Chapter 45
The words on the white paper were clearly legible compared to that night:bZfEaxtQfcIrMyVqwCbmfBmYsARbsa
hQbkvmdYcXAgkjP‘… Ning Lang sat in the embrace of Ting Jun: I (crossed out) I can no longer eat.CATUhxsvNOXGWOQKwjgZfpXvGQUawj
hlBenlNDWlxQYjZTing Jun gently coaxed while holding the bowl: Should I feed you with my mouth?eOBrTICPEbxGINXjhVeyLVcsLIVQla
LXEEiqOYnelwQGiNing Lang’s face (crossed out) his whole body turned red: Ting Jun, don’t.FEXpwKyWKYWTXqSvIiSMmiPxqgCDKO
yLlwpnqTpvZQvcyTing Jun affectionately tapped his nose: Stop calling me Ting Jun, call me ‘Husband.’’iYWXNacCtrvFhkjTHYhhpntmfpSHln
kapfxMNZvZXEMFmNing Rushen stared at each word in disbelief, his mind exploding: What, what is this strange thing!?rgUHZkbkMbubBhxoEPgxumUZVaSSHD
MoktKqlXqsPUXBgRecalling the even more explosive phrases he had seen after the Duan Yang banquet, Ning Rushen nearly choked:tDkIyOXDManSHCcmGhRrPoQTuzcuQP
BntGaAlseVvcSfFIt was written by Xuan Wang; could it be a little romance between him and Li Wuting!mVVWrzrrfHwSICHodgosphusySWqSO
xtrSTQXYkCeoQHy“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!”nQvWYhqmLEsQxaUMHjAEazogzzMpQj
ItzoDyNbSlMzxDdNing Rushen covered Li Jingyu’s mouth.DjSqzqhgDkBZrqbycLLITMDnKUTiAF
rGhEvGTvAObyPDRHis voice trembled, “How much did you read, Your Highness?”CGktkhobRKaUKlbKUZlLumuuxrJYBi
vFfKsQbnaIzgjiLLi Jingyu’s eyes blinked, “Mmm mmm!”DWKCRHowsllYWyXXQMBjuCZQqryRSj
PtDVlbztLoTtAhrJust this page was handed to Lord Ning!XoIOmGSRugHZZkJrJJQYFirGrxunuA
XfEkNmPZYTImHAhNing Rushen sighed with relief, removing his hand: That’s good; otherwise, he wouldn’t be able to face those pure eyes.hzgGZuWHJJikOXMDCJFqoCsWHntJUI
pBztMGmxXWIRYInLi Jingyu leaned in, “So is all this true?”zbtJAKrBFfIDXByIxuPCLyjyeXrTmp
QGLxgSzGHfTuHAy“…No! Any similarity is purely coincidental.”guXANqSEJFpuTihQgkegkonZQVJzQc
hEiSAwEkWAejxCf“Hm?” Li Jingyu tilted his head, half-convinced.bcLhBCTzOnZqULMvMOvcpWImckFaQM
oSYJxJhczUqVzpj…DYmemLhckGTaeLoaWggPZvpgizzgHE
cwTFdMycrXyoJKGAt that moment, the carriage suddenly made a noise, “We respectfully send Your Majesty!”EaFfKnnWcmfZFJFMLMpRVmKMDzWzBs
yjhOCWmupldgZLCNing Rushen’s heart skipped a beat, quickly crumpling the paper!YRbyblMccWuSORLaXRflMQsLgJUElS
aduakYndyIquYvRHe 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—gufxuupniSxAjBkQPdtvyfoqoPMgUg
FFzSRvVaLITwFeyA pair of deep-set eyes fell on him.LflLLhbJHkpscArubfoaOKoVQYBxSS
dFtWZEUtgZPkdTmTheir gazes met, and Ning Rushen involuntarily trembled.sYuJMBbQtadcNpWTsybSDLfqpwouFt
kfERXqrrbqvlAjzThe 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.VifTqkeKXjwDEwraSksuugmEXiTjcK
DMALbMQkSAzFqUHLi Wuting paused for a moment, then sat down, “What’s wrong?”NgFfOGlSrIVYtFjOZHjMtzSCvuSRWh
uqIlWJtNVJfDmUHA solid and warm body leaned close.DwujnKLDQWndXYatllpjCwnLQbjOlg
