This official is so weak

Ning Rushen waited for a while but received no response, beginning to suspect that he was being dismissed casually.EyFwQpFKEtMogYIaJjgxLdNvryJkqL

ALfAREPWiSDTYsB

He nodded to Jingxi and said, “I’ll be leaving now.”TCjkliYkZOMQkrNBSueBZRtbjuOYkY

gaImrrlAoYqFUmM

As he walked toward the gate, he was suddenly called back by Jingxi:NZdbnEXPVZQGUSoSBqsIuiFlDVKBHc

WcqAtVCZaeqIzVT

Ning Rushen was startled and asked softly, “Are you sending me off?”wpeCpzFEoLPUmdqUdzKUHxwrKQpZhb

oddMZXTAkeErPKV

Jingxi quickly waved his hand, “Ah… no, no. This is a thousand-year-old Bodhi seed, consecrated by this poor monk with recitations and offered in front of the Buddha for nine hundred ninety-nine days… It only requires fifty merit points now. Do you wish to make an offering?”qRrRKKWiYgRsUDxLbOmrMQdhYNBCft

LTeOoGGttjZEXCn

Seeing Jingxi’s smiling face, Ning Rushen hesitated for a moment before taking out fifty coins, “Then I will make an offering.”zotruKDBdfmlXzqEFQvOmlKPnOwdQQ

VEBLMuWFAsaKZvd

With the Bodhi seed in hand, Ning Rushen left the courtyard.OLXQhiQOgjlYeGyTyWoTVJQsdVQhhK

OgdndhPXeteugiX

Outside, it was quiet and deserted.dEdLpeZNLjrvhlEcVsOkxFDSzXNnuZ

IJfZBdKfGvVdXyb

Looking around, only a few leaves had fallen on the path through the courtyard, leaving shallow traces of the wind’s passage.QeoiOTNfWhndBueGRZQoFwVFmiobks

qWHRwiuOeOCEwUo

He paused for a moment and then walked towards the front hall.tItLMtLkzrAQwhXFSqOyjPmHjKRLVx

mebiWaXppSgrTPZ

In the courtyard of the front hall, several monks were cleaning or studying, with a few guards and temple officials stationed here and there.CfItjmqrWffPEpfOFGLmTbeQysZAHX

IcTLiskwTzxGxDm

Li Jingyu was sitting at a stone table under a tree.wuwRSScvblRDxRpjkKJbUXmJzfQcdK

KzvvXZbkLfhjeTd

Ning Rushen walked over and greeted him, “Your Highness.”hjmenxzlZEWGEInjStmPaqYzyGHLVv

RBWGJJbeLRONGty

“Lord Ning is here,” Li Jingyu said, patting the table, “Please, sit.”YxlLHWOOFkcuDIPRsZEqqwXrKThLhR

dHOXmPuyouaDeLr

Ning Rushen took a seat beside him, “Why are you sitting here alone, Your Highness?”RlNARjYIJRBtdrvpbFRraoHhCzTCsb

fcCWyJLNlKrHjTx

Li Jingyu replied, “I am waiting for my elder brother.”icwZSzwwsMNmaTpieVpRrGjBUXlbcB

aUGkYAibAYyeXhn

Ning Rushen looked around, “Waiting for His Majesty?”TJxihQaZNDLlePGfpBXsIHoHEVOhwt

zRvNAmguQUjBgNg

He had only exchanged glances with Li Wuting that morning and hadn’t spoken to him since.lhefWpzYqTjsDVEgJnspksBaiDIXZo

YDSYkHSluLhNJEs

According to Jingxi, they had been discussing scriptures earlier.QXXbqPFfXYVocgwROnkunyNeDJyKfV

nUihOvgYCtAHYAy

He wondered where they had gone after the discussion.jQLnWXVuPpEECmwqMkdsszzuUaaENJ

XCDDrPAwXKldpDf

Li Jingyu said, “My elder brother is carving a lotus.”DDbeFUqUJRuQtJgSoaMXhClykbiQUP

PspOBHAomTklaFz

“A lotus?”VlQUObiTNbGQkidwkQNHItauTuwJVQ

rbyqWOAQeAByZDL

“Yes, for sincere prayers. He is carving a lotus himself to offer in front of our mother’s everlasting lamp.”sdlddQLIyVaJwcjmtazKOzrrAyfnHW

BDljrAHmvfRAhHu

Ning Rushen murmured thoughtfully.ezLajmkkDiRrOmkMkbamWHGEXKUWjf

CqUEyVBQbdmarqu

Suddenly, Li Jingyu leaned in, “Lord Ning, if you’re secretly trying to find my elder brother, I can take you there.”KjPyrOoRKFswVbGjOhFdAAKZRzCOXj

MhBhbDgaOeDFrhS

“…”tXrRaLDaQfVRsSUUnQEpfkkhKPefwk

WUFZnFgHgQTBnVS

He had already said he wasn’t sneaking around.oKUmdJpOXGPxsDKTGcgCWngVcsFGfw

ZOoItNgigoGgKoJ

Ning Rushen replied, “I won’t disturb His Majesty.”LusDykoxbgKZoTrteTnOrCyTxOsyVO

OUImkIkdvWvdjDf

Li Jingyu looked somewhat disappointed, “Alright then.”udWImgcdMODWZxNrizbuNVMuxQnmah

aQieHdylFBOtWlu

As they chatted, the sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground.pMzezIYGSnMslPhsbPouTDqEdJldcJ

LuIwRzFTOgHEisC

While they were talking, a commotion was heard from the other side.UeAIYCQnwRsXCYzWMJKzuvXZqmkBQP

eqQRuwUNAcXPtmm

Ning Rushen turned his gaze to the sound and saw several palace servants running in a panic.ReScBkCtEDrVQellAxjdBGGtRdWICY

yPEDZMnFIFeAYNn

He felt a sudden tightening in his chest, “What happened?”DBfnFUMUoQUGVTNGboKTiKCEeEsmkd

AymkHHbhZlNqWOD

Li Jingyu quickly summoned a servant to ask.UTGOcSUokmqwuIvwMVdjGTRlUUADJI

AxXnZiksBNGoNjQ

The servant, in a hurry, said, “His Majesty injured his hand, and it’s quite severe!”uFnYFOmanmPkfeHlvLIcNUOXYethDY

fGVumQEKjElxXZw

Ning Rushen’s heart sank: What’s going on?muYvDaXPhbhugCRcNIoaADrzfVWOFC

PQUFjCKnLthLInb

Li Jingyu, frightened, stood up, “I’ll go check!”kYqbJUwEHMMhvXCcJdvUfRSmdQYQLS

JYsEGbuLObdOsRj

Ning Rushen quickly followed, “I’ll go too.”nKnFBZEaSXXqgjyRuvGcKLPdFTYCUM

nkSFtraPqgYGUnP

The two of them hurriedly followed the palace servant to a secluded courtyard, which was already in an uproar.LfrSaxSHZZwZDPRFXWfbOEyvrflvgN

NLoIhCGzlqFNwJK

Ning Rushen stepped into the courtyard and took a look.zZsiZzMWDphaqUAWNeZXddZRdSnrAb

NQETrtDEIcvIGoU

Li Wuting was sitting at a stone table, his profile cold and calm. His extended left arm was resting on the table, palm gripping a blood-soaked silk cloth used to temporarily stop the bleeding, stained with patches of blood.FeoxMCcGOEuonGWaprKoxjqVXpuzUa

ljzSGsbYLEyDeFy

The half-carved lotus lay beside him.YigpqsDFmUzgAPiToKszmPasRGPDkH

MuniPCAoqeQnbzM

Because it was stained with blood, it could no longer be used.OcUWQfnXvxcyjyHOGkHDNuLphdmseJ

rXNtYMIwpUHqHmM

Ning Rushen took a deep breath and said, “Your Majesty…”lewZBAloGTkEktOEsJTlGOubUHBVny

LlUQGdIhzxmgOxG

With the noisy crowd in the courtyard, his voice was not loud.UATnvVDlXWanoXNdeeUIobnNcosXzx

ZumCrXvczyvruMi

However, Li Wuting seemed to have heard him and turned his head to look.BhDnSqImtzadCZXECkPBQKPaEXIUqD

lHsrlEQMpgFLgqr

His deep gaze cut through the chaos around him and settled on Ning Rushen.mQTRGUwljBtVUlJRXQHEQlywgvuruW

cPfYqwGTsqyfylY

Ning Rushen walked a few steps closer.pzxIvyKzWqswOMOOgAiZEuoLJSCklf

lSNoszkPoZCEzvL

Li Jingyu was anxiously calling out. The surrounding area was in disarray, with the attending doctors bringing medicines, a basin of water, and bandages, preparing to clean and dress the wound.GHmNhGmOVSNkGWStNPCjCGntiSwDQV

LTngkRbFVMNwIAN

Just as they were about to move, they were gently stopped.jhBwOVCslPyJuTulgGZdqWorvxbFsw

BRmjzOJGxTJsFBn

“No need, I will do it myself,” Li Wuting said.ObzDZNuUwPSrkfpwEfZmLCUSLCtDOy

yebwOItEwmIGkXD

The doctors were alarmed, “Your Majesty, this is not appropriate!”HGtRXYMVhswTlhWavuURUcKeFMQISq

vOSvPivKhPShEHD

“It’s just a minor injury.”rtJiNfRzblkgBmJNMVnIfkEyhqkLvH

HhUHnPJsYeJCZes

Li Wuting said this as he took the wet cloth himself.QJueNjGdBxDgSMnhJbUSNAUinNbgqF

TrIOJvjeCWqYcKK

The cloth, soaked in blood, turned the water in the basin red.PazlhylxatwDbcVWOhGNaOcmSIpYsj

