Chapter 38
Li Wuting stood still for a few seconds before walking toward Fan Wan’s carriage.KECKqCETiOVHBMTlbGmOiUflIMKcav
nmAOlGWkAzebMwAOver there, Fan Wan was brooding when he suddenly saw the emperor approaching with the head eunuch, De Quan.CFlYxBCWCMcrHKMGpVOuWOYqlyEdvA
uPRgazrQDwMxbVMStartled, he quickly got off the carriage to pay his respects, “Your Majesty!”HbZKdDlNzcsMntLlbysyCmoKFxNoty
bQvcNPDyhviUsuCFan 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
WwhretjPNSbeSAtNing Rushen, wrapped in a blanket, was sleeping soundly, curled up in a ball, with a flush on his face.QaswmVkCfFmDYcKCDmPfvwxTxlVVIJ
otgxTuEfJzDnvXYFan 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
rNidjqEdHgrlYYbWith each word he said, the emperor’s face grew colder, until his voice gradually faded.jvDvWhWgZskFUBbDiwWEgDvbZloAth
OXBxuzsGWohCzmaHe was utterly impressed with Ning Rushen: the emperor was right next to him, and he could still sleep so soundly.FlbyBpOoRPrhOWFawwQkbCRhyRdIZW
aBqnCxYadUlZZvaDe Quan couldn’t help but whisper: “Ahem…!”DysFRzPJRcUoMecchfFmuVgmpYjuwJ
aDsvBieIzpEZGoJThe 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
SFEZLqmPHDtfZstNing Rushen, now somewhat awake, greeted, “Your Majesty.”FWoenFzffJZKhiVPcImobWAVamCIPa
fBblqjBCKYyfbLqHe then sat up and peeked out, still wrapped in the blanket, “Is Scholar Fan coming with us too?”HTxJnsHQBlyRvbwhGHZjvJTgFxQbGC
psCOUijMuiyxzYRWait, what does “coming with us” mean?YZrvOjkgabPylQsSiJsSkpSRCFzMtg
laNDxhhWyZJDRLfDe 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
sUaDaNVyASFQlrBDamn! Ning Rushen jolted awake completely.bnhCtsNSxUHaulSlEyYPASFTrrgADR
DzkNYydskUKEcXE…qQeUvobNCnWgVcEIhCgxfhVNEaxuJq
sCoSmvxrCyFZWadHe apologized to the bewildered Fan Wan.VDcKOXVdVMKLFgjBFPdJNAFosDGZCc
VCxitWkoPYsMFfZNing 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
fvrZRNvmuflIEXKBack in his student days, didn’t he also get on the wrong bus?VwqBOHAHtdCdxuJiIfJEdFjaPMQAEE
kLnYPLSppiJFgQVJust 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
uhGemotfnYglVeVLi Wuting, “Oh, why not?”LbGnDYmFVuRUIuZjIanmtGkwnBOpHA
ZtsOzZHWvbKTJvbNing Rushen slowly slid next to him, “It’s not as restful as Your Majesty’s carriage.”nQqNqOnCpAJMnGcAKepNkHnAEUWAEo
uQPsSfKCQyDtiYcSorry, Fan Wan, didn’t mean to put you down.SgtIOVINAhRvncafqXzCsdLmgjbOEc
oyNoHWvzHTXiLxsIt’s just survival instinct.aYcnxlQOFBVqRJMbpfAoOeufJJcyeG
XUsTwWWBNnEjAsDLi Wuting’s stern expression softened a bit.tdqSEkoMJOQKiZTWdFDdxhQdbExpiS
LcfKWIecKuGzRlmHe 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
zANUrHwklRjmsRiNing Rushen steadied himself in the swaying carriage, “Your servant could sleep through even if Your Majesty hammered on me.”uGdGzFCrcstKjtFsRzZnKLHiPbinDW
BTIGICpDhjbrUkpLi Wuting, “…”euYcZokKpAURdUXISGmyINBQDcHIsJ
QlVsMzqYhaxfxbeAfter a moment, he said softly, “Then you might never wake up, Lord Ning.”WajOFfbqFEzygPQAoyXEyFgYcVseZg
RCzgnsUrqaQFtWcNing Rushen shrunk his head in embarrassment.MCnGBrkDMGUgwohzzyyBtyJvUxKdug
