This official is so weak

De Quan was scared out of his wits! Just as he was about to ask, the Emperor had already stood up swiftly—NpiyxafCxpfTnFpBdqpKregIWTZALk

iWpIEFBkZXJoeGi

The usually calm figure quickly followed, and soon, the two of them disappeared at the courtyard gate.vOIUnINqTYMDobURlZPVqLnUlUjZwg

YKLeKcSlWkVUxcO

Just as he was wondering whether to prop the door open with something, the young prince who had just run out quickly returned:RjUFMbNdcWnLmEAlMNvbXfTdenWIuz

ZWySXWtpdFQkxdd

The little monk turned his head and saw the Emperor striding over, hurriedly bowing, “Your Majesty!”coaJdvfLUDbjfSgwYpQkReFZmWlzSF

UqxiEGBjrXaWhiz

Li Wuting’s eyes immediately fell on the tightly closed door.VYwMDauBaLWCChxehpIlknGdiTSBYy

ViielfYzoruEQDx

He stopped in his tracks, realizing that things seemed different from what he had imagined, “What’s going on?”bInXlWuBHGOtYbrdwglyruxKHtvuCL

kPumMRoLJTfhIRU

Li Jingyu murmured softly, “Lord Ning was taking a bath and didn’t respond after several calls.”tYiACpgUdWOOQOfJvtAFiDUWTZGcyD

CgxmitONLQkUXzE

“…”yMYuGyezqzbtCHBbWxdzmyEZkrLwTA

KTHuyDOGseaOSMz

Li Wuting took a deep breath, pinching the bridge of his nose.xGuKjlWtqHPobWXRvvwZCzFlmKSzHe

yKrUFDnuizJdOTE

Li Jingyu continued, “Could he have fainted or slipped into the water? Could Lord Ning already be—ugh!”NaprZMBEJCUkaFnSIfPzcwfnlxRsMM

GdWeNhddgKSIPnm

A large hand harshly pressed his head down, cutting off his words.ddnJQCzSjniySObRnmJnsINaMvPwPV

iwICLubbdnPWwKY

Li Wuting stared at the barred door, his Adam’s apple bobbing.qERmgrEtPCSvWKYZIzqOKPZLTKTQBX

PTEdcTahxlqggST

But it was only for a moment; he then pressed his hand against the door, “Ningchen!”OwrxAOPJTFmXISjildhBVqejIxMNDt

mZvgOztoDeNWGOl

There was still no response from inside.uWWMrEdCoOtRMKMhOsECFYXQoNgKiO

idRWoajDIHevYAZ

Li Wuting frowned and suddenly spoke, “Step back.” After saying that, he drew the imperial sword from his waist and struck the gap of the door, bang!QvORKCucxikCXebvXvrzNujIvsLIBA

REiJrGnNbBnlorM

The latch fell with a sound, and he took a breath and pushed the door open.QfLDggvFnAMGsvqtfwjrwfuxaSwFOt

yURmXaSXjWzTZEq

The small room was just a single chamber.SyxYhzqCqWmgIlGzZZYmZXNbhbhebc

aeSSVQQCHdBLEdE

Entering through the door, the first thing he saw was a half-open screen.CUfAkSzzYgqkhyngqBJNNsEjFUcsnx

IoioITjGMeHPfmN

The crimson official robe and snow-white inner garment were casually draped over the screen, and the lingering steam had not yet dissipated. Behind the half-open screen, a slender white arm hung over the edge of the wooden tub.tqdaKozNaBOoOMxKtJGlvKDJPrABFp

odWUxYwdGQuQvCW

Li Wuting’s fingertips trembled slightly as he took a few steps around the screen, “Ningchen.”xMyfDEbBvEYdMQJsuVMrtGDUmyJQEj

