This official is so weak

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

WtDBHUXhOSaXIuf

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

MdmeFAbypXGTNDC

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

onguWzyuXYhdJrn

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

RqfngCdloVlNkVT

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?”wYneSPicRhvdfIRExxRkFGbVCwvECs

WMePiCIUmaqVrmT

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

BkUwAIiFbLFdbTN

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

TDQLVulwWOPYjmF

Outside, it was quiet and deserted.fJysgdtkTYYKHCNBRmSouqthNGmoBe

StWfUYvvcwoLiQU

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

rKtYFAcAaLEXrGS

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

SvULyDiIRAPeOPy

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

MekTNMERJqdReRL

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

pjoALCawHeIWHDL

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

grieSsoExWxopkx

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

HXWNiNwTMyissPQ

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

GCkWgnmNpVeCAAx

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

TmSuBXskZHQzDJr

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

qRAdOqSYyxisaMP

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

GrtrfPftSjLRALB

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

QibMtEZTqBhqlgA

He wondered where they had gone after the discussion.zvwywaCdZSXyPRzwtxUzdAnnAGBBMM

ECRxbRVLleHaBgK

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

notbOPCPjmYFYQo

“A lotus?”wimdoZaIsgefnyQfpxwpoONBzgMXaO

ttzFXSFDljcvLPU

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

QQWGtUaMIpjoUkk

Ning Rushen murmured thoughtfully.GObqbYxqmPHzrDgSNgMocxODNtvGLE

VlpABxTkNUoUibu

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

pkJhdkJnagSgLzj

“…”nSHPZBooirqcoqjgSDqobgFwsHLCNC

OfdQBBzQspzwYMD

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

DsBEdMRcaIkQNKA

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

VLppSUzlHEPnUqH

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

SJmMdrVbXAyJxUO

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

YSXYgpdodvBlbMI

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

ZQTXNEfABCLqfQo

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

PMjrmZwNSOQkFyu

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

NENFLdeWHpKrzgv

Li Jingyu quickly summoned a servant to ask.EzpyRzahoMoOaBLxRLhUohJdzbMgCh

ZUHOnJNIpzVYepL

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

UVKayaVuaMwCLSq

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

giVYHfgldTpumma

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

RTZyXilPTXYjTUd

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

SvXIGHSeZeOuPcR

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

mFigrHSYaXhVBvJ

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

mBQNELZYMEcmkQg

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.fkGWgrpadCEPnGzjfMdDCtdnEcPrvy

NBXqhiQYkLnsMnL

The half-carved lotus lay beside him.cJHusjCwzENdQFGuDqeCKxpQhMruSE

CYGKYArGIwRlPhV

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

KcmEheersipEuSJ

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

LmdKOJcxFRlnSLw

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

dsNHAdQWoyEWkPb

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

zDnMljXoIuuYBgM

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

ntlZySPDiCfAVOS

Ning Rushen walked a few steps closer.BvtSOERdhOdYPwDtHWGcCNkxooVoOr

JpIiMkizFsuqfVu

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.OvsAawcaViqCLZnXXoysAIjqQUpTgk

vXeWVxSQwPlqVeT

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

AvkNkRZCfbcRxHr

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

EoIUuZOQhAvycig

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

gAnUiEqbYIXDnxB

“It’s just a minor injury.”pubEZKujSpRJTsLAOOVxhfrKhQJbxs

LZRFzoYURKgfNCb

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

jRUfHiuBnHMJhmB

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

ohBYwIwGadBJuOk

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.DqsaOVFWvJzWliSHnBJpTPcZPYMlOz

msbHCCbMwoZYZTn

He turned to look:?IHmMartlwgqWIWgRAemfsXntnecBky

uSuTAVxJvwcbLxe

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!”jWQYyCXkaGONqBMfCkCxMEGyXCYuLA

iCAXdTDYfpGaNrl

Ning Rushen, “…”snIjKPJqHFsCchOomtrasfFlRGJFdk

YRXRtuglWJsuCAD

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

GxBJmOkbkzmFxrq

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.INBlVITDfmDmMVrkQLwUeQQtweeWhJ

XxGwhPpZwqqYGUv

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

iqttciFPtAAvsBW

Li Wuting paused and looked at him.apSoWNnJUahNAITADyYjAMrJoFBMQI

bOwLEvOmqXfrLyF

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

FYGJzncIuxUFqcr

…Hmm?nAOUxfzRYkOaNCxsQMPhWrpfSLgYid

ZpsqfkGBgLZgXlV

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

jTmvvHijuGJIQbZ

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

AxzIANyXrsePPlE

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

GrtPqAAIRIeYqdB

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.fVfJSlcOVGrhDeOqmwOsjPPnBAzuvK

ISEKYNpIJwPtRyu

Ning Rushen felt a pang of worry for him.mbYdTRohekCVutVvSrCjzxksPUBFwJ

WkuCnXjiGExKTkW

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

ajtwSwJwHJisAfG

Soft fingertips carefully pressed against the rough palm.vxwsemyIiCnEbObCCOuroeyeTBVpAl

wRvOYwrdDETFInM

Fine medicinal powder was sprinkled on the wound.DWbnpztlANvxurmDcWxwMnLjKPcIGF

OHLYmhFkCbNAFLu

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.WoFwDFJMUeBxhgmhBBeDBCLFLOoumo

xFycPThKeVrduvE

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

bEbLjWjBrGCTWBk

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

mRxfLCkoSlARySe

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.kHRVyMneQIpeENYaAMmOfDAQKMqEOg

likidynXcTcCEjT

Li Wuting, “…”LKIpRuHWuOIhXfPUtaCNSDzbVFEbvY

TaEBVWQEZPNDCfN

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

jdcYXpRMnCCLjHL

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

VjeQLeYjTdNQaqk

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

JfcHJNgbcnLqMrU

“…”hHzjWjHmZmDOOpdrJWFeSxciNrMjOR

HLyViEVUiUNjopR

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

XhCzDtrivSJzbSi

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

LNkhYZOjQbiZXaE

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

xzgGqHqJfbUjCFf

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

lptnfyCnewIxoqQ

Ning Rushen sighed inwardly: It must still hurt.TvhTJNRJeYhkzLciSOPObZUwkqilKl

GcGxwtbSrvTkfgQ

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.WdqtaOfqWDYHwZuwDqyFYHvOCcFhKa

QGChUFDFaYQBfLS

He was used to hiding his suffering.yopzjciuTeSMWLBnTgYPncvrGbMaua

OvlGhAAEkxFSwIm

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

hQleLVrzCfIcLzW

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

EfpgdvJhAWgpfmC

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

puRilSiTlaMfMQg

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

ErUiemHSzhVSQrf

“Has someone examined the wound?”LePFlknADxOKTucUuaGWHMCXCJqSTl

kSpXFCYPifMxxcJ

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

xfdAzUbfxeQUIPx

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

SncTeAyVVnflTkp

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

pLqSBGFtYRoksrZ

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

vRzjssFHPkOgFfT

…Li Wuting can get distracted too?XktXzLquWQglUQIfEcohEPijElOmJC

DnyWsLdbfSvqXMd

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

DnDfbeRdLpZqEWu

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

AKmQFuolLjhwWik

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

HJVcbiPlnBcIEtt

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

JBypYgpctcGYSJX

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

LQNTaChPMdoEXnG

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

ykPiOWYwbrHTCXm

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.oUJlyNoupJSyLDkYWwYilVotXSXrcj

PAyilrdVvAJtGwi

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

CFlvgWaZoRjUYAE

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

gYhfyhbHuaEhcss

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

ClmujXjhIaoFQde

Ning Rushen then left with Li Jingyu.CZbujfjNLbkAAPJAQJccdYeZqDkgsr

LUUbrCclHimVUfo

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

nAmFianXsRNhftt

With everyone gone, the courtyard returned to tranquility.bxVLmfmUurwXTpUHrJyESPBqPhGqXZ

jkdnJGkpieyjOBE

De Quan looked worried, “Your Majesty…”bdvRTkWedmWGPgjWvcnEUXCnZvuILK

oQXkEQLoOmvLFPc

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

KxRPlfXrOAwEzpQ

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

QglkgEDVWDMlUbH

“Yes, Your Majesty.”rDyyBtsTzkrgKAvyLDerwvyMZuIuwM

qLDOkYMLoPrEvsF

…PCQsEFKaydphVtSoxcSmLoYQkVYjDV

qcHZiaKbWpbOTZY

Half an hour later.NQsLdnWNxhrWaijVXQoAIetNaxXauU

rKtiHybhmuWsyAJ

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

SDWOWnrDOOslrqX

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

rxIntYQDqNAgJHU

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.crvywxSyVIFvyotktkxDTYgCOhhtix

FXmbwTzGmyIVhWq

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

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

XWgIiaUTlGDMtRK

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

fqIBgnrwAtNQsmk

Where was Lord Ning planning to go?mTGfZjqpwulUKGKHdbARolfMYbGynv

DfrJfKYVvTkEJpS

Could he still be thinking about retiring?CoYgTegCNkafswmIDXScjftobNXcXI

dzsjfZgTCGGNDOz

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

CQpTEcvkoRlMMlF

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.”mDHQuBqTVDZHkOtPDRWJfIjrXvzBAD

nffnUZnbyhXdwYV

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

WOvCTDDYZqmVjKX

“It’s not as you think…”YimEfcZTFDaFczEKJIKnpJpgEeTNlE

WELYmvnpzYEGMNR

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.”osWCvzZzwsHjNSYHZxMVhKEAHjjVhT

ZjpFyQhyYKvpwGJ

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?kGAQwdFHcDKgQYMZpPtBKVByGcorGr

ECVKKCixfdkvDmC

And still clung to that lotus flower?fhHdugjxnjrYYCIIRPqbzKIwlzzyhO

QLzKXavgrSKfJLp

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.”HyYYebersTQBEnkUsMMVVQPVbupziz

GZbUldhAyHDcRJe

De Quan answered, “Yes.”TUkpUxyhsiqSoBQPZOpauERGhYvQvu

qULXEEJCOxJELxP

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

IfwjaZGtKTZpEvw

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

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

xVTtxRauqPacvjI

·CJooMlkgqpSsOrhliGzFurkuUsaESB

UoppjeRIKVugHoQ

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

mgatiCWpGvrrALQ

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

ojckwcYJJeKgPHe

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

xeuSAkbrKUfrstd

Ning Rushen went with Li Jingyu.wYvAmbGaCqkyBmSieQGtTjYutqcKOG

qjsmnxAxeXMRMPG

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.UgMBAFDYCkRArYVNClBQfpBwgueJzq

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

uBoQuvgRjksAMeq

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

aEljveaeLxSKXFE

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

EjTumxdSLPEVdHr

“…”IwuZeZRAOISHIyAEuYNKRctvdnVGsb

nZVUudlDMFNnYLq

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

pmABWycxLTitJdw

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

scSwRQeIHZoBvvy

Li Wuting met his gaze and smiled lightly.mEpFcxXOPPTUOAtckHFPPdbFAZATpJ

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

ZqoDEHjgEgCdpHx

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

hpBcdonSZujuaHj

As he moved, Ning Rushen habitually followed.nXyUSXDDvvYXrHyoiAwGfEuUYCktDJ

poMnDTsGcIjFtKb

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

rrTOtSVfUEDMsfA

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:gHlJySuaIYbWRKeQwVsdwAQvDmAxUy

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Ah, how perceptive of us～XkjWingNyjXMYIgyBVzkOATXQdeXlX

LjVCkSEvbotwtXd

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.ZewYfgAbAIRfLYfwMKGHCBTVWnsBZS

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Ning Rushen wondered, “?”QCRmxtBTGBIyRannabkzhGcFfQhOgk

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

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Ning Rushen: Mm-hmm.UdlpryRjZuZLiebByOGssOFitGgukX

hAVAQCvKSVwKTlw

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

rZeSFSKSxmXKiiq

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

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…IcbmMsFtfjkVDgkfIFfLScwXpVkPFm

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

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

PhsaSGLxmbpdkFw

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…DPWIDkUFAAzwEkVgQtBlKWtPLAzqSp

ubnWOapSGZeAdTG

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

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And called her own son by the wrong name.yqwXAfpsoaKSIbIHBhkUCZUkmeWegj

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

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

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They packed up and bid farewell to Shaojue Temple.WDjabywwvSmbtwWxiMnoAsZnKVFSnH

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The return was much less ceremonious.kaocpaykdESHXHEWwzURmeHfAAeAvI

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

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

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

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

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

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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:nfJMRUiyZhcEHiqMRqoKTnHhqUppme

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

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

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When he lifted the curtain and entered—pkAKFrhUduDfswruOhhgjKiFguiofW

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

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

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Ning Rushen, “…”BMEykbcBkFugviqhEVIQxzXpNxQDHX

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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?”vHhANEFjVnZzpYpHwppRxHXgHCMZPv

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

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“…” Oh, again with the sarcasm.ksVUKYjcCYPHqStUsFGCAumEPhXpaO

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

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“Just arrived from someone.”lzWawlRgdtNlsHThRWmNbxkAWAzZxc

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“??”bUHnTwKiVTbVWlvGpPRMtvZbVIOnnR

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

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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.wxsLDiKTodzokpWdffkfWNOXukRMPL

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

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

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“…”cpsWBNnaTVmRBjoLcGyHBFPnpGCzGU

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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:JzfVctGrgUCzWiaHsMQMHMAkPRENAp

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

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

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

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

BEqoPkNHaNMdHDC

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

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

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

wAklGfVIzYNUTKc

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

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

OiIpfXlheVKiJqs

Ning Rushen: ………RqfrRaqrCozlIgeQjpinTexGCaDZWU

LBUgYmqUJfqauik

Ning Rushen: ???KlqQrTAdpjZZSYLaUWwzDCxjQoLvJw

brEAQkEUVuFHdqU

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

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

pyLAOgMcnWpjDfN

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

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“Is someone spreading rumors to Your Majesty?”lRDvQLHSTKGdJFYinTwmonJkDAlLVM

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

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Despite his guesses, Li Wuting remained unresponsive.hZnCuZQhHjBJcqILuEFMocDesQvrRP

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

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

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

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

MheHQMDOVBuOMuv

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

fvCQZxKLRSZioJa

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

asdlqFidFpUVDQo

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

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