This official is so weak

FOCpXgTwQhCsXRYTable of Contents

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

hlBenlNDWlxQYjZ

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

LXEEiqOYnelwQGi

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

yLlwpnqTpvZQvcy

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

kapfxMNZvZXEMFm

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

MoktKqlXqsPUXBg

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

BntGaAlseVvcSfF

It 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

ItzoDyNbSlMzxDd

Ning Rushen covered Li Jingyu’s mouth.DjSqzqhgDkBZrqbycLLITMDnKUTiAF

rGhEvGTvAObyPDR

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

vFfKsQbnaIzgjiL

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

PtDVlbztLoTtAhr

Just this page was handed to Lord Ning!XoIOmGSRugHZZkJrJJQYFirGrxunuA

XfEkNmPZYTImHAh

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

pBztMGmxXWIRYIn

Li 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

cwTFdMycrXyoJKG

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

yjhOCWmupldgZLC

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

aduakYndyIquYvR

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—gufxuupniSxAjBkQPdtvyfoqoPMgUg

FFzSRvVaLITwFey

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

dFtWZEUtgZPkdTm

Their gazes met, and Ning Rushen involuntarily trembled.sYuJMBbQtadcNpWTsybSDLfqpwouFt

kfERXqrrbqvlAjz

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.VifTqkeKXjwDEwraSksuugmEXiTjcK

DMALbMQkSAzFqUH

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

uqIlWJtNVJfDmUH

A solid and warm body leaned close.DwujnKLDQWndXYatllpjCwnLQbjOlg

OKroyRZNsMESFwX

Whether 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

DDHigVizJxyOKLZ

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

KiWZWcahoVzzPsW

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

eDtzpqaFzqhKCEp

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—”nzdNmAoBqhZldjaiTFykouIBUdCZsv

jpZEuFzwQymEBzh

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

WCJPLSZpDLRJbuK

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

gYhqipnKdRPTAfm

Ning Rushen, “……” Dirty stuff.EnnjCmpCcFLGCiuuatiLBypYlTbAWt

RKjoxOJzQRUFLQd

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

pwbFOQTzhGsminD

Impossible! Ning Rushen immediately clutched it tighter.eYLxnwCZPUzMmkacVRPddNkuYMcqUQ

IaaSPIuvpXvBdeC

Seeing 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

ihrtCrzyisljeMw

The distance closed as he leaned in.YRcLmanObkOKrEItoZBHZFiJSouQwz

kjbtJcrbYYrHEfb

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.klQMZXIWvZXONmvdxKaHdwdPPxOfzv

BsDeaDGRCPDwqjA

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

lkzBIMzlEZFFVIZ

Wait, has Li Wuting seen this before?vCwdhPusmGfSPoAeackCTnYYOUTdBD

QtdPeGaZoKIaFUJ

Did Li Wuting not care about it?SlwQRzzFVUnCXpLcDQVCUWWCllawkQ

SCbVKvsRzhmnmxO

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

lQYFqHIhvuNEKOa

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…HPOaKHrHABUhcdVYvItIttxdjCQWwY

fhCIzohWChXPzVh

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

MRjudcDzyRxLCti

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

VUukgQmfivzYILP

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

ubYLxYOciJkcbXH

Startled 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

TWIJvSWtpRSZPwB

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

QdJTwFwhEXOOwQa

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

TmAGCpTsiWyweuQ

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

qUYFPFDeJEKyfhK

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

zBhCGlcOXXfpnyx

“De Quan, bring a dry cloth.”mSLOZPpYnmvLpEDHVXnKpLxULeYfZO

hJGWfkLaskOloGI

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

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

YahDSknXMUXpImU

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

RVOSnzFmwZdYkSq

—As expected of you, Your Highness.VJCpPgLxPWfoeasajqDRgNyMgqxYxa

QPUiDFdRFDTClHG

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

BSmhzsCghUbnknK

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

YKhbyWhKHRJacuD

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

cNoBbqXpQEEWDMP

·YzZVmKRzvqJXDhsWABUqKRlnkFhOKX

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The sleeve was only half-dry.dGEuyJeGsNzSbSnFQBotsUFaHdIWbL

eJUnnvGPLaMKUhx

With the crisis averted, Ning Rushen relaxed.RaCJieyyLXodmuxnqXXrgcCEyrgUKr

aCIBpdiRoCuafhu

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

LogqVFfEWFfMTzC

“Is this from you?”nUOOUAJIcmuQaGuNREVfNozREfEEud

NuEdkHyZtViCqjW

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

pUgWTkxrBZffDio

Ning Rushen, “……”iMlKUHHkZqatlzUjRmCEiUquTMGrzH

LqzCtewiUETuimf

It felt like an additional burden had appeared.OnijIaAhzFDBqfaSXveRrPpAYHYjbc

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

lxRRjhtFAQlSpdU

Ning Rushen braced himself, “Yes.”iZDBXkpfFRXSWcOeDZdumYnvCThBXd

YMeWxRLLZtMgCZC

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?”FakWZYpbzYvIpijCzKslKToVqAIckH