OKroyRZNsMESFwXWhether it was because of guilt or something else, Ning Rushen’s heart raced:IgltoWEPQKCcaoqZTTDsGGJDhOWupX
OksvwfKVARDkkWq“Nothing, it’s nothing.”yYLibWHIeDUOngFjXhkNdkjMVLuUrO
hdMcjjgdPloqPeD“…” Li Wuting lowered his eyes to look at him.FLHpoaKyFMmUkuCJxMzZgmLXpRcBIf
DDHigVizJxyOKLZDespite his red ears, the mole was glaringly conspicuous.dIBbycxmyuEIVGnnhdyYJVFxLOMvfu
KiWZWcahoVzzPsWIt certainly didn’t look like nothing was wrong.yDmPjjKGzPZtnocUfqVZhguIjfiAtT
eDtzpqaFzqhKCEpNing 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—”nzdNmAoBqhZldjaiTFykouIBUdCZsv
jpZEuFzwQymEBzhAs he moved, the paper made a faint rustling sound.eWfisWxKuZnuLKpayxUKtcOxQexygm
WCJPLSZpDLRJbuKLi Wuting’s sharp eyes caught it, “What are you hiding in your hand?”EojDNUyGAAjEahMUBnZvjrCRDcTetK
gYhqipnKdRPTAfmNing Rushen, “……” Dirty stuff.EnnjCmpCcFLGCiuuatiLBypYlTbAWt
RKjoxOJzQRUFLQdAfter a two-second stare, Li Wuting ordered, “Take it out.”XaHRrAfSbgchUNVbJXgPyqKWUARPCK
pwbFOQTzhGsminDImpossible! Ning Rushen immediately clutched it tighter.eYLxnwCZPUzMmkacVRPddNkuYMcqUQ
IaaSPIuvpXvBdeCSeeing this, Li Wuting’s fingers moved slightly. He reached around Ning Rushen’s back and grabbed his wrist:AXCSLxtlTyLdXphaIaDrtBaBzOAbAa
IDosckyyWCeeLNE“Why, do I need to take it personally?”MCyMhqiQTUyhtYOpmIGUpHhfjNMPIE
ihrtCrzyisljeMwThe distance closed as he leaned in.YRcLmanObkOKrEItoZBHZFiJSouQwz
kjbtJcrbYYrHEfbNing 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.klQMZXIWvZXONmvdxKaHdwdPPxOfzv
BsDeaDGRCPDwqjAAs his mind reeled with images of “in Ting Jun’s embrace” from the paper, he dizzily wondered:SpjQtPVrTxxMYJddmryPwrOCnGSZNU
lkzBIMzlEZFFVIZWait, has Li Wuting seen this before?vCwdhPusmGfSPoAeackCTnYYOUTdBD
QtdPeGaZoKIaFUJDid Li Wuting not care about it?SlwQRzzFVUnCXpLcDQVCUWWCllawkQ
SCbVKvsRzhmnmxOLi Wuting’s scorching hand tugged at his slender wrist.lTvkFaCTJInWvYeJHGdYIKqZFKBVsq
lQYFqHIhvuNEKOaNing 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…HPOaKHrHABUhcdVYvItIttxdjCQWwY
fhCIzohWChXPzVhLi Wuting’s voice dropped, “Ning Qing, you’ve grown bold, daring to defy the decree?”YvZlDnpXKEceOkFxoMSwItwnBRNwBf
MRjudcDzyRxLCtiWith the heat pressing on him, Ning Rushen’s fingers instinctively relaxed, just as—oNjQWPSoaQtcIJDsXiLQPhYbVRzqJy
VUukgQmfivzYILPSplash, a cool liquid suddenly splashed onto his hand!SyweEJplqXaqMnWREYJZtkyXsbWawP
ubYLxYOciJkcbXHStartled by the chill, he turned to see Li Jingyu holding an empty teacup, looking innocent and flustered:UGWymXWcEeBkuJTmfEwVvQDCfaMtFq
NJSUuptMUuemsBF“Ah, it spilled.”VhxOlMWfvtaJIurFErPYkrJSPeGpQg
ByBJOjjSIPkWLYa“……”DuFxUKnoxlMfQyXdZOZdHZCIfRCkWC
TWIJvSWtpRSZPwBThe sleeve and the paper in his hand were soaked, ink spreading out, staining Ning Rushen’s hand.KKhTxbiStLwllemACxjLFHPHkLxKgc
QdJTwFwhEXOOwQaLi Wuting looked coldly at Li Jingyu, “Li Jingyu.”lIdaftQLMOKivopuTssWKjexjlPKGu
TmAGCpTsiWyweuQLi Jingyu bowed his head, “Sorry, I got Lord Ning’s sleeve wet.”OnzAzkyydfVspCukpDxZucONRVpAdL
qUYFPFDeJEKyfhKLi Wuting stared at him for a few seconds before finally stepping back:kRLQCkwJLcVKivyrvfIMIUoYFMEvYJ
zBhCGlcOXXfpnyx“De Quan, bring a dry cloth.”mSLOZPpYnmvLpEDHVXnKpLxULeYfZO
hJGWfkLaskOloGINing Rushen’s heart slowly settled as the heat dissipated with Li Wuting’s departure.aygUZWUlYYzCQpVRPnWGsscDCIUPLp
MWRUXSGXdLQuxdkHe sat up, crumpled the paper, and set it aside.htazTjSzzExjJmwKZxYPyAFIbAJYxR
YahDSknXMUXpImUThen he took the dry cloth from De Quan and began to clean his hand.ycNjMiUxOXoEWXvIFFfPiVmIKARYcN
RVOSnzFmwZdYkSq—As expected of you, Your Highness.VJCpPgLxPWfoeasajqDRgNyMgqxYxa
QPUiDFdRFDTClHGBehind him, Li Jingyu, holding the empty teacup, had a clear mind:dyGNQHThPjjDUqiRPgKRybKRvHQKkG
BSmhzsCghUbnknKWouldn’t it be better to destroy the evidence?IquVqCZaDeynMWTTLEHmwANhqGlmup
YKhbyWhKHRJacuDIf the Emperor found out, it would be him getting scolded, not Lord Ning.hRgzsShEowYUMdcCRIvwPGlHrnJpNw
cNoBbqXpQEEWDMP·YzZVmKRzvqJXDhsWABUqKRlnkFhOKX
LsAoxpTgqymEoqKThe sleeve was only half-dry.dGEuyJeGsNzSbSnFQBotsUFaHdIWbL
eJUnnvGPLaMKUhxWith the crisis averted, Ning Rushen relaxed.RaCJieyyLXodmuxnqXXrgcCEyrgUKr
aCIBpdiRoCuafhuLi Wuting waited for him to tidy himself up before speaking again, his gaze fixed on Li Jingyu:fJJKQyrcjmGdJAtVUzNXewMaMzLDKC
LogqVFfEWFfMTzC“Is this from you?”nUOOUAJIcmuQaGuNREVfNozREfEEud
NuEdkHyZtViCqjWLi Jingyu hid behind Ning Rushen, “It’s something Lord Ning brought himself.”snUtnuxBVhKnsPSHcsfEyrOCQRyuld
pUgWTkxrBZffDioNing Rushen, “……”iMlKUHHkZqatlzUjRmCEiUquTMGrzH
LqzCtewiUETuimfIt felt like an additional burden had appeared.OnijIaAhzFDBqfaSXveRrPpAYHYjbc
EoqVteEJtdkqmII“Brought himself?” Li Wuting turned back to Ning Rushen.DuyUXxZSpwVIjoBDOsMLgkvBvUbvBb
lxRRjhtFAQlSpdUNing Rushen braced himself, “Yes.”iZDBXkpfFRXSWcOeDZdumYnvCThBXd
YMeWxRLLZtMgCZCThere 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?”FakWZYpbzYvIpijCzKslKToVqAIckH
UBeWMrXpRUxWHEVWhat does Fan Wan have to do with this?zsDsdPQdlhgAYVOOmZLIhrQhetXWzY
RkLQhQlnQrULxlPWait… Ning Rushen asked suspiciously, “Your Majesty, how do you know Scholar Fan is at my residence?”wHaOyVRJtcUocIsBOZTAJxGYYQsdIg
wvCPQoBYONyaltyThe Jin Yi Wei who went to see Li Wuting was not Shiyi.sKRqFQzEJUXfGDXdgQaFHGfonLBKpB
dAmaslQTWEejlyYAfter the question, Li Wuting fell silent.CzptKpjlmAcegIeqFJEvmRlHnbJPJc
MVnYrCdQtGKuZUEThe two looked at each other, both realizing there was something unexplainable. So they, adhering to the unspoken agreement of adults, dropped the topic—ycSkYWFGWJVfRPPtwGSQuGsDZySGEg
AhGfdqBsIJyxnFMNing Rushen asked, “By the way, why did Your Majesty summon me?”dlUmFWrPvzlxBHOyEUoljoqlBNbcTb
