This official is so weak

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

zTHIfHbtRkecsvW

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

vSyvNjnFiOCVEyX

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

QjxHzNTfUhMzrNf

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—FgxyTRHwLeQdAqQbzLCYKUSwwrawYc

CUtblPIAwHAGKBN

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

CIioDAQGksDPXoI

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:bdVdHwSKzmREqCHOhxOHnNziySnJXv

rFLbPdkjfWAIHKu

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

IsfaSTchrGOgZFn

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

YcdzloyMvdiSCgH

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

CQTqjjtKmknqPQF

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

OMveawlljEriEzU

The 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

jjMgEzkecCswGjR

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

JDEoFSTtAyVYjwq

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

qIVjucbJXpQLPJg

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

AKiiwCRpCmMIKHE

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!”aLktYUAiaVkrCQjIWNAvyLDpWLRStt

qvMsDqYsbZkDfSs

…Got on the wrong carriage?avoCEjTptYvuxRxpAgfAvENuDPNIFv

zzrSvzvGwuvpIpS

Damn! Ning Rushen jolted awake completely.WrXqlPGsuJwODzMFubLsnNIevMrmYm

CttCfyebISTyecX

…YQjjQWkcJwVMWgDVNxemNHoTMODcDl

wLBxhDYPVmVzzRA

He apologized to the bewildered Fan Wan.VYCbaTXhmSIKTDWlvDXnJCRCiVtVdC

mriDSDiAybEuzyS

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.ejvuMBGgfaKmnsGmpeBCHjxOSILAHD

tHZaCVLkthtsqYZ

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

BqzLWKxWebqjSzE

Just 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

SwEThorseovpICn

Li Wuting, “Oh, why not?”hFXoiSDoZzwztOGnbxwYsnBpHEnsDr

HFILMAfbTbEjxGw

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

GcCexkacZAwaeom

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

VZhNhzukzqQuTix

It’s just survival instinct.ZmEcwWWrCxrBzAQMroCqYUXFKULVTF

YmaLfalcXnCQTfJ

Li Wuting’s stern expression softened a bit.ldZMtACqJmxlCGJifXgAjrXxSWxZHG

LEBYzcGscXwUFoP

He 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

AbJlhayAhaBceRw

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

cvOipHESLDNEuWj

Li Wuting, “…”TdpLtkKbKsnKyXJSVeWeXFoPcyDEWv

gHEeYyTagjrlKJi

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

NlVypafMUoOhhsP

Ning Rushen shrunk his head in embarrassment.qnMgoGWPOJsxKWKoPBhSRNNWHDkCHV

WOKFqNpoUrwUVue

·SsCjJVoSocWkJFUPfaruRXcPuCqLpD

hPLLumwvXamhZfK

The carriage moved forward.EdWMSXbTWRymirCDzxfrgacdCteXri

apdyEljmyOJvMUJ

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

YPxuafSDfxGnaAc

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

ppXtlNzariaXYxh

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

vPSCrNfEXUvWotj

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

CLrKQBahwnaJJVD

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

jPFCmAvxWjZaKFc

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?oJznFTqlWsRetAarSgySouISHjJOdW

qFUpRSDaryzLYGE

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

hrSFBYBtnrLKuXq

And you got it wrong! Ugh!rYadGtOpvIhhkqcaTJsEjdamUUUerR

SDAWQhwtHwxEgqc

Ning Rushen, “…”PEbeGtxACqWApvyzZXErRhiKiYhbVA

VPOybZdsZUSGPmX

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

mZWXpfPiJPPxbtb

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.”EHQqZZmbIYvDKrklVFhZOfmTGZdedi

favgywzOugpRUlJ

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

NgyWJZXLOaYaqVn

“……”ltJoJloaaofuSeuuZppdBEiAVBYcbp

FyHLXHgnhDHVPcl

Ning 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

eafjInwWERateNs

Ning Rushen: .dvbggIBEzxEnpLtqXjEfmfuxpCDejb

oAXRYgcIziOBZjZ

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!”IrAcWyQdyVhHhKqQGpVaptXDOktpJp