VXOTmvGwvmFDpYs

The person behind the screen was fully revealed.xpihQfUlMFBOzLUZgzeSLQYfiNUfYm

eWZQSOsXcqnGvEb

Black hair spread in the water, tangled around his shoulders and arms. Wet beads of water clung to the frosty white skin, about to fall. Ning Rushen rested his face on his arm, his complexion flushed, and his damp eyelashes seemed to flutter slightly.bxwXjFineptupCIOqtPlNRzdmdRDQg

pjpQBlIaRfmcXhF

Li Wuting’s gaze steadfastly avoided the water.swryPhrtYbCBlIcAqmIQUsraGKgtiE

XzqeWPnuzIpaKzn

He grabbed Ning Rushen’s arm with one hand and was about to check his breath with the other—qNXOpAozBNVxEixwQqCKcgrBSWYXgy

kXeqImyFvmUnens

When he saw the latter frown, his eyelashes slowly opened:jQYvPVbITmckQavEMaQSURUWbwMhcR

ctYFWELNbJHOWxW

“…Li Wuting?”siWhVeQZlzOrvGgqfBMtDUzUTdSJyz

bnpEZXSzdryzEHR

Ning Rushen felt like he had been dreaming for a long time.cEQhSBubGSoOtHkLlbHNRAsKJAHoCO

TsYkwFYZXaniTDs

Sometimes he dreamed of someone knocking on the dormitory door, sometimes of the person calling another name. In this repetitive and exhausting dream, a strong force suddenly dragged his arm, pulling him out.GlQHqpdRrAtIZHuagRenyeOrqhaINk

roYliixNqwnCTkE

The chaotic dreamscape dissipated in an instant!EXduROdIQPShrSFalnGBOufUdNFkAA

plVyMbJUrlmgJEx

His vision refocused, and a familiar handsome face was in front of him.kMNEBZRFqOQTQzxierCDWkdnehCjvG

oYUhgHIMYmPlDvq

He instinctively called out the other person’s name, “Li Wuting?”pklnmofLSvvJyJFKBwdQRgfHKVWkTV

RwnJdoEDwryIywO

As he spoke, the grip on his arm seemed to tighten.dMBqYfuaaMxRBbothzvusiYCpCKNpF

nryzJcmZfVUlVgc

Then he saw Li Wuting exhale deeply, close his eyes, and pull the inner garment from the screen behind, throwing it over him:IfewwruNimcIZjSvScJmeDcwHiHrJe

swGSLXsEnmWRguI

“Put this on.”yqSbTSghQlVvYpPaUSdExqxxeICGOy

xipNBByZMjFimel

The inner garment covered most of the frosty white skin, its hem dipping into the water and getting soaked.ikLMQaSNLQGFrjEhujJyoQYIsPDNQC

VHaYolsnlLsqPag

Ning Rushen finally woke up, realizing the current situation.LPThsUOUMgHpRLxIOOhdDpAEjWTPet

nVuIDEdeXOnBEUQ

A surge of heat rushed over him!wWnfODKNlJWKWdTFfdBaGNubKlrquF

kmhEEBjbkfnQirU

He pulled his arm out of Li Wuting’s hand, hastily wrapping himself in the inner garment, and stepped out of the bath with a splash. His jade-white bare feet left large water stains on the floor.xiUBVhtaTiVFMdOkrmIneOsOfhbaKB

KTWbtLIbOItnXWG

The person facing him opened his tightly closed eyes.rvcylonAxPmZoyWqAitsMCBnorFHfN

zYznIwMQrsdySjk

Li Wuting’s gaze fell to his feet, then he seemed to have a headache as he grabbed his outer garment and draped it over him, pulling him by the arm and tossing him onto the bed.WygBdjdGfMLxKTMdEvpMvHuJtWmgzv

moztWVTYSsMMjKB

Thump! Ning Rushen, wrapped in clothes, fell onto the bed, looking at the Emperor standing before him:oPmEvvKmchXtPIbhlzuhwDvPWGQcGd

EBjKHHHLfNIHIGq

What’s going on, what happened?iARPhKRXLhvlkzjBOHRwFuscqRRsKB

fwFJUDOgBRjoAvO

His mind was a mess.CwOKTvwZPtzecvjpKbQdMqfFOgMzFV

TYWFFuCaTNotPxT

He couldn’t understand why he was in this situation as soon as he opened his eyes.hoaRAzDCfsHSXNGhFWNAThXLGJlvyR

FrtswtrEKoDTDCe

“Your Majesty, I…” Ning Rushen had just started speaking when he heard a faint conversation outside the half-open screen.EoIxBhSDdavlIyhoqoCEJGQpAQsGxF

BjrrrZYJAPoFmCO

“Is Lord Ning okay?”tGvehwVrzzkWSoyaWoRyOexBDYudwC

AJgrnMCpCzTFUYg

“If the royal brother hasn’t called for anyone, he must be fine!”NxPlsPmfSdqzXIWEPhrRdoOJRRMceT

