This official is so weak

CUoiZonJGDcRETeTable of Contents

Chapter 37

A wave of heat shot straight up from his tailbone to his scalp, making him freeze for a moment.YEBVXhsKCzSrIAajhptsNHvfRZJENw

tkjuamAywJZNuun

Had Li Wuting been possessed by something unclean?jwKIujMLrrLDfAaCclMpxCopnRdCIQ

bEmzVWTDLCLypnL

His Adam’s apple bobbed as he held his breath, unable to come up with any lewd words for quite some time.OcSFqbELFGmotldULPLfVsGEvGzOtN

EFCTtaqRSygYpGg

Li Wuting lightly tapped his knuckles and reminded him, “Exhale.”iHxVWTyQOjPiYQEsbZUWpjkUUWzCWk

eqtzgwnPNOswXuZ

A shaky breath followed his words: hoo…cfiRsLtSJkXMfqzyPqmjfMxzEIHjRr

WLucXYwfkTUFNXi

Watching 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

AnWEdwJvZMydjTH

Ning 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

GIhTswyvXepnewK

Is this something to joke about casually?VYfCLRjYPuEBXkWLIbqKheayHTTmLT

jurHUixHPKwcIsZ

Besides you, who else would laugh?SmrjXMyyYRBDlDTtGaTngvUPPGegxE

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What if someone else heard it—they—Ning Rushen looked around, suppressing a roar.GrRleIXjpbWznjgiwBFABDfRgxrqHa

BxpfQsABfxkPKwP

He locked eyes with De Quan, who was grinning broadly.AUtHFwJrmGeSIqmbMcomsLwKsUrGKW

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He was speechless.yFMbowRFEcOWkHzkeJYBNuiWradqLh

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Alright, maybe they weren’t normal either.tNAQBlxGQiSqxYfmXEwllOWclxfxdM

oXrGSHoDDtxMSRW

Li Wuting spoke with concern, “What’s wrong, Ning Qing?”pgqWUGOwnDCqzgTQRLKJoDcyqSdILa

MUnhMPTTHlhlMSf

…Forget it.YxJbITiQMxNOQVzodsjlJGlVguSGvB

sLhdhsnKbioQApM

Ning Rushen took a deep breath and, with pursed lips, praised, “Your Majesty is so humorous.”hGwjdjhhNjmnoGmqbpmDVHcjtRkjxr

nFCnEMFCLkHuLpG

“Humorous?”nWbNjZtDJGRSBrAAEbTLjpudEBedEv

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“Humorous. That’s how we say it back home.”nnHCBkoUVlceasyqprBYoWLqyitcIt

usIJkAViVVMZrwO

Li Wuting commented, “You do have a bit of an accent.”cRQsvTJxfdbmZakQpwRJyIobGFIlet

GmRCHiBUmgRXPTl

Ning Rushen pursed his lips for a couple of seconds before returning to his initial question, “So, what brings Your Majesty here?”ccCZlHHldLpofPSdJxrcPUcItzvGfJ

uLWKWgJgnxlATTj

Li Wuting stopped teasing him, “Do you remember the day we went to Yuexian Tower, and I asked you something in the carriage?”ZkeDBzrIjDmRvYxJtekPUiksUKpolk

YEYYNxRFCARwWGb

Ning Rushen recalled: What did he ask?qVtQTvbCHBhOHkZzpyFMSRxVJmQXpX

pMBQKERGtYfdoJV

“About a bunch of bastards?”WpWlGkYryZAcdGahmyHUoTTMfIvVDb

mhWirTNaaYisucy

Li 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

sACMokYRmsRTcUy

As he spoke, his tone grew more solemn.qJQcNjIDSHnDugauUwxkKedXuScbwJ

qqVYJHQmGuIqRzZ

His gaze, falling somewhere unknown, revealed a startling sharpness from his deep eyes.uShTIdgpqoHIKbRVeHUBVrPhfYqsCF

TjRQOWtuaDDchBR

The 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

jUSBuXTNSrOAORU

The imperial study fell silent.XXejovbimSZSkNElNDNAwJQAMhHmQo

WqkmMPQCQtftEpT

After a moment, Li Wuting snapped out of his reverie.NEeBJpipNiqrEKBkgrDuvAbaROZJdb

XxqMfriffcizZNl

He 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

eIFnqXbgEaGDcIf

Li Wuting paused and softened his tone, “What are you daydreaming about, Ning Qing?”JAEEYLrRrQPuDEzMjYDSfBFgvWHdni

qXKjMzvspKFrKlJ

Ning 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

bOSDTyFVRmgINbU

Li Wuting, “……”bxZRHZkKmHfbOitSOkrwNnhUqwiqIT

dzcLlVZDUfyQKhl

He 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

AdIflDcmmWyabiP

Ning Rushen: …tUSLzgFIfEIKauMijEFnhSgDQmXXvf

zMJQEzySWkzmkxx

Nonsense, he was clearly bringing dreams to everyone.SonZQDPPJsmVaatuwMzpGFIAcvtBDr

QHlsFlybdPupJRm

Ning Rushen went back and continued creating dreams for the aristocratic families.XxyhGoDsKlSCMHCohrOFYfmoPdXjbR

fSYnRtnLxwUSwEY

He 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

GCSTFBuSNUpxUmt

Ning Rushen temporarily accepted, “Understood.”BtFGYWTjFQHMpYYuPriYiyXgSINaxg

ghlOgodkWzHAaqn

After the eunuch left, he pondered in the courtyard until a “plop” sound interrupted him.iCsrXzxPUrvxDSyrczlXyONgHWcsnt

HhpomudICZUUdfO

Shiyi hung down from a tree, “Why are you standing there motionless?”UZjEsuwmAiRGCwHEaDSiLFerIASkRs

tDwoDqTWpZxPtHD

Ning Rushen, “Am I attending as the top scholar from the previous year?”xIKEjJmaOdKNcPEqtSiHbDYFkXLfpB

DbeiRmPnICLZUYe

Shiyi, “…”TPFUcqBYdoHqaEKGTABDfqhmZsfTEP

VMqhsTPGMWKfvzI

Shiyi, “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

SpsyasWGAMQnDhT

Ning Rushen was momentarily speechless.RZSnSMwZPeZTdPkuTDwkDspasxQExT

PYoOhmgmWcZNXtc

He almost forgot, the Great Cheng was different from the history he knew:ydrLLWIiCkGWIGpqbiBpoHSBbPolEb

avGQhpKVPvHmocO

In 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

MojzqqlrWjMeIge

But the attendees were generally only the newly graduated scholars.AxoQNqUxsyjHlHYwGkBLqAsYBjOPCo

OhHnroBwWfAkbHg

Ning 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

FADVIspSoeYUslN

He swallowed his question:kjnlgZJplPoSeyWzyoqxBEMOiQHdOg

ccdgFErUBwyzXuk

He might have memory gaps, but he couldn’t remember things incorrectly.MXrYpTCafUgEsueKkxMAnImXAwRBpT

BnTMHOOvkqfvIpb

Ning Rushen glanced at the servants in the courtyard and decided to ask Geng Yan, “Uncle Yan, let’s visit the Geng residence.”hkQARcJowHeTFOAPePssaNLciQIoFC

HkchiFPVQWhtmIU

Yan 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

jWOrQQocQofSWNR

Yan Min stammered, “Then, we should indeed prepare a gift to congratulate him.”CumckYPemzRGSPqsuYNzwcOxnTzaCq

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The two stepped out of the courtyard.MzbPAPIoBVPhLcDhHJKHfjniCVZyGQ

VfCzxvVpcODTNSt

Shiyi, hanging on the tree, thought:METzwDbdzarxpsLZapvtqTsOFncxwt

WablCPRItCcyDbP

Hidden 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

ToDloQwQpIURqDL

Better not, Geng Assistant Minister’s private ailment isn’t important anyway.jZEbnHNRHIzAysatlczueMZVsmMVCa