mpdbCCNdMeciMdD·FaKOHuTfeniPMzngVwLhCItwUkuJXX
vsqgRbLTiTkEoEpThe carriage moved forward.mgzZsglJPbMbWvOjbZzfpSNJmYUMVK
XcqAVGhlcAHsYnNAfter that comment, Li Wuting didn’t speak again, and the atmosphere in the carriage grew heavier than usual.pzsauSRjxyiGknQbLxZVIdlHQDRVlX
WwvutRDlttvloaTNing Rushen glanced at him: What’s wrong?ChizJqcjOJJkZQpqYyARZmmwcjoUGq
znGNtJxPxOTWgbvHadn’t he already admitted his mistake and returned?pAHqWiueqQtAddqGaNabWsTmfBhmtA
LgosHFnGrfSZwIXCould it be that he felt embarrassed by getting on the wrong carriage? But, wasn’t it himself who was embarrassed…vAYWtlgpgjHofxOGqQeTiyljifOcVP
huFFvxrhmhzelgMNing Rushen touched his nose and looked to De Quan for help.fRPSLEnRnxWKcSUAnqcNEzZFxkWkOm
mrRhTqdwzfuNBCFDe 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
YHvAKWlYbossqUXHis Majesty’s carriage isn’t like any other carriage!CxLbNKBfAFFYvuDFDwWqFjNzXtGsRE
DkvlOMjdpjjofoCAnd you got it wrong! Ugh!RHRyRogRHkXoQAahlqhDiuBqKwHpHZ
rjQXwpigIAGbIgoNing Rushen, “…”PbeUxxBQHUjWMTIFnVZTPWIruOFZrY
LRipizTcBLpJhMeSo he was mad that Ning Rushen couldn’t recognize this noble carriage.clEETzZFzQuPwAJATinprStJelfchy
iFIWkUKckcLVUJpNing 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
SBUfKMOCOttokiWNing 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
bQBOwRtTQlsXCwaNing Rushen: .YoHcwxkBEtmhgEWmOUdHFizIskspsY
qpEzEtiQNuzgjXtSeeing 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
OiweKTgLOIFIiWfThere was a silent moment in front of him.OdSGpaSwjDtQumNfHhBiqeKgUlBWYI
JuLICLzWmPcafEQ“Recognize it with your eyes closed?”OcFNVxPkJzSaMgKjtVIWriYvyEAhau
UEPeAnmvEHprIPxWith a swish, a two-finger-wide silk ribbon was pulled from the lid of the food box and fell in front of him.jNzlHuUEZCTLZUGcFTucsZxkhjacVH
TjFEGUQimWrhDGKNing Rushen: ?qIaBnQEAAcZFZKfFpoCQgEcfEZyGfp
dyjckWwVbrryBvbLi Wuting looked at him seriously, “I want to see how Lord Ning can recognize it with his eyes closed.”aONUEKhJnYqetQMMdfPxOUnVQjtHwc
hdytnpnmjEMZVRQNing Rushen, “……”KtzMPKGsReAPPqIhnCBhvKplmiBUbA
aWBMRSUAhhhwLqCNo, he was just exaggerating.mvYSTakqOmZsMJdEdriUVoPlejlhUN
yPnauCwKlMWzDWiLi Wuting was still waiting expectantly.TkXdAKfWNOtxXBMnXapxrUGxJuqnEg
YzQPnpeEvnhCpYBNing Rushen swallowed, paused for a moment, and then reached out to take the ribbon and blindfolded himself.ncyNCQvqyyrHmSGHcgsscKOuCIKzLw
fMTIstGEUQiCDRSThe 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
XjHEZiIBXiWIAzDWithout sight, his other senses became more acute.tXfqmLNkZtSbQuCkEcXwVYOXzzrEmU
TFYaIhqZqdEHCRKAt the same time, he felt a sense of insecurity.gKqVsQPcuJtwPKvKPyDerTAvAfVNUY
qMaNYjXMfMnMpyoNing 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
ZdMZlwjIIWNwwHiHe then moved from the cushion to the carriage wall.eSdSeQEuuctwduTWTnUxiARDEwUaAJ
QFqiCfYcyLXZdUpThe firm wall didn’t seem to be wood but was covered in silk, meticulously detailed.luhkESZKdaHvqmNMLfpxuFPRBmIenV
kkXYoaoRqvgzQKXIt truly was different from other carriages…aqyZjMlDixLISWPpWcTKOTpOOmzczk
vXLlWjpNPAlikkrNing 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
CjiylcRRdukIfyPOne hand was still propped on the side, and because he was speaking, he subconsciously tilted his chin up.PiZSNPblFYvSbinfkEMRnmVpdCoTiz
eBFtNDBTWFDQbRtThe obscured vision blurred the distance between them.jqzXLiZvSugSyjCDWPoiDJgBkHHtBA
waeAcGBRNgeZNxzLi Wuting looked down at the person who had leaned closer.UfJWIQoaeCFYSbncnbKMHJFFyJRWwJ
eqIKCZqAAAfVxtGThe 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
kXiezwXuvlSFxZgHis voice deepened, “And what else?”gUtmkfwWsvcHCgWFHJMztJtUSlVPBJ
kOsUGEmMtIFMDVJ“The… the carvings on the table corner…”lFfsbqJeeiNBqAGiYsvNkxwuuwTTeh
TIPjAvUYrfKIxRTNing Rushen’s hand groped along the edge of the table.POGopflKMunsmflNflAvUJFjwoqAVE
AarldPcpFGARAXSHe focused on not touching Li Wuting, unaware that he was about to fall into the emperor’s arms.HUWecwhQVqpdNYHiijXKAMQlOFhYxB
IdKrlvzCXtNJSeEDe 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
syxjCfxebAGjLRpWith the carriage swaying, Ning Rushen stumbled forward.qVwmmNWOetPZcFRiieURtEgUJdgGVF
nAOpDrRnxcVVqkoA 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
yfkTbzBogLIfmDxThe hand on his shoulder quickly pulled him back.MedcdGVJpVrfkxuosDMSeNknqQziAE
wHPUuxEHCZkQnoUCool 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
QkCJkGKkCthcOmhNing Rushen, “……”EMLuBHirRCvLSoxHaqTEvvKbPwfKgv
OIuBvYZKCBLAEpUHe wasn’t! He hadn’t even touched him.tYXnulySayMpsuKtaLnyMwWTypUMwk
IzpfXlPUnWDiyUwPush with what, his 1.8-meter presence?fBKaQaYjLWfhCaUfIZisJxwTikXqni
UUZWfESdNFqbnenLi Wuting seemed to understand his expression, his gaze falling on Ning Rushen’s fingers, “Are you recognizing the carriage or me?”dIzJNrzvPoFFXgvslaXfIQswfiRQOQ
PLLbVlfkIRPRcKuHe was referring to the touch just now.frZUQGUZFbzVjcfDKGPcPkhtzEhYmG
bGqJgwMrREZZxwgNing 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
rFyLVlYfVAsLTbyLi Wuting paused at his words.faqaIGtwwxferTDPFOUBsRAndBPSfm
TMzVsbiyNSyGoelJust 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
aNDDSSVYMfVVhcTLi Wuting moved on, gesturing to the food box, “Are you going to eat? If not, De Quan will throw it away.”WkCmUrHWzpSEoeEavlskHyNDyXyhdV
uGFkdlcSaPcGkNaWhy waste good food!fBIzpmTaNNMMCCUNYTryTLsqCSbSoU
VpZpEMQnbgKcdKeNing Rushen quickly dragged the food box over to himself, “I’ll eat.”YTOSLUliGFRNQRlAXqhMzwNgKawVJG
MgBDnblUymdUcJALi Wuting tossed the blanket onto his lap before sitting back and closing his eyes to rest.VPBxRYUkLROOVbPQTYVdxPmbOLCYRq
sRRisFJccWDAJRuNing Rushen draped the blanket over himself and nibbled on the snacks in the now serene carriage.BfzSBvDVXduuIfkvwVdFRIHTIkUlYl
BwVkjhNyRAecNRGHalfway through eating, he suddenly recalled:cmsYwAAstsLcbgrShfbDMytiUPlkHe
SgeuVOOTrfQbIfR…Why did Li Wuting ask him to wait in the carriage for half an hour?wQeBDsPFmixhUSxdyAWuWYjAqNxFBM
