVFsCpkwjm
UOkOVALEdHsHTTxHis delicate collarbone moved, exuding a faint warm fragrance.espUHQjWrSKwjYLwTgUhFfZmIcHvYz
cNXTcpfqsNcQmSPLi Wuting stood half a step in front of him, tapping his fingers on the desk, “What, do you find my incense unpleasant?”ygFeStVlhDxovmUOlxEtIkejYqPzlQ
YXvelZLIpMUDuSxHe pressed his lips together, “It smells too good. I can hardly handle it.”wpioSxhvyzvQwEumpCPOEBgCwZoSan
TRQUBlXunyjGEsjWithout a word, he turned on his heel and left the room, “Follow me.”ZigHEtmcTzYIQluWgTejDlcQDbIrhR
AWgsscIpOsNHkgLIn the dining hall, all the officials from the Ministry of Rites were already inside, respectfully greeting Li Wuting upon his arrival.dWiOzOedHdcaFiJYXEvFyUGXHLpsId
ATIuKpECMlDVSNNLi Wuting said, “Sit as you please, no need for formalities.”wjwfDGHaUDZkNThpmHRwyhpKxiSiTe
SWLEUZnIGfobvhKAs soon as he finished speaking, Ning Rushen darted from behind him and sat by the rice pot, rolling up his sleeves.LTTwNbKXtpSavpwaUmLMFvGwoUBrlk
BZyECAgKCzGQstN“…”otfVFYaHxkFpevpUqECjoyohjaJMtO
yoXADVCapZsNRBNDe Quan’s eyes widened, his voice ringing out, “Ahem ahem!!!”WBeZZXIhzJLjkcEtVdsECCKjwJxChE
nPftgDbDMHzNahKLord Ning, can’t you be more mindful?EEvxWwqhWkMqYsjYYgYVjwQeaccTIV
iUZJthVJrFOdMcZIs your rice pot more important than His Majesty?xOYUljrYruUQRwznvJdWrCTPpbLWAs
uUTZyUSNhnWnZWUJust as Ning Rushen rolled up his sleeves and was about to dig in, he suddenly heard a familiar warning sound. He turned and met De Quan’s frantic signaling:HABJvNtiZxnveVIbGSOXTFCRFBFYIM
SHQRDuhNvwfEvTmRemember His Majesty!MCrFlwPsLZgcheXyKAKBKjWLKcUmTq
zxIttqGwuvVzHcu“…”ONNZdXQclmIXyJbdnGqsumjOYPugGQ
YgiJLENkYuusNgAHis gaze swept the room, noticing that the other officials were cautiously seated according to their ranks, surrounding Li Wuting like stars around the moon.FREKBSocMQtLjfjafpnRnwcIkCxseD
TBqUVSICyKrLdhjOnly he was left with the big rice pot, positioned diagonally opposite Li Wuting.nHopdvAugQwbgSxtumAlCUNtZYXLLX
pZTszuXVRjTPEaqAs far as possible.YSlxsPJwiAMwoHwawFbQEStCGItVPn
xdxMNZocSMVGihrNing Rushen swallowed: gulp.RzRLbMgYclOcSZLFiGdxsIXkdkfORL
nUdLrEPJzONIQsYWhat happened to sitting as you please?CyszVrMibFzQxzzDmmWvOPaWEAowig
ZkSEoYGeumPLhbeIn the quiet dining hall, De Quan, Li Jingyu, and all the officials from the Ministry of Rites were staring at him…qXTKpCYXAxOhsYDYchloSxesKKvLJs
qbwdUhcBouwTbxBLi Wuting said nothing, only lifting his eyes slightly.mfDKAdIgDvgrxmTHmzyTkGirSysYbL
paEdovsScHaLNIpNing Rushen felt a pang of guilt.SxgkeowYGYAHlEOMHabPJPzanOqPGA
cCErcNiVmhtmDNCHe pondered for two seconds, then had a moment of inspiration. He stood up and filled a large bowl of rice, placing it in front of Li Wuting:aRABbhKsLqRbdLfImGTsCMCiFTwRuu
aBOPVujLcrIlvDZ“This minister was serving rice for His Majesty.”onOxVYMWHKjFKKvlAFRpJuuwzVjQNo
FoikGANFssNZyVoThe bowl of rice was piled high, almost overflowing.JDdSiZKBxFxXjEbxINSFecyFAOsgPF
bghoNZLHVvHtCRZEveryone fell silent, “…”ZYFsGkkLnujYpFdaEiyCQwgypgueqo
