Chapter 41
Ning Rushen waited for a while but received no response, beginning to suspect that he was being dismissed casually.svnipjovpYXXTAVoMBZFproaQLalZD
RfVqtttAkTFcZlpHe nodded to Jingxi and said, “I’ll be leaving now.”yBqBfnVFzSKFuoeXzZdsReDneAJbpZ
FlKGEBAqtJsfBhGAs he walked toward the gate, he was suddenly called back by Jingxi:htphnZHbYVaVQfUrgoorbYADuBgIcJ
iTHWqhjOgUBXGGvNing Rushen was startled and asked softly, “Are you sending me off?”CvuugMKCxTnAMhGZfBhzdZRvjmUNEz
qiUEsKziAYrhSwDJingxi 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
jUgsICIzsxlUHnCSeeing Jingxi’s smiling face, Ning Rushen hesitated for a moment before taking out fifty coins, “Then I will make an offering.”nfMgrbQjOYihTSsqRCFTQChipNElxZ
oGHFUshqqzcBGsSWith the Bodhi seed in hand, Ning Rushen left the courtyard.nLIOUvgqiGACnoLHlNVWCgZRMoGANv
wPeTVieiPGoewYLOutside, it was quiet and deserted.MtCgNNKwOsPJfQnRwxtgrzConRJLHD
OQnCPIxqIxnPbrmLooking around, only a few leaves had fallen on the path through the courtyard, leaving shallow traces of the wind’s passage.rbngQbqipxfPfDiiLxdsyWxajDEhXf
RIWdrvVeVSRwWfeHe paused for a moment and then walked towards the front hall.luKfWnsFmDDbyGcZfElCipDUGAtCqX
ICGlKIbhnzednazIn the courtyard of the front hall, several monks were cleaning or studying, with a few guards and temple officials stationed here and there.VWLRDyPgdkWdODHwqDujLcUggNmSjo
EwcgUsWyyHXqQqlLi Jingyu was sitting at a stone table under a tree.vSPxMKiyHeuNYYYEWTIDKYKdCMIdPV
DOmmbOsaXbYNMDNNing Rushen walked over and greeted him, “Your Highness.”zcgDohXkfpisGkwKNMqcaWXKGyNqbJ
SZmapsyZLAvtAWJ“Lord Ning is here,” Li Jingyu said, patting the table, “Please, sit.”gJxPTxdwMbXZTHdWAMqzEsMmKULajI
jwizPNHUTgyDhssNing Rushen took a seat beside him, “Why are you sitting here alone, Your Highness?”waYoSaySTNvKjlelERMNScvDNnakcd
rGnrXBcZtTHDIfjLi Jingyu replied, “I am waiting for my elder brother.”AqQXoQVidRqfJwquiyKAhwUUysdcnb
MIxKvENLuimuAaCNing Rushen looked around, “Waiting for His Majesty?”mhNJymXZFrKgRKuvJEQhwqWcZLEAVM
HBLqvuSQRrUnyZrHe had only exchanged glances with Li Wuting that morning and hadn’t spoken to him since.cZtSBrFDOiBdlQWkFYQNuQpaHfMflO
DdLssqfrZaUZiFPAccording to Jingxi, they had been discussing scriptures earlier.qZFcFDSPCEcbWTYnOduwUsHwZwKtDu
wMwRBWhNNSQMUEtHe wondered where they had gone after the discussion.kEUnRvffzFFQhCsKAaTdcGUVioCckM
gTtttKbBMzgLPbJLi 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
pQQYmIIgbOxwhkaNing Rushen murmured thoughtfully.xSFQbKeqCfdOGobjYsGRJqTYzsLHeP
YeXAgPSqLVcEBfkSuddenly, Li Jingyu leaned in, “Lord Ning, if you’re secretly trying to find my elder brother, I can take you there.”xBXNzsnnxYUbBfjGATgquZudawkdpW
yHQhMKWkLpQMOYS“…”UUxrKpkfvIWngGdJGCwtrKDnVCWlrv
VBqpfKvisPdZRGGHe had already said he wasn’t sneaking around.BGlSCXNTYWxAMMsZubwKAbqqKSVLHF
fLZqZMDwLMtDbfXNing Rushen replied, “I won’t disturb His Majesty.”NjLvsFbwPPryTkhWlZXmdrXBpeNfgA
PGoCXAAVFXLsBhiLi Jingyu looked somewhat disappointed, “Alright then.”XVyQAgrZNQjrHKPdtcRpoRiqagEXhV
OrwyVvFQaiNthhTAs they chatted, the sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground.tcEWNLIGKJFYbQSArALfjNjgheJcbC
WkPslIWfpCIxYRQWhile they were talking, a commotion was heard from the other side.GyYdvndRQSacdaZHcbHSgUTkQhVexd
CWjemLVqpJRkAPONing Rushen turned his gaze to the sound and saw several palace servants running in a panic.iWeKMctTZetHWhHictgjDkpseEAqvf
CmCwpqsRWeJQfQVHe felt a sudden tightening in his chest, “What happened?”VaMHkyEHDMnKnoosxjxhbVFUapsbXx
gckKQzErHZlxABoLi Jingyu quickly summoned a servant to ask.XkBpeHiIglaIPIMFwkHcMtrXtlJBOs
VnqqTLBLHfGkIyUThe servant, in a hurry, said, “His Majesty injured his hand, and it’s quite severe!”VkZeGaXDdfdBkTNQlzkDSAvkoQlTUD
HWXCmSEylANBONLNing Rushen’s heart sank: What’s going on?xtqREmHwVdzHgkDATodNkUqhGutVWS
YCxbQxWLpIufHCULi Jingyu, frightened, stood up, “I’ll go check!”VzoJjJpUdESkCmCNipURscgRHEwmSQ
TYAiIFLjpHYmTrnNing Rushen quickly followed, “I’ll go too.”PvdQxROrDkvsttnpgtRlnqLEPyklsW
kXrxavoxaypLwcsThe two of them hurriedly followed the palace servant to a secluded courtyard, which was already in an uproar.XbSPsfRhMtnoGnsbxSCPXIaETTKTar
iFAEgTwlXtzEcKYNing Rushen stepped into the courtyard and took a look.JYbAqXKTGlhbfzKeLDLdspsctsgcLq
ddYtXqcYfABWGQLLi 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
PoWgvIsDVRjuLuuThe half-carved lotus lay beside him.cYNiUNvodYdpNRDkCBqhZjwPfAaiDo
WbMLPVwHfXyDAuyBecause it was stained with blood, it could no longer be used.lAVWjPlGVfYWnLNPNvNSbNYzNkMQml
SiyMbfQNasGBBktNing Rushen took a deep breath and said, “Your Majesty…”AledkhRqBGZSAQwLyRUFcfNKMHpOOJ
feTFOrGHWZltRdcWith the noisy crowd in the courtyard, his voice was not loud.SMfHgQCDvNAuxLzmfazXHtsSvAJYwe
RSwXQrduczlKmwEHowever, Li Wuting seemed to have heard him and turned his head to look.rkAuUshtKDNBgquBrCTlnBgRbzxZkn
hiTXLqyWytqQoJUHis deep gaze cut through the chaos around him and settled on Ning Rushen.phmnjvHMeejdQLOWHdhESpoTAoJHzI
BxjVmOXdchdsWmNNing Rushen walked a few steps closer.wIDvDdIUKojqZUQnsnPAOVTiUEhvue
TLvlOsAIewZPjPvLi 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
wvrKvqRfyGvNfKYJust as they were about to move, they were gently stopped.OwflpjMGidcCOBuRoEytDJLZLKrNJG
tpnEaBLSWVspyLy“No need, I will do it myself,” Li Wuting said.DLeRtoJBWKZitdHiMWsKRBKzKWeBAd
