Chapter 38
Li Wuting stood still for a few seconds before walking toward Fan Wan’s carriage.RXVRRdaesIVUcenflpsHRGKSJMwIWO
PonCavhTRweJYhbOver there, Fan Wan was brooding when he suddenly saw the emperor approaching with the head eunuch, De Quan.iEJTBKkhPkqtXaJLtndxrFirXmPtUp
dCSYIjvzFsIbhlNStartled, he quickly got off the carriage to pay his respects, “Your Majesty!”MWWvThGQopxvbhxUqCUncAEzUMbZAO
oOqvqrtgxjEDfdQFan 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—ghacFrjTMJMxFKqdnRQqfJWoYaUBBw
gPJuOIFnGWCQxxoNing Rushen, wrapped in a blanket, was sleeping soundly, curled up in a ball, with a flush on his face.NegrnEnYmomFlxyEKvvMHKKxBnFtsV
XakxceFoZXwXDzjFan 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:eEmHdsuUvKMWHZJnwILPpLUrfTBPZV
GvXVVuikpmeYLVg“Uh, Lord Ning… came up to rest…”gMDRfytPAuPybQxiIcAhJsSCDboZGv
cfeMzXrHIYsxQibWith each word he said, the emperor’s face grew colder, until his voice gradually faded.zRyzzNHiKqGOEjsoCvOjdLDVkqCxNp
RUJXWUsdMDHSazyHe was utterly impressed with Ning Rushen: the emperor was right next to him, and he could still sleep so soundly.lzbDwdOaFImIKxMfmUEuKzpHWMCNzV
SkyJvXLCRMZYUBODe Quan couldn’t help but whisper: “Ahem…!”faIpDEttdugAmUYLKgKHFvByReJDeJ
IGbhpnKGUVlngXdThe cold air combined with the faint warning finally gently roused Ning Rushen from his deep sleep.RvijAEMpuhctMANPDPgLIoPCnyQAyJ
wrgPsXUIZylUiiX——He opened his eyes to see Li Wuting and De Quan standing outside the carriage, along with a sweat-drenched Scholar Fan.TcJXylpvEMvOLOnXnZnRqlodjjPVnq
NFAXZIaRWsSjEWHNing Rushen, now somewhat awake, greeted, “Your Majesty.”BIQludADdKiUFrAIfaMWFkMDGXqWcQ
exUhBgrbQkFiVAgHe then sat up and peeked out, still wrapped in the blanket, “Is Scholar Fan coming with us too?”ScZmhXNoBMeAKxwvrzXFUWcTFSQlEX
aKUmyXvAvkWbpFiWait, what does “coming with us” mean?OsLWUrpuMKePSNUzlyzbmwKfnlMLsq
nhVwkTQidPNdMPDDe 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!”tFmbhKHtCFmkXFLxXESdaLFtewmaXe
aIDyUSSdjsMEnrR…Got on the wrong carriage?lGlRgrkFFIdKFsXkEAWVlENFtGCdNu
VwjTLZmedzlrdHADamn! Ning Rushen jolted awake completely.IMwrwTylTcuBjhxoZATplYbjuHIhYE
MnheCVwWECRghat…yqwAUCEkxTYMkfZfBMUhrPBJRauPrh
GVykuVxxFeMVzBzHe apologized to the bewildered Fan Wan.MMXmgirgQsYkbeoBqGKeZyckZyNDLe
poTpztsInwaMMIINing 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.NlvnVItYErGWpUOzMKXWvyMckzlOEV
loAwUAUxrnXuyAKBack in his student days, didn’t he also get on the wrong bus?AyhpcCOSBvavGUwifvfygjpUWVyqYo
rclInQllvuFMWeeJust as he was about to slide into his seat, he heard Li Wuting ask:tyjBwIWZuLVNMvoJCHFHRLFBMbOTUz
MOVXEDUCxcIeRTF“Did you sleep well?”kbpnUxrkRqZMapWxKsznBcglmGSYIh
woBbXhGdtOcHhmt“Well…” Ning Rushen started to respond but then, rare for him, a sense of caution arose, “N-no, not really.”gBcSUoeLUNUYPVtypvWlHvSMZrDSGM
JiViDhunxMgoUCcLi Wuting, “Oh, why not?”DetvrZBwnSEtPODZxLSyMeqpzbHDgD
XqkvyeWDiyqDiUyNing Rushen slowly slid next to him, “It’s not as restful as Your Majesty’s carriage.”FfdXBvEJMJGddGcEqVIyDxytLulaGT
hqCAiOhDVUvcKfhSorry, Fan Wan, didn’t mean to put you down.RXVIgCKCAdoiywZfRoQWXDpjGYQaqB
GkoBSCcNVTeMJMVIt’s just survival instinct.ZWiHAFRiIzhGewWgQaHvdBBAYqbHrl
TefqszYMrzuRAuNLi Wuting’s stern expression softened a bit.qKMbotbXTvmtFgdEODRrXXBTLzwHOQ
TupbxLBxRzirzTsHe gave an order to move out and then carefully examined Ning Rushen’s face:btsQsuSlyDuHtpMunQfvWNDftZEEyH
BdbKkuzkAKhPHhh“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?”dIuhUAjwbGEagqzkLVvYcCjIYFFWua
utmXUJHxHdArlKeNing Rushen steadied himself in the swaying carriage, “Your servant could sleep through even if Your Majesty hammered on me.”HnSyRBgOtuCTfNYySxQTCgFWFQDxUh
LjwtVGmOZBfjoEhLi Wuting, “…”JdFWFuspROVUhRRFNlkTURAMTLaXzf
ddNWjReEdUjkcGxAfter a moment, he said softly, “Then you might never wake up, Lord Ning.”CeEuXVJxGImNRAXNogUFiMntrFqbJq
hhAOPyFxDTwlYiqNing Rushen shrunk his head in embarrassment.rjIwwTMwiMeZfdWkOPOAwehBXcVuip
VAhvwyQfhJUCCTm·TEqsnnlcsFvoacqIcKAprvTfwvEzFb
isnrDuBvVxKDWzZThe carriage moved forward.olRqVGoGXxgyIPaARcpqgTsrgrceYE
IZfrzdxpCdJyrIPAfter that comment, Li Wuting didn’t speak again, and the atmosphere in the carriage grew heavier than usual.FOzXaIyzLqacNWbpsWRtJakSGBNaut
HPswzohruBVPGHRNing Rushen glanced at him: What’s wrong?xYfugnkkjcwBztYPigxTezgGxnXOJQ
HccEkdbRoxuZdHIHadn’t he already admitted his mistake and returned?XieGHhYDyhHDwlwaptAnumWdfHCKCq
BPCbjenkwdnuWypCould it be that he felt embarrassed by getting on the wrong carriage? But, wasn’t it himself who was embarrassed…VXaDJlyjxRjNyjMmHqmiALZEezLIKA
frNEPbmJsOgOItwNing Rushen touched his nose and looked to De Quan for help.ecSrPDvHWtpxasdrNfRTJvyUGRgVlm
jNuxqevuwuKMLAODe 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?lYvPdoBkpBJFAEnTjuqRPFuCUiQTEn
hcaAdAvYmPrlLNGHis Majesty’s carriage isn’t like any other carriage!TBigOBJEYoRaPtyIyStkIMnWQmqMlT
DrNDqvqTkNVwKqZAnd you got it wrong! Ugh!SHkdiuRvQUVPxzkimQruzbTyiUUhOm
GGqAKLddMFuRaIiNing Rushen, “…”JxddAQAcURGTQhImxeoZRoCMorReBN
LcrbUWABcQazjcRSo he was mad that Ning Rushen couldn’t recognize this noble carriage.XGTxRPNDUoWHrVaFAetveBzcRJIeCn
kBDTBSgQkVvtHynNing 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.”DVSbPtSdCJwrSSyBelIlonAHMmazjh
HsbEdNSrNgnpWSV“Oh.” Li Wuting finally spoke, “How is it different?”VrNpemFQpVRfdxYLbrfoDFWLodDhiL
pZKDKgSDzxaeLRK“……”CdmCqpBMRmMXVbcIabUagfFSNqLRzQ
VLctnlHxSCgayHhNing Rushen was suddenly stumped by the question and looked around furtively:ebsiCPWPqvgIoFCtURmcfXeRkhfoyK
pqFmNtWgMUuWhIH“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…”aYMMeBPIYtldlrSeOyahEWuvHCrXWB
qaUFfKBFwRooMEB“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.”TwTsVnvBUoyQFCUvHtyoRaKGDghqPe
FwjsjZioOIoJJdkNing Rushen: .FWgcBZdnjexwwwoPkdHRpLZBVOdjAT
nUXHIvLnuKVEUpaSeeing 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!”oaTVNOAdaVReLwyFpRsXCXddGynXWU
MItROaZgxBepGGuThere was a silent moment in front of him.FeNaqmjxyTjFieaEtjeGtfVAELUTMG
XGEcTSCdQlatFvg“Recognize it with your eyes closed?”xReaTnEnIeKrRWpFFlxCrhkUaccmzT
ECgQzMUYyXkGoocWith a swish, a two-finger-wide silk ribbon was pulled from the lid of the food box and fell in front of him.kNfWCSGYoTUOxoakUxYGWVocueInAo
pYoLVsYeMjnzuqNNing Rushen: ?PUGsUJgFwwNSLuSGjShwjWqaXqXrPY
BNZDogxydtvZfCpLi Wuting looked at him seriously, “I want to see how Lord Ning can recognize it with his eyes closed.”edQADIRNlRgzHDQBjIRHRnulNHcRoL
QDQOCVjOcXqrYjCNing Rushen, “……”sHCpZCHvNDVAmiDWPTuXTZexAihwyE
KbjMFbivoIdRviINo, he was just exaggerating.KnzjGJJmsXkGmDGqnCTZvReSMPGcxq
TMOfdoQblpdKlIcLi Wuting was still waiting expectantly.qIhorsvmTfpqmvRUqJHaOryySxtLpl
FKlsboUDWMRCZMzNing Rushen swallowed, paused for a moment, and then reached out to take the ribbon and blindfolded himself.mnTHewIYrRpysvixJuDAZwFivxMZRu
aqUyzPZYeTjNujhThe cool, silky texture made him shiver slightly. He then heard the low voice in front of him say, “Recognize it.”nQEjjwZAEeeWXVSOrXvAVDCezQdxgH
AOZqYUEhzBcGwcH“Yes…” Ning Rushen’s heartbeat inexplicably quickened.FfEvHNbENOcblbvkCUEOKcrDQtNjOu
HskWUlMfXeRtjaTWithout sight, his other senses became more acute.XFMXrgWlwZGwfLTPaQLlcgSzJJgVBa
MDGVRPDyaYEuRhIAt the same time, he felt a sense of insecurity.WsbXFqJGXrjZMaUYrqrfvibUAsmOiZ
ahhorwRVkyVErQSNing 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.tPBhJYLAGXMRbgMaOnztBFeZSsSKlE
JkQMefnhzPQHYweHe then moved from the cushion to the carriage wall.XPflfVFlUsJtvjoyrywiaNsHccnZUW
rekDyYcKfBODqDiThe firm wall didn’t seem to be wood but was covered in silk, meticulously detailed.eoHvenNVZilNmQqJyGromJYPdbQZaq
qpopTbxDQxfwkHAIt truly was different from other carriages…HnZJaYAThMnkiRndsIACzspuQHnOUP
nabARslGpSLUuqNNing Rushen carefully explored his side inch by inch, knowing that Li Wuting was sitting nearby. He deliberately avoided exploring in that direction.EdpIdkDXFVJeeISduHPwZRMHDETEQY
QqIFVNEvUJcyKlr“Have you recognized anything?” Li Wuting suddenly asked.LHjwViyBZOHZZRNycmzQPPOKsGmtNx
vSxdURpLrDfVijN“The cushion and the carriage wall both have hidden patterns…” Ning Rushen replied in the direction of the voice.fdPdAYVCdWRCLkJIUOjSGwdIJXckoK
QeqexLuvgmoZJOrOne hand was still propped on the side, and because he was speaking, he subconsciously tilted his chin up.yiMRZcHIfBcbFKpPxhOBZrlqUFzEIA
DLuWXUvtaaMRIRgThe obscured vision blurred the distance between them.xyzIrufkAuiSIAYpxuUGYBsmhxYYQT
VjSXNkIHiFhwNFZLi Wuting looked down at the person who had leaned closer.FXmSXhFXdXhTRvAabQurZyJgAhgIzn
GRHTgyBaBihTGyeThe 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.BsHlfYIjMiDihFpnFlxkbdWveOuiKw
vCgwaDNNMqAzDMQHis voice deepened, “And what else?”FltVPMePHYgjzFmAushRWkLIkXlpSw
ggSbiWFBFJSQtvh“The… the carvings on the table corner…”tHrFoDvAjAyEKmGyTWAZRUqiRBcEXy
WmcebnRYoRHSFFmNing Rushen’s hand groped along the edge of the table.tqtdWKCIwaQZuIhJzubaJQlCjRsoWR
PgCviGpgIHQPloNHe focused on not touching Li Wuting, unaware that he was about to fall into the emperor’s arms.wBLyyzWZzWfflqJAJiOHnYOGGDHIox
tkvhZoLoiTNbUfSDe 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…iMcHRyenizreMJEIXJkKnAHNqfqqrz
XqrmYfqCYSJWovwWith the carriage swaying, Ning Rushen stumbled forward.OWBsxlMMpxXxLZkeMFUsJTslHirEUI
lATmaDzKBNKlZtqA 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.zQJVcmBIdBUNDwgRAzpkaQsLjtdwbG
UGWWVhYcvduPBiMThe hand on his shoulder quickly pulled him back.eTtVVyOrcJexVyawgeqeoNOuSYbghl
HgwzGfdnomYNQCmCool air rushed in again as Ning Rushen hurriedly pulled off the ribbon from his eyes, his heart still pounding:OqPJaEzbPdGYWMCWnBtIgwUkqNrVPN
ffErLChNtkLhVGN“Your Majesty?”pHfktxQaTMBEkVMZGlMEaCphpYEAkK
AmKGfhhnIdlmiSy“Sit properly.” Li Wuting remained indifferent, “You’re about to push me out.”cHQsUVzsRlHZqDgxRfeCxxukwachQn
yFubrBiTDRjDAZGNing Rushen, “……”lEmrJvVTMCMENmSeDyPqKFDBAhVNkr
KwWFnPnZorljustHe wasn’t! He hadn’t even touched him.FpLvucxpdboewsuZJomfatxOPZlhXf
glOlIFYeSucCzTOPush with what, his 1.8-meter presence?IHbjyUzfgeTQzkBPkdsEQIckGQgcbG
adaZgtMiftMHRGVLi Wuting seemed to understand his expression, his gaze falling on Ning Rushen’s fingers, “Are you recognizing the carriage or me?”DtBhJmrVMphZQIlbuSkMjXpKbbXEUF
DQbfrmJULNPipUVHe was referring to the touch just now.UEJjDjjKyMhlMqwsbJeExAjieTnOFx
zRJqZRZdBlnpvJeNing Rushen thought Li Wuting was exaggerating but, knowing he was in the wrong, he decided to placate the emperor:NFtYAiJWUUUfkcFECumAvkrArqonmp
lgGiQHhEIPbjSwf“If I recognize Your Majesty, then I recognize the carriage.”FMftCiqOIGyYyasohGRNLqxypNCcKE
svinrHTMlUvbSWJLi Wuting paused at his words.yfHdEDZPWRnqOFdKkuXwoBhcAfHvKU
ixYxUwJGdjRPOkLJust as Ning Rushen thought he would be scolded for being perfunctory again, he heard the emperor’s voice soften:RhHZRXwodNCbFwUfDmWflQndwyzgiD
DRLKNolFRGjOcuc“Now you can recognize it.”TJQGofKSCkVWRMAaubZHMnbVhzzAJD
dSnPCNaCsroHBKE“……?” Ning Rushen blinked.jfAMRBjWudcjbWAfPonpfCoGSntHjs
xeXisgvXHSGJupkLi Wuting moved on, gesturing to the food box, “Are you going to eat? If not, De Quan will throw it away.”MaFRhFKhNdmilCgOQptMNFEIwCzfeB
ULTiJTvnSsXHayCWhy waste good food!lhCoYqwKwgjRJHsQYQRMuTmZmAoCKO
TUwnPbXgwMMyjckNing Rushen quickly dragged the food box over to himself, “I’ll eat.”fvKckFCMJitqLARREfNODlgMNBgbsm
gEjOefhshjJDEmTLi Wuting tossed the blanket onto his lap before sitting back and closing his eyes to rest.dWvgdDNOrAUGWZFNDEcVnUBoVlngAp
IeDlAUxQLEChMUpNing Rushen draped the blanket over himself and nibbled on the snacks in the now serene carriage.uWVKtrhxIBFEmiyrEcmsGymgEGzcvQ
LLBQagseFAAtMgkHalfway through eating, he suddenly recalled:TtIWPyPTXFNHYDSKgoxSnmffQRShEn
xJIfBiCRQGFJmCx…Why did Li Wuting ask him to wait in the carriage for half an hour?eeihIejLKzLzJYGdEgoCPrFldmuOzX
qaYbFTYVXlfLctvAfter the Qionglin Banquet, the newly inducted scholars began to assume their respective duties.rYlBeINWZtJzDNVKmxhxTmRKjYsYiO
OSKAXBJkVnIRwtCWith more hands available, some were assigned under Ning Rushen, significantly lightening his workload.kTvEveujMzMBxweqFKCVGuFiqZOnJV
XBENAPWVstgTTPFAs 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.xzPplWLGsnqJSoMOobWaRAEyxHOamn
YvHlaBkhucdEGqRThe Dingyuan Army departed hastily.riPsGkROFclQifVCfnrRJxYDmsVvez
vVPviigmuiSXRJcWhen 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.ertzmotqNNCNgtkIilQdyyMPUzOawo
lSNfwBzgWSSiiraA large pile of items was laid out on the table.gyuAihLDFUJtbdzdTlJgGFMCaOySFF
gwmzFYFxnBkqoDlLooking at them, Ning Rushen felt an inexplicable pang of sorrow.ozxmNQWBpnqMecBZtSHjnoFQMaPLDw
oQEmGwhEJmQCNtJHe 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.ulBOumyXOToEsaHwwDNtqzLOFXsmCw
QHvOjvQeTofBgTn“Parting is inevitable,” Yan Min comforted.HiEVwotHthNNxvfapnlWdTSvQNWBqC
tcfsxtXoLGYwHVJ“But I must repay the brothers’ kindness in some way.”OamWOrdwXDTQbRTPqsRMlFisglErsM
InxYPUSnZXuiDBhNing 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.”KZYVlTWfrTpfwdUXHjYltgjKyTHIcF
pMYsIjiZbqUPxZfYan Min: Hmm?DjbXDXxHlhGAxyedsOgyzjPaUnQmxs
gOZsaUmNJzmglKPGray pigeon: ?IVjGrVnYpMDhXYbGQsTpHQWWUTMJId
SXJzuvvDokqzvSpIgnoring 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—GxZmQOMvkapFhBOvCZMuiCKBDIzPtL
bUNvSTuzZZQXBpJHe 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.”mevukPBwyMdDwLldwqAJNqFtkQfSaC
QMVFRItsgfcOVqKWith a flurry of feathers, Gray Fertilizer flew off in a panic.qZFdFIOQcbNtCTlGlMWKEyuOWtNqyi
LxKbTXMQueIzzep…OpzwaVwXwtDSadXDIaJYDtTkyuTdbm
cwRYMceZGYCeZffThe next day, Ning Rushen went to the Imperial Study for duty.srmgxvbEGCFjdnNEMGXJBoARqDcjRU
XCbzpvPshntcEQTAs usual, he rolled up his sleeves to grind ink for the emperor. After a couple of strokes, he heard Li Wuting’s indifferent voice:gTePfCbiZpakesSOCxvPdwxnAplGMy
canwmilWrSQVvAn“I heard Lord Ning sent provisions to the Dingyuan Army?”DquLiCnFpKEfnBeTigSbDNcHMgwupR
IgvktBlDqhBsWIk“…… Well, that’s one way to put it.”QkEVSFGjiaXgydvdsauuMOKMHREYyq
oTffcXzVkVXZCffNing Rushen sheepishly corrected, “Just a small token of appreciation.”AIyZfZaCIgsvHNSaBKwtgDlmkSsmdA
PaeNPpiIMeQRLIjIt might not even be eaten.dlffJDdWYwkSVkuTnxbAuXYfkYyCUW
dPxWRJtYZCPxbiNLi 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.”pwKeVFaucwJkTEjPHcHQyXWHJxhepY
RHiWuUPwGUlfiavNing 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.”EXIFUKtEqomTawDxhCLxswahWSSElL
alBgzZdOCRuKIQFRecalling the start of it all, Li Wuting paused for a moment.eyeKoWDEROfzoEneSLHmZlkDKjtaHe
ctApLqrGuvDPkZbThen he changed the subject, “You mentioned practicing archery. Are you still practicing?”xwHpPNCHLOAjnHdNzRzeWOpJWyvyql
BPiwJqiXtxHqjjS“……”xZTxcJRhYRwPMjliobUjPvafwOfTrA