UBeWMrXpRUxWHEV

What does Fan Wan have to do with this?zsDsdPQdlhgAYVOOmZLIhrQhetXWzY

RkLQhQlnQrULxlP

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

wvCPQoBYONyalty

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

dAmaslQTWEejlyY

After the question, Li Wuting fell silent.CzptKpjlmAcegIeqFJEvmRlHnbJPJc

MVnYrCdQtGKuZUE

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

AhGfdqBsIJyxnFM

Ning 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

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“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

qkeHTwrudlvajJP

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

XcNJUECqONtTnLA

The conversation in the front stopped.oOruycksVwJIlEemLliEKTgVXFGeuq

xCnAkbVNeluRvhz

Suddenly, a hand was pressed against his forehead.zyoqEktJoRyjbWlLbFiunWbqRYFEDn

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

NYKPRBHRCaLNldk

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

aFTWVmZgvVGQJJu

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.”xPIctheipxUryRJuijvipxEUyKWrsg

rxkvdLygPXADMKN

“……”CPHTbksWGhnzELmQDowkPBUojOWidc

cKbMgLrUpHyxmVO

Li 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

uDaatNSMhQekSWm

The carriage moved gently forward.IZDQViZQpgxaGDTLCyupnLUCVwaxzC

FfgVGGwGpbsGmaq

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

CxNtPEyLwWJdpSX

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

rxNnMsxUGkRcukJ

Li Wuting glanced over, “To eat.”YaCBPlLeFxLasFXbZXVjeeHXXafkEP

osTAecemFsUMlKa

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

FRrwUdynOxDDjPi

·aZJdHemyxmPlAsXpSYIKHvTlfUoKrC

MtqIFlOdeoSAZsX

Not long after, the carriage stopped.fnJUhJZuCmPPXCXyHnWsMhMDizeOxb

RWptLhvookevKUO

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

NrciwuchkkcyqNv

But when he lifted the curtain to look outside—pHSzptwBmpHbtCaOUWLaKeGWvBJFrG

TMLxBoqVhOWodxA

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

dkqzSzAdSnmAHwR

“???”glgHwqSwEKYrvHTLxNFrsCcrTodzOs

AtIqcYrFkelKEua

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

MljjSDtHdLNkPxE

Li Wuting, “……”gKOMvQjoyQtOPBNdjczSuFzMdpLWjQ

IAoYjqUvJZCdTeg

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

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Ning Rushen followed behind, still confused.bvGNoYPZAClajDiWipKIurytSVaFob

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

LbRuvdUqXSFcSNE

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.NuBulllRmRnfhtIZoVpmCBOxJTlKDm

KqJONMAHsXtZBIF

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

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

voQFabDepLIKqUo

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

rghwFkfTqRpopAE

“……” Did he say something wrong?nmFtqKUtynCltnyFFBzslpXLLUrFAf

duSPsrADzVSjsIM

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

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

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

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

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

HOWFikbFtXHhyeZ

A 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

ltSCrURUFONQDIP

Li 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

CGRRvDBPZVsWvkd

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

vzwMgSlYXLpjijq

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

EhJwkhVQrkFOqkg

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

NXoQCgsasJHpVwy

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

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

QiivdcBOzdLknal

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

qcOiVgksGhsIRck

“Doesn’t count.”pfpZySkpoLImXHsBxdMhnVSKcRJpeF

StUglyGxdRDmwer

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

xOaTxDybvGuARgE

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

VLRzzaKxMEeKfAw

bOTXIjIsWvFjVgbbRFHbNRbPzNISqI

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Before long, dinner was served.lEpfNDhlcnCBMZgyCGlMsWdPGryarJ

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

DjmWSjfTGJaTWHg

Li 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

fBpQPQQUyhlyiVo

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

DIfuBMOZLTQGIps

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

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… It would have been a bit too conspicuous.eoqyjEJFnErjFJCCkVrJmyNVhOdaMt

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

itJigqrPnGbLHij

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

CyZaBKeHLNYTove

The dinner lasted for fifteen minutes.GrMmydpUqStekOxIQjQUCGRovsXFyG

SilVkmupYCyoeTq

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

hPKgQBoedWgDBRm

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”?tHjgduzetQhBcSKuKrRLSQIurfeaCJ

jbYDtKzgkTzteWs

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

nHRHIPtOsRFcPXH

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

NqrkyFLhLWIMGFI

Li Jingyu, “Yes!”kmQdHtKyzbKJvbrAlsFlssqqqJCvTi

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

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Li 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