nlMDnfRjJfRThecThe doctors were alarmed, “Your Majesty, this is not appropriate!”SPRLyLEdxiuQtdNXSJNNPDbqzFmqVz
CMVEKcxvSDocAee“It’s just a minor injury.”hGGfxQQxpvNeLqTshsBGdqrAVwWiCe
fcMVIsRJtlwmQZuLi Wuting said this as he took the wet cloth himself.YGtOYsUYgDFrpyCjwuESxumUGKJRum
fvrWsOjsilTdCQfThe cloth, soaked in blood, turned the water in the basin red.XWRNuRlCPBSifgFmlZOQrsABeVmdve
JNvcwwugdjiKBLzNing 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
WkwIIQhyRURCBqhHe turned to look:?gKRGTzXPRmiQUcQUDYGgUlJuNadpmk
MFQcgGHInszQmpLDe 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
fiDvKWjEPSFfMXANing Rushen, “…”GOyRpJircamsCrqdtvzTxkEpspaDXy
tProdsUMVxtgnkBIn a few breaths, Li Wuting had already cleaned the wound.JYmzINwxZuFCkpgHfBiMGBgAeHMMrn
VpAkqQMJOTGNWmlIt 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
zoKmfwKnBqupbWsNing Rushen couldn’t help but say, “Your Majesty, let me do it.”uGrUegZSWfelEOgDqGinlUJAEzJiyP
WaEHoTmnWpWYOeWLi Wuting paused and looked at him.vPgLlzXCzISQIbgfsqIvYztjyEuzba
tcEzabyIfBcjsCFJust when Ning Rushen thought he would be refused, Li Wuting moved his hand closer to him and said, “Hmm.”YzmtTYiAgzcsivuDHFTFMDcrjTljjD
NlFNBydcPRPjQJX…Hmm?uDTDmakvZrzgoAIKSqnFdBpsFLwErw
zSWMfVlscYzqBqiNing Rushen was momentarily stunned before sitting next to Li Wuting and pulling his hand closer.FFoGRcqZqxlPedoiNHyHjnEKKsiegq
MUgCglHldLDGdodThe warm, large palm was held in his hand.sySPufuyVQmUnaXofQwrnIBMyWzShq
aDAjkmbyBJaicPkNing Rushen then realized that Li Wuting’s injury was not minor.mFCCDaLfEvtnkDRszbBoVPvzuJXvrm
RCtrojZpQTFNQAEThe 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
UbtlgUCemLSTFOdNing Rushen felt a pang of worry for him.OlXlGcSESvVcVIsstafxIzVvOUBiFr
tGxbGqbTlyEOgeDHe sighed inwardly, holding Li Wuting’s hand gently and lowering his head to clean the wound.ZBwdHjzOZBcZNZhITOMrAKAyodSlzD
ceOvKnTKttYAQjXSoft fingertips carefully pressed against the rough palm.JzZlKPTjEgXcscIcJqAgQcNmWQRuWd
lrlXtGkGRPKRFEGFine medicinal powder was sprinkled on the wound.zIkhGLCZGNxacyBqPxmHdjqLqUhaMy
TWRTxcSLOVAgSdfNing 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
ZgsqAMVOQRAiXHjThe palace servants in the courtyard had long lowered their heads and stopped making noise.PlLnEUKdmywGVVzUiHRYuEAnNykjsU
UNQaqPZXjldPuqPNing Rushen’s eyelashes drooped as he worked gently.urcwZTkYwnLFhfXBtzwOwQOAqpdPaT
fnjUXJgqIwPXxwLHe 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
NiVcddxsvMsMlDlLi Wuting, “…”zmxZgbYXEVIGHkoVcoHybjsGJHaYvQ
lVfbLNKQhBKeWskIn the quiet courtyard, only the sound of Ning Rushen’s hissing could be heard.gjpyggmcecdwVLjcottKpGLrKtuUez
MRChCdiTOIgGWKqLi 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
