This official is so weak

diDRObfREmeIIZYTable of Contents

Chapter 40

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

pleFkjjuvWLfftd

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

ybyiyKhmAOYOqeW

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

kAxgkdJRqnqXbfQ

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

PDyhtWBeLofBrer

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

dKBfWjWxnFCMEJq

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

HKbpruXLxZdeVQs

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

OJOvMVDBNdpCcUs

“…”JAdtUfAlrHenhcyqnrjAnkdYAdEyfg

yIpiVrzrYcPTCOR

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

UpNKFaeoafsWlCD

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

udEAgbIXyoDAMdq

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

JubLYKFeVLzasTu

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

ZkbLUeCXzeAQOGd

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

mdBGdUAKEKpoZgi

There was still no response from inside.uWGxKGWYDudTzlJEKkxONWpzDUGsTS

nCEqjmPfYVSdcKn

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!jKvCQlnZKVansYPuasHhKprULILxGQ

pzGVusLNCrgAips

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

rbstYrpRWsjpawu

The small room was just a single chamber.tjBdqtXWGdcRvQfAoNnAuStSztYXKt

FSTtoxnoaUsrLJW

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

xkGcLWngEQbgzTM

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.hYEGAJlHGFnMbBHjPEsfJtsJqZFXOB

qEBLiBjrskFdOKA

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

eXLCloTArIcGMgM

The person behind the screen was fully revealed.iHVcIUsLAunTboRmPVubqOMTqPEzaN

cLqWlYCiNjEqPoM

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.cYCVorvNyndkyUDBqxIASBXBTXxPAX

fiieXmfOpFrGuyJ

Li Wuting’s gaze steadfastly avoided the water.excBoMdoKYFBQveRSxgiwXPaOdYWdh

fYCdtuCqIPFjSec

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

bHHjIeQnldnaPwk

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

QdNnHIiKgCilMUg

“…Li Wuting?”DNoKUCleGdBlTBypFTsOqozGyBeiUi

hPCxyQppcxVsDYI

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

BSXMVIvrhafuYVX

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.JUHmpCIVvmcdiLIRxogdfgZDidkZjx

CUvgduGkVZndJhy

The chaotic dreamscape dissipated in an instant!nshBQgJSBKYvKWNobiCOrARbaHdtLW

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

KLDCEtekuHIthbX

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

QfDdNtZUQdmVTwS

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

QaErxinVzVPzJIH

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

UAIWodzLqVvcTYP

“Put this on.”FUTbMLohcnrDzjrjaRPygVRghorrYK

dRWcnidgosZYfAU

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

YvVsvZkUrzUubFJ

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

tcsICKdHIXkHAyR

A surge of heat rushed over him!wbLLuZELSuISQrokLPMDCPMmjqhRGv

sjJMEdcJbsdzsXH

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.wDhDwatJDIUTbVWFiQIEnzEkcEEJVv

rpvPogbvSWGoujV

The person facing him opened his tightly closed eyes.fLjamKqfbviwEmninDtEyqFYJLrdFR

UQDVQEElBwEzPzi

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.TlyqCQdpENwYMUrBsljJxdFsqXHarb

LKmiyxRcmyIgOpA

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

RSWVCDKDfPUlAWx

What’s going on, what happened?qTLBSIToRXGlQrjSMWdjSQNNGuxyrx

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His mind was a mess.wNyRmNFDhugsCMUMBUWFMVwCunMPbb

qncWXbPfkLUHuHD

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

rfxGmJDSmJsPBcA

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

UuJeOKbXzJneyks

“Is Lord Ning okay?”WtjbODZyoDXcqHaYLoaIrYxkzQugcx

hANjxQJIBEMyEPR

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

AyIYAYifLzlBfla

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

QSjploKamBSQjrV

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

JovTpIIbVbDCnVv

Ning Rushen, “…”NGGyPvGNGmDviAcQNFiPluGbBqsPcZ

HccmnxUtUWyUiOb

With the door closed, the room darkened.oBalwKwxyEIpoyEoZywiTOWIkgwnDh

cLmiCJvGmwLNowp

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.TTLiGRJhSxoWFTwzAMcFCWRFaXusHe

dlBQEFSwEadvwFk

The dry towel landed on him.OVZblSjeEmFxiihJKhCFLeCGZUenAj

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Ning Rushen quickly grabbed it to wipe his hair.aGcSjzwTUMEKcQvWhJxVXBDvHLohRs

JziwIYkCwLeqXjT

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.RYQLWwqPjnJzGLwRrtymFBZecYWGLe

pMjoWELjnroAuQc

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

NqxlamSiwySwilo

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

gzMyILIsYnBvJXj

Ning Rushen, “…”NYKIKGpIjgeHYXgrpPMUxpMSwpPbrD

vtAVTHpgNHENiVq

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

tenaoMeWHzLnWrB

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

leQdwzMRfxngYWq

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

gqIJzqiBhFpixFh

“Why were you so tired?”hCiZqWYvPxauFnRoJQbsvgfRhwoTud

VgFVQNvpvuZpZMG

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

cVmxJjqXpIvSOrj

“…For what?”qbDlanebZHDxSoPpmmRtmhJDvLhoyz

ukmgxPeHTWziTrU

“For Your Majesty’s blessing.”vqZDEuRgwvSchtHrKXnLgxJdRpXMra

WvxojbGUqxgTtST

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

HobgFSvVsHoykRJ

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

vPBGRMQRGeKaiYb

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

FljaIrxKUGerfvZ

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

cuJsnAJXDNKvFpn

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

axVCVZDEjdcLsmH

What do you mean, suppose?SESqiEGtgOPjSljvWNbNUZRSBXTzfp

iUNgIPVmgofMMQJ

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

YaJvcJFNGdLvylQ

His outstretched neck still bore traces of water.skiIOQAjcswFoGcsltIXnZldRTCBaM

mtzVmUvOFGxZqqL

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

nzoZZIfeWKVbHOr

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

THlbnhXbxDSNgXd

The moment he spoke, he stopped himself.wQMNKjufPlorLfaUipRKYHbMOKCgUA

tJILBxwybWpgixt

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.OfGgnbxNmrfrOUFyJhPJKpAcZASUMN

NkjHbDunPlKdssT

And reached out to pull him up.gAcRtuMBzLzvOVocQKnkyVVbHKmUyI

ftsfBYzZPwMYAvm

At that time, he hadn’t been…JCwdScOjqnjJdeSJQomhricIpCaofC

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

mJNyogHPCjlSzoF

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

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

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

PZCADHMVaVJWEAN

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

BMVfnnXFlwdbPtj

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

BKtbtgzFBmdWzoe

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

NTDnfqenwomnTCZ

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

qyRZwwBELOTNXRO

“…”DryAretNVuOGEqhujGCIjzUZjXkCfW

ekGIMdXTKyukNwu

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

rsTBKEKfpgPWwoU

Ning Rushen froze, suddenly realizing—YwraTRnoXdCdRtjvIqvwxRrfORjyxK

suFBamTZQVrglIK

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

YjtVXnVASWDpIOn

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

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

qAZSFjZjMQSGnKD

The two stared at each other for a while.oaLIzREaGmTAZlgdAsMQrVtXrdxMpE

KYlUmUbGECgUkXW

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

xRUIrvbxBUPSnwx

“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?”knKsSUUCgAlmxkPtYwawHmYXeHdjTK

AWjlOpnCeubdmfy

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

MyWGjLWcfdHbTBc

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

dLyackokquGvSJB

Then he withdrew his wet hand and stood up.TfmFdcSlKNaJSBTEONfrifHPtdEikF

myzTOzyYKBnxVFj

“At most, call one character.”xEhjhEMvTHTdFNPmgcKTbhdYsJffnG

zetSzLQkcXMswmr

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

uTzJNgjKXJaNPpJ

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

xsIhPTcgaRCMOTF

“Have someone clean up.”YcpRsMkQPHAbspuRXJQeFRUTCzKPNI

kGTKWKQAyIFOnHm

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

qQeNPRxzWrQkEpY

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

EkbmlQxAHEUBCIP

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

txKXhKseOWlgXbx

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

GaWWyrBzCUCqPEd

·KAxblMOWyiIxcRfWssGkRDpTZNhArw

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They rested overnight at Shaojue Temple.KGMWQyobTUunTdRlAHnXjHBOSeWUWc