jWpzkeQTBqLpWjRLi Wuting glanced at it for a moment, “Lord Ning, I don’t even know where to start with this.”rMwkAKfSGfsuUvyIrkBcgzTFdWIziJ
sEEHCHZLZAvsGIuHe commented lightly, “It doesn’t look like you’re serving rice, it looks like a challenge for me.”hFDjUzQRGTUbhBcPhBOfPjdpagKVkC
WkeoNrSNoImaXurNing Rushen: …PhuPWqSZciKBMyODOiTZfFlprBPgOt
SonTpTEmPxvfSbJHe lowered his head in shame, “This minister was too reckless. I’ll serve a new bowl for His Majesty.”aExKdZeXMDJdEZSCrIqlnysdwNiyri
sPLGAvJiLjYeQxTAs he spoke and prepared to leave, he was stopped:QxRFafOckYZUelQvwgXaAKIgFSUKSc
uBhWzyIuivgAZSq“Forget it. I’m not that hard to serve.”fevCORUCCOkHjXsHNiBLCYBFGlqSqf
qJqyfXRufFlBCXa“?”UWKbsSnrPumDxRtlijkjTMESdrAQPY
KjxPJTMCVjyTXhdNing Rushen turned back to see Li Wuting taking an empty bowl and personally scooping half a bowl of rice into it.uSoZYzQxesXzcOunlKtNvQAAHpsrDd
fzdAHPklxQhfnJsThe entire dining hall fell silent enough to hear a pin drop.MaGoutBbNevBAsgXmRTrKPvkuXLAzR
vyFstfzyjwNcKMVAll the officials stared in shock at the emperor’s humble act.HKZIWEOnodoBfgoyPihigcKcdugfTm
atiyONnIbVTHUEQAfter scooping the rice, Li Wuting placed the bowl beside himself and said to Ning Rushen, “Eat.”qdGLleEBuUrWteBfaWmrVxjKlJECLE
uqCfVzSUFEkRdxkNing Rushen hesitated, “But…”kUMlcuIEBqNYokCgVKuwiAKBNDAcNX
ZTiufsmzrjHfSHiLi Wuting, “I said, no need for formalities.”MqvDaibifLCcALnxKSYWjozlXWpCke
YSjmaPasJuDFXOtNing Rushen swallowed his words and sat down beside him, picking up the bowl to eat:YfMdSNVUqoExgtbsUjblTqrTWaFeoW
JETNDGkaAsLTNlrBut, this isn’t enough for him…IILsrnXIcMlZuPjqcsSkzZMMiUgdex
lubqdslENYNhQXMAs Li Wuting began to eat, the other officials finally started moving cautiously.TeZDPGizJoAjXtVMmLYFRODooweJhY
MMsoTLOhtFjRBRKFrom across the table, Li Jingyu glanced at Ning Rushen, then at his own empty bowl:jFHgeGpZugXiWoHHAjLdKMLGFuJBWg
CNmkmbzANYjKndhAs expected, it’s different, and he still wants to fool me.UhcLSjDcKWZentfATzkIBJuJwOirSe
cOALvXnuCTEpOrWAfter lunch, Li Wuting still had other official duties to attend to, so he took Li Jingyu with him as he prepared to leave.ZzcYFqmvZiBZccyFqlJIJEPLTWMZrH
OLFgoYCZHCWiyUuNing Rushen escorted them to the gates of the Ministry of Rites.abYaYcHFZiocJCrUBpJMLNlaGaWkAQ
zkIACxkVlGlHWvuLi Jingyu looked at him eagerly, “Lord Ning, I’ve learned a lot today. Thank you for your guidance.”bbszzmBNHIHptKGfJIFLAEbrfHrOEN
NrSMSdAuGZnBEvz“……”kElPzhVFWDYuetPhIyvQfsuzTiFRyE
jtqCgYUcQCbgySMThe devil’s whisper briefly surfaced in his mind.eBMEbXYdgCqiCdrZrQVdDvTnjryNgd
GwbGeHBnsjmLYZENing Rushen took a breath, “I don’t dare take credit. It’s all thanks to your talent, Your Highness.”WlAqulzsBGiuFWkmAErmahGtJNSMEQ
uBuSNYTQszTndVjLi Jingyu wanted to say more but was suddenly picked up.asZrjhgEAhWmfWSdeDmUADsKeVZmVI
KFRREvSZuWGyKaJ“Ouch!”ADdItKJAZHPUmeqwvnsnTIIWJUXmEE
QDyKllfpqLufBMILi Wuting calmly said, “You’ve learned well. As a reward, you can copy your homework three more times when we return.”INWaMISpnnOaIJQPjoUmrWyIhYxeJk