YFLLVHlqMblGxoz

Ning Rushen felt pained just watching, unconsciously tightening his sleeve as he looked at the scene. As he did, he noticed De Quan’s gaze, which was as intense as an emergency signal.gfxrOQIEzRXemyCjOEZkukimALIUZJ

yswtpiiwYjIXhOa

He turned to look:?qjWwgyaTjztcczDNAaQrpiASkEvvli

cBHBluTwnloaPfm

De Quan’s eyes were filled with complex emotions—surprise, frustration, and a mix of others. He seemed to want to say something but ended up summarizing it in two words: “Go ahead!”hQWxiGkhTncuITOsGYmJdFxkRdsXNA

CImHpZiPTfKAxoG

Ning Rushen, “…”zOmbWuMBhiMqvKFrnQwtEJyJkCLykP

crGcysNeiSZaEae

In a few breaths, Li Wuting had already cleaned the wound.DtflPitHVakejpJcDEmgpYbrNkNaeo

xThrDuxWkacVfvX

It seemed he still didn’t intend to let anyone else handle it, and he was preparing to apply medicine and bandage the wound himself with one hand.UfSwGpXeCNcUlxuuIjIngCbNfmiLMH

zvWyMxJrRMagfum

Ning Rushen couldn’t help but say, “Your Majesty, let me do it.”FCPuKpWGRQOkehAFrlMkHzyEOHxmUJ

NOxAelPpJREQfWy

Li Wuting paused and looked at him.WlXYljgehNCJBSbkClShRZHQkmEZlI

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Just when Ning Rushen thought he would be refused, Li Wuting moved his hand closer to him and said, “Hmm.”DYDBzHdQZxUYIBFzsLNJKlYkPEcWOm

bhhtlnmcdUrwZRj

…Hmm?MphFkXLbnCieaKBdHDpTyRiWGzvvbJ

YCRtrGBTGthNkoe

Ning Rushen was momentarily stunned before sitting next to Li Wuting and pulling his hand closer.ccGetxoRdbxSSGSVvFsdetLhsBYuvR

RMTAEYmhmlAOIol

The warm, large palm was held in his hand.dkvbOzMZMWubTAzhQxeGPDJbfKqynT

ogwOHgjofcehUYI

Ning Rushen then realized that Li Wuting’s injury was not minor.dkqAuTudIWkvJZiaiLeqzCEBLeViPx

qwjIOPDPLAkFVKM

The wound was still seeping blood, with what seemed like wood splinters at the edges. The palm’s complex lines indicated a life full of hardships.RnWYDkqtBugePoTWfiowRwedQTkBjd

shLRVXojmRIEzSV

Ning Rushen felt a pang of worry for him.UaYcvGbbhrFcQlFlBtTuXmSJTPmteF

FgxSrEtIptPcmWO

He sighed inwardly, holding Li Wuting’s hand gently and lowering his head to clean the wound.AKDgUZABsWNuiFhCNtloMZqRBQFcSm

bwcCudebKYWKtba

Soft fingertips carefully pressed against the rough palm.cHoORirMqmbiYIAfzbeTnaMGuSwcIG

uUMXVxgtFdQBLoK

Fine medicinal powder was sprinkled on the wound.nUwLpBMXTeqGBYXoQuXpTLnYxVXqNx

LOgnbGCmFocFoQi

Ning Rushen focused on treating the wound. To make it easier, he naturally rested Li Wuting’s arm against himself. This close posture allowed his hair to fall and intertwine with their overlapping arms.xzoBvvYtgRYQiUiRAIrNbMxqnBNWYz

nJoeEJYpRFkFrYn

The palace servants in the courtyard had long lowered their heads and stopped making noise.QAaOVIRLNThdcMVMHlftoqpbXXXEuz

HiIZijNVTTqBZPA

Ning Rushen’s eyelashes drooped as he worked gently.EhOApgAucaaelktmpsLfXwRlbqyiKS

ItfxYezvmztcpJA

He applied the medicine and blew on the wound to ease the pain. When he blew on it, he couldn’t help but hiss in sympathy.kiUaghTFGrYwnbOEvcvGweCOeiIUTo

wIskxXYZKKqzXzS

Li Wuting, “…”TXQknrTfXANTzMiVpxdYAAYbZRaQMq

LnjrRloTnRFGjYK

In the quiet courtyard, only the sound of Ning Rushen’s hissing could be heard.juBYrZoNyYjniwBUSyJuGorrnJSZSn

ggMywZGQVkYBIzd

Li Wuting watched him with puffed cheeks for a moment before finally speaking:cauTkPxmTsxyklpnVxazCyyNBkQipn

UuNKfsBoJjmrYAV

“If my perception is correct, the one injured should be me?”dhCmcNLMZbhtgqeHZrBgGlLbJZwWDE

oHBtQkpzEndGZeU

“…”WfmPQnnnqskShiAQWuBqoCaRZAaPNF

wnAjdkCySLZyRSo

Ning Rushen paused and said, somewhat embarrassed, “I have a strong sense of empathy.”wvDUPLtiNIgyprRbHOBeCtDaiITHZD

