This official is so weak

Ning Rushen was stunned: “Is this something I should be hearing?”uEUXsNHnhjvqHZwtAbqZvVzijcKwci

QclfxxeMymXtUUs

He glanced at Li Wuting’s expression, “If I listen, can I still leave here breathing?”uJydZFBKnIzUIkEARHTGUTEvpAlUQr

fDRNTQZBMctmclI

Li Wuting replied warmly, “Ning-qing can even leave singing mountain songs.”RSxBoBDRwMOaQfHhPpwIYsnjIwRfyq

WIDdXAEhUXkmvwV

Ning Rushen’s curiosity was immediately piqued. After pondering for two seconds, he couldn’t resist:zcqrhTqpInNGyzVdWnnUJovjGRKpbO

hRcWtFVyNHAJIyG

Li Wuting gave him a glance, then waved the palace attendants outside to stand guard.ozridfyCyyWdbZVsiGXPbtFhocxIVF

ItvSaOcTOUysevo

Ning Rushen, both nervous and expectant, kept his eyes on Li Wuting, only to see him walk over and hand him a bow:nhgTkYvLhnOgcVeTsSIMZcXkDxMHoy

lxSfsYFUbQEfUKA

Isn’t he supposed to tell him about the criticized sign?EIPBeRusQMlStHgdWeGUcPBJqUOfto

iHuCnDFovnrlfPK

Ning Rushen met Li Wuting’s signaling gaze, swallowed his words, took the bow, and said, “Yes.”UenRdPVGJHUnkknPlRyVoXjrISgAHU

RoxiSaaABbXSNkS

He hadn’t practiced in a long time and was a bit rusty.yDWyRrhHWSjhsiBLYptojVAwpLmIQM

yBZfriNApjdWsWa

With one arm, he drew the bow and aimed at the target in front, chest open and back straight, his waist tightened by the golden flower belt.lGqGTgFbchhDLhUejEvvQdECJPlETR

nVOrbGjmHEAuzpR

“Why did you forget again?”DQGlVfixEyPokrUYOLiGGXfKljUDOO

jizUVjJSLhEeTDh

Li Wuting stood behind him, his hand pausing slightly, “Can you handle it?”IQojsuADCykrbpJApyKuAMqCrQDisz

yhUYFDVqYVaKibM

A deep voice came from behind his ear. Ning Rushen, while drawing the bow taut, endured the heat in his ear, “…I can.”LjuNrnmUGKeHyWzwAfQTYBZcMUHiSu

ZmpCViKNzXEAZFq

That hand then began adjusting his shoulder and arm.mmssNYRKNzPgfvGyvbFptRxinUGQwF

BWPyVfzNRDvzmja

A tingling sensation lightly surged through his waist.TnVHXrvDbOGLEEvvypNcZZkRBIcNkB

fUwAZaJFhHBkkMa

Ning Rushen’s mind was still on the previous matter: why hasn’t he said it yet? Does he need to prove his archery skills first?cbLvalOerAehBCacvxkfxHwaRvTNnZ

gJdQhOTSWWQkbDl

He guessed that might be what Li Wuting meant.lEPpeDASxjdOSCuHtXbUeSeoCzabwz

FupvAOyMexAdOVO

So, he calmed down and focused intensely on aiming.efMIoTWFVbEgQUuZUYnFCluhvTjsQq

vTmakPTVzWcJfzs

Ning Rushen put all his attention on the target, gradually ignoring his surroundings. Fully concentrated, he suddenly heard the person behind him speak in a low voice: “According to the sign…”wWcpzGBFWpKpsSwEoCqqeQHapHVoPy

jPWyxaXQfYIpckN

“I have no wife, no heir, a lonely star, a solitary dragon.”dxoBrnFXFkzRWPyXTcChjOpcIZRnMh

TRzZbiieZjsXSzu

The familiar shiver accompanied by the thunderous words directly pierced his eardrums.VemzNmzRKfbdABYiRHsFBeqdcGRxde

