This official is so weak

Ning Rushen’s hand trembled when he heard this, nearly throwing his short legs out.eNuLkufYSmiLVDJeRjMJZKiRrHKKHk

vfJRRJcuzWdIDbb

He forced a smile, “It’s my clothes that got stained with the incense.”FBWmHQVNBtmDuUFSyLjKvsCZttMNvf

ADtAAKpIOicVatV

Li 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!”xunryzQDTNIjxfwWQtXLSGBaBbedQs

iJbxLGwldZdYdFZ

Li Wuting stepped forward, eyes downcast, “Li Jingyu.”EKwyzruCBLszQWwsicRlbyOoVuARhV

nZovKZdBfZuTuMj

Being 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.”NopbFBCNQQjncnOsBuenLHthaAlhlK

qSZzqabYlXjvdTg

De Quan immediately suppressed his bright smile and understandingly said, “This servant will take the little prince to the dining hall.”uhDWulRCBEVOUNPNqVsQYmkIspVWCx

LmjqCfjbAzUMhqj

A subtle heat arose in Ning Rushen’s heart. He lowered his head to sniff himself, “I clearly aired out my clothes…”CqmmnkpiHwbBPrZqPljwFWFADBAAyJ

JaaBioSEDFfIXqv

As he turned his head, his slender neck revealed a patch of snow-white skin.HpaSnFxVXgZUDAIGMQvJNaHIKCICPo

zwvDnUyrUewGfgo

His delicate collarbone moved, exuding a faint warm fragrance.VBeIRKMJYMfUnDYZhsbSugtACBSswE

BzQQcPLLIItTTpl

Li Wuting stood half a step in front of him, tapping his fingers on the desk, “What, do you find my incense unpleasant?”ZJyIXMVHUWXrwJNIImdtpWrEXwkizv

KwwDTwIQWgoGSjc

He pressed his lips together, “It smells too good. I can hardly handle it.”JnenwffylELNEXPaPxATSgEDgJCgGV

fhRYnBGHKHmBxfe

Without a word, he turned on his heel and left the room, “Follow me.”lWBVGWwRLmDinpnYBcDvvVlTKXjuCr

XwrWfccgTXGoNPP

In the dining hall, all the officials from the Ministry of Rites were already inside, respectfully greeting Li Wuting upon his arrival.dUukUjzvzRJUXsxsmbsGzccnDEnjsG

qVapMeQfyuvunje

Li Wuting said, “Sit as you please, no need for formalities.”RIksNbYEXqJVtMYmtjvlYoPJtUBbUa

zPUDTjQghfbRQec

As soon as he finished speaking, Ning Rushen darted from behind him and sat by the rice pot, rolling up his sleeves.uEqYwwzGMDEqmVuyltUsGxNHwQaiqs

gvBrrVIvKByijiY

“…”OdqIVNnYeqNqyNOjkdVnHAWweILEXM

ZCfqlEwJcJGlQZz

De Quan’s eyes widened, his voice ringing out, “Ahem ahem!!!”CueMtCPcMwlpHuyQSpPKWFQSgBNfQL

bggwZiTpkebHHIN

Lord Ning, can’t you be more mindful?EDeiIbptjgSpouNCXZkHnuwdUvBCzL

JegVIVuHgDhfNDe

Is your rice pot more important than His Majesty?RZkoNxAjTXDiCwraQhqqDFnzNHzyPI

XWyoevwWIlKImZg

Just 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:lMmSWYArGtwDTQHJGyHYsjGmoPPSIf

AxRFNWggLqBiBJB

Remember His Majesty!FtypAXGyjLoUthPEshhGdbtmprORsB

BpYrYLSlfRheqRj

“…”mShwhOlcDEERJNPjKeTOabbQXGJkZT

dqfNqKkYgvpxCyA

His gaze swept the room, noticing that the other officials were cautiously seated according to their ranks, surrounding Li Wuting like stars around the moon.kmFJIFFhRMcZbEqKvbMWwIHcOUlymk

FcjZvSYKJjobgoh

Only he was left with the big rice pot, positioned diagonally opposite Li Wuting.VVRIPHHENjLencuSzBegrnyoxkIVXn

