This official is so weak

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

PonCavhTRweJYhb

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

dCSYIjvzFsIbhlN

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

oOqvqrtgxjEDfdQ

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—ghacFrjTMJMxFKqdnRQqfJWoYaUBBw

gPJuOIFnGWCQxxo

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

XakxceFoZXwXDzj

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:eEmHdsuUvKMWHZJnwILPpLUrfTBPZV

GvXVVuikpmeYLVg

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

cfeMzXrHIYsxQib

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

RUJXWUsdMDHSazy

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

SkyJvXLCRMZYUBO

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

IGbhpnKGUVlngXd

The 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

NFAXZIaRWsSjEWH

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

exUhBgrbQkFiVAg

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

aKUmyXvAvkWbpFi

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

nhVwkTQidPNdMPD

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!”tFmbhKHtCFmkXFLxXESdaLFtewmaXe

aIDyUSSdjsMEnrR

…Got on the wrong carriage?lGlRgrkFFIdKFsXkEAWVlENFtGCdNu

VwjTLZmedzlrdHA

Damn! Ning Rushen jolted awake completely.IMwrwTylTcuBjhxoZATplYbjuHIhYE

MnheCVwWECRghat

…yqwAUCEkxTYMkfZfBMUhrPBJRauPrh

GVykuVxxFeMVzBz

He apologized to the bewildered Fan Wan.MMXmgirgQsYkbeoBqGKeZyckZyNDLe

poTpztsInwaMMII

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.NlvnVItYErGWpUOzMKXWvyMckzlOEV

loAwUAUxrnXuyAK

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

rclInQllvuFMWee

Just 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

JiViDhunxMgoUCc

Li Wuting, “Oh, why not?”DetvrZBwnSEtPODZxLSyMeqpzbHDgD

XqkvyeWDiyqDiUy

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

hqCAiOhDVUvcKfh

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

GkoBSCcNVTeMJMV

It’s just survival instinct.ZWiHAFRiIzhGewWgQaHvdBBAYqbHrl

TefqszYMrzuRAuN

Li Wuting’s stern expression softened a bit.qKMbotbXTvmtFgdEODRrXXBTLzwHOQ

TupbxLBxRzirzTs

He 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

utmXUJHxHdArlKe

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

LjwtVGmOZBfjoEh

Li Wuting, “…”JdFWFuspROVUhRRFNlkTURAMTLaXzf

ddNWjReEdUjkcGx

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

hhAOPyFxDTwlYiq

Ning Rushen shrunk his head in embarrassment.rjIwwTMwiMeZfdWkOPOAwehBXcVuip

VAhvwyQfhJUCCTm

·TEqsnnlcsFvoacqIcKAprvTfwvEzFb

isnrDuBvVxKDWzZ

The carriage moved forward.olRqVGoGXxgyIPaARcpqgTsrgrceYE

IZfrzdxpCdJyrIP

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

HPswzohruBVPGHR

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

HccEkdbRoxuZdHI

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

BPCbjenkwdnuWyp

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

frNEPbmJsOgOItw

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

jNuxqevuwuKMLAO

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?lYvPdoBkpBJFAEnTjuqRPFuCUiQTEn

hcaAdAvYmPrlLNG

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

DrNDqvqTkNVwKqZ

And you got it wrong! Ugh!SHkdiuRvQUVPxzkimQruzbTyiUUhOm

GGqAKLddMFuRaIi

Ning Rushen, “…”JxddAQAcURGTQhImxeoZRoCMorReBN

LcrbUWABcQazjcR

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

kBDTBSgQkVvtHyn

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.”DVSbPtSdCJwrSSyBelIlonAHMmazjh

HsbEdNSrNgnpWSV

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

pZKDKgSDzxaeLRK

“……”CdmCqpBMRmMXVbcIabUagfFSNqLRzQ

VLctnlHxSCgayHh

Ning 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

FwjsjZioOIoJJdk

Ning Rushen: .FWgcBZdnjexwwwoPkdHRpLZBVOdjAT

nUXHIvLnuKVEUpa

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!”oaTVNOAdaVReLwyFpRsXCXddGynXWU

MItROaZgxBepGGu

There was a silent moment in front of him.FeNaqmjxyTjFieaEtjeGtfVAELUTMG

XGEcTSCdQlatFvg

“Recognize it with your eyes closed?”xReaTnEnIeKrRWpFFlxCrhkUaccmzT

ECgQzMUYyXkGooc

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

pYoLVsYeMjnzuqN

Ning Rushen: ?PUGsUJgFwwNSLuSGjShwjWqaXqXrPY

BNZDogxydtvZfCp

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

QDQOCVjOcXqrYjC

Ning Rushen, “……”sHCpZCHvNDVAmiDWPTuXTZexAihwyE

KbjMFbivoIdRviI

No, he was just exaggerating.KnzjGJJmsXkGmDGqnCTZvReSMPGcxq

TMOfdoQblpdKlIc

Li Wuting was still waiting expectantly.qIhorsvmTfpqmvRUqJHaOryySxtLpl

FKlsboUDWMRCZMz

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

aqUyzPZYeTjNujh

The 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

HskWUlMfXeRtjaT

Without sight, his other senses became more acute.XFMXrgWlwZGwfLTPaQLlcgSzJJgVBa

MDGVRPDyaYEuRhI

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

ahhorwRVkyVErQS

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.tPBhJYLAGXMRbgMaOnztBFeZSsSKlE

JkQMefnhzPQHYwe

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

rekDyYcKfBODqDi

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

qpopTbxDQxfwkHA

It truly was different from other carriages…HnZJaYAThMnkiRndsIACzspuQHnOUP

nabARslGpSLUuqN

Ning 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

QeqexLuvgmoZJOr

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

DLuWXUvtaaMRIRg

The obscured vision blurred the distance between them.xyzIrufkAuiSIAYpxuUGYBsmhxYYQT

VjSXNkIHiFhwNFZ

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

GRHTgyBaBihTGye

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.BsHlfYIjMiDihFpnFlxkbdWveOuiKw

vCgwaDNNMqAzDMQ

His voice deepened, “And what else?”FltVPMePHYgjzFmAushRWkLIkXlpSw

ggSbiWFBFJSQtvh

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

WmcebnRYoRHSFFm

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

PgCviGpgIHQPloN

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

tkvhZoLoiTNbUfS

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…iMcHRyenizreMJEIXJkKnAHNqfqqrz

XqrmYfqCYSJWovw

With the carriage swaying, Ning Rushen stumbled forward.OWBsxlMMpxXxLZkeMFUsJTslHirEUI

lATmaDzKBNKlZtq

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.zQJVcmBIdBUNDwgRAzpkaQsLjtdwbG

UGWWVhYcvduPBiM

The hand on his shoulder quickly pulled him back.eTtVVyOrcJexVyawgeqeoNOuSYbghl

HgwzGfdnomYNQCm

Cool 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

yFubrBiTDRjDAZG

Ning Rushen, “……”lEmrJvVTMCMENmSeDyPqKFDBAhVNkr

KwWFnPnZorljust

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

glOlIFYeSucCzTO

Push with what, his 1.8-meter presence?IHbjyUzfgeTQzkBPkdsEQIckGQgcbG

adaZgtMiftMHRGV

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

DQbfrmJULNPipUV

He was referring to the touch just now.UEJjDjjKyMhlMqwsbJeExAjieTnOFx

zRJqZRZdBlnpvJe

Ning 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

svinrHTMlUvbSWJ

Li Wuting paused at his words.yfHdEDZPWRnqOFdKkuXwoBhcAfHvKU

ixYxUwJGdjRPOkL

Just 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

xeXisgvXHSGJupk

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

ULTiJTvnSsXHayC

Why waste good food!lhCoYqwKwgjRJHsQYQRMuTmZmAoCKO

TUwnPbXgwMMyjck

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

gEjOefhshjJDEmT

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

IeDlAUxQLEChMUp

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

LLBQagseFAAtMgk

Halfway through eating, he suddenly recalled:TtIWPyPTXFNHYDSKgoxSnmffQRShEn

xJIfBiCRQGFJmCx

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

qaYbFTYVXlfLctv

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

OSKAXBJkVnIRwtC

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

XBENAPWVstgTTPF

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.xzPplWLGsnqJSoMOobWaRAEyxHOamn

YvHlaBkhucdEGqR

The Dingyuan Army departed hastily.riPsGkROFclQifVCfnrRJxYDmsVvez

vVPviigmuiSXRJc

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.ertzmotqNNCNgtkIilQdyyMPUzOawo

lSNfwBzgWSSiira

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

gwmzFYFxnBkqoDl

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

oQEmGwhEJmQCNtJ

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.ulBOumyXOToEsaHwwDNtqzLOFXsmCw

QHvOjvQeTofBgTn

“Parting is inevitable,” Yan Min comforted.HiEVwotHthNNxvfapnlWdTSvQNWBqC

tcfsxtXoLGYwHVJ

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

InxYPUSnZXuiDBh

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.”KZYVlTWfrTpfwdUXHjYltgjKyTHIcF

pMYsIjiZbqUPxZf

Yan Min: Hmm?DjbXDXxHlhGAxyedsOgyzjPaUnQmxs

gOZsaUmNJzmglKP

Gray pigeon: ?IVjGrVnYpMDhXYbGQsTpHQWWUTMJId

SXJzuvvDokqzvSp

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—GxZmQOMvkapFhBOvCZMuiCKBDIzPtL

bUNvSTuzZZQXBpJ

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.”mevukPBwyMdDwLldwqAJNqFtkQfSaC

QMVFRItsgfcOVqK

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

LxKbTXMQueIzzep

…OpzwaVwXwtDSadXDIaJYDtTkyuTdbm

cwRYMceZGYCeZff

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

XCbzpvPshntcEQT

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:gTePfCbiZpakesSOCxvPdwxnAplGMy

canwmilWrSQVvAn

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

IgvktBlDqhBsWIk

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

oTffcXzVkVXZCff

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

PaeNPpiIMeQRLIj

It might not even be eaten.dlffJDdWYwkSVkuTnxbAuXYfkYyCUW

dPxWRJtYZCPxbiN

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.”pwKeVFaucwJkTEjPHcHQyXWHJxhepY

RHiWuUPwGUlfiav

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.”EXIFUKtEqomTawDxhCLxswahWSSElL

alBgzZdOCRuKIQF

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

ctApLqrGuvDPkZb

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

BPiwJqiXtxHqjjS

“……”xZTxcJRhYRwPMjliobUjPvafwOfTrA

SjIIpuLgzLRDuHw

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

ihbGmDHdpUKvzjr

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

iQbmAScwSOgFNIo

“?”WsxEjaTajJGJFIvdSYQhsVXuSnaoqS

jpZdADQtKJEgMEI

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.”cQtsCJDEybvIoqnlPPiRUmoIdeDhAu

yYlipgxtdnorQOo

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

YWNLwyVIgesixKe

·VMWgkxUWdpEViwfwQmivAhkkVtDXJL

PiCsJTjiLWZIeXI

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

IPBaqEoSIhPJADX

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

fnQbLUKvgXWoPMM

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

DmQYlUMsKQzwwFS

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

mHqtqElARMtqOPe

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

vFMvVoCLWiJqebV

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

ENZcHUcmRsrTFMy

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

bCEoLwPHHLMCEap

A gentle “Hmm” came from the front.whsDIsptwdWSZrrJUIPeyRxWhoOXaP

ZoPapNnVGaeVyoc

He 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

TlJHkfYysAKcGhW

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

xlwKBgtXKSrqKnr

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

PPSPhULrgXIFzSH

Ning Rushen was puzzled, “I am.”vuVVSZycGIVqRXTYyPWggLjsMRQmrd

eIzsoGyWXgAzGPo

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.”VzUlJpsZSqObfjhYBLURsWRPacdxHQ