PkymWIPtcKrpjbQ

There was a silent moment in front of him.BLhJDCfvvWwSVFamWixXnSAdfiXPbU

wDwazfPtsbfsJhM

“Recognize it with your eyes closed?”OfBdsjEfHUnNoBKWdiXruLnwocSshZ

yDWEBxUMUbJiCqS

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

ZqsaNCAIavFZqlP

Ning Rushen: ?WWAkfsQAAcDEvNUurMZxhTCPcTVYWT

tvXMIFMLAXzwkin

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

TOpBDcaPTUOWdgR

Ning Rushen, “……”NmHZnYqcmkEPrrpqPYeQdpJNwWYdbr

VrMCwZCtfsfMALw

No, he was just exaggerating.mGLBQpaVaZMoSDBLQuZOREMuXUDjha

LfqmPicWDNvZhvU

Li Wuting was still waiting expectantly.HvevGyZHcgqVWBUnetyYLIxljBtJSm

zyahlASfjtvHIKy

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

PTezlpyhtlVWkCx

The 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

oCSTehqGbTYmZga

Without sight, his other senses became more acute.HwILmrNsYchrrjhzzOMrJyOQWYCJDn

AhltdMPAjRpFuwT

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

bygVsCUBZkiaCvF

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.MQfamcEmkcJjtEAVYVNcwGkYSsScSC

rjdXHltbexWVABv

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

EqzFkjtfCGjRlLT

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

opQiSrEWxlhrcJJ

It truly was different from other carriages…LaihcWErgLRavCrQxPIRkyyDKsHSZg

AGBvRpnsWeXsAwF

Ning 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

DBLECQoSWEfAtUL

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

wkMrRFNEWiPXQeI

The obscured vision blurred the distance between them.TWACVWubBnxiXTtbtYLWdDxuVqfjhd

REpSwffPeJCzfSy

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

SBJuJQgLKSOADFq

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.tGpVUMIIwoVZDBGkxyakofUDfGDNfv

AJekKWSrhtuoRPc

His voice deepened, “And what else?”dFqLfZpdlVTikJWytlGXvjGBsTeuuw

ZPyRaNePaQqlhvV

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

OJxFkpGzOEPELZw

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

RwpTNnMnUwpSkaI

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

uSKsPnzGbJzXcVt

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…nRieazZpQVVbvmSAcnwXHgSkihJaby

FldfkICxoRFiZHK

With the carriage swaying, Ning Rushen stumbled forward.VcMLAhtWlRGJUNJnFMJNgYNfssUyis

izPInlJjrhqHSfy

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.uABlSycJmmUKzLXrKhyPLVcKRcbweu

LNyyEJMkbpvHsTA

The hand on his shoulder quickly pulled him back.PjiqhCyEQKLuiWzUynsjUTrCKMVCcZ

RRTMyUnVUMZCeys

Cool 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

heiiIKQpQERzjFq

Ning Rushen, “……”DHClJvFqKDZgTDloRFrBrSfQWSZZTC

FzrIAArpvFPymSl

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

LZWvTTYuGUDicvx

Push with what, his 1.8-meter presence?nSBAyUFMaTcQsvvMktmTKPjdtdZffr

bsflBbRBHhpNghE

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

bbqDkAcXEoCOjye

He was referring to the touch just now.fMnlDrnAgHoycXOMIHGGkIwKKbgoWv

aKxYPHiUyNupwZu

Ning 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

tsVQcyUfJPOckdf

Li Wuting paused at his words.aeMSBMiSudcUGONMgITKflnqSjHyEd

XqRkgryazpNKKUi

Just 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

WzkrcMzojtINvWX

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

yWFuKKZiGyokPRi

Why waste good food!WTfGIUEefDOnRSrjmAbFEscBFzRLsI

bmTNuwpFZLemFRh

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

gAckEafWJuInGPy

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

PztIYIvJSmaVgJr

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

OcxbFSYsEUuPGWw

Halfway through eating, he suddenly recalled:bqOmFpancEGlTHgBLMFhQDYsgqdqzs

sCMubkJACOKrkCP

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

sBVkMrfSPYQnfXg

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

oohzcBjiWIcoQWM

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

DNgpvPMQWggetez

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.QFQubsXlbdemWhLayYqLZOoEAclcni

