This official is so weak

iToUwlWozfRvfJwTable of Contents

Chapter 43

 YQpXSqSkhwMFOBSnqlpzglrcxUJbSX

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De Quan suddenly slammed on the brakes and reversed.vltWVaJitFhvevGIZSlabnBUJKsWKe

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He focused entirely on the hands on his thighs and waist.AEJXcoSiGVfgqUggmEzSiLIdiwEXFf

hqoOxcouMWYFVqN

When he regained his composure from the shock, he realized he was sitting in Li Wuting’s lap, who had wrapped his long arms around him.okeOlrhxEEhSOkXfJexZhtQxkelabT

sfOZOZcAkCnDXsN

He grabbed the collar for leverage, trying to get off the lap. As soon as he moved, his scalp was tugged painfully, “Hiss!” Immediately, the hand around his waist tightened and pulled him back—WckTHgeMRIGxrCDrKcSVccRlqXtEqm

HHlZrChMrrsxsiA

“What are you squirming for?” Li Wuting said in a hushed voice. “Do you want to pull out your own hair?”bpKWOogTQKCypJqGHtkqAMksNorvgX

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Ning Rushen’s mind was a mess, his waist was trembling violently, and he was enveloped by a layer of heat, with his earlobes and collarbone turning red.TiUJuXdFrVJBCMwqtbUGPVCWtQLbnl

vlZmKUOsiNXVLeS

His hair was tangled in the buckle, and his hands were pulling at the emperor’s belt, fiddling in front of the person.UzckgzaYxWOwROjHzJxRHpTFoOUtna

OhckrzmNUwKLlFR

Li Wuting still had one hand wrapped around him.wDWXjUjVavkkfRuKNEllcgRzDyiscW

vwVFoVwwgZUOnwt

The wide sleeves fell down, blocking most of the outside view.SwFMZgsvBGQvODZJuJIydMYcoFoFJx

qrdnmsOzPcVbflh

Ning Rushen buried his head, tugging without success, his fingers bumping against Li Wuting’s abdomen.uwbhKKpACsnNrUBvoFVOJhiURcyAhs

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The large hand around his waist suddenly tightened.lMLAEWbNLxcKVzwqazFFcrKVYjdBKw

IbkUSEPJkElRUxR

Then his hand was pressed down—fuQPDYEHXkzWVDkwiqQoVqUYYRkkCt

BlTpphRbwotXvnU

“Enough.” Li Wuting, as if unable to endure any longer, tightened his grip, pushed Ning Rushen’s hands away, and began to untangle it himself with one hand.UUphTchYbRjMrBTlNHadKdrIAOZlPh

PfuMGGwEtnrHtee

“Move your hands away. I’ll do it.”xJkfyXnGFKhQtxGZKlgdTZlOTGYAuu

JGuHWLltZVoHGUF

Ning Rushen was burned by the warmth of that hand.fulJTdQoJNOOZPGHrFdiavnEIGWvlJ

DAlyegwiyYXFnou

His fingers bent in mid-air, then he grabbed Li Wuting’s collar, obediently allowing him to untangle his hair.fddJWmeJGwfYgfVhaJBnJrJbwasOBn

kAHwtbziQgTRIbB

Li Wuting’s slender fingers moved deftly.IdiQBczlEcSrlCYpZwrUkutFizLdFg

DrAnsomzKXSYShk

In a few moves, he managed to sort out several strands of hair.EsZZbVKUiicpAjAQLvGiKAFRNDAzMK

XeShwedkdfTSFsP

Ning Rushen, watching Li Wuting untangle the hair, suddenly remembered how he had neatly untangled the red veil in the carriage last time.zQOSjGnrZQgIASBOYQYIbJgYjnAGCI

NvGIGcIBQqkIyCs

He suppressed his shiver and tried to divert the attention:kkjOFZNOaBhTyvTKuHCVQWzgFHXKVB

JfgKUtqTHOXeQNV

“Your Majesty is so skilled at loosening clothes and belts.”sefWLIfFhUqJALtOCTwWmUzclApinp

PjZfaqpRtmOIYOf

“……”luZVRrdWtWzjyitmpDsxjMVSOdkkrL

kxUgcIWtgjVNIKX

The slender fingers paused, then suddenly tugged at his hair—rKQgkfPtRIetvGiJUrCLYOPdjJburG

xeyHafeyLSRkoXX

Ning Rushen, “Ow!”qwtPcAjzXvSAkztckZugVtwBcTRntY

JaKtGDUESfDUlqJ

Li Wuting lifted his gaze seriously, “Don’t make noise.”oLLMvfVyCbEerQZaInAPXPxcBNvqqw

RGqCZaSWQvMhXvn

Ning Rushen obediently closed his mouth.atgQCEQYnsqRJKlHlpJlxsMGSFOCGE

SjPROrajAKhWTjr

After a few breaths, his hair was finally freed, and the ends were frizzy.szhlTWSdXciogXqcQvHTjsdFQAFfjd

ONdiSfshAPkKtCQ

Ning Rushen quickly jumped off.GbnCORvfNzUmLDsKlgOmaiKUoDmoQM

BGSlJbSRpThwvLn

His legs were weak as he touched the ground, “…Your Majesty, forgive me.”YukGISItzLFPmkLBRWOQNzvDGCelwT

dTcpuQFCUCpxYKK

The warmth withdrew, and the embrace was momentarily empty.qiduNFDNYxkZPJYBGGKyjoQHiLVJhN

iNpdxGhBzvEKTqJ

Li Wuting clenched his fist and said lightly, “Ning Qing’s hair—”OSCkpPiZthAYebRYThoxsdLfLMqqed

YPMrUwvxVyVtKmh

Ning Rushen clutched his frizzy hairZRVXpjitMFWttWsZtJVZgnyRyyOmzu

fYjBxGngJNdHbks

“……Forget it.” Li Wuting looked at his flowing black hair, which hadn’t yet reached shoulder length, and his face still looked quite youthful for his actual age of thirty-five—zAnpyMxTYFYzJJLWPAMhVwsgoGweZM

FLkbWvaVWJLAjmt

Li Wuting said softly, “You’re still too young.”JgAMEZApQNxSJZLJiwfcfXBhuDMqmU

vdxMdidfebxZpJP

Some things…both inside and out, in terms of personal feelings and public propriety…how could he handle it?HCFKVUhILMBoacoumXaMYKmmmuGDcc

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Ning Rushen, confused, “??”EGvaQkwDhjRNNGcoGxdBqqkipUoAeK

naBcBFZUvbwvGPM

Too young for what? Such words shouldn’t be used lightly.QFNQsNipANAhbvnpSmHQTRkoMYyISH

LiKxOKdtLvCqnnj

Li Wuting looked at him again, “Ning Qing is still not yet twenty this year.”agGdMrwBTgTFSFwgGnnpMljlZMxYlm

pOBGnYFPtpazmnt

Ning Rushen, “……”uxEVlQFRlnPUAvBWyUzdeGAXXMUOsv

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He felt a crack in his heart: Aren’t you just in your early twenties too?rEENkvTaTarXvMCEJLDghELmiyNltK

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Moreover, he was actually in his twenties already. There wasn’t much difference between him and Li Wuting.ipnhKBSJrHxRRjcBZiwQITqsnmmAKe

gkkrgFgwsRAdjtc

Ning Rushen straightened up, “I am mentally mature.”mkqgNGQkgZwapwyBbiMjchwWOshXnq