tKGDSCtZTuHokeU

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

xcieqRBqJjiQupN

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

pKFBQIInvMuovuv

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

ehlxMNYpIIYgAto

Ning 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

ngtukzZkWBLAzUe

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

pQqlHcdXLWDsBlZ

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

FOVnWWKAJdLbBeU

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

XtPbRjhOiYlkPEt

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.QNQGzZFjETORiKpfPYUItJMuqCJFxW

jyqbUCaKUgcGIXM

Li Wuting quickly approached.KUbpYCpEiaSSuitHNvvsvFpZxukDZl

fvVIMIqeDKAOGyI

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

bLJdrEbFWxDUqtc

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

vQEWvYvVckAqlSl

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?”EhjulcDhBuSaHqgNPDpKudTqdJcdHH

pisNsGAKNbMzZtG

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

NjAtCmuzgcYTNVx

“……” Li Wuting, “??”wSPHLWzFbXBGtbdWKdfwzDtBSCBsHm

YVvFakDdAvdZocO

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

SfPeBrEJeHfVZOy

Ning Rushen lowered his head guiltily.HWHfrFotVdlQxJSDCdcnaCZOkbImPQ

znZjUSgxOYZhEkF

Fortunately, 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

dWvWsBKJTzHfbkk

Li Wuting paused, “Alright.”UtvyAmXZdkqqjhTZGvqVaaVCDJVKzj

OlFukeXvnDhLdHt

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.IgncCqijKZeFJwycyCtSebXWorwhXO

klnVXMzLJKMcAWC

Ning Rushen listened quietly.bJwJGFSQdGKmrjsySeENbwZyFsFJwK

yQqXlbcOzPiQINT

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.pWcsfNohojCaXYVEmZvGiZeXdstwDb

FNUQVycqasCAaJC

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

wzlimlAdbaTvxbk

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

IrwsKoVViiXGZgG

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

ygXdKZhwEbZodla

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

CXGepHvehkaXcDl

“Fufu da?”OxBjgeLULuMGMhbYBCelYbWbrxUQVZ

OzYkinOCopgQDYL

He: “…”WspaPuOFmmhKWlXEhonIBYIEYXwzuz

pSDkaBfNpLPVaYK

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.”SEcgeSXbLrHjXsPltwGBYnutoSHkFO

RNEieSkjiPwJmyR

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

pZMDOFiEEzHvgrC

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

rrTlWuSMVUAmYLz

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.”BelcVEkwliduYwvvThXBnjhBAsvevC

MuAcqUjuumwTMxr

Li Wuting digested this for a moment.XyGWIxlESELVkyYxsatwkSqDZzPUhv

kKGDwzEVfNIdqXR

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?”fIolBwLNCcZYgNheWYOxDayrFyyAAj

nyDWkgxlpeFmCfZ

Ning Rushen: “…”tehitySfnPhtUxlNgUTIyDozWxCzZx

DFfFYfMHplohncO

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

oaoAwcfzaUGjJJM

…WMcAcekXRPdCyaxmJdAFowaoUcWpIA

GJwoSDOqZzwNgQt

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

GoLOpPYWVOjAUXZ

Ning Rushen followed Li Wuting towards the archery pavilion.opIyHMSjNbeAgDPURsdsetaWeOHeSw

fNPWYSIlTrUMvUK

Thinking 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

wyycnqozQGufUQD

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: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

IGfpCNEvqAFQVYb

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

zRuKthsgyFFneZd

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

NczletAKzUcOEne

Ning Rushen saw that he believed it.siyqEEaXOPfjqqjzCpaTZOlWdRyPjI

DbYPtYGUioaIWpB

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

PeanTFjHjqWhISY

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

sTlIdvxqqEUnUhk

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

NxsBAedyWIYaUnk

…IjdhMBbrQpmfVdOaMjPzThEOjqAsjk

luESEYnPlZJBcdR

Many years ago?rZUQbKXYAcNrFVIcvOwkNLoUzutEJa

VLGcNymiinlMEAA

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

fQXfHXPgShUShlk

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

KNtYZIHwXWlwPBL

As 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

ojekXEAKpvQOWsa