This official is so weak

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

WzdESzPajOdtzzm

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

JnbXaCuewmbJJFT

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!”gDEbuqcQSkXgVnGgCfVcVnQYxhHpcX

gJLsMdDPfpYVgCV

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

aJpXZCntiubVOkA

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.”fvfsYrXaQsQRPzwQjOMhbjIUqXJMmx

mGiAuAfsHuDTAfC

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

yGzSurdSysOapCl

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

ubwjIWhjYEBAZQl

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

XcbyDwNyWUCrHdv

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

cqplQXRMyWYSwPh

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

UdvgrbasIPMsyPT

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

mgdkZzvtwirXoMY

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

sChErKOyxjyaupp

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

BIERgSipYVLSVvk

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

IUnwHcvmhNlUKZW

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

yFGKbTWXbgxhFCN

“…”qDYLDynhUzELOMzpoVJArMtLFTnFTT

HxcqWLgmRCTdKGf

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

LOXnhrPHubxBESU

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

KGXfzMZItyXLRLr

Is your rice pot more important than His Majesty?xrzbvxebhkRKzqTjZQDRTwhOrPpJpG

nrNFzNZQxTYjnGy

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:nXHpJYsCjTWnVpHFUCynEHtxThTCHv

uhYXIORQOFJwcIW

Remember His Majesty!JrMHCPusTEuAGJuherwCQOFZXhOFTT

NMgVGkzxadqBqdp

“…”QIlelPenFQdvWjoEopJVWwNTrpEiIh

IEwvMTizGKJjoMQ

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.pDULdRrDlnTyAMUKnHdxmqANhKxeFo

IvyXafNBxHatGQR

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

ZkUiqkILxReLMbh

As far as possible.ztdHxMpVNwErRPTzlvPrHOuSZIyHWT

DHAdjsslYiJKgxv

Ning Rushen swallowed: gulp.oxZlLCAcRhmwChmUgslpVSNGdhuryJ

hkIUkbnKKgdBaVB

What happened to sitting as you please?IJAriXjDhuLAIbcUYuOGkryvNisPRP

sguTmIqrFkmHXAi

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

uSfqJfnkqOjaRfo

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

SQpJzkkEOVOpNNs

Ning Rushen felt a pang of guilt.fZcSGQLEBthGpfSXCefuBbTqCLRBCM

gwdtRCkJbsVyJiC

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:UbeeGcAiLUAjdvccBCYsiwigMNwsji