SpcOdOfogCGYhAu

“Thank you for your trouble, little monk. You can go back now; we will guard here.”SlAAPsKpONjFcMxTRggjkokQZqQHcV

HATehbIJuyIhfWR

After speaking, the door was slammed shut with a bang!OMpYZzcrxufbQvKDLLOwGlHYKGvVfR

cQjchPnuDmZdTxL

Ning Rushen, “…”bAwLlPkvqIeRlwvdxoowmsMETRoaTR

pFrpkPtwSirpGBJ

With the door closed, the room darkened.zfrIFRZpoLAaOKauhakcVsRVsjnueq

axTLqpFqyNhRXax

Li Wuting stood in front of the bed for a moment, then tossed over a towel and turned to light the lamp at the desk.vrqCPFPJwufXSRaqzcTwaCspbHbbib

KZHLutXmvkoPQFw

The dry towel landed on him.qFBkqxBVGyDZXlNWvCTajgIgIgqSys

lUHaEoRbqGTejPO

Ning Rushen quickly grabbed it to wipe his hair.QVJVuPnEnIFfeiYKUbwXSopLFyuydB

axmJIbOLUxwZQUT

His sleeves fell and bunched at his elbows, and his wet hair got caught in his collar. As he lifted his hand to dry his head, the light in front of him brightened, casting flickering shadows across his overlapping collars.bnZbyYxWXJMqXdGUedVPvcGoeAftte

ZMhmQVXphTMEVGJ

As he dried his hair, he looked at Li Wuting, “Your Majesty, why are you here?”xqdpGnpJHJdPGfDAXrioqSudsTisSH

JadFUlIpaVrMPWg

Li Wuting, with his back to him, slightly turned his head, “Jingyu said, Lord Ning was soaking in the water and didn’t respond.”pwDAQuFgrhegBflrgnXFUzJXkYZcxb

oEDYOBxTwtGpMyP

Ning Rushen, “…”naCchcaQbLNNrrvkXYmANtNAUTbAZL

GxndnNGaYdoGKXH

Great, say a bit more and you might just scare him off.OJUHYVipGRGgOqZuHiVOGNiDFcIOLt

gyLszstmPMINchh

Li Wuting said slowly, “Who knew Lord Ning had fallen asleep while soaking, even the little monk knocking couldn’t wake him.”gNElouyIjhHCapvtRylCQXtiPQnNRL

gVxhTnFpdyvXJFW

Ning Rushen guiltily shrank further into the bed, “I was too tired.”vQqAVBiExdXCKaGVAtwcmhefDzhcis

IfrkGaZdLifAtkl

“Why were you so tired?”rIDuGvTjppIxopCnvGsyHnvlbQBApa

BWjEIfGHPmGUFlL

“I climbed the mountain and prayed all over.”PeAxNppVcrVaRHghcrjdClzxZQXpJm

XtMfmOvmOkOkgyj

“…For what?”LhrWBSuLLFDTThNwMrGPGHNYBmzsJM

whzEcTDZnugqlWp

“For Your Majesty’s blessing.”nGbQhIMlIkvGTMMFLRxiUuGnmOUxMu

gtkJyXfxMFssOsB

Li Wuting paused, then finally turned to look at him.KuLKvxnOvxBwxECygEOWTnHqzcfyzc

UjksbISmGWxGFCY

Ning Rushen had already dressed himself, but his wet hair clung to his shoulders and back, and his neck glistened with water.CEFYWZefwWkUhLxtyIRcipVeMIyMDC

OwQKurpMlxsgloa

As he finished speaking, he noticed the light flicker in front of him.xoQhaeHLoiabkOWtDhgRZcytPWqpPR

ivAZBVnOXecTUGj

Li Wuting walked over and sat at the edge of the bed, his stern features softened by the warm light:padunxqYomwjJnzwRSnhmaePIgEZoh

eXKsAAtKcUlBybd

“Really? Then I suppose I’ll believe you meant it.”WXGGyDSfJGpCPQbzQxzKSJPqcJgBUt

yoGVDiOyrqZnZcQ

What do you mean, suppose?iATFlfwBbqfuJXDAdrAJxlbmKMCfeM

RLUuCGTMTONgTeW

Ning Rushen craned his neck, “I genuinely did.”yZGYryFiIkaeMsBAoecrLpUVWgaolr

gievqvngViHkJyO

His outstretched neck still bore traces of water.IAuQtHKFVgnnuiZmUmDxiSPmKrWSpT

xTxbvimEmaRbhTU

Li Wuting glanced at him, then raised his hand to press his head back, “Dry your hair; don’t get me wet.”ZQwdGAuRVPNoFZGfAkUwbhrmzZLTXU

