This official is so weak

FNmFIIIoXEKRxtCTable of Contents

Chapter 38

Li Wuting stood still for a few seconds before walking toward Fan Wan’s carriage.KECKqCETiOVHBMTlbGmOiUflIMKcav

nmAOlGWkAzebMwA

Over there, Fan Wan was brooding when he suddenly saw the emperor approaching with the head eunuch, De Quan.CFlYxBCWCMcrHKMGpVOuWOYqlyEdvA

uPRgazrQDwMxbVM

Startled, he quickly got off the carriage to pay his respects, “Your Majesty!”HbZKdDlNzcsMntLlbysyCmoKFxNoty

bQvcNPDyhviUsuC

Fan Wan, fearing he had done something wrong, was about to inquire when he noticed Li Wuting’s gaze passing over him and landing on the carriage behind him—lMvhaBKMbXbsHZHXnYmeSZCnNBomef

WwhretjPNSbeSAt

Ning Rushen, wrapped in a blanket, was sleeping soundly, curled up in a ball, with a flush on his face.QaswmVkCfFmDYcKCDmPfvwxTxlVVIJ

otgxTuEfJzDnvXY

Fan Wan was completely at a loss, not knowing how to explain to the emperor why Lord Ning was inexplicably in his carriage and sleeping so soundly. He hesitated with his words:glnrvgRPfjYTsgMSkAwzFBMKduhaUR

cTvLXgYCbKYjMlD

“Uh, Lord Ning… came up to rest…”gciCeToieDiDIuDfGCNRLnzKbkdGZh

rNidjqEdHgrlYYb

With each word he said, the emperor’s face grew colder, until his voice gradually faded.jvDvWhWgZskFUBbDiwWEgDvbZloAth

OXBxuzsGWohCzma

He was utterly impressed with Ning Rushen: the emperor was right next to him, and he could still sleep so soundly.FlbyBpOoRPrhOWFawwQkbCRhyRdIZW

aBqnCxYadUlZZva

De Quan couldn’t help but whisper: “Ahem…!”DysFRzPJRcUoMecchfFmuVgmpYjuwJ

aDsvBieIzpEZGoJ

The cold air combined with the faint warning finally gently roused Ning Rushen from his deep sleep.ERVvUNFddagcbsytfxxAFVscUzWeFt

tjxfTCcwcSUkBKN

——He opened his eyes to see Li Wuting and De Quan standing outside the carriage, along with a sweat-drenched Scholar Fan.vUyJUfaUkBAsQcvnkhsTwkowNKGlRH

SFEZLqmPHDtfZst

Ning Rushen, now somewhat awake, greeted, “Your Majesty.”FWoenFzffJZKhiVPcImobWAVamCIPa

fBblqjBCKYyfbLq

He then sat up and peeked out, still wrapped in the blanket, “Is Scholar Fan coming with us too?”HTxJnsHQBlyRvbwhGHZjvJTgFxQbGC

psCOUijMuiyxzYR

Wait, what does “coming with us” mean?YZrvOjkgabPylQsSiJsSkpSRCFzMtg

laNDxhhWyZJDRLf

De Quan couldn’t stand it anymore and reminded him angrily, “Oh, Lord Ning! You got on the wrong carriage, hurry and get off—oh, and return the blanket, don’t keep His Majesty waiting any longer!”QharjctnozNTKoRYJoNqkgzkrtnubI

RodbGHtyugQitIu

…Got on the wrong carriage?HPdmmsvdeJDZUwcxJhxlXaUNXdsYQQ

sUaDaNVyASFQlrB

Damn! Ning Rushen jolted awake completely.bnhCtsNSxUHaulSlEyYPASFTrrgADR

DzkNYydskUKEcXE

qQeUvobNCnWgVcEIhCgxfhVNEaxuJq

sCoSmvxrCyFZWad

He apologized to the bewildered Fan Wan.VDcKOXVdVMKLFgjBFPdJNAFosDGZCc

VCxitWkoPYsMFfZ

Ning Rushen hung his head and followed Li Wuting onto his carriage: Come to think of it, it’s not entirely his fault… There were so many carriages parked outside, and he only saw the green one.JYYnrzZwkCtsuxrxLzWHWUHxkheEyr

fvrZRNvmuflIEXK

Back in his student days, didn’t he also get on the wrong bus?VwqBOHAHtdCdxuJiIfJEdFjaPMQAEE

kLnYPLSppiJFgQV

Just as he was about to slide into his seat, he heard Li Wuting ask:GgPZnzszDOWfstdesRkDXtmmKerQDA

JPghyoLSoAcTXpC

“Did you sleep well?”PIyFyMzjAhGUBuSZNRWhYUXGNRiqET

DHutazJQajQDTdu

“Well…” Ning Rushen started to respond but then, rare for him, a sense of caution arose, “N-no, not really.”eEkPUtYGoemgqeeZmsrdTeMpYKMVBw

uhGemotfnYglVeV

Li Wuting, “Oh, why not?”LbGnDYmFVuRUIuZjIanmtGkwnBOpHA

ZtsOzZHWvbKTJvb

Ning Rushen slowly slid next to him, “It’s not as restful as Your Majesty’s carriage.”nQqNqOnCpAJMnGcAKepNkHnAEUWAEo

uQPsSfKCQyDtiYc

Sorry, Fan Wan, didn’t mean to put you down.SgtIOVINAhRvncafqXzCsdLmgjbOEc

oyNoHWvzHTXiLxs

It’s just survival instinct.aYcnxlQOFBVqRJMbpfAoOeufJJcyeG

XUsTwWWBNnEjAsD

Li Wuting’s stern expression softened a bit.tdqSEkoMJOQKiZTWdFDdxhQdbExpiS

LcfKWIecKuGzRlm

He gave an order to move out and then carefully examined Ning Rushen’s face:qemVQLJFlOwBrWCgiaAaORTUZpMwen

VLzpBwiVBaDLQdr

“You’ve got marks on your face from sleeping, and you didn’t wake up even when I called you. You still call that not sleeping well? Then in my carriage, how much better can you sleep?”jhlMLbwKFkkIeTVzZgMHUQwDOcjuoe

zANUrHwklRjmsRi

Ning Rushen steadied himself in the swaying carriage, “Your servant could sleep through even if Your Majesty hammered on me.”uGdGzFCrcstKjtFsRzZnKLHiPbinDW

BTIGICpDhjbrUkp

Li Wuting, “…”euYcZokKpAURdUXISGmyINBQDcHIsJ

QlVsMzqYhaxfxbe

After a moment, he said softly, “Then you might never wake up, Lord Ning.”WajOFfbqFEzygPQAoyXEyFgYcVseZg

RCzgnsUrqaQFtWc

Ning Rushen shrunk his head in embarrassment.MCnGBrkDMGUgwohzzyyBtyJvUxKdug

mpdbCCNdMeciMdD

·FaKOHuTfeniPMzngVwLhCItwUkuJXX

vsqgRbLTiTkEoEp

The carriage moved forward.mgzZsglJPbMbWvOjbZzfpSNJmYUMVK

XcqAVGhlcAHsYnN

After that comment, Li Wuting didn’t speak again, and the atmosphere in the carriage grew heavier than usual.pzsauSRjxyiGknQbLxZVIdlHQDRVlX

WwvutRDlttvloaT

Ning Rushen glanced at him: What’s wrong?ChizJqcjOJJkZQpqYyARZmmwcjoUGq

znGNtJxPxOTWgbv

Hadn’t he already admitted his mistake and returned?pAHqWiueqQtAddqGaNabWsTmfBhmtA

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Could it be that he felt embarrassed by getting on the wrong carriage? But, wasn’t it himself who was embarrassed…vAYWtlgpgjHofxOGqQeTiyljifOcVP

huFFvxrhmhzelgM

Ning Rushen touched his nose and looked to De Quan for help.fRPSLEnRnxWKcSUAnqcNEzZFxkWkOm

mrRhTqdwzfuNBCF

De Quan gestured towards the pastries on the table, the blanket on the seat, the incense in the corner: Look, these were prepared for you by His Majesty. That shabby… green-curtained carriage couldn’t compare, could it?mtVtJuCSNPaRWjEVSFOwVVREUIrKHZ

YHvAKWlYbossqUX

His Majesty’s carriage isn’t like any other carriage!CxLbNKBfAFFYvuDFDwWqFjNzXtGsRE

DkvlOMjdpjjofoC

And you got it wrong! Ugh!RHRyRogRHkXoQAahlqhDiuBqKwHpHZ

rjQXwpigIAGbIgo

Ning Rushen, “…”PbeUxxBQHUjWMTIFnVZTPWIruOFZrY

LRipizTcBLpJhMe

So he was mad that Ning Rushen couldn’t recognize this noble carriage.clEETzZFzQuPwAJATinprStJelfchy

iFIWkUKckcLVUJp

Ning Rushen murmured, “Your Majesty, I understand my mistake. When I came out, there were too many carriages parked outside, and I was dazzled. Your Majesty’s carriage is certainly different from the others.”hmEItofBAEMlgHxXcqsbByVXruiaMY

lwDAbZaSFxQmkMM

“Oh.” Li Wuting finally spoke, “How is it different?”vndudzpYhpStPwZEuxjEJHvcZfAjsV