CHCOOetgNCUjfen

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

BRTgUQZGBGZZxNd

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

CEpqLrtQCnPhOZB

Everyone fell silent, “…”LfISbKKTGELufEHPjmhbxnYldEMWaK

AfALivjZeOWVfZZ

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

ymCLxTYYHYOxPiU

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

bZCuuAauYEiGUCE

Ning Rushen: …qoDbdLlrVeohAkRtBetoPwbYAUkFwz

VlEmJNOuFpczHhs

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

mAlvcjuKMgYnZoZ

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

GVUgjzaJGYOVfUj

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

qKfsUjzVZmBtIkO

“?”xoXKNSmCfYMISwKpsddcrcfJTIfXuD

gEjIInfrgZyPYbR

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

AqcOtBITSMWNsEY

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

baFpAUylRqmSELO

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

rrDIqqrQiDXQNCc

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

GkCVudkJQWkILyj

Ning Rushen hesitated, “But…”ikcVqoCOhtVPutiaYIXIIVDTUnSXkT

EBOdJhbGHqjUQrE

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

LMkpkjXNsgELACH

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

HztiaQdxmQVRXvB

But, this isn’t enough for him…GnrIQOIzfdHTHWOkokkKUMjBovOKyA

gQLBRxepjJUNYsj

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

wmdoPUPfChQOnQW

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

gPrYfygNpiiiiak

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

TEmbMzNfGsyuYCh

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

guialQVbyfqGlhn

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

xazLyeAGBwwABTu

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

rdMujbovMGOENlP

“……”SMPrMTMpblJqzmCLdsOODbWgEhHMoc

voUbzSmADmYdzOl

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

lDylZscoWSJJZdY

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

mJquTXGnDfPUILe

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

yLqLzXEIMMRRbiy

“Ouch!”SBaniiFDVeruEYaMtFGPpMXsTNyHtV

SPqNPhqabmUePHn

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

xEfxUfAYqHsEsDr

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

zWKcvFslAAaXvct

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

zEBOdYpVELZoRDF

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

VXAnATzXOFojamJ

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:QDLYSAoEKtiFSbCYooGnKhnhhRPgym

waWxuwVvziPyCMz

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

fhwypaOFJXcaOtR

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

VCdwBAowmOtvhOg

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

rfzgcbJWMVXVhkM

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

fscfgaXfmFoKJHd

·NhkWoJbMKLEJgRNjDhMaiLjwvqRwTN

blQFgmTDOBXyozV

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

cNxVdzLGAdsFqCF

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

kWNYXdEhBdYfFTK

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.RifzeoSZWBoLUdZHYQOwPlQnUUzZGp

dlgxbEgKWgJCrCA

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

IEXrKnckorXFPjV

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

FVdfPXAvGhpdszt

He instinctively touched his belt:fNkwrzTFcWshrIvIvTlUKIfGyliyJd

aHHghiAwWmpAeye

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

SukEFOtcaQCTjJd

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

qptnZKrkqaJnANe

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

eFxWZsuyjipeyYq

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

NZKOoSrbxRnpTVC

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

gwpgvooHmxjOOMG

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.OyagZMgLYzKzlAHWxueavHuEkrnJMv

rmPHZUkCvspkslJ

“……?”GDvhJCryWSAEhJqYfgsGXzAaohLHcs

iuICFZoqsSgrGwm

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

eyMWxWJaQifCcsf

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

NnstoYjAsQGqXci

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

prmmMbLXjTKLWWU

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

ejUrbbazTfSYkMT

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

RTZGIQZkwKilIIX

Opposite, some wanted to curse but held back.XrsRLLbmnuoghWHDyblVxLzsTiscBf

dURKIXrcMSDpnPe

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

fDEexsSBhaGfBrk

…DHuaSjPcReAuqqzzZMJwHbNQGncjvD

EyyhKOwJbiPkdup

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

jSaGCSZfCOPcbtA

Finally, the examination began.pALNXZJlnKDkxiwWWMlRoPzbRfxFVQ

tuLkNauBEEyzfHb

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

VLzjxEdnAfSYdxf

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.PcpAzPPaybmOCuYFiZtkkRirkWDQHd

AdzrrPERdwxTFGD

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

vuxsHiLpbsmJwKC

Everyone in the hall was instantly stunned:vwnecftNXxVOgWWqaatSekUHQXpbPc

WMXQJEMnrwlisFS

Three at once?TQskJknUkseTlawAIpMdckeBCvHILx

illYnNLfZPLprVG

And on such a critical topic!WmLbkVBLwmBlWpGROCautEutiRLPfn

pYgrtCnrOehKffa

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

qxevzfTkDbLbkMq

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

SclxyBUWRKjgDGd

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

TxVfhIAiwaxgiLF

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

ToBoetZsVrHoKYh

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

gxaeCHKSqzTLKVg

Ning Rushen: …?mRyclfYWOVeluwJnjOgljezaGcXVve

akvIbObdJOenONU

What madness was Geng Yan up to?SNDXKsCQqoetJJIOToORVufkRKIWBU

WhVsllmpQZAWIyE

Just then, the examinees finished their answers.uvpkheZkTMJPMzrHYTnkyyxRfSQYpS

KwfntuWxFfsOPrv

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?”slwYEzczzWOpBHdIobEjmdVSMghTJl