ILFCHQQROExLpnB

Ning Rushen reflexively said, “Isn’t it already…”SyeTrYqMmDvMFoTJGpTwjnrdXpspsX

qazdutJWRYKPXqW

The moment he spoke, he stopped himself.RBmsJpMwqcvBubxqUIcZdDADCpMpyG

TBuWarLLVajkwhP

In the earlier chaos, as he woke up between reality and dreams, he hadn’t had time to think things through. Now that he thought about it: when he was soaking in the water, it was Li Wuting who had pushed the door open and walked in.jXqIYlOLPokivHbTztSCLnnhnFyXsq

AnjYhxZuaCgDfsf

And reached out to pull him up.SwljrwAQfvgJsyazzdfGSSSbfMXSdY

YXNlNdcgWUyHqkV

At that time, he hadn’t been…aKdwHhNyJzldwKuFZyxWhvfRxSsbZZ

zPghfjcNCXWQOMR

Shit. Ning Rushen’s waist trembled, and his whole body suddenly heated up!XAxZMaWuhhNGuyKmGhogRxUmYFRFmQ

KWZZhyYKslSioRU

He sat on the edge of the bed, lost in thought.dLuhvjZWRILRKOraQCcQhFXiQdpWtP

qEegBvjBIwrBhbC

He had no idea his ears to his collarbones were flushed a faint red.LfIfdHkyqzbsRFVfUMwpUQQKESdiFz

DdxiNgSjIxERAaD

It’s over, he’s not pure anymore.iqBgwAZeZbEUSzQFcJMUWtZEUdVzeK

IulChFXEDoeRzZJ

No, wait, they’re both men, so he still retained some purity.PLxocuNyOTUFpzpeFGWcoyMlKoYKpl

PaiylqAbtJhOTAT

Just as he was thinking, he suddenly heard Li Wuting ask:LrSMbSGhiNyVrFmWPiAvTNcvPgpyCb

jyckDkVCdnsOVrl

“By the way, I haven’t pursued this yet, but does Lord Ning realize his offense?”SYutzkGOjsIswgfiNvVXvJunszGuqJ

TanYxHBLfWNopJw

Ning Rushen snapped back to reality, lowering his head to admit guilt, “I… I offended Your Majesty’s eyes.”djMLHSiENiVJwQWxGuRlibwaCpmkRo

pDfedjzoslEVstl

“…”FbNRjcdczhwkAMUEQvjVWfEbWVoFmJ

qpXYAGxcfpAylGx

Li Wuting’s brow twitched, holding back, “I meant, Lord Ning, you called me by my name.”lfkIDQEpZtYnvjavSIRytzikyuhSxk

mUCsPUueBydsyOJ

Ning Rushen froze, suddenly realizing—NPFPafQFKZQOopmpPfvKSSOYeAGqvW

orFdYhbHfnUPkNR

When he woke up just now, he seemed to have called Li Wuting’s name.CbloNbccDzwipdCTCwRTERNmFRmbKy

xgqnOfFwrAHfiWw

Li Wuting looked at him, “Did it come naturally?”hhYhvdTBQOiDCDhjsnbwwsVePijjHU

PlDKYotUtYExwmh

Ning Rushen’s heart skipped a beat, “It just felt natural.”aOjuobmGijmMdSxZgYSAIWYyNyiSoY

HqsMQpxqCvUFhlm

The two stared at each other for a while.ChjhcZTTpLKFbqvNFGzazfMUEUopCY

edvPJrxQaHDruIn

After a moment, Li Wuting said, “Forget it,” then reached out to pat the back of his head, shaking it familiarly:geXoJOHKThRJSZuBFzUWxwIrSkTuBx

LnnmCpSIWLNeElH

“I’ll just assume Lord Ning’s brain was muddled from soaking in the water. If you speak such nonsense in public again, I won’t be able to cover for you. The Emperor’s name isn’t to be called lightly, understand?”RTlJioNonIWONsyjGRtrTabdaDaYwm

PKXdRlpioIMCNeW

Ning Rushen, his head spinning, “Yes…”DQsbJiRavNqXbqIAUqqwKUtZUWdUNV

QkdUPaAyVDcNKTX

Li Wuting watched his dazed expression and seemed to chuckle.uKSXgzdKxQxArzQZWmQjEJiHWVaMst

zDjXYZorhpAlDQq

Then he withdrew his wet hand and stood up.tyXqNRLrQMJahwfUmsyCuMhDiqmMbz

LMHtPZPduEjaYiO

“At most, call one character.”fHzMsbTRdEjWDchwJeaEbpSFgmsmYQ

qICjWuytjffUuKC

Ning Rushen didn’t quite catch that: what?aWPDNxakbLVdWFVdpSyoBwFsWpMtpA

xObWyVXtkOWdUwn

Li Wuting, having spoken, already turned to leave, his tall figure rounding the half-open screen and pushing the door open:LjhsuEyOQLmVLHzEgewEMyzvpvmcsS

AtqXbziexxYMoBN

“Have someone clean up.”tctgjjAyqYYKiTEjCDtPlhlceZwTlv

AVNmbivfSVdkQEN

Outside, De Quan’s voice rang out, “Yes.”aMbZvNtLgjyRfHQnJtXBkeFoAoGKJJ

IjvMrEYcjTNKwIH

A group of palace attendants quickly entered to tidy up the bath and screen.IVGzpRlrHsPsfUJYqlqsYysRewGHLP

RSjckdGsZkRkhaO

Ning Rushen sat on the bed, watching the silent palace attendants in front of him, recalling with a strange sense of déjà vu:iVYsRNrMeBEDfIdgwdFbHBNwapfgbQ

sPLeDaVaXBiIQUk

…Did Li Wuting mean he could call him by one character?wRJbRecIdiPPnYMMosrJiQiCdgpuhk

SaGLJarFVuSECzy

·MLnLqMYaQWXGsSHWUYSpSjnphJlbZL

sxFlcdFpQwLzdmq

They rested overnight at Shaojue Temple.ZpzwVMnKwKQqzMhzNGBCjggBNAVQBY

MCVcwdAlTLVyBUs

The next morning, Ning Rushen got up for breakfast.HOLlZLaZLNiumlnTWfoKmffqzfKOZT

nUyWbyCvDOrifAm

The monks lived simply, and even the presence of the Emperor didn’t prompt much ceremony.ZathxDTaEJiDkRkBoRPPZiHBLwiZbi

yfQNRZvzanXgAqu

Everyone dined in the dining hall.mJAzMZZByvvilLozYAJEArqTwJEEky

lVrULnALtCHeceO

When Ning Rushen arrived, he saw Li Wuting, the Dowager Concubine, and Master Jingxi coming out of the hall. The three walked ahead, followed by De Quan and several guards.rdWLGfeNQweDiBpjxZDLChFHKLjBfl

VvmdepdFBzsuPNB

He watched from a distance for a couple of seconds.nZugUEjnXtNoPWXjVmZuGNQmrYqUdc

pziNffiAjuNrrZN

Li Wuting seemed to sense something, suddenly turning his deep gaze in his direction.KgRKAHmaqXsjbbtwadCQPLpEPjEwbr

ysoxoUyKiCBhgtg

Their eyes met.GICVQrxrtYeLcKzZJbDLSHPTebeptm

uTUBKCJAeuXgOys

Ning Rushen instinctively held his breath.faZjfopFmPBZyUePgtlAagCyaWiYUZ

AFVUEZHcppqARUr

Li Wuting’s expression remained cold, but Ning Rushen felt he might have smiled slightly before turning away and walking off.TwUAuYCABAQFeiEvcQXEcmtFxReCVy

IlEbJFwpTteCeta

“…”waxuHdtwcFTuByArJcLUFFiAPAjvGE

qNHxSxWhRKXypQC

It’s early, I must be seeing things.KHYEIwDPmhhKwNBgZctyYilXXIJbwF

pLUvmYvvubJGTzM

Ning Rushen shook his head and tucked his hands into his sleeves as he entered the dining hall.gkGfWyhNpQAQFHAuSyVhHXotuaiygF

qFIzhPwImZfcaGc

Inside, Li Jingyu was still finishing his meal.KhXBXdGXSAqfvABKkZtQmwMUGxugrk

FNbnKNcezagaRpK

Seeing him, Li Jingyu waved, “Lord Ning, over here!”oObhchvIfZHWZxsDWWNRSsETrwEtMM

