This official is so weak

Ning Rushen’s heartbeat gradually calmed down. He looked down and pulled his sleeve back:CBhcrEEGjzZOtNtESfTpejmjytYjbq

AzGhZFYoBtBJCnU

Splash. The branches and leaves in front of him were brushed aside by Li Jingyu.mIrqdWvPSwIwUpMWlrqalPsYcVDpsl

YlfEuCwriAJcZpk

“I think your homework is still too little,” Li Wuting said calmly. “You’ve already forgotten what I just said.”EXCQJzYztXvkwmeQjcVdhSyqnrQAtt

zkPNbAUcTnAhrLM

Li Jingyu obediently lowered his head. “I’ll go back and study, Your Majesty.”GqTnicZiKFcTQnjEOFKYUqHNTCAXgq

rwOXeZsmIOCcKpz

After a moment of noise, a group of people outside left.rMvbySqlxwljjDtjIfhCFlBODdnpMt

JnaKipEcQkEYYPh

Then, with another splash, light streamed in—QEmfcNQPCRaTLhCBJHOLvUagdfMbjP

aLVJECNeptJZMvW

Li Wuting parted the branches and looked at him.ENcfyHqHYQRppRyfqBuveOKRAJUwim

SOQPuaCzSfWHDSf

With his deep and distinct features framed by the drooping branches, there was a kind of vivid and vigorous handsomeness.cVYQeccdgHWpoeDzHcBdmmqxxzccfF

sUTzHpPWsjxqDni

Ning Rushen took a deep breath and slightly lowered his eyes. “Your Majesty.”giyzmNpiQoqUgrKierTLGEuEUfWHDF

JTEiHNISMsmDtyL

Li Wuting said, “Still not coming out? Have you grown inside?”bytaFCcQAygQwKbpiCAUJxWSbXgcAa

SeLJVNhXouzivxp

Ning Rushen quickly moved the potted plant.WeKPdvMJkhKHnPDunzrRCjTkCnIeYR

IeFkIdtfgnmlpFI

He struggled to move it, his slender hands showing veins as the branches and leaves hit his head, causing his hair to stand on end.yEgusPTCbhhdvSmFvSCSRAuBhEmgRB

HMjMEgswqBmtkrY

Li Wuting couldn’t watch anymore and pulled the potted plant away with one hand. “Come out.”qvYJqXSJtvctmHfcNZCNeHGEgAYWbc

pLgwGEcpXhKKtAW

Ning Rushen lowered his eyes in praise. “Your Majesty, you have a good hand.”AnHVEMdFsBVcJoqVkritYvWsSDSJVi

QyVqwjlsDNoQFpN

“…” Li Wuting.rTYleDvqatwFBHkvHyWrmAMIcRmqPS

kLgMgVeHFjrvTvk

Ning Rushen emerged and adjusted his clothes, then heard someone ask:bPgUtuyDDpTIyUhCfnvCMTQFIkEhAL

BoCKUsqoYclfkCc

“Playing hide and seek requires this much seriousness?”YYDiXPGpRYovqUblcZKNEUvseBCCHU

oYtVvMfuPWGEZlO

“Betting on just-baked pastries.”JwTEUjgOmwnMWsUEeWzwRWzVNvhzVH

WnAbANQsqiCWJRj

There was a pause. Then Li Wuting said softly, “That would cost Ning Qing’s life.”aclUBkMyngofrnKzEbgeHxqIHiiVeh

ucJgSBKFYhzJpox

Ning Rushen:RrXDOiQqKulBVNabUttoKgaGUdobtm

YlHBHYyxSWydKsD

He nodded in agreement. “Thank you, Your Majesty, for saving my life.”YEJBtOZqRYvARsYmFtUEKBPJNIQZrm

TwxUVgIywuQaRPq

Li Wuting glanced at him. “Just a casual thank you?”fFVMyyKGIxXyjizkXcxwlrVUgIyCQg

iPeknVUTaWxSCgV

Ning Rushen was stunned by the question.NTdoMqCfSSilpmRrhErKthZMJVmGdB

cNOvSRKYVTGgNRY

He observed Li Wuting’s expression and, after a moment, slowly raised his hand, giving a formal bow:wICHSzCtbixYuRnfIIVGSoStbzCcUZ

clZcoBGDhhtQgoa

“Thank you—Your Majesty, for saving my life?”hLorSgqxJerFmlmqeLNZvyzUAaImvR

qnWywyhLhcgcyCA

Li Wuting, “…”ILtshCqUbhBukzbXpkwyFrtkWVIShR

tPiHuAqNRPwrEPD

His gaze was silent and calm.zsdarJuBKTZwsZuxTFMkupsNYFjRUD

dglxOyRqNgFHUDl

Ning Rushen sensed something was off, touched his nose, and said nervously, “Then I’ll share half of the pastries with Your Majesty?”jopQwjMQiMxMoZqfVPofRTBYFGdvHG

cPHmFYkhjRNTefs

Li Wuting commented, “Taken from the ruler, used for the ruler.”WTDEDChRnlojxPMnWxdcpzVEfqcDQL

ndAsJlICwxYkUlx

“…”RSZebJJECcgplAYfnOFDKOJSxnqiVY

QXpYlzhLWMyhSPu

What is he saying? That’s half of his life!rlGjRvMzcnDpmRcpTxDyUJqFNcOgSO

wamxEClSNjILsHH

The two stared at each other for a while.IlVIvgkZnUyNkZcoTOlapEgiVSOyMM

sUSvOmtnYIkXsLd

Suddenly, Li Wuting extended his hand.CMrnlpblXjCBOljwIUAnFQQkNkwODH

AeoBtQAdgSpUiyX

Ning Rushen flinched instinctively and closed his eyes. A slight touch brushed over his head:qoJQwAGdSYaMLvoPTYGHGEYWANhUAB

BIaboQsxSShYvjg

“If you can’t think of anything, just owe me for now. Make it up to me next time.”GkcggswwQgIXAjeEzgZIyWZSMLxdJI

rBwJYvBOcaUrHgO

He opened his eyes to find that Li Wuting had already withdrawn his hand.cGMyIpFLIHBLOAwgwAYPlAmzHASqDu

axTemitAYiXisKk

He had pinched off a leaf that was caught in Ning Rushen’s hair.kRooPbQWwcTdmPXjLBlEjPKkvDxnid

RiIluuPwqziJLWY

“Oh… I see.” Ning Rushen touched his head: it was just grass that had grown.qBdtqrytEAvAVCYKnYPHRwWFSEbQzc

wJIkjDyRwtGJcjU

…PFabwhdQyerTWnlyRhPSWTTpQSZgNf

MBvKwvnbPiuZagk

He took the remaining pastries back to the residence.PiXQjAKWzxyxdpcaYHwMcRxDkisyOT

rXZwmlAMdjrLLdp

Facing Ji Taifu after a long time, the nervousness of silently “transcribing ancient texts” was brought up again.JIktVEAWfpxxXCFMsFtsosdoWtasyD

IhHlrZsCezryfQR

In these past few days, Ning Rushen had been returning to his room to silently transcribe books whenever he was off duty.IqIzYrfIZyFLrPJlIBDIyceIZUSBXq

eAhoZclIqJQacBB

From “High Mountain and Flowing Water” to “Three Visits to the Thatched Cottage.”qatlhAoJbBpqFFnyeOnWrrpbwZIGRb

EThUvVXZGShGRuW

In between, there were also some personal additions: for example, how meat buns originated from Yuchuan.fEhTSJMDJeMMeFiGcjLwLnXbyVBFjJ

GSHAqAWlDsKAueH

Yan Min came to deliver tea and was surprised. “This is the first time I’ve heard of this.”dSytRFrWeZsQStjZjEmKfPxVKrGCgN

ERcKCslMIdiIkBJ

Ning Rushen didn’t look up. “After all, I made it up.”zmhLmDysIiGhpeOjYgkolCelRHZYzG

YAFDVgMeeHEAYcC

“…” Yan Min was shocked. “Can you just make things up like that!!”DHBIYBlMQKKmwOkDbxqYAUTBcGJByC

uCmcKbxCZnRZzkn

Ning Rushen explained, “Isn’t it said that history is created by the laboring people?”QTkgjlCXxHnOVKBQRYkOGBYdotRvKj

PHiMftVCdrohzve

Yan Min stood there with his mouth agape for a while.DogStHbBoAYiOTpNwdUvmofvMtSaUa

TfuOnVGwUbOTTwv

It sounded reasonable, but something seemed off.wXHRDePqLAtecdVmLwiiuMqVnUXbBc

hLGYxmnElxalLHj

Ning Rushen had been creating for several days, almost like the legendary Ma Liang with his magic brush.rqrOngbZVLiWdAcibVlGUHgfaTUCIn

fIxbiKAIwOPSSGd

As he had expected, during these days Ji Taifu was busy discussing the implementation of the “cabinet” with Li Wuting, and had not come to collect his debt.dxjkQRGqxeskrjzjROQZHVVUIkaatO

wTdYZmSVWNCJXuO

However, Fan Wan found some free time and came to his residence.LzBUuUdNqfCqwsmUrmBIupjgFnIEjZ

uUAlAFnnAOzraEi

“Master Ning, it’s been a while.”JxXhiIjCNtOcTJDDJMUfCEeljbwiTz

NJTvUSqpZUTTaWE

It wasn’t until Fan Wan mentioned it that Ning Rushen remembered the last time they parted, when he had sneaked into Fan Wan’s carriage and was caught by Li Wuting in public.xXvYVqlVVkPnqEEhleoXSQtUEggfNr

KngBtmaqKwnTKyi

Ning Rushen sighed, “Please, have a seat.”suCEhQLYaKpgrmJAeaRnGAtkksCTLa

bfNmThWnNDxRuFu

Fan Wan seemed to recall the incident too. “There’s no need to worry about what happened last time. If it allowed Master Ning to have a good sleep, it was a fortune for my carriage. If Master Ning does not mind, you can always—”VrephRVWVpQlBYLtOQymfkKBXvQXlL

gioOHIAFWjnILHA

Just then, the tree canopy above rustled slightly.fufdtfcgkwlJuaLSxQQrhhukExWqMl

cBaTKwBARPlOWUU

Ning Rushen looked up:MctnPoSiLZfZEXcOYIhVhPVhbFdjQo

DGPJPVGRAWReuAE

Could it be another wall-scaling thief…rhGikjWPiSrrRopDPWIuAjRXCveXwZ

kEwTskTQFfwIeqq

“What’s wrong?”mciKvuZSQmglAAvNauJYmDRKutdbQN

SMasICzZXDCpYqK

Fan Wan looked up following his gaze but saw nothing unusual. Instead, he casually glanced at the wall and was somewhat surprised:YvDCCrShiaKPVfZrsegXWODZXuZecU

RdhNqbLcVMagSkS

“Master Ning, there’s a big hole in your wall.”oNIgZQegFyxqaPbsOmakeruZhtAqNH

uwRwCBXgLzGUTAB

Ning Rushen tensed for a moment, fearing he might be another thief. “Oh, that’s for the thieves to climb.”XHNXfkeJMTUzBrIkMcdIXIaxTPOhMs

PXqnNOfYiZCgdrV

Like the one that just passed.GEQVCdRZuJXBVwjKQRBJvXcyDOSYiw

ZffSGtcpcuOCGCj

“???”rzmWcgXZIcBnoPsywYCrDkTvpzOGyA

jJPGnfBxAkUfPPV

Fan Wan was deeply shocked: it was the first time he had heard of a house with a path left for thieves!vRcfGALDyatqHQMnpLHvmQdYiCWODo

jvSbmujEYeAkGFs

He marveled, “No wonder Master Ning is young and accomplished; it seems you know how to harmoniously interact with everyone.”RNVnzSmVDmXnKhsrXHzyoZoqdHpDrl

dVMYgCNWjcaKyME

“…” Ning Rushen replied softly, “Exactly.”SJnVUVOGmPUshrufsMMpaOpexhouIi

MruuoquunVvbYph

After some pleasantries, they finally got to the main topic.tEofemHByxsuOYDNOpiaoIHFgeaCje

nfGoyayLiLaildG

Fan Wan subtly revealed his intentions. “Master Ning, about the ancient texts we discussed last time…”ylPgVAowZkpmNSXcyhlwZdosFqjISF

