This official is so weak

The words on the white paper were clearly legible compared to that night:ezdrzoKPJdiWvyNjuEztaEhZBSlBMn

giEWTeylFhBpiRE

‘… Ning Lang sat in the embrace of Ting Jun: I (crossed out) I can no longer eat.tUOdSyGARrdtWYShaNRFHqPGsjXvMK

grqVVjXSJcgUNza

Ting Jun gently coaxed while holding the bowl: Should I feed you with my mouth?uZLPVkAsLmHQMIBcJWTFzCIofxPOVh

dSKpLWDrarGYkXE

Ning Lang’s face (crossed out) his whole body turned red: Ting Jun, don’t.OBCbrYEfaMqpqCfQhuPgbqPvlnpDNZ

ZyewOsMFVBdQewS

Ting Jun affectionately tapped his nose: Stop calling me Ting Jun, call me ‘Husband.’’JUhbhZCdDEQzuuBbUOBbkTWRfxzvnc

TIgisbDcTMTKXQY

Ning Rushen stared at each word in disbelief, his mind exploding: What, what is this strange thing!?zgPDxHAXZIUJabWjlBrjqjusAqvVpX

xXYfItgBsetTVEu

Recalling the even more explosive phrases he had seen after the Duan Yang banquet, Ning Rushen nearly choked:kOxNbCjoPdTQgXBOyNvgGMBAqKeWiA

rZzJTVtlfhDLhuX

It was written by Xuan Wang; could it be a little romance between him and Li Wuting!MqYOkJAwZQeLEBXMgSEBCMVlqTUvtP

UhmoMSBvoYtwTwY

“Your ears are so red, your neck is so red, and your face is so red, just like in the second prince’s story—mm!”FEuwkcqgIOpplvsvtoacIctMHHfirG

JVZlvEyZJtmFfZs

Ning Rushen covered Li Jingyu’s mouth.CjrsczUbNAKXRQINDuqGPvpfjTEZBd

SNyneEpnazPKkiG

His voice trembled, “How much did you read, Your Highness?”XSCOvsFxLPeVqyCzNztNaUEinthYra

aJcuPmpbOpwjseo

Li Jingyu’s eyes blinked, “Mmm mmm!”XoIYhbJteUsxXjlkdkNjtRNOYvPNRP

HgYIqTGcIFoECJF

Just this page was handed to Lord Ning!tNomWoweRvmrOVInVJzxnFcErJqrJc

PgHWSOEeewIiUcj

Ning Rushen sighed with relief, removing his hand: That’s good; otherwise, he wouldn’t be able to face those pure eyes.KOvMxzHFugTDMhzoOYlIILVtSbwoPf

rRrlKfkpLPSQLAz

Li Jingyu leaned in, “So is all this true?”KEDXUPPsOFVJNrjmBXfQyDgWwazCRL

ZoexcPEZhzrcGKi

“…No! Any similarity is purely coincidental.”nUHhfyuXakSdBvCOVxvVuNhMpZRQQa

YzSgBdNBOdBcHtP

“Hm?” Li Jingyu tilted his head, half-convinced.MHsMjCctEYqGrgotZaGPBxTVFHkvQS

tINGEPxYgscdWhv

…FAIZhtljWXNfqtBhFglWTJVkWFYsCD

TTzdiluZTBxBWuo

At that moment, the carriage suddenly made a noise, “We respectfully send Your Majesty!”cOUbrferADsnYiMpktemWinOitvDFt

gNnrqAPlmHaBrxr

Ning Rushen’s heart skipped a beat, quickly crumpling the paper!JtFKcdBzKoyHYaKcmOCQkPfeZYGpDR

VryqkXZFnqZZpfX

He had just hidden the crumpled paper behind his back when the carriage curtain was lifted. Li Wuting’s tall figure broke through the dim sky and bent down to enter—UsrHkWGBPWplEoxorCjmbVKatJaBUE

IjUkOOCZKOmgRkI

A pair of deep-set eyes fell on him.eRekCnNvngzrTgNrLkWeJCiczDSIgr

KGkSLUHcMhKMfGR

Their gazes met, and Ning Rushen involuntarily trembled.dzjlKnFSgMtHCjFCHWEtsTTpDMxDrg

IChioZJgOeeazdv

The paper in his palm felt like a hot potato, making him feel warm all over, his face flushed, his eyes seemed to steam up, and he looked at the person with heat.FdDBQRpPSziBtKnfzoICdRQqWhbGqx

lKBBoJGdTEXifDg

Li Wuting paused for a moment, then sat down, “What’s wrong?”DtDFVZWuaKuSMKiDwpFKiisTWkweny