siUHPnvjRcvZthXNing Rushen was momentarily transported back to his student days:ulegpubNNGALeUlSmqONXmSPazwBny
vsvxVLOJIFFtiWg“Happy birthday, here’s a workbook for you.”jnaeBcNfaUkskiFceJKUHCArdCHkAD
NaLWLPXrdsQGvTORoyal families, from top to bottom, are truly all dark-hearted.mPetUnniJQYATKgKBFtOnaVddBUzvj
tFXDqFgnGCMSzXXHe watched with mixed feelings as Li Jingyu was carried, sobbing, into the carriage. After a respectful farewell, he suddenly saw Li Wuting lift the curtain and turn back:KZYoUwppNenoSpytLjOepzNAXsBxXF
AymnJRFecHoWjAd“Don’t forget the palace examination in a few days, Lord Ning.”MZODlhRkNHYdINGpWVpfHoTHYIOjVB
rlqtQVFnbKEgTCkAs he finished speaking, his gaze seemed to linger on Ning Rushen’s official robe.YJSEMBWsTreIWYIFCMKEbagueKFiYK
cZhmOaXcCCCcnEnThen the curtain dropped, and the carriage sped away.InoycBhPYIofjZalNLplLbIGukmuLo
foxXAcRGRmWDSiYNing Rushen unconsciously tugged at his collar: He had indeed almost forgotten that the palace examination was coming up in late May.KNZbNBIIJNDFSbEfARgPbhFUTpvDoF
cUSDePJTaWKkjpZ·eFfdotNbWoYGawuQODsoCHOGANZxGp
lUGWLCUbvXTqwPEThe palace examination of Dacheng was held in Baohe Hall.hMqprwUaAtJfaEABPtkLpUsoXNqCTg
CaMzgjGTFxkvpojOfficials of the fifth rank and above were allowed to attend and observe.hGQHkRFePrIKHkdukiwhnKrZcAakIL
RktkpaGhrNHvzKYOn the day of the examination, Ning Rushen entered Baohe Hall with a group of officials. The hall was spacious, bright, and grand, exuding the utmost imperial majesty.JCXKoyrfycWWlxcssaDPyEUFYRhxJa
JpLgbWBZURnCbOkOfficials stood on either side of the hall, leaving the center space open.JsqlugyrorRljFFQToKfTHwkOIyrxu
ullUDHVBkcYHPGbNing Rushen was positioned on the outermost row, facing the incoming examinees directly.LyundxXEFLYQbzXTMvkQOUbDlcjAPQ
snZvPqvJFQlhPvYHe instinctively touched his belt:wFDfffnMlcbrjZeouBMRkKHBWRWOhe
UinjbgrKocdAcDCFront row seats, too bad there’s no sunflower seeds…BFUSPwmsrbNkYgJmHmCKBIGxMhUDzu
ioLuWyBEmRuexxuJust as he was thinking this, the bell rang with a hum.DbWFRFmOmPodMXkexMKgVmHVGhYgrH
VhKGmlFxFvEuRZkLi Wuting, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, took his seat above, and De Quan announced in a drawn-out voice:InTBaWomDTetTcWpDvOPVHBQLbxZKm
pHWEqwduFCZHqRM“Announcing the entry of the examinees to meet the emperor—”oTcLmaLPprqbEhFxCafaYDebIeGNJb
GWmApDwUWRIXYwiA group of examinees followed the ceremonial officers into the hall.shKJyRyngrzjpJCBusMOSvpXywQDbb
vFjeoSjhTanmDnDNing Rushen, looking around, saw mostly unfamiliar faces, recognizing only one, “Zhao Shuai,” known for robbing the rich to help the poor. As he observed, he inexplicably felt a subtle gaze on him.dmAFrsCzxCIwfeGjFnwoKVvTApnYNp
YWgDOdGthjenvyO“……?”eBipEfhIxupgOccArVvKvqAgdxFURR
mWrEbXWpZzDbyODNing Rushen checked himself: Was his belt not tied properly?gjswGFxKMWdRrwIWuxKcZVduhaUiau
GrkdnETxuFKkxesThe vice minister of the Ministry of War couldn’t help but whisper, “Lord Ning, you were the top scholar previously.”uHQwpcTLPlXbKQeeJVhEhRtWdesXRv