PuxrcwhZHGqOgUh

upcUJxRSuXldxvMnsPxaibicwGVaZK

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Ning Rushen brought a gift box of nuts and arrived at the Geng residence.dUPMSvTaTqOjXGmHYdUlnqrCnGcBGY

jxIJlAwkwcbsEdB

He went straight to the point, pushing open the door to Geng Yan’s courtyard with a bang, “Open up—room inspection!”QmIcstvQBLEfzKRVBrWUpJPMHXihfR

tQgHCbevFQHRnXj

Geng Yan was startled, “What the hell!”aJreckXgANvUvWWDVFqMbaTYCiWrnJ

qjqtNUmaTdYySnx

Ning 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

KvLhrFDhIJgusgB

He looked at Ning Rushen, dressed in red, “Are you going to bring good fortune?”vYABCPFzKgvZrrWaqOUWpkEVSwMHui

JUhTBceAuKHHLWO

Ning Rushen kicked out his leg.nJDGfVPJbFrCqlTTheuGKYGvuqqJvE

LuzIeEBJlflabhw

Geng 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

doDCfNGvdrppoQE

Ning Rushen chased him, trying to step on him:JgoWhlBbbYdvzqhpcxaQoBpLjuaQMM

myFoFADycZYMWIu

“How could it be so casual in such an occasion?”gAodtpyqnkmAphssMlZtxZRVbLXQGW

rmLbbJLxdJeVsEC

Geng 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

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Protect him? And, “When—”GVsmxFtBvrhVXXfLtzbvfbVgeCgHpu

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Ning Rushen was about to retort when he paused.dJMAolaEmrBVEaCwyfFkvgjSTAvnfn

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Li 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

oeWnDglzswCmcsT

Ha, hesitating. Geng Yan retracted his leg, leisurely munching on nuts without replying.WIFQyGOQPXGQQTujIIdVCpERXjmgMc

ftgLKjqJOUGNQUN

Ning Rushen clamped his chin shut.jYbKaNLrzHqowroCURAqJcLGABTMxq

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Geng Yan, “Ow, ow, ow!”RDFAiLArKEcNowKPepkwZTSqUTmitY

vtvfDtYOGtdyYmd

·CsXVkXfgJsFtvPnbjqPPZgkQkoFBWW

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Having understood the general process of the Qionglin Banquet, the next day, Ning Rushen went to accompany the emperor as summoned.jrDnxmlytlpVNBCqyFtjukplKmcfZy

EbCWhrQpyWVsHZo

The 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

XEOviyBJWSoQQUZ

Upon 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

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It seemed they were there to select students.UYzubOCBvDpDxAGjYHMAnSzpbSBwAg

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Ji Jie, an elderly, noble man, greeted Ning Rushen warmly despite his status.KOUAsNNvMqlKiTdJvXHwreDsCuUMeT

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Ning Rushen bowed, “Greetings, Grand Tutor Ji.”orwdIFpRjqWUBebAEXwQzMkqXRHVXq

mVUYaJppHcuDBeq

After their brief exchange, Li Wuting said, “Let’s go,” and led the group to the banquet site.MgBqtKMcGpAbVQUZnEODXwgajSqDox

fXpgWlETnGPPglg

Ning Rushen followed on his right side, “Yes.”yNJLIyxjlMGjkJZlDmEmehdbvymhoL

wjvyfcJjcwglitP

At the banquet site, the new scholars were already waiting.HRdmCgiJwfyoUyocfVquopCztrtNin

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Everyone rose and saluted.RBBPzhjRpXQUPnDVsZpGwOClejjxUE

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Ning Rushen sat to Li Wuting’s right, surveying the excited yet nervous faces below.aLLWKJkEfsWBPxafIIbuezPzgPGfPC

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Li Wuting’s voice floated over, “Ning Qing, does this seem familiar?”pZdluiqlKJfnniBANcAOVApMtYkJpx

lmmTtbzeXnpuyQa

Ning Rushen nodded, “It’s like when the aristocratic families come to bid, all eager to take off.”xfrQtVkteDfkTEUVimSuyvyCDXogKl