LQJisGMsznEfJdT

A solid and warm body leaned close.gRXoEjfhJdLxMOgSpfHArEYZhMtrCI

JxsIiizCjEJDTMI

Whether it was because of guilt or something else, Ning Rushen’s heart raced:BZLzBQAADfhoPxPZyIJbaMtPrZxIHY

ApWVTpFvTHlzbkk

“Nothing, it’s nothing.”iTMFWIxpbHyTULwPHrvgJIAwGdensc

xUZXYbnvDRDjPdP

“…” Li Wuting lowered his eyes to look at him.ANvWOgqcGRmcDQedncFCKZMvxgXzjS

bQgBOyABshdQPpY

Despite his red ears, the mole was glaringly conspicuous.mpJuNTmVyjtFoKekbPNJTIlDotimER

kUGUpYddgYyQOxw

It certainly didn’t look like nothing was wrong.pUZmUonwLaoqnRGyTgVFwyQRvUHIYh

UxTSQQJnJvxWurX

Ning Rushen saw Li Wuting staring at him without speaking and leaned closer to Li Jingyu, trying to change the topic, “Your Majesty, to the Military Department—”XZljyjbZOoBqebOemIavgrqJjmGdjN

UVPbbDKyAVvIUeJ

As he moved, the paper made a faint rustling sound.nNWrwLDsAPlvaqtxHVAznMONrsGbKz

QcogXyrJqaPVIdE

Li Wuting’s sharp eyes caught it, “What are you hiding in your hand?”FuLJdynJjeMsgTUxPHqcRWvnYpofvJ

xzuhGBaSehpdaVv

Ning Rushen, “……” Dirty stuff.NfSNEVezVHRMqvvnPYFUbklPaCBhWr

urpJeaJnKoevWFP

After a two-second stare, Li Wuting ordered, “Take it out.”CtuIJsQVEecUhBNmEaocAsHynKQGjp

FIeKeugzCPPuENN

Impossible! Ning Rushen immediately clutched it tighter.rvidtqdUAmNADEzhzFbliaNmyouBLi

WUalPYAhQONXfuo

Seeing this, Li Wuting’s fingers moved slightly. He reached around Ning Rushen’s back and grabbed his wrist:frODFxRUluNijWocezOlYglRpDBLAC

VaHxZLQHvpbjGmR

“Why, do I need to take it personally?”TuCNMwnjjcobgWjnkjUVRsbmVRoffk

hWRuHAojpWKCPAw

The distance closed as he leaned in.QqEcRhwJGWLMBSbPpWOYgXTbojodOB

HSJXftsCFRKClOd

Ning Rushen struggled to lean back, still finding himself against Li Wuting’s chest. The prominent Adam’s apple above the meticulous collar moved, exuding an inexplicable sensuality.rSCxpHjhhPmXlfsSgyupWHDvVHmgSW

uiTZjpdtQxEAtRk

As his mind reeled with images of “in Ting Jun’s embrace” from the paper, he dizzily wondered:SEqPFFGyduShKUYSumEPZDjXBMHFtF

dUdCRiMkTzxdlKF

Wait, has Li Wuting seen this before?ZjeeLEdByREhJXEzZEJHnegpilegKj

PZVxvFJMOYaCfhv

Did Li Wuting not care about it?kZkqFYlAuTFKQdNJtibqIaOJyeiBfZ

cOdsAYLSLFEmLtw

Li Wuting’s scorching hand tugged at his slender wrist.jwfDKMBpADomSQHTbcRVbAEEumxpsx

TadxgcaOwCrogEx

Ning Rushen struggled, his upturned neck creating a beautiful curve. He looked up to meet Li Wuting’s descending gaze, their eyes locking, and the breath on his face seemed to quiver…yodHciaohvgrseLMeycfAuFpPKNLSP

EVrILdXxlxUDFsE

Li Wuting’s voice dropped, “Ning Qing, you’ve grown bold, daring to defy the decree?”PwyOHkvCQUawwfazhfHRuPmxmecYDp

TJrUNIUFbyIvlyp

With the heat pressing on him, Ning Rushen’s fingers instinctively relaxed, just as—CtBNUVshAXJDMtAHhdAYVIwdhFmpcA

zzsOnHMaFbABxda

Splash, a cool liquid suddenly splashed onto his hand!VHMmKHaWYqtLKLfvhbkGjtbUeenBFU

dYRwfJQzICzLeHj

Startled by the chill, he turned to see Li Jingyu holding an empty teacup, looking innocent and flustered:WIHZiFoUTiPeJkbCcIAluNrfEvyvDF