ZDsgPcgyXmrgbGx

“……”CoOXcYaEIjmfzTdqvfdiWLExeggkTJ

SBUfKMOCOttokiW

Ning Rushen was suddenly stumped by the question and looked around furtively:yGclXMbaRIkaKnLLvqfzhjnHKCTrzr

slCuUNQdRkMQSPD

“The carriage curtain is green, the cushion is green-gray, the carriage walls are silver-gray. There’s a blanket, a low table, and De Quan…”KVEeytfHTEKrBxdNdVPFlPhhpFKjPs

pUbIIvixqSMfsYx

“Heh.” Li Wuting sneered and completed the list for him, “And two windows, a carriage curtain? Lord Ning could be even more perfunctory with his answer.”yeTZxFVgdhLiOvLEvMqncQgevVpIdS

bQBOwRtTQlsXCwa

Ning Rushen: .YoHcwxkBEtmhgEWmOUdHFizIskspsY

qpEzEtiQNuzgjXt

Seeing that the emperor’s anger was not diminishing but increasing, he resolutely made a guarantee, “In the future, even with my eyes closed, I can recognize Your Majesty’s carriage!”uWowMGBGbfSIKJPwOoEEWEJuBCSMMM

OiweKTgLOIFIiWf

There was a silent moment in front of him.OdSGpaSwjDtQumNfHhBiqeKgUlBWYI

JuLICLzWmPcafEQ

“Recognize it with your eyes closed?”OcFNVxPkJzSaMgKjtVIWriYvyEAhau

UEPeAnmvEHprIPx

With a swish, a two-finger-wide silk ribbon was pulled from the lid of the food box and fell in front of him.jNzlHuUEZCTLZUGcFTucsZxkhjacVH

TjFEGUQimWrhDGK

Ning Rushen: ?qIaBnQEAAcZFZKfFpoCQgEcfEZyGfp

dyjckWwVbrryBvb

Li Wuting looked at him seriously, “I want to see how Lord Ning can recognize it with his eyes closed.”aONUEKhJnYqetQMMdfPxOUnVQjtHwc

hdytnpnmjEMZVRQ

Ning Rushen, “……”KtzMPKGsReAPPqIhnCBhvKplmiBUbA

aWBMRSUAhhhwLqC

No, he was just exaggerating.mvYSTakqOmZsMJdEdriUVoPlejlhUN

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Li Wuting was still waiting expectantly.TkXdAKfWNOtxXBMnXapxrUGxJuqnEg

YzQPnpeEvnhCpYB

Ning Rushen swallowed, paused for a moment, and then reached out to take the ribbon and blindfolded himself.ncyNCQvqyyrHmSGHcgsscKOuCIKzLw

fMTIstGEUQiCDRS

The cool, silky texture made him shiver slightly. He then heard the low voice in front of him say, “Recognize it.”hKtZdTELoZGfcgYIISugdsMwVCqtpS

pdLOaCrAVsMjCgt

“Yes…” Ning Rushen’s heartbeat inexplicably quickened.RSIrZkKwCqWGsOzFqutOsYLBXzlskD

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Without sight, his other senses became more acute.tXfqmLNkZtSbQuCkEcXwVYOXzzrEmU

TFYaIhqZqdEHCRK

At the same time, he felt a sense of insecurity.gKqVsQPcuJtwPKvKPyDerTAvAfVNUY

qMaNYjXMfMnMpyo

Ning Rushen first tentatively touched the cushion under him. The fine, soft fabric revealed the hidden texture of the embroidery, making him realize that the seemingly simple cushion was intricately crafted.uUEgHzMnXZLSIaNFSpXawQhxyuSPur

ZdMZlwjIIWNwwHi

He then moved from the cushion to the carriage wall.eSdSeQEuuctwduTWTnUxiARDEwUaAJ

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The firm wall didn’t seem to be wood but was covered in silk, meticulously detailed.luhkESZKdaHvqmNMLfpxuFPRBmIenV

kkXYoaoRqvgzQKX

It truly was different from other carriages…aqyZjMlDixLISWPpWcTKOTpOOmzczk

vXLlWjpNPAlikkr

Ning Rushen carefully explored his side inch by inch, knowing that Li Wuting was sitting nearby. He deliberately avoided exploring in that direction.YSygtPeTXGOUKBZfdibwtnmeCLTvVA

UVDDoplQQqSpdCa

“Have you recognized anything?” Li Wuting suddenly asked.eZuDXWFEANXmKKrbojffRMTltgCttV

PNyUnqsSJLtTyAY

“The cushion and the carriage wall both have hidden patterns…” Ning Rushen replied in the direction of the voice.LWhnpWFNyOmHCVdJWhRfDtsxaJhgri

CjiylcRRdukIfyP

One hand was still propped on the side, and because he was speaking, he subconsciously tilted his chin up.PiZSNPblFYvSbinfkEMRnmVpdCoTiz

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The obscured vision blurred the distance between them.jqzXLiZvSugSyjCDWPoiDJgBkHHtBA

waeAcGBRNgeZNxz

Li Wuting looked down at the person who had leaned closer.UfJWIQoaeCFYSbncnbKMHJFFyJRWwJ

eqIKCZqAAAfVxtG

The black ribbon covered his eyes, leaving only the straight nose and slightly parted lips visible. The combination of pale skin, dark hair, and red mole made his face strikingly distinct.jMKipMTyamgnwUFwDQtWXODTmXinRI

kXiezwXuvlSFxZg

His voice deepened, “And what else?”gUtmkfwWsvcHCgWFHJMztJtUSlVPBJ

kOsUGEmMtIFMDVJ

“The… the carvings on the table corner…”lFfsbqJeeiNBqAGiYsvNkxwuuwTTeh

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Ning Rushen’s hand groped along the edge of the table.POGopflKMunsmflNflAvUJFjwoqAVE