ZtHYDqjvMdtaigt

As far as possible.FnDeDKIQlJGPFlqBBiPKPvCUaAaaDD

MbkkovxlLrSfFTn

Ning Rushen swallowed: gulp.pkRULfxvutBQuWcFFtuCMuzcWNyqOW

YTgRoSVewxiZRiP

What happened to sitting as you please?doNtMbWaWNtWcZeHeaiXpBFmoVKflU

FDroEnmTJzcxnzw

In the quiet dining hall, De Quan, Li Jingyu, and all the officials from the Ministry of Rites were staring at him…OoqwGsvphmNQAoqLPGCNHUxMPhXinu

tLBIRQzfZJlreEv

Li Wuting said nothing, only lifting his eyes slightly.PMAzrPGeOJxfXJLVmPUjkRSMwfLaUM

dqrZwWkUcYAODaO

Ning Rushen felt a pang of guilt.umsNWWnNXoyRsWTrzipkoHvcBbvSnl

ngVwBLEvVhZFdfU

He 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:YUISRkVZhtNXvDyiKMNqtztVAwQNxg

mwPrMHkepBwNJau

“This minister was serving rice for His Majesty.”ZTLFADYRIpoBexCuWEEAEjhifCVmfL

xFPNRuHEKGPiXMt

The bowl of rice was piled high, almost overflowing.FDAZQdLCDCvlJcDwwDzaOkEPUIPqte

fGdCTFPNlJTYYby

Everyone fell silent, “…”wqLOzbSSfzKuBbpLTBlLMvspHXKbRP

SOtgNrqNwznextS

Li Wuting glanced at it for a moment, “Lord Ning, I don’t even know where to start with this.”QkEdipYBMtrMNXKExhzzuttTrmFSFg

AWZihdEbKJsirOs

He commented lightly, “It doesn’t look like you’re serving rice, it looks like a challenge for me.”NnPbaEjTmLyittaRszPMoAobGYCHLa

LiQpwqcaZHsaKuH

Ning Rushen: …HTMcZVphSjRMMonFCtcmNujNlLxJyi

OLtBhiLYjkhrPbW

He lowered his head in shame, “This minister was too reckless. I’ll serve a new bowl for His Majesty.”TZgftqcJUbTkodwqphYFJcLzYLWKFa

UiGHdkxUeclzeIQ

As he spoke and prepared to leave, he was stopped:xYaBYEdEbVlAFsGmoRjUNNLjFqFQnl

SAuqhbYmiBFExHY

“Forget it. I’m not that hard to serve.”TziFslpRaWcTaSYwoYFFPyZZGyHunO

XnPDuFDIWCJBjvy

“?”iKqSKjFCEXvWrkSquAUPZnxuIwMRoi

jLvMjHnPSIgCFnn

Ning Rushen turned back to see Li Wuting taking an empty bowl and personally scooping half a bowl of rice into it.TMqEApLooiFhBoQmbiVRgRfqGYeIUQ

KovtNNuWvhZfzvX

The entire dining hall fell silent enough to hear a pin drop.PBoISeGEjPyjpqjGhSLNDsRLJHjyCr

fsHzSxKJkhbXEcz

All the officials stared in shock at the emperor’s humble act.vSXsdmafKWDnUrjhHmzopPUvviYonh

zpQlPcepqOkilbE

After scooping the rice, Li Wuting placed the bowl beside himself and said to Ning Rushen, “Eat.”cHYDRYvzqgKHaVbcAtKhijJyVrfoUq

uklaFSnEbWDkKFO

Ning Rushen hesitated, “But…”YFJEdVPSvBZJnCnMrEBfdONbxBgOjL

pbwUYyTBGcrlHNf

Li Wuting, “I said, no need for formalities.”RuRstlvQDsmfGvCllOplnhriunfDri

fenjVfQNKrsqjZX

Ning Rushen swallowed his words and sat down beside him, picking up the bowl to eat:PUzOkoMhBQuiQMGVmCrqQfaoliquXQ

xlBpuESVhoysxdI

But, this isn’t enough for him…PQqFSxkeyphaNTkokIuJtlskeqqkhX

NxKycpubzhvZOnE

As Li Wuting began to eat, the other officials finally started moving cautiously.OyWWfACfNZWTlKuvoGBQVZtcSqKPLq

CXsvSODWGTScNkY

From across the table, Li Jingyu glanced at Ning Rushen, then at his own empty bowl:XwQdYmyZBQBaeDMmHSezRDqdOnGZIE

fPxBvIshBGQHNUM

As expected, it’s different, and he still wants to fool me.ZnoqulVRDcmxmlwgLPwDuWoYdGPVZk

sJtSESKomxCdHYv

After lunch, Li Wuting still had other official duties to attend to, so he took Li Jingyu with him as he prepared to leave.RRtFrWEKJKINHoieEFDUhnEYJcDaCK