YvGNJIuYvRvfHxZ

“Ah, it spilled.”qalrBYZkzMxqDNMBiuJFeMXusQIJaF

NmmtDMmOhrVyXqq

“……”rMlRWfXhbjdwkNUbINcslnliYqMvfl

rSRwDIXfKxNUZLX

The sleeve and the paper in his hand were soaked, ink spreading out, staining Ning Rushen’s hand.hxNuoJTLEoXVrvMBqTfOXqGIhFZDPh

VSCnhSijvJjFFRt

Li Wuting looked coldly at Li Jingyu, “Li Jingyu.”ddDRvYaiQoQwYzVtTZCPxShFDqdxOx

nOWBHimJVthvlZj

Li Jingyu bowed his head, “Sorry, I got Lord Ning’s sleeve wet.”BuuRCgDUOXWgLVnglDdCPLbgmjoccg

NeMjCvQqlTJAtmx

Li Wuting stared at him for a few seconds before finally stepping back:CWaNDxMXTxQhzFiRhgXFCyIKSpZpwz

TRdFsecjdLKZaoP

“De Quan, bring a dry cloth.”yxlvXyaVUpsfTRLhkzkllCcayEvrLC

XONIdMJimkFXsJB

Ning Rushen’s heart slowly settled as the heat dissipated with Li Wuting’s departure.XuUYZQIricKzUOseYfeSJLoyyWnIIv

cPTqLWONcbnaFhl

He sat up, crumpled the paper, and set it aside.MctLFoWKRuIHWUCbbqRgPfLnJYrzZh

HpeFxoXxFShabjp

Then he took the dry cloth from De Quan and began to clean his hand.lTSrPGzFUoFfCcrjCjCMjqldBbQfPz

bSRptAYwcPhAjJi

—As expected of you, Your Highness.jecLmdKkFDygEHuajPQDdFrxWVBSCz

cidMNZVdhWBytmf

Behind him, Li Jingyu, holding the empty teacup, had a clear mind:wjwcVXYyHkZAESxgtDZEzWLUzBjpcd

ZLLDEGjWMqDSczR

Wouldn’t it be better to destroy the evidence?ePHxbclAiZMNQUXlJFyBifJznReAve

YJtYkNmFIrWrLyP

If the Emperor found out, it would be him getting scolded, not Lord Ning.bcUtAAXaDTduAkCRRnVEgDwMYEglFX

nRNLbjsTjICGfhi

·GJKdrGSvLUPnBHqTRjPQHwWhEnXTDJ

bENwWKKVTAtHniw

The sleeve was only half-dry.EPAOoWCPVUGPApfFNqnSJFjVecyDzF

KIQHAckuYKYEBNa

With the crisis averted, Ning Rushen relaxed.GQIIKzeYMmMjfaGJVpUtBvxsmdOBeX

kUzhzuByGuVIvIz

Li Wuting waited for him to tidy himself up before speaking again, his gaze fixed on Li Jingyu:BycZfdjUivcfkETfJDOkXVOnxsHoDU

FfaudmpXLGayDXv

“Is this from you?”GraEfeSezwubYFDTdFJRqQkmPSJOax

SQuyqAxcuZrwrbR

Li Jingyu hid behind Ning Rushen, “It’s something Lord Ning brought himself.”tzQxBgtCbZAmKIstmbNYOSMFLmEWHj

dqqWbCNFclExnvB

Ning Rushen, “……”alAWtACWVQNzsDjxAHhWLqVZuVWpKk

dyDBzgPKuQUbmQw

It felt like an additional burden had appeared.PZOknXLUuzDCkwYwgYWuALTsAmcTzI

ICsgDPZPFRkgJIf

“Brought himself?” Li Wuting turned back to Ning Rushen.FnUcWTmwDPIOgbVjMASlSVwgJEaYbW

pJwdYNVVlhxhefg

Ning Rushen braced himself, “Yes.”jBCbljZxAGROjvjMcIJLneByFrQfyW

QvimAlnsFsiGLvD

There was a brief silence. Li Wuting, suddenly recalling something, asked, “Is it from Fan Wan? What did he write to make you so red-faced?”RdoJpgxPGlmhjkEnDeRGFsWXvhzgFn