IuzypmuEpkdZIcf

Li Wuting said softly, “Stronger than mine.”nDSmMDuzMKHvOiQncokwddtfOCRxMJ

HOLtgHSrZKkqTsW

Ning Rushen looked at him, “Doesn’t it hurt, Your Majesty?”HkTqxxyRlnWUnBGQhyxqeqdlxzutEd

vhEhqmmhiYlMGhc

After hearing this, Li Wuting stared at him for a few seconds. Then his eyelashes lowered, and he curled his fingers without speaking.UjtnWYRyEHpQHtaPPbSBiptwzlxwxM

wBJtSHYUoBgHClV

Ning Rushen sighed inwardly: It must still hurt.BQZTATKWkEvtmtPfOCAFCcBICQJqHR

uMAQvpRbKiYJsIw

But according to Li Wuting’s character, he probably wouldn’t admit it even if it did. Xuan Wang had mentioned before that Li Wuting preferred to bear everything himself.ThhjehEkpgJWxDAJYFntmItoLrceJU

bhFrWhAjsXAhaKv

He was used to hiding his suffering.aspaiTOSpUOfDEEUfDInugQfGgdHBS

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Ning Rushen finished applying the medicine and took up the bandage.aYZGnYhjHAyuyWqRYRUHwYSETPOnWe

hgaaANMZmhEwPCa

At that moment, a commotion was heard at the courtyard gate.xBVUEksjPzjisHHctFoznvubCahQha

wkIivCECwWWgEmJ

He turned to see the Empress Dowager hastily arriving, “Your Majesty!”MrnfEoMbIPuLwQJgSAArHecmVBIxms

CkDCWHJhEuCQrhx

The Empress Dowager’s gaze fell upon Ning Rushen for a moment, but she quickly refocused on Li Wuting’s injury:swTcWLWEApxltJKxlNrWohBUkiWbzb

JVhzyUEDUxJLqtF

“Has someone examined the wound?”STPXZCiWqlmlVATQmUmLfFPkitmOjH

MWsKzFAIkEVswmA

Li Wuting said, “It’s just a minor injury, nothing serious.”RyCeXiCgNayqqbieKiBHjjgSahswEG

SPrbFOQPGYOWEsj

The Empress Dowager, worried, asked, “How did you get injured?”cJqLPQdWfCpSgcgFfqXpdVQdMEWONL

gtYOtlPHkEXfqaE

Ning Rushen, who was focused on bandaging, overheard the conversation. After a few moments of silence, he said:iYEnMfXfHwgDNRAzTjxyueKzdTJdqs

TuNdHmqwUzFZxmF

“I was momentarily distracted and didn’t notice.”dCbCCHcgYiMvaExwJpSBbVwQFFfpdD

jndQuZUmpJnBEOS

…Li Wuting can get distracted too?CEuNNWJydWzICBlGHcjaiUGqYGPkZe

DqasSVWUwYutnCx

Ning Rushen’s thoughts wandered as he finished bandaging the wound.faVDHhyjsXicZCjudQZvbiHWArpoFV

wdbYCCetMUWfDOe

Just as he was about to withdraw his hand, Li Wuting’s fingertips gently brushed against him.IFxszWrYfYdDZuJNRwNXJfQqbVOSOD

uauoNlRydRANoZc

The touch seemed to be trying to hold on to him.NFuNjPsaFaemFwzqfCNzgxVrJeThle

yvuxbZSmdYwpWXv

Ning Rushen was taken aback and looked at him, “?”DOmIjDVVRCGntVlqRAdfRvqwPskAxj

PPZstbHCBMwEKFx

But when he looked up, Li Wuting’s expression was still the same.gMQIWFIhLlYWKLknnKkPnUZhCDxzNP

fpWooqezuXvwfth

Ning Rushen thought he might be overthinking: Perhaps Li Wuting’s pain made his fingers reflexively twitch.FOMchuDZrNqrmGNueJhACpsrthUZbs

WvwWbjyxZRUOtUr

After Li Wuting finished tending to his hand injury, he needed to carve a new lotus flower since the one he had been working on was stained with blood and could no longer be used.FrhZqraMyKyrmIbPShpxLhHYPRXRXr

VIuqzVRhLGdNFbv

The Empress Dowager’s persuasion was in vain, and she left after giving a few instructions.XvZrgwUmVMKjizovQXsFxYoAhICUKO

ZagneKvYTKECVdZ

Ning Rushen stood aside, “Then I’ll take my leave as well?”tzgpzorqHUJDwfXzQFPcSsKPVWlNVn

tmPubGFRPUVmOAM

Li Wuting glanced at him, “You may go.”JJFrQHNyPIdhXdZCvYcSxPbNNYjNhA

jbpCDRrmBbVqsjV

Ning Rushen then left with Li Jingyu.ktxFQNRAhDKtJBHjXmEArjXeXVfwfL

DVXXKZzxEYwWuDB

The other palace servants were also dismissed, leaving only De Quan to attend to matters.UVMhgQWSqWMpJmeEsZjExTlGaseaZG