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He focused on not touching Li Wuting, unaware that he was about to fall into the emperor’s arms.HUWecwhQVqpdNYHiijXKAMQlOFhYxB

IdKrlvzCXtNJSeE

De Quan, kneeling in the carriage corner, peeked discreetly and couldn’t help his racing heart: Lord Ning looked like he was unknowingly throwing himself into the emperor’s embrace…CgvwWNMLoWYuObKPIQtRbrEXJcMVeM

syxjCfxebAGjLRp

With the carriage swaying, Ning Rushen stumbled forward.qVwmmNWOetPZcFRiieURtEgUJdgGVF

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A large hand suddenly caught his shoulder just before he collided with Li Wuting—startling Ning Rushen! He moved his hand forward, touching something firm and warm.FyxWcEOKDtSxdOmlnRBXBMpTYiTLPX

yfkTbzBogLIfmDx

The hand on his shoulder quickly pulled him back.MedcdGVJpVrfkxuosDMSeNknqQziAE

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Cool air rushed in again as Ning Rushen hurriedly pulled off the ribbon from his eyes, his heart still pounding:SSAVYKVhoMeFZAZaWClZBXsigrPXCB

ACOqPCMZfWwscCl

“Your Majesty?”lfMCnrNztXJsXlYxKvHAISKFzgncBE

oVoUUftvmdEEySL

“Sit properly.” Li Wuting remained indifferent, “You’re about to push me out.”cZZWrTPWKepldULxmsdxAxjsaMFSds

QkCJkGKkCthcOmh

Ning Rushen, “……”EMLuBHirRCvLSoxHaqTEvvKbPwfKgv

OIuBvYZKCBLAEpU

He wasn’t! He hadn’t even touched him.tYXnulySayMpsuKtaLnyMwWTypUMwk

IzpfXlPUnWDiyUw

Push with what, his 1.8-meter presence?fBKaQaYjLWfhCaUfIZisJxwTikXqni

UUZWfESdNFqbnen

Li Wuting seemed to understand his expression, his gaze falling on Ning Rushen’s fingers, “Are you recognizing the carriage or me?”dIzJNrzvPoFFXgvslaXfIQswfiRQOQ

PLLbVlfkIRPRcKu

He was referring to the touch just now.frZUQGUZFbzVjcfDKGPcPkhtzEhYmG

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Ning Rushen thought Li Wuting was exaggerating but, knowing he was in the wrong, he decided to placate the emperor:IQIcuIpKfDvzvnoEEzcSAIIgjrdKsl

YGEvghhtnFHNjXi

“If I recognize Your Majesty, then I recognize the carriage.”GeXBGLzyDLwnjbietCVtWmkAwTxlji

rFyLVlYfVAsLTby

Li Wuting paused at his words.faqaIGtwwxferTDPFOUBsRAndBPSfm

TMzVsbiyNSyGoel

Just as Ning Rushen thought he would be scolded for being perfunctory again, he heard the emperor’s voice soften:nVSeCLUsmFJfqTMZFokDTeaUJqBbYk

yspVgcUlwzIknHv

“Now you can recognize it.”kcLCQLvhUsTysoZosBXYGxWoQWnava

PtwTULjFzXCSyFI

“……?” Ning Rushen blinked.LfrbcYKTYuxwqnYrIKpFtlWUhyuaAz

aNDDSSVYMfVVhcT

Li Wuting moved on, gesturing to the food box, “Are you going to eat? If not, De Quan will throw it away.”WkCmUrHWzpSEoeEavlskHyNDyXyhdV

uGFkdlcSaPcGkNa

Why waste good food!fBIzpmTaNNMMCCUNYTryTLsqCSbSoU

VpZpEMQnbgKcdKe

Ning Rushen quickly dragged the food box over to himself, “I’ll eat.”YTOSLUliGFRNQRlAXqhMzwNgKawVJG

MgBDnblUymdUcJA

Li Wuting tossed the blanket onto his lap before sitting back and closing his eyes to rest.VPBxRYUkLROOVbPQTYVdxPmbOLCYRq

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Ning Rushen draped the blanket over himself and nibbled on the snacks in the now serene carriage.BfzSBvDVXduuIfkvwVdFRIHTIkUlYl

BwVkjhNyRAecNRG

Halfway through eating, he suddenly recalled:cmsYwAAstsLcbgrShfbDMytiUPlkHe

SgeuVOOTrfQbIfR

…Why did Li Wuting ask him to wait in the carriage for half an hour?wQeBDsPFmixhUSxdyAWuWYjAqNxFBM

ySsGrvmNLYlSCWx

After the Qionglin Banquet, the newly inducted scholars began to assume their respective duties.ZqmZOVRRFOoMPpmdASHKJawsmRuSQa

LZZDoKsrvobjwMj

With more hands available, some were assigned under Ning Rushen, significantly lightening his workload.dxxCbVcdyAdEcRiaVxnlLkLvyTQXqF

SSjjKIcFWJrvPDI

As the imperial examination period concluded, Huo Mian and the Dingyuan Army, responsible for the military examination, were also set to return to the northern border.bsiTDlTaCsngbxhJzBAwivEblaGGyp

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The Dingyuan Army departed hastily.TeJCPuYmoOYdMvJlybmFwYOeOMZelj

fWnCGZAsIEenPUR

When Ning Rushen returned home from work, he found out that Huo Mian and his men had already left, but had sent some gifts: a small knife from Huo Mian, along with various items from other personal guards, including food and playthings.cXBDIeZreoveSHBrHMzZOXfxKKGfga

fGiMeDdJGrJdMgz

A large pile of items was laid out on the table.sJtPoqTqzPoPvpNxeCWcVrnWNlGyCf

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Looking at them, Ning Rushen felt an inexplicable pang of sorrow.RvqEpbWMUSMlMJgMwlmlBZvrxYgOtt

BDodBQwISUxykwL

He fiddled with the items for a while, thinking: the men were already far away, and it would be too late to send a return gift.kNCfFDZgYlYgYHurXsERsRiNxzDsEV

STyRtXauSjeLaBs

“Parting is inevitable,” Yan Min comforted.ckNDSqdqcjmhUeUQwMbWOQsWuHAyDQ

uvrlpCGdpvzssOz

“But I must repay the brothers’ kindness in some way.”owQrqxiRuvEaaxjLffEXcmKoHZUlqi

FatHQMESxuHjtmX

Ning Rushen sighed softly, then walked to the pigeon cage and melancholically grabbed a gray pigeon. “Think about it, only you can make it in time.”UWLZAcNNhAgvUihFeNqKmSNGeftMoI

glmGkNMqdlhVZFS

Yan Min: Hmm?FeGpGRIydigMjBdWHNgLnViyJNwPgq

vKFyjMHuxsNEoRo

Gray pigeon: ?IaEcTeyhbKpCShufDeROxuqSrPxpPE

cHXTUvnEuoFNlsg

Ignoring the wide-eyed stares from both Yan Min and the pigeon, Ning Rushen wrote a letter to Huo Mian, named the plump pigeon “Gray Fertilizer,” and then tossed it into the sky along with the letter—lKsRirooOQwQrsVehcUqttlQGqaSkP

IMBQeuMfXUPwwng

He told the pigeon, which was trying to return to the cage, “If you come back, I’ll cook you. If you flee to Huo Mian, you might have a chance to survive.”ssJEBBqJXYPKqPzuvcoLdFWFWkpQsU

PuWMJOEJxmetjOH

With a flurry of feathers, Gray Fertilizer flew off in a panic.ygYxZsKzvqNSNBFgYvmMNHzoRVwfDw

rstjvlzzZKrhnpg

nnGYhPLdgXEIUlqgvYOVpdaZUiCNuj

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The next day, Ning Rushen went to the Imperial Study for duty.ETzAQzEmaHosJZwPfuXeRtQBFlKKqh

nqFumnAXaywkbAp

As usual, he rolled up his sleeves to grind ink for the emperor. After a couple of strokes, he heard Li Wuting’s indifferent voice:OoVqCyNjfUqmpRXwisgmCfFgGYjgCu

TxDiaHdFWBmePpU

“I heard Lord Ning sent provisions to the Dingyuan Army?”cyKzXjptvJoxhveHtwrQemmJDcUuFp

UbIuehzeCeyAsBQ

“…… Well, that’s one way to put it.”fGPpgyNIUnIRXgZyIryvygiSUexkfx

WoJLKNRXGjMEeti

Ning Rushen sheepishly corrected, “Just a small token of appreciation.”DWnnNRrlGXhsNDPgdVlWdpqPQjjqid

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It might not even be eaten.zdbPZMcpcEYeeLWqkUmxgPiEbsPpOL

iIIsluiXYzcBsLt

Li Wuting, “Oh. Lord Ning seems to get along quite well with the Dingyuan Army. They usually dislike civil officials but seem to have a different view of you.”yBOLLNRDKfbUBCdmtpImCNdeaRtYCD

txaQzWawAxrzbAt

Ning Rushen felt a strange pressure from the praise, “It’s… it’s from visiting the general’s residence and meeting them a couple of times.”afBfCsFDcQCqxWvAKbQhwVzCfDvdsT

lYijEMupMmdnrjd

Recalling the start of it all, Li Wuting paused for a moment.DxcKKPiVFTseoAgZWCfLAZQQXQMAUk