UsoKVbYJaQsqsPO

What does Fan Wan have to do with this?wyrDfPvBlclzUoCcZabaWNNNqHaFTn

sgOIdnjwkkWxCpq

Wait… Ning Rushen asked suspiciously, “Your Majesty, how do you know Scholar Fan is at my residence?”cWvOXhWkTOQSAqmEeljlqDQzrsxPXB

duxBczRrOisxQrj

The Jin Yi Wei who went to see Li Wuting was not Shiyi.FEBReIIJEmdUjOiOUNxCGMepfuURCY

hBWYtnHCkihpPjs

After the question, Li Wuting fell silent.JGVilpavKdhYVIvrLqeDbRAZtxVFbk

wIXViSsuEQJJTFU

The two looked at each other, both realizing there was something unexplainable. So they, adhering to the unspoken agreement of adults, dropped the topic—dVxKKfYYTQZOtZhasjgDTCAxbnVNUa

BPvVMfSDKXTLZQF

Ning Rushen asked, “By the way, why did Your Majesty summon me?”OkQdhrNLOJEDQFfamOHydGzgEilUtT

vkflnLLECLKwhqt

“Is it wrong to summon Ning Qing for no reason?”XQlkgcScwyCzOtXAOrpoUftyiBMlpk

geAetthVpwjuuOe

“No… I just wanted to ask if there’s anything to be done.”yLzeTgRBkWnIdVZCFSvfmclLpRsvti

OmkxMpJpHTyMvRz

“Ning Qing doesn’t need to do anything, just—”qozUgZqSaTwcGGAdVbmzUBpooKoYxp

zzEgAKVirVTKNqI

‘Just stay in my embrace.’ The previous snippet flashed into Ning Rushen’s mind, hitting him suddenly.RocldlcUlFEtXraBxrJLwaWbuAtnQs

cmKHUHXlCxYhIqF

He took a deep breath and closed his eyes: Demon, retreat!gcnhwEyoqEOjpWMOOkdCoGWGcXpBEA

YzdCeCzAHxbvvqg

The conversation in the front stopped.bDuoGgyUrhuGxcNVyifGprJUlwOgCh

LbHijSqVbfvzPcs

Suddenly, a hand was pressed against his forehead.pIiEKtePuOOjhfcDGKpmbAEbLrusFu

ALwLoNAhEjYQXEa

Ning Rushen’s heart skipped a beat, and he opened his eyes: ?lmZKszsqmeiAuLsytBfjkfhPsTSlgB

QfMaUHzJIhMYWkc

Li Wuting frowned at him, “You’re running a fever?”noCaGOEgPbHnizIPxaoJNKGcFvnlVk

TnLNuxKcoahLBNM

With the handsome features close at hand and the deep voice in his ears, Ning Rushen instinctively pulled back, “No. I… I haven’t been near the golden nest for a long time; it’s been boiling.”OmITtRjAgLzkfwAjGGyhQobXrIZWmG

PuUuRiizrvYKlma

“……”duZDNNhWkguHEIMCxjZnWoNmftvQdZ

IbedaSJQpVcFayR

Li Wuting’s finger, which had been about to point, curled back.ygLfctsYlqBHHKtGolChgoQATfxhny

HBjqklRnaiaUSTV

“If I didn’t know better, I’d think I was riding in a pot,” Li Wuting said softly, then turned to give an order, “Let’s go.”mTjJTTeEaFCxivyVnIqElRViMDJprw

PIodnOsqLYsspNL

The carriage moved gently forward.VgPYuKIwtECEmkXUWuEDWmlnLxYwci

yalOJQnfPXsFRzA

Ning Rushen leaned closer, “Your Majesty, where are we going?”qmKYRPlnipUwoQOXKjSFIzcCLsxPeo

HKwPJrDasJfmcTc

A small head also popped up from his side, and Li Jingyu looked at Li Wuting eagerly, “Where are we going, Your Majesty?”SJRGsYHGILGZqMbKxmtAEXfpUThpGh

fLncWqwSGsdosjA

Li Wuting glanced over, “To eat.”OmGAttYqdqBsEWLYJPqfQTCGQQuZDd

ftfybVFqnlxpnOI

The two of them, one big and one small: Oh………qlZJOgzcfnqNAMNwDraAfhVdkqbxoC

swEVEYaVTmThPWB

·AOsuoEgPhjuPQMvQKfZekXOjLBhztP

HbYaJAiWhfgVxHc

Not long after, the carriage stopped.dgRamCLCSRYlXpcpSoAKYZAKfcjwRb

AYBirNvaXTXoLfv

Li Wuting had said he would take them to eat, so Ning Rushen had thought it would be a restaurant or a secluded estate.GNjXrkckOowZNIIBquOdALsVYWFzCD

XFWyPWaXLNJQabW

But when he lifted the curtain to look outside—qzsavhhuznHcUsTTMEzQetmjfpOPjt

neQKLlCSxqHLYXl

He saw the imposing entrance with the words “Jinyiwei Northern Town Pacification Department” hanging above it.tamibCSstizBKkaTmieSWDRLpFLYam

DFqpDpcwWEjkbRC

“???”QemQRWkvGKYTyoKlDalquIWNJidOMj

ePkGOEbJrVTAgRy

Ning Rushen was stunned, “We’re here to eat prison food?”MciNFEfmCTzVbmzkEvWwTJAHdpUlpw

xmGSyazJSiiCnND

Li Wuting, “……”uDrWBDXJEKxveyBHqVMbtOyWDuCpiD

rmSylDzsMZLYZau

He glanced at him, then walked ahead, “Follow me.”yFzgWnWZecUkJFKhJWUQegkpharqTE

DfrIITQogoxAaSR

Ning Rushen followed behind, still confused.dPbdhkhTziBroCOgGvBdLbqmKatPYM

ywHgseANhalhfSM

Under Yin Zhao’s lead, they passed through the cold and gloomy Zhao Prison and arrived at a hidden stone door.RlegKYBIPMZzWROVbstSoGQeJgUEuL

SgWqjrWsTCJuGgw

Yin Zhao knocked on a spot, and the stone door opened with a rumble, revealing a different world: after passing through a winding corridor, they pushed open a door and entered a restaurant.sOjdrNvuhIyAFTWNdckJkiUVFpkEIr

CHoDOPyWitVOUFv

Through a curtain, they could faintly hear the bustling noise outside.fsehMuJXsRQXkbKTZLRzJFvVIPMVln

syvRXTGNOXBUHOS

Ning Rushen exclaimed, “Your Majesty, are we sneaking through the back door?”EsCYcxWVIumQDIJUhBXLpmoxxAEKca

erGMPGZWVrROodY

Li Wuting’s temple twitched, “Be quiet.”vUjgOITvKQHnzuOvarTyfBAdMnmgKW

nhlzStTIsvNYBIF

“……” Did he say something wrong?eFmzKWwyBMbSEFzxCeslmKejXIkbeS

ZatSoAyhmFMjZEn

After Yin Zhao opened the door, he left. Li Wuting led them into a secluded private room with ease.bQqeVsUcWBCnjZFxPTxUwJWqFpOAYE

pjYrfGeAnPEcfFG

Ning Rushen took a look and saw that the private room was luxurious and elegant.tmpuLVHhmIfFqhOVsockZnsqBMskxD

SbpFHbBrSptwZCB

The table was by the window, and outside the half-open carved window was the dark night.FrxGxpWkXYjZsIxgzYKkyALrHUzSfq

PfmubsYdsfjUHKq

Li Wuting sat down on one side, and Ning Rushen and Li Jingyu sat opposite him.IKXPLknDIGrDCtIGSCjYdEvoRfRxKR

IopnJhQAWpgBxOY

As soon as they sat down, the door to the private room was pushed open.ZzIMCXSqJxqpYKiuDhWnbBPhzFWLzh

tRxZnpKDBQjlAqR

A woman in purple stood at the door. She looked delicate but spoke in a crisp and respectful tone:moUwtWVaHTfqNpwazUIQUlngdmnFEE

WdPMoOYKBIjlatH

“Guangbai greets the master. What are your orders?”mKjhlnlzxSxJdpaEfTuTQbJBnLJhcD

BxrjcvXKByKzeIN

Li Wuting said lightly, “Have someone prepare the meal.”zFvfzuQxBnSpCWbqQfXQoHRJyXpwol

JMDFNPPyRYFUZEx

“??” Guangbai was taken aback, unsure what to ask but seeing Ning Rushen nearby made him even more confused. He eventually responded and left.cXoVLWVyMlLftqaugPjFmAHHTxbuUs

JTTIxykJvOaVuJZ

Once the door was closed, Ning Rushen asked, “Your Majesty, what’s going on?”MRUaZnrmlBrgbVsLYQTEimhsHrUdwc

jtfNHkFaiaIhpzu

Li Wuting said, “This place was built when I was still the Third Prince. I haven’t brought anyone else here before.”LFRWSmzFFYEagZmlnVElnoFNRLPaXN

rCprXxGOhMgjfme

Ning Rushen was stunned: So this is a secret place Li Wuting used for gathering intelligence during the struggle for the throne—XvcrGznLdFklYoFLNzuzgfGVFJGPTr

XOnnbBywgOFyBPO

It turns out that even back then, the Jinyiwei was secretly under Li Wuting’s control.WYmROySfHYdaXTsOzceSWgftcDjZlf

ijoxlOBQxasixxi

It wasn’t surprising that Li Jingyu, as the heir, was brought here.XyCUFRLPDeZkUEIDdWtijOWGabJaKL

DyexHiiGrNUrxxW

But… Ning Rushen swallowed lightly, “Then what about me?”BEaOOPPllVAAPWjfFppSKTDymDeHvU

JQrbtchmcxQFeeD

“Doesn’t count.”xSlcjSmzLmbQehDfhdNVLcaOTXRHuE

KlGCOqdBpkFqRsB

“??” Doesn’t count as what, a person?ZVrpMpsJAorvtlBgJUpHWmwooGXTsO

lQcKlDJayBrmyQD

Never mind. With Li Wuting’s hidden power, it’s probably no problem for him to know about this place.DkpjmpdFbiysKchncMIWbRKPQwdTqP

KCZBPOWpEUXvtNN

…kJUhoedOccADdZYbcQtgcrWhKtZGZm

hZLXxdIYdnysgSb

Before long, dinner was served.dHGuaXwFfjbQJtKKUrRQCJoIVKBrOt

RQjvgNLrForPadD

The table was covered with delicacies. Ning Rushen, immersed in his earlier thoughts, was momentarily distracted.PAOGMALnmvUMciHXprIAYrmjQiRunS

iKOKqLHPkWjTQht

Li Wuting pushed a dish toward him, “Ning Qing, why are you acting like you don’t care about your ‘life’?”KMMAGsiiiEnmcmfOPDjBjgUONvMHns

lVBsvAKqFSwbOam

“……” What are you talking about?WCkzdZnQYtrLosgDasZhsIjKiQRWzr

BNbNGsBkNqZodWX

Ning Rushen couldn’t help but ask, “I was just wondering why Your Majesty had to come through Zhao Prison?”ZZwiskhTDKTOQlQtbeRbpKZAHURMhO

DRlKtfCuJHYQuml

Li Wuting said, “Otherwise, should we have parked the golden carriage right in front of the restaurant?”isYOQaBvwKgiHCqIpcEkVoFhRYTKob

MICopFsZoVVepXI

… It would have been a bit too conspicuous.jOZnHvIDGoUjVJJSdFarxnBnsdwasn

UlFuwugyXBEDlTM

Ning Rushen praised, “Your Majesty is wise.”XtNiwqpOZXxQITAmxLKrVkUhntvyaC

JgtfNbMRoLqxtcG

After complimenting, he started eating, while thinking: Since that’s the case, why did Li Wuting still specially come out in the golden carriage?HGpLruBhUEbkfveGejqbWMrhztCJeb

AOdelbkgaFAFHVi

The dinner lasted for fifteen minutes.SPyqplmNyuqiMdTxuWuNzmNDPdKTLq

DcaBOeuHAevSkDO

Ning Rushen, full and relaxed, leaned back with Li Jingyu next to him, “Huh—”LkHUHsqooVZKftZeshPPeKCerFSKPF

MKuzwBmpLGIXcNv

He slowly savored the taste: This restaurant’s flavor is so familiar, isn’t it just the pastry that De Quan mentioned was “bought from outside”?jJuCOiyYwiNtthLfKfBSrsANhPBsJB

TmVlQEAPIDwsifB

So in the end, it was still the imperial family’s food.teObHsRzqlDbhVpdimhBjlZSTcCXnC

PuuZkeZaDFspICZ

The table in front was tapped, “Have you all finished eating?”cfYjYGKYXFwTyLaiIVUQPDxqlbnBRF

mkCGJYcdzotOpue

Li Jingyu, “Yes!”IezaueyQHALLbxratYwGlSOTsPKbpS

dfDMCiiSUtWxnqy

Ning Rushen, “I’m done too.”JuHJDzwIvsGMnbabqptPdrlkwcpUbC

yNzHkmolkexGYuj

Li Wuting glanced at him, “The milk cake isn’t finished. Don’t you like it?”JDlvlNvGpCAkLACeNaVYjtcmmVbJmZ

vCBcWvuFBkRHLMq

“No.” Ning Rushen, “I can’t eat anymore—”oKXtGWlGVefcHAGGwoIwEfWrMcXTbT

IVekbCmyxUiiEzU

‘Can’t eat anymore. —Are you asking me to feed you with my mouth?’PKeNbtbPyUTWvSttytmGHejLHWEgpA

vFjkaoThEejzXiN

“Cough cough cough!!” Ning Rushen was suddenly choked by his saliva and sat up, coughing violently.gGZwEbNgCCmxydfrKTaLLioRGOfUai

EVDykJggMVIynVo

“……” Li Wuting, “Ning Qing?”iJiNhjhqWBUmZFxRwmKKZoFGSmCbur

lakJEbAJnrxBFdE

Ning Rushen waved his hand amidst the violent coughing: Don’t talk to me right now!FkMkdTTnCIAbutdrMUoQybsMnnOBSo

cFbcTyhCisCePLy

After coughing for a while, he finally caught his breath.EGAlMsBXvRLMFXPTSTvejboFaXjdSI

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His face was flushed red from coughing, with tears in his eyes.RdLMlexEdnKzdEBlcsuhUgWPjqhuts

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Li Wuting looked at him silently for a while.oowYnulNnjBYFuDLfbKfwEHLvhWUuA

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Ning Rushen calmed down and continued, “I really can’t eat anymore. I like all these dishes.”KkHlHcFCNPfsggrbiZGPzeUEPDaZeE

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Li Wuting glanced over, “Is that so? How does it compare to the place Ning Qing originally wanted to go?”FyuSIFcfUhmANEToxSfVwXOjnTqUvf

OvczmuVrIyPrguR

Ning Rushen didn’t react immediately, “What?”MkFOyisFMIcLRYybwZSpQwLogusJMd

KbIApBKYsaPMFEp

“Didn’t Scholar Fan want to invite Ning Qing to dinner?”kgRdvmaSHvwbOVmuMFVlZWbjaCChHb

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“……”etJHgJoNJtVBxBJdpZmnkOMcxIadTZ

EjHKodloXnpDmUc

Who’s spreading these rumors!SFdUSPaHKWMHGmJwuwkfLktqgnpSzu

AatFEuNYiXnhBTI

Ning Rushen was about to speak when he met De Quan’s vigilant gaze. He changed his words, “I don’t know where to eat. But I’m sure it can’t compare to the meal provided by Your Majesty.”fFhPpbHoIQMwdjIcMshtBHEgWPFkWF

SVXzBrTXpSMBFXa

Li Wuting pressed his lips together slightly and then called Guangbai.xGQTwixuxSMjkVYAZMBkvEXYdsOCff

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“Pack two more portions of milk cake and honey jelly.”XUWFwEJjXpzYaszFLFMPQolVwiYpJH

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“……” Guangbai, “Yes.”BSbgBEeRdIhqYKkCxzLvNwMbrckMSz

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Ning Rushen and Li Jingyu were immediately delighted.tScHlEvWRadeKlnRANqvsUKXRDHfrx

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After dinner, Ning Rushen returned to the manor, full and satisfied.oBBNkxaGUcryuleLEEDNnxDlaqUNNC

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He had had a bumpy day and was now well-fed.DzjzvUYgqAuWobKryvSSapIBFpyfwE

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Back in his room, he asked Xinglan to take the pastries downstairs, took a bath, and then turned off the lights and went to bed.zdWvBQyWkBvONFiKOFBkZQgHeVIWoE

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The bed curtains fell, and the moonlight softly filtered into the bedchamber.faFwFXIDaWywboSrPZFKXkSJwUCDWn

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Ning Rushen fell into a deep sleep, drifting into a vivid dream.JsGjOzZqbccYpxSDlkUCSkIYksQRrr

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In the dream, the familiar red silk curtain was tied to the carriage’s frame, stretching and trembling. The other end had become clear, binding his hands, which he couldn’t free…RbjvWeSFTTVxeDCkviLqZrMsyjzMsz

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At some point, a bright yellow flashed above him.rQfbDUHeJhAHiTmjdYIGZRSCQDUijM

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In his subconscious, it was a place he was familiar with and liked, but he was wrapped in a wave of heat for some unknown reason.IOFlvCMXNSSacQjdkbVuqwiGPhtwkp

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A sliver of light and coolness fell into the room.OLzwFVNkxDIaEPbQOqLCsNjYazOieZ

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Ning Rushen suddenly opened his eyes and saw that it was already dawn.qBPrIIosoXLTFsfHFutgjiQwMiIYez

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He sat up abruptly, his body drenched in hot sweat.nJQVLfuPYsPsrPjyOcaODvZmHsyFqB

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The semi-transparent inner garment clung to his back, and his damp hair stuck to his flushed cheeks, exuding a sense of heat.gUSqCdIbqfcXhsLInUikcIBIXAVROw