PnxGFJIgjiOQIkE

Ning Rushen escorted them to the gates of the Ministry of Rites.YNhJhcrFWzYbkyYFdLjgfmpDDJpzEp

fiAUcTfwDjSiICd

Li Jingyu looked at him eagerly, “Lord Ning, I’ve learned a lot today. Thank you for your guidance.”GQQfoPGHGpBOzRJkvGLanphHpERvst

UJzPYYppYAMSSsP

“……”FPIdxhaWtQBgHKkJakQSAvlHwPTeOV

qoSGbkzTryBQOMA

The devil’s whisper briefly surfaced in his mind.YpgcLAEwRloSbdTabtRfeWtSFVWpTl

DIJrvafrFrhDNVQ

Ning Rushen took a breath, “I don’t dare take credit. It’s all thanks to your talent, Your Highness.”HHfyOWVuPpKLjTPxBEHtzyzLhpbKSM

SjaeuTqnhduYILM

Li Jingyu wanted to say more but was suddenly picked up.WSKmFxEaZVIGjFxqrYNsmIXbaWyTdD

UVjztLBfIqYlXuJ

“Ouch!”ewYIqDJlLmycvsvtWkpKXgaIdwqvGS

qCDhZdaksaZoGLJ

Li Wuting calmly said, “You’ve learned well. As a reward, you can copy your homework three more times when we return.”ahFVPVBnXmFPWrASdjDrrqSKLPEtNQ

LIFamtfuEkcsszA

Ning Rushen was momentarily transported back to his student days:ZwdtxMHJIRZRmxonpBcxmkOkeKTpBd

xqqGWdHpumPmXmD

“Happy birthday, here’s a workbook for you.”qDixdeIFGajyYCfNGQEuuTqOJydwhU

QoWXlRUZCebnOBm

Royal families, from top to bottom, are truly all dark-hearted.LqVHFLMTpCcMGQbgppeTOVurAgBhas

OVvFJdAYGcQlyEJ

He 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:MCBCaeHJrJzevPYyxxgMLWKInHPmuk

MVSaIhHdOnasKqT

“Don’t forget the palace examination in a few days, Lord Ning.”KtZZcAHBPBBkRiupgOmXMlHXHioAxh

ddBhAJfquWQLyfp

As he finished speaking, his gaze seemed to linger on Ning Rushen’s official robe.KeUIHWKeratryrpydzaVwdgYNzqZce

TcXRCKxqEPObzak

Then the curtain dropped, and the carriage sped away.UsSMvTJMOUDWfHezjPnHwGMNKCltyd

AJlDEquinelwZda

Ning Rushen unconsciously tugged at his collar: He had indeed almost forgotten that the palace examination was coming up in late May.ebscwFloHTNrLgGxKCrNmExQMDZaqK

vIzAMHaftRlvUUn

·TViOiKqIFphxDRkaQLorAFbYiGmawT

SKrhhWIfaxrcNnr

The palace examination of Dacheng was held in Baohe Hall.nrflZboHyFgxggoEessdHJMchcWUHl

mqtRlhIhQlZSsSM

Officials of the fifth rank and above were allowed to attend and observe.GCObGKvnpCZLwTiLuZDjwWUxXPNWTq

xOwUjozJyrfvoFy

On 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.ZVsiRzVSZxzdACeEUlgwIDwXBndVSb

EEaIwIiLxTKsKup

Officials stood on either side of the hall, leaving the center space open.yGAQYApJTWAZZNUhcPITazCwcREvWM

rybfTMwMHKOOQPs

Ning Rushen was positioned on the outermost row, facing the incoming examinees directly.kQiWiZryqzzmlICGZWCLdXzVNtdxuY

dRFRSUuAczJZkRm

He instinctively touched his belt:MAThwwkVPtFpFJqpKSoYPwIYSYFrOl

KDCvDkPNGUcyaUD

Front row seats, too bad there’s no sunflower seeds…PRjDqQLbZBsXipFOBgPUYtyqfUfvmj

pPQTwGiWjjcLjoO

Just as he was thinking this, the bell rang with a hum.vvAxECwDjVReheyvqpgOmiqiibgpBH

ksMopSUsLPbypwP

Li Wuting, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, took his seat above, and De Quan announced in a drawn-out voice:dwmqClKOOJrwaTwtRliwNuKIZHsyNM

ltTsaayXFiSNZnC

“Announcing the entry of the examinees to meet the emperor—”PTsTjKaWrlBSEwzNVVjRQTxySCoGUz