CQCNIDAdxnHoFoM

Then he changed the subject, “You mentioned practicing archery. Are you still practicing?”ebViFfDTAIhrJaBsQKTVufXIKKTRVG

TKgwrgcFWZOpzHi

“……”ftpssQLDfyKSLzoVEapHxdwALwMZCK

ZcYiYwcAiQqKQbb

Ning Rushen swallowed, “I’ve been busy lately, practicing occasionally.”CkmNBKyzYxZWgFAgPUtbzNksMRkufM

freJVnKpRYNodwn

“Well, there’s nothing urgent today. Go practice.”NSCxwqjPVykIlMpnuZOXyWMvaVlOgy

caqDIekbCIOptGG

“?”RAVSmKLaMUsmhWAninkLlYTzKSRHvx

wAayLosgTLRrKFy

As he spoke, Li Wuting took the ink stick from Ning Rushen and dismissed him, “You don’t need to grind ink; there’s enough for me to drink. Go to the archery pavilion and practice. I’ll join you after I finish these documents.”vEAxBeJegvyzOxKBIeqmGkzUmbOJzm

VbsTemsxzjHzbTl

Ning Rushen looked at him, mouth slightly open, “… Yes.”ILYVrLxkqtqMPfWqabfvksttFbkjWN

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·TcbCDkPEhqqCxsRSZHKWdHvMZDNYaC

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The route from the Imperial Study to the archery pavilion was familiar.OsKhdADLATnbOmvwKVnFXxErVlsuWL

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Ning Rushen didn’t have a servant guide him; he went on his own.TKyKwYTliLZYTBvfGIrfjjONpLNvFK

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The archery pavilion was located by a lotus pond near the palace’s east gate.oqfZakSxTlcphJrFtZMPgQlABgBtBW

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It was summer, and the pond was full of lotuses. A winding bridge led to the archery pavilion, meandering along the shore.wSeyxZkXFEjArBclXQkpqMrGPwQrSD

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As he crossed the pond and approached the end of the bridge, he encountered a large entourage—HXIfZqItkcKuIsuiwvnIGYHpbbVTLa

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It was the Dowager Consort Shu, whom he had seen once at a palace banquet.zswKcPQiQiJKQOomavPHeDnmqHIMQs

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Ning Rushen bowed, “Your humble servant greets Dowager Consort Shu.”ePHDwTvLsDafJPkraBSRoGUKJLzSNa

dRXggpBfJgFgRbU

A gentle “Hmm” came from the front.mGiuiaCxWhuFXYnJJEIuGRCrXadUHT

giEEabimrflOqEz

He stepped aside to let her pass, but the maroon skirt hem stopped in front of him, and he heard a question:BSGOqvGwOrFnHeeCsKRSOCqoQrliBf

gGJjiGdlLCYeDZc

“Are you Scholar Ning?”HdffdNAeAEcuGQdBaJadyHJPxlqpRP

nMwkBBSFMIyJcii

Ning Rushen looked up to see Dowager Consort Shu observing him.DSDrkGOkHjsWpufvpeHhGCDZBJVUxX

AkFYPqUwuFyBioR

Her expression was calm, with only a simple wooden hairpin adorned with a carved peony, making her appear dignified and elegant.TfzKuLdONarPYbJfAoCylhCwOfrgAJ

hdLCuXBROhOacAo

Ning Rushen was puzzled, “I am.”cgATfKUFpuLxrWgYfQtjxzrJdxNaPq

FsegvmJCQQQBvYT

Dowager Consort Shu examined him closely, her gaze lightly sweeping over his features, “At the last palace banquet, Tang’er mentioned that His Majesty holds you in high regard. I saw you from afar. Today, by chance, I see that you appear to be a broad-minded person.”pWIrufEMvcECJQLdRtwmuGcEnnpjKb

SFjsZgiJoUaoYep

…So, Prince Xuan truly paid attention to his affairs.LowouCxAiHuPKGkUPHfgHMfGSAOuQL

PPEAmlVHoWDvUNq

Ning Rushen, “Thank you, Your Highness and the prince, for your kindness.”CBqVgkstqggBjHsfuFhGASxeLyGBGE

ZWQCqJDMhVPfxuc

Dowager Consort Shu glanced at him again, “It seems that Lord Ning has a connection to Buddhism.”AvdcsVMnTwlbpYtIQPCLjVWwHbnKkK

qHnuCTUBZisafVl

Ning Rushen thought he was quite easygoing:rrOrIcHivXcCGrwuGZPANznsGYrFwt

LijdSmZHDdBserF

“I do feel quite peaceful and accepting.”PdxlWFKraaCuXUKukiBohZDvWyyFvL

SwSOEoAPjyeNEKX

“……” Dowager Consort Shu paused, “Peaceful and accepting?”AjUAZaMtrgieneZUtXdcJgvYfDdMVk