yBZnvHswwKFKwwI“Is it wrong to summon Ning Qing for no reason?”ynLYSEQFNMZVhjzfsapEVFBZRKNjFH
cJDPvvgZAELLTOl“No… I just wanted to ask if there’s anything to be done.”xdIyzoUVrvFDgUtwrWCdiyIVDaRFqt
EehmIhxNnrrGdFt“Ning Qing doesn’t need to do anything, just—”jxjhrXFBnxpKHshQbfFteKseTgJRmd
sEqrGsiAAFDSEYJ‘Just stay in my embrace.’ The previous snippet flashed into Ning Rushen’s mind, hitting him suddenly.zbpIepGjsaVRGJzMZoPycMQXmTZUBs
qkeHTwrudlvajJPHe took a deep breath and closed his eyes: Demon, retreat!DBxAoAIncUWBmPnDKyQMggXeYdEpae
XcNJUECqONtTnLAThe conversation in the front stopped.oOruycksVwJIlEemLliEKTgVXFGeuq
xCnAkbVNeluRvhzSuddenly, a hand was pressed against his forehead.zyoqEktJoRyjbWlLbFiunWbqRYFEDn
TCemoHBrjclNoRPNing Rushen’s heart skipped a beat, and he opened his eyes: ?MRVvsLpOSdkUbTawPpzTCZbwtoJbVQ
NYKPRBHRCaLNldkLi Wuting frowned at him, “You’re running a fever?”cFlQxYvczdRpoQojVCUnAXXXfvcPRI
aFTWVmZgvVGQJJuWith 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.”xPIctheipxUryRJuijvipxEUyKWrsg
rxkvdLygPXADMKN“……”CPHTbksWGhnzELmQDowkPBUojOWidc
cKbMgLrUpHyxmVOLi Wuting’s finger, which had been about to point, curled back.TteZmcqIQKGnFEpYgNrjiSRUiRIhBk
gDQdxrSrMXqfKQs“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.”ZUqldmEDNbSIuZoFflHWhEtkylFNYi
uDaatNSMhQekSWmThe carriage moved gently forward.IZDQViZQpgxaGDTLCyupnLUCVwaxzC
FfgVGGwGpbsGmaqNing Rushen leaned closer, “Your Majesty, where are we going?”MAaiActjRGBqPxJMJuWGTKAXAeDvyo
CxNtPEyLwWJdpSXA small head also popped up from his side, and Li Jingyu looked at Li Wuting eagerly, “Where are we going, Your Majesty?”gysIQnMSjmLnuIDsEqwRrVcSUcGolT
rxNnMsxUGkRcukJLi Wuting glanced over, “To eat.”YaCBPlLeFxLasFXbZXVjeeHXXafkEP
osTAecemFsUMlKaThe two of them, one big and one small: Oh………YymYGmRwqgGsJdxgmdsqRlLxwgQbOE
FRrwUdynOxDDjPi·aZJdHemyxmPlAsXpSYIKHvTlfUoKrC
MtqIFlOdeoSAZsXNot long after, the carriage stopped.fnJUhJZuCmPPXCXyHnWsMhMDizeOxb
RWptLhvookevKUOLi Wuting had said he would take them to eat, so Ning Rushen had thought it would be a restaurant or a secluded estate.tEmXKrAjgugpBVpUTcntYxDtRyxPzN
NrciwuchkkcyqNvBut when he lifted the curtain to look outside—pHSzptwBmpHbtCaOUWLaKeGWvBJFrG
TMLxBoqVhOWodxAHe saw the imposing entrance with the words “Jinyiwei Northern Town Pacification Department” hanging above it.pskrmsZrVpncXNZOatfPhzGiAFqfMi
dkqzSzAdSnmAHwR“???”glgHwqSwEKYrvHTLxNFrsCcrTodzOs
AtIqcYrFkelKEuaNing Rushen was stunned, “We’re here to eat prison food?”TzWbfYFGCYMRAuOaKRMWPlXeFTlyXd
MljjSDtHdLNkPxELi Wuting, “……”gKOMvQjoyQtOPBNdjczSuFzMdpLWjQ
IAoYjqUvJZCdTegHe glanced at him, then walked ahead, “Follow me.”LWnZalTBBgfUbprEwHerseOTMHciro
bZlUNaQWSMPlsbRNing Rushen followed behind, still confused.bvGNoYPZAClajDiWipKIurytSVaFob
zqKESPQeBABVRhQUnder Yin Zhao’s lead, they passed through the cold and gloomy Zhao Prison and arrived at a hidden stone door.syOeTjFoBwbmsGglRgRPCjfUkwzcZC
LbRuvdUqXSFcSNEYin 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.NuBulllRmRnfhtIZoVpmCBOxJTlKDm
KqJONMAHsXtZBIFThrough a curtain, they could faintly hear the bustling noise outside.FfPWIwKqXmxhjVQMSZojRGzPQLzzBi
jFzzlMMOJdPptIINing Rushen exclaimed, “Your Majesty, are we sneaking through the back door?”MWFBuXbxQJwZwhHVLJOSTMlMjTlXSr
voQFabDepLIKqUoLi Wuting’s temple twitched, “Be quiet.”uNxEknKDDHIymkvvBShxMNrhfeuXAe
rghwFkfTqRpopAE“……” Did he say something wrong?nmFtqKUtynCltnyFFBzslpXLLUrFAf
duSPsrADzVSjsIMAfter Yin Zhao opened the door, he left. Li Wuting led them into a secluded private room with ease.RcJLdymLqnFXQOGjtjUvfNQdmjpFpL
tpLSuYEeSCnxOjFNing Rushen took a look and saw that the private room was luxurious and elegant.IbcgPVUpGAaEJBueRtWFXJQdLxrWUB
QyLIstMCUsZgmyxThe table was by the window, and outside the half-open carved window was the dark night.bKXzblDbVyEvRYwJkbeAuPMgRCpcfq
HPuonnZcjrqZPLFLi Wuting sat down on one side, and Ning Rushen and Li Jingyu sat opposite him.jNwJLZSUEIlvYocNSSizZveyyZoWIH
vDbjfgOeopaezXrAs soon as they sat down, the door to the private room was pushed open.JGOCBStBoOMOsagfoWBlmVaSHdIsiS
HOWFikbFtXHhyeZA woman in purple stood at the door. She looked delicate but spoke in a crisp and respectful tone:QpfdKECWhoGDToDuOKfvAPvjgaawhF
gseMnsesdWczALd“Guangbai greets the master. What are your orders?”TvIfFaHLqKsAPrrFlqHHIVLrDQiNYe
ltSCrURUFONQDIPLi Wuting said lightly, “Have someone prepare the meal.”ZsyWKvLsBpxXlgBkxeHDuGTRFXSZmp
LiRjydrbvqKDoiA“??” Guangbai was taken aback, unsure what to ask but seeing Ning Rushen nearby made him even more confused. He eventually responded and left.yIRrLtJZAvtWwwKXZkVvBfUvDUTWAf
CGRRvDBPZVsWvkdOnce the door was closed, Ning Rushen asked, “Your Majesty, what’s going on?”rViqsHMvfMRJbztrpXdIPWxxxfaDkY
vzwMgSlYXLpjijqLi Wuting said, “This place was built when I was still the Third Prince. I haven’t brought anyone else here before.”PTvPoqzFmGGeTdPbpxrcQRNEZNIWDe
EhJwkhVQrkFOqkgNing Rushen was stunned: So this is a secret place Li Wuting used for gathering intelligence during the struggle for the throne—OfTKiGzufhSnleShyQLUsJzoKtwMKw
NXoQCgsasJHpVwyIt turns out that even back then, the Jinyiwei was secretly under Li Wuting’s control.WjMLVWeMIeTAFOchHeIBQvxmtehGDe
iBzWAtioBInxovPIt wasn’t surprising that Li Jingyu, as the heir, was brought here.kpMxoFGVoBlHvcqxRyhueOMeuGayDP
QiivdcBOzdLknalBut… Ning Rushen swallowed lightly, “Then what about me?”CJaFdhIgGUTlpaZVpwYmGMfhwgDTlp
qcOiVgksGhsIRck“Doesn’t count.”pfpZySkpoLImXHsBxdMhnVSKcRJpeF
StUglyGxdRDmwer“??” Doesn’t count as what, a person?HImKFwNRTGTnRdkkcrsteirJdfBpQP
xOaTxDybvGuARgENever mind. With Li Wuting’s hidden power, it’s probably no problem for him to know about this place.tXjxXdpZefQpBjtaqJZdMRPXhwJDUo
VLRzzaKxMEeKfAw…bOTXIjIsWvFjVgbbRFHbNRbPzNISqI
yWKWyfaQlhKABdVBefore long, dinner was served.lEpfNDhlcnCBMZgyCGlMsWdPGryarJ
PzplJGmnLXXWuXfThe table was covered with delicacies. Ning Rushen, immersed in his earlier thoughts, was momentarily distracted.JReMnPcxiExUwHuDmbOreDSvFYgCyq
DjmWSjfTGJaTWHgLi Wuting pushed a dish toward him, “Ning Qing, why are you acting like you don’t care about your ‘life’?”LfHdYeuTvrVzJmNZbsMtqOfoOeguav
uazElPEdExsLGpz“……” What are you talking about?aKbJvQJTBeMNHPcGlvPoUiATsABlIX
fBpQPQQUyhlyiVoNing Rushen couldn’t help but ask, “I was just wondering why Your Majesty had to come through Zhao Prison?”zdcxLAYWrAmADuMQBKEbswCqVDddKB
DIfuBMOZLTQGIpsLi Wuting said, “Otherwise, should we have parked the golden carriage right in front of the restaurant?”zeAyOhqkFEwHxRiWODFdmlNwXwzwvf
UlpHYnsvYYvryPd… It would have been a bit too conspicuous.eoqyjEJFnErjFJCCkVrJmyNVhOdaMt
glCjPyOjHkqgnfrNing Rushen praised, “Your Majesty is wise.”LWtoYnvPNMShXCmnRmBuWjneHGBPYS
itJigqrPnGbLHijAfter complimenting, he started eating, while thinking: Since that’s the case, why did Li Wuting still specially come out in the golden carriage?rWrYTrUHVduupOnfNYSNWiBSTpCruL
CyZaBKeHLNYToveThe dinner lasted for fifteen minutes.GrMmydpUqStekOxIQjQUCGRovsXFyG
SilVkmupYCyoeTqNing Rushen, full and relaxed, leaned back with Li Jingyu next to him, “Huh—”eyDTlZPlVHjbzAyqWJqjfJTXKubRhw
hPKgQBoedWgDBRmHe 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”?tHjgduzetQhBcSKuKrRLSQIurfeaCJ
jbYDtKzgkTzteWsSo in the end, it was still the imperial family’s food.PGoNRyvQzugIIMROzgJcThhSimfHmI
nHRHIPtOsRFcPXHThe table in front was tapped, “Have you all finished eating?”sIofkEzWaWEpwVJkYteuISegjDaxVL
NqrkyFLhLWIMGFILi Jingyu, “Yes!”kmQdHtKyzbKJvbrAlsFlssqqqJCvTi
CUGDxYZJwsGaQRsNing Rushen, “I’m done too.”ceGJGjVopfMfieHpXSYyefECcTprKr
mciONAVjBYmqRzKLi Wuting glanced at him, “The milk cake isn’t finished. Don’t you like it?”mlyrQvchvdEbfxCWebEOXgyUdOEkDo
GnQRJRRhlbNNCVz“No.” Ning Rushen, “I can’t eat anymore—”ugmkERYNlnOrukTBNKqSoYcbNPdRDV
IPbejeDyZgOalEP‘Can’t eat anymore. —Are you asking me to feed you with my mouth?’fmgGfIfQIJWokLxPKvtpUsClvGkbFU
BAJrIjlGWeCmIev“Cough cough cough!!” Ning Rushen was suddenly choked by his saliva and sat up, coughing violently.wJiwrKDausvcMheXIQBDdPCXmWPIEx
eGXRZqPFMOSudMb“……” Li Wuting, “Ning Qing?”jtEsrWULatTTApboFvswxnXXYXljaY
PAKExEJwTFKlAvwNing Rushen waved his hand amidst the violent coughing: Don’t talk to me right now!CQwvPJAeYzdFKZyOdvgvWVokOkUBZJ
bRAfGmCQnIETPpKAfter coughing for a while, he finally caught his breath.tNCmGvzqSLGZkGspTtZemlgSlADank
soFAiaGGHRjQwbqHis face was flushed red from coughing, with tears in his eyes.syZyckFfBcZMvcrFfArpSzpqTdHZym
qRPlraaWqTMRhElLi Wuting looked at him silently for a while.WQhffJeEUKGBOBgtOallDRBcDlNARc
FoMrNLCCuaAxhhcNing Rushen calmed down and continued, “I really can’t eat anymore. I like all these dishes.”IrqvOtbsXgQHtTxifqHTgfMuxLdJtz
XAhATVXmBMxVeNMLi Wuting glanced over, “Is that so? How does it compare to the place Ning Qing originally wanted to go?”GnaNcbCgsoQZFXbhyzrzQpTGPdgZXq
HXfCjHYCDmZoQBJNing Rushen didn’t react immediately, “What?”wNmQSBzsZYnmCUwStMLlrsGwMRamhG
GgXvhMIMmZfUwwK“Didn’t Scholar Fan want to invite Ning Qing to dinner?”FDmSqLCcpiHgIdhCoNKnVGlwXLvVDf
MijRCRTCXgiejVS“……”ThozqRydQkgGaVnAKSrXVjTbbpGTLt
IWpNlCXwbKMjvnwWho’s spreading these rumors!ryukSORNyJpwkwZwvRMHUyWfFNcKEs
qoyZErBWfmcpcgvNing 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.”DWDIMNZnIAMuMBrYVYDFpRbrOmLswx
XMQEBXyVOXzKkJFLi Wuting pressed his lips together slightly and then called Guangbai.PkBWocxLzTWcPxlPoVzIVqEIZfNaHk
cQHQOwhtBjAZHeQ“Pack two more portions of milk cake and honey jelly.”hnvzAjkqkCvwBryrozkGeOllAlLemD
wdKRERuyfrRFNIR“……” Guangbai, “Yes.”VfHggjtHmIApBcwUORzksTsormZsTC
SOxcnnbkfTFEzcRNing Rushen and Li Jingyu were immediately delighted.cPGCdegqrBjivZbUcKORBUFQieJrLA
MghosAHPNTaXxaJ·cpZppAxXnvbjtesQeEjdBRjPktqKMF
EVomiuMwTQUYEyGAfter dinner, Ning Rushen returned to the manor, full and satisfied.BvykvWhuzFdehCyLdOfglrGilkWgRu
KGfVtTnvkTRZyPoHe had had a bumpy day and was now well-fed.BTzmDCOJzIGKPqPYuBJPvNTxxykRkQ
eMdsZBPxcvqXggRBack in his room, he asked Xinglan to take the pastries downstairs, took a bath, and then turned off the lights and went to bed.HFcBzVKBnlJAcCgGjqffGvOWvvWdRF
fKYwtNBfVSlLJHAThe bed curtains fell, and the moonlight softly filtered into the bedchamber.ZGbFsAiAcKbgtXFqSrumtJLOINqmPH
flMgwTfjckBJezPNing Rushen fell into a deep sleep, drifting into a vivid dream.XrAMymUKvTBilmExFNnvhulAflldGM
twBRTiIJrUYTjUrIn 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…gwIwoiZUYeEPkqoASlSDQwyxnZTcSp
SWzDvDXQMYaZZkzAt some point, a bright yellow flashed above him.GfbPLzvgdKMgdbAVisFRrHJxNSVRQH
ikGhHZsxjhosHAFIn 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.EzFmzYOYQYoRdEjlsXcXnnekCKptNO
YrKKIuQPuppdPVYA sliver of light and coolness fell into the room.qGPrOVXFMGwVjBRCEvWXeHsPzdjDDK
MjIJtQleEGDHCqJNing Rushen suddenly opened his eyes and saw that it was already dawn.nguAvnEBPvckMoWenfIEjNznaasVuV
VUymjisIZYMQbdNHe sat up abruptly, his body drenched in hot sweat.CmbwBJvRHbWjmqIUCOlaKnRUDalwnM
JRCTrcQwrEEpgvqThe semi-transparent inner garment clung to his back, and his damp hair stuck to his flushed cheeks, exuding a sense of heat.lCADLyrMOhnRdvgmQHvfJzIOXdgaBY
agmTZWIMkPEXfboNing Rushen’s mind drifted: He… he was not clean!OYLpppliVKHnmkkdJJFmyggoPnepwY
sdnrKThndOAEtmBCreeeak, the door behind him opened.KiowJusHcMytNyTlSzNhNboFAMKiQD
VAhbDiAbsNVcFbAYan Min walked in, “Sir, it’s time to get up.”VRiISaiGzdPpChKsKOwMeyIcQxsOxl
LBHVSrorviFNrJjNing Rushen snapped back to reality, pulling up the quilt, “Mm.”ESBbSVgebQWGENxrVtXrwqvfXnSgMe
KhWwHrJbVlpNCXyYan 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.siKwXfCpSAeEYCKAduagNHVVvDNWze
dCcTYSDHYkfSqqgAt twenty, others are already married.APSTiSYazVcmwJaCvVhJdhutcFHmio
KrfxcSYdiQGmueFIt’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.zyjfgyTapDKwdSCrqfxDFWDuyWqQWB
TfStrMenYjayXdZYan Min had this in mind and brought over a washbasin:TdmCOpXOKbbxWOGTIbPBMobgqMQpOj
FkKUIecVhALHCjG“Sir, wash your face.”wmiweDxcqRfpelTuUIHlAommzecENl
TLYmpKsZUSllHNd“Mm.” Ning Rushen didn’t notice his thoughts and replied, then got out of bed.ofrupBsRDtMnVplJFOfBxpbKnxLOhD
eJqdzgWtVlVqHUEAfter washing his face with cold water,XFxIauCtHLdJutmNiKYTDlnDqyhAAg
iISxzNoMOKJyTLZThe heat that had enveloped him subsided considerably.ajedJaFnXGgYWpaJEUfbwKBXiCTuPJ
IsRRMgHNJfkfKnQHe 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…MVpVGxFtqLMLAXUhdsKucJkpFVrvPC
LvEUmgUxtifloeYEspecially after learning about the protagonist of that novel.XrdCqCzHIEyRUfLMMusDKiPMPokNRm
GwgZreoRWSDMEHcDreams like last night always feel wrong.PPIVxjQjOtmqFbVpqQHhXNEjWlSjqS
wloGVYpBWyOwIyRAs 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.”eRDUZuWZVvlRSTTkVfoblMYIeDTHCZ
vtSdczYgLFkVppQComing of age… at the end of this month?BJfxFCrPkKvZMmPjuLzXKAVjuxDtxE
eyyQLVVGKPynsOuHe rubbed his forehead, “Hmm.”JVOuRQwJXWeRUfvvJxigJNOVoFGEMR
uFQzFVCmIWEFUgxYan Min observed his expression and cleared his throat:hCJxjaIbEFhCYxFGlgZPaymtjVbZVS
FSCVumZAhgYJcPL“After you come of age, many people will probably come to propose marriage. Do you have any preferred young ladies in mind?”jdtRSDMlexFAGqvPWXSlWgedptHaWP
LKQBLSlKXXpXMoy“If you have anyone you like, we can make a proposal.”KyMKmSMVDRKVsWvuXmouugSQHYViFU
lAqTradShImloPa“See if you want to find…”UfqepVwqQaUHaqUPGfiVZoTlCCMgFV
BwdVKPjdGulGndNNing 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:LjCgPLbSyozjtLiRTiAgsaeiVllhAf
GezdcDGzsuIJPUJ“I just want to be quiet.”osExhZjHvkJiLeeHORqwqsOPvhdwHX
hnIuJApIkuugcdiYan Min, thinking about marriage proposals, asked, “Which young lady are you referring to as ‘quiet’?”wAiojovDsFspcDDYDSeirqJIXavYKZ
yejUdeXDiJCcHsL“‘Quiet’ is…” a pun. Ning Rushen was in pain, “Forget it, you can leave.”vtKjvPrEhFaivjCJVzFFDrMjizPMPM
pLpriPCSWaGtetyYan Min nodded, “Alright.”puxbXyjptMluyEvLCyCrpGmPKwGivV
zbxYhhzNJSzcmoOThe door closed with a creak.rXIeRvcEJgARCCRrOaWVGjvkZFNxsV
kfVhMUSupguObDPYan 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’?”vuPYlnQKAMWBSktZqtqofLgDwbejBN
unJeAPrPrMCUPbHkbrzSyrGHaSSyhNnNrDuXtWJCyllhz
yYZzgKLmRHJMtNaQfsegevPPQdvpbmhKUwgzSUZxSbNwS