Chapter 37
A wave of heat shot straight up from his tailbone to his scalp, making him freeze for a moment.YEBVXhsKCzSrIAajhptsNHvfRZJENw
tkjuamAywJZNuunHad Li Wuting been possessed by something unclean?jwKIujMLrrLDfAaCclMpxCopnRdCIQ
bEmzVWTDLCLypnLHis Adam’s apple bobbed as he held his breath, unable to come up with any lewd words for quite some time.OcSFqbELFGmotldULPLfVsGEvGzOtN
EFCTtaqRSygYpGgLi Wuting lightly tapped his knuckles and reminded him, “Exhale.”iHxVWTyQOjPiYQEsbZUWpjkUUWzCWk
eqtzgwnPNOswXuZA shaky breath followed his words: hoo…cfiRsLtSJkXMfqzyPqmjfMxzEIHjRr
WLucXYwfkTUFNXiWatching Ning Rushen’s pale face turn red from holding his breath, his hair almost standing on end, Li Wuting, seeing his rare loss for words, finally showed a merciful smile.vUhDUyYurBXxihdkRFHucfGypcrnbk
AnWEdwJvZMydjTHNing Rushen’s stalled brain started working again, and his breathing became smooth. Seeing the amused expression on Li Wuting’s face made him dizzy.yOZPxYyFAACEutfxQEcLJNBvQdgUdC
GIhTswyvXepnewKIs this something to joke about casually?VYfCLRjYPuEBXkWLIbqKheayHTTmLT
jurHUixHPKwcIsZBesides you, who else would laugh?SmrjXMyyYRBDlDTtGaTngvUPPGegxE
byVDJFGWTOsHFnUWhat if someone else heard it—they—Ning Rushen looked around, suppressing a roar.GrRleIXjpbWznjgiwBFABDfRgxrqHa
BxpfQsABfxkPKwPHe locked eyes with De Quan, who was grinning broadly.AUtHFwJrmGeSIqmbMcomsLwKsUrGKW
tRTyYRMNMqgxQYCHe was speechless.yFMbowRFEcOWkHzkeJYBNuiWradqLh
adStJJDjBxKTenvAlright, maybe they weren’t normal either.tNAQBlxGQiSqxYfmXEwllOWclxfxdM
oXrGSHoDDtxMSRWLi Wuting spoke with concern, “What’s wrong, Ning Qing?”pgqWUGOwnDCqzgTQRLKJoDcyqSdILa
MUnhMPTTHlhlMSf…Forget it.YxJbITiQMxNOQVzodsjlJGlVguSGvB
sLhdhsnKbioQApMNing Rushen took a deep breath and, with pursed lips, praised, “Your Majesty is so humorous.”hGwjdjhhNjmnoGmqbpmDVHcjtRkjxr
nFCnEMFCLkHuLpG“Humorous?”nWbNjZtDJGRSBrAAEbTLjpudEBedEv
AubhrjdRErPownJ“Humorous. That’s how we say it back home.”nnHCBkoUVlceasyqprBYoWLqyitcIt
usIJkAViVVMZrwOLi Wuting commented, “You do have a bit of an accent.”cRQsvTJxfdbmZakQpwRJyIobGFIlet
GmRCHiBUmgRXPTlNing Rushen pursed his lips for a couple of seconds before returning to his initial question, “So, what brings Your Majesty here?”ccCZlHHldLpofPSdJxrcPUcItzvGfJ
uLWKWgJgnxlATTjLi Wuting stopped teasing him, “Do you remember the day we went to Yuexian Tower, and I asked you something in the carriage?”ZkeDBzrIjDmRvYxJtekPUiksUKpolk
YEYYNxRFCARwWGbNing Rushen recalled: What did he ask?qVtQTvbCHBhOHkZzpyFMSRxVJmQXpX
pMBQKERGtYfdoJV“About a bunch of bastards?”WpWlGkYryZAcdGahmyHUoTTMfIvVDb
mhWirTNaaYisucyLi Wuting ignored his choice of words, his expression turning serious, “Though talented, they lack virtue. They seek only personal gain, having wasted ten years studying the sages’ teachings. If given great responsibility, they would be a disaster for the state.”qWfWwHZgcjUceFywpDkEMqMgsUUMSQ
sACMokYRmsRTcUyAs he spoke, his tone grew more solemn.qJQcNjIDSHnDugauUwxkKedXuScbwJ
qqVYJHQmGuIqRzZHis gaze, falling somewhere unknown, revealed a startling sharpness from his deep eyes.uShTIdgpqoHIKbRVeHUBVrPhfYqsCF
TjRQOWtuaDDchBRThe palace attendants lowered their heads, not daring to make a sound. Even De Quan, assessing the situation, closed his mouth and stood quietly to one side.rYWbLNGxgDJvbQVBerXOFyvSOPjvnU
jUSBuXTNSrOAORUThe imperial study fell silent.XXejovbimSZSkNElNDNAwJQAMhHmQo
WqkmMPQCQtftEpTAfter a moment, Li Wuting snapped out of his reverie.NEeBJpipNiqrEKBkgrDuvAbaROZJdb
XxqMfriffcizZNlHe glanced at the silent palace attendants, then at Ning Rushen, who seemed slightly dazed. The latter’s pale hand was gently pressed against his chest, lips slightly parted, looking at him with a hesitant expression, as if frightened by his stern face.AqdlDzfvfEBwykeWZmCQSIVndIzMBm
eIFnqXbgEaGDcIfLi Wuting paused and softened his tone, “What are you daydreaming about, Ning Qing?”JAEEYLrRrQPuDEzMjYDSfBFgvWHdni
qXKjMzvspKFrKlJNing Rushen gently stroked his third-rank official robe, feeling somewhat flattered, and asked, “In Your Majesty’s eyes, am I such an esteemed person?”UUFehHEOidUeRFUnJqVbxfvKNZAaAg
bOSDTyFVRmgINbULi Wuting, “……”bxZRHZkKmHfbOitSOkrwNnhUqwiqIT
dzcLlVZDUfyQKhlHe looked at that slightly flushed face, thought for a couple of seconds, and softly said, “Mainly to wreak havoc on those who harm the state.”BEOGXrEximOuHSgCTRCAWviAUWmDVN
AdIflDcmmWyabiPNing Rushen: …tUSLzgFIfEIKauMijEFnhSgDQmXXvf
zMJQEzySWkzmkxxNonsense, he was clearly bringing dreams to everyone.SonZQDPPJsmVaatuwMzpGFIAcvtBDr
QHlsFlybdPupJRmNing Rushen went back and continued creating dreams for the aristocratic families.XxyhGoDsKlSCMHCohrOFYfmoPdXjbR
fSYnRtnLxwUSwEYHe did this with great success for a few days. Upon returning home after work, he encountered a young eunuch delivering an oral decree:SxeGUqeCSqNovdoXEyjJETBLrDNVph
HGctCNAKvNDygNw“Lord Ning, for tomorrow’s Qionglin Banquet, His Majesty has summoned you to accompany him.”vKTFjGMbeHTFsQucfTeRsyMPBTosfi
jXKqDKDghGozAkr“???”ueAbFRennMxmxrZiFanzabAXozWlBr
GCSTFBuSNUpxUmtNing Rushen temporarily accepted, “Understood.”BtFGYWTjFQHMpYYuPriYiyXgSINaxg
ghlOgodkWzHAaqnAfter the eunuch left, he pondered in the courtyard until a “plop” sound interrupted him.iCsrXzxPUrvxDSyrczlXyONgHWcsnt
HhpomudICZUUdfOShiyi hung down from a tree, “Why are you standing there motionless?”UZjEsuwmAiRGCwHEaDSiLFerIASkRs
tDwoDqTWpZxPtHDNing Rushen, “Am I attending as the top scholar from the previous year?”xIKEjJmaOdKNcPEqtSiHbDYFkXLfpB
DbeiRmPnICLZUYeShiyi, “…”TPFUcqBYdoHqaEKGTABDfqhmZsfTEP
VMqhsTPGMWKfvzIShiyi, “In the Qionglin Banquet of the Great Cheng, the emperor can bring close ministers or distinguished scholars to participate, so it’s not unreasonable to summon you.”sehYbModskVXSbmDzjEamzPFWVcfjx
SpsyasWGAMQnDhTNing Rushen was momentarily speechless.RZSnSMwZPeZTdPkuTDwkDspasxQExT
PYoOhmgmWcZNXtcHe almost forgot, the Great Cheng was different from the history he knew:ydrLLWIiCkGWIGpqbiBpoHSBbPolEb
avGQhpKVPvHmocOIn his original world, the Qionglin Banquet was initially a celebratory gathering organized by the newly graduated scholars themselves, later funded by the government with individual contributions…hMshylzXLendsrVBdpqrMWuWKGBtVu
MojzqqlrWjMeIgeBut the attendees were generally only the newly graduated scholars.AxoQNqUxsyjHlHYwGkBLqAsYBjOPCo
OhHnroBwWfAkbHgNing Rushen recalled for a couple of seconds, during which Shiyi’s gaze was inexplicable. It seemed as though he believed that Ning Rushen, being favored by the emperor, should naturally accompany the emperor.lxwjLodGUZQuNkyxQLvahFIRDeATrx
FADVIspSoeYUslNHe swallowed his question:kjnlgZJplPoSeyWzyoqxBEMOiQHdOg
ccdgFErUBwyzXukHe might have memory gaps, but he couldn’t remember things incorrectly.MXrYpTCafUgEsueKkxMAnImXAwRBpT
BnTMHOOvkqfvIpbNing Rushen glanced at the servants in the courtyard and decided to ask Geng Yan, “Uncle Yan, let’s visit the Geng residence.”hkQARcJowHeTFOAPePssaNLciQIoFC
HkchiFPVQWhtmIUYan Min responded, “Is it about the Qionglin Banquet?”utDQeFEOSTRPyQvTZojkAYNuMHQHEV
VWJPyZXZPwZFPZN“Geng Assistant Minister’s hidden… illness has suddenly recovered, prepare a small gift.”KhqAaiHPtPesOhipZuwgAJvKgzCJqs
xkhycbyjXexwUpR“……”sQKzhtPCICRvIFodbVRqnOPqwravGQ
jWOrQQocQofSWNRYan Min stammered, “Then, we should indeed prepare a gift to congratulate him.”CumckYPemzRGSPqsuYNzwcOxnTzaCq
rzZWlUyeLJSOljcThe two stepped out of the courtyard.MzbPAPIoBVPhLcDhHJKHfjniCVZyGQ
VfCzxvVpcODTNStShiyi, hanging on the tree, thought:METzwDbdzarxpsLZapvtqTsOFncxwt
WablCPRItCcyDbPHidden illness… oh, he’s referring to a private ailment. Should he report this to the leader? But the leader had said before that if he mentioned irrelevant things again, he wouldn’t need to return.ttRlTKflYYyCToOQrbwNhefuTAkost
ToDloQwQpIURqDLBetter not, Geng Assistant Minister’s private ailment isn’t important anyway.jZEbnHNRHIzAysatlczueMZVsmMVCa
PuxrcwhZHGqOgUh…upcUJxRSuXldxvMnsPxaibicwGVaZK
AcMEvTZAvGEWrpzNing Rushen brought a gift box of nuts and arrived at the Geng residence.dUPMSvTaTqOjXGmHYdUlnqrCnGcBGY
jxIJlAwkwcbsEdBHe went straight to the point, pushing open the door to Geng Yan’s courtyard with a bang, “Open up—room inspection!”QmIcstvQBLEfzKRVBrWUpJPMHXihfR
tQgHCbevFQHRnXjGeng Yan was startled, “What the hell!”aJreckXgANvUvWWDVFqMbaTYCiWrnJ
qjqtNUmaTdYySnxNing Rushen dismissed Yan Min and told Geng Yan to send away the servants. Placing the gift box down, he sat, “His Majesty has summoned me to the Qionglin Banquet, tell me what I should do?”BsmSGisIVMjstvKxxBQsWkQacFOQVR
sVUtfLaIHuzEHKL“You are to accompany His Majesty to the Qionglin Banquet?” Geng Yan said, “Generally, the close ministers or distinguished scholars who accompany are those with profound knowledge, either to exchange ideas or to select students. As for you—”oxuGoSbxwPSgTwLDgcSzMktoUjMfXE
KvLhrFDhIJgusgBHe looked at Ning Rushen, dressed in red, “Are you going to bring good fortune?”vYABCPFzKgvZrrWaqOUWpkEVSwMHui
JUhTBceAuKHHLWONing Rushen kicked out his leg.nJDGfVPJbFrCqlTTheuGKYGvuqqJvE
LuzIeEBJlflabhwGeng Yan dodged swiftly, flicking a nut with a scream, “You’re trying to step on me again! … Think about it, His Majesty knows about your head injury, so it’s obviously not for an intellectual exchange. He probably just wants you to come along.”FZLcTCWQQZuVUGYaUtLWAqjlrfBHam
doDCfNGvdrppoQENing Rushen chased him, trying to step on him:JgoWhlBbbYdvzqhpcxaQoBpLjuaQMM
myFoFADycZYMWIu“How could it be so casual in such an occasion?”gAodtpyqnkmAphssMlZtxZRVbLXQGW
rmLbbJLxdJeVsECGeng Yan kicked back, “Why not… ouch!”xQaToHXnrRRKbRtpWuZSFvcZSfCMQs
PEDBbvnSYPNIwuU“Anyway, you don’t need to worry too much. Even if a new scholar challenges you, His Majesty will protect you. See, His Majesty has stood up for you several times.”VHAtqYzMBaBBLwHjFxXBJLkhAXymna
gPmbEsjRlFvthFi“……”MXyoBYgopZgMkXLxEuCwdRELzUVwtT
LYqOFeEEyTebVRxProtect him? And, “When—”GVsmxFtBvrhVXXfLtzbvfbVgeCgHpu
naMRsBJstNZbAZGNing Rushen was about to retort when he paused.dJMAolaEmrBVEaCwyfFkvgjSTAvnfn
WUJfqeLBzVBJIgkLi Wuting’s words “why not” flashed in his mind but quickly dismissed it as a joke. He continued, “When has he stood up for me!”DSJsczIzPDjBaByARkLdKYUFAJJCuu
oeWnDglzswCmcsTHa, hesitating. Geng Yan retracted his leg, leisurely munching on nuts without replying.WIFQyGOQPXGQQTujIIdVCpERXjmgMc
ftgLKjqJOUGNQUNNing Rushen clamped his chin shut.jYbKaNLrzHqowroCURAqJcLGABTMxq
upKjGslTFBCVLEBGeng Yan, “Ow, ow, ow!”RDFAiLArKEcNowKPepkwZTSqUTmitY
vtvfDtYOGtdyYmd·CsXVkXfgJsFtvPnbjqPPZgkQkoFBWW
srbGmGkenTjoclzHaving understood the general process of the Qionglin Banquet, the next day, Ning Rushen went to accompany the emperor as summoned.jrDnxmlytlpVNBCqyFtjukplKmcfZy
EbCWhrQpyWVsHZoThe Qionglin Banquet was held in the royal Qionglin Garden, featuring bamboo groves, flowing streams, and exquisite scenery. The banquet was set up in an open space, with a lotus pond in the distance and a peony and apricot grove nearby.trOUuztWnydOKZcnFdszaiUlLFMVtj
XEOviyBJWSoQQUZUpon arrival, Ning Rushen discovered that Li Wuting had only brought two ministers: himself and Grand Academician Ji Jie, a true scholar who also served as the Crown Prince’s tutor.ymhLCXWoqxCOyDbzaKxHoLLFEukznI