CqleyMPMOXbPtMa

Ning Rushen’s heart shook, his eyes widened in an instant!sbCdEPgNBOhrTHbqEBAAXXwnDEmjui

gUalijkwMGmYTMv

His fingertips loosened, whoosh—tnDSjyMPyxcddVYxMKhmaoaqChzHnR

XnuomtvWpCJPJIP

The arrow shot out, directly hitting the bullseye.VpoAskChMrkgzHqfYkEceEgqdFBhpp

DzoOONNfvzITLrN

The person behind him stepped back, Ning Rushen, holding the bow, turned dumbfoundedly to look at Li Wuting in front of him.LmevdNHzVwNaSBJnVnFAivnjmKgUNm

ximUpoUOeilJMnM

Li Wuting glanced at the arrow in the target, commented:JNaLZCSbfNbYvwJooTJdCLUbaVyAPX

hZXhWRCECBhnoAN

“Not bad.”wKJviBUDblotLMJedCCkdlLIpvizDb

HHWvARxIRCiaRrP

“…”ffYXgNczeRhDPwGFPrhViDWmkDdFUW

JDOzCaZzpuHyIzy

Not bad, my ass!!!kcCSBtAwdzuetiNveVgenAodyTBgVo

fhlHrHmyEDFnfbk

Recalling those words, Ning Rushen almost wanted to shout at Li Wuting: doesn’t that mean—fuoNGfepIFFVThosSUgwzPLzFBpmAD

NQDuMbZtqgPYZtG

Lonely and desolate, dying alone.buhWbxGOGlZCwQAImzvUfNcEklybhN

EwDGtTvYIoXmbVb

He couldn’t even bear to think of the last few words.TCKucVRYpbMqfXInsMpXfpDHNmIXvD

LKxdySBXCDrfmEm

When he looked at Li Wuting, the latter’s expression was as usual, seemingly unbothered. He even reached out and closed his gaping mouth:QvIdcsMbhgmqLouJLXPwdQglzJqCAL

udSJijckrbKYBLa

“Ning-qing, with your mouth open so wide, are you preparing to sing mountain songs?”ZznYkcyeoMLJrBCJpdtuoywakqMcTH

vJOPgdPuIHziYNa

“…”cFgiSdUCWzQJLTemOiIEhnPKtrCRNu

SXeVzLWmCJCLYmY

Ning Rushen barely composed himself, “If Your Majesty wants to hear it.”yhvFSJnasOiCjpsQUqmTUVNBSPGKrz

jofcLvfedPvZuKj

I’ll satisfy you, just say it.vOzMUBGlsTJcwdrcXMtQzwsMvVfeQQ

wMoYUqDJqNJojBW

Li Wuting lowered his eyes, seemingly smiling, “Is Ning-qing pitying me?”uYhZtIixUWhfXRcbPJgFnDZDTpbRWC

JYjqkXSEzmYNSQc

Ning Rushen thought, not really.eYuWRdpVysAjnNRGlAhGpuahBwIEos

WfaZHorOUsjyEVo

He just thought that with how well Li Wuting treated him and his love for the people, he didn’t want him to have such a fate.sFffQzDupUZYUYFLXvJEtDZpjcaBLx

PcXdcrjegtMyZJN

He downplayed it, “I just want to make some sounds that will make Your Majesty happy.”yeFrFClpOPYduNgXnkthQhpVFnCsse

gbfDiivYVNNTvqP

Li Wuting silently observed him for a moment.wrCWeQGeLbgmyHubeANzxGNkkjTaAN

jyKJSxRaMIeiuYO

A hand suddenly pressed on his head, warm, rough knuckles running through his black hair, lightly grazing his scalp, sending a tingling sensation.eNBPCfCJJtYtafBDxJPXwjQjdAcdfF

NXNofarANHUOjFi

Ning Rushen held his breath and looked up: ?HOVirwRmsZbIjjzBmhkRcxAUMeYHjz

lATJVoGEdlchyyV

After two seconds, the hand shook his head a few times.ruDRARiJSCSUxiYbZjAFTPbwWFjfxh

JWEuiPmwHbFrCmH

“???” Ning Rushen felt dizzy, “Your Majesty… what are you shaking?”iGLjuYfNbxJiPAmbETBlHAMOEMRgRE

NVNAREtYgmXupMj

“Listening to the sound in Ning-qing’s head.”gEqjnekrxWklNECRDyzXnkhkhiKJtx

FANdQNRxizNVGbn

Li Wuting shook, “It’s very hollow, I love it.”dQlvZkrLTmwszHUODNgCEHiRFNUesl

ZvnZmaJOJhvhkEe

“…”fZfpJxOuleQbNAVIkMMHELWolJtKrN

XUzLtsdKBVWmhth

Alright. You’re lonely, I’ll let you be.SfUQjHkolDyHvbAVmCitfFZzAzOCaF

NFplbHiTXrEjLFk

Ning Rushen, dizzy and disoriented, was being shaken when a cautious voice floated in from outside:KCFjYUdFUgVBLFTBqCcFphYDBxyLCb