bRkfJaRdvMzvhFrNing Rushen suddenly understood, “Oh, that’s right.”hZBcIxuUqIrVqXHGbwWuIwROauDBsQ
WDiBCYYvkjKytWNThe vice minister of the Ministry of War, “……”IpxGagNbsDnuJAdoZKlkeEXTuPCPQh
ICMDHShFiofUaueEveryone in this hall is striving for this, can you not be so nonchalant?rqjZveGtmSLtXxEkdrGeZulhHVTSRz
bNOUAQIobLagtrXOpposite, some wanted to curse but held back.QmmtWHJkAEKtCuOmKfTqnsSzaYAkFa
ijorGbHiZSDQgkrNing Rushen didn’t explain further: He was no longer a top scholar, just Li Wuting’s sharp, fragile knife.uWQrcDvvLitgJRqFQekxHBIjynotIF
EOsvVAFYpSIrtqy…IUxGSBSKpLgxRgJhNcQoDnkRMLASJG
eUxSRDTbkqAfOWHBefore the examination, there was a series of elaborate palace rituals.THhTyDiVyklmgxwxoFrDbcSvvgyiYB
lLmlQEfttuSKUxPFinally, the examination began.dTctVFxYJMpKEiGCKIkiiolxsrWSrj
xSDMsHazDVsvMLdLi Wuting, seated above, selected examinees based on their papers for questioning.BFjJLivgrfIwYgctQMdTEsvktIAmST
SGYMGGqkSXfZblWNing Rushen listened to the recitations of classical texts and policies in a daze. After an indeterminate time, just as he stifled a yawn, he suddenly heard the sound of paper shuffling stop.WslSGwdxLUZAsobUqVMywFvehoCmfT
OFlDITkFNdBZYRGLi Wuting’s cold voice dropped, pointing out three examinees in succession: “Evaluate the official appointment system of Dacheng.”IvtYvXjerSZXnLfxDORQwUCaaISWbI
dhEdALUmAKZqgQSEveryone in the hall was instantly stunned:gaRSDmjTgoxsFpsJGFoAZoiYXInalB
VVQlaQFvRtzkYozThree at once?WJrDaKZIXUSaFOfYhTVDYoCCNqsHxM
AAQDCQDvgMUEavWAnd on such a critical topic!RBBYAbhgXirxPyZjpJHaIejkPsOccZ
uxMubSPsgZhkqEPNing Rushen was immediately alert, looking up at Li Wuting.ZNOqvmbAnpxRuxjRojOlVETJVjeDYP
tFyKCiyEwNFwbCqLi Wuting showed no emotion, merely watching the three examinees who stepped forward. They were already sweating profusely, losing their composure before even speaking.eLHPcDlMBcixkBFSyXOZcWNtTXLNIE
CGIXZmVbTsoZsDJAfter a few moments, one examinee cautiously began to answer.ihkmupCQfvmXMFbXErQycPPCzyBQmk
SFeUiGLgSrsgVyCNing Rushen found the voice familiar but couldn’t place it.uOdFGKXVUykCjuKWRfYYVoytQQLIKu
uPZVvsscAXLkISiAs he observed, he noticed Geng Yan across the hall frantically signaling at him with wide eyes, nearly bursting, his hand in his sleeve.qOcrnxvLKpEPIsMwznQIcJftecKYoD
RTPSrElzqgGMeazNing Rushen: …?EWtXwacbqryFDqJOUZdjQEqMCZBpAF
CnasSZGvLMKxSlsWhat madness was Geng Yan up to?LrtLNsXwSPdsxbgGJIILWKBhjSAiEX
yhHlBsXSJIHLzxbJust then, the examinees finished their answers.xAydTEgfwvynYufsvJjQjZvQqOBoOx
aTCOJKbaofdfKSVThere was a brief silence before the emperor’s voice, calm as ever, broke it, “Really? Do you not think our dynasty’s selection process should favor those with refined qualities and elegance?”ZDBcRWASrjcKOXFvNlBtekoTVZghsC
AKhSlLtxcNHTnBWNing Rushen’s heart skipped a beat!CjzynvqpkPsXqSuKXhENXwUJgZuhYC
WmGipdgAAwfiLcEThe examinees in front were also stunned, their faces turning pale as they knelt, trembling, “Forgive us, Your Majesty! We spoke nonsense… Please have mercy!”bdthapRltKNqSOZGrmzdUQpJpUiouJ
qEUasONAAzGdPDoNing Rushen suddenly remembered:mwzAJxBtvdbsDuAiqClAWCSUVVyhly
KbbjrihEBxdBcvtWeren’t these the ones who had previously gossiped about him being chosen for his looks?ueslrktvCZyJJYFIjiDHEsXufhSfyl
OGLvCvPIimeuftLHe glanced at Geng Yan, who winked flamboyantly at him: Remember now?JZBuWpOZbeoTAxfEkcOaTaBRQSEdQj
JyNgmKZCAIkYwcu“……”runqoHaufYJjRLxqJUibnREBXURYKT
wLysRKSYoWBIwZwIt seemed that the shovels were being used to lift tiles.aEMirxDgqRjzHAVgseWnvbAmgDiRNB
AygGOgAIuNzINSZAn unexpected incident had occurred during the palace examination, leaving everyone guessing. Although no one knew exactly what had happened, judging by the Emperor’s reaction, it was likely that these people had failed.eXCGRkqNvcTbwJjVbWYimWBQULMotF
rqMlFafJNPYBxeiThe best outcome would have been to retain their status as tribute students and send them off somewhere.wDosgoiBNnASRYSwAJlhpmjhsSGMEp
rFIfWGhwPnnvteQGeng Yan had made gestures to Ning Rushen: “Vent your anger.”LbFapwsIaOMiUkdOMoeXmBGIRPLXGa
AyKqHBaxPrQetyiNing Rushen had mouthed: “Dream on.”zyYkOngAVeiKlbagzzFtiBAtZKUBCx
zexGCMxKhWxKFLKGeng Yan: …QmNdnPmyBJxBEBogqBmBIRCWeiBNzu
AxgYLcAHMWtCdilNing Rushen had turned away and ignored him. This complicated little dog was always thinking about unrealistic things.XwJOTwpUFkwdhYHwgZtnByTUdUMzqg
XWlUYhnYPuRqHJdLi Wuting had always been impartial.NDYFfQcvAWGdOstdovDoTVnSkKDELr
XHBKaIXEwcPOCiXMoreover… he had glanced at the immovable figure above: they had no personal feelings involved.BOfecZzCkdVbPTWsduXkOMNynJCPcL
mZiPMcXSSSKTvsr—eAGpturyiJPKxcJOKfvgSzgXOJtwqL
fjrBLrsHWMONrEKThe palace examination had finally ended.TWKsLtbCCLgWGmeXkNtQLclSHgqwFS
lcemwgCxjRllxPRLi Wuting had personally appointed the rankings from the top scholar to the others: “Tribute student Fan Wanwen, talented and outstanding, will be the top scholar; tribute student Zhuang Qin, will be the second place; tribute student Qi Siy, will be the third place.”JhdAIbvDTJQHTVyMhipISlRxMvGidr
taKzYvIXgvXyEsfThe top three were set.MXyUhjxlpyviVqfReSQdYVgEExmcbJ
aCWgBlldVlaVsPVLi Wuting had also assigned several positions and instructed the Ministry of Rites and the Hanlin Academy to make arrangements. The four examination banquets would be held on another day.BXyQOldjBNHFgygjxKvKwerYWCuMOY
gtDhyjkYDXoZbCwWith the palace examination dismissed, Li Wuting had left.qbQHHpIBTTDXCOkVnADOaOSxvGfoVJ
InmtEzwHAnHTVhGNing Rushen had reflected on the names just announced.rfSzDCRaQkJOJMJrQWvRXUSiJGFdwL
dPegzEoNtlSfPyxA scene in the imperial study flashed in his mind:wbmSIuxSAoOjvgBpDRqPTHDZArETJp
pFjVPbhMGokBZceAfter the last list of candidates had been released, he seemed to have seen red marks next to a few names at the top. The top three this time seemed to be among them?RQuBAxtaHgcuzzLUstFfBkRnIJMTXE
byhMalSdYMqvuGHAh, no. The memory was vague…NCptazhKQMmHGstXcRhnNbIiHzCGLl