ZjZPqLTHWVZOEBs

“I’ve only transcribed half of it so far,” Ning Rushen said, “but I also promised Ji Taifu that I would lend him the completed text first.”vknLzTPliTObQzNLTDuPIfyHzhclAV

YlwAkWpshzGJPzl

Fan Wan’s expression drooped. “Yes, that’s how it should be.”LdESYfsHicRHStzWjtNLEUBojOAVke

IPvUajFQOWnjxgH

Ning Rushen observed him for a moment and suddenly had an idea.IwwKaYapOcyeifzPUKVUwGGCSRqqnP

gYBkTmjyaPanbey

“There is a compromise.”tNkyvHQwVJkYpOftUSnSZCknxWDyxW

ijWpVFWskDusKaE

“What kind of compromise?”zSbUbrkDNXxinSNmsWmuGtqYYxEZFr

wZrmkhhivPYGcBm

“I’ll dictate to you, and you can transcribe it as you listen. That way, you’ll see the ancient texts first and won’t be breaking your promise to Ji Taifu.”OkkSylKGhIztLihMXWUsBLYtCwOcaO

uxQRuxNEGptlfoG

… The area went quiet.aTJDvaIoyfsGfIRLGSMyoagarWQlTz

mIoeMYRUEwRExIl

Then Fan Wan exclaimed, “Excellent!”jTppNrCDfqTDxAWocJroavahpCxLFT

UdICgSVZTuqqWnX

Ning Rushen pushed the brush and ink towards him. “Right?”mKZFHhLnXbfkWnECNbXbLhJBdWwImw

jXFuOyzopbqBozl

…sfZZpMIeDvNPUZmrLvyjWwqFPOAYbp

WIUsenXnCRKlGvF

Half an hour later.PZRPfuHQvpsmzgjNhttAjVIhzcFBkN

jBeKFQYttwLKeZW

Ning Rushen held a cup of tea and admired Fan Wan as he wrote the final character. He couldn’t help but praise him: as expected of the top scholar, his handwriting was both fast and excellent.DfceGxBuYgaMFNuhKiAOVsIDWTuAGs

CxfULuPZBFxjcip

“Alright, that’s enough for now.”unSoGpcXFTQfuTcPbwVaGuzImhkYyO

rTqQycSiJdgdIOR

“… Truly a profound story.”XeuyZIwKRQpSorYsZrkluuHFPRdCXN

jRbykoiIcYdOqUt

Fan Wan was still immersed in the aftertaste of the story.FjTfwGhfiLnHHpFswRWBQNNruKeUaH

IKHiePVIGldQmKb

He showed no awareness of being exploited, holding the pages with great enthusiasm. “Today, I have gained a lot. How about treating you to dinner later to show my gratitude?”RddwLqHPiPYsraWzKRBNAYJtDexSnE

vzAnbAAtqCIblLL

“Oh, I feel embarrassed…” Ning Rushen blushed and swallowed. “Where should we go to eat?”pRCzLllTFdzyZoUdkcchUIlwkYLNbK

uilGvvKXGHDNEGp

He unconsciously gripped the edge of the table with both hands, his eyes shining brightly. Fan Wan, who was a bit taller, couldn’t help but smile at his eager expression.JeIENxFjcGCWUGTGbghEobyBgBJtWw

ODKaVCuJnPTHFUO

“Wherever Master Ning likes…”RtmmeBAuFrbOsLnWqXeRNvZefJIyHl

YGdExPzIzXnOIwN

As he was speaking, someone arrived from outside the courtyard.kOffdemvvHsXYyAmNgJtjRCABsDvPl

ApRFQetHGBaycwu

“Master!” Yan Min led an inner servant in.ZOIaENEvjNHZSpqtRaPFEyvhXKApia

AYbTDjwOvXkjqIV

The inner servant saw the two in the courtyard, nodded to Fan Wan, and then bowed to Ning Rushen.qTJOdUTzuUzmMOTBQVrOKoxNhQrUFE

jgKFamkyrcmdQYa

“Master Ning, the Emperor is outside and summons you to accompany him.”ldHMtVpxWOrgzJlIaWinwCfKsXPDfT

JbTpQxiBIOVNvLB

Ning Rushen was taken aback: Why would the Emperor summon him?suPrxZstJPfvPPBngYoAEJQNqEIDTt

qIYRKqwelVYEPkj

And…MPbsGCDucKzLaSZrTlFuSYACXKURmd

YhDjJWHtzkpkGKq

Ning Rushen glanced regretfully at Fan Wan: they hadn’t even had a meal yet.prBaKTonrYKfpBThPplWubJgLCzLQs

qJjGUpPNaesEFMe

The inner servant suddenly cleared his throat and, with a slightly subtle expression, said, “Ahem… The Emperor has asked me to inform Master Ning that this time he will be traveling in a bright yellow carriage.”PuqUdMnPUIoJXxYBNeWMKUyDtZtWkH

WWahREqXANKKWaY

—!!!IdSXgqECAHbrqCNabBnAwLPmLxtOrg

KXRmgCRGgEnAXEb

Ning Rushen jumped up immediately!AHLyKravHUuatpcuYSOcwNOXkGGVPS

BnliHjsTlRkQDmz

Wasn’t that the golden carriage he had dreamed of riding again?jfOehdmVaAuaRXsrCIgvDcQLpGWMBF

MUZtLHhympJosMS

“I’ll respond to the summons right away,” Ning Rushen said, turning to the stunned Fan Wan. “Thank you for the invitation. I’ll definitely join you next time.”hbdurRWjBAncgkykkRnBznsHRfTneg

xbLnIDhNFcQTzwA

He finished speaking and followed the inner servant out.NMxqSLTRCmemnqNJQRGapQorTIFpdD

lfYtfTRvxppFlbA

Fan Wan: ????pdPSyWZsHHeDogAejviGweXJSoKNaK

HHAMJRQjMNFfdJK

·JyHFyAZOBVfkSLlVLQTpuRXSClUAzM

emmCjtPOtPlnFzU

The Emperor’s carriage stopped at the East City Military Department.wxpApqaAmDZgsePoxIXGVNinnyMkKc

YNAXYgTjRSOijcb

It was just a street away from his residence and soon arrived.LydJWIFrAHhquOCYLetdyymUVpwLhx

dZzOxQqDkkpFNVj

The bright yellow carriage was parked in front of the Military Department, with the streets around cleared and the guards stationed five steps away.QCrZEOUJzlZJDpecDACsCPDElzwqDt

pRDEeEJqsyxfaGl

The golden light dazzled Ning Rushen, making him feel dazed:rZdPYNKTPMyvCRihvcLeVYAnymifsb

lBCXqUopyMWEftA

… This is what it looks like when dreams come true.WZaNJEPetDZopsNTXEQmMHNxGsdrAM

agsUyYDRISfWICx

With his heartbeat quickening, he climbed into the carriage and lifted the curtain, only to find that Li Wuting was not inside.KNvMdxHOIiHXfmmUDxDGKIyWOixWaO

kFjiOrqmcQVCOke

Li Jingyu was sitting inside, swinging his little legs. “Master Ning～”ZgQCKjQFHJWBuLbEjytTKOUvzVyrMH

eataIsaEWNwKqfp

Ning Rushen: ?qmIfpqwIYkwOhsETygwKYdQEAqLqTS

hPdpdSWMIxYOsXP

He went over and asked, “Little Prince, where is His Majesty?”pyFSNTFuEGPsTIVvurCMtKuDjbltES

slSfKtuYiiiJKRj

“Royal Brother said he had business at the Military Department, so he asked me to wait for him in the carriage.”xEqnZjwgRxhqjDdMcSkebuzeySMgoH

QfoCgDAhqdJArRH

“Oh, does His Highness know why the Emperor summoned me?”xGxWTHPAtaFKLCgZTkXvucvoIjezgm

vkDtQojUQbXxpcC

“No idea,” Li Jingyu said. “Royal Brother was originally at the palace inspecting my studies. Then a Jinyiwei came and spoke to him for a while, and he said he was coming to the East City Military Department.”fpcTRdCNwipENaEUTzEgKOUtUqcjEM

YASWwKKYBHdlnNQ

Hearing Jinyiwei, Ning Rushen’s first reaction was to think of Shiyi.LjeGhhPOSvIkvYYaRSPVhUwcEfecQm

jigLEuMxZtYONsi

But since Li Wuting had gone to the Military Department, he assumed it was another Jinyiwei reporting some urgent matter.ZiaJilxnSPVALdPJMuHPVlBVPqQPNw

akihkonxQCVhJag

The little prince’s short legs swung again. “This is the first time I’ve ridden in such a comfortable carriage with Royal Brother～”eyTChALnmwnbKsEiQvohzbSJcVcOwT

nKPlwmqKKUqPudn

Ning Rushen’s attention was drawn back.RKdKzEfAUgxPGodHKshYPWVDqqQklf

zFVrIDpMGPTZAJv

He skillfully pulled out a pile of blankets from the side, piled some for Li Jingyu, and some for himself:YiGrVOueDtPuvtqSlRntLHuKsxkPkk

LLwcMYMSrUZuCyh

“I also find it very comfortable.”ckGgLCzubshEdMeGZTotpUrBrdswtl

uyazQuESFJOlDur

Both of them sank into their seats. “Ah—”SNEKNtIzWKaSrvoSLKLlPVMTrvSbiE

HZMpNVvRALfBTXv

After a while, with Li Wuting still not back, Li Jingyu asked, “By the way, Master Ning, where did you hide during the last game of hide and seek?”kPedbpIGVUgvfDAVCQAgqvdZzWxRrJ

YwzKhxoOjsuRocD

“…” Ning Rushen hesitated. “Um, a rockery.”PaEqUgvedsJWOKIRtwxaUspZYRZgtX

PdaNmlZstgjACQw

Li Jingyu lamented, “Ah, you were so close to being found!”SPvKqxFUWZaqpEYxgBxywtLTlneBLg

WEdRWZiEmsFZHlK

Ning Rushen pressed his lips together: It was indeed a close call.eVRMIDmfUKGRqpGFgpdtLhbOoGdJvU

dFDiKxUeuRnWnJV

“Well, I still owe Master Ning a secret.”kTUcqKvuvyGCGrQGTYuNBMOKmsvIEb

uVQFejsuAbzFzji

“What secret?” Ning Rushen was immediately intrigued.WrRwqNeUGccokJvAgcWhAqDjjlyCjV

wLewuoBhqKLEBCI

He wanted to see what secret he himself did not know.hGBfBSwkZFUDqehpGfHHmrGaLaSWnI

wpNjrqZWuznqxGk

Li Jingyu sat up. “I found this when I sneaked into Second Prince’s residence and rummaged under his desk. Oh, Royal Brother is about to come back, so you should look at it quickly.”ZishczRqbGZZeSBjxjaoxdSreMjgXg

WMSmJTIxXkOIUZl

He handed a well-preserved piece of paper to Ning Rushen.YzBTatOawezxeYGYGCYqcGIjKPdBgF

WguaBUzRfuzbvkq

“What is this?” Ning Rushen looked down.hYaMJAWMZWEncnWXYlPiiTPrKQNiDu

MbRMhGYwEnLenYQ

Li Jingyu leaned closer and grinned, “Hehe.”flWbdEoZZunVvfZkGSVVHMxsJxXfLe

sgYxuxuljbRChky

Ning Rushen: …wWQvwmGwLxFlcrSZuQGdtblugRfLiV

ZBLjMXTjpoVqpAH

Ning Rushen: ???zZCVImNjfATdvaVnOAIwSqgKddkLiH

mWUlfbSsVeGMvbi

 bPHGFCjCHrWOBYfFWMfLaIOxEerrpD

ixZdTrJtjiTREDP