This official is so weak

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

RfVqtttAkTFcZlp

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

FlKGEBAqtJsfBhG

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

iTHWqhjOgUBXGGv

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

qiUEsKziAYrhSwD

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?”ACTyYVkLcvWGMfOlrIxLkOwMmAHdOb

jUgsICIzsxlUHnC

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

oGHFUshqqzcBGsS

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

wPeTVieiPGoewYL

Outside, it was quiet and deserted.MtCgNNKwOsPJfQnRwxtgrzConRJLHD

OQnCPIxqIxnPbrm

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

RIWdrvVeVSRwWfe

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

ICGlKIbhnzednaz

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

EwcgUsWyyHXqQql

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

DOmmbOsaXbYNMDN

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

SZmapsyZLAvtAWJ

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

jwizPNHUTgyDhss

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

rGnrXBcZtTHDIfj

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

MIxKvENLuimuAaC

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

HBLqvuSQRrUnyZr

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

DdLssqfrZaUZiFP

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

wMwRBWhNNSQMUEt

He wondered where they had gone after the discussion.kEUnRvffzFFQhCsKAaTdcGUVioCckM

gTtttKbBMzgLPbJ

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

XjiGPtaMRKcZahQ

“A lotus?”pzhTedKBywYLUxIiSigUpzqVqDnTLi

ueqBNBtHUTnzumz

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

pQQYmIIgbOxwhka

Ning Rushen murmured thoughtfully.xSFQbKeqCfdOGobjYsGRJqTYzsLHeP

YeXAgPSqLVcEBfk

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

yHQhMKWkLpQMOYS

“…”UUxrKpkfvIWngGdJGCwtrKDnVCWlrv

VBqpfKvisPdZRGG

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

fLZqZMDwLMtDbfX

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

PGoCXAAVFXLsBhi

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

OrwyVvFQaiNthhT

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

WkPslIWfpCIxYRQ

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

CWjemLVqpJRkAPO

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

CmCwpqsRWeJQfQV

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

gckKQzErHZlxABo

Li Jingyu quickly summoned a servant to ask.XkBpeHiIglaIPIMFwkHcMtrXtlJBOs

VnqqTLBLHfGkIyU

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

HWXCmSEylANBONL

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

YCxbQxWLpIufHCU

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

TYAiIFLjpHYmTrn

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

kXrxavoxaypLwcs

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

iFAEgTwlXtzEcKY

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

ddYtXqcYfABWGQL

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.NyKgIsDKNHSLZXvlenCjDFPkVARXLc

PoWgvIsDVRjuLuu

The half-carved lotus lay beside him.cYNiUNvodYdpNRDkCBqhZjwPfAaiDo

WbMLPVwHfXyDAuy

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

SiyMbfQNasGBBkt

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

feTFOrGHWZltRdc

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

RSwXQrduczlKmwE

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

hiTXLqyWytqQoJU

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

BxjVmOXdchdsWmN

Ning Rushen walked a few steps closer.wIDvDdIUKojqZUQnsnPAOVTiUEhvue

TLvlOsAIewZPjPv

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.fKHSWxKZksReRStRnCAdOpDEuDPtep

wvrKvqRfyGvNfKY

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

tpnEaBLSWVspyLy

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

nlMDnfRjJfRThec

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

CMVEKcxvSDocAee

“It’s just a minor injury.”hGGfxQQxpvNeLqTshsBGdqrAVwWiCe

fcMVIsRJtlwmQZu

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

fvrWsOjsilTdCQf

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

JNvcwwugdjiKBLz

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.rzZkeZZlPNNSxZueeAQseoBidOumWR

WkwIIQhyRURCBqh

He turned to look:?gKRGTzXPRmiQUcQUDYGgUlJuNadpmk

MFQcgGHInszQmpL

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!”phWkTkMhiXcpOIudXgEfUABbVDXViC

fiDvKWjEPSFfMXA

Ning Rushen, “…”GOyRpJircamsCrqdtvzTxkEpspaDXy

tProdsUMVxtgnkB

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

VpAkqQMJOTGNWml

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.LWvPDqgDzVATIhbbYFQtXanGGumYPi

zoKmfwKnBqupbWs

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

WaEHoTmnWpWYOeW

Li Wuting paused and looked at him.vPgLlzXCzISQIbgfsqIvYztjyEuzba

tcEzabyIfBcjsCF

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

NlFNBydcPRPjQJX

…Hmm?uDTDmakvZrzgoAIKSqnFdBpsFLwErw

zSWMfVlscYzqBqi

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

MUgCglHldLDGdod

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

aDAjkmbyBJaicPk

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

RCtrojZpQTFNQAE

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.mPMhhrEWlVpAaHvbaZipmzFYsWCkSn

UbtlgUCemLSTFOd

Ning Rushen felt a pang of worry for him.OlXlGcSESvVcVIsstafxIzVvOUBiFr

tGxbGqbTlyEOgeD

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

ceOvKnTKttYAQjX

Soft fingertips carefully pressed against the rough palm.JzZlKPTjEgXcscIcJqAgQcNmWQRuWd

lrlXtGkGRPKRFEG

Fine medicinal powder was sprinkled on the wound.zIkhGLCZGNxacyBqPxmHdjqLqUhaMy

TWRTxcSLOVAgSdf

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.nXpbUiOzITCQLSQoGMlmTkkjabEPBT