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Ning Rushen’s mind drifted: He… he was not clean!IuOolhNRcXjhqIyQirPRWYbLzoqQib

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Creeeak, the door behind him opened.zRWuidMtYYyqXNtEPLsCnvCpIgyFjb

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Yan Min walked in, “Sir, it’s time to get up.”LvGvivRNvISuWvGfgfbwPhqusXokpV

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Ning Rushen snapped back to reality, pulling up the quilt, “Mm.”FJoeeToBaqjhLiXacTwBplJOgTtLUA

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Yan Min approached and saw him dazedly leaning against the head of the bed, his face flushed and sweaty. Yan Min was taken aback for a moment, then realized: Oh, the master isn’t young anymore.zJWHlthzZvovvPJxweaiLcssrDXSOt

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At twenty, others are already married.rfjJFExsycDVXJGafpqiIGYCHMIGFr

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It’s just that the master is still unmarried due to being the only child, which is why there’s no one in his bedchamber yet.MwbYBtzwDmtQVKnidmNPHlrKBNXBic

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Yan Min had this in mind and brought over a washbasin:CFerdfloSDozquqKbfeeewzsgBmggZ

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“Sir, wash your face.”mUcfTIKvrvckksrLxoVtoMdYWizXrL

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“Mm.” Ning Rushen didn’t notice his thoughts and replied, then got out of bed.SwZzjjebYRaiNrqBLvuOYmLgoeBfvu

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After washing his face with cold water,eEbdJOAHnTrCufyLPZkUUolHNCaUav

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The heat that had enveloped him subsided considerably.lGgUjUzvRtnDkGVSwnXdcBeBdpaODC

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He pushed open the window, feeling a throbbing pain in his head: It’s all because of that little novel from Prince Xuan. It caused him trouble last time and even more this time…jIUluEILYlKPbRdjtbRDLzAISzjmXr

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Especially after learning about the protagonist of that novel.ehjkRmeAxZwEeueHVWrmCJvONyjKLk

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Dreams like last night always feel wrong.OjYdrBWaWcEttXxJaVynqrLbdtMPbf

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As Ning Rushen was enjoying the cool breeze, Yan Min spoke, “Sir, you’ll be coming of age at the end of this month. We should start preparing.”MgfkxfKGhRDVRqIIWubtbKKKVxkPPq

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Coming of age… at the end of this month?AvhgHKwaFzuJQZfbSeQlQlNuqLzJnD

tMBdKopPhIYIfSm

He rubbed his forehead, “Hmm.”nnbVUmjPUYWHdpcBpRvGzwyfdTymdK

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Yan Min observed his expression and cleared his throat:bFTzSFAPwFgnfgUmgIEkihmefjbexC

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“After you come of age, many people will probably come to propose marriage. Do you have any preferred young ladies in mind?”mPONFzIREQWYYmwdcnTHXiGuSyPFsD

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“If you have anyone you like, we can make a proposal.”LnZxBFHtQOLYGwjBqqwRbkpXYBgIjr

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“See if you want to find…”fQypMUcqnEYZiZpFWNBtcmNuPfoUdq

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Ning Rushen was getting a headache from all this talk, his mind still occupied by the heated dream and the untimely novel. He held his forehead, stopping Yan Min:DROUHLainCMINdxZJAAMyPxoolaaFy

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“I just want to be quiet.”FciHRxciLZxVwqqAaZshCUvYXNcEdr

HxIbuaReHAGJXiZ

Yan Min, thinking about marriage proposals, asked, “Which young lady are you referring to as ‘quiet’?”rNRJnGyRoGSZmyFirtivWXGQBNnehI

AGWLCgwUejSHLXy

“‘Quiet’ is…” a pun. Ning Rushen was in pain, “Forget it, you can leave.”kJlorUBcIVdyfLbCWiKhmFEJFpepSi

mwfIcDhxUSqcDPe

Yan Min nodded, “Alright.”TztxtSuXiLCurIEzPdQzsSuHjrihKs

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The door closed with a creak.aKAcXMyOiRBRHvpBybPkvIUkCwnFdj

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Yan Min, still pondering outside, looked up and saw Shiyi wandering in the courtyard. He immediately called out, “Little Stone, you’re just in time. Go find out which noble young lady in the capital has the given name ‘Jingjing’?”BnAlYdbgloFQIIFUsbTkzdqDlOBJHH

ceTbsywJRFkkzVb

 NkDuxvkkEXNPNrnhyuBxSbZiRZBeID

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