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

hBTgJOZLHoTvbmM

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

BiiltiRxdZvunuf

Everyone dined in the dining hall.dzTlUwIrPaFgdwVtBIecTmRjCKsXpL

hrPvudTfbTJzWXG

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.aHhjfxFYOeKenKVHuINMCXrPBAXpxX

iwuKfhHVfVyUebv

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

ISbCKVZLfDHDNgU

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

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Their eyes met.NDlUKfPqQOeXUzvAPCqCphFaAWQlFQ

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Ning Rushen instinctively held his breath.LInOzUtiQAhIUiyuEPInLxewIBfKTM

iyAsOzrsbBpefpr

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

VHFjXeFcnVxefsI

“…”WCjLYzaNEOvVfEtGKdjjhWsZDcjAGC

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

jDqseNYqjJRRTEe

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

svGqysvcPoVQAkC

Inside, Li Jingyu was still finishing his meal.FjGhHLfpecxYfcTFYsdGlXDdqGXgbZ

IPjblpsfkcBofpO

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

aozhsvHEnfqwBew

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.”hMJMqcrHhuBDRzwrJwSzOAikOcCKAj

zyEzjydsVHUnKJi

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:DkFEMSdjaZgepYHIEdCsfHXNtjpBkC

loQsojkpKFJtxRH

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

klxZPKPOeMMXuiK

Ning Rushen glanced at the short legs beside him.yLnOexWmaGZXBEbCkAVwILBpbcPnJG

VQvFdJGcSWscVIm

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

wmUaOebMmHFTdsD

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

NMejjzXslpUEIrE

Ning Rushen nodded.cgLLYefOIgzqLlvlscnXEVswEEdCPI

hjUJJqjvJHBNTqt

Li Jingyu waved away the surrounding attendants.arGcehrrrbcwoYAbLIzylnMQkwWiwt

ApkiGbmPeVYmDdB

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.”hJpBKoJLmKORHlzgJhGZDhlGhyMTfl

huNceBNCZnafblu

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

PXbGZYBiLjHuwyf

“‘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.”zIPEajCbICndReJZbnmmwYuMbkCwVQ

EOTBLQBUyfDCgjH

“Why would the late emperor…”InbjkrSpAaCHTenVoIsvhPMovvKDam

gxvoHjfwIdnvAnb

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

PBDwEJpmqbaXmvR

Another secret???dMXDUngfoUXHwFtwLSpzsXQxndZrWI

sQooHhfGdYtxmJo

Ning Rushen felt tense, “Hmm.”ybAezaiCbZXuxByrIZXKqdhxekNLre

SdbaBHAvnHRAkqq

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.”PgNsTiDhIvVODkYFlKUPzPxmtBsToB

DkQSLdLLgfYugUn

“……”gGIJSISdorszQUXiihEJwWPmONCwFI

iEOuzuseUCeVzXe

“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.”BKAPGXQeOsHGJOYJeQRvLNkYShAfzr

VzNAXhkAYpmNxgW

“…”AMkRCsufkfJrhWzNJietYpjpwwXFDn

PURBOYxWoTqoDLP

Ning Rushen took a deep breath.DIaZmWiucxZcMFCSOOKzVvxZqiAJiC

MFcpMJFYQgBoEVb

That was indeed a bit careless—DMqzhugutQmZBUeXUrPytehjZqjkTD

XpHsoBkMRLwUiLl

And why is this yet another useless royal secret!JAtBwMxKGZvoHWUHekrZvwfSqMlUmZ

DnYKPYEeMNPFcop

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

wYWcSUkeAthICBB

Ning Rushen calmed himself, “Nothing.”aGyTRUJUgAlPMAekVVzfaParLrtFnY

DmNgBbhvDxnyPeO

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

hjVAnfOxBCfPbPb

He continued, “What happened next?”RoRuZiMvXoCwLxdnVaVsCteVBtggYw

MlXBpvLQSuoOakf

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.”HOXBPOJsZTvqkxNZkEMpNKWRFjJOaa