ViwQKFZGsMVSinc

Is that so? Li Wuting replied calmly, “Your pastries are gone.”aekPdtjfmalCeIQvXioLtWMpoGXpjw

prcYtsQWaVPgNds

Ning Rushen was shocked, “—No!!”ktnuDWhRDgNpwkYqdcqQmSfUhRwOmD

ZOePUuEtFNyGZrK

Li Wuting, “Haha.”qveacqZTQtvxfNIseeRZpXahMzOdim

xSNUVWRnfxLVGEc

“……”TTnrRIYxGAWWeCqokfswQpCAbQrjpP

ANEFTYoIXEdMGyc

The ends of his hair fluffed out a bit more.isGXiAJVyLxawjGmcTQBkAKtTsFXyR

WmDXbvZDPbrwuHb

Li Wuting’s lips seemed to curve slightly as he called out, “De Quan, take someone to the Imperial Kitchen.”GswgIqadDEtIRxvjwbCwmjYLWpLfTR

XpBGzXBQSkPNIPG

Ning Rushen was gently stroked into order again: That’s better.bnCedsgKegWEqTTeRtZcrGYiUOtSkT

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De Quan responded, slowly moving over.NcxreVcwyvYDZAAGfLSVROuxGWeRtG

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Li Wuting frowned, “What are you dragging your feet for?”UupKFOVSKrwzcsTrODPeaiSIPYJONE

cScfALuHmjONfgk

“Yes!” De Quan quickly stepped up, thinking: I’m not afraid of going back and forth again, am I?CQsMhJeCoEPInUlrPBfRPeHTHxgjET

QxeVuLGNnDZhLmL

Ning Rushen immediately followed happily.NnLRpMQOvsWwKxZWejMPTzyelyVilS

OfWBjcRfbyzJtej

Before leaving, he turned to Li Wuting to express his gratitude. As their gazes met, his waist suddenly went weak! Ning Rushen’s words stopped, “……”ysgVhVJJFGxDrUAHmwaEkADYcODSJY

vyUiNpVmiuLoZpv

Li Wuting, “What’s wrong?”QOtWPInJGKfHNFPVBDAJhdJdyVlXTs

cnPszAKMCZZAxJs

Ning Rushen, still a bit shaken, “Nothing… I’m just… strong-willed.”kgYFLYFBzevJSWxbXMsiTAGaDOMIbS

AuINQRcuFfGDuNm

·blTEibdZMZRgWwKXjsAGKwUphVlOuR

qeQIQGbgjxdubCU

On the way to the Imperial Kitchen.tiYbNalEXnXRsFOMqwlHCdJrTRglmX

PIgRxwbWuIJkECx

Ning Rushen asked, “Is it the same kind as last time?”cXhmVOfcPXBCWQLnVHlxXaDENPUerS

NjPtkZGZuMmAqmV

De Quan said, “The last box of pastries was bought outside. You can just have the Imperial Chef make them the same way this time—after all, nothing beats the Imperial Chef’s creations!”foEiojEWKtpTODHkpKquhlPtbGHbrF

YQekDapMPrIEjqJ

“Then why buy from outside last time?”IDRmvUNZVWXxkPSkZhAAMefCULgAWs

whVHSLDVpacoXTS

“It was a matter of timing—”CDcVVaIatchlFnvuMviXlxeaIEYQzB

gMZmBepWvuHwAei

De Quan’s words were cut off abruptly.gZmieLltgOmNQvNrCFblbNencfnxDx

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“?” Ning Rushen asked, “What timing?”OaYiuZxnkFLFYQMloMEDqytxSbbayb

zDUhsdrrInWMfui

De Quan had already changed the subject, “Oh, nothing, we’ve arrived… Lord Ning, please go ahead!” He then hurriedly pushed him along with a dust whisk.QBScbZRsxfqooLcpBuVurEMkPDWaPz

GYwNIUsCytckuVw

“???”srEfSXWOILQKNuqCpyYZXorTZQIeki

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Ning Rushen looked at him suspiciously:gHMSpCJyvrDCThELviCxsCyvXxxqEI

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Didn’t the strainer just miss something?ojlGwMUXyCuRGDVhbnRWVuNceQaCoS

RIQVqubcrPBYWWX

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Ning Rushen’s efforts to relieve the emperor’s worries earned him a box of pastries.SZysjjXzlsIVMNmslSbxpkzVeyweUP

xFdosfTPhvNyeDp

His enthusiasm for work increased dramatically.vnZjtcuJNXVsLaZEEppoYeSOFnYpiS

BsEclFnukRrDnEG

So much so that when he was summoned the next day, he was full of energy, as if he was going to eat rather than work. Halfway there, he even gently urged the leading eunuch:zmvFVboJcBtulSdnPLQcLJkjGprSvK

VjrKfytTJIBhpqa

“Little eunuch, hurry up!”uhVZyfOiYidrBTCCHKJpwgyUezYCrF

wPovakicQLEsGKl

The little eunuch, panting, mumbled some elegant words from the Great Cheng Dynasty: …INcEXoiibXiHEyBOOtfOOuMeyyeqjU

yUNYKilFEBdewhg

They reached the Wenhua Hall.MmcyNtBBuXbflMHjuzGMpQGStipSyG

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When Ning Rushen entered, he realized he was not alone today.aeWfvExvDzArbNyMxYlXufheZpbsal

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Five key ministers, including Ji Jie, were present.XiiEPgRoRboQqhRkujohePOnUGLNto

CxTqUIXAPsNGCSV

Upon seeing Ning Rushen, Li Wuting dismissed the palace servants, “Since everyone is here, let’s begin.”IkEziHcDEUsifuhaXmjFWEMkLhxjZn

EDbVBHWcTsuBscF

Ning Rushen: Huh?vSMasbPMyodzAKZRhuYApgOCWJHAbK

HivYWEebQWOANga

The servants withdrew, and a few pages of paper were handed to them by De Quan.NvzqKXHCWTPoEQevjMybJrLaxuAGBN

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Ning Rushen looked down and saw something very familiar:HXMiMRgQJseQdcGYijwHFzitNBfVja

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It was the power division plan Li Wuting had proposed yesterday. However, it had now incorporated many elements of the “Cabinet” system, forming a unique system distinct from the “Ming Dynasty Cabinet System,” tailored for the Great Cheng.dXZFyqHUshDtMzMdSjgLgkyRnKzkvI

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In just one night, Li Wuting had managed to revise it.WRHMMLaalWQrBYDyysjbuXsnjJfLLp

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Ning Rushen was astonished and looked up.KOgidIapVIKIbAYklzSdBaeNAbQFBQ

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He found that the others around him were even more shocked.YNKGrnnFBwBgkymsqeysZhpQMxsefh

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Ji Jie looked over several times, “Your Majesty, what is this?”RBHmszdTjAXzHzugbrCpFHclAvkaeZ

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Li Wuting met the ministers’ inquisitive gazes, “This ‘Cabinet’ system is drafted with the assistance of Ning Qing.”vVTqcsGSsEFTBDlZIFvEryIvEuuWtk

wZwngooKVoTYSBU

At his words, five pairs of eyes instantly turned to Ning Rushen!paWldZARmscXQOwSdzexJieBwWgpoZ

malOYSfpZHFlXLQ

“………”lrCzbYmkOeymAYhzSuvbMPoNNwVhzu

ViraAGKZLYrolKB

Ning Rushen was startled and looked at Li Wuting: Why mention me!!!wfufwkREpzxEltgIdEsthUhQNVgUUx

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Li Wuting met his wide-eyed stare and smiled.aGvDKDhjCFlIYZTknZqhcBYuHwTDLb

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Then he continued to speak, redirecting attention:qoIvpAWsqmiSGdcLtwUlyPodqKzMLJ

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“I intend to establish a ‘Cabinet,’ promote talented officials to assist in governance, consolidate scattered powers into this system, and in the future, select the Left and Right Prime Ministers from the Cabinet.”xBmmogJEyUOHjBFiFEhxtZzJriBFns

aMLdmYflwwtiolA

With that, the ministers in the hall exchanged serious glances.KmEeTjNwQpCJGBBTynTYLNEXlhjopE

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Li Wuting continued to speak at a steady pace.flXExAJzEaFKyTZsMoOTObIENxUeKQ

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Ning Rushen listened to his explanation:UeUkZHgKrqiyyerbefEqDfzYhlnNKU

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Li Wuting conservatively retained the Prime Minister position.eWEnYtRcTeQpUPrVrsrMMRVzkTYLVL

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If there were no surprises…PdAkmzUdgAeoQqPvrBrVEUsIFdwKVy

CtluWiZmQZVpbWH

Ning Rushen glanced at the five key ministers present—FtcaWEcjMDCqyKsezEnQZpcztdHCAm

XSqIDRitYQUewwC

Each of them had their own faction and leaned towards the new emperor. They would likely be the first to benefit from and support the new policy.mmMEqqALZpbmfIvpSgOtbwvScYyafN

BkGlNZhVtHqOkoR

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As expected, the hall quickly erupted into discussion.gXaMrugjgRKPDdBozSiuupLgilwzCz

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Ning Rushen stood by, listening with his hands in his sleeves. Since he was one of the “initiators” of the new policy, the high-ranking old officials had no objections to his presence.tISRKIJOOjBLdZlGyUxdZgeMFVSMLF

yhjAfVswXiOmDOn

In fact, several times he met Ji Jie’s gaze with a half-smile, and Ji Jie even nodded warmly at him—oNpjqKyiFalcpFrPfXaQQFWEqRkGzf

LqCBSBqjVbjojGH

Ning Rushen briefly remembered the “ancient texts” he had yet to finish for him.tFSWksMqyiytcGxicXBpqVulgPlwAL

rgMmMxPFcymBEOh

He silently closed his mouth and looked away.oknNioAhGwqmACRCPBTGvAJbSmukpH

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Hoping that once Ji Taifu got busy, he would forget about it.whHHLVrhSgXaMZirddcmnwEcgKBrZz

cbyaDySnHijZYjn

The discussion in the hall gradually came to an end.LHjHWdNZweklgtaNxEQOhxKSPTROJo

BhZRJRvDmCCCtzh

Ning Rushen listened and felt that some of the issues from the old “cabinet system” should be avoidable. At least the eunuchs’ monopolization of power—KMxCAkZJJBLxCPeIlQOkgxfDiplhfr

qrorhMhPucyJexA

He glanced at the side, where De Quan, lost in his own world and occasionally chuckling, was—nOtSWUksMmDHeyVEuSIzNNZVlfblVc

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He had no idea what the other was here for.xHCMQiVKsKiuXiblKWMWRHCtQBwJJC

TDOQEacoxfMjpWE

While pondering, Li Wuting spoke, “Minister Ji and Minister Guo, please stay. The rest of you, please leave.”NCgwIMXmsffIKZYovplVVudodNtfki

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Ning Rushen came back to his senses and replied with the others, “Yes.”JcrqJJPzVQTjPaMJJdzQNUWPECFStE

LpAHvhgHIoLLEKf

After speaking, he looked at Li Wuting.GJpRkMGIujxpaKiELiaLqosNEZoqsO

QPXmiDygHdBXsAz

He met Li Wuting’s gaze, which was directed at him over the heads of the crowd. Li Wuting’s lips moved as if to say something, but then he stopped.qDNHLxSjFvewQooFTVaoOSsYZqZkpo

bdPkFQzdvgoutHU

He then turned his attention back to Minister Ji and the others.jnPsjDPCFADTDeIAFMFHotqmFNvAvb

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Ning Rushen: ?porMjBCzxdYZrZJvWUFnrSZfJHpFZa

eBCjzpqDjfcMxjX

With a faint sense of confusion, he exited the hall.YdtzhEBcpuZizdeLSrjCDVZjJXbNRt

iXqJoGJsdAytQPF

The other three ministers had already left quickly. Ning Rushen had walked a few steps out when a young eunuch hurried after him with a food box, “Master Ning, His Majesty has sent this for you.”jlOjwaGMFoQmjlWuNzyyIHmAiCJNit

MsotXwhwYteZOhz

Ning Rushen was startled for a moment, his heart rate quickening:WCjMAicGfcXdVNaEZYywEWLTvFNRtE

XUHVXKogKQzuCTL

He thought there wouldn’t be any today…sIZiWRcbdkhwYkzWrQrJBSMOPCyKVK

HwzKNbhhdpcmUsV

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”ctAtHtQwRgiYPUcDdKtkIrwgcNfwwk

vQbHepkSGsFjhrX

He said, tucking the food box under his arm and walking away with a satisfied expression.WlfPQvisgWyCpkTVUDHjbiZjzvCSgl

cJGrDLoZwdscKUa

Leaving Wenhua Hall, there was a shortcut through the Imperial Garden.DDTSrfkiMmieFprligLEearkqasBAj

nxVRNKWaXBFpgxE

As Ning Rushen entered the garden, he saw a group of palace servants ahead. A familiar childish voice came from that direction.BCTGoWShGpkfjEIfTaBRsruUYLhLrJ

rteLJuetPXLhjMw

He paused for a moment, and as he turned a corner, he saw the short-legged figure.GeXElwvujmKKfItjfMCNaAinHxUCpl

KEgPotTAFJNtBLV

Li Jingyu, with keen eyes, turned around, “Master Ning!”AHYobSTDAktcEMTgttSLnDZGcTWJYA

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Ning Rushen approached, “What is Little Prince doing here?”xOXTWFQnMNEhFyfItiPHPcJrfqTlHG

DekMfXMshkyURAW

“Waiting for the Emperor, but I heard that the Emperor is in a meeting.”BVXdpQKEzfMhRBFoXyTXRYLeSYKhfF

mIjPdXQIAfdpywZ

So you were just playing hide and seek.XmTmvUDsmjWegVmAkIUmeCXxwzlQze

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He said, “The meeting should be ending soon.”SaHuKXVhsvqgQqTtZDncBZKjNepQQx

itqvQhxXgNGrskE

“Oh…” Li Jingyu glanced at him, his black-and-white eyes turning, “Since there’s still some time, Master Ning, play with me for a while.”wULkvDLvhWauXxvFQCFwAyYABTgAJg

epRyoFRqtoJuYLa

“What does the Little Prince want to play?”OXgylCufrufQFYtlOFXYAfhKaVrhaY

aRdVAGbOTrTLMJy

“Hide and seek?”VwpmjeiCJMrKeCfWozGtIcnyeJpTeX

ZUEeaIKFKZqijAc

Ning Rushen thought for a moment, “Alright.”DCirARokgnfIxpUYAPOubVxSpJikGw

sZRMBkSFXEKHjfE

The palace was guarded by soldiers and attended by palace servants, so it was relatively safe. But considering the Little Prince’s penchant for tricky hiding spots, Ning Rushen decided:lQYHNcdrJWYyBWkCsXGlqBNTxtWHEL

FHtSNlWvfCvULjT

“I’ll hide, and the Little Prince can seek.”ihFpNPgauWdJUnZekXseRMFzXfMEra

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Li Jingyu eyed his food box, “Hmm, if I find you, your pastries belong to me.”ngjbwXJfKgFMjnbenRYpGtFVcDBBUh

HuLfuqQaWMVuKtv

“…” Ning Rushen instinctively hugged the food box tighter, “What if you don’t find me?”BbmObCuugLsTFwJsAfPaNShyJOORrn

zolToIZvOJGcITI

Li Jingyu thought for a moment, “Then I’ll tell Master Ning a little secret.”cxMriTfHmjrdBzbbdfcxFvDVlcvWgr

EJaifhdIqXBHyud

Ning Rushen, “Will it be another scandal?”hXbZeWEWiZsZGpZPLanhbIcUNaHYHX

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He was no longer interested.icnDfDtpAYsXqulsIogQEhbuPIrjrE

mRiZSJsLIEBcqRx

“No.” Li Jingyu said mysteriously, “It’s a secret about Master Ning.”WOiiytksZgVJSEZZhJZdQCBKfeLWxP

mofkKmnmMYJUAbL

“????”rJpfAIFYxlGWdlqBgVTwCAzrdyoeFr

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Ning Rushen was greatly shocked: He didn’t even know his own secret and was going to hear it from someone else?eTGHLtnxLfpyXbrmFITAiAKBLnoYbY

cQpdHjmNkFtdcAE

He opened his mouth, then nodded, “Alright.”hPPJHJZQMfRuDQrvPRuRlcRfwZuToJ

txZoTnDYYqRAHBc

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The Imperial Garden was large, with many rockeries and pavilions.dOCGgbtmMDKcugGUJxQzVUqDJLoQCN

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Ning Rushen walked further in and soon found a rugged and unique rockery behind a flower grove.eHxiJbqTAmhNpnYtKykkQJWJyCJKdw

kpdJKNbyxXcePjU

He circled around and found a recessed stone cave.tsDyeEpGFUkzscYyOumqlbIYOnFmjK

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Ning Rushen measured himself against the size of the cave: doable.OfKLFyKYzSBRcJEoPVZHXlEIWBzqCD

qscRQPMFPBktPni

He squeezed himself in.YXofTKMLGSpfukYHpeGZAWZWVjiIUc

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Before that, he moved a large potted plant nearby to block the entrance.VPuwMylhsHAwKERUOHjvPaWCctYJMY

KcuRQAgsZwugbRg

After hiding, Ning Rushen quietly waited for the Little Prince to find him.iZwBCeqRDkrIrMrxvMIemJSOXGdixJ

NSQhHPyLxnDBrht

Time passed bit by bit.AyzEHFjjegTNaIWXsgzMLZHHSMdBKq

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He didn’t know how long he waited, but finally, there was some movement.XlRUXUWlcJeUvsuEvJaIJRKZNFLBRD

mtVKoLcqLUyGFdT

Ning Rushen, hidden in the stone cave, listened carefully.ZUbaSeutOLyYHmADpaCvDgtVUTVahT

JXsydtbTGKrbiNu

He could hear Li Jingyu on the other side of the rockery, possibly climbing somewhere, with palace servants shouting, “Your Highness, don’t climb!”BYRpKjqgZXIRycFMIwjdIMIFIwUjKp

AKgbCSPACogQwph

A few minutes later, the noise grew closer.azSotPckDeMXIoRodmwMnEwBuhpvtX

JNusNmTyfrEBBTA

Ning Rushen adjusted his hiding position: tight!xSwClTFWrmYDUGoGhpOXiBQbCDoXDE

NaTDSxbjrtldxdn

Just as he was holding his breath, another noise suddenly came. Then he heard palace servants exclaim:gzsBcCYCyIWvOeQQalVQpafzmCEfDZ

cWZVwPNPaAcWdCI

“Paying respects to His Majesty!”kugtSjdMTMMupIZagfPFwrkDOpkAVV

ohvgruWXpKlCwHn

“………” Li Wuting?VpHEjWfzTvZcaUEBGbHMdrhPYUJNDb

gIgalmctCYgyise

Ning Rushen swallowed hard.yhYDvwbyPxtmfqMUPlnuwZnSwEvWXP

dkWDrFDhJldUdsc

A deep and stern voice came from the other side, “Jingyu, what are you climbing up there for?”lOGooYyYhaxNVqlDZeSEEzDIxxDwcl

dyLxxtUbqhYtAAE

“Royal Brother, I’m looking for a cat.”MTxeyJKnrEcEbtZzCcWtLnIskOucMx

OfjkEMWMMxSsGPC

“Nonsense. How old are you, and you’re behaving like this!”jUtegquweHFlzhRWwZDQweDTsInwZE

cYmZMCHYpUiAMaJ

A stern lecture echoed through the rockery.jVqqJLAfcBHBBcjjLOTddJJLmqAjLr

VCFyYFHmFfigUXx

Ning Rushen licked his lips:…nsyLEDTQaKYpXsKZBSeaPYUOWpAueG

rkdWWvLkOFyYhkY

No, it has nothing to do with him.aLUozKIsCaMzMVtrPcxAkoSyufIdWb

cPDyWMuaexvpuEk

As long as he stayed hidden, he wouldn’t be the one being scolded.mhzawEbExHfXOcKiBnoDtuanpLWWvO

mAxFxXZjZLXKJvl

After five or six minutes, the noise finally stopped.LnxMcEnhXhFgbXcZwFsxciCqqJUBdw

LeSecSuvypbdwCQ

Li Wuting finished educating the penitent Li Jingyu, assigned some tasks, and left.cYUWWQgTdncAgxvnHXzHwilHobmaVU

KPCDOjjaYzxTqhh

As he walked past the potted plant—OUDcWWqjuulyLEkQzPXAfugGxqwoKP

cZzqhKFjdJcNwVR

He suddenly noticed a piece of crimson sleeve peeking out from behind the potted plant, caught on the jagged stone corner.cArpWrEcrBwrMxahwvLPkeALlcIAxc

SniweceuczLgeEz

Li Wuting stopped abruptly.qRxrGWHPodyqPRHvLuPXSxEUrNjulx

adVMmArEXhgYntl

He was silent for several seconds, then reached out to move the potted plant.QBOIosbkdJelmiRYwUoAxqZdIhRljq

qSvKGoahMrONHTN

With a whoosh, a larger figure emerged from behind it.kHvCqtdmUliSAZQCXtOyalALbWKXdc

qxcxtkeQLYdXHjh

Li Wuting, “…”GEaURCQpgyBzwpgFBPlMMMTkBgTbMK

oscisqfjoeRxehK

Ning Rushen, “…”ckFrSdrLFFcouVUbXSoqqutvrQuYuP

rXlyywfDTbdzdZx

Amidst the verdant and fluttering branches, Li Wuting’s tall figure blocked the entrance to the stone cave, his calm and handsome face lit by backlight.PVhEpCotCFxKMducTuKAoIZeyVQCKg

YfwuQRuSGhlCeOn

The two of them locked eyes.XPZgnHsvbJMJqeBnCMORtZqTlWAqYr

FJywvvhCaVKglfx

At that moment, Li Jingyu’s voice came from the other side, “Royal Brother? Did you see Master Ning?”zLLZEfVlmvpTmsxcWkTiHzPLHcwUxe

mrBIsEwdxclmblh

Ning Rushen took a deep breath!MXdqetixJuvjZlpzFJbyMPdTyIIhzf

gDjRUvsytyXWFnY

He pressed his back against the stone cave wall, nervously watching.bvppUdcGxSOsPlXEoxHtyJMBQEWlgN

GAfmGAOTQDknXaH

As his heartbeat quickened, Li Wuting looked at him silently for two seconds, then suddenly lowered his eyes and smiled.hmEHssDxsSsGXRcxZeMxdSwmQhYYQM

VxHQvdjvGjGsVsK

He tucked the exposed sleeve back in.dEVXgasJkcXHJGZwZPzouNMaRDbAtz

YnlrbVFuapTgqVy

Li Wuting neatly covered the potted plant and turned to speak naturally, “I didn’t see him.”BYZStMwrZIBOESfWhEYwjgrXqxMFmy

tFpMZKporZHOYoe

 jcwFJDcaRgSyGtTImaVyjsJiFAaReU

RBHUUABVsmaBgeW
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Yume

Too dang sweet. ☺️