TkqaJkfJzXNGtUu

Li Wuting, “……”VuXOwrtIHwvgowdfKqrQACEQTUonuX

esgNuavfIbsNTfW

He moved his lips but wisely chose not to continue the conversation.NyIqfWXKBVutylwyrkPHuaYCcmSWEb

JLUsGJqgsdycDQy

Traditional music played, and the banquet began with a “Flying Flower Order” poetry contest, where the new scholars displayed their talents.AsyWFgOZJnNtgBmQaCesJxBybhBkcu

dlYahaLjgjdYFNM

During the event, Li Wuting proposed two topics.ndfiShrFQhloCUhLFRIKCPjtOStwBB

wLeCrPaEqfdNEbl

Grand Tutor Ji provided guidance and commentary, creating a lively and enthusiastic atmosphere.RRXeGWyBHjnFQWtMVgveZZOOGmsHoZ

clPCKCUiAIbMLtG

Ning Rushen sat to the side, eating snacks.feqMiFjFDlIndYihupsCcEzTzACkNQ

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The snacks had the character “Lu” printed on them, sponsored by the Lu family bakery.zLyHJwpXRqfaQvgExHKXlsvChAMViG

YhcorCEEDObUWNd

Time passed quickly at the banquet.SyyLxerSrCAWhAJJcUdcOxHnoHOjli

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Ning 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

XdfeYHpXlTeBSbB

With that, all the scholars turned to him.jYrgDbqTGoCwmuVvbWHDVviWDgPhip

kZItuXMVewCdCfl

Ning Rushen looked up from his snack: ?qTMCxYDnpmqtScpXmbJItqCsXaawtk

RYVoZCSYNsFIlbE

The 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

xGyAHXfcknDarPc

Letting him give guidance felt like a bit of a stretch.fNbLbXsQAZYmHZGfDMVmbvyCPPfkWj

xYGacUDvSHMpVKr

Ning Rushen was momentarily at a loss for words. He turned to look at Li Wuting.YTMJBVRjXvNssUjMWcimsBAJtmywco

SWskNEhUDztqfxa

Li Wuting was quietly looking back at him, as if saying: it’s up to you.oJtgyXmErTNjekXmhvXKUKzkgBwgCZ

QmHfOGvCxZqzmLR

Ning Rushen hesitated, his gaze shifting.DiajShbGDQiSCwdPhWeyUclnEXRSoj

tezdeFCaaUezKgU

After 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

wsGoxKYdlwSLkNI

Li Wuting showed some interest, “Go ahead.”WIaShGegvFUusOgsRnnzmSZFdBdIby

SwXVppPOYVdDoEA

Ning 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

kuksrkGaNjLzkeh

The poem was the famous one: “The Yellow River flows far into the white clouds.”epyrgkrkOnixGVhNblanFoQoCwJWAj

CzUpVYibSzPXKlH

Li 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

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“And you…”oNAoqPewfAlUwZeTTLNSNjHDiMzXwF

bOhJJCnyjgHqNLh

He 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

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Ning Rushen was puzzled, “Hmm?”XOJDPGpIOCuDXKTVFLhgKzVAQcGGQx

hGTUHQHDsnKejLK

The two were talking closely at the top.mSLScAmvfTONJRFArzmwUETtYRblQO

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Below, the new scholars were still eagerly watching.VhTAEGRiVNNOpweoRegXTpIPfFtmOc

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Second place scholar Zhuang Qin scratched his head, murmuring, “What did Lord Ning write?” So anxious, so anxious, so anxious…mmHLNkuNSPfkMABvoaCzNlzprDoeri

FmECHIAHVxfSFmO

Beside him, Fan Wan noticed his lip movements: …EbdimfguuGLBdeChEdpNBezROoCLNA

OfAsNBSTAtfnFUm

Fan Wan reassured, “Brother Zhuang, be patient. We must wait for His Majesty to review it before we can see it.”jGVHTeEUsYtPDfZlTQjLfJLrBPmfBp

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“Oh, right.” Zhuang Qin settled down.LGhwKTxkMNiwXhHgxNAvmYkLcxbXid

pcccjyIOhRrrvdY

He 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

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The emperor’s face was partially obscured, making his expression unreadable.WjvImOpPoEIqIcAvcUINzkcDIVWmzK