MVpQakMWflRCIxg

A group of examinees followed the ceremonial officers into the hall.VOMljHAysRwfsBndSynGUbljcdNRlh

omZbQaivpGFVajq

Ning 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.LTokkNPjpnDHmqHtDZHhxrrTZBdyIB

XhrFAyZqtDixHZe

“……?”TkRtRztSwvekFCrAuCrGfPnAkdRqLr

yueleVYkWlywDBA

Ning Rushen checked himself: Was his belt not tied properly?knjLyNbNcEvAqvlKHBkRUQFbWlPDCr

bIPMwmuydQCAugc

The vice minister of the Ministry of War couldn’t help but whisper, “Lord Ning, you were the top scholar previously.”HWquzSUbwXUGqIMhQNAvFbeotvbTXu

YVFqHmSHnXZpbwz

Ning Rushen suddenly understood, “Oh, that’s right.”aZazmfYPwpXdPxQehkxiUAdnfJyRfg

JsisYBcJTIlbFVD

The vice minister of the Ministry of War, “……”bFukVyoWpSvLewqdJWuaWISLPJAaTM

AXIsxRpoRNrGDeG

Everyone in this hall is striving for this, can you not be so nonchalant?GbaTTHbVyXzdtazcqCtFrJsZZueZtj

jzbbvDKRmNZBhJX

Opposite, some wanted to curse but held back.UrwdOqWPhxLsQNhtZoDWaAAffzEzMn

QGUeATLAMfgpHOG

Ning Rushen didn’t explain further: He was no longer a top scholar, just Li Wuting’s sharp, fragile knife.aVWzohaDHGuMnKHsRSUVLuEXjILkuA

tnbfiOhRrfFCHtq

…UChBpiwNLlnTOJjISRssFWWFujmXDs

jPijkvlYPxbLPzu

Before the examination, there was a series of elaborate palace rituals.rWqVuMOAtHNjmQwyuMqluPrHrkmDmc

xEvUjLGMvHCoRUA

Finally, the examination began.VtcTiBlngmgvaigwrFowLgcsTsbjQl

JeoRJUTzOlriIAR

Li Wuting, seated above, selected examinees based on their papers for questioning.bOHIACdNZKXYpAkjODrUOwQpCNvQKK

cECUDJjZVPaANuN

Ning 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.qgGMXoOYYGsDuKnbAiNhhPtmOSpfVv

dSxyXXoiYdyYZrs

Li Wuting’s cold voice dropped, pointing out three examinees in succession: “Evaluate the official appointment system of Dacheng.”QvDexHZdpesmgakaDeOosVxMFKTRyG

AdKsFrNdirlBtWf

Everyone in the hall was instantly stunned:IHYRtUKRloKiYdhdKFrLliAzQOzckb

bZBUrAfSmuztnhL

Three at once?hyLyemwyUpqIGUHtowRiHAiERZNPmB

SwHtDpfILgmWtvD

And on such a critical topic!GusCWKzUQrfYOMgKmYIoYYYzRCpIzY

iqUksOQwNFlaUCq

Ning Rushen was immediately alert, looking up at Li Wuting.NblyWFUphbgiHuxwAIdZabXUtXmgfb

kNjdcnOScLxXjZs

Li Wuting showed no emotion, merely watching the three examinees who stepped forward. They were already sweating profusely, losing their composure before even speaking.xJPmYjRPFKYUuYTtOtlCRQWnYTCSpz

dCHmBspkWDoBKBM

After a few moments, one examinee cautiously began to answer.yScxSsyltLdTNmWDvPXXoFBnEtoUgH

oXtNKBWGPcTZxfx

Ning Rushen found the voice familiar but couldn’t place it.ovJKcRRvvWfLceQvxqGhjDeeVBNInO

CCEEthhajVonXRh

As he observed, he noticed Geng Yan across the hall frantically signaling at him with wide eyes, nearly bursting, his hand in his sleeve.toafFAAdhJpCmgdzYCxVfbAwphwvfg

KNnLNREyjwJMxvm

Ning Rushen: …?ojdfpdjJkmQGzALYoejzXmTpnYGXwy

qLQDvvDsMKvXFHk

What madness was Geng Yan up to?pyZlLuhAvFTiuYZKTxpJWdSBiUrStj

vpBswYWFqlcRTFd

Just then, the examinees finished their answers.xZZEtfgFkYwCLGhuVxnPraNXVdXYvp

naJEWmORNnjKhIs

There 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?”hWJvLnkiEiixtMqgZkHqmuiTJadTxe

XUofYHevnlbHOvN

Ning Rushen’s heart skipped a beat!iyvBxEsMFKHYPMwvneuUOIwmizxRGH

pLWbfwQkfmUZmgm

The examinees in front were also stunned, their faces turning pale as they knelt, trembling, “Forgive us, Your Majesty! We spoke nonsense… Please have mercy!”mZGJUNGHhSujHwwQkurDUumtNqsLWy

uhMyjAyHdtXbVBQ

Ning Rushen suddenly remembered:UUpzxzyQSokivcUobLUqAtnxklXEJW

vgPtUfIjpBeqqtu

Weren’t these the ones who had previously gossiped about him being chosen for his looks?fvwnvRaRfSthfhdtzfCgNTWSQzMQtS

HlUyVZtPfUXquHf

He glanced at Geng Yan, who winked flamboyantly at him: Remember now?HRoytpYEtVRnuyEsqLeHywBbknLVMn

KKfUHoBgpXfNXVL

“……”LbisnNpTsXsStMSxARyRGkHKfAJmVB

TFniUmOMLeKJYDc

It seemed that the shovels were being used to lift tiles.XwKlQonMpFbhFGOtjNJNCiirSvICvA

uTuvKwrNSoalPuF

An 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.CdBCopoewJiUCldgmkKQCIqdzTRgxI

lRbjYQoLMLWOMAa

The best outcome would have been to retain their status as tribute students and send them off somewhere.nyppBbWSQKFqYAIFhAtvCrJFbccaHr

ETgUCTrDyoDdsiX

Geng Yan had made gestures to Ning Rushen: “Vent your anger.”mtxWGNVihWBgAPpMpnxgErKFAQHcMg

VrdtRLCYtrbviKl

Ning Rushen had mouthed: “Dream on.”GQQWkOXvsKoLRYMpWKfYnQdmWdTYMI

jgaDmJXTaymuTyL

Geng Yan: …NhPJYeJRgiZxTpYTZrQhatNkuYAFvq

tFlsNSoSWBZAPAV

Ning Rushen had turned away and ignored him. This complicated little dog was always thinking about unrealistic things.ZEvTWwNnvnbIquJScGWwRmDmvDDgdh

CCHGCfflOkbZeLw

Li Wuting had always been impartial.QwpCfNeIXGxjuiuNJqYlqjwlMmsAXa

OZoGUmPwhOfWFHJ

Moreover… he had glanced at the immovable figure above: they had no personal feelings involved.UAnDIuUnXEVjzntJxIwcRTnlTLbnqh

SIcbRxGdStYEjXE

—JmNHaeBSXxjMbhSlgtIYrZISbGpANH

QjWrpAHqWqbKvXx

The palace examination had finally ended.VskhPRkPEtalFdLvyhzziPCEnThEsK

gdftmqBvZdXGYJo

Li 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.”uNPvgDwUzGhSChloMoImrFQujfUaKG

rvbqkFnDJwwtCsN

The top three were set.VadMQrusDAQNztGUXQrAdfwpAmlBIX

FnvtTnaXhivnnqE

Li 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.ntOXWvTvdahtGmEKWezVoVmcRlnehM

vJFpumYamXpBrNP

With the palace examination dismissed, Li Wuting had left.pDDFZDiNNXFFZcrkBaCdFQobaIPgLm

skmcGbJvtGxlvaD

Ning Rushen had reflected on the names just announced.njXdsBfvmlXXAdkMNVPqDywxwihdLn

xYlzCzFzvcKjIZg

A scene in the imperial study flashed in his mind:XOpMSoDqLLEgIjSXeNfhaAbXOaPbvc

hcfiUpYsNjpYpBz

After 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?PTYQBNudLZWOXTGJZKKnSlXGXlTtyU

tJUQSLXEehYEcHX

Ah, no. The memory was vague…LSOOblAvXfKHWaQJPOFACIXjNUaajQ

WhNaMtOshVYYFnr

As he struggled to think, Geng Yan had suddenly rushed up to him, “Ning Chen, you say—”VnxWcuGvrVpUCvdDDAtfXiaqJgEUAY

viVacbKTtMTnuwO

The sudden loud volume had immediately disrupted his thoughts.pZsJLMHsxXaGJIbqpQMoEeTrvpFLVx

uwAohnSbYROXYpx

Ning Rushen had pushed his face away, “Your voice is so loud.”QPVqRewfisdvVSXEVnJbIAYBEIzZOL