MVGwjiKVsqPpVJjIt seemed they were there to select students.UYzubOCBvDpDxAGjYHMAnSzpbSBwAg
YFFKgWNOzjkOQxsJi Jie, an elderly, noble man, greeted Ning Rushen warmly despite his status.KOUAsNNvMqlKiTdJvXHwreDsCuUMeT
BCtazkDomCDKHAONing Rushen bowed, “Greetings, Grand Tutor Ji.”orwdIFpRjqWUBebAEXwQzMkqXRHVXq
mVUYaJppHcuDBeqAfter their brief exchange, Li Wuting said, “Let’s go,” and led the group to the banquet site.MgBqtKMcGpAbVQUZnEODXwgajSqDox
fXpgWlETnGPPglgNing Rushen followed on his right side, “Yes.”yNJLIyxjlMGjkJZlDmEmehdbvymhoL
wjvyfcJjcwglitPAt the banquet site, the new scholars were already waiting.HRdmCgiJwfyoUyocfVquopCztrtNin
XoEBKFvHfnKhYjjEveryone rose and saluted.RBBPzhjRpXQUPnDVsZpGwOClejjxUE
XDCjLrhHUUFebZuNing Rushen sat to Li Wuting’s right, surveying the excited yet nervous faces below.aLLWKJkEfsWBPxafIIbuezPzgPGfPC
ovWcxfOlYsqLjoVLi Wuting’s voice floated over, “Ning Qing, does this seem familiar?”pZdluiqlKJfnniBANcAOVApMtYkJpx
lmmTtbzeXnpuyQaNing Rushen nodded, “It’s like when the aristocratic families come to bid, all eager to take off.”xfrQtVkteDfkTEUVimSuyvyCDXogKl
TkqaJkfJzXNGtUuLi Wuting, “……”VuXOwrtIHwvgowdfKqrQACEQTUonuX
esgNuavfIbsNTfWHe moved his lips but wisely chose not to continue the conversation.NyIqfWXKBVutylwyrkPHuaYCcmSWEb
JLUsGJqgsdycDQyTraditional music played, and the banquet began with a “Flying Flower Order” poetry contest, where the new scholars displayed their talents.AsyWFgOZJnNtgBmQaCesJxBybhBkcu
dlYahaLjgjdYFNMDuring the event, Li Wuting proposed two topics.ndfiShrFQhloCUhLFRIKCPjtOStwBB
wLeCrPaEqfdNEblGrand Tutor Ji provided guidance and commentary, creating a lively and enthusiastic atmosphere.RRXeGWyBHjnFQWtMVgveZZOOGmsHoZ
clPCKCUiAIbMLtGNing Rushen sat to the side, eating snacks.feqMiFjFDlIndYihupsCcEzTzACkNQ
YKZpAOYmEjWIScsThe snacks had the character “Lu” printed on them, sponsored by the Lu family bakery.zLyHJwpXRqfaQvgExHKXlsvChAMViG
YhcorCEEDObUWNdTime passed quickly at the banquet.SyyLxerSrCAWhAJJcUdcOxHnoHOjli
KhrKpXkoZqGQRbrNing Rushen, enjoying the lively scene while eating snacks, was suddenly addressed by a passionate scholar who stood up and cupped his hands:wlhopPRwkfmdoNFOFSDgDuFWEVnEUI
fvSTXCXYucHWUQI“Lord Ning!”rTcqkGOZQCRymmUYyyBoqtolbMREYV
WjlldYRgmJvQYHm“I’ve long admired your reputation. Since you are here, would you honor us by participating in a couple of rounds?”NfsroNkGhPKTZunlWPISEAspFArSmt
XdfeYHpXlTeBSbBWith that, all the scholars turned to him.jYrgDbqTGoCwmuVvbWHDVviWDgPhip
kZItuXMVewCdCflNing Rushen looked up from his snack: ?qTMCxYDnpmqtScpXmbJItqCsXaawtk
RYVoZCSYNsFIlbEThe top scholar, Fan Wan, reacted quickly, standing up, “Lord Ning is our senior. Any guidance or a question from him would be appreciated.”BdMyJwGGeQDTnlvkNkTwnqkrPuKrfz
PmTVFkTEUyHtwPh“……”aKhWaxlkSwSIEcCJzThqCTTZaawWcv
xGyAHXfcknDarPcLetting him give guidance felt like a bit of a stretch.fNbLbXsQAZYmHZGfDMVmbvyCPPfkWj
xYGacUDvSHMpVKrNing Rushen was momentarily at a loss for words. He turned to look at Li Wuting.YTMJBVRjXvNssUjMWcimsBAJtmywco
SWskNEhUDztqfxaLi Wuting was quietly looking back at him, as if saying: it’s up to you.oJtgyXmErTNjekXmhvXKUKzkgBwgCZ
QmHfOGvCxZqzmLRNing Rushen hesitated, his gaze shifting.DiajShbGDQiSCwdPhWeyUclnEXRSoj
tezdeFCaaUezKgUAfter a moment of thought, he said, “My knowledge is shallow, so I won’t give any guidance. But I remember a story related to poetry. If His Majesty approves, I can share it.”AHPXWtkQXWOxSwJBrsHhuEIRgjhgLc
wsGoxKYdlwSLkNILi Wuting showed some interest, “Go ahead.”WIaShGegvFUusOgsRnnzmSZFdBdIby
SwXVppPOYVdDoEANing Rushen then picked up a brush and wrote down Wang Zhihuan’s “Liangzhou Ci.” After finishing, he quietly leaned close to Li Wuting:OdeVzQJRNostZRKQQMmEmoROVnxxHg
hjaOMKzkrNtnhUq“Your Majesty, take a look. Have you seen this poem before?”vfCkeRZzxSniOdfmbSOZLqQZSGZmfS
kuksrkGaNjLzkehThe poem was the famous one: “The Yellow River flows far into the white clouds.”epyrgkrkOnixGVhNblanFoQoCwJWAj
CzUpVYibSzPXKlHLi Wuting took the paper and carefully read it, “Good poem. Where did you come across it, Ning Qing?”viwYPlYEtDgVOihqZIFdoSPUJqroOf
zBjedkVCMyYLAQB“I found it in an old book at home.”aJhITrCqxAqobStMWFzdSunprCkSjJ
zUcmnXGzexnBmqx“And you…”oNAoqPewfAlUwZeTTLNSNjHDiMzXwF
bOhJJCnyjgHqNLhHe looked up and saw a bit of white sugar frosting on Ning Rushen’s lips. In the presence of many, Li Wuting remained motionless, only his eyelashes trembling slightly.aGiDfdWHILfOYXRLeqXRwdQPmLtIlO
zBzcAsxAzrcZLmQNing Rushen was puzzled, “Hmm?”XOJDPGpIOCuDXKTVFLhgKzVAQcGGQx
hGTUHQHDsnKejLKThe two were talking closely at the top.mSLScAmvfTONJRFArzmwUETtYRblQO
cNJvvOuZAuVAcOQBelow, the new scholars were still eagerly watching.VhTAEGRiVNNOpweoRegXTpIPfFtmOc
EXrZAJtXuXrYhVISecond place scholar Zhuang Qin scratched his head, murmuring, “What did Lord Ning write?” So anxious, so anxious, so anxious…mmHLNkuNSPfkMABvoaCzNlzprDoeri
FmECHIAHVxfSFmOBeside him, Fan Wan noticed his lip movements: …EbdimfguuGLBdeChEdpNBezROoCLNA
OfAsNBSTAtfnFUmFan Wan reassured, “Brother Zhuang, be patient. We must wait for His Majesty to review it before we can see it.”jGVHTeEUsYtPDfZlTQjLfJLrBPmfBp
zSdLaTDnjnKTCfa“Oh, right.” Zhuang Qin settled down.LGhwKTxkMNiwXhHgxNAvmYkLcxbXid
pcccjyIOhRrrvdYHe looked eagerly towards the top, seeing only the close proximity between the emperor and Ning Rushen. Lord Ning’s back was to them, with one crimson sleeve draping over half the emperor’s desk.bSDkJjRUHdafeCFjcwzUXWzePKLYMO
ziRJmefQrSXGsfWThe emperor’s face was partially obscured, making his expression unreadable.WjvImOpPoEIqIcAvcUINzkcDIVWmzK
XrueucBfpGMtFbZZhuang Qin scratched his head: Lord Ning is almost squeezing into the emperor’s seat…lLwsHvQbDOMwATssKAoZnhwEPtOrlS
zRMerMaexyKeqwA…tQtdNpiNFwfsyYWFKOAETFzhMnyLwA
QkhgbFZkHBjmtBxAt the top, Li Wuting remained silent for a moment.cDoioCpJbeCdYmAMRGJtqscxuXcdZW
udnDeljPKxJcYBsUntil Ning Rushen, feeling breathless under his gaze, finally heard him softly say, “Your mouth.”dFsPtPcyqYMGWvOgXCJMtCLpMjZKYH
HazNlvrCpNbDASRHe thought for a second, then tried smiling: like this?qLBjxihjiBpmPOBTqwikRcIlUNQBlr
OjqkuQWhNDZJCfm“……”RAenyIouKBWmEMukdIpjdgdFaviRFJ
XRyTbRsFmaiDltELi Wuting couldn’t bear it any longer, “Sugar frosting.”UJIzRGzQGSnFwZOkgmbIzljkwilKHq
nzjMyHTyyRPfKrxNing Rushen realized! His tongue quickly swept across his lips, indeed tasting a bit of sweetness. Feeling a bit embarrassed, he softly asked:whvkvtfXzfuuAdMpKmqkNstuYVqTtd
TQskHPbwWySTOeI“Is there any left?”xpapFbrxWTMHeopCQlZNVFlzejjBFk
LatUTxboRqHWzji“None.”GDrZYHGkTLMLtCEjpWbtLWlobNDyuV
iYOAlckAebivRBlAfter clearing up this small mishap, Ning Rushen returned to the topic, “If His Majesty approves, shall I use this poem as the topic?”mCvePeDYvBNJZHhjnzhTLCfqxUwbas
dlXfSkgWsqnknhzLi Wuting nodded.YVaitVTJUoFpxijAIIcCeugzNwhQyh
elwbQsyXBQmHVuINing Rushen then withdrew and had the poem copied and distributed, explaining:ltcQIWYQgPGZhciMUHWZLMAfAEyCUP
dFnhofxpxfhvqKd“This poem is not my work, it is ‘Liangzhou Ci.’ A minister once had this poem copied onto his jade fan. During the transcription, he accidentally missed a character ‘间’ (between). Originally, he was to be punished but cleverly altered the poem instead…”JXqekoaTGKaDmfUauDkJeRpCxKzXNB
ologEFpJPBgMQNQThe scholars, having just received the poem, were already admiring it.poTSleFimPAjXVJCeyVtRokVKxbeMY