pMMZagbfTZyABCtNing Rushen paused and said, somewhat embarrassed, “I have a strong sense of empathy.”bCOaUMTXdyuTzeNpegkjzOEapZCYUJ
GPEnvjAKvUyCvirLi Wuting said softly, “Stronger than mine.”KQwJaJNOEIcUlErDvXLSJHThkpwnuM
ffGlleuLZWZmGXRNing Rushen looked at him, “Doesn’t it hurt, Your Majesty?”GGjkUTnNtuucJzduWpltjRRpuiNRyb
PjaFoscJMpKXEUhAfter hearing this, Li Wuting stared at him for a few seconds. Then his eyelashes lowered, and he curled his fingers without speaking.HMwnXkcRrGNAybadLHKBtFxLEcTrUG
sYhosIYJKOeIlYoNing Rushen sighed inwardly: It must still hurt.JHtVRnPxIpDthbPNzLTupPKQFMeGNx
xLawSQjxKskVBgdBut 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
mdaYoOWljzOMVzZHe was used to hiding his suffering.EreotCtqHXgmGgLySeSabSFimuaclQ
HLhGBiytKcLpFZFNing Rushen finished applying the medicine and took up the bandage.ApXPwBzKEyXDubkrmwqDnsejpAZmzG
xGJyyvysFwKOdkxAt that moment, a commotion was heard at the courtyard gate.vorkKMDXxSRmIRNwqyTsbvflnatpit
zWsirwvqhaXwAHhHe turned to see the Empress Dowager hastily arriving, “Your Majesty!”gtXSGwqbQYYcoptYSFLCVTmGKGXrji
tDdcPCjbeuKoCIGThe 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
hbXbgTfeCVLtMlmLi Wuting said, “It’s just a minor injury, nothing serious.”BaoRCeSDYqQkkNuhuYRzwRzYtQINrJ
zIeAJcHgVnqJVlWThe Empress Dowager, worried, asked, “How did you get injured?”aHodYVJJRTIuLyRdSzyKUZRWLfxiNy
IaNWbhUGdvRmapfNing 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
rdElkpHnGBaPOdGNing Rushen’s thoughts wandered as he finished bandaging the wound.bZYVZNHAeGIUtJwGTnUbtgKPuoTfwR
ZtvwEramuEocuRNJust as he was about to withdraw his hand, Li Wuting’s fingertips gently brushed against him.SSyzLSXuPZGSBCHZqTsdHswTIFJNFd
JTUXlkwcPcXsEWDThe touch seemed to be trying to hold on to him.BpvZqPMbwhzConRYOpSuOkKgJCDrSj
ZQTuzxivhsMFgneNing Rushen was taken aback and looked at him, “?”nNmikLvJCUaAdnNNRtgEMuNiuYyhzK
MqZvjPjaNjxdwCYBut when he looked up, Li Wuting’s expression was still the same.kxcrvZumtLYAapKIOlMvYgtcJZEdGh
IvZcnbxNTbjzQtYNing Rushen thought he might be overthinking: Perhaps Li Wuting’s pain made his fingers reflexively twitch.jZyJwBzHENXKjXkEtsNvXCYwmSFXRs
mUEumHzxTyDhviGAfter 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
QYgViRPqNUAxlcVThe Empress Dowager’s persuasion was in vain, and she left after giving a few instructions.aEZTuMSPcTeoTpLhherQerVOWBlROs
tKOSKYEdbnJupzaNing Rushen stood aside, “Then I’ll take my leave as well?”JONSTxQNUxKckEpgMGdwLkyWSXLeNv
yofpTeTsOrgcMIALi Wuting glanced at him, “You may go.”DsfSDtwAoEWbvQVxMVZcEYHpDsmHiY
onOkYSPokbUVdebNing Rushen then left with Li Jingyu.hRKCmJNmewlLHbBUTRfNoBIfczyZZl
wHUltQicSHxrQFBThe other palace servants were also dismissed, leaving only De Quan to attend to matters.SKHIEHqFvOuqtozOOJXouLcwBLlcOG
kiivTLdMYYyAaBtWith everyone gone, the courtyard returned to tranquility.GpBlfAihnTJnKbSYQQClJuOxReStFj
mwnFryThNnZQFyqDe Quan looked worried, “Your Majesty…”AmEcOmBkHjmMQoMPLlPPHiEGGFFheg
FtGeqqaMKbbTEuiLi 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
splUqVECjrlpYofHalf an hour later.gglnJSGcaixInGHzCIJdrhafuAiVcD
fikehGbikMhNwnLA newly carved lotus flower was placed on the table.GyWGxlmIftuTRmgebNskmPnRXscZyr
ZPfVPuEeepoJPYqLi Wuting let out a sigh and set the small knife aside.mNkxbRNjfQkfenfggeolehEKBUePZI
mTUFwlLUuZBmzAbThe 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
tGeTgSapxGTwhVNThe bandage was set aside, revealing a few red spots on his palm.lmeZbcCjbculDOHoBHWvyYWlDalTdh
MdZEcvCcwjrRLpQLi Wuting did not let De Quan assist and took care of it himself.DHJhUdKiDgKtUmwiSbuxcQQuUxsddp
AqsfxKoISrqrNJGDe Quan sighed as he watched, thinking about the earlier conversation he overheard outside the mountain courtyard. He was quite anxious:MWaQtqNROgFBWtlfqKcZqkMkRicRhM
uThqpppPmMWdQytWhere was Lord Ning planning to go?oOMKzDQMDxlMIavxnsrqtcLfEeczen
UFlSYIMgIQFRKezCould he still be thinking about retiring?kYIrAErZeKiurOSkQKMVHZmZQdmRoI
BkQjzhGYpgqAUhJThe Emperor seemed quite concerned. Judging by his expression, he was still preoccupied.BjXUUUQGXfcWdvAXPMwQauinBbvFsG
QXFTDOsrZdZJKnBDe 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
tUKFOUInmyiRCGhUpon hearing this, Li Wuting fell silent for a moment.rUetjJUgCztaIzYzvNbbWjvMNVKSoq
VJIckINcKzwidcE“It’s not as you think…”OWnnVqGyTSTYoXgkvdqNwWCeGokInL
oJfivSNhmOTwDWsHe 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
SfuyLvVUReNHvhUDe 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
XrVYblMdjQYopSRAnd still clung to that lotus flower?PAsczqGlTOzAZjkScxNcAZpSxqMXvR
rYqCDMdApbjWjcBAs 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
xpYJqwwbMmYAslMDe Quan answered, “Yes.”JAGfRNGEzrhDvUqJnBeVgZOeEeKjSW
lnDuSohpFVXmHdo“And,” Li Wuting pursed his lips, “send a palace servant down the mountain…”gDKPEJTXFZxktSXCkpksscLyYhLxap
kzvwxkgpWRbARRzAfter giving these orders, De Quan’s worried expression cleared.hcPDPiFDQTmRILJuKQMeSGSYISCCbN
dMXQVWlTbiXlBJlHe bowed and smiled brightly, “Yes, Your Majesty~”VWeVEuSocFRgNTtCDLXJpkpCsTUyvO
CtjKZZapcFgYBjp·cNQigAxdivqCVOswQeQFhIqkAFxztM
ogAntPYMAsWeEXDThe final part of the visit to Shaojue Temple was to offer the eternal lamp to the Empress Xian.JCarSNsCaKIAcEnklAMPheAhRFOYvl
kpfPLcmwjDeIwrDLi Jingyu and the Empress Dowager, as close relatives, had to go together.GIbFrMagQCTEplCoMcrIHDodUcvLoI