VxDvBYEmMsHIdIn

Geng Yan was as energetic as a lunatic. “Got some free time?”OJKlxZKyKuhWxXleWTGDbOBQzuxqJW

iujvBGWWzNCKzqQ

“No,” Ning Rushen thought of the three who had just been dismissed. “I need to see His Majesty first.”wNQAOjihcgonUEboBZvRLpmeuZSXUB

jjpYFRPcFlorGpb

“Oh, oh, oh! Of course, of course~”BqQJoOIIowhlOVbjhldxTWyTLgIJOs

BLqPuVWEoQqxIJn

“…”BXIGkUSBTdFAguuJIUmFJgtkXwAxlx

WkeuoHUUxvbNpRu

His hands itched badly, wanting to twist that dog’s head off.luycsaRwyDYoFqtZVVaKONRVkmiaCF

DotObrVkuyTvizB

After bidding farewell to Geng Yan, he followed the path to the imperial study.bNETcffJTCJsccpETLIsJmMpNACWGg

XkJHsZhgeNUzJCb

Upon entering the imperial study, he saw Li Wuting, who had just washed his hands, drying his fingers with a handkerchief.YKpHyeDpuqSdzMiUQuqbKqYZvlIfAR

XHTNZFsQbMDZIQq

The tall and upright figure, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, seemed to have descended from the clouds right before his eyes.LLjNyHEFwdWTWJJukdRvXQSxHFTgVp

FwBGzGfiRpCrjsz

Ning Rushen leaned in, “Your Majesty.”VhQEatmrkFiGoafxajGXFLeerpemwQ

oSHHKKXwFLkfrkw

Li Wuting glanced at him. “Why are you stretching your neck like that?”zIrOJKfpdjpYXrAbavGTArqFdQMGdL

UcrfhBAukvzJSZM

“…” Ning Rushen pulled back. “Listening to the Emperor’s edict.”UrAryNGWeLDdFUisIINatxlSiGPMrV

efNmYEnWbxHhNye

Li Wuting settled into his seat behind the imperial desk. “What does Ning Qing wish to hear?”UuSHSZFHZQczSmxaVVtsgDdkGaBghF

YQjJshYBjGHWBty

Ning Rushen prepared his words. “The three people at the palace today, did they commit some other offense?”ReFTjKNFEeIqxYegHNBemYqThkKVXc

sgWKeGiRessgRcN

“Why do you ask?”coKkRpEILfIyyVriYygRsFicfvcUvH

EWPbHpkcPUquKJA

“If there was no other issue, why did Your Majesty dismiss them?”pdudFkAwixNLDoaTiKQEjYjQQLsgUw

EdqgqDTzFlQPbrO

After asking, the room fell silent for a moment.nFSnIWJBYZUzGdCbNrpsiRgzMsQzSj

ITyWCRQudqGBRtO

Then, Li Wuting looked up, his tone calm and unhurried. “Does Ning Qing not know why?”bLNhzrCDlRUbGHVWziqtqsZksETdVo

pTwIVJDyfmgNhjl

Ning Rushen met his deep gaze, feeling inexplicably unsettled. He touched his nose. “It couldn’t be because they discussed me, could it?”NErrLfnTKJRqQZWGiQmUAbtMFRUYYf

SnPbaKEotCDhoKE

“Zhen…”FQyqRPVAhjwrAwIPukGRowqaSrOJSK

uNTVBbpjWuWsajv

Li Wuting was about to say something when he suddenly stopped.kKYcuzJhjAuhsZbJVQjrkPjmtxYEQH

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He stared at Ning Rushen’s uneasy face for a moment before curving his lips into a mysterious smile and said:xZVyNhhJhiWHcADTjdMlquXNxwzPVV

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“Oh, why not?”PZQzkXwECdWnNoJNXhFrCAogybTdcb

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