SeFneJxnuHVEMAA

Ning Rushen approached and greeted him, then picked up a plate of steamed buns, vegetarian dishes, and tofu soup, sitting next to him, “Little Prince.”GCzdyUEZQkwfXNGnPRpwXBANPLDWut

LSQYdiqwdvFMHPQ

They greeted each other and began eating together. As Ning Rushen chewed his bun, his mind drifted back to Li Wuting’s parting words from the day before:iVaiaNlADpzrLhqEIKjwzqDIbIDBTN

kwBffHNrClJmWHC

He said he could call him by one character. But which character?jAymGXlfMkHfZlXvkPGYXUgfHSBiUg

FvpAONvOjJCkSwo

Ning Rushen glanced at the short legs beside him.eqYeUFFqOxHlEchgHqDKZhhBcuiAzJ

PQxnJyArJAvOhaC

After a moment, he asked, “Little Prince, do you know His Majesty’s courtesy name?”RGSKZvlptCxmmnwENvyxSDMRGsbRex

XvXaEUZTrlMYQuD

Li Jingyu swallowed his bun, “You want to know, Lord Ning?”KhQsrTeQwpQrXZnCIAkdVCivMGwxfV

buaRPCKOnaMNSAk

Ning Rushen nodded.SUwcrVBuLZwqLkuhkzIbNGiqTmmRCK

GSOZcGQaxRhgcTr

Li Jingyu waved away the surrounding attendants.udJzMibfELkZpImqpzybBBQyukVRqi

fdNMkBfBOcRQuyJ

Once alone, he leaned in and whispered to Ning Rushen, “It’s a long story… You should know, my brother’s name isn’t great. And that name was given by our father.”OJgxAeBcerrJLLhMJRBxFFHsvrcoEY

fqsrBlCvPAuQWkq

Ning Rushen thought: indeed, it’s not great.NmQCNQxLISiXIeFwCePGhSRSPdgFfE

EUYLqdqNlIwlMYg

“‘Ting’ represents the court, power, and justice, but putting a ‘Wu’ in front seems to deny Li Wuting’s potential to ascend the throne from the very beginning.”zhkvwLqxWVRzKsBzJubNyBhYDshSVG

LjDNxNeHuGFJFra

“Why would the late emperor…”BpldDFzIScHCDqYtwFtQXQNcRxtqfK

tnQkrgVlvJDaklI

Li Jingyu spoke in a reserved manner, “This involves a royal secret.”OcRkpulnIhwGpWxikRxuvgAvOWuTVY

NHwiKFDRaillxJD

Another secret???UADwIWJJCCGHsQuhOrsiKXuIFtahzp

DpHyvKMtopOGgeG

Ning Rushen felt tense, “Hmm.”LHnhEWXSRZJWWVRHorcVrLieJiuBlQ

QLwGcNHrEdJWsnr

Li Jingyu continued, “I heard that Father initially named my elder brother ‘Yuan Ting.’ ‘Yuan’ means the beginning. But because it was written hastily, Mother mistakenly read it as ‘Wu Ting’ on the spot.”wiBKjxskVOirepElGrGvEdZmzKGSAw

ANyQjujJWpGGmBN

“……”uJFnhwdrQQAKHmwBGASBjTRDigCOTf

EUNUfJCdIcGJoCm

“Father couldn’t admit it was his sloppy handwriting, so he nodded and said: ‘Yes, it’s Wu Ting.’ So, my brother was named Wu Ting.”eLDIrBZAyhbrTaAJTGExJxjQEEuEey

jIuYUWhugGXPvRY

“…”PpiLgDpNTbzYPryZogpLFUXWeHycMj

xFzVZRKzfaiKlBa

Ning Rushen took a deep breath.QRwZSOGuvxvuOhrssWNIUGSytihNOH

SjkMwqyyqlVPkIB

That was indeed a bit careless—KjwoKDOgUGRLieQGINVlWGhrNNKJHG

dvDaIstdhcVXhIr

And why is this yet another useless royal secret!XNfKCDGuSfqvGFsyrIKMzjZPaVaGdS

jbgpOcZPBDHEiDk

“Lord Ning, what’s wrong?” Li Jingyu leaned in.udUXZRIMSEFTcAaNKrqRMbGLTpFUlW

uqybcCFUEaHeKXL

Ning Rushen calmed himself, “Nothing.”CHOvZDbxMeyZRfKWeIdrmGKbpAxwGZ

yEJtVyWUDqVviDL

Li Wuting is truly unfortunate, being burdened with such a name from birth.LFdMIIncjAPmOVVopFmJYgYsIygOhs

viUDrNYEjOvawlO

He continued, “What happened next?”RJPLwmpFvpJczKmoXngQHjKGENuLod

iyAqckDIcCgIKif

Li Jingyu said, “Later, when my brother came of age, Father had already passed away. At that time, there was a struggle for the throne, and no one performed the coming-of-age ceremony for my brother. So, he chose the name ‘Chao Jun’ for himself.”CFpapkConMTmwbYmyjVMzkoUIiNhSs

tBQRQgeOFRMPdIE

—Chao Jun.wsVvARLABvvFRGKcBrlcYQFCQWCsIc

wyNuqvKXVzKTpYC

Despite ‘Wu Ting’ being in front, his heart still leaned towards fairness and justice, embodying the conduct of a gentleman.uiUFYNRcnGSASgLgwuDuHXazLRzHxg

KqepQaiJdmqNPgZ

Ning Rushen silently repeated: Chao Jun.HgFqLmZDprrmlVjmXCEHhlUWjoXTXT

yrrSNRmIRBhYalg

It indeed suited Li Wuting.wpqsfiZKNpYAorRtruLshhYQmXlNIY

orVftRELRZQZeEg

After finishing breakfast and hearing an absurd royal secret, Ning Rushen was about to leave when he suddenly thought of the way the little prince spoke—this might turn into:JQCahqmxdGUMkEkGbGeyYPbiCPBFiI

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Him secretly inquiring about Li Wuting’s courtesy name.QfrdvGFBfhNTVSmhkrFPuKEXayZAqN

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He pondered for a moment, then called, “Little Prince.”SLPFKqgtxnBvyKRKemQluAsWBwfjNj

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Li Jingyu looked up, “Hmm?”XcSlTgAwrnrJgMVzCdSEwOYfVRUeQc

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Ning Rushen, full of concern, said, “Don’t tell His Majesty that I was secretly asking about his courtesy name.”nYjjNkItKZtJJghgHcqmwlaKPSeGjL

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As soon as he spoke, he paused.lmTbfvqPjAuUxhttbmYoOYAlcQSMyV

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The next second, as expected, “So Lord Ning was secretly asking.”GSrOcQBDkBmCnIWIPttZCBRiCpxjGO

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“… No!”wpvKqCAOOTMspjKQSoXDVIaAANVkLy

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Li Jingyu, as if he’d gotten hold of some secret, quickly ran off, leaving Ning Rushen to close his eyes in pain:XIgvlWJWYBYuhsIlJjmnBVzbQHZLGS

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He must have been cursed by Shiyi.HPWycaXZniWnCqfDkwxfFAPmUvHtHa

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·NXOseJxxAYWvoYmlodiEMCKuvkQmgH

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Leaving the dining hall, Ning Rushen felt the need to take a walk to clear his muddled mind.zLsbauTgZlcqLbCvBLWpuYrBGOkpiX

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He wandered around.YhUacnSXldOAXgneXkXhJeOLNmIqPr

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Shaojue Temple was large, and he somehow found himself in a courtyard on the western side.dlMEwpsxGFQFUzNFxruYZipxLzigze

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The serene courtyard was empty.IRLWmjsJPHZJkBZonrrwkWJzWDjKRl

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In one corner stood a lush bodhi tree, its branches adorned with red cloth strips for blessings.rRXekgAGuTmDgscHYvGrnqwNBmmZcg

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Ning Rushen walked over, his crimson sleeves fluttering as he looked up at the tree.HtDEwZEjNFeetsXHtpioNUIVGqUlfF

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A breeze passed through the courtyard, making the red cloth and his crimson sleeves flutter together in the verdant mountain courtyard.TxsDIaQfUnoBqWQjoSUJUHaZSboLCG