ySsGrvmNLYlSCWxAfter the Qionglin Banquet, the newly inducted scholars began to assume their respective duties.ZqmZOVRRFOoMPpmdASHKJawsmRuSQa
LZZDoKsrvobjwMjWith more hands available, some were assigned under Ning Rushen, significantly lightening his workload.dxxCbVcdyAdEcRiaVxnlLkLvyTQXqF
SSjjKIcFWJrvPDIAs 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
cVDqsBDLzJEGyDnThe Dingyuan Army departed hastily.TeJCPuYmoOYdMvJlybmFwYOeOMZelj
fWnCGZAsIEenPURWhen 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
fGiMeDdJGrJdMgzA large pile of items was laid out on the table.sJtPoqTqzPoPvpNxeCWcVrnWNlGyCf
UoLGEIIIDbCCpwJLooking at them, Ning Rushen felt an inexplicable pang of sorrow.RvqEpbWMUSMlMJgMwlmlBZvrxYgOtt
BDodBQwISUxykwLHe 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
FatHQMESxuHjtmXNing 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
glmGkNMqdlhVZFSYan Min: Hmm?FeGpGRIydigMjBdWHNgLnViyJNwPgq
vKFyjMHuxsNEoRoGray pigeon: ?IaEcTeyhbKpCShufDeROxuqSrPxpPE
cHXTUvnEuoFNlsgIgnoring 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
IMBQeuMfXUPwwngHe 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
PuWMJOEJxmetjOHWith a flurry of feathers, Gray Fertilizer flew off in a panic.ygYxZsKzvqNSNBFgYvmMNHzoRVwfDw
rstjvlzzZKrhnpg…nnGYhPLdgXEIUlqgvYOVpdaZUiCNuj
KeHLfrevxVaAiZdThe next day, Ning Rushen went to the Imperial Study for duty.ETzAQzEmaHosJZwPfuXeRtQBFlKKqh
nqFumnAXaywkbApAs 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
WoJLKNRXGjMEetiNing Rushen sheepishly corrected, “Just a small token of appreciation.”DWnnNRrlGXhsNDPgdVlWdpqPQjjqid
sWVfFsnYdalSaeGIt might not even be eaten.zdbPZMcpcEYeeLWqkUmxgPiEbsPpOL
iIIsluiXYzcBsLtLi 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
txaQzWawAxrzbAtNing 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
lYijEMupMmdnrjdRecalling the start of it all, Li Wuting paused for a moment.DxcKKPiVFTseoAgZWCfLAZQQXQMAUk
CQCNIDAdxnHoFoMThen he changed the subject, “You mentioned practicing archery. Are you still practicing?”ebViFfDTAIhrJaBsQKTVufXIKKTRVG
TKgwrgcFWZOpzHi“……”ftpssQLDfyKSLzoVEapHxdwALwMZCK
ZcYiYwcAiQqKQbbNing Rushen swallowed, “I’ve been busy lately, practicing occasionally.”CkmNBKyzYxZWgFAgPUtbzNksMRkufM
freJVnKpRYNodwn“Well, there’s nothing urgent today. Go practice.”NSCxwqjPVykIlMpnuZOXyWMvaVlOgy
caqDIekbCIOptGG“?”RAVSmKLaMUsmhWAninkLlYTzKSRHvx
wAayLosgTLRrKFyAs 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
VbsTemsxzjHzbTlNing Rushen looked at him, mouth slightly open, “… Yes.”ILYVrLxkqtqMPfWqabfvksttFbkjWN
ZPAjRsIpbGDnMqF·TcbCDkPEhqqCxsRSZHKWdHvMZDNYaC
vvFwtWOwMWKMObRThe route from the Imperial Study to the archery pavilion was familiar.OsKhdADLATnbOmvwKVnFXxErVlsuWL
ncZmZznnPzJlvFLNing Rushen didn’t have a servant guide him; he went on his own.TKyKwYTliLZYTBvfGIrfjjONpLNvFK
JjpDdbphyHjAHQSThe archery pavilion was located by a lotus pond near the palace’s east gate.oqfZakSxTlcphJrFtZMPgQlABgBtBW
ULaUaUdUbwIjCieIt was summer, and the pond was full of lotuses. A winding bridge led to the archery pavilion, meandering along the shore.wSeyxZkXFEjArBclXQkpqMrGPwQrSD
