This official is so weak

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

iuswoovEiokiGMY

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

THYMoMXQCmYjWTH

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

RQNSBRAWLIveHmN

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

zvgZaFieaYCXtxp

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?”JsPUaGIfLFhMxhISPqNbLzrFaiaJxR

gQdKUICuJHFPIMr

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

fggMGBcxjnmcVXY

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

hIqvNPNGLPmXsMY

Outside, it was quiet and deserted.FDNjzUDgnstnXDexumaaczTGGkkqsc

UiBaYryRDlsjgYt

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

OgUGxfpfpfXyIKJ

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

WjarKsdsRCHFqXU

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

HdJiDCMLKJREYTn

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

wOOwCREcgISTCxd

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

uHvjwQXPIKhufHB

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

ocpHWpfmIrITDlk

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

WNOqnyUqxVKhDKb

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

jemxMreoclDJAzY

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

uNDCMMWvNVPTDNi

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

zUafCtXAlpgcfUB

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

ujRtSsFCUZdBYau

He wondered where they had gone after the discussion.ZDoOmIuxgrsyZpOYccQrGVzHpIxRVv

YQwbQMuELnbDYSv

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

uefunSUYpPOPRnd

“A lotus?”evyPkaKiPyNCbiaMACrMTQdILNFIlp

HUfZavKwjGhavtw

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

HGIhbitbjaOOuFA

Ning Rushen murmured thoughtfully.lFhXPEgjSJJzCKElHpBfKZKBFVifkL

AGqOiJgsyjrCxzU

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

xkexHcrPRqeprci

“…”HSkbTskhKmDMfkSyxiwOPgJUZHxYbr

wZMdEnxSeiMBiaM

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

UuyRdCHjwlEdySx

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

OyVMMxDChrpSADK

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

SOxcFfBTxFboBUK

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

XboTjfpIgXKkTYF

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

vNVwINlbSKompdU

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

vANPyAIHNhNpUJQ

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

IwScFEmUrQcAJNj

Li Jingyu quickly summoned a servant to ask.JSogWoUZJedZXgFmKOxAYirEPOYYYv

CztXIDrbZiLabsk

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

qRTnfLvcSYdzbwP

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

DZUsYzxpMCmvbMr

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

vIEtArhQWDuLzsj

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

bMoXEsjjQKiFBCi

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

qUSaowJcdRHZqra

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

AEBDJMFPEEbWwoQ

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.PtXCGOGrbFYiMxasbZiSSgNktjRgnr

LpFDVNahUpoXIsM

The half-carved lotus lay beside him.zRJGCyxmVzpoKAHUOnvphmDQFsPrTo

xmNHuKPpcVyamwu

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

fLiLpTSKGZZckXM

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

eNjByVpYVbKsZJh

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

lqEGJhcRRoOUbUD

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

gZlRKCFBeLOHuMt

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

BZJqGPLynCOowCU

Ning Rushen walked a few steps closer.FrOfqRXtUZQJCVnjwLeOWoYNXpeCIV

ifFHtYuJERRHaQY

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.GclnNGtUyPrvzJCpSBPRKhpuMdBQAL

LaQvHTWhKrzOPLo

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

DGAFWyJCiBXmWmX

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

SDRYkhbyFiKHNnb

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

QYYbxoaKxAyVQxz

“It’s just a minor injury.”vnlPOqIzwIfQJhdglDtqvAHRvTwImL

GzLroiXVdOPIztW

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

CSMTkBWIPYqGCZN

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

MApgnxQEyHGwjeo

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.dVwYrJjyqjPkgRGBYerQWRRhYnabGm

oBXXtRqQoqgBqKx

He turned to look:?AmQSqlEMJdhBvWSVmVbuKJtYaMSVag

pmQGzFUsaLbdZZq

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!”BJavzNWnRUuPfjZokFHwlFIidRALJJ

pcLEbOzBbpwMaop

Ning Rushen, “…”wSiwRLIEyUxsALHvYikRqBDypttlps

ifviQNZdTFxjPcw

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

PLDbKzsMnQryaYS

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.UfQPpRbBLKQfzEMWvMBVzKiRMdbUdG

pmBXyZCYouazkLr

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

xBeFGtjcXkjfJZC

Li Wuting paused and looked at him.OOnwPAvJpEJylwGWofifYSbTVQRITY

pKgQCnlNgydQWHm

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

fjiRkQcundOVHYA

…Hmm?RWkCBKjTSUYnEJNpZWHABkQavKLYCj

hcmsiWJPFuXNfjW

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

yUbKCRbPopNlNan

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

pgtbddRtaOyOEFR

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

iyLhgbJhWuXGMvA

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.EeGclRRqlKlbunijICTrPsmOmjxYXl

AQDKkTVXBqLGPSD

Ning Rushen felt a pang of worry for him.OdkhUWPEizNEivOhpJrUpxsQwGkwsL

RPZtyBigMfaMvfH

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

BdLndxQDCpkLkXx

Soft fingertips carefully pressed against the rough palm.NsFlapCoZjBMbQAPjTvImsKsQQMBoI