XrueucBfpGMtFbZ

Zhuang Qin scratched his head: Lord Ning is almost squeezing into the emperor’s seat…lLwsHvQbDOMwATssKAoZnhwEPtOrlS

zRMerMaexyKeqwA

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At the top, Li Wuting remained silent for a moment.cDoioCpJbeCdYmAMRGJtqscxuXcdZW

udnDeljPKxJcYBs

Until Ning Rushen, feeling breathless under his gaze, finally heard him softly say, “Your mouth.”dFsPtPcyqYMGWvOgXCJMtCLpMjZKYH

HazNlvrCpNbDASR

He thought for a second, then tried smiling: like this?qLBjxihjiBpmPOBTqwikRcIlUNQBlr

OjqkuQWhNDZJCfm

“……”RAenyIouKBWmEMukdIpjdgdFaviRFJ

XRyTbRsFmaiDltE

Li Wuting couldn’t bear it any longer, “Sugar frosting.”UJIzRGzQGSnFwZOkgmbIzljkwilKHq

nzjMyHTyyRPfKrx

Ning 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

iYOAlckAebivRBl

After clearing up this small mishap, Ning Rushen returned to the topic, “If His Majesty approves, shall I use this poem as the topic?”mCvePeDYvBNJZHhjnzhTLCfqxUwbas

dlXfSkgWsqnknhz

Li Wuting nodded.YVaitVTJUoFpxijAIIcCeugzNwhQyh

elwbQsyXBQmHVuI

Ning 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

ologEFpJPBgMQNQ

The scholars, having just received the poem, were already admiring it.poTSleFimPAjXVJCeyVtRokVKxbeMY

XxUzKuKhZoUsOGg

Upon hearing this, their interest was further piqued, and they eagerly looked at Ning Rushen.SNRLlfvyrULIkTJhVFabYsUXQnfmoJ

wqpMDbbmVUnhMSQ

Ning Rushen said, “If anyone is interested, you can also try modifying it.”yvwXvLtZIbIDFACoTVABEbehJBregW

LMsMAKmJklwjjmG

Immediately, 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

epjHtIYlQMshwFy

Seeing everyone racking their brains, Ning Rushen relaxed into his seat:nNwGleisGhiqpJOhVTBbEyihznYxRN

NtxpZlvXuWyyTTb

Crisis averted, time to chill!ZlfMApedwPkHPESWmAvwTRxivnVoeP

nOGMbzcMbGxCtGE

Suddenly, a voice fell next to him, “Ning Qing, which book did you find it in?”QfCapOmsXepRYbtZWLFODKYawNxIPY

wfUYdqyInypLass

Ning Rushen, on alert, stood up, “Some old hometown storybooks.”LCecJaaFzUtVpDAMuOlGPQVcUyOWxh

grnGVNmqtRzyZmp

Li 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

ygfGNkzSREbgaaT

Li Wuting just looked at him and smiled.hDTrpiUCcBgeSVLARzPSiqVfzwEirS

gEELkVCLxezBEgu

“…?”TFwTpXHreeNCSjfuXBdzbNdEUMoXhR

fuZVIdXKQkMZVvo

Ning Rushen silently moved a bit further away, not continuing the conversation.JVXnTArivFxBePytCxRLyOedUmKjDw

GaLKVIaxbWDtnMN

He had figured it out: every time Li Wuting smiled, it meant he was about to trap him.PljtdjPkpWWlEuRdzhgXBcCtsRwYov

ZffysKMSbVylHoi

After 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

nKheMnieThtoOpt

The 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

MzpsKzJliWNmBQc

Zhuang Qin compared his last few lines, “I still couldn’t break out of the norm. Just missed it by a bit! Ah… ah!”qbtnTXZfHHDmbnpFjMlUbcbUAlQxQO

HEuarsDLxpzGATH

Even after announcing the next round, the room remained filled with sighs and reflections.pwsgxEzXjCrGXWzQEBWSYmyzJwGGLr