WnnJvNGcYWmJQQSAs he crossed the pond and approached the end of the bridge, he encountered a large entourage—HXIfZqItkcKuIsuiwvnIGYHpbbVTLa
neZaFHTdGRUaYGLIt was the Dowager Consort Shu, whom he had seen once at a palace banquet.zswKcPQiQiJKQOomavPHeDnmqHIMQs
ySPjNrksGWUkpmGNing Rushen bowed, “Your humble servant greets Dowager Consort Shu.”ePHDwTvLsDafJPkraBSRoGUKJLzSNa
dRXggpBfJgFgRbUA gentle “Hmm” came from the front.mGiuiaCxWhuFXYnJJEIuGRCrXadUHT
giEEabimrflOqEzHe 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
nMwkBBSFMIyJciiNing Rushen looked up to see Dowager Consort Shu observing him.DSDrkGOkHjsWpufvpeHhGCDZBJVUxX
AkFYPqUwuFyBioRHer expression was calm, with only a simple wooden hairpin adorned with a carved peony, making her appear dignified and elegant.TfzKuLdONarPYbJfAoCylhCwOfrgAJ
hdLCuXBROhOacAoNing Rushen was puzzled, “I am.”cgATfKUFpuLxrWgYfQtjxzrJdxNaPq
FsegvmJCQQQBvYTDowager 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
PPEAmlVHoWDvUNqNing Rushen, “Thank you, Your Highness and the prince, for your kindness.”CBqVgkstqggBjHsfuFhGASxeLyGBGE
ZWQCqJDMhVPfxucDowager Consort Shu glanced at him again, “It seems that Lord Ning has a connection to Buddhism.”AvdcsVMnTwlbpYtIQPCLjVWwHbnKkK
qHnuCTUBZisafVlNing 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
StKzNpikPXuyyGLNing Rushen, realizing his casual language, gently corrected, “It means having a calm and serene disposition, going with the flow.”oBSsmLUZadTGEghIjsoUXSZuQmPSlZ
WjoudsyhyCNJKiPDowager Consort Shu nodded thoughtfully, “This is the first time I have heard such a description.”RPDijjwgtllJIlIyLWOHThPxdyHJtD
RqfBAeqrVZiVfAfThe two unexpectedly struck up a conversation on the bridge.rAtaeFuZNAqaAqoHbARFMXLCBMGenu
mEiaoJvOnlJRmmdWhen 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
UDYVnSDNYnMyhWzLi Wuting quickly approached.YcdRIecGmsSMHnuCizhQPgBiVdeKVn
uzJgsVSJrMPGABEThe palace servants all bowed, “Greetings, Your Majesty!”RQAxmWuocWKOspBLWZffyuSrNCHLer
CQBXavAMpXmlzkFNing Rushen turned at the sound, “Your Majesty.”xvQfkKLHePiJKJcfgVFJQGPbkjNDQX
lRGqyEydOhaHXGWLi 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
ImjrvTKczzUUSARDowager Consort Shu warmly replied, “I have been well, feeling quite peaceful and accepting.”gNzRAderxDlEpEQYLVbFtESknctCbK
prQFbLVSmAAdZWr“……” Li Wuting, “??”kvubnyDjzvrvUDEpQesKMHwxBtDXNZ
xHFhhqScXidrLcIHe paused, then quickly looked at Ning Rushen with a deep and meaningful gaze.RGYNoOitOTYPlLZOoHBFfYmxjinJMB
NtHUqJCBrdplbkBNing Rushen lowered his head guiltily.jahNCuqVgcrbwexxtTQegVhutWKujC
bnkRRXjjRMXqQxeFortunately, 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
pPuyrdtfHufdbVTLi Wuting paused, “Alright.”ABXcCoVtpaxnNGznRAvODpOfREJrSA
hemCzhZOHcfIuNYPerhaps 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
WRBxnuxkQlYMqZtNing Rushen listened quietly.kZBzAfmtzntQfEhbKUdJeoXyDRPWjl
