Chapter 38
Li Wuting stood still for a few seconds before walking toward Fan Wan’s carriage.zpnyxZZZefBmKIKCvplghMGXSwsuaj
zTHIfHbtRkecsvWOver there, Fan Wan was brooding when he suddenly saw the emperor approaching with the head eunuch, De Quan.vVQEbNsTkBRnHZERpMSfDzVxgdXlzX
vSyvNjnFiOCVEyXStartled, he quickly got off the carriage to pay his respects, “Your Majesty!”jYCTNJtmljCfKsUiFtWZfnQtFBFOOL
QjxHzNTfUhMzrNfFan 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—FgxyTRHwLeQdAqQbzLCYKUSwwrawYc
CUtblPIAwHAGKBNNing Rushen, wrapped in a blanket, was sleeping soundly, curled up in a ball, with a flush on his face.OIsWamOdYnKHDuAhkqUlEMwLRomNtL
CIioDAQGksDPXoIFan 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:bdVdHwSKzmREqCHOhxOHnNziySnJXv
rFLbPdkjfWAIHKu“Uh, Lord Ning… came up to rest…”zXYkEivmFbLcoOykmCDpxWnoyJhhUX
IsfaSTchrGOgZFnWith each word he said, the emperor’s face grew colder, until his voice gradually faded.qjWJmyYaQWNdQawALBEBEFdyhmyudb
YcdzloyMvdiSCgHHe was utterly impressed with Ning Rushen: the emperor was right next to him, and he could still sleep so soundly.tBzFXitoqtABCDpzMJoAxGxpNtLaYr
CQTqjjtKmknqPQFDe Quan couldn’t help but whisper: “Ahem…!”ZkmvSouYkfSyeJYSWVjhmEOOVsNTsA
OMveawlljEriEzUThe cold air combined with the faint warning finally gently roused Ning Rushen from his deep sleep.FuWRIQajYCXNSYFRSNLdhTvGjdRnLQ
ykIYSwDXqTukvnY——He opened his eyes to see Li Wuting and De Quan standing outside the carriage, along with a sweat-drenched Scholar Fan.hhEfAvghZfPoamMeqPqiLTTMMtJrOd
jjMgEzkecCswGjRNing Rushen, now somewhat awake, greeted, “Your Majesty.”nwXDVjrNyBdBeAGisgalopwdBpwdiC
JDEoFSTtAyVYjwqHe then sat up and peeked out, still wrapped in the blanket, “Is Scholar Fan coming with us too?”XHxxCFkbKqqpNPOzKLHJrWvaMNKeON
qIVjucbJXpQLPJgWait, what does “coming with us” mean?huwAwDXHeUZkBkvZfHWPnnWaFsGZIt
AKiiwCRpCmMIKHEDe 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!”aLktYUAiaVkrCQjIWNAvyLDpWLRStt
qvMsDqYsbZkDfSs…Got on the wrong carriage?avoCEjTptYvuxRxpAgfAvENuDPNIFv
zzrSvzvGwuvpIpSDamn! Ning Rushen jolted awake completely.WrXqlPGsuJwODzMFubLsnNIevMrmYm
CttCfyebISTyecX…YQjjQWkcJwVMWgDVNxemNHoTMODcDl
wLBxhDYPVmVzzRAHe apologized to the bewildered Fan Wan.VYCbaTXhmSIKTDWlvDXnJCRCiVtVdC
mriDSDiAybEuzySNing 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.ejvuMBGgfaKmnsGmpeBCHjxOSILAHD
tHZaCVLkthtsqYZBack in his student days, didn’t he also get on the wrong bus?ZRIzaSClVXghcKJXmWLzGSiAIYlXmu
BqzLWKxWebqjSzEJust as he was about to slide into his seat, he heard Li Wuting ask:WNWfszCGixEOcvgBbMCMSNmeHRYwzW
TUCiheDOJITWiJU“Did you sleep well?”HcsSmTDaNwgxMXgyPCrBGSqjtoXhDY
fgeLpeVJMpXbiAC“Well…” Ning Rushen started to respond but then, rare for him, a sense of caution arose, “N-no, not really.”efupXmKcKynwqpwAYeeVnkchxLxZff
SwEThorseovpICnLi Wuting, “Oh, why not?”hFXoiSDoZzwztOGnbxwYsnBpHEnsDr
HFILMAfbTbEjxGwNing Rushen slowly slid next to him, “It’s not as restful as Your Majesty’s carriage.”MvzapPxBmSGMoYGPtnuVvBPOXcBgHf
GcCexkacZAwaeomSorry, Fan Wan, didn’t mean to put you down.EqelalQdVafdDrXoHoMaYFApmvosAL
VZhNhzukzqQuTixIt’s just survival instinct.ZmEcwWWrCxrBzAQMroCqYUXFKULVTF
YmaLfalcXnCQTfJLi Wuting’s stern expression softened a bit.ldZMtACqJmxlCGJifXgAjrXxSWxZHG
LEBYzcGscXwUFoPHe gave an order to move out and then carefully examined Ning Rushen’s face:zcUyyRjfnyQQVooRMylXRhTCjyxJiq
YgRGNFwBUripBaL“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?”WxBdqJRcdSRzJqeAXBaPLbfakcmfey
AbJlhayAhaBceRwNing Rushen steadied himself in the swaying carriage, “Your servant could sleep through even if Your Majesty hammered on me.”KzKegHDRDttgguWqGnGaEKVETjPrEW
cvOipHESLDNEuWjLi Wuting, “…”TdpLtkKbKsnKyXJSVeWeXFoPcyDEWv
gHEeYyTagjrlKJiAfter a moment, he said softly, “Then you might never wake up, Lord Ning.”fZrQXbecGWyKEtmnjuYAzUEigKhhuo
NlVypafMUoOhhsPNing Rushen shrunk his head in embarrassment.qnMgoGWPOJsxKWKoPBhSRNNWHDkCHV
WOKFqNpoUrwUVue·SsCjJVoSocWkJFUPfaruRXcPuCqLpD
hPLLumwvXamhZfKThe carriage moved forward.EdWMSXbTWRymirCDzxfrgacdCteXri
apdyEljmyOJvMUJAfter that comment, Li Wuting didn’t speak again, and the atmosphere in the carriage grew heavier than usual.EekVKRpzXUpBubhjtMzIeLqzLrgUxq
YPxuafSDfxGnaAcNing Rushen glanced at him: What’s wrong?ItDXsgEoZaXAmzIJMbsfOGSXwwTlbV
ppXtlNzariaXYxhHadn’t he already admitted his mistake and returned?sykDRZqxbVciBGSsppxaAQxMVlQEEl
vPSCrNfEXUvWotjCould it be that he felt embarrassed by getting on the wrong carriage? But, wasn’t it himself who was embarrassed…nOjaFMdeGcxOZRPrZILPFvNphTiARl
CLrKQBahwnaJJVDNing Rushen touched his nose and looked to De Quan for help.SOzOtROvwRiKBnHaNjmmZsGNwGiQrh
jPFCmAvxWjZaKFcDe 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?oJznFTqlWsRetAarSgySouISHjJOdW
qFUpRSDaryzLYGEHis Majesty’s carriage isn’t like any other carriage!mFadTgjmqIyVXgVSVLHEeykIHyVocF
hrSFBYBtnrLKuXqAnd you got it wrong! Ugh!rYadGtOpvIhhkqcaTJsEjdamUUUerR
SDAWQhwtHwxEgqcNing Rushen, “…”PEbeGtxACqWApvyzZXErRhiKiYhbVA
VPOybZdsZUSGPmXSo he was mad that Ning Rushen couldn’t recognize this noble carriage.vIdJlDctSJCeSLtnikACyOVSjcHwxs
mZWXpfPiJPPxbtbNing 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.”EHQqZZmbIYvDKrklVFhZOfmTGZdedi
favgywzOugpRUlJ“Oh.” Li Wuting finally spoke, “How is it different?”seMbSkADEpdggSEnCgoyzdDalSQPZu
NgyWJZXLOaYaqVn“……”ltJoJloaaofuSeuuZppdBEiAVBYcbp
FyHLXHgnhDHVPclNing Rushen was suddenly stumped by the question and looked around furtively:sPEpiHQMziUpjIfSJnOgMsbxKdoyAa
aFOIDdDqJcAHmcI“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…”qBFBvxkDUApUVpnMmbpQiVkCexqOIb
wficperDPUFWnjr“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.”yIttLJZCvKdviOAnZAThPDLtgwbGPV
eafjInwWERateNsNing Rushen: .dvbggIBEzxEnpLtqXjEfmfuxpCDejb
oAXRYgcIziOBZjZSeeing 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!”IrAcWyQdyVhHhKqQGpVaptXDOktpJp
PkymWIPtcKrpjbQThere was a silent moment in front of him.BLhJDCfvvWwSVFamWixXnSAdfiXPbU
wDwazfPtsbfsJhM“Recognize it with your eyes closed?”OfBdsjEfHUnNoBKWdiXruLnwocSshZ
yDWEBxUMUbJiCqSWith a swish, a two-finger-wide silk ribbon was pulled from the lid of the food box and fell in front of him.BiDruiPkQNTqpYOzjrKmhfoDgMMZJe
ZqsaNCAIavFZqlPNing Rushen: ?WWAkfsQAAcDEvNUurMZxhTCPcTVYWT
tvXMIFMLAXzwkinLi Wuting looked at him seriously, “I want to see how Lord Ning can recognize it with his eyes closed.”BWOcstTuvKnkDwOxmjzWxpGvHhCEgB
TOpBDcaPTUOWdgRNing Rushen, “……”NmHZnYqcmkEPrrpqPYeQdpJNwWYdbr
VrMCwZCtfsfMALwNo, he was just exaggerating.mGLBQpaVaZMoSDBLQuZOREMuXUDjha
LfqmPicWDNvZhvULi Wuting was still waiting expectantly.HvevGyZHcgqVWBUnetyYLIxljBtJSm
zyahlASfjtvHIKyNing Rushen swallowed, paused for a moment, and then reached out to take the ribbon and blindfolded himself.WKXOrhGAStbZhCnKkApfWOlGwUvIYq
PTezlpyhtlVWkCxThe cool, silky texture made him shiver slightly. He then heard the low voice in front of him say, “Recognize it.”wxNraAwVzmNVtvXHUjymUFOyzHsFmJ
LKCFdkzrmsudplv“Yes…” Ning Rushen’s heartbeat inexplicably quickened.cttjxOwbmDCCefPWVGigkDAWgmNlCR
oCSTehqGbTYmZgaWithout sight, his other senses became more acute.HwILmrNsYchrrjhzzOMrJyOQWYCJDn
AhltdMPAjRpFuwTAt the same time, he felt a sense of insecurity.doTmJaqJnUYwDiFMFVTYTSbcLOhLaH
bygVsCUBZkiaCvFNing 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.MQfamcEmkcJjtEAVYVNcwGkYSsScSC
rjdXHltbexWVABvHe then moved from the cushion to the carriage wall.gxXAwIHgOnPBNQpSaZfpUdcNhLWRxB
EqzFkjtfCGjRlLTThe firm wall didn’t seem to be wood but was covered in silk, meticulously detailed.eGXBEEAtRVnYMnQViUhEhaJXxFLeoN
opQiSrEWxlhrcJJIt truly was different from other carriages…LaihcWErgLRavCrQxPIRkyyDKsHSZg
AGBvRpnsWeXsAwFNing Rushen carefully explored his side inch by inch, knowing that Li Wuting was sitting nearby. He deliberately avoided exploring in that direction.eICHsmAWqTsSVjIdsccnWgmAyrRanT
JFAblmhJpsTrpuL“Have you recognized anything?” Li Wuting suddenly asked.aikypwMrmmjFgEBwpaAtwnBMFgaWjQ
WnowcGHiQZSryqm“The cushion and the carriage wall both have hidden patterns…” Ning Rushen replied in the direction of the voice.hjFCFFvIKqIwkGHpPODZRSLQtUYKVi
DBLECQoSWEfAtULOne hand was still propped on the side, and because he was speaking, he subconsciously tilted his chin up.EiYWEIwinsTkjxXyVeRfMMjBajUHZz
wkMrRFNEWiPXQeIThe obscured vision blurred the distance between them.TWACVWubBnxiXTtbtYLWdDxuVqfjhd
REpSwffPeJCzfSyLi Wuting looked down at the person who had leaned closer.lvSRfJYZxlpYTpwHjVEQGjwZoIzaXj
SBJuJQgLKSOADFqThe 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.tGpVUMIIwoVZDBGkxyakofUDfGDNfv
AJekKWSrhtuoRPcHis voice deepened, “And what else?”dFqLfZpdlVTikJWytlGXvjGBsTeuuw
ZPyRaNePaQqlhvV“The… the carvings on the table corner…”QsyEkBlHjFpmlyKOGUcyYczYBsdVeO
OJxFkpGzOEPELZwNing Rushen’s hand groped along the edge of the table.OAgsHdPhOWkyuFqSAefhJwkQwtBoMh
RwpTNnMnUwpSkaIHe focused on not touching Li Wuting, unaware that he was about to fall into the emperor’s arms.RgeHLcRzWbTcrmBINDQalVrvmSyVuv
uSKsPnzGbJzXcVtDe 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…nRieazZpQVVbvmSAcnwXHgSkihJaby
FldfkICxoRFiZHKWith the carriage swaying, Ning Rushen stumbled forward.VcMLAhtWlRGJUNJnFMJNgYNfssUyis
izPInlJjrhqHSfyA 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.uABlSycJmmUKzLXrKhyPLVcKRcbweu
LNyyEJMkbpvHsTAThe hand on his shoulder quickly pulled him back.PjiqhCyEQKLuiWzUynsjUTrCKMVCcZ
RRTMyUnVUMZCeysCool air rushed in again as Ning Rushen hurriedly pulled off the ribbon from his eyes, his heart still pounding:TqhVaNgPJEyOpLKzOZHlfTzSGVinuh
VuoymApELzwTywD“Your Majesty?”YqlcctaQbnzVSvEPsWjhyWxzhlgFnW
pjlzYPlnAkKVqWy“Sit properly.” Li Wuting remained indifferent, “You’re about to push me out.”yDiVOqYsNiGNltgryqZcTbpRLdBPRw
heiiIKQpQERzjFqNing Rushen, “……”DHClJvFqKDZgTDloRFrBrSfQWSZZTC
FzrIAArpvFPymSlHe wasn’t! He hadn’t even touched him.aWHAJDGUSCbOZXGfBcLRTpzHAGgRhc
LZWvTTYuGUDicvxPush with what, his 1.8-meter presence?nSBAyUFMaTcQsvvMktmTKPjdtdZffr
bsflBbRBHhpNghELi Wuting seemed to understand his expression, his gaze falling on Ning Rushen’s fingers, “Are you recognizing the carriage or me?”NlxgWZqiQRVrxonlDhmTeJGiYdCqfY
bbqDkAcXEoCOjyeHe was referring to the touch just now.fMnlDrnAgHoycXOMIHGGkIwKKbgoWv
aKxYPHiUyNupwZuNing Rushen thought Li Wuting was exaggerating but, knowing he was in the wrong, he decided to placate the emperor:eBFoydEARMoHOUzPQPHntJpOwYTfIX
hgzdWjvfTtPPuEY“If I recognize Your Majesty, then I recognize the carriage.”qvjVmGlEjHZFnGdRNITemCyIpyMhng
tsVQcyUfJPOckdfLi Wuting paused at his words.aeMSBMiSudcUGONMgITKflnqSjHyEd
XqRkgryazpNKKUiJust as Ning Rushen thought he would be scolded for being perfunctory again, he heard the emperor’s voice soften:ZZTKLSpGotRllNtBHfhySqHWsQUKeV
nODNLQhyAfcrKeU“Now you can recognize it.”CdfyurCfbDAVCgLIdYdSrONrLWSYah
prEhHTkWhUEoMuU“……?” Ning Rushen blinked.plCMMfETyuwpFZVJuMoCnOjoJywDej
WzkrcMzojtINvWXLi Wuting moved on, gesturing to the food box, “Are you going to eat? If not, De Quan will throw it away.”KkFtTZEIVNkDHMvCEKHmRuRRnkvQho
yWFuKKZiGyokPRiWhy waste good food!WTfGIUEefDOnRSrjmAbFEscBFzRLsI
bmTNuwpFZLemFRhNing Rushen quickly dragged the food box over to himself, “I’ll eat.”wlfWPZzvUnSFFtkUolbkcXqOOcEvwp
gAckEafWJuInGPyLi Wuting tossed the blanket onto his lap before sitting back and closing his eyes to rest.fHlsLrrBTFpBrXaBLxJaoWJQIJtehs
PztIYIvJSmaVgJrNing Rushen draped the blanket over himself and nibbled on the snacks in the now serene carriage.dyqhnIJreFXhGUwRfqTUoRGlvSDJAj
OcxbFSYsEUuPGWwHalfway through eating, he suddenly recalled:bqOmFpancEGlTHgBLMFhQDYsgqdqzs
sCMubkJACOKrkCP…Why did Li Wuting ask him to wait in the carriage for half an hour?iaxaukmeZSHgGoVHtitRGDbsUeUPCO
sBVkMrfSPYQnfXgAfter the Qionglin Banquet, the newly inducted scholars began to assume their respective duties.vqbDngeBlfIXWrUCLDFZwzXrWtCimI
oohzcBjiWIcoQWMWith more hands available, some were assigned under Ning Rushen, significantly lightening his workload.qSKttlqEAJrRWbvCBGHzRnftmePhyM
DNgpvPMQWggetezAs 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.QFQubsXlbdemWhLayYqLZOoEAclcni
HBOZNdvCGuQDBjpThe Dingyuan Army departed hastily.loHfIhkgpWHMDOobpdnrPjNqHgcbBX
vceDrgyyFPzyhPIWhen 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.nqAhjcctbTyTsyQmMTCHfxGFvkWUaS
jZsFzyXAOWHqHdcA large pile of items was laid out on the table.gvTMUTSJdnXUShEgQZbRdEwQvxmRfq
GbvXaieXBGqPwmQLooking at them, Ning Rushen felt an inexplicable pang of sorrow.tCHfNvBIjXMIdKBpKOqbDsSQoJPQmX
HgUAnfWqjmJHVcpHe 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.ibeFkGFlbzIxSilSEJRhClVGhyLOCw
zHMoprBcOdqIhsa“Parting is inevitable,” Yan Min comforted.XTHyRLOMkUuiVQtWJeoNLGxFnIhdCZ
grLLQnOCiGVOcFQ“But I must repay the brothers’ kindness in some way.”ESncqzDlrFhjDLAiDScwOqTQearIbL
FWXFKlzoVFXuTNgNing 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.”HwljBkNANMCdmfJQfJIAOsKkiFUsGh
acweIiDtTVBoDvMYan Min: Hmm?yRpILGxsiRDvtigmbuISlFwXYwBFMd
BjXUgNnOmFaEsztGray pigeon: ?hnoJVbsTXSvLUqfAqsaTDRKvVpXRoh
NSSJDiuNRwqtUPUIgnoring 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—gIWqWhHvlEAjMpHlkfoKdaZAEIUfrc
xYyFPjsrNqyFYwfHe 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.”WbAmgDatcquVhGLwaRVQBomOwxIKMr
ksaYsIYZNayJvbiWith a flurry of feathers, Gray Fertilizer flew off in a panic.gLqrFIKRMKXkgVVaXKKEjJTKalTeyy
JlPthSHuCHDCcAk…qxpfzWsmJqXKAnBOzTukZPqunbzZyk
VGjvsDeZtRqenkRThe next day, Ning Rushen went to the Imperial Study for duty.rNcClpMAewBSXJtHeqyLFbivTWMHQb
KKseTNpmUDxOKvVAs usual, he rolled up his sleeves to grind ink for the emperor. After a couple of strokes, he heard Li Wuting’s indifferent voice:dFylWpyQmNPlTFxeytSvjYMatDbLJV
ILQzrdQShXAmDVs“I heard Lord Ning sent provisions to the Dingyuan Army?”aQQKfLplFmqgFwtgGDLEUDpyneOKgS
vGvsWrptoWKUKda“…… Well, that’s one way to put it.”ZVWIsyKoFuTMlHkoUOcntVMkyKDLiV
uiNaksqkBqNBZosNing Rushen sheepishly corrected, “Just a small token of appreciation.”HjSKKuwlRGirtsWjHNDqzjEDunQpem
gVoNblpFyWQWcvqIt might not even be eaten.sCjIAHOrYXkzVMVoQazPbMegyhvsFX
MUKPVALVUgYIPvbLi 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.”DWazgdRxTHVjcUBUlSUBZFOLuOqCIV
SjGXUtdEVVlwgZBNing 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.”uCnNnuIJfPdkmTsbuGDAINUecGVxIH
XzMcKxfkiltDDinRecalling the start of it all, Li Wuting paused for a moment.heSPiinFUNogvuPZbQLEbgLNVlGvPD
uTRYHDBxvptcHDGThen he changed the subject, “You mentioned practicing archery. Are you still practicing?”IVjaQSYwGMvDEMGbgzFbmtdVxjJJsG
dYnvLCkvGRNeMgM“……”czKFkUSYBosnBdsXmoBWtbGvnRQsHp
NQrGhgbdIlVimGMNing Rushen swallowed, “I’ve been busy lately, practicing occasionally.”BKjziVulenwOccsrrtfcVTsJsDiqJj
bBpIfLveZEiCrJq“Well, there’s nothing urgent today. Go practice.”jcXXdCkBcbRXPGUJctEkvrmhJBnGpC
FQOUHtIFOiwnJFn“?”plxlyvBdcBzDQOixdPPfpClrmAVAMG
cMbbVXUpeFTAboCAs 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.”FrpRFZMhzZdcuRVulbzoyNBhyKzGEl
UAyNSNBgYiKpfBKNing Rushen looked at him, mouth slightly open, “… Yes.”szKhxSIGwWfUMztgoFFHeHzGgOrWdO
pyxRgUbiiJrSHdG·oHjstMtDIUqrjDUlAUjbiIZMTmRGVE
ucSwRXFaRrubnaiThe route from the Imperial Study to the archery pavilion was familiar.uiYgdJqXlSHdWJPCQGLaIojiREJGSi
OaauIjsKkXdbamZNing Rushen didn’t have a servant guide him; he went on his own.plQjsxfWjTqdMYJbEelbvwMsjnhsDA
eBklWTRjtNPpOIsThe archery pavilion was located by a lotus pond near the palace’s east gate.BTgurRsLaODWjPNrbvdfVnKlVecSvw
JBNWLdBSIjTblBBIt was summer, and the pond was full of lotuses. A winding bridge led to the archery pavilion, meandering along the shore.SDFnJOcVriYBQjBmxlXRnKuGkryPtu
fEFlcBuZwhJfLefAs he crossed the pond and approached the end of the bridge, he encountered a large entourage—SZmdDJbASJNcTKQjtRTvxjeygdPAdo
TtdyYFPpXkLruqEIt was the Dowager Consort Shu, whom he had seen once at a palace banquet.kwnrUmNmAXYIVoakWeoVShErtlmVyq
jkWUubxXchYtBIwNing Rushen bowed, “Your humble servant greets Dowager Consort Shu.”YFdzHXXhLnSKnySKaudlverHXZQrRX
zNPRxBNSyiCdTGgA gentle “Hmm” came from the front.khoQFdiSdWVZPuEhTobvqDAIqjzIAF
fvmbvTyiDElNwYZHe stepped aside to let her pass, but the maroon skirt hem stopped in front of him, and he heard a question:GFSvEmkCVMQiGYKZRFLwNCoTHtIBNC
UfuxGoqLdeNsfhK“Are you Scholar Ning?”lGANoDiaAaogXvpKkjdVlXdjaljSDi
fZRdwiEktcXLpCpNing Rushen looked up to see Dowager Consort Shu observing him.BDSWREAXDHiDtEpAFPuvyMxHtIfDDW
zrNHznEojYrtgQfHer expression was calm, with only a simple wooden hairpin adorned with a carved peony, making her appear dignified and elegant.iedqMvmlJdkmeBgLdkyQMuispDCHJV
BpKiVmBtCnCgEUuNing Rushen was puzzled, “I am.”jFgpOIuYvOGAphhnrJNdUlNQBaZjPO
TpBOIXDmkQZWNpDDowager 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.”ARGJacxebIuwiyoimOAvshlyHEjFAR
acirRXQOoSeeflU…So, Prince Xuan truly paid attention to his affairs.OTyTmHrrQwANgoYEgIQUPdruPiOtlw
qRJkztEMNaUHJtwNing Rushen, “Thank you, Your Highness and the prince, for your kindness.”YPHazQcHDTofAfSasPlqrfcGprItEs
QTSDWNiYbMUBPUgDowager Consort Shu glanced at him again, “It seems that Lord Ning has a connection to Buddhism.”efmlIrzVDuhMzErxegfjsDQbESRaTM
qLRnpUrINlQiSsoNing Rushen thought he was quite easygoing:CGEsGLNJemyfFPIktqHnYdLMxjrrbH
HVBbaqXrtIrSNLJ“I do feel quite peaceful and accepting.”ZItnraKAogUHsvtJkLdzjuanfJiIYs
dZDeSGFsJBHTtAi“……” Dowager Consort Shu paused, “Peaceful and accepting?”XLDlLzeRKGFnOTNyugnbVXNlLxlJHh
XXwbVCFCxEHujoNNing Rushen, realizing his casual language, gently corrected, “It means having a calm and serene disposition, going with the flow.”rNVUaOdDfZEATBRBrtWuDayUvkhQDI
oklsBqJMCeoSWdwDowager Consort Shu nodded thoughtfully, “This is the first time I have heard such a description.”EbvACyjEkQaTbDyRsFcwNwJQITmevn
ToCubypzSJfYOiGThe two unexpectedly struck up a conversation on the bridge.ttoTgFUiwsGYKmhsKtzgtMvLDmnyaS
mRUEkvmjTuJuObVWhen 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.lfStuanpEoKRsJcDGxVWrishNuHXwT
jKzOcVCYnDrXozzLi Wuting quickly approached.CklNoyCAeazZBozvRKouRGDLXeGubl
ueIqtDNUTqRmvryThe palace servants all bowed, “Greetings, Your Majesty!”ScGNRmXDffsWwzXLSStEaxCfkirbHu
EXFcekCiEoUWunuNing Rushen turned at the sound, “Your Majesty.”ZsDXEziISvfHUeoopuieQHDCEwsOja
TimCGIScpIwZMtCLi 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?”vCfrRlCQggVCHhpmNgIdMBnsewthUR
BrMvhNWggUOVquXDowager Consort Shu warmly replied, “I have been well, feeling quite peaceful and accepting.”OANYZBJewWhJiXiQZksdSKGdsTvLwk
LwFNfcwvZOUxBAJ“……” Li Wuting, “??”eBKGtlXXDVascgQJhPjuYamvyYEmcq
MFyLHMJptSOSEOJHe paused, then quickly looked at Ning Rushen with a deep and meaningful gaze.oXuYaVdXDRDTUXUsyxJbUDYfRQKtef
jhKjFPQvlNEeIonNing Rushen lowered his head guiltily.QgIkRkTKryqTAqsWrLPpJVfxxPoITH
msnZwvNFEKjmhFyFortunately, Li Wuting didn’t seem to want to pursue the matter in front of Dowager Consort Shu. The conversation shifted to other topics:CUqnqoZvIGvQtvLvWkYZoEAwCTCrIE
gpEKlREnDSotzxf“In a few days, it will be the Tianzhu Festival.”eiJfLsfncObVUaKFUhTCfIipfJyirl
oSLehjLcHisQtFB“Yes, I have already…”XkHnRpyckMizviDzRVOgWJtAzVMHMq
nSbNvSXosJWVjIe“This year, I wish to visit Shaojue Temple to pray. Your mother’s everlasting light is still there.”aBdmbeLpIyhRkZxMsTHDQYmGSbWDqs
mEkJQgPRDuihOHGLi Wuting paused, “Alright.”BHAMOWlyaTZlQpMTeizCBYBBRYEsht
QBTrouhjWVhUruBPerhaps mindful of the presence of servants and officials, Dowager Consort Shu did not delve too deeply, only touching on some memories of Consort Xian.pYYmuzzVhGtvESpXoKsHwkZtVjwlZH
OGkXlgpaJdjyExSNing Rushen listened quietly.bOWCpAgTdsxMsWqtKVuZetkBECCtcx
WgeQVFIUmzLUIYMFrom 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.lYdXcHXBuOaxEBrWArdgORBiCHfgWr
jKGzYSSEedrTnUVAs he pondered, the two in front finished their conversation.ZlUqnVSdVGNGjGbEcDOZwCYQisqPHD
TElTppMoZtYSrbT“I’m feeling a bit tired; I shall return.”monUpUANyANqnEIXUgspPsGBeKtsDB
CcRSZbeJRrBvYMbHaving spoken more than usual, Dowager Consort Shu took her leave and returned to the palace with her entourage.otxnEjdwToPqlbqhSuLoUCCmMnvbRE
bpyEzDIMdqaKXZpThe corridor quieted down again. Ning Rushen was watching Lady Shu depart when he suddenly heard a voice beside him:hnVnpOAYNjhlbbfXGLlsZyWCtNeUTw
UWDTFNxUbLEyHqX“Fufu da?”kDgGAHUsLoxGHWIBRXstMrAALAvdCs
kdJJtEZeBmxgOQiHe: “…”GXVykTobGfLbjGYkCFWmxYcUcRQQbT
tjCnwGRQuWyqwpALi 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.”JoDQaRHZkwvBcSieAFEBwSJQpfTNkq
BkglUmKzMjHSueoNing Rushen lightly defended himself, “Just a little hometown slang.”QnOMkfdfYfIQLUFcvUQZGnrTmXsaEN
gATtmwwBDkIiGHXLi Wuting sneered, “Slang from Yuchuan? Do all Yuchuan people talk like this? What else is there? Tell me more.”rKgCrziqaHYYHOHLLpjLBLNWQlvYgQ
dGIdUSKXjkcoyTXNing 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.”DRLqAspIbptKuHxrPeAnxluGfRcdXX
TgfdcuURDtvfHgHLi Wuting digested this for a moment.UPOaffsFcWcWXTCAyZbfPefsPcqSFv
YRnSSAkbVzCGQBaThen 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?”TtXCsifpUqEXoERrNQHArHMiMglrch
LZWLXKuaYivEKehNing Rushen: “…”kesuayFtgKvgAHmmXZnZYvhUugjLYq
hLqmLgLgYKpDPAXDon’t use such a cute tone to say such sarcastic words.IvenrTCUzBDnpFALWPCvUaHHlFHrbS
TnhQVIsaKTHcgaO…empGMJwcGXBzVwEpOhkYMAFfeefayH
ykZSZNddHFlEhdTRealizing the conversation wouldn’t yield any benefits, they moved on.AkNUUcPooGceMmQbvGbrgDRALidqpS
gUhqpHgjxOMIuhbNing Rushen followed Li Wuting towards the archery pavilion.qKSfYydjFYPGSgSJKWSSyqVxjfWZEF
vxVoGUaxiLrItuFThinking of the Tianzhu Festival they just mentioned, he asked, “Your Majesty, where is Shaojue Temple? Is it far?”MvvopomyfJVkKpFDAGzAMdOyAyToCa
plrfDRWoUSOnBOX“Not far, it’s on Shaoguang Mountain to the west of the capital.”bnFMmnUiJKeTtqhOUEaPXzhWhcSFTE
zjiIcHDHpkFHjhXA 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:UYplhzYGLNuPSBHtgGQjQyyVgNIWRp
qkxToDKJCMTDxvZ“I will also go then, and Ning Qing will come along.”sgCLCAJkctIWsBQztdxZlrCUagGuGY
qtMXAycwkAyUBap“?” Ning Rushen was caught off guard but, as usual, accepted it, “Yes.”vHmlOmCXoXaWwrhGBBWXTULfxUKYxE
IdjVjQoDXPoUHOtHe soon became interested, “Is Shaojue Temple very spiritual?”mAxkwwsXoXFIifjOTtiSfMzRKhVUkX
azasOeviswOCHxS“Very,” Li Wuting thought of something, “especially Master Jingxi’s fate predictions.”mCHXqhHIwdgzFyaPStKbnEgfqVUkHS
CjpoMFmcgRIvuikNing Rushen saw that he believed it.awRarxaLvVXBuOwxIlqPCwzxaxLHkX
dNQyCchRBCdcnecHe thought, could it be that Li Wuting had his fortune told too?NVCUGwFHRaVciPLJETqInpBKQrzqKz
ZAmejWYPAHbmqyjLi Wuting met his overly inquisitive gaze and smiled slightly, “It was many years ago.”ryFRELerBLDCFkISIuzAZckmDEHqqu
ZBlWShEHodyPsDcAfter speaking, his gaze turned forward, seemingly falling into a distant place.GGJBItZLNinggOmxtCJcGQaDqktxAs
mdAftwbEEPVFjIW…swfKwOTZWmKaCMwCvdSUmslnxvcrWv
xOdLsNWoeyIwUGXMany years ago?wGOIDltxUNqxvIaQiUyJhRUKNsVIuh
XAKRvnlJOPPAqEhNing Rushen thought, wouldn’t that be during his childhood?QmgHNFxsufpsnRamFXDQzDoLeOMSxt
zOsjSrTNMjJxIIuHe leaned closer, “So, did they predict Your Majesty’s true dragon fate?”AoTHWhxAemyGdbOEWkIfpeAJKEUkyT
WDGJRdkEGJlnSJLAs he finished speaking, he saw Li Wuting’s gaze return from afar, landing on him with a faint smile, “No.”xpXoxheYkgjqwQrjdPcmQZGmNzJsKB
YhbwoLiUglrKjRK“It wasn’t a good fortune. Do you want to hear it?”wgyxrcWMWKpXJGlWFbeBAbWRMXHRVm
CMbnQoArSsjTTeQazfSwgBWqCibgTYumxAoCFvQjKXKDF