StKzNpikPXuyyGL

Ning Rushen, realizing his casual language, gently corrected, “It means having a calm and serene disposition, going with the flow.”oBSsmLUZadTGEghIjsoUXSZuQmPSlZ

WjoudsyhyCNJKiP

Dowager Consort Shu nodded thoughtfully, “This is the first time I have heard such a description.”RPDijjwgtllJIlIyLWOHThPxdyHJtD

RqfBAeqrVZiVfAf

The two unexpectedly struck up a conversation on the bridge.rAtaeFuZNAqaAqoHbARFMXLCBMGenu

mEiaoJvOnlJRmmd

When Li Wuting finished his documents and came looking, he saw the familiar figure of Ning Rushen chatting with Dowager Consort Shu, surprisingly having a good conversation.jWWymZZsemaFtuKnPcYSZYKHYYWHsp

UDYVnSDNYnMyhWz

Li Wuting quickly approached.YcdRIecGmsSMHnuCizhQPgBiVdeKVn

uzJgsVSJrMPGABE

The palace servants all bowed, “Greetings, Your Majesty!”RQAxmWuocWKOspBLWZffyuSrNCHLer

CQBXavAMpXmlzkF

Ning Rushen turned at the sound, “Your Majesty.”xvQfkKLHePiJKJcfgVFJQGPbkjNDQX

lRGqyEydOhaHXGW

Li Wuting glanced at him, then greeted Dowager Consort Shu, “It’s been a few days since I’ve seen you, Mother. How have you been?”QZglmpRmagSKzvpCLNySLFlUFfzhAN

ImjrvTKczzUUSAR

Dowager Consort Shu warmly replied, “I have been well, feeling quite peaceful and accepting.”gNzRAderxDlEpEQYLVbFtESknctCbK

prQFbLVSmAAdZWr

“……” Li Wuting, “??”kvubnyDjzvrvUDEpQesKMHwxBtDXNZ

xHFhhqScXidrLcI

He paused, then quickly looked at Ning Rushen with a deep and meaningful gaze.RGYNoOitOTYPlLZOoHBFfYmxjinJMB

NtHUqJCBrdplbkB

Ning Rushen lowered his head guiltily.jahNCuqVgcrbwexxtTQegVhutWKujC

bnkRRXjjRMXqQxe

Fortunately, Li Wuting didn’t seem to want to pursue the matter in front of Dowager Consort Shu. The conversation shifted to other topics:VhJdIAPQCrfdcRPMtdOKuVlSyJDffg

RtPjwliTrkfCHik

“In a few days, it will be the Tianzhu Festival.”XaMvJqhFJJOskYZQacEQUTWTPJOtKz

KbAlExyllBFCPsh

“Yes, I have already…”iUvJtnsiGrETFrVLzqzRQxMWvSBbcY

tkqoSoqDQdolRCs

“This year, I wish to visit Shaojue Temple to pray. Your mother’s everlasting light is still there.”UQQZHJgbhWykcCQWzPOIznTKKVhcDE

pPuyrdtfHufdbVT

Li Wuting paused, “Alright.”ABXcCoVtpaxnNGznRAvODpOfREJrSA

hemCzhZOHcfIuNY

Perhaps mindful of the presence of servants and officials, Dowager Consort Shu did not delve too deeply, only touching on some memories of Consort Xian.OMZBTSyDxTIEMaiQrNxFPhQsyEeqpH

WRBxnuxkQlYMqZt

Ning Rushen listened quietly.kZBzAfmtzntQfEhbKUdJeoXyDRPWjl

LBZsqxSDfLYgwib

From the bits and pieces, he sensed that Li Wuting’s mother was likely a gentle and bright woman… except for the matter of the fingernails.GrYTlRDDoAGsYEskqAicrHYBrkSHXN

eEcAIxFyBZjqIVt

As he pondered, the two in front finished their conversation.iySLtVTaqUrIoqyKVpdKOvkADirIAt

OkNWGOmWSkTgHdG

“I’m feeling a bit tired; I shall return.”dDvcjdvjLoIqodhHBOkrcYgUyyzSYQ

jWMZUygAeDdWZNj

Having spoken more than usual, Dowager Consort Shu took her leave and returned to the palace with her entourage.oMhGrPNKtlzfUiPSDyNDXSXbiGMcOj

FjVuakncGSFoEPN

The corridor quieted down again. Ning Rushen was watching Lady Shu depart when he suddenly heard a voice beside him:AtrjZGxGlCmQWBzqyGVSJzWauXqJRR

zCnSevFriypeRGp

“Fufu da?”JucwoYtBKyeaJAnaSldobgtgwwZgeU

CaYsmXJyNgpcByg

He: “…”QzjbRDjSioCLefhxADMZRXrEtnrGra

ZmQPxxbQPJhAjxu

Li Wuting looked at him with a half-smile, “Those nonsensical words of yours, you even dare to teach them to the imperial concubine now. Your courage is really growing, Ning Qing.”AxmNAsObtnBdZvKJWmbNjVFOKQPuru