ZgsqAMVOQRAiXHj

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

UNQaqPZXjldPuqP

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

fnjUXJgqIwPXxwL

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.nXFBzsRjWmVJawKlIzLDojijiywcDC

NiVcddxsvMsMlDl

Li Wuting, “…”zmxZgbYXEVIGHkoVcoHybjsGJHaYvQ

lVfbLNKQhBKeWsk

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

MRChCdiTOIgGWKq

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

pNGeijIEFYxYDFx

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

eAYLYZuEjhAflhR

“…”nYColFetnbJkxHSXXjiyHuLnKPmDQw

pMMZagbfTZyABCt

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

GPEnvjAKvUyCvir

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

ffGlleuLZWZmGXR

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

PjaFoscJMpKXEUh

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

sYhosIYJKOeIlYo

Ning Rushen sighed inwardly: It must still hurt.JHtVRnPxIpDthbPNzLTupPKQFMeGNx

xLawSQjxKskVBgd

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.hGeZYfWzkihlqWNnTydMyKtLKWLeAE

mdaYoOWljzOMVzZ

He was used to hiding his suffering.EreotCtqHXgmGgLySeSabSFimuaclQ

HLhGBiytKcLpFZF

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

xGJyyvysFwKOdkx

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

zWsirwvqhaXwAHh

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

tDdcPCjbeuKoCIG

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

yqPOWaKsxawlNto

“Has someone examined the wound?”rrKRIMpkICMyXwySdHBkhTzkTTIPRG

hbXbgTfeCVLtMlm

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

zIeAJcHgVnqJVlW

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

IaNWbhUGdvRmapf

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

kilmXsGnQrKEwJo

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

nQgBCrvbWsYMnmm

…Li Wuting can get distracted too?YjzYIDRMqdtoQzaMGSVBheNXtnCMEx

rdElkpHnGBaPOdG

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

ZtvwEramuEocuRN

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

JTUXlkwcPcXsEWD

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

ZQTuzxivhsMFgne

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

MqZvjPjaNjxdwCY

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

IvZcnbxNTbjzQtY

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

mUEumHzxTyDhviG

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.vDIFsHAcyMKtYTZdjxtxBZsbxiJKJy

QYgViRPqNUAxlcV

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

tKOSKYEdbnJupza

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

yofpTeTsOrgcMIA

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

onOkYSPokbUVdeb

Ning Rushen then left with Li Jingyu.hRKCmJNmewlLHbBUTRfNoBIfczyZZl

wHUltQicSHxrQFB

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

kiivTLdMYYyAaBt

With everyone gone, the courtyard returned to tranquility.GpBlfAihnTJnKbSYQQClJuOxReStFj

mwnFryThNnZQFyq

De Quan looked worried, “Your Majesty…”AmEcOmBkHjmMQoMPLlPPHiEGGFFheg

FtGeqqaMKbbTEui

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

VotpvNOMkMvINXi

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

aVTQRWTjsxNWbJv

“Yes, Your Majesty.”PToPjanbEmsrBJowalejLSQrUIspox

UXnRqxwvkjExWYU

…GOrldzbnJYsdyMhyPhkFJELLlZNunR

splUqVECjrlpYof

Half an hour later.gglnJSGcaixInGHzCIJdrhafuAiVcD

fikehGbikMhNwnL

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

ZPfVPuEeepoJPYq

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

mTUFwlLUuZBmzAb

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.qoXMXFjyFHenYcvPNBtVmltkxqucWb

tGeTgSapxGTwhVN

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

MdZEcvCcwjrRLpQ

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

AqsfxKoISrqrNJG

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

uThqpppPmMWdQyt

Where was Lord Ning planning to go?oOMKzDQMDxlMIavxnsrqtcLfEeczen

UFlSYIMgIQFRKez

Could he still be thinking about retiring?kYIrAErZeKiurOSkQKMVHZmZQdmRoI

BkQjzhGYpgqAUhJ

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

QXFTDOsrZdZJKnB

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.”AdCjXzMISdVLBFKXReBxGuxOTeLiYA

tUKFOUInmyiRCGh

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

VJIckINcKzwidcE

“It’s not as you think…”OWnnVqGyTSTYoXgkvdqNwWCeGokInL

oJfivSNhmOTwDWs

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.”jcyAhjWWgNNIfaWqgkWvlZsepbXapH

SfuyLvVUReNHvhU

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?PwdwAslEcCimIyVAQHsZgBaKFKscpW

XrVYblMdjQYopSR

And still clung to that lotus flower?PAsczqGlTOzAZjkScxNcAZpSxqMXvR

rYqCDMdApbjWjcB

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.”jCGZtxelDAzZpLFqtULRyEtAUvLCbD

xpYJqwwbMmYAslM

De Quan answered, “Yes.”JAGfRNGEzrhDvUqJnBeVgZOeEeKjSW

lnDuSohpFVXmHdo

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

kzvwxkgpWRbARRz

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

dMXQVWlTbiXlBJl

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

CtjKZZapcFgYBjp

·cNQigAxdivqCVOswQeQFhIqkAFxztM

ogAntPYMAsWeEXD

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

kpfPLcmwjDeIwrD

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

UHFAuOHmstYUHhD

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

IBVRvuCNeszNaGF

Ning Rushen went with Li Jingyu.mhdXSThfmNmEtdJyhcdEWCRkwAtUBY

NclOFrKTNdUnsoB

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.gpqeXPmqXnQkQAhvCgDRcmRDEpKiaH

eQbwaDpatshXvrD

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

nwRjoWGYiXVRnAU

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

RvQrSfhutuEiDFW

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

YJdeugHrFOyqUxT

“…”jYvfUofgXQLYwYOhPHXFUhBOHZSYth

eUgwnCMmMCCQeHb

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

AXvyqNISpnMVclv

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

pknZnNOeKpyERuE

Li Wuting met his gaze and smiled lightly.trqBkennwUlhvNyTuEtAZeKXuLrwUJ

QNGKufjLZNmhZgD

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

iVHUmrYYmrmYaLB

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

pIkTElVJzkNuBGE

As he moved, Ning Rushen habitually followed.uiuYsGlptjFAsOHGFMbnkNebJNtmRI

vSXeGbModMieDTz

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

TQPvIfCgBTyDkdE

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:aQziWcLNsFSXBTYDgLpSsKwTxigpKB

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Ah, how perceptive of us～VWoRunUFOhdnBElZgjowhmRVVFUHSb

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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.YbdWmqRJedeSpGJHhIZCpgwwqYIkXn

dYrTemsGokbUVmX

Ning Rushen wondered, “?”LhQDVKgnhvjVTzSoQdIkPRwlNtKAte

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

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Ning Rushen: Mm-hmm.uaNdAWXOXdiKrcJSFpRtbXGnmjmyjU

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

VBUpGToGNsTDILB

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

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…CmMxQRVVgVClaoYnabxzLgPgbqwVrW

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

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

LUpeRZKMrmhOEfC

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…hRqoxZwPBFqiXGgRMgiKNGZYaUDcUB

LXCpgVodOKSXvLJ

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

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And called her own son by the wrong name.PETEPTUErmrjWluKBqxjfRVSMCbuAH

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

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·FIVgoHvJNSmNBbvWTsLqMLKysVnLKO

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

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They packed up and bid farewell to Shaojue Temple.AuGcJKdTEngaZqebiJWkDOBrJbXXEJ

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The return was much less ceremonious.JKxyuXUrVdYlEJZyIIpGDWLKesBVaG

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

BIaimtbAzZlmbiO

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

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

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

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

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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:AFMTkVHIOkimzpiUEfaWOeUSFAxcnB

KttFcatUrEyHyvr

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

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

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When he lifted the curtain and entered—FICwgvrUFvuHKCjAhEosNSuJimTbgM

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

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

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Ning Rushen, “…”AWArtKDVmTrKEYhfIQEWjuAEkTuDoh

udBLWFGCdizDFEU

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?”OryemxDQLqemSWVtrjnJOJBHfNTOpa

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

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“…” Oh, again with the sarcasm.cOYNjitEfKmhEUDDKgWYpRLPvquqTB

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

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“Just arrived from someone.”JYiYDbzETfehZrGEJbVQynBKwCvwZQ

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“??”wShAiSzOpYkGQuzrwRmaMoZiwyxnNR

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

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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.MFNVjHMFdZIvFsRLoGMhWnnfABNmEL

MQCbOIYoFVZgGAC

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

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

CEQCpcmJykYXXsU

“…”eWMgtqtnJCMebITIKIYDjqoIQsNRNV

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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:AqQXzhvZDcaqLHImulaHMjPdiuylYt

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

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

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

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

cRaeTbQVIRZsTFF

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

hTqAVgEManoMVIH

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

yxmnDVuAljGLZpE

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

jnGlSsfgTRkLAlG

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

HGAuxUArjwygIbM

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

rgJTbezlXJbafqM

Ning Rushen: ………payJRTtAMPJxdDteErRSDNHmxqRbNh

gZJcXMaiCrWVnxB

Ning Rushen: ???WOpRFnnpjUDPjzazmIeWbiBSCgwnMp

CKXeoGxdWhWVVxF

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

tvMtPmnupqRbBPa

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

CkesUVyZRzxoCVq

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

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“Is someone spreading rumors to Your Majesty?”pNnPKkzRoUlwaboRVCgfatguKebOyY

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

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Despite his guesses, Li Wuting remained unresponsive.uAvMqOWRlFdGuKCtPtVKkIxiklICYW

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

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

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

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

eOmIQoWHAmKWCNX

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

YaGJDgmYZIUTANE

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

EkYMGgBqVPSkxcu

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

rEhLxHGlcSIzBkX