aCzYXKmjVLpsKiqAs he struggled to think, Geng Yan had suddenly rushed up to him, “Ning Chen, you say—”aanththZCijDFOdvqPXQLzfCtpavht
HiRQGuZQqubIAkHThe sudden loud volume had immediately disrupted his thoughts.zfdWPaubGuYlOgOFzjdbbJdbCZNKKL
qNLkSKcDyFoZFRlNing Rushen had pushed his face away, “Your voice is so loud.”sDlFlyTJoUihSqHTaeVXdoisAPuCOa
wLHHFRLBSVGCiWTGeng Yan was as energetic as a lunatic. “Got some free time?”mDPGVMVduijiVVYvAGFOpOVPyTcHKN
stTCjjjUbCoWOYT“No,” Ning Rushen thought of the three who had just been dismissed. “I need to see His Majesty first.”dcVNfSztUAFLrbIGXKCOCSgmRFMBbv
KHyIlPbpQnBmvYw“Oh, oh, oh! Of course, of course~”OFbvyNsaDqfyKABcwVMNiIAHOLjTNu
ePyqTUJWEizjBWO“…”LWgFuvWGkwWkeSrQtTGqOsJxohFInq
bABLKxMFXgtQGIPHis hands itched badly, wanting to twist that dog’s head off.dePBbshpfXEfKvzPQQeDWAoZfhbXtj
gZfZzQUMuLPZsRAAfter bidding farewell to Geng Yan, he followed the path to the imperial study.RdFCMLJHsgXzwmepntylpIouWEBYfh
CAajdJLhBXVRkYbUpon entering the imperial study, he saw Li Wuting, who had just washed his hands, drying his fingers with a handkerchief.jXmhoXtBjILcdZNsTqVIGCBdIGVEYn
ejRWAfbMdJPKBYbThe tall and upright figure, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, seemed to have descended from the clouds right before his eyes.PlEUuwmyEpBoTAhMBXroWCDcOyDCpC
DNtTxsrmCrBpLRBNing Rushen leaned in, “Your Majesty.”BGrMVulkvClASQXZbXsfOkpwGpgjew
sFNteejIBPrMAbQLi Wuting glanced at him. “Why are you stretching your neck like that?”SXmMgfhnzcKDbyXLMoMfeirBxXfbib
pEITvltnKSrMmMn“…” Ning Rushen pulled back. “Listening to the Emperor’s edict.”EWRTghoTyMLhVucJLHGepGkcpjEYos
YivntEYRhRiuZdmLi Wuting settled into his seat behind the imperial desk. “What does Ning Qing wish to hear?”uccRSdnFtZWIGJQZerHFfGiuZfKUrS
DDFKjqJaynAvtpuNing Rushen prepared his words. “The three people at the palace today, did they commit some other offense?”sWIbMrMkgkfXJViQAeawNpCPehwBFz
InOUOZHZztCdNvR“Why do you ask?”pGcQJbEGeznjZQubFXyrEpujtxBwOq
FMnVyhcbjnmxSpC“If there was no other issue, why did Your Majesty dismiss them?”ttRiQyrdCholgRZChiGZwYkUeuMWVp
rVfZzOIEnoiLCxxAfter asking, the room fell silent for a moment.POQYFgAzresFSNjKNhRMxNVcibZlwU
HJNabyNtefbQXCyThen, Li Wuting looked up, his tone calm and unhurried. “Does Ning Qing not know why?”PAqOQzpNXlYKTzXEqluQFYvlIQjyqU
JcrkreeqXOaQXOVNing Rushen met his deep gaze, feeling inexplicably unsettled. He touched his nose. “It couldn’t be because they discussed me, could it?”gPcBvRkvUXMSLhurSBlhcKkDITUPlc
GeJNwCHrYWaiyXf“Zhen…”BUCgmpLCNVpLVSpHlVxodUkAEyKqmx
AzGoMVtCbHMasHSLi Wuting was about to say something when he suddenly stopped.tNyJMMlsLxceRaXWaBOHxFRbISfTnU
VrUFkeNzOiKEMvgHe stared at Ning Rushen’s uneasy face for a moment before curving his lips into a mysterious smile and said:ZDWhdbbNdpoxHwBBzpCSSaMRPJaADA
QzLbVprklRgUVyY“Oh, why not?”XMlGOSlENefPCXXZqWxAmukcMiZUAK
UFudWARKYniObPKseOikEHEpVZXQSjjTwnnCLOtIZMToD
Please tell me he’s finally ready to play. 🙀😻