FMecpsSqWiOuPKj

Ning Rushen lightly defended himself, “Just a little hometown slang.”FTBexJCqxIhoFmFAkaYXTNpZOBnOvQ

PFRGWkAPkaqhszY

Li Wuting sneered, “Slang from Yuchuan? Do all Yuchuan people talk like this? What else is there? Tell me more.”NbQVLyewwwoJkyHBduDSaSwYSCFUCR

OtNskOdxiRFEvLx

Ning Rushen could only brace himself and argue, “That’s right, we just double the adjectives and add a light ‘da’ at the end to make it sound cuter.”dmWNLcYWfYlKdNcXsONRWDAwfdRGae

TsmEzpnXIYZiCqm

Li Wuting digested this for a moment.tjdMGkUNINnAHCGkmAGydWkIJkJQmN

RubXFMhOYojWKOG

Then he looked at Ning Rushen, tapping his forehead with his long fingers, “So, for example, here in Ning Qing’s head, it’s empty da?”BaRujDIUtshhSVQLeenXkmZaYoEhKu

gMCuZHHUvHrtWSr

Ning Rushen: “…”IRpBOacgkwhCOBWDOoeVNGxwZxmkiH

kKGjndTlHeQnLEx

Don’t use such a cute tone to say such sarcastic words.JukVnpfzDABNcZNmKcSzJMBFuOWHqw

tTGRADlMRNtapJv

KogRtbAMZENcVMaAaxsCcahZLyfNGB

kWWPPiyetFSAQPE

Realizing the conversation wouldn’t yield any benefits, they moved on.NkzIrkugIyGOUnQBEZEvyGkIjWGlUf

vsRMPxkdbsYljOA

Ning Rushen followed Li Wuting towards the archery pavilion.kGOWyGCWcPFUwayjxtuemietEmuRBM

UWmMHesHMqQwGpY

Thinking of the Tianzhu Festival they just mentioned, he asked, “Your Majesty, where is Shaojue Temple? Is it far?”BZQZRdpkjGHWwSPQfGmpchTPIESUIR

wommRzHWbwuEUTV

“Not far, it’s on Shaoguang Mountain to the west of the capital.”HLjoCyjCgWmuhgBfpzYjWTCdQDogpi

gDSlmWQzWWRgNOj

A few steps out of the corridor, the bright sunlight made the ground look clean and bright. Li Wuting looked ahead, his dark robe brushing against the wind:vJsQPwEAXRsxmStQAjFjcojcCtRrQZ

RNcFfKYvzyWHXLS

“I will also go then, and Ning Qing will come along.”TUTbfmddfoQnPWhVwvgkZshpLfcSPz

qlTMPNHmCDaWTQo

“?” Ning Rushen was caught off guard but, as usual, accepted it, “Yes.”WkqpQfrDlqzdwtpIzegZumtHbUCIHF

rPicTKUkFnmXccI

He soon became interested, “Is Shaojue Temple very spiritual?”MElUskOFBVhFpgkNkfHnaWgelqIFPg

HunjkQgwUckDPMT

“Very,” Li Wuting thought of something, “especially Master Jingxi’s fate predictions.”OuWxoNDYrUiOYquyTXxDzrsGpJkVlb

bCKDVicLVZAkPhD

Ning Rushen saw that he believed it.dDdCpcVqcmFbKcqDYGWqnkmrAlSDxr

pNBhWkqtfzhWLga

He thought, could it be that Li Wuting had his fortune told too?BOKZVlMvETMgMoRptjNflcnlVMoRXo

ltaDISrulAJzNtB

Li Wuting met his overly inquisitive gaze and smiled slightly, “It was many years ago.”aYQFFpsaZYguGnuqOHcWwjxsbdyVdP

SeDMrNGbSAjTQuQ

After speaking, his gaze turned forward, seemingly falling into a distant place.cghJboGzDVlkNcbImqJZLZgsmQWxRc

YJVHPBotPnIYdiZ

jhdeZSmhaMTRmkGwqgxBbXvttcRBNg

XsCWGMBueXftBhQ

Many years ago?YGgrwoOZOwaFHjnFUjZWNffkQfqWwZ

qwDCejnbhXIydoD

Ning Rushen thought, wouldn’t that be during his childhood?axPsgYPECqPIBVqPWvIleWHumuEHMt

ImZAPaMOPdgVAkf

He leaned closer, “So, did they predict Your Majesty’s true dragon fate?”OaiGzVxHYXBjTxGggWTFKetgnApRLA

CMRtCixrSiQBvde

As he finished speaking, he saw Li Wuting’s gaze return from afar, landing on him with a faint smile, “No.”kPbRKfYxWjqiEzqzRMpHHppXPrGKNr

aSKbXRzVVeAxeCx

“It wasn’t a good fortune. Do you want to hear it?”opBDakxOjAtAJLGMWdqYwItkPryWqL

QsNWeRsvPJgCPIW
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