HBOZNdvCGuQDBjp

The Dingyuan Army departed hastily.loHfIhkgpWHMDOobpdnrPjNqHgcbBX

vceDrgyyFPzyhPI

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.nqAhjcctbTyTsyQmMTCHfxGFvkWUaS

jZsFzyXAOWHqHdc

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

GbvXaieXBGqPwmQ

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

HgUAnfWqjmJHVcp

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.ibeFkGFlbzIxSilSEJRhClVGhyLOCw

zHMoprBcOdqIhsa

“Parting is inevitable,” Yan Min comforted.XTHyRLOMkUuiVQtWJeoNLGxFnIhdCZ

grLLQnOCiGVOcFQ

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

FWXFKlzoVFXuTNg

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.”HwljBkNANMCdmfJQfJIAOsKkiFUsGh

acweIiDtTVBoDvM

Yan Min: Hmm?yRpILGxsiRDvtigmbuISlFwXYwBFMd

BjXUgNnOmFaEszt

Gray pigeon: ?hnoJVbsTXSvLUqfAqsaTDRKvVpXRoh

NSSJDiuNRwqtUPU

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—gIWqWhHvlEAjMpHlkfoKdaZAEIUfrc

xYyFPjsrNqyFYwf

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.”WbAmgDatcquVhGLwaRVQBomOwxIKMr

ksaYsIYZNayJvbi

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

JlPthSHuCHDCcAk

…qxpfzWsmJqXKAnBOzTukZPqunbzZyk

VGjvsDeZtRqenkR

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

KKseTNpmUDxOKvV

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:dFylWpyQmNPlTFxeytSvjYMatDbLJV

ILQzrdQShXAmDVs

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

vGvsWrptoWKUKda

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

uiNaksqkBqNBZos

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

gVoNblpFyWQWcvq

It might not even be eaten.sCjIAHOrYXkzVMVoQazPbMegyhvsFX

MUKPVALVUgYIPvb

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.”DWazgdRxTHVjcUBUlSUBZFOLuOqCIV

SjGXUtdEVVlwgZB

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.”uCnNnuIJfPdkmTsbuGDAINUecGVxIH

XzMcKxfkiltDDin

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

uTRYHDBxvptcHDG

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

dYnvLCkvGRNeMgM

“……”czKFkUSYBosnBdsXmoBWtbGvnRQsHp

NQrGhgbdIlVimGM

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

bBpIfLveZEiCrJq

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

FQOUHtIFOiwnJFn

“?”plxlyvBdcBzDQOixdPPfpClrmAVAMG

cMbbVXUpeFTAboC

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.”FrpRFZMhzZdcuRVulbzoyNBhyKzGEl

UAyNSNBgYiKpfBK

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

pyxRgUbiiJrSHdG

·oHjstMtDIUqrjDUlAUjbiIZMTmRGVE

ucSwRXFaRrubnai

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

OaauIjsKkXdbamZ

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

eBklWTRjtNPpOIs

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

JBNWLdBSIjTblBB

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

fEFlcBuZwhJfLef

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

TtdyYFPpXkLruqE

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

jkWUubxXchYtBIw

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

zNPRxBNSyiCdTGg

A gentle “Hmm” came from the front.khoQFdiSdWVZPuEhTobvqDAIqjzIAF

fvmbvTyiDElNwYZ

He 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

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

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

BpKiVmBtCnCgEUu

Ning Rushen was puzzled, “I am.”jFgpOIuYvOGAphhnrJNdUlNQBaZjPO

TpBOIXDmkQZWNpD

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.”ARGJacxebIuwiyoimOAvshlyHEjFAR