XxUzKuKhZoUsOGgUpon hearing this, their interest was further piqued, and they eagerly looked at Ning Rushen.SNRLlfvyrULIkTJhVFabYsUXQnfmoJ
wqpMDbbmVUnhMSQNing Rushen said, “If anyone is interested, you can also try modifying it.”yvwXvLtZIbIDFACoTVABEbehJBregW
LMsMAKmJklwjjmGImmediately, enthusiastic discussions broke out below—GyNYkvPjQTbgYFVxvLbhKLEbTAORxL
TzsRgbgsuguaHwt“Such a topic, it’s the first time I’ve seen it!”UysjYRRxNEHQLcGTbHYURbnnacQoKj
ZHSMIqeECsCoLyp“This poem is excellent, and the story is brilliant…”NfZKstHCXYPXOHmZLSQXGzDXZtrNMs
epjHtIYlQMshwFySeeing everyone racking their brains, Ning Rushen relaxed into his seat:nNwGleisGhiqpJOhVTBbEyihznYxRN
NtxpZlvXuWyyTTbCrisis averted, time to chill!ZlfMApedwPkHPESWmAvwTRxivnVoeP
nOGMbzcMbGxCtGESuddenly, a voice fell next to him, “Ning Qing, which book did you find it in?”QfCapOmsXepRYbtZWLFODKYawNxIPY
wfUYdqyInypLassNing Rushen, on alert, stood up, “Some old hometown storybooks.”LCecJaaFzUtVpDAMuOlGPQVcUyOWxh
grnGVNmqtRzyZmpLi Wuting said slowly, “Hometown storybooks?”ZjwhbQLLxQpLbXChzYqLgvfechMzjC
qrLyrrhibQKtHiP“Yes.” Ning Rushen nodded, recalling Li Wuting mentioning his hometown last time, and added, “Brought from Yuchuan.”zJXRgItNjTtFkqeXUHPeKvNvbggsuT
ygfGNkzSREbgaaTLi Wuting just looked at him and smiled.hDTrpiUCcBgeSVLARzPSiqVfzwEirS
gEELkVCLxezBEgu“…?”TFwTpXHreeNCSjfuXBdzbNdEUMoXhR
fuZVIdXKQkMZVvoNing Rushen silently moved a bit further away, not continuing the conversation.JVXnTArivFxBePytCxRLyOedUmKjDw
GaLKVIaxbWDtnMNHe had figured it out: every time Li Wuting smiled, it meant he was about to trap him.PljtdjPkpWWlEuRdzhgXBcCtsRwYov
ZffysKMSbVylHoiAfter the scholars had thought for a quarter of an hour, Ning Rushen revealed the “original” answer: “The Yellow River flows far into the white clouds, a lone city in the mountains…”FGfuVhkmRtdncdETDSQWEwMCbMsdSR
nKheMnieThtoOptThe scholars compared their modified poems, some shaking their heads in self-pity, others exclaiming in sudden realization: “No wonder I felt something was off; it’s exactly like this!”ZYBkAqtRzDtEWZIJloGwSPwEkJbfcF
MzpsKzJliWNmBQcZhuang Qin compared his last few lines, “I still couldn’t break out of the norm. Just missed it by a bit! Ah… ah!”qbtnTXZfHHDmbnpFjMlUbcbUAlQxQO
HEuarsDLxpzGATHEven after announcing the next round, the room remained filled with sighs and reflections.pwsgxEzXjCrGXWzQEBWSYmyzJwGGLr
XtpHKveSQnTYzjCThe top scholar, Fan Wan, carefully folded the piece of paper and tucked it into his robe, seemingly planning to savor it again later.sTmDaUyUdIsisrNLKERKUvCKVfMHwa
HaxHucJpHLLsioI…sglpYJRAMQpQYIKBWQgIFwCrRWUgWZ
TZhlCeikRSoZncGFollowing this climax, the subsequent segments felt somewhat lackluster.sDjMHkrvBuDvJmbqaUKWlefnZFcJnv
WuAfllWcTVHoyFpAs the grand banquet drew to a close, after several rounds of poetry and drinking, the event ended amid a backdrop of ceremonial music.czxZkkbHpxiGpgHIsCvLQHowDodPkG
UtRFHLyUjKJUVXFNing Rushen was about to leave when two people approached him. One was the top scholar, Fan Wan, and the other was Grand Tutor Ji.OdecyEOyGCqlcRvEzpgGHmiENXACvp
qtZHCyPnskEqCOgGrand Tutor Ji, possibly having had some wine, appeared with flushed cheeks and an energetic demeanor, pulling at Ning Rushen, “Lord Ning, how many of those ancient books do you still have in your house? Can I borrow them?”GqugTjgvSwaAuBoJlJuQTGHZXmoXbz
rvIXIYsmsbCHHFtNing Rushen, nearly tripping from the elder’s pull, said, “My home was burgled, and those ancient books were lost.”uUZipzpcVHmLoDJHaBrkIyDBEChXaq
xXOeiPnnBwkTjKxGrand Tutor Ji’s face instantly turned bleak, “Ah.”RMmmdkEOvDtXfXzUGoLCsAPOPYYMwe
BRcMFIapqOiMdyiNing Rushen, “…”DblUJQEoNLAgZfhCgCkLLGrqRTaiwF
QIwMjeHMbgmZiBWHe quickly changed his tune, “But I can transcribe them from memory and give you a handwritten copy.”AexCjrcOGMYgSLbVhgOYLyQFVJQnOh
EsBDTBKEjpnVzRX“Ah!” Grand Tutor Ji revived, thanking him repeatedly before leaving joyfully.PAzwLkRDHPAKIvwjuMynGRxKnvyDjd
AJHjFJaAbRESpwyOnce the resurrected Grand Tutor Ji was gone, Fan Wan then approached Ning Rushen with a respectful bow, admiringly saying, “Lord Ning is truly knowledgeable. I am ashamed, thinking I had read all the books under the sky, only to find there is always more to learn!”SvLmPVHNJDZqKxBBnQyTVXDLzofpaz
HEumELJXcFLaEGyNing Rushen sighed, “I didn’t expect it either…”WkysErVrQejGmWRANbkhhPydLrpicJ
rsBgOdGnbNBMUIZIt really was another world.FYQsNYYKtCNWMsQulecxmFXveYCkYc
QqNVrdLExmyggnIFan Wan took his modesty as humility and showered him with more flowery praises, finally asking shyly, “May I also visit Lord Ning’s house to see those ancient books?”GDdNSEdaYEyKyDwqyoDssmxZzkaaGP
EyWIsYfYECqVloyNing Rushen glimpsed the shyly revealed fox tail behind him, “Alright.”SIbxOEXMbZzNMTuPiwZZuNuruVJNpJ
mWUFYhFYfNgWjPbFan Wan was delighted, “Being friends with Lord Ning is truly—”osqiYsDcYSWJaIMPjqrsnMFKlrILSD
ZdRAtLWCJsSrWjTBefore he could launch into another round of praises, a eunuch suddenly arrived, bowing before them, “Lord Ning, Top Scholar. His Majesty summons the top scholar to the rear.”WGjIrWlbdriDYfBlVbTypRYPMuKAHn
iOwTiToqVvntcYY“Yes, thank you, eunuch!” Fan Wan quickly composed himself and, after bidding farewell to Ning Rushen, hurried away.ZETDWETZBgWOJTDRspMaDdghhUotAS
DQuVTGPyvDxpbbAFan Wan left, but the eunuch did not.LhladhnPrAFdVMjbNwugfwXFGZYyAr
qQxDUvYcQFBiyfgOnce the others were far away, the eunuch said to Ning Rushen, “Lord Ning, His Majesty instructs you to wait in the carriage. Also… His Majesty doesn’t know how long the talk will be, so if you’re tired or hungry, feel free to rest.”tyKzBKLpzpUrlaYVAVetASSoZkxPqZ
ofMipAMyLrGpEEK“I understand, thank you.”AKvSIWCHKoYRtwdjTckHOlcrbEIfvY
JQUzEBoyTNtpnCENing Rushen nodded and left the banquet hall.DMPbGXPzNjKzRCaVgzAQTxsqtcJuhf
sJdhYlYchULPsbQ…tVlxaaGfiEuDvkEIRdmScIMArbdfoE
aTWCducnRvPKfvSOutside the hall, dozens of carriages were lined up along the street.TlwmgfBvdGrSJXeCnVJrEfueqWVMpl
dJZbwwfzsgCbUtUNing Rushen quickly spotted the familiar green carriage among the white and floral ones. He walked over and nodded to the waiting driver.qcECoPLDWJFXNmlBRYMDVIaitgCuck
yEOzSbMPJkZNfCMThe driver seemed a bit startled, “Greetings, my lord.”yNxmYeroJWtSNssJUHuFsyRfbSkVCL
FRAyZWzGajHmHln“I’ll wait inside.”PLcMcbDNqtTkIvNsbuKTDkrOFMTboZ
sAlURQdqmwBdvRhNing Rushen greeted him and lifted the curtain to enter.SKZbmBWcOWnkqjWlfgCRcXZdQOioPL
jgkRENDoCCOHEGcThe interior of the carriage was much simpler than usual, with no low table and just a blanket on the seat. With the curtain down, the light inside was dim, making it hard to see clearly.IexbthaEpSjPlfSVBTNnSdUbYayVUz
mYXClEqskksBhiDNing Rushen didn’t think much of it, feeling that such lighting was perfect for sleeping.oKIsPNotOeVFbpNGpAbvTTUlRjZqCD
eHZrwPKkvCimaYjHaving expended a lot of energy at the banquet and eaten many snacks, he now felt comfortably full and drowsy.myHRhThzcvfpoTwaSvAwpsNdDpxGhy
osdZsiSIHxHrhxb… After all, Li Wuting did say he could rest if he was tired.ytleNJnpMabfGLgAXzSlIcCmPpnyui
WeEKOEzGzvUbiHINing Rushen’s eyelids grew heavy, and he pulled the blanket over himself, curling into a comfortable position and drifting off.bnFNsEwtolVCwYtJmbPlIBUPoKCmNq
tIwxQIeXewUHbhWOutside the carriage, Fan Wan’s driver sat on pins and needles.DzoUDUsrXnLJHFRBrulvdCUsemSDDS
XIvFQldzNFULGllWas this arranged with his master?WvXrxIsyLFogFAVXVJUlLhgykxVewL
xZIHrmKWgNmKWOeBut that was a grand official of the third rank; he didn’t dare ask!WDkvaePPjLBtQDVLVIdpJjzpCZyVOA
FEgfKCjKSBSJqqy·jQbxrNVqFjoJbbXMVmNLnixZXuddRp
NqpwFFRvHYGJFxFHalf an hour later.oiiIgwmjEjenIVowyvicPZfMWUygGf
DwRoCXbpSgjAnvMLi Wuting finished arranging his affairs. Before him were the top three scholars from this examination. He had no doubt they would handle their new positions well—qXUHYBSPxPWtFORvBpuPzeyXPEzjEn
yzddtAjxViPTMvEHe was already aware of their abilities from his previous life.ANGeMfdMlpDYLCLOAkAnXAKDgFpZuF
sqywrIjMMLkmzRi“That’s all. You may leave.”URiyNojKuczsIqmukChPOKdSCiMPGd
OhMVbHVUghpPJsF“Yes, Your Majesty!”pjaMNrWRoMfsyypwJvftHtRsdkjwON
mCIPSnRHovKBBfILi Wuting was also ready to depart.OqCWaTfekqOheunvdrzCGNCEtyZKGw
PLsxzLsxXUuSKDkFan Wan and the others followed the emperor’s entourage out of the banquet hall.qNdTzRzPpiELkafTobijAvKCSqGkyv
GsRPHBabgpwwozeThe other scholars had already left.rtwLqNYwLKaPyqRatwavUABrePBwmk
LysPUABxJHdUogiNow, only three carriages remained outside, easily distinguishable from each other.ASQaXReSbHrKyoCVdNqAedFFpEbKzu
HyDLGvIYtmHXuAuLi Wuting’s green carriage was parked further away. He always preferred a low-key presence outside the palace to avoid unnecessary complications, with the driver being an incognito imperial guard.fehAAgJNtOhinEvWlpDPyrjbWpKmnG
AdGbjOEZFWyVIHRA few steps away was another green carriage.vbmIetpgLIZvhYWzGUzVwNOCVipEGn
LUyMefkBLiRlBoLAlthough both were green, a closer look could tell them apart.PdyjLYCgzpgjLvvdLDpxrWQmOPaXOr
mReyTZCaVIYvqeZLi Wuting did not hesitate and headed straight for his carriage. With no one else around, he asked:ldOtcfEXnmVjYOMRAGoFkVYudfgyzi
uWyYlJSzpiyrjkw“Did you have someone wait in the carriage?”SvvmZymFqinIOIWuAAGhLCXFjdwdPZ
lyiLebHUqvIWrGDDe Quan smiled, “Of course! By now, Lord Ning must have eaten all the snacks and had a comfortable nap!”VfwKsqWOtRfKWkHsfsRhuMfgLiuEGA
PZjgISviXnmcTRPLi Wuting, hearing this, only chuckled softly.KQpFFvyqTFXaAUZUhovrDWBMJOVKlN
JeUFfCakKxLWqevAs they approached the carriage, De Quan hurriedly lifted the curtain, “Lord Ning—”GwhfsvUUmWJXeWJuqbxqACESqVYFWB
TMnHrErCkcwclQWThe curtain revealed an empty interior. The snacks and blanket remained untouched, with no sign of anyone.weoMuhXzZumgmklQHkyAcaxqIpAvJU
eySdIXJWIhxTAACDe Quan jolted in shock, hurriedly asking the guard, “What happened… where is Lord Ning?”MWbdrkTbolhIVBASzqlXbzKWdthmtn
vhhUSCyPMLfCaBDThe guard replied, “He never came up.”TdRKcWLofFblDgqXyfYbhCjySfqiHt
LsAYrXqIptVVHXYLi Wuting’s lips pressed together in silence.DeuOrlzNLedjOMBMSMgZMphPtLSqKx
SWdaYwCEtZVJxSvDe Quan, sweating nervously, looked around and suddenly saw Scholar Fan standing by another green carriage, peering inside with a perplexed and hesitant look.gXWbeLlupQMplFgnEqLQjSEiuaUlcI
KZpdNisTrwLPeNg“…”wUGjwFbOXGZJUTLnPhkUqMvMYgTxGo
CbrcTdwCPqeCElzA foreboding feeling swept over De Quan.wnCupFwIfzxUqLlSFLmlDvvebRTPAr
PYOmYYftfejOwJICarefully, he asked, “Your Majesty, do you think Lord Ning could be there?”YFRAvisbNArUmlZqafcpxMzJuGRpTf
QMuxiWfZaYDjCMQLi Wuting followed De Quan’s gaze.DCicjiRfSpqswPIQFNlDnfkQdsYjlu
rDZdzlbqVihXQvJThey saw Fan Wan making conflicted gestures: sometimes reaching out, sometimes turning his head—apparently debating whether to wake the person inside or take him back home as is.cCzEeqEQedzBVFLAcFFEiqZlfWfQwV
mhvQilVuizMhBka“…”hplPLeZikJSOdQPjuoXcqvNnyRUljo
WDhkQxkSzqdebNbLi Wuting’s gaze darkened.xLsIxXZFswSTGMAvYWkIhpOQMAlhbZ
spnBeNFGVJGPuPlEven the usually astute De Quan couldn’t decide. Gauging Li Wuting’s expression and the situation, he nervously suggested:wFFHzePShrPtspDRWIvrbOWuqvKGtF
RdFtCyQJBRAarpG“Your… Your Majesty, should we go to the top scholar’s carriage to retrieve Lord Ning?”aEWZkGqRDscqMIWwnFlRtcXhbpsURT
zKthQoznbhjwHLuzLgHWUhJqCmgpzIELQZRdESEJcnWMz