PglhfqlKdEjUEls

Fine medicinal powder was sprinkled on the wound.wKblAytpjmOemuLvBEnGtNCEWRgNfL

TZffwSQaONggeKe

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.pomabwLTLVUZAseCXRYPqTRKlSLVUq

AwmFOnAMdtuonYS

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

ySdMdaxrzahARHm

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

zqwjPkHWqsgKWeS

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.POrjpDNTUmLHngEnBcLIxBUQgCjTww

sNVbKpPzsZUHBlN

Li Wuting, “…”LdmejOxyFwKbXxXTVaFztizfyhbXQK

UweeWpFLvQxHLhP

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

MlivplrWJVUVBBN

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

AkxCGksitBiLGJR

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

rceJEpuSYYAWteR

“…”ThjzjNXMMwkCYfPWNUxkvJwNXclPEO

qvUACtfgxwciyqu

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

EKlZFeKUkHEjKgw

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

CDkvbnBimbuOqLT

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

EkFudJGWMWLuvKs

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

AaTcEiFznnrcPJk

Ning Rushen sighed inwardly: It must still hurt.pXuhTmfORrZSNBLlkNXCIBPTFlOoSA

hcNsVQVxiuIYtOt

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.mcjLdSbkpxbolCqSJDSYgRvtJAKfvE

sewimjwqoEQnQyM

He was used to hiding his suffering.kYSgkLtioqmCXLPElzKHWzhPoadDWX

VtrTNDaPWdnrkld

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

GKIPlWFUsKizkWH

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

qJXMYdJkRMxTHYd

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

CwsVxbnNEYhSHXi

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

GnoLgKGFdwwzDAl

“Has someone examined the wound?”iIxcvcOLczXmzwaefSBQmcYouGRUbs

KZACAEghwKzUsPK

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

rwMKHyZlPNtYHyK

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

jQkIsjMxiUHznOC

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

eLHXehblVOIpeNd

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

KKeSemuaspUcvxY

…Li Wuting can get distracted too?NdFMGOgCVYFVfnINPUSSeSuBAkwIHn

LXbLDKqlhifLAMD

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

BThnUTzvTcQrQNx

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

JIrAooQEiPitvtF

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

ncYUmxBAEsNGAvj

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

LHLyxBZLfkZMDhJ

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

DuESstxLlyYAVwS

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

ukMcXtzDYEyLpkJ

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.slUsKLWduwkAlvSLVgztjnVcsQtvXt

WYqfJKzkfCSJeDn

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

iIhFMTGLdKTtFDE

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

HOVOgsBUJnbwObH

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

PEmhairIyyghZjf

Ning Rushen then left with Li Jingyu.oMhWjDQYrlnkHADVkIAMNfbANYfwDa

AfKQfAjCagmOfYS

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

rLOCfLtyNUWJPTA

With everyone gone, the courtyard returned to tranquility.tNTQBblDnFFAarcPNaxoqLZZOHQWLh

fCuPsbdfOwgHbNI

De Quan looked worried, “Your Majesty…”dljqYngEUhiiyUrpCKgRjcBzQrLAhy

QISFmoVWdewXQwt

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

AxnHpGLyGxgKBLm

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

BeVaGAIUoqfwfbU

“Yes, Your Majesty.”zGkgeFeVjCZzxETEfHkJMTkxopcqNm

ejUAywhxSgAnGVL

…cyZZzLmlBIczdaDQMDmDlvoNhsYSrA

kadpVzCAYDVARGt

Half an hour later.pAQWmcKibYXVnzANSidzkNwyjIstDt

sOCNiwfFFiualNX

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

UWQwyydseKWbBfE

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

KYjOtdNwAQqgwqF

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.vqnrGBoPpYhVukqXswmdKUmSgWqVGu

zMhOFOCjPJpkMmC

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

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

JnXSinJipjXmYnD

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

JYzHWleHNcZiQWi

Where was Lord Ning planning to go?amxRDdjqqYOWjhfEyUtPNjgyXUvrhl

CSyhcJHtDMKTTUN

Could he still be thinking about retiring?UOyqdzhUtFdrJaUiNzFGPPVwCsxBto

pGJxSToelohmcws

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

SPoRodEVDxFXcCN

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.”RPdppxOWqmheQesooCYEcvPYjjvrAy

BDjInhlKGjcQdKV

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

VvmDRKUEbFPDpMh

“It’s not as you think…”pSIcFDyVlrZvLJQpqIDMUYxTaTePaj

EmIHIdXdUmcwMoq

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.”cvgiQtsXptVWZJVeEeEvXOTwCmARfe

ZfEYPIBMUkGfvpT

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?EdcMeMrqVGJGwoGTjCqVYhaOqhTMIQ

sImQMIgDpeTBcVY

And still clung to that lotus flower?cpLoXPNaaZvDZteBlHVhFHTZLwiyVG

iECSeXpYbwOwyTx

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.”nBqrkIfbLEUAzBXUcYAgozwiYgCOju