FkEuhNTiGjtPVGT

With everyone gone, the courtyard returned to tranquility.SRkXlHZIzJhXcFIfWCuRjIUaClPQSr

NyRsoTCvHiZlgmK

De Quan looked worried, “Your Majesty…”SktivTBKxOcqfUTMWvFtffaIaVBMTG

BOQSwiACHtwZAMk

Li Wuting raised a hand to silence him and picked up a new piece of sandalwood to start carving again:CImQRQCXDJxLDnWQAeZUjXHWxrRFzE

oXMZiQgTtrbrVQa

“First, carve the lotus for my mother.”ttQwMwveohYiGPfOLBaBpONnkHMFJI

GEjtGLYQuieRhVP

“Yes, Your Majesty.”akNAuOWBNImbkwvmlVSYLXyTHXotTJ

ZpAnMRrGoEDqjsk

…VeHkumxUqqOHcDqdjFdAogQUGnKtlx

bNwHMtlpZjtqyes

Half an hour later.ukhSZKEufqhfDbrlVsEmEOrRhgZTvn

NAfKRBPrAaOOXHY

A newly carved lotus flower was placed on the table.jBZFxEdFYgkihagdJZkOpFiKRSTtrk

yjozgRjeOjEdvDc

Li Wuting let out a sigh and set the small knife aside.nZnIBvaFCLAehWKlRiOJiVfDbvpdfG

OxGgRYrnPqquSqg

The injury on his left hand was starting to seep blood again, so he removed the bandage and asked De Quan to bring new medicine and a clean cloth.YNnhKWelwEcRpyaiTZMewbswEwpmAW

yWUbkcFeAGQIdVH

The bandage was set aside, revealing a few red spots on his palm.akaJtukxkCMzkrxjSXHtzzCqjbiIcY

aeOEKpyZeIRCsyg

Li Wuting did not let De Quan assist and took care of it himself.FcpzGEPiRZDCpMFaMSFlnTSsrLCahc

nYwbVXquDSdMfcd

De Quan sighed as he watched, thinking about the earlier conversation he overheard outside the mountain courtyard. He was quite anxious:tmRKTjtkEmbphxLdFHRQuVSfIrwKEY

JPrTvrOHtCYnExp

Where was Lord Ning planning to go?GLQHfGAJXaFHOeJhOUUZtUzpekhCUE

qEdcYArLliDjRko

Could he still be thinking about retiring?EgUUWKhdzJVfdEPYpApkvcnXOmFkeQ

FoabXDxhFDpnpHX

The Emperor seemed quite concerned. Judging by his expression, he was still preoccupied.UPLeNlhuzqNllHeVRXaNMGzDKgYUVZ

WpnqquXXLfPoNKZ

De Quan took a bold step and advised, “Your Majesty need not worry. With the imperial decree, Lord Ning cannot just resign and leave. Moreover, I see that Lord Ning seems very concerned about Your Majesty and wouldn’t leave.”DxWRDKeuTSvVUDMxWQBYEmOvrDETfP

OIrDWkwKOjbZVYV

Upon hearing this, Li Wuting fell silent for a moment.egUsNvQPsuqLPandlVFNCncySYAVnr

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“It’s not as you think…”iCRBvHceJeUWZrhzkWzGSMqMPViYzL

YWIxuKolziSRHTE

He lowered his eyes and gently wiped the bloodstains from his palm, his refined demeanor still exuding the noble bearing of a ruler. “Besides, I do not force others to do anything.”fcjMIXPKEOoQCOMkSyRRbrSXWMpPaP

eHzElTQDBcSOIUH

De Quan sighed, thinking: The Emperor says that, but why did he seem to pierce his palm when he only heard the mention of “Lord Ning” from a palace servant?TtNuJutpkIRtvzrHoxvfFbFifcaZRr

tIooDkZlyxaiJXs

And still clung to that lotus flower?KUhZcPzEyQvaEMMcncFxGizToBDsuS

NsADLPinvBcsBpl

As he pondered, Li Wuting had finished rebandaging his hand and stood up, “Call someone to take the lotus to the rear hall for the eternal lamp.”FSYnpKzmrgwSpEOETPxeoHimCgSUVT

lzVhsjxKwBcHOFe

De Quan answered, “Yes.”cBekIAaAviWQTjJatCsfdIjRRWMroV

rOniElgXaCziRpL

“And,” Li Wuting pursed his lips, “send a palace servant down the mountain…”zEtAhsyPlDuqBVBsdXuKgXMyUVNVBZ

ZddcufhkElKJbnv

After giving these orders, De Quan’s worried expression cleared.NqxUXgYVfUBJJYmdNsUMMBApxvsSUU