HxEpPZSlPddvxfQ

“Your Majesty, the left virtuous monk from the Sengrusi seeks an audience.”gpPUODhPfiRaQDeYGvAREbOPPwNQpK

mdPuQFWzurdVoEp

Li Wuting’s hand withdrew, “Wait first.”oZemTrsWCuoGDuNPtRADaNmqMVyqgg

fuZSvnmCAMCNpoU

“Yes, Your Majesty.”pUJsgfTSFeaNMNKJCqlMmwKbUBUiFv

rwWtLGcORQrCkyA

Ning Rushen took the opportunity to smooth down the ruffled hair on his head.oyeajpAZeiKKMpOprJcuNVMuulojuN

PoyADjFnIAyGFpS

From above came a sudden remark, “Ning-qing needn’t worry for me, I’ve long accepted it.”dfSXqqbbJjipvQVdCZkEqFwgQqaWyw

kWOdEXgiHmmPnrz

He looked up.aDOYssigWTSEaoVTgSyarQenErdFqA

pnzfuRppMjMDYAw

Li Wuting’s cold and handsome face showed no trace of worry, still as unmovable as a mountain.uFKTcEhmSlCtosPjuKactVfQmvhifm

FmCxSqpYDSvIwJx

Ning Rushen’s chaotic heart inexplicably calmed down. He felt a bit more at ease: so be it, if the heavens closed several doors for Li Wuting, they would surely open a window for him.VbzuLDhPsMwTukjBEEKVOrHfXSYcQD

jCemwIAiYVxPAvt

He comforted, “Your Majesty will have other blessings.”BoKJqESWcvUTWKwHVeIoQnCGkCRAfA

SYwJxgQwMPDcZEg

Li Wuting looked at him for a few seconds, without commenting, “You may go back.”aaZjIPDJIfCwOuNkOZJPrmTtlhdWjy

svJZXbnhtWLkaDl

Ning Rushen was about to take his leave when he was called back.uDeugBqVNmKhoqPJKwElrBYahXZZlu

wdvCpOfbZRqFCcV

“Ning-qing,” Li Wuting said meaningfully, “This matter is significant; I have only told you.”UugApDxEXDydotpLLnswmYpIyPWXZd

FXULVUyOKutgmTR

Ning Rushen understood, “I will take this secret to the grave.”obfPCUrmhcJrVNNXLVYTazoqkwWQwl

XrDFHtUzWGvbkiR

“…”EbQMjWNzTYHclUsONtCZQqCDPBHpKv

dFggGajRwLTlmbN

Li Wuting waved him off lightly, “That’s not necessary.”EOkvkImSCHIZvBmqTQuAPVctFbbGKo

NCfYDoMCZDkuzxQ

·yzAgepDIpCQqESuOIWhrFJDAmFGcsC

AbqSMGStNDfsnYI

Amidst the intense preparations, the Heavenly Blessings Festival quickly arrived.NsLCMAJEaTbfbmOgOKJIWXtCjGRRTI

neiQXKApCufoFIB

On the sixth day of the sixth month, people would flip scriptures and air clothes.MKpPUZKePfAOqXljKlwDbmhGcRbqco

UcXvdYInITRbPlz

The new emperor, in his first year of ascension, chose to personally visit Shaojue Temple to ask for blessings.YyquWRJCIlDKvtxGTiWjilYrmkuNaR

csYKczuLwtyUCed

This event was unprecedented.pjfwexyqlAZreumLJLXGvmgzFBgLZP

NSDZbNXXFdmVTdY

Not only were there important officials and the emperor’s guards, but also Empress Dowager Shu and Prince Jing accompanied them.nLLqrXzDkIxGlgKesyXCYcMXQJSxDX

rLoSzfFeAtsChEt

Ning Rushen was summoned to join the procession.ShofKLwNhRZBxEPVAlODvohWhiiATr

SiHWbpeITYinrkr

A grand procession arrived at the foot of Shaoguang Mountain.TomHZqVREMqGdKwQyhxeyIPSxzStkK

yFFJmdAmgtvtwsW

Looking around, the entire mountain was covered in lush greenery, with golden spires peeking out, surrounded by clouds and mist, with the distant sound of bells.SFMGULnCJfPpKGsgilAuUoupHJeKsx

rMVAUsnnTPlXKFM

Li Wuting was the first to step down from the dragon chariot, walking up the path.BhAQONRQNpbvmiIMaLIOlzkUocnNtB

UkXqzRUxBDBYJRE

Ning Rushen followed in the ranks of the officials, keeping a distance from Li Wuting at the front. As he watched the bright yellow figure from afar, the procession moved, and suddenly a head popped up beside him:ZwChgaAChaBESoDJfTlHDQKPgoAged

JoIcutilejIBFKh

“Lord Ning, are you looking at my royal brother?”DMoeByZFRGKxCnQSATYztsOvOkyHJl

sVfOliZpuwVMjYX

“…”AFdWdZbhEwNUYGsuBCcviUMOleIyvK

OLPoXODDwOpmoaG

Ning Rushen looked down at Li Jingyu, who had squeezed in at some point, “Why are you here, Your Highness?”lUVzXyNVnUaoimlYrXergtXMSEXFin

VrUZbjcrhdGkFzK

Li Jingyu replied, “To chat with Lord Ning.”vCPHkEtRxrMVuRzvjeukVKSBGtJQFL

bHqCPBUzVeRdZTP

Ning Rushen thought for a moment, “Alright.”vjVaAABznvYnYmrMjaXkNfEmbYdqaw

yugqGxFXFWVsiwE

The two continued climbing the mountain.OPEjAJAkJoiRTzHokONpJqoCfMXpqO

SOPfFgCXbXFGItH

Ning Rushen looked at the temple roof of Shaojue Temple and recalled what Li Wuting had revealed to him that day.eRCOzQGdyjmwagYvHbXIJYERggXPud

lSphViTjjcRbdmM

He glanced at the short legs beside him: So, is Li Wuting planning to pass the throne to Jingyu?gpdjXMgEImqnQFEoShcWsBvYduqMzm

OPuosbRCwNMzZaC

Li Jingyu was sharp, “What is Lord Ning looking at?”FsRljoQVtFfsuWJxrzqPausOsGURgj

ButDTSgyniDlYLo

Ning Rushen, slightly out of breath from the climb, subtly hinted, “Your Highness seems to have grown. Clearly, you have an upright posture and excellent bones… phew. In the future, you can shoulder more responsibilities for His Majesty…”KBHVeXGpnpdGxAeHXVKixAgdAVOfhh

mdIlZTrZDFUxqWL

Before he finished, a hand supported him.HJGAWwyxeKRmlBVRaQMgRCPVVgQdgL

xDOhONCMlMAxVkJ

Li Jingyu looked at his pale and fragile face, “My royal brother might not need to, but I will first help Lord Ning.”JjSHIoWkHtUITCsZAbHljKgOddbJXz

THubPTUMeSMQfTg

“…”tEEuLOUnDiqJZgvHnXdiHNphwwGmQz

GYmarBmvomSkulA

Ning Rushen, “Thank you, Your Highness.”pwlFoRiqgZjYaYSLMqrUzrIZNNIyop

aCjmIkUrCoykJxh

…USuUNuBXBCpOieyHtYSXdePYGCTeJL

gxBljcjZWzXlwPH

Half an hour later, they finally reached Shaojue Temple.dSiIUVZFdqEnOtprAHRCEfapMcYstZ

PNlNpuHuxqAJhWb

The temple gate was ancient and majestic, tranquil and serene. Bathed in sunlight, it seemed to exude a shimmering golden glow.KlfnNfHIkZnSFeAWLqTKvjGADYgshx

rXCYQCkYHqVgwSV

Ning Rushen entered the temple with the procession.QHtgaiAGahCmpHsThNIzOAbPrBfwLp

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The temple was already prepared for their reception.AzHjZLJXKMOlhIUwRjCmNbAsHAUnNv

MmXVcDoxvjkrQId

A group of monks greeted them, led by the abbot in a golden-red kasaya, his face smiling:FcioFcSxwStIQyaLvtyuBUupeebrCc

yyWeyQVBcVgtcYe

“Your humble monk welcomes the Holy Emperor.”agcifxpNVAWpBMrlAdoXVCNaFnovxs

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After a few rounds of formalities, they were led into the hall.ctYwnBwZIhnUMOIzDAUGnsBSaAWUGW

sCvgCqeXStoCQcl

The hall was bright, the golden Buddha statues imposing.zergRHSzYPrThDCmoYPnieZJBbKtLS

tibzaKIEQgKVhLo

After a series of elaborate rituals, Ning Rushen followed the chanting and bell ringing, bowing a few times, and the blessing ceremony was over.tCbsMgAThZTxqqdfEDdeGcmEqnBiOl

RNXAqeDfgskiFEm

The remaining time was for individuals to light incense and candles.LQpINarQjlcsWoaYalqzPyqjInsvSh

BchnDplbIHqQTPn

The crowd dispersed.QNniuoclsYsiTYApdTvPjxZfnTpYmq

EBubCTZVXndXNwr

Ning Rushen stood up, his gaze passing through the officials and monks, noticing Li Wuting standing not far away, opposite the kind-looking abbot. Their voices drifted over:JYhymVHJLgPeHWGBmsJOFpQRWsHVBW

otbtXtJzBlEDgNY

“Master Jingxi.”ORRizuLSlWonYzzGDfslAzPevVYZVr

ijHIOOyUbRqbjHg

“Your Majesty, long time no see.”KqrTUKvHndQTpcbrYxdpZSqPuamwbT

uYZGMIVrovOqjoX

With these words, Li Wuting’s expression slightly changed, but the surprise quickly vanished.hjOsENHNVGvBnKCLIopPWlrsDDSpHd

SDKbHPJFAZofgrA

Ning Rushen caught this from a distance:AgHUTJDLvuRzSQPHZiNdEwJGEIIRed

nntSPtXNbnbxDZF

What’s wrong? What’s the problem with “long time no see”?oYpSVGdyFLwmSpbpvNHNzTofktnYqC

RnLOljTiugpJZLM

Isn’t it normal to see the master from time to time?XxFHgpNUVPWZoQvARtrQpCGwhCtGoa

jwQSpRDmjwSBziG

The two seemed to exchange a few more words before Master Jingxi made a gesture to invite, and Li Wuting stepped away.JoYgjJIPKPZPdWFuzTdAkWwRxYNPhf

DETiauMZSSopFtD

Their figures soon disappeared behind the hall.XgukfjNLWKspQvAAhoUBnChSgFjoog

VWnNfaJFbTeHTET

Ning Rushen stood still, his gaze not yet withdrawn.nErYEoPeSupoZWBttgJCvOqTArNSGj

MyqxewcxFFCdTtj

At this moment, his sleeve was tugged.GdlPFJqndYKPiBLaLTZIhLasuRAPTn

CSSScVjvkjuUJnR

Li Jingyu looked up at him, “Lord Ning, are you secretly watching my royal brother again?”KJvZxaTpoUAQmMBnMstXlNxbPmQQrj

YPbanptWYIlcobU

Ning Rushen looked down: …What do you mean by secretly watching?nZfGCkRxlXLPWtgfwowPXEyduWNbGw

PvXdxtiGPORysce

He’s not like Prince Xuan, climbing walls everywhere.dXSIgnZTSwxpzKVFZuYvKgXKKmtBdm

GUVrvsFHHkcQaJD

He skipped the topic, “Does Your Highness need something?”XqTOOBfQfQuQrEpiVYWwEKLsfLzNFh

CqqlvmJbZDiPIqP

Li Jingyu said, “My royal brother and Empress Dowager Shu have gone to the back, I want to make a wish and light a candle. Would Lord Ning join me?”YmsoRfgSETkEqtVKdyixdQGMNPfZal

MFuklurYelIFVqO

Ning Rushen nodded, “Let’s go.”XhJRnARjdUCShEetTlydphPffijtmI

tOvYtjRRGRyNFOX

“Mm.” Li Jingyu happily clung to him.zSQaRjtGLkTMQcoovopjPfZAWARHur

ciWTiJMxUFrpyth

·SPTFkBIUXjVhBTdDjBkTFAhDSMgRBI

AygpNtPwlsYmndg

Ning Rushen initially thought there were only a few places to make wishes and light incense.wstVqNFffaCNjSfcJwzYDhzAqHREgI

GBqPJgxucxcIFfs

Unexpectedly, following Li Jingyu’s twists and turns, they ended up in a secluded courtyard deep within the temple.qoiPKqPeczRMOBketEoCkgIRlhoaPU

ZwFdHvoEKpdzjJR

At the courtyard gate, a young monk greeted them, “Your Highness.”vLFvWZnDwKERDnqkNtHXwCZizSYQBw

uesmINGSPJjVVUL

Li Jingyu, familiar with the place, led Ning Rushen inside.csgWpmBMHBhLBbLJRNFzWUwPbnTGhQ

epEUHJYPbkysAoC

Ning Rushen looked around the courtyard, noticing the mottled yellow walls showing signs of age, with a towering bodhi tree in the corner.JsxxGwCOSwiUWIRzFdebmHovLGCEBN

skeRkdcXSUEBwBl

In front of the courtyard stood a Buddha statue, flanked by niches with lotus lamps.LzPjynRhmdIYdRKOitzktbfhoYcqda

jfFWkdsRKHAzeSW

Before the Buddha statue was a bronze cauldron, filled with clear water, with a few delicate golden lotus lamps floating on the surface, each with a small flame.fvSgQXfNbNBePvSCSDTfYZfvjEEZKE

UPaEvTUjwYHTBMo

Li Jingyu whispered to Ning Rushen, “These golden lamps are rare, only twenty-eight are issued each year. I secretly brought Lord Ning here, don’t tell the others.”xdCODtfrkuoUHXmbnTTaDwuwiXlNzA

wJCtrNOfkkYSuOM

Ning Rushen nodded, “I won’t say a word.”KxQjumuaFziKBKOUeTphhbmZamWLnL

nWINXQlyOqXFpDg

The young monk brought the golden lamps for the two of them.NuamjNlwiiLIPqqPkfmNIheMkaeNCu

LoSetffPYtnpHUG

Li Jingyu asked, “Lord Ning, have you thought about what blessings to pray for?”qMzecqDoumRCTfzVveoPyXGTvCuvZI

fYRJuLHqBGCsaPc

Ning Rushen paused.nqmpwYYRHOeroHxuZAvVmPnMZBZaKW

OniFtbhxxQggxYW

In this world, he had no family or close ties, and his own life was relatively peaceful and satisfying, without any significant desires.DXWbZThEtveNYWyyXqkCYuPXcPRlmI

qeUowiHivBseszD

Except for wanting to gather money and food every day and retire early.gVEIigUteHOdayIpQlrGfodwGgIbaE

ZzkRgLCYEqMKAiH

He stared at the golden lotus lamp in his hand for a while, and Li Wuting, with his unfortunate fate, suddenly came to mind.cjHlPEBFaStrszCiwrLZRzooQzStMr

iKJJmDuUkXUJbKV

Thinking of all those luxurious clothes and fine food provided…ORoRqWUsFIvwJDuEpAWYYGJvAEhcph

TyREADRplZaaBCD

Ning Rushen felt a pang of conscience, “I will pray for His Majesty.”urvdeQcRekjTAXCXTpKIVkAjHtGUoD

HfQFrfMnPHJJljq

Li Jingyu’s eyes sparkled, “Oh…”jHgJskMtjQNsIkPGHfDWQPYopCrbwy

UzQwAJFDYDuLBEs

Ning Rushen turned his head, “And what about you, Your Highness?”qpOUdkQDyocpWMCOQEDmmRLBoRccYP

gfwQDwrfgjqljOs

Li Jingyu said, “My royal brother has protected me in many ways, but I have never been able to repay him. Therefore, naturally, I will pray for my royal brother.”HKKGAtHfPipTPFLzJUcsNmoBTjybly

uDVeONJXCshOXxy

Ning Rushen seized the opportunity to give some advice, “Your Highness’s sentiment is rare. In the future… just doing what you can for His Majesty will suffice.”zeDCGKCfWQxxaUyWJsBYvpEpkaUOew

yJGCBOgImVKmTbs

Li Jingyu thought deeply, “Lord Ning is right.”STTBLOsBLVLutsVCtwgMZXApbhvHyk

LCpdDznfSvMCFqe

Ning Rushen said, “Let’s pray first.”GaVJHfHKpMVgQAhBlofxJHRNjPSoYT

ZVdLeaZnWHoQkio

He placed the lotus lamp on the water surface and lit the wick.SzwikCBkpGofTlKwuuquOpbjXxSTHW

HiGxctVtSDtGORP

Li Jingyu mimicked him, “Lighting a candle for my royal brother.”GlXmrSVdvjwlKySantdmsmgDXjcOwj

SmeZZyZIzCLBOJO

“…”oemOliTjqcIBYsNNDmVzzNQcBJKlGi

yWYHucXwksizcHl

Ning Rushen followed suit, “Lighting a candle for His Majesty.”VffBJXZtGsILAAGdZYIOeUjrSqdzxM

AHSLnnGHeedtodN

They both clasped their hands together and closed their eyes, “Amitabha.”JyiEkswYgghEsBSvtOodGshVlfjOwn

tjkmtevFFHiOiEJ

May Li Wuting be blessed with a good life and never be lonely.FeXNBOmrmEmOZjMzuFmIjsrQswvSbg

zQnWhvkpZdEQdnI

…IXOdauPBkzOzMBnKGpZgpPIqDgGQez

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Elsewhere, in the tranquil and serene Meditation Hall.uqEMZnAyKbzORjVkMDadlIZEllwtja

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Li Wuting, for whom two candles had been lit, was sitting opposite Master Jingxi, his clear and handsome face seemed contemplative.HIPgjVzZvTQZifmQVgNJFKvDmWeTfl

zhhtxGdhLCKrfGs

Master Jingxi smiled, “The last time I saw Your Majesty was also around this time.”RKFxOjAhWbbnVqEiIMRiblungLdTsb

vlfgQqFMndeDBaB

Li Wuting responded softly.OvkkpxXEzswohySkgifbKFBOslljPv

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His thoughts drifted back fifteen years to the coronation ceremony of his previous life: it was on this day that he first met Master Jingxi.jcvNhykDNqTCHiARLHhHCIInDpOFqR

FNkPguWWSCWyJQn

He had received the fortune “No wife, no heirs, a lone dragon star.”zgmCIwMitIwjHOHLEutCJpXsIbDNYf

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“Your Majesty’s state of mind has changed a lot since then.”vlYrIUceqkYHyJIlWeCWCWwidRAkFj

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“With more experiences, naturally comes change.”wFPkITCfdImWpplBWHCxhCOwRwSAqT

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Li Wuting’s long fingers tapped his knee.CWWJCuIfmaBAjnYDBDvCDYtelEdPuu

gxcRlTwyzTLYrJM

In his previous life, his harem was empty for half his life. Even when courtiers urged him to take noble women, they couldn’t enter the palace for various reasons.IRufabRwSHImkTOeLYJeYzmSdfHEMp

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The old factions spread rumors, causing chaos in the court, which took him a lot of effort to settle.FgTXhtouGaDImhDZmGuXuViYjOlPdi

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“Is it the same fortune this time?” Li Wuting asked.tpyfyPXtXyCofYsHFiHMsyrdwBimOQ

eePryFGGZsSJTKL

“The same,” Master Jingxi nodded.ZpHyipgFanwaRrRwvedgmHXDDoMWYG

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Li Wuting indifferently curled his lips and stood up to leave, “Thank you, Master.”qUeYcuNKqpUNgFlZIRqKJUPPdaTvRk

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He was about to exit the Meditation Hall when he heard from behind:ucWZAzbTeliuPGdEQUZAunZodJzuuL

DxQEUuWGZmCXEDa

“It’s the same, but it’s just a fortune.”cYNURREShjzDmWJhoeclxMqyyNwdmr

KxXIvvEsKPnSqkC

Li Wuting’s figure suddenly froze.okdOBVZGPuluDwGnqppQXesqvsGHzV

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He turned to look at Master Jingxi sitting on the mat. In the quiet and serene meditation room, the latter’s smile remained unchanged. A slanting light fell through the window lattice, with dust floating in the air.vmLKGwNGVGkTjZPfnFPFIVQnMLrogV

LWCUqfmlqeCBzJh

The fortune was the same, but too many things had already changed.wPcnfDKeEkzndtFEOcQuZqaqbTNSfp

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Li Wuting felt a stir in his heart.AbgPcnNkgyJJXJbfsFTBDSVqDrwZIO

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He quietly thanked the master again and left with big strides.HKTzbNOacyAvcWEIYGpjeJckrOwsIG

HMQVBttfJijrAjh

·EpsJjOxLVeSNykgCXBFjoPOhGkgxUb

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The emperor would stay at Shaojue Temple for two days and one night to pray for blessings.bEaoTyYBdeRHxjrSgXatbdyBHhuCxK

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But not all officials had to stay overnight. By evening, most of the accompanying senior ministers had taken their leave.nKnENcvtPAGdtadlaerRMkPPozyQwv

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Ning Rushen did not leave with them.kEUzUvNprDQpjjoEgpmsnSOuPavaQk

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He inexplicably felt that he shouldn’t slip away first.nbMlBlfsiPxzuBNGCCvgdEcJKTcKiL

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Also, he was somewhat exhausted: climbing up the mountain on foot had drained most of his energy, and he had spent the afternoon accompanying the energetic Jingyu.UwxZOyjbTLEqnRjIfIJNBKArAnSNzt

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After dinner, he returned to his assigned room.jDAnKfthNJzDZHxoKSRYSmAnbLPCJj

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Ning Rushen found a young monk and asked him to bring a bucket of hot water.MQWHyTbNTapaKDNTOLaclnictWdyHT