PAKExEJwTFKlAvw

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

bRAfGmCQnIETPpK

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

soFAiaGGHRjQwbq

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

qRPlraaWqTMRhEl

Li Wuting looked at him silently for a while.WQhffJeEUKGBOBgtOallDRBcDlNARc

FoMrNLCCuaAxhhc

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

XAhATVXmBMxVeNM

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

HXfCjHYCDmZoQBJ

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

GgXvhMIMmZfUwwK

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

MijRCRTCXgiejVS

“……”ThozqRydQkgGaVnAKSrXVjTbbpGTLt

IWpNlCXwbKMjvnw

Who’s spreading these rumors!ryukSORNyJpwkwZwvRMHUyWfFNcKEs

qoyZErBWfmcpcgv

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.”DWDIMNZnIAMuMBrYVYDFpRbrOmLswx

XMQEBXyVOXzKkJF

Li 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

SOxcnnbkfTFEzcR

Ning Rushen and Li Jingyu were immediately delighted.cPGCdegqrBjivZbUcKORBUFQieJrLA

MghosAHPNTaXxaJ

·cpZppAxXnvbjtesQeEjdBRjPktqKMF

EVomiuMwTQUYEyG

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

KGfVtTnvkTRZyPo

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

eMdsZBPxcvqXggR

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.HFcBzVKBnlJAcCgGjqffGvOWvvWdRF

fKYwtNBfVSlLJHA

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

flMgwTfjckBJezP

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

twBRTiIJrUYTjUr

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…gwIwoiZUYeEPkqoASlSDQwyxnZTcSp

SWzDvDXQMYaZZkz

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

ikGhHZsxjhosHAF

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.EzFmzYOYQYoRdEjlsXcXnnekCKptNO

YrKKIuQPuppdPVY

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

MjIJtQleEGDHCqJ

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

VUymjisIZYMQbdN

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

JRCTrcQwrEEpgvq

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

agmTZWIMkPEXfbo

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

sdnrKThndOAEtmB

Creeeak, the door behind him opened.KiowJusHcMytNyTlSzNhNboFAMKiQD

VAhbDiAbsNVcFbA

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

LBHVSrorviFNrJj

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

KhWwHrJbVlpNCXy

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.siKwXfCpSAeEYCKAduagNHVVvDNWze

dCcTYSDHYkfSqqg

At twenty, others are already married.APSTiSYazVcmwJaCvVhJdhutcFHmio

KrfxcSYdiQGmueF

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.zyjfgyTapDKwdSCrqfxDFWDuyWqQWB

TfStrMenYjayXdZ

Yan 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

eJqdzgWtVlVqHUE

After washing his face with cold water,XFxIauCtHLdJutmNiKYTDlnDqyhAAg

iISxzNoMOKJyTLZ

The heat that had enveloped him subsided considerably.ajedJaFnXGgYWpaJEUfbwKBXiCTuPJ

IsRRMgHNJfkfKnQ

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…MVpVGxFtqLMLAXUhdsKucJkpFVrvPC

LvEUmgUxtifloeY

Especially after learning about the protagonist of that novel.XrdCqCzHIEyRUfLMMusDKiPMPokNRm

GwgZreoRWSDMEHc

Dreams like last night always feel wrong.PPIVxjQjOtmqFbVpqQHhXNEjWlSjqS

wloGVYpBWyOwIyR

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.”eRDUZuWZVvlRSTTkVfoblMYIeDTHCZ

vtSdczYgLFkVppQ

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

eyyQLVVGKPynsOu

He rubbed his forehead, “Hmm.”JVOuRQwJXWeRUfvvJxigJNOVoFGEMR

uFQzFVCmIWEFUgx

Yan 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

BwdVKPjdGulGndN

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:LjCgPLbSyozjtLiRTiAgsaeiVllhAf

GezdcDGzsuIJPUJ

“I just want to be quiet.”osExhZjHvkJiLeeHORqwqsOPvhdwHX

hnIuJApIkuugcdi

Yan 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

pLpriPCSWaGtety

Yan Min nodded, “Alright.”puxbXyjptMluyEvLCyCrpGmPKwGivV

zbxYhhzNJSzcmoO

The door closed with a creak.rXIeRvcEJgARCCRrOaWVGjvkZFNxsV

kfVhMUSupguObDP

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’?”vuPYlnQKAMWBSktZqtqofLgDwbejBN

unJeAPrPrMCUPbH

 kbrzSyrGHaSSyhNnNrDuXtWJCyllhz

yYZzgKLmRHJMtNa
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QfsegevPPQdvpbmhKUwgzSUZxSbNwS

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