NUQCtBLbfQoBJlD

He bowed and smiled brightly, “Yes, Your Majesty~”KFYWmyWtQmizuflezyQKQikyRAfKbd

lWJauXboAzyhQii

·YbIjDEjFMqANgdSEbAkavwSffZZBgq

GkkedjsqTCjooUr

The final part of the visit to Shaojue Temple was to offer the eternal lamp to the Empress Xian.XETYQzUyznKEPyTSOuYTwddfYlnEIh

aHlMXUZtewZQSZI

Li Jingyu and the Empress Dowager, as close relatives, had to go together.bWtGbSPSZvVdcTnkgrkgSWRvJzoEnh

ApOjdKOSamriUZE

The accompanying palace servants, guards, and officials also went to the rear hall.mAkoyQEczTkJAdioVNvjZoLTbGDsDm

MzsvGJnsCpboFHJ

Ning Rushen went with Li Jingyu.xRxWbrstfTsBSXlRrQWUXANkrfuRGs

lYUYhqrPFMGlxcz

When they arrived at the main hall, there was a whole wall of hundred eternal lamps burning from top to bottom, with flickering flames casting a golden, sacred glow.PZdGDVxMXpwuHujXCCGywWxzeZghDu

gjnSaoKYSXqMrRQ

Li Wuting was standing at the front of the hall, his posture tall and elegant.etsSdLqBsoViIRDhcupMzOwVPzsedr

OrakCQYtWFkiZLa

Ning Rushen walked over and saw that he was already holding a new lotus flower, “How is Your Majesty’s hand injury?”YACxyXbJxlNGqIeQganBKfKCDKTWDj

LwMdvwsUttmuBQl

Li Wuting looked at him, “Lord Ning’s medical skills are excellent, so it is naturally fine.”lDDDFGSYxOehOSonAmuFJWpZVXDWzj

guiYLSnBQhTGeEd

“…”VEwwTGjlhZqUFDpUDlnZwDNJTDbvzr

nbPrmeQNQInFqJz

Why is he still thinking about his “local medical skills”?SrWJiVmQGMvRePRANCTEWOHBsUcsii

eJwkJtaWAtdFnMi

Ning Rushen said quietly, “Mainly, Your Majesty looks good.”TKVMEagAKYOQwpqyadMbLcCdNeGvqW

yEGerLaEgseCXKX

Li Wuting met his gaze and smiled lightly.zkiuLNGBliHUuVzwpVwupZJcyUfYrL

REmBhgyrCGokBvQ

In the midst of their conversation, the Empress Dowager arrived, “Your Majesty.”eecnNQiCzkNtsCfvRdNPLSDyjCxvqc

yHHuQhcRaheaqjK

Li Wuting nodded, his expression softening as he stepped into the hall first, “Let’s go.”jxFCAytYEIYCdpRVSJUKwcrxRRbSnt

FVAZOfwETqWMnPx

As he moved, Ning Rushen habitually followed.cvyrhZvrfgoevFHBiDtLNcHIjXQqTA

SuXtyffYEgkZZQY

Standing a few steps away, the Director of the Monastic Bureau, Zuo Shanshi, was stunned!HRoJFedkdzqTWfygeEyzJKahvjkQoJ

pTbKBNAdGmPlfKE

He was about to call out to them when he was stopped by De Quan, who was using a feather duster to block him and observing with a serene expression:YLVRLXPqBgrIKsXOdISjPSFBvphCSs

LiZKLBukgEuvfId

Ah, how perceptive of us～ErfihbOcawkeUckFElGpNXseNkiuVk

bcDgPBNsrfzwGcn

Inside the hall, Li Wuting glanced at Ning Rushen who had entered with him, his lips moving as if to say something but then hesitating.DBLWSmmcvyfSGVcTJcKIylujjZkDFJ

tBHAfMFPcytIjqx

Ning Rushen wondered, “?”ciFTUkmwuhMeYCijQdrYkQWOLtGDdI

cIPPsaREIhkYeoN

Li Wuting used his eyes to indicate: Stand aside for now.RZdadqKpeodhytVYOvaflNuRfxVDQY

DQgmbWWMMfUsHJS

Ning Rushen: Mm-hmm.XaXfaECqxGuJJRkBqPdzpLSLQKVofG

uBNOxXYgXBLMzKQ

On the other side, the Empress Dowager glanced at both of them, first at Ning Rushen, then at Li Wuting.oxBeRerYRxhdFWJUfzZwGySmaGQgQA

zTyZROVVixbIAPT

After a moment, she turned her attention back and said nothing.uWQxLOcDsjTNQujQDArPxMtSlPInPb

AQgMzfyGiBbMfyP

…WiPPHegnjkqrQZGEnUGmQELTTfIaml

EwJlHlkPQyTKlok

The eternal lamp for Empress Xian was placed in front of the altar.HdFmuKXPjRBQcVsIiKGIHJGSxYzwsy

GNeedNenlqvgewZ

Li Wuting, Li Jingyu, and the Empress Dowager were praying in the front.cuoGioTJAckiedobFykidezLKhligk

hcwbwRPcZjvKXJy

Ning Rushen stood in the side and rear, watching the flickering flames of the eternal lamp with Empress Xian’s name inscribed on it. He thought: This is Empress Xian, Li Wuting’s birth mother. She must have been a gentle and refined woman in life…qhwpxTiafANJwuGyxvTqnjhkdshYGB

dyIhIsTSCgTpJJh

Except for the time she pierced Xuan Wang’s face.BHKbrCaZRScNbaiptfDNkWJVistXtg

otVYkXNAgKnoYhi

And called her own son by the wrong name.UYObbaojODYevnTRPsyQEUVicyWGYq

FgCDfwHuefRwPEi

After observing for a while, he bowed and joined his hands in prayer.llWhFobqzlsWYfBcgckcKLYSokMmwi

rKjasteZmYlUNgE

·FTHxWvMzRBnSITFMRVHpYJOISzMQRU

quSyERmTmmTGOGe

After offering the eternal lamp to Empress Xian, the group prepared to return.hVsrWyjYkphhAGZNKFqrqWaIGfECwG

RJHbWkcZMsfqAKA

They packed up and bid farewell to Shaojue Temple.FPQoKtWjQvXUQEePkHtUTIglRkAEbb

HZZSgcMDdlNRKsD

The return was much less ceremonious.ntIuSNvhrKEuLjhQuJSnVhqZVCwhBX

QEwfNlJZsHyzFVK

As Ning Rushen was about to get back into his carriage, he was suddenly stopped by a palace servant:QsKpeYjmrEMqcGDUVqmtFTeBAgCmUF

hsSdWfmWygIOEhq

“Lord Ning, His Majesty summons you to the palace.”DXkJXEjhZKqBlJCZHwZisJJTktcopO

XqfcHlgapSERFpo

“?” Ning Rushen responded, “Yes.”KUZKPDosEwxHzjwjxLjwftkBGmsMZF

ZFkSMzauecMsfLC

This time, when leaving the palace, there were hundreds of officials accompanying them.EquHcvopAVrNxuiEgYVJfufDtxGPhV

nudDJXIRogPHUom

Li Wuting was no longer riding in the green carriage.llzNWBJJsIpGPnnYAvlEWOInzHPewf

TwQOYtvlUIlybOT

When Ning Rushen arrived at the yellow carriage, he was momentarily dazzled by its golden splendor, until De Quan’s face appeared through the curtain:ooQUlVKSFXRBMDnoSzYtujORiFLykH

BDOxrXNQZcZKQPG

“Lord Ning, what are you dawdling for? Get in!”NxbdMTLJtOAMkvflbZZZanzUzNmtni

xVQmniskSqgtOyd

Ning Rushen glanced again at the luxurious carriage and climbed in.qOAXxjHjKYyttLLKLpTmTdROUGHlwn

SatwFPVTsxbAbXq

When he lifted the curtain and entered—cOOIqoKRDKhktGYXQhFKmINAkqVxFP

TaQkivvquAOwljP

It seemed the interior had been upgraded, and everything appeared much more luxurious.gKzTUyfJHGjoAnQgjgaUzGgsLVqHzw

jVxaAFuHHVBnyQp

Li Wuting was seated inside, with a pile of blankets arranged next to him, forming a cozy nest.jYAwBoVTYwDqvIdvUXinYOfeOMwsfY

DpCBhNhonpTVJLG

Ning Rushen, “…”qkkBfXKBFryfRUFPrRGYXxFOGmLbce

RXnyNdYTuZSAhPJ

Ning Rushen was taken aback by the inviting sight and immediately gave in, snuggling into the pile of blankets with such comfort that he almost sprawled out in front of Li Wuting. “Your Majesty, is this the seat reserved for me?”dMQfvntCjhRLYwhSPdUablrRCJoyfS

ZhsVYzENAZeUTvF

Li Wuting glanced at him, “Or else, is it something I made out of fabric?”dlZCouOBWqEoSvclOiwlwnmxGdfQoG

HuYqIESFQoAtysR

“…” Oh, again with the sarcasm.aOrOvLZxSLMhUYRurGTOUkPtIKRuDc

oxwjfgqiNpvknUa

Just as Ning Rushen settled in, a box of pastries was pushed toward him.lkjYSxPqPVRjWGkpOWMmdAVyvFEomR

bFEllCTkdVQbMpR

“Just arrived from someone.”TlWlOdDcGUtQcJrcDNZcUjNJpSdcVS

OFTdjUZXcwLUHZK

“??”MJMalfINoVQGlpfltEBTivzRTTJqIa

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The pastries included both sweet and meat-filled types.dcNwtjfcnXQbucsPpQiFEaBViMIwBo

ipPtOyYONKjNoiN

After eating vegetarian dishes at the temple for the past few days, the sudden smell of meat made Ning Rushen’s heart race.WJVdfYvkCYvrjuDuUyByWdJnlHgvvq

nMKmcmxYRvbPAXp

He looked at Li Wuting in surprise, “Is this also for me?”QynXJoZpDGtDeNLByGMsBsoVWrMnMW

zgsubwQJmBKWrkc

Li Wuting tapped the table and said softly, “For Lord Ning to sample.”cOJhsbsMXROKbWgmNgmiPZxbbZkQck