SjIIpuLgzLRDuHwNing Rushen swallowed, “I’ve been busy lately, practicing occasionally.”xKGenmdMkrWBHpHhsRPYNHxgTONKNU
ihbGmDHdpUKvzjr“Well, there’s nothing urgent today. Go practice.”tFUFZdUTvVoauqPVPcbFGBimohpOKp
iQbmAScwSOgFNIo“?”WsxEjaTajJGJFIvdSYQhsVXuSnaoqS
jpZdADQtKJEgMEIAs 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.”cQtsCJDEybvIoqnlPPiRUmoIdeDhAu
yYlipgxtdnorQOoNing Rushen looked at him, mouth slightly open, “… Yes.”NsNporzxQlyRCSxhdGlExONFmCbPNx
YWNLwyVIgesixKe·VMWgkxUWdpEViwfwQmivAhkkVtDXJL
PiCsJTjiLWZIeXIThe route from the Imperial Study to the archery pavilion was familiar.kIMwQRYySCEBGHnmwIivpmgSglzPBr
IPBaqEoSIhPJADXNing Rushen didn’t have a servant guide him; he went on his own.bMpcfNbpSTTamZKFztqnKsMXQAmnYE
fnQbLUKvgXWoPMMThe archery pavilion was located by a lotus pond near the palace’s east gate.lHGJtiYkNgxHrlpgpbSgtKhXbXVFvQ
DmQYlUMsKQzwwFSIt was summer, and the pond was full of lotuses. A winding bridge led to the archery pavilion, meandering along the shore.cDjjQdjIHgUfKLGcOcICMZfBsQIBOs
mHqtqElARMtqOPeAs he crossed the pond and approached the end of the bridge, he encountered a large entourage—JytKIyAiJpAganPfTzQZytMQZhxXEU
vFMvVoCLWiJqebVIt was the Dowager Consort Shu, whom he had seen once at a palace banquet.udarVrnSikWfDXKBzuzgjttMrtUBma
ENZcHUcmRsrTFMyNing Rushen bowed, “Your humble servant greets Dowager Consort Shu.”KWbLygxDITyIqQrpqYeAFaoKoedoUF
bCEoLwPHHLMCEapA gentle “Hmm” came from the front.whsDIsptwdWSZrrJUIPeyRxWhoOXaP
ZoPapNnVGaeVyocHe stepped aside to let her pass, but the maroon skirt hem stopped in front of him, and he heard a question:jMjABTkYvPIcZPKldbmnOnkFgEUAJi
rANIZJtPFdmNMAn“Are you Scholar Ning?”kaGIYQjblAhUPiAvEITpQjAZrIPtSx
TlJHkfYysAKcGhWNing Rushen looked up to see Dowager Consort Shu observing him.HahSvRiPUXGJUVCcZIfvEKoKbIaRap
xlwKBgtXKSrqKnrHer expression was calm, with only a simple wooden hairpin adorned with a carved peony, making her appear dignified and elegant.HFdXrjpOirWjWNnVhqsWzoSNvCtubi
PPSPhULrgXIFzSHNing Rushen was puzzled, “I am.”vuVVSZycGIVqRXTYyPWggLjsMRQmrd
eIzsoGyWXgAzGPoDowager 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.”VzUlJpsZSqObfjhYBLURsWRPacdxHQ
tKGDSCtZTuHokeU…So, Prince Xuan truly paid attention to his affairs.eHebQYrjfJdlZPVBKobnhMvbpmsQpa
xcieqRBqJjiQupNNing Rushen, “Thank you, Your Highness and the prince, for your kindness.”VSxAfXHlbUdzOHPovuKvXCkhIMAICa
pKFBQIInvMuovuvDowager Consort Shu glanced at him again, “It seems that Lord Ning has a connection to Buddhism.”gduIAZKNlLSxpzrWZvvGKkrJSdxwYY
ehlxMNYpIIYgAtoNing Rushen thought he was quite easygoing:vzQWCfvrBUdbxoKstWcixopSDpBsZs
nOvdCBNwjvbTXLa“I do feel quite peaceful and accepting.”lYRtMqKWOqSTMOloKvIcxDSiISqAKg
kpFXYFCmDCcYoFl“……” Dowager Consort Shu paused, “Peaceful and accepting?”ejxUexOyhzdVtYohYPzNtmiAvUqGsf
ngtukzZkWBLAzUeNing Rushen, realizing his casual language, gently corrected, “It means having a calm and serene disposition, going with the flow.”swelrPfCrBxriqCpizVezTwcEDKqvb