YvRmZGLlukmHNQq

De Quan answered, “Yes.”MmKAgsRHJnZPyzCgNrOHmyCfrxwYgf

IroExCtKSKDImSk

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

nMGVGeeWucTpYtF

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

WuPoqkNfUgDGSuN

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

RSnVqvadoMCKAhl

·tjvqMKdJOZUEMEvqJCehHpGvJqeOPY

NVYKfEVreHYPzML

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

bnoqwaSLwYppEkP

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

dlAAqtEgPcSJiHc

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

ZmhGyGbSOnymjjl

Ning Rushen went with Li Jingyu.PuvdLsMpBYVoJHkjtDtMtgAPfcPVAn

YbEdKNmYEBhrsNK

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.mNiYIgPpetRDevVHAFtgMrGWkyFMnw

AGdaHttZpAldCLC

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

SROHCYRfJKxhzka

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

vWeReKvTKxodiTp

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

PitYhhhNBVTCOnz

“…”cSJeuwKOlMCTlMthgkOsGBLFXpKgsW

ciLkRFTAjIwCEYE

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

XvsuJnQCzhqUHgv

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

ZQONHDehLRepsUB

Li Wuting met his gaze and smiled lightly.UIPPMPcgIIQJuAPxLqtSWlJcCWUyCv

ciYTPQyUtzSwMMG

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

hgyQfpnXBjIlMuG

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

vxCvmfkCUfNYAJh

As he moved, Ning Rushen habitually followed.NTeyHNMSyiMxeeOfKlGeClcGcYHSTg

VAyCLnSYtOZXldC

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

pkoeVZKpOFTyJOX

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:ZiblyyUrEbHEaxPkjUTyerzqGfNZwT

TGJdRCZLVuPtwuI

Ah, how perceptive of us～llYAobEwmbFHnOWlYhcQpsPevXivyg

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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.fplEGnJGmOubXXJENtjJcUjdYMpZqe

gitVOetzuvQcKwF

Ning Rushen wondered, “?”BXyvLCAZSDaUPFKBPKhIratWlPGQJo

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

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Ning Rushen: Mm-hmm.cXStULQjZdXNICUglWTQSEzcdenIyT

PhZmdSforlnaQmo

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

rtqIHAPRbuIzoKN

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

EDRjmMiBGiDRlZK

…vVSzwhzYRLcfKCzOtwBqnHwSxVIDMs

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

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

lvkKZYmJdRKBplq

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…PQtfHrisLpOndwAMqloKtvHeytAMIb

zpndaWXZmKHmwNn

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

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And called her own son by the wrong name.BMPPALaoKWCLrcOQYklbZaCYPepNgY

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

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·yTrCTIpVaYVkJillXeyibgOSuqduOL

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

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They packed up and bid farewell to Shaojue Temple.jkdXvVsbsQjbwWQhJhKEKHLCcJYXQk

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The return was much less ceremonious.kSMLOPAjfqcHlmiUMPfDUdGwlHsnOU

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

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

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

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

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

XsCoQhDfExjcZxu

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:lcWDwgQtUjQlwjsAfBnNyZaDmjOSGZ

hCUcizbJzGVgEOf

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

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

pwgxJfISWlxaXHl

When he lifted the curtain and entered—BKLiInOfzhufKTjoegeKWnyPjFuUzk

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

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

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Ning Rushen, “…”kSWXKhOUYFnaPMOVVGERAuCejhbczh

KINuIBlpOHHrRau

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?”BdaoCbKZOkFofnyhDTHWyLmHWVUwmo

tYrCDvlRCaXXRlx

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

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“…” Oh, again with the sarcasm.LkMKfyJHmqtCtZZdTjBcaIqcSvwbSj

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

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“Just arrived from someone.”UuxbZSafgGpuskkzUhjpTTmsdIdQlC

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“??”QlBsBdrMKXhAqYqmatxoWzFZIlWKht

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

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

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

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

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“…”DmGJxQIAKlhbhNflRrGkXsVMXeSwZx

LlRsNHFvUowEKEv

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:VqMQSFpkBiNoTWaQppAlXzHLHNNCoI

JtbFQATyuGgYYKd

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

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

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

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

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

kUfBWumLaJbldXY

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

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

pirvMntCeJYHHij

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

HTjwRpsmplXMhBJ

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

IgiMZxVTjCgTXtt

Ning Rushen: ………JVRHwXBMHnJsAHhCyrogYsArnBZjNW

ZJxftRbJfRteQwi

Ning Rushen: ???QAVFObZgfhMcSMpUUJzndagozLCZfC

XKSnKSAhsUBHrrA

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

UVIlBbFNNGvblbI

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

LdwWswzCuCbxmLV

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

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“Is someone spreading rumors to Your Majesty?”qvwyfBORmMXtZYGKUjXXGsxDDDUfDL

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

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Despite his guesses, Li Wuting remained unresponsive.HvHrPJpBerYsSpAsPpyNmychjOgOhX

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

pULNTLLpgEMacxR

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

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

YaEMmqXvaHDNDZV

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

QjXNzfibkHWWEEF

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

cNpjjSIVtPzexRr

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

PfHJUaBDlmynHNv

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

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