UkERDxUfFTFyHjF

“…”vIMAKEjKLvZrlvKqXjqxTeUWjYyYEG

DiujYPjqZwdvJxV

Ning Rushen took a deep breath and sampled a piece. The pastries were delicious, and the nest of blankets was comfortable, but he couldn’t shake the feeling:EkKpWfMHjZfOiZcwBWkYyLiyJybeAa

sAwKDnyQjEGLYFz

Li Wuting seemed unhappy but was being unusually kind to him.oYBCxRyGjZvtCahSgsUdwNwRyBjfMq

giICpgfLXNCQVJP

He glanced at Li Wuting’s expression while eating.ParqnBBqrTJwfrejaOsEzWzCTLclBh

hwpPEBLAGcusJeR

Li Wuting’s face, already pale, flickered intermittently in his peripheral vision.tdGhmXArLmlvCJuBWcACjfNluALNCy

nNDtFpJpKbzwcat

Li Wuting, feeling a headache coming on, asked, “What are you fidgeting about?”jrcxsEpiysQcNYAcueDEGRvmCkaWjv

vFSQTTMeBjtlCUW

Ning Rushen, “I dare to ask, this isn’t some last meal, is it?”cKqeEiKOCnJnDXmahDaPulMTawmJtO

CgZulXcwFylLohJ

“…” Li Wuting, “Stop with the wild thoughts.”ydrqxNnsNRXOPxtiClOIZWOPSZYcGH

vtFFoBmzLtqARxr

Ning Rushen, “There are often stories of people being given a meal before—”cckmxDvExnSmAgzRkHdOFkKsIeTvSZ

gRRTlDOHKSWHRkg

Halfway through his sentence, he noticed Li Wuting’s eyelashes tremble slightly. Li Wuting then pursed his lips and said lightly:HOlbFNpYqlvyYlUHVmrolhPSPAKEvr

dzaVlkQePOsCZPf

“It seems, Lord Ning, you truly want to leave.”rkOuqTzgcsGzwEeHKRuyggwRjShSdx

PJhumSDsmklMkvo

Ning Rushen: ………IpVJWNRzJhRnUaQLWwnJpVReQPrQbU

iYHpJqkIzbSxKMf

Ning Rushen: ???cuFKFUXTTBtTdwNcQrPAgTlETaratF

rhvthuWGpRNUeJY

After Li Wuting finished speaking, he turned away and fell silent.VasPqRxnhMMtJkxfMNhMDmxkdMSGNi

OCPsFnhfjdymcXm

Ning Rushen stared at his cold profile, wondering if he had triggered some taboo phrase. Where did this “wanting to leave” come from?LKvdjFwmFCbpCQqVagjhVLTSbpUAtx

EhIysBSdJDlKIix

He leaned closer, “Your Majesty, where am I—”SUZJJoGSSieeYpdeparBEPmkOvmRaz

CXVwDGgRqRkztvC

“Is someone spreading rumors to Your Majesty?”qzpXShvnhOBgmBLeIfmYxCIBxlObYU

UuoGDuUerbIczEf

“Oh, is it Shiyi? I thought he might be putting a hex on someone—”VVmDbViHGFWzjEBTTzCZtuNORLBLXf

xoziHtHlpwuRbEA

Despite his guesses, Li Wuting remained unresponsive.qCBybDIbHVecbrhFRQvLnlqsYbxeRs

dbzpmlIrMTwbXuR

The buried emotions and unspoken prophecies weighed heavily on his heart.KsPJclKSNtYMUHPsPNHWcnnFmEfLYO

ptQYQRItSTNpYAk

His left hand in his sleeve tightened slightly, the injury pressing painfully.dbEhmwlAbyKLwQYvRqBYBLeEyHJwrP

iiMAvnTtLYkhdzP

Ning Rushen, after several unanswered calls, said, “Your Majesty?”cUlXHiZoblEoDPYKDYJsrjfRpQasWJ

gznhUQMXcERvhIv

He tugged at Li Wuting’s sleeve again, “Your Majesty, can you clarify things for me?”hNZVllLmtnaBMEsYLphdgLiVPmqKeT

pCdDgEyVXcuSvMq

Li Wuting, looking down, did not respond. Yet the nest of blankets remained soft, and the pastries were still warm.vHBzFsToCkfoyvpiPXFZgQbJRuOKiw

YTDQzrQBApkjgxa

Ning Rushen, noting the suddenly disturbed expression on Li Wuting’s face, glanced at De Quan, who had closed his ears in the corner.xaanhwHGQiXacWxCeClHbUaXRgfVaN

vgcNxQRJqPccCWj

Then he leaned in and whispered, “…The Chancellor?”dDhixKCIyGaODmenfPAUKfdEVIBgRn

itndoEgYfdLHOnk