WKYVkayjbykKZou

—Chao Jun.mEoGjXOncVSIMeNVCPhGcwDihBuSMw

xSTxEPkGraWDpZo

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

FNeNcboXmWqiAHr

Ning Rushen silently repeated: Chao Jun.NAHoNuWziBgejTUYOXdiNFDgEbxwYi

ouIpxySZJIWKlXq

It indeed suited Li Wuting.PYVNxivNRhtcGdHWNsWckUctjHqNnn

eUJCajDhbiWGZrU

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:tENxDebtNKvSNijpqZDLDfGVfnCFLo

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

LIEKOsndwMnjhFS

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

ROwCMOBMseTdrfb

Li Jingyu looked up, “Hmm?”uQiRhIIiLPWjNUWoYYfQnBzdsjwPBR

YUkFTuNnNZVlvXH

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

cCSHLuMlmrQTrLf

As soon as he spoke, he paused.JhmiUdvzbzPOwjzfwkWjhHiWYsyIfx

jXCrHeYETrjaDdb

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

AstctUKdUdLthAc

“… No!”LOYBufbQsXOgJtntpGyYxOcWzxGBAZ

qekQdpeoeqHQTHt

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

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He must have been cursed by Shiyi.dqkvZNdxyCQbBHZBpJeeXedqypeRUZ

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·msGuRIbnPYqgpKQSxknfeLRFiUtFGa

FtQFCshoOdcPohR

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

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He wandered around.rLqVzsJfgadsdzbYGhcPZPADADPjhG

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

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The serene courtyard was empty.SdXnLYiNijniLjFtAnOyXrpkjipRQe

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

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

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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.yxyaBpvqUHfmguSuyDYJPJDVCsgeNq

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

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“Has the benefactor lost his way?”fLqqxXJfhlHToNOQGKMiwpnQMrxtJl

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

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“No, just wandering.”ZvIcvrSLKLZCQjmJKCofJFiIYbCDKV

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

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

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

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

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He saw Jingxi still smiling kindly.KSPckQVKWTyomopJcVvxtCVioYgzdq

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

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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.”odhjCXHvCYuxVYZpElPGVTazmmtsna

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

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Suddenly, his heart skipped a beat.hVUyyykKilEPvvUbvQhJKATdlTAYdr

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Those few words echoed in his mind.FXGhtMBKCRNJzGgOWdgMulvTFlrUpp

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

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“Master, you mean…”inVuNVUmVzqRslJYCndiuvZuSWrOCl

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

LPCGPveoUhFzHXn

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.”hWBKhyreYtNVbLeVcqQduHBIlliNaK

JoOcDVPQBqXJhuG

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

txPQFnhtlkolSxL

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

VcjpOhhNrflEMxv

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

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Dreamt of three versions of Erkang.UJHNQNQoroblqntkgISPXJFMDGPPPj

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“Does the benefactor wish to return?”HIiduBtmUoXCAxlxulZDbDaHeuTTgf

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“I…”tMcFLjvEaXPjFlQsiXlZDqWdEyDLZn

dkBkitcOncIBuaE

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

cPDHuyDHFDaqCyd

“Can I go back?”xIlZHXfmvVbPqHaHFzGmJdjTheaNoZ

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

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

oooxwUcEPIKVecw

AEtQtVYCSnEHkjvgVGfeVZuwxLzBHH

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

xOAAzraiUMQrIhn

Li Wuting stood a step away.lwnFIcsygCccVxEsmmxavYftSDMmgq

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

JTjDWDOdwdzadzA
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