pQqlHcdXLWDsBlZDowager Consort Shu nodded thoughtfully, “This is the first time I have heard such a description.”ZRDUYopvziEhGSbKqAwUtKzgoexYjm
FOVnWWKAJdLbBeUThe two unexpectedly struck up a conversation on the bridge.NsJQayzfmmjSbbtNHBBYySqCFhAYeV
XtPbRjhOiYlkPEtWhen 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.QNQGzZFjETORiKpfPYUItJMuqCJFxW
jyqbUCaKUgcGIXMLi Wuting quickly approached.KUbpYCpEiaSSuitHNvvsvFpZxukDZl
fvVIMIqeDKAOGyIThe palace servants all bowed, “Greetings, Your Majesty!”AjRbNXWnboHGfqCvGvQaXuaHWWEMtC
bLJdrEbFWxDUqtcNing Rushen turned at the sound, “Your Majesty.”ZkZfWZAzafjQFzxiogqFwrEjTAWxfx
vQEWvYvVckAqlSlLi 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?”EhjulcDhBuSaHqgNPDpKudTqdJcdHH
pisNsGAKNbMzZtGDowager Consort Shu warmly replied, “I have been well, feeling quite peaceful and accepting.”NJizuVuoveirxVUtoJlfQKGovepwYV
NjAtCmuzgcYTNVx“……” Li Wuting, “??”wSPHLWzFbXBGtbdWKdfwzDtBSCBsHm
YVvFakDdAvdZocOHe paused, then quickly looked at Ning Rushen with a deep and meaningful gaze.zeALWmdjJKLhGOiyINRmvPyYivwDEe
SfPeBrEJeHfVZOyNing Rushen lowered his head guiltily.HWHfrFotVdlQxJSDCdcnaCZOkbImPQ
znZjUSgxOYZhEkFFortunately, Li Wuting didn’t seem to want to pursue the matter in front of Dowager Consort Shu. The conversation shifted to other topics:SVjUOecOgDsFOiBqVsXIKekyRdPhBg
kqeeoHPIbJRpZKS“In a few days, it will be the Tianzhu Festival.”mJdPYHMpAYJlUtQbnMTOUbpCujjbmd
sCagdFzHIEkoESy“Yes, I have already…”TYVDkeMPiBUjBfpggtDBCgpMXcjQrP
WgQQSKKPuDbvqKz“This year, I wish to visit Shaojue Temple to pray. Your mother’s everlasting light is still there.”hXTNvYmBuoASPzmWXinBJZyWKRnQGW
dWvWsBKJTzHfbkkLi Wuting paused, “Alright.”UtvyAmXZdkqqjhTZGvqVaaVCDJVKzj
OlFukeXvnDhLdHtPerhaps mindful of the presence of servants and officials, Dowager Consort Shu did not delve too deeply, only touching on some memories of Consort Xian.IgncCqijKZeFJwycyCtSebXWorwhXO
klnVXMzLJKMcAWCNing Rushen listened quietly.bJwJGFSQdGKmrjsySeENbwZyFsFJwK
yQqXlbcOzPiQINTFrom 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.pWcsfNohojCaXYVEmZvGiZeXdstwDb
FNUQVycqasCAaJCAs he pondered, the two in front finished their conversation.fWdKSFKkQgINSPwCAgkoLEMZbbWWCY
wzlimlAdbaTvxbk“I’m feeling a bit tired; I shall return.”ULbUeONzbXfBsjtXFSHiOaPfxNnCIY
IrwsKoVViiXGZgGHaving spoken more than usual, Dowager Consort Shu took her leave and returned to the palace with her entourage.iOdaHhoWbzFtzeeDkSUuZDklsDcBcA
ygXdKZhwEbZodlaThe corridor quieted down again. Ning Rushen was watching Lady Shu depart when he suddenly heard a voice beside him:ZbAhpoipXfjCSNBSDWDfXPwZBubrho
CXGepHvehkaXcDl“Fufu da?”OxBjgeLULuMGMhbYBCelYbWbrxUQVZ
OzYkinOCopgQDYLHe: “…”WspaPuOFmmhKWlXEhonIBYIEYXwzuz
pSDkaBfNpLPVaYKLi 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.”SEcgeSXbLrHjXsPltwGBYnutoSHkFO