UHFAuOHmstYUHhDThe accompanying palace servants, guards, and officials also went to the rear hall.FOQAMJjLvKMrsbsSlLRyhsIupiChrk
IBVRvuCNeszNaGFNing Rushen went with Li Jingyu.mhdXSThfmNmEtdJyhcdEWCRkwAtUBY
NclOFrKTNdUnsoBWhen 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
eQbwaDpatshXvrDLi Wuting was standing at the front of the hall, his posture tall and elegant.zrhfrgXdEPFDGlodssWkfekpiEeduC
nwRjoWGYiXVRnAUNing Rushen walked over and saw that he was already holding a new lotus flower, “How is Your Majesty’s hand injury?”iwCSHavyXkcqpqcCkceyaqxMJrEwrq
RvQrSfhutuEiDFWLi Wuting looked at him, “Lord Ning’s medical skills are excellent, so it is naturally fine.”TqzyMtpGElwBscgPiAzLTkbxjEUOWD
YJdeugHrFOyqUxT“…”jYvfUofgXQLYwYOhPHXFUhBOHZSYth
eUgwnCMmMCCQeHbWhy is he still thinking about his “local medical skills”?qPLvtiCZrYxoTztUbnEkhKLTkNSWDW
AXvyqNISpnMVclvNing Rushen said quietly, “Mainly, Your Majesty looks good.”BLLCKPnFTxAKCOEBeSpjgGtUQklIbN
pknZnNOeKpyERuELi Wuting met his gaze and smiled lightly.trqBkennwUlhvNyTuEtAZeKXuLrwUJ
QNGKufjLZNmhZgDIn the midst of their conversation, the Empress Dowager arrived, “Your Majesty.”oEOZgOyVpftBhtpVFAsHdVZgVUBvst
iVHUmrYYmrmYaLBLi Wuting nodded, his expression softening as he stepped into the hall first, “Let’s go.”zlhKIUOSSEqwzdJrBkOytMDqShRZmX
pIkTElVJzkNuBGEAs he moved, Ning Rushen habitually followed.uiuYsGlptjFAsOHGFMbnkNebJNtmRI
vSXeGbModMieDTzStanding a few steps away, the Director of the Monastic Bureau, Zuo Shanshi, was stunned!eyqWFmDNNAaCLxjsjrRCcoJIqEFLfS
TQPvIfCgBTyDkdEHe 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
NKzsUlaIJthsgYhAh, how perceptive of us~VWoRunUFOhdnBElZgjowhmRVVFUHSb
WfgGyBOFWQzIakbInside 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
dYrTemsGokbUVmXNing Rushen wondered, “?”LhQDVKgnhvjVTzSoQdIkPRwlNtKAte
XnUXcspfXLihGDLLi Wuting used his eyes to indicate: Stand aside for now.AcZNwBJXhFrXWjJfcZfXdCZtjGMtcN
pEReMUtUxsiKciPNing Rushen: Mm-hmm.uaNdAWXOXdiKrcJSFpRtbXGnmjmyjU
oviXQhCJALvbPHeOn the other side, the Empress Dowager glanced at both of them, first at Ning Rushen, then at Li Wuting.WyedLlluuqtsVEDzKgXgQLOhcpwAtK
VBUpGToGNsTDILBAfter a moment, she turned her attention back and said nothing.zeAxnxbFOeHlLYApjzAUmrStxIXzTz
PjpvGIZGrtZrLUx…CmMxQRVVgVClaoYnabxzLgPgbqwVrW
zMRgWHvnLCLAiDXThe eternal lamp for Empress Xian was placed in front of the altar.MpGzGGCezELmyTHNfWrEyGvhOcIQVM
bQXdhvMZmMxSVQNLi Wuting, Li Jingyu, and the Empress Dowager were praying in the front.euyOiafCTfiPKYcSVafyRSjTvgXrNy
LUpeRZKMrmhOEfCNing 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
LXCpgVodOKSXvLJExcept for the time she pierced Xuan Wang’s face.HTSdsGSJhDUevpMuncqGvULFlJOgpG
TYPGiNXqDNpkXpfAnd called her own son by the wrong name.PETEPTUErmrjWluKBqxjfRVSMCbuAH
AlkmeXaWsTLBMMVAfter observing for a while, he bowed and joined his hands in prayer.JGbxcUNceNhMtpzXjNIMPErnVWtICF
LLBmswkEdAFBFrC·FIVgoHvJNSmNBbvWTsLqMLKysVnLKO
jfoNuRYPaGaugwLAfter offering the eternal lamp to Empress Xian, the group prepared to return.rnAVUQnsDjpRgDXqvCsqdYiftziadA
pRiSpUaXPlKhNwkThey packed up and bid farewell to Shaojue Temple.AuGcJKdTEngaZqebiJWkDOBrJbXXEJ
lEqlFkosgEBInYpThe return was much less ceremonious.JKxyuXUrVdYlEJZyIIpGDWLKesBVaG
VYaLjvkOUKgORupAs 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
LByjYSOqhoYQpRR“?” Ning Rushen responded, “Yes.”loJcxYnorTFeYjmDTcdXTByzvdabgQ
ZBWsZNIbzMxddomThis time, when leaving the palace, there were hundreds of officials accompanying them.BbPJaDZCUYAYcEWLtRPGwWLZcUnALl
KGqHAuBWPYdwWXjLi Wuting was no longer riding in the green carriage.UPVOIHYJfgqwpsKUpfDaNSsYNxxTOh
gqogAsyMyLDgfXPWhen 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
BpnqbOwIeLGEgiANing Rushen glanced again at the luxurious carriage and climbed in.vNRharoXsGwsXuAsHuJnAOTHgpaMhj
jWXysdqgwaCLDgHWhen he lifted the curtain and entered—FICwgvrUFvuHKCjAhEosNSuJimTbgM
bazwCuWiZwjfCAxIt seemed the interior had been upgraded, and everything appeared much more luxurious.mtXooMbOrSbAEyvTiWEOhAlNkpeMDc
tPawtSghJOUWkIrLi Wuting was seated inside, with a pile of blankets arranged next to him, forming a cozy nest.WsaWgsJmQdwevSldrcZLqFsirJUWsC
iSCAXLtSSAMQXTuNing Rushen, “…”AWArtKDVmTrKEYhfIQEWjuAEkTuDoh
udBLWFGCdizDFEUNing 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
jguAllPWIxnEvSbLi Wuting glanced at him, “Or else, is it something I made out of fabric?”cixSiTGiXFvACAsyoIhyziGNEVKfvd
XRWwkfAMgrJwWsV“…” Oh, again with the sarcasm.cOYNjitEfKmhEUDDKgWYpRLPvquqTB
JtzahEHmhJOVaxWJust as Ning Rushen settled in, a box of pastries was pushed toward him.yiwYkmVQNVSvUHbnoHXBgSVMLHqmOD
YSFFPZgmrIElipi“Just arrived from someone.”JYiYDbzETfehZrGEJbVQynBKwCvwZQ
FzBHTNCjZRkhJkp“??”wShAiSzOpYkGQuzrwRmaMoZiwyxnNR
uanUMWaqBEZRWMbThe pastries included both sweet and meat-filled types.HoDukCcHrpjcLtvGDeszBtTmGTVQae
ENRREEhGqUsjezDAfter eating vegetarian dishes at the temple for the past few days, the sudden smell of meat made Ning Rushen’s heart race.MFNVjHMFdZIvFsRLoGMhWnnfABNmEL
MQCbOIYoFVZgGACHe looked at Li Wuting in surprise, “Is this also for me?”CkooVZgVgsgNSFOtvThIdLmiOFZYrM
yWyPNNKKuPtmvudLi Wuting tapped the table and said softly, “For Lord Ning to sample.”SFXzdcAflTTAUoeszlAXNnLslMhDch
CEQCpcmJykYXXsU“…”eWMgtqtnJCMebITIKIYDjqoIQsNRNV
IikAvtvwuiqGEqRNing 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
kbJgDSHkQuPuhGrLi Wuting seemed unhappy but was being unusually kind to him.bUpocmiCFtYotvXvBFWscSmqqGoYwA
ZPJIwOAaUVeXItFHe glanced at Li Wuting’s expression while eating.aTLSSNIyYpGULXAYyyGeGcDaXMgPdO
bDmbBUgLKymVSbSLi Wuting’s face, already pale, flickered intermittently in his peripheral vision.IHjvxHuUBOIUROtmFNqyHycKwMUwqM
zTckUleUEVJPiJGLi Wuting, feeling a headache coming on, asked, “What are you fidgeting about?”dkjvPucwybSYDDRQlBUeNQoiWNeTGu
cRaeTbQVIRZsTFFNing Rushen, “I dare to ask, this isn’t some last meal, is it?”ZJxKaGsRmajtejwufdjjdBbteTpjsz
hTqAVgEManoMVIH“…” Li Wuting, “Stop with the wild thoughts.”tSfozjLAaQzuFIzCkcOKJRkbSkhNlG
yxmnDVuAljGLZpENing Rushen, “There are often stories of people being given a meal before—”zHhIECnsyOluSEymwLevgJuofLqHSh
jnGlSsfgTRkLAlGHalfway 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
rgJTbezlXJbafqMNing Rushen: ………payJRTtAMPJxdDteErRSDNHmxqRbNh
gZJcXMaiCrWVnxBNing Rushen: ???WOpRFnnpjUDPjzazmIeWbiBSCgwnMp
CKXeoGxdWhWVVxFAfter Li Wuting finished speaking, he turned away and fell silent.xxYjSCOhtvxQwNBCLmNeRPhWDfcwNG
tvMtPmnupqRbBPaNing Rushen stared at his cold profile, wondering if he had triggered some taboo phrase. Where did this “wanting to leave” come from?KXvwOFOwarvCPDHLiuCjexrjmsDzIF
CkesUVyZRzxoCVqHe leaned closer, “Your Majesty, where am I—”JPKnedPqBXoNEwFOjdbEfmseaLFRhK
aSYjwxmtlLbLpkE“Is someone spreading rumors to Your Majesty?”pNnPKkzRoUlwaboRVCgfatguKebOyY
INAZRQNsVrvAgDz“Oh, is it Shiyi? I thought he might be putting a hex on someone—”iqnsDIzgmGsPlhofewDRkQAURPfgqO
hFPrbMNQfuiplgaDespite his guesses, Li Wuting remained unresponsive.uAvMqOWRlFdGuKCtPtVKkIxiklICYW
oMuPBPcbLYNpCMwThe buried emotions and unspoken prophecies weighed heavily on his heart.uONwhfUEhiSFIkgfmxltlGiNTPERGQ
yQFsrXkcPUPlORtHis left hand in his sleeve tightened slightly, the injury pressing painfully.DEXeMJzzSubxDPOPpaaKMIAhYtQMaS
EovdJRfhfNUiLWBNing Rushen, after several unanswered calls, said, “Your Majesty?”sOkedkEVmlMwumIHjeyjAebgIDhMLq
aIERPuSXPSHtbyWHe tugged at Li Wuting’s sleeve again, “Your Majesty, can you clarify things for me?”FyQVPHqZWTJYvbQxMBtXHRBFRBCztT
eOmIQoWHAmKWCNXLi Wuting, looking down, did not respond. Yet the nest of blankets remained soft, and the pastries were still warm.TnozEkvGdSIcqxhSgYKQBHUukugHBk
YaGJDgmYZIUTANENing Rushen, noting the suddenly disturbed expression on Li Wuting’s face, glanced at De Quan, who had closed his ears in the corner.owbhNtmcHUGJvoNsHSkkfwvoNFBATP
EkYMGgBqVPSkxcuThen he leaned in and whispered, “…The Chancellor?”oVClzrGnYgIVsneBMimYOXekZXwxqb
rEhLxHGlcSIzBkXKrOJAFsqnlhmxZKerMISysNnNSzaeL
Maravilhosa continua
*nod nod* yupppp =) I posted a few more!