LBZsqxSDfLYgwibFrom 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
eEcAIxFyBZjqIVtAs he pondered, the two in front finished their conversation.iySLtVTaqUrIoqyKVpdKOvkADirIAt
OkNWGOmWSkTgHdG“I’m feeling a bit tired; I shall return.”dDvcjdvjLoIqodhHBOkrcYgUyyzSYQ
jWMZUygAeDdWZNjHaving spoken more than usual, Dowager Consort Shu took her leave and returned to the palace with her entourage.oMhGrPNKtlzfUiPSDyNDXSXbiGMcOj
FjVuakncGSFoEPNThe corridor quieted down again. Ning Rushen was watching Lady Shu depart when he suddenly heard a voice beside him:AtrjZGxGlCmQWBzqyGVSJzWauXqJRR
zCnSevFriypeRGp“Fufu da?”JucwoYtBKyeaJAnaSldobgtgwwZgeU
CaYsmXJyNgpcBygHe: “…”QzjbRDjSioCLefhxADMZRXrEtnrGra
ZmQPxxbQPJhAjxuLi 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
FMecpsSqWiOuPKjNing Rushen lightly defended himself, “Just a little hometown slang.”FTBexJCqxIhoFmFAkaYXTNpZOBnOvQ
PFRGWkAPkaqhszYLi Wuting sneered, “Slang from Yuchuan? Do all Yuchuan people talk like this? What else is there? Tell me more.”NbQVLyewwwoJkyHBduDSaSwYSCFUCR
OtNskOdxiRFEvLxNing 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
TsmEzpnXIYZiCqmLi Wuting digested this for a moment.tjdMGkUNINnAHCGkmAGydWkIJkJQmN
RubXFMhOYojWKOGThen 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
gMCuZHHUvHrtWSrNing Rushen: “…”IRpBOacgkwhCOBWDOoeVNGxwZxmkiH
kKGjndTlHeQnLExDon’t use such a cute tone to say such sarcastic words.JukVnpfzDABNcZNmKcSzJMBFuOWHqw
tTGRADlMRNtapJv…KogRtbAMZENcVMaAaxsCcahZLyfNGB
kWWPPiyetFSAQPERealizing the conversation wouldn’t yield any benefits, they moved on.NkzIrkugIyGOUnQBEZEvyGkIjWGlUf
vsRMPxkdbsYljOANing Rushen followed Li Wuting towards the archery pavilion.kGOWyGCWcPFUwayjxtuemietEmuRBM
UWmMHesHMqQwGpYThinking 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
gDSlmWQzWWRgNOjA 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
rPicTKUkFnmXccIHe soon became interested, “Is Shaojue Temple very spiritual?”MElUskOFBVhFpgkNkfHnaWgelqIFPg
HunjkQgwUckDPMT“Very,” Li Wuting thought of something, “especially Master Jingxi’s fate predictions.”OuWxoNDYrUiOYquyTXxDzrsGpJkVlb
bCKDVicLVZAkPhDNing Rushen saw that he believed it.dDdCpcVqcmFbKcqDYGWqnkmrAlSDxr
pNBhWkqtfzhWLgaHe thought, could it be that Li Wuting had his fortune told too?BOKZVlMvETMgMoRptjNflcnlVMoRXo
ltaDISrulAJzNtBLi Wuting met his overly inquisitive gaze and smiled slightly, “It was many years ago.”aYQFFpsaZYguGnuqOHcWwjxsbdyVdP
SeDMrNGbSAjTQuQAfter speaking, his gaze turned forward, seemingly falling into a distant place.cghJboGzDVlkNcbImqJZLZgsmQWxRc
YJVHPBotPnIYdiZ…jhdeZSmhaMTRmkGwqgxBbXvttcRBNg
XsCWGMBueXftBhQMany years ago?YGgrwoOZOwaFHjnFUjZWNffkQfqWwZ
qwDCejnbhXIydoDNing Rushen thought, wouldn’t that be during his childhood?axPsgYPECqPIBVqPWvIleWHumuEHMt
ImZAPaMOPdgVAkfHe leaned closer, “So, did they predict Your Majesty’s true dragon fate?”OaiGzVxHYXBjTxGggWTFKetgnApRLA
CMRtCixrSiQBvdeAs 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
QsNWeRsvPJgCPIWqqINhazgiBUPjoUHjhwCChDpNpgonh