RNEieSkjiPwJmyRNing Rushen lightly defended himself, “Just a little hometown slang.”MzOiZVSIZHBVsmBWJQJXoZAxxbpwTX
pZMDOFiEEzHvgrCLi Wuting sneered, “Slang from Yuchuan? Do all Yuchuan people talk like this? What else is there? Tell me more.”NQHPzaSmTSJJgcbkhstmRcWmnzbNpC
rrTlWuSMVUAmYLzNing 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.”BelcVEkwliduYwvvThXBnjhBAsvevC
MuAcqUjuumwTMxrLi Wuting digested this for a moment.XyGWIxlESELVkyYxsatwkSqDZzPUhv
kKGDwzEVfNIdqXRThen 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?”fIolBwLNCcZYgNheWYOxDayrFyyAAj
nyDWkgxlpeFmCfZNing Rushen: “…”tehitySfnPhtUxlNgUTIyDozWxCzZx
DFfFYfMHplohncODon’t use such a cute tone to say such sarcastic words.hygdVptnkLeOmywbOBWvPJVjelivgo
oaoAwcfzaUGjJJM…WMcAcekXRPdCyaxmJdAFowaoUcWpIA
GJwoSDOqZzwNgQtRealizing the conversation wouldn’t yield any benefits, they moved on.lcUnrtYKFaofVsIKBSlWAlBSPcsWxa
GoLOpPYWVOjAUXZNing Rushen followed Li Wuting towards the archery pavilion.opIyHMSjNbeAgDPURsdsetaWeOHeSw
fNPWYSIlTrUMvUKThinking of the Tianzhu Festival they just mentioned, he asked, “Your Majesty, where is Shaojue Temple? Is it far?”wuTaNGTSJHyKwGTGtHdltZmdUjzuIr
GWtRvqufaXGawSj“Not far, it’s on Shaoguang Mountain to the west of the capital.”ZePlnvPcLFBNbVesfRqKfxEvPWnHqs
wyycnqozQGufUQDA 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:PZbuDOuMQewFrpbCkBBammYLGtiDvi
yhncdVDAixcNBlO“I will also go then, and Ning Qing will come along.”bFDcBdfLSMPebFufcXTgyOtatHcNzg
brGDZzdxVQLCwOs“?” Ning Rushen was caught off guard but, as usual, accepted it, “Yes.”nKhDNtUnOwuRCOOSBJmVbGNGRjbszT
IGfpCNEvqAFQVYbHe soon became interested, “Is Shaojue Temple very spiritual?”fsgtnDGgDdClkLMgqKNlbofQrgnxJE
zRuKthsgyFFneZd“Very,” Li Wuting thought of something, “especially Master Jingxi’s fate predictions.”VYcnrAXWQLYXxBacSizvsgEyxoanJY
NczletAKzUcOEneNing Rushen saw that he believed it.siyqEEaXOPfjqqjzCpaTZOlWdRyPjI
DbYPtYGUioaIWpBHe thought, could it be that Li Wuting had his fortune told too?JCzAeePOKElWWpqvyDKnzgqAxuLVko
PeanTFjHjqWhISYLi Wuting met his overly inquisitive gaze and smiled slightly, “It was many years ago.”srkxnHRThAZMfYgguHczaLLDqUrpud
sTlIdvxqqEUnUhkAfter speaking, his gaze turned forward, seemingly falling into a distant place.BVFMeqEjPdoLOlxXFsIzCUGNQyqbNr
NxsBAedyWIYaUnk…IjdhMBbrQpmfVdOaMjPzThEOjqAsjk
luESEYnPlZJBcdRMany years ago?rZUQbKXYAcNrFVIcvOwkNLoUzutEJa
VLGcNymiinlMEAANing Rushen thought, wouldn’t that be during his childhood?KmuVGkiFRAKLrGEYaojQBjiYEGIgBk
fQXfHXPgShUShlkHe leaned closer, “So, did they predict Your Majesty’s true dragon fate?”RwFAWWaBltAnuCVqdaFOFDFFsUIXKX
KNtYZIHwXWlwPBLAs he finished speaking, he saw Li Wuting’s gaze return from afar, landing on him with a faint smile, “No.”NUVCUDrqGKcfwYIDTSyghSffyDBHDy
WRUGLwOjOlcDdxg“It wasn’t a good fortune. Do you want to hear it?”EmOXviOxaGablxsXIPsFjsWBBTsKkE
ojekXEAKpvQOWsaRSUWvwMaDRzRQmvlFRLrwcmUKNJpVX