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Then he closed the door, hung his clothes on a half-open screen, and comfortably immersed himself in the hot water.RuLCRzQtlKXXMjpZJTCQpEwsPcHwjh

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The slightly hot water quickly warmed his whole body.UkhVmqZTSTmwadNBDIsGwMHoVKzEet

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His black hair spread freely in the water, steam rising, soothing his limbs and bones, dispelling the day’s fatigue.okcqGhKltVxqjRxzTrubnUsOjfVDsx

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Ning Rushen hung himself on the edge of the bucket and closed his eyes.yBsAZDcXQHzlsspWxLxHDwaqEmFyEr

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In the overly comfortable water temperature, he quickly fell asleep.oOCwzWjWqoLeUsMCWQvFCIcApQRbDy

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…EWmOIIXotajZkOCOyJGAPCwyvRFRdo

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Two quarters later.cwcWsoXTVnCVozvyMjzHbqqZUuJnMe

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The young monk, estimating the time, prepared to come and collect the bucket. When he reached the door, he saw it was tightly closed and there was no sound inside.IdxmAemBJfrJZEKjeoRlAhNxPMXLzP

KulBPqBKyJCDzhI

He knocked lightly, “Master Ning?”ouxmWzOyXJKJIDxRNPuEmdrLtQdYsF

XwjmxTiRUIMzljP

The sound entered the room and mingled with Ning Rushen’s dreams. He slept soundly, without waking.LmModHJgOdQmLhcsEAqmxzyyQqsjRA

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The young monk called a few more times without response.QZhhFTFyacFzviOHdwOHhnCiVNtRkL

WjXzqqMEvAYhfHO

Thinking of Ning Rushen’s frail appearance, he became worried. He wanted to go in and check but feared it would be inappropriate.dTSSzyLXrLUTsypIrLvsgIHEirsvCP

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Hesitating, he suddenly heard a childish voice ask:BlszSxHFEMvRVdDMBChcpQTUCPJreh

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“Little monk, is Lord Ning in this room?”jjTSjqettZUCfnsGyMuXyYsTdtxWgd

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The young monk turned and saw Li Jingyu, quickly bowing, “He is in this room. But Master Ning requested bathwater earlier, and now there is no response. I am worried and unsure if I should call someone to check.”CEuPXHVXcxTRsERxocWvGPjOBLclfE

RLswfIHdEiXhGZR

Li Jingyu’s face changed, “Of course, call someone! I’ll go get them—”iiCNBFwmahkTepmtToUKPEbrJUJxzr

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He turned and ran off.xeSLGigjodUDgMIHjwRDsZAfZuBmei

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The young monk watched him run quickly, alarmed, “Your Highness, where are you going?”yLpOaNGKfdpbMgbOaVOyYFBGLwPfWn

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“To do what I can for my royal brother!”iyEjHOdCNQWjeIhOBnouMJSkfSocQL

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“…”HyNYudAHlYUteTxubyioXFxaJmSmIQ

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For His Majesty? Isn’t it for Master Ning??ZUMAkrbCwNwBuIYgbkjJMHTfPEqzVx

NfRRVuHrGhmuKpK

…LAqLonDtPElyKyvwJAIQNvcNPjbycs

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In the meditation courtyard.HCknJwtsmzxptSnLLbeBnDtLwFHBvL

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Li Wuting was sitting at a table reading scriptures.smzgSszGBXTRatpVAECixdGOeZgRCu

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He had changed out of his dragon robe, his dark clothes setting off his jade-like fingers. His fingertips slid over the yellowed pages, pleasing to the eye.WPBqbxfPfwqujCNldapYGxgeFknphr

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De Quan was serving beside him, white smoke curling from the incense burner.YDZRAjmlQgFVUvHXsGORyFaEYtAcuR

nHFRVHyRbkwbfMk

In the quiet, they suddenly heard, “Royal brother!”theHPbBROBEhthOfRDQWGwhNvZDPik

ExEjfIeQMkCpCEL

Li Wuting looked up to see Li Jingyu rush in like an arrow, clinging to his knees.teuNkacpKXtskHMtgxrZWzLiGDtcMX

CDRrhJDcOTyztmE

He frowned, “Why the panic?”bWbEkqFQDckFmVWeNBKOKZePfJfsvR

YRgEpaFhOvnDxgf

“Lord Ning is soaking in water and not responding!”rzgZduDZcoHRUOYEsLbHTtZkwSeJJF

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Li Jingyu was anxious, “Royal brother, save him!!”FKTxFAsffDgpKrHvttcrSFubYQtEXv

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