XtpHKveSQnTYzjC

The 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

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Following this climax, the subsequent segments felt somewhat lackluster.sDjMHkrvBuDvJmbqaUKWlefnZFcJnv

WuAfllWcTVHoyFp

As the grand banquet drew to a close, after several rounds of poetry and drinking, the event ended amid a backdrop of ceremonial music.czxZkkbHpxiGpgHIsCvLQHowDodPkG

UtRFHLyUjKJUVXF

Ning 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

qtZHCyPnskEqCOg

Grand 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

rvIXIYsmsbCHHFt

Ning Rushen, nearly tripping from the elder’s pull, said, “My home was burgled, and those ancient books were lost.”uUZipzpcVHmLoDJHaBrkIyDBEChXaq

xXOeiPnnBwkTjKx

Grand Tutor Ji’s face instantly turned bleak, “Ah.”RMmmdkEOvDtXfXzUGoLCsAPOPYYMwe

BRcMFIapqOiMdyi

Ning Rushen, “…”DblUJQEoNLAgZfhCgCkLLGrqRTaiwF

QIwMjeHMbgmZiBW

He 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

AJHjFJaAbRESpwy

Once 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

HEumELJXcFLaEGy

Ning Rushen sighed, “I didn’t expect it either…”WkysErVrQejGmWRANbkhhPydLrpicJ

rsBgOdGnbNBMUIZ

It really was another world.FYQsNYYKtCNWMsQulecxmFXveYCkYc

QqNVrdLExmyggnI

Fan 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

EyWIsYfYECqVloy

Ning Rushen glimpsed the shyly revealed fox tail behind him, “Alright.”SIbxOEXMbZzNMTuPiwZZuNuruVJNpJ

mWUFYhFYfNgWjPb

Fan Wan was delighted, “Being friends with Lord Ning is truly—”osqiYsDcYSWJaIMPjqrsnMFKlrILSD

ZdRAtLWCJsSrWjT

Before 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

DQuVTGPyvDxpbbA

Fan Wan left, but the eunuch did not.LhladhnPrAFdVMjbNwugfwXFGZYyAr

qQxDUvYcQFBiyfg

Once 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

JQUzEBoyTNtpnCE

Ning Rushen nodded and left the banquet hall.DMPbGXPzNjKzRCaVgzAQTxsqtcJuhf

sJdhYlYchULPsbQ

tVlxaaGfiEuDvkEIRdmScIMArbdfoE

aTWCducnRvPKfvS

Outside the hall, dozens of carriages were lined up along the street.TlwmgfBvdGrSJXeCnVJrEfueqWVMpl

dJZbwwfzsgCbUtU

Ning Rushen quickly spotted the familiar green carriage among the white and floral ones. He walked over and nodded to the waiting driver.qcECoPLDWJFXNmlBRYMDVIaitgCuck

yEOzSbMPJkZNfCM

The driver seemed a bit startled, “Greetings, my lord.”yNxmYeroJWtSNssJUHuFsyRfbSkVCL

FRAyZWzGajHmHln

“I’ll wait inside.”PLcMcbDNqtTkIvNsbuKTDkrOFMTboZ

sAlURQdqmwBdvRh

Ning Rushen greeted him and lifted the curtain to enter.SKZbmBWcOWnkqjWlfgCRcXZdQOioPL

jgkRENDoCCOHEGc

The 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

mYXClEqskksBhiD

Ning Rushen didn’t think much of it, feeling that such lighting was perfect for sleeping.oKIsPNotOeVFbpNGpAbvTTUlRjZqCD

eHZrwPKkvCimaYj

Having 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

WeEKOEzGzvUbiHI

Ning Rushen’s eyelids grew heavy, and he pulled the blanket over himself, curling into a comfortable position and drifting off.bnFNsEwtolVCwYtJmbPlIBUPoKCmNq

tIwxQIeXewUHbhW

Outside the carriage, Fan Wan’s driver sat on pins and needles.DzoUDUsrXnLJHFRBrulvdCUsemSDDS