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In the midst of this tranquility, a voice sounded behind him:JDWRUFtVygDwxXZjJTaZqAsbSHSkpB

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“Has the benefactor lost his way?”lWUDaXySXqCdOpnKaOMYkviOOYkMED

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Ning Rushen turned to see Master Jingxi standing at the courtyard gate, smiling serenely at him.CAvLCOUqGEtTPoaspMBOoMcGRrrQjb

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“No, just wandering.”tJshXBIivvAXmhFwUINFYoZNeXxKnr

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He paused, “Am I in a place I shouldn’t be?”rupjMAuAgxOjNNwvGzPcYNagQsnnCq

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Jingxi replied, “There is no place one shouldn’t be. If you are here, it is fate.”HZZHwGYXzXyjfZCAtlPztJbCKegERg

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Ning Rushen nodded, “Well said, Master.”mecjuEjSYorFriRCCrBgrjXbpRzgQU

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Surely, those who roam freely in his mansion—Shiyi, Prince Xuan, Geng Quan—would agree wholeheartedly.fBmwfyVdrBUfvjDdvPixcQEZgxONWe

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He saw Jingxi still smiling kindly.fSVHEmKXmJuqMDTdyHYbajxRERgUPf

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“Master, do you have business here? I should leave so as not to disturb you.”WsWvdRHUVuuSVENWgaAIWRSUaleNoi

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“No matter. I just finished discussing scriptures with His Majesty and was passing by. Seeing you here, I thought I’d inquire.”wwjJDtdCGuPDqanVzvCowoFMsUqfRR

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Ning Rushen thought he hadn’t been wandering, not like a ghost…dfFgGbgqSDSbKHqKwIVHORbtytthrQ

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Suddenly, his heart skipped a beat.tzxXVpNRIsjsqvsHTRXKZFebKQWbJc

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Those few words echoed in his mind.kLkLQZJQbfjndAhKmoJUIplaIpjBDu

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Ning Rushen sharply looked at Jingxi, a shocking thought forming:FYmLdYKDJwjJUbapnjAOSQMaahrSHo

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“Master, you mean…”XrZATISdYohuRqBDMldLqpXsAESprl

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Jingxi still smiled and asked, “Has the benefactor lost his way?”WtYCLquASnfPWcEMkiHlVZzdLEdxoS

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In the distance, the sound of a bell and drum drifted through the forest, shaking Ning Rushen’s soul. After a moment, he said, “Yes.”BzKmiLFQaqEiwhpChQEXxEOuVyTtPz

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Jingxi replied calmly, “The benefactor still has attachments.”PIQPOCMBgVxuJRPFSsBTvDNVksoTMQ

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Of course. How could he forget the first twenty-plus years of his life? Sometimes he even dreamt of his life in that world.NvdngIlvirWPFsxftTZRTivNSYKgjj

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Just yesterday, he dreamt of being in his dormitory.LfEaOfMQBVRDdcCtEgErVZuYKXllkn

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Dreamt of three versions of Erkang.jdFLkgpTTzLdTyCZHdNgklpGxfoqVP

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“Does the benefactor wish to return?”tDeywElxTUfclniHrgyWKGMAatcfpo

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“I…”TKwRnDNLfKZTxxcMJmiGCVWeFOpyln

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Ning Rushen hadn’t really thought about this question. He had always gone with the flow, but hearing Jingxi ask this, he instinctively asked:krASuTCmahSuyXMaPsQSXFqvKWPFIL

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“Can I go back?”IrMEQeKUvxuafBUkULitIegChjkLNx

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Jingxi didn’t speak, and for a moment, only the wind rustled through the courtyard.tQLhHnYMPTyDAEYcUJkwYeyaFHMnNv

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The red cloth fluttered like waves, the bodhi tree whispered.GjlVFqkwQhosurHhtieYQAmnTAzYuG

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…AoIBalRtDFMLtKguATdxFXZpdJlSDy

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Outside the courtyard, De Quan and the accompanying guards kept their heads down, not daring to make a sound.dTfOumWZZBCQnaXzFZkLqSGskrFfYZ

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Li Wuting stood a step away.JHtjFerhppBYXtOkPhlaOVZoMKXOZP

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He lowered his eyes silently, his fingers curling slightly at his side.nhnKjCfZItJPqRVHULWVgSXqdLuAEm

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