acirRXQOoSeeflU

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

qRJkztEMNaUHJtw

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

QTSDWNiYbMUBPUg

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

qLRnpUrINlQiSso

Ning 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

XXwbVCFCxEHujoN

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

oklsBqJMCeoSWdw

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

ToCubypzSJfYOiG

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

mRUEkvmjTuJuObV

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.lfStuanpEoKRsJcDGxVWrishNuHXwT

jKzOcVCYnDrXozz

Li Wuting quickly approached.CklNoyCAeazZBozvRKouRGDLXeGubl

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

EXFcekCiEoUWunu

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

TimCGIScpIwZMtC

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?”vCfrRlCQggVCHhpmNgIdMBnsewthUR

BrMvhNWggUOVquX

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

LwFNfcwvZOUxBAJ

“……” Li Wuting, “??”eBKGtlXXDVascgQJhPjuYamvyYEmcq

MFyLHMJptSOSEOJ

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

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Ning Rushen lowered his head guiltily.QgIkRkTKryqTAqsWrLPpJVfxxPoITH

msnZwvNFEKjmhFy

Fortunately, 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

mEkJQgPRDuihOHG

Li Wuting paused, “Alright.”BHAMOWlyaTZlQpMTeizCBYBBRYEsht

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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.pYYmuzzVhGtvESpXoKsHwkZtVjwlZH

OGkXlgpaJdjyExS

Ning Rushen listened quietly.bOWCpAgTdsxMsWqtKVuZetkBECCtcx

WgeQVFIUmzLUIYM

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.lYdXcHXBuOaxEBrWArdgORBiCHfgWr

jKGzYSSEedrTnUV

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

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

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

bpyEzDIMdqaKXZp

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

UWDTFNxUbLEyHqX

“Fufu da?”kDgGAHUsLoxGHWIBRXstMrAALAvdCs

kdJJtEZeBmxgOQi

He: “…”GXVykTobGfLbjGYkCFWmxYcUcRQQbT

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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.”JoDQaRHZkwvBcSieAFEBwSJQpfTNkq

BkglUmKzMjHSueo

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

gATtmwwBDkIiGHX

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

dGIdUSKXjkcoyTX

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.”DRLqAspIbptKuHxrPeAnxluGfRcdXX

TgfdcuURDtvfHgH

Li Wuting digested this for a moment.UPOaffsFcWcWXTCAyZbfPefsPcqSFv

YRnSSAkbVzCGQBa

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?”TtXCsifpUqEXoERrNQHArHMiMglrch

LZWLXKuaYivEKeh

Ning Rushen: “…”kesuayFtgKvgAHmmXZnZYvhUugjLYq

hLqmLgLgYKpDPAX

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

TnhQVIsaKTHcgaO

…empGMJwcGXBzVwEpOhkYMAFfeefayH

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

gUhqpHgjxOMIuhb

Ning Rushen followed Li Wuting towards the archery pavilion.qKSfYydjFYPGSgSJKWSSyqVxjfWZEF

vxVoGUaxiLrItuF

Thinking 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

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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:UYplhzYGLNuPSBHtgGQjQyyVgNIWRp

qkxToDKJCMTDxvZ

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

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

IdjVjQoDXPoUHOt

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

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

CjpoMFmcgRIvuik

Ning Rushen saw that he believed it.awRarxaLvVXBuOwxIlqPCwzxaxLHkX

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

ZAmejWYPAHbmqyj

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

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

mdAftwbEEPVFjIW

…swfKwOTZWmKaCMwCvdSUmslnxvcrWv

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Many years ago?wGOIDltxUNqxvIaQiUyJhRUKNsVIuh

XAKRvnlJOPPAqEh

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

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

WDGJRdkEGJlnSJL

As 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

CMbnQoArSsjTTeQ