XIvFQldzNFULGll

Was this arranged with his master?WvXrxIsyLFogFAVXVJUlLhgykxVewL

xZIHrmKWgNmKWOe

But that was a grand official of the third rank; he didn’t dare ask!WDkvaePPjLBtQDVLVIdpJjzpCZyVOA

FEgfKCjKSBSJqqy

·jQbxrNVqFjoJbbXMVmNLnixZXuddRp

NqpwFFRvHYGJFxF

Half an hour later.oiiIgwmjEjenIVowyvicPZfMWUygGf

DwRoCXbpSgjAnvM

Li 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

yzddtAjxViPTMvE

He was already aware of their abilities from his previous life.ANGeMfdMlpDYLCLOAkAnXAKDgFpZuF

sqywrIjMMLkmzRi

“That’s all. You may leave.”URiyNojKuczsIqmukChPOKdSCiMPGd

OhMVbHVUghpPJsF

“Yes, Your Majesty!”pjaMNrWRoMfsyypwJvftHtRsdkjwON

mCIPSnRHovKBBfI

Li Wuting was also ready to depart.OqCWaTfekqOheunvdrzCGNCEtyZKGw

PLsxzLsxXUuSKDk

Fan Wan and the others followed the emperor’s entourage out of the banquet hall.qNdTzRzPpiELkafTobijAvKCSqGkyv

GsRPHBabgpwwoze

The other scholars had already left.rtwLqNYwLKaPyqRatwavUABrePBwmk

LysPUABxJHdUogi

Now, only three carriages remained outside, easily distinguishable from each other.ASQaXReSbHrKyoCVdNqAedFFpEbKzu

HyDLGvIYtmHXuAu

Li 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

AdGbjOEZFWyVIHR

A few steps away was another green carriage.vbmIetpgLIZvhYWzGUzVwNOCVipEGn

LUyMefkBLiRlBoL

Although both were green, a closer look could tell them apart.PdyjLYCgzpgjLvvdLDpxrWQmOPaXOr

mReyTZCaVIYvqeZ

Li 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

lyiLebHUqvIWrGD

De Quan smiled, “Of course! By now, Lord Ning must have eaten all the snacks and had a comfortable nap!”VfwKsqWOtRfKWkHsfsRhuMfgLiuEGA

PZjgISviXnmcTRP

Li Wuting, hearing this, only chuckled softly.KQpFFvyqTFXaAUZUhovrDWBMJOVKlN

JeUFfCakKxLWqev

As they approached the carriage, De Quan hurriedly lifted the curtain, “Lord Ning—”GwhfsvUUmWJXeWJuqbxqACESqVYFWB

TMnHrErCkcwclQW

The curtain revealed an empty interior. The snacks and blanket remained untouched, with no sign of anyone.weoMuhXzZumgmklQHkyAcaxqIpAvJU

eySdIXJWIhxTAAC

De Quan jolted in shock, hurriedly asking the guard, “What happened… where is Lord Ning?”MWbdrkTbolhIVBASzqlXbzKWdthmtn

vhhUSCyPMLfCaBD

The guard replied, “He never came up.”TdRKcWLofFblDgqXyfYbhCjySfqiHt

LsAYrXqIptVVHXY

Li Wuting’s lips pressed together in silence.DeuOrlzNLedjOMBMSMgZMphPtLSqKx

SWdaYwCEtZVJxSv

De 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

CbrcTdwCPqeCElz

A foreboding feeling swept over De Quan.wnCupFwIfzxUqLlSFLmlDvvebRTPAr

PYOmYYftfejOwJI

Carefully, he asked, “Your Majesty, do you think Lord Ning could be there?”YFRAvisbNArUmlZqafcpxMzJuGRpTf

QMuxiWfZaYDjCMQ

Li Wuting followed De Quan’s gaze.DCicjiRfSpqswPIQFNlDnfkQdsYjlu

rDZdzlbqVihXQvJ

They 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

WDhkQxkSzqdebNb

Li Wuting’s gaze darkened.xLsIxXZFswSTGMAvYWkIhpOQMAlhbZ

spnBeNFGVJGPuPl

Even 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

zKthQoznbhjwHLu
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zLgHWUhJqCmgpzIELQZRdESEJcnWMz

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