VQstGatRzyLDglH

Ning Rushen’s heart skipped a beat!cvTtIvJsmASHitUIARKHoYCFITcdwr

XclotZLfXTVGpYg

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!”WXMKgpuhvSKmCLIYuRETOtFRybpTzW

hMmELNlUAPadPhz

Ning Rushen suddenly remembered:WyakRSCJoAizYrjJttTujzbbWcbMxe

oUJWTZYwLGwCnKV

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

hskgvlmWKbZaqtF

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

HIFvriGsuUSLEDJ

“……”sBLheLiIVEJeatNvQjSMIdgWVnCXXt

lrGPXKPMOqNAvEO

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

ddeyIeKHUGYSXfG

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.EnjsczoyMAeWFnXWVGOAayaBhRTJhn

WByYdLJOYtBpAkJ

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

OuGkDiXAhWyucNU

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

LIecfOzbsnfzHTx

Ning Rushen had mouthed: “Dream on.”yRtjEyxKQSONynFbcYMHPKAEumwowZ

bFfVjOKeiDjRXYL

Geng Yan: …GmBJWGaRZHGqzyAyEoaPsdUcxoXeLw

aWmtLzuMVmnTPbK

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

oteBpluDRvRhRvf

Li Wuting had always been impartial.NzoOiQCAsYWjkhadxDlUlmNZbDUREi

xodojxnKkBhNmkw

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

TVgFdRjUyTAaDxE

—SJUnVRgwbFGAZsEtFUFvpUxnzXldRb

GqMeeUToPlJyzyN

The palace examination had finally ended.WIZblsTsuJJrFAFkuGuvesYvtGAJlJ

pnhwNuwKUSgNXRH

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.”HpqdOOVwJiuNiYmHdcqAkxLtPOhRZA

lyroEYcMEjqHbQt

The top three were set.haHwZhObbaWYImCRqYDapukPILYdak

nQnVjJACQmJmTgr

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.sDaNbeTLMadYIUCxprDveEhDFFrlha

XwqbVHEzuNSoTiR

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

TykbbqZhNiGkwAA

Ning Rushen had reflected on the names just announced.IxmlqFaDUUpnSmPGbenlSjaqCDYAIw

FvVmzVHKrFggYVj

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

eDnxmoRVyiuHgpw

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?jrBjCAGLQPHQdLAkxNrzwoiumaTsNJ

GVDgqgDLqDHHEAw

Ah, no. The memory was vague…EdTKuQONkfsRjbaUhfqTUipYfnfdZN

kfnVfhiknmfdjYK

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

yQvRrLspPcmWovF

The sudden loud volume had immediately disrupted his thoughts.ICfwECzdZKsemFyJYUNelUZxbmZTJy

rqxpxBdwhDquZJy

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

SXXxCGyxtOkTIJC

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

BBExkQbEytLNiSF

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

OGYFlXAanqREfiY

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

nrhVWIOhptCxqyS

“…”rQiPnBLRiAOrFjiaNshulZemdJUcBu

DyqbvyLgIwrwmvt

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

iUJXbhkMFTdcWIz

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

bqsKxGZGkhfMZUI

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

wZcmxUctgeeGlZK

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

AcvSMYTFWZRlToB

Ning Rushen leaned in, “Your Majesty.”QbXgPcgeqEXzmQsqWuFjQzwLqewROs

QsVZdjPinVcRyMc

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

tUdPgfQIOVLgUYP

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

QRUtFqHANLBMhqQ

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

PGVyjHDFxoAHcXe

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

pKdbSihjDnORQNg

“Why do you ask?”NtmWIxEJXQLBYtZbdIFdGlTjFJPGYZ

UokccQQbgCsWIfH

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

rcIcveWoBeBNxdB

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

yrBdkTCvxayHlFL

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

ZbLyRzDmqHvjrAC

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

CHVCxqSMtZbYxfp

“Zhen…”XsrLAchTyfcfPmpqAtnuZkJzBbwiSL

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

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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:UmmVJaZmdBNymQnztkJQfpAcYBBVoD

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“Oh, why not?”PDuMosnotqydpEpiXFzRmlxUbMbXBx

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