This official is so weak

The milk cake and honey jelly packed last night were placed on the stone table in the courtyard by Xing Lan.ygJEPRAKxlwMXWxjDTAZFloNmwROdl

kFSvbHwbaDlZSWe

Now that he had finally caught his breath, his flushed face had returned to normal. After eating a couple of sweet treats, he finally felt like he was alive again.iAmucnusVqtIeqGMFOSaOxuENhsXSN

DhcbZolXaJSGnDp

He called Xing Lan and Yan Min over to try them, then looked around and asked, “Where’s Xiao Shizi?”gYxVeRrZHpsJwYnYLPWinjFVqOQLpo

hPOtGmtJUZZUvLX

Before he could ask more, Yan Min, smiling but silent, waved his hand, “It’s nothing. Your Excellency, please go to court.”PnNVgaGctIEYphdJWmNKVClZeLMDum

OJkXvxEqriwwMwr

It was the day of the morning court session.ihvsixSPJbBIafeuErolRPoMeSxkiM

CBVJYTaeryKCpDu

Today was the day for testing the “cabinet system” that Ji Jie and Li Wuting had agreed upon.ctdSioEBsBuLzkLxIdSuYqkTiRpJTh

fpbIklMWKRzLXXn

The new policy was proposed by the scholar Ji Jie—iwGEIbhWFtfmbktXYJvFAxUVwCRvNz

WpiZyzKiRadHJgY

The court was immediately in an uproar! Ji Jie was highly respected and neutral, so no one dared to attack him openly, but arguments broke out among the officials.YhdknazPCyFzQUvpdJqyztZRTQCDJV

BKcHYcsgDKcxggB

The slower ones were still weighing the interests behind it.lKLmmUBUnFZHhLNqOIjogIPyhRPwzY

QaZyHIOMhqqExTA

The sharper ones had already glimpsed the Emperor’s intention.ddRGuEBqaXhNPezvTdbqdCjJKGciDA

FqDlcqPpMpOpTSa

Ning Rushen glanced up at the chaotic court, only to see Li Wuting still steady as a mountain, silently observing the maneuvering of various factions.wHzVcDnBWJYJPiqlxDCikdFHcFavAL

rWYTeaFkEJEtiIX

As he looked, he saw Li Wuting glance in his direction.NHNRRwMAhyxFcVEqURplVIDHzqGEly

gLoajcUGGwlpNVZ

The deep gaze crossed most of the court and landed on him, as if saying: What are you looking at?AsQdrvBGisaOBCYnryMmuQFUwtdMbP

eOtdPbcrhEinFSf

Why don’t you lower your head?FVBKnBQrsEjQgJcffqhqdyKOoCGqvP

UJsVdWaozmxFgTT

“……”ogmKevGhqCoQAgcnHfhuNSjztiWiYP

YbrXuUjFYwVajdd

Ning Rushen lowered his head.etJpMhVyUKnFBzPdFGVwoQqkMneKyO

MsPnLMzYxTyILQV

As one of the “initiators,” he perfectly kept a low profile in the midst of this storm.OtHcoPjjpXyGXLcdSWgJgrffzxLjXD

MMWtwQZmlNJCfeO

The morning court session lasted two hours in uproar.BKnzOjYcumhJSDDbHdwGbtAltxSUAQ

dALYfLwDnMAbHGn

After the court session, Ning Rushen was pulled aside by officials to probe for some clues.GxfNxWbuKZnQjrhfcFYGhPyHpRFDWZ

rVpsSZRYBADUWyF

By the time he sent everyone away, a quarter of an hour had already passed.SGPbeAGNtWdwVzChxvvgRRqliXzqHx

utvOuExfvIXpWzO

He straightened his clothes and headed towards the Imperial Study.sazElvCrWOCnHmFZqnKpGChdmCCUyR

KWHgeyebrkwEfxC

Time to wrap it up and go home!vLARuKGisRXiMDiqdGVHgTFUBZPzLX

WcRKDOYQzPLfIpI

Outside the Imperial Study, Xiao Rongzi was waiting at the door.oSesRpSgPAgteijVhieIQhCMVyHBeX

jAsLLSwXtKMDaYw

Ning Rushen usually went straight in, but just as he was about to enter today, Xiao Rongzi stopped him:EEnQcrjTwFNLUSbEAlIQxpYKEpxdVZ

AfmmhPmMCmcCbJu

“Lord Ning, please wait a moment. His Majesty is having a meeting inside. I’ll go in and report.”wgnbsdlynqGFqxuRkuRQBGukNUpdWg

vCnZaBiwbiLVDoF

Ning Rushen nodded, “I’ll wait.”ZVwCHeuDaFQuibwbwNETaBmSmWTxlr

GaLlSOfjDKkZsOB

He stood outside with his hands in his sleeves.GsJWIbpBDQbISmdAHPquYYoKYnwOYy

BPkLBDlKqvbLAdT

However, after only a few breaths, Xiao Rongzi hurriedly came back out. The speed was as if he had just popped in for a moment. He shook his head and said:mybbfxFoljcTqBORbZhsLYNwTxdHsd

xQfiTvozyQYyRlz

“Lord Ning, it would be best if you went back for now.”eENgZOuupnluCmTcbOjbFTfSDeqEpc

bbxBUblwdZFzUaS

Ning Rushen was puzzled, “What happened?”JRDhSTgaNoHlCGMpABXNonFJOwCUtB

NPXDfdGoADXsSqc

Xiao Rongzi whispered, “The Emperor is in a bad mood. As soon as I went in, I heard the Emperor say: ‘Get out.’”ByxTHmYmWaTikYPeZUonZzHLPjWapF

EVZRpoUbtBisBvI

“……”NhozzzMibsIBIGneyfbViZjtkOoKha

dkYpdKMjZYHsFmO

If even getting out was said, how bad could his mood be?iUlvGXCxNVxIHGgNDrIdBAUoNxybFV

iFydTijkGKEwSuw

In Ning Rushen’s memory, although Li Wuting was an emperor, he rarely used harsh words: it was likely due to his gentlemanly demeanor. When he said “get out,” it was either a joke or genuine anger.kKOJvEPaWqrSAKwxgRDnBwBTCNlMzv

MoqsevXgEesMbeh

He asked quietly, “Do you know the reason?”inwWVzJskcFLEtOJLIHEHPPxWLgeuc

pVJHQjqRIsziEje

“I don’t know. I just saw Master Lu reporting inside.”rMJOnJZaAGYeVhvAOggWjaFjCBvHIL

tIBVQXIovZpCawQ

Lu Wu…? Could it be that something was said by a minister about implementing the “cabinet system”?skiZaLJYIzHDnYheubJNpKHvQTlMTe

vrmlxHuiGXreKkb

Ning Rushen tentatively suggested, “Should I go in and persuade His Majesty?”GmvOOrKaMBwqPGcHtHkcCBIHUitFjD

sexpzgbWaqTNAdA

Xiao Rongzi advised, “My lord, it’s better to go back.”LpkEHUGjvFEMkXyPklQYFcdRtodvIP

EmOfdOGclCwynqm

He had served the Emperor for so many years and had never seen the Emperor’s face look so terrible.ErfoYVEmnKzpAuDtUbSPNnIcIZFNoS

LwmRZtbzVQvpjCZ

He didn’t know what Master Lu had said.nNidZeqyKMsEnejvjUNkXXcIERbdgI

IwPEcHnxMRDOgnr

Ning Rushen had no choice but to agree, “Then I’ll go to the Ministry of Rites.”yDjbYhZvdeVVBnktZmynXCxgkSGORN

FGRDmvNnpVURwHA

He turned and left, pondering:gCTsFgstJjmfuEBzlAEOzHleMmEGPJ

yyujwcmMBDmXawl

Since it was Lu Wu, it probably had nothing to do with him.XuGVhTyJShPhpcVpbwkWpZeSBNFkxg

BZiKGgyZqVPmUuv

By the way… he hadn’t seen Shiyi all morning. Where could Shiyi have gone?TXSqhnODCHgRpzqopEQaugFiYeKBMS

ABUwEeyUyYJioHG

Inside the Imperial Study, the atmosphere was extremely tense.kRcJKqlBScAneEzyQAASPcwTHhBmNi

zpUcNdizHVuWCIc

All the servants had been sent out, leaving only the anxious De Quan and Lu Wu kneeling before the Emperor.ZSpmpzLbJxZbkxWDvYIUAWxEQkWLAO

rtEtohYghaJKZjr

Li Wuting kept his eyes downcast, his thin lips pressed into a straight line.lHsOmdutGKJBwyiQxhDXgNFHnerUCF

YHRhscuLEBwMYUu

After a long silence, he finally spoke in a hoarse voice:TyTypOHHSgOqbDNXrrCoLBEGPYXNKW

lPxoJDkgsiwMHQa

“Repeat what you said just now.”jknTlzFBSPejnYwQPuacuWfLmAPjdO

PgKTTQdvKpTWVLK

“Certainly.” Lu Wu, with a blank expression, reported again, “I heard Shiyi say that Lord Ning is infatuated and intends to propose to a noble lady named ‘Jingjing’ in the capital by the end of the month, after the coming-of-age ceremony. The household is already preparing gifts.”VbollMKDYCgKhuyjNwTSZTbeFwBIBG

UyUVSZEkQYasdvH

He summarized, “Presumably, the formal proposal will be made soon.”rJyuyQTKNwXHwCEtdlymNnFPjsQMuf

WYYRIwRfSXolpYf

“……”kabLGTIDRpZfhWVCzgbYJnJvqUmLbm

bISoNubBalNcuRl

Once the words were spoken, the room fell into dead silence once more.PXSFPWvJBtTJlTUAyMwHcofbdmcOPv

sZyoMIrljQDoNJA

Lu Wu, kneeling at the desk, was bewildered.xmQRUZMiunFbnOMSdLXWBiyprWGXPr

LpzVndqvoJoFWRj

This morning, while having tangyuan at a stall in the eastern part of the city, he ran into Shiyi, who asked about a noble lady named “Jingjing” in the capital, saying that Lord Ning wanted to propose to her.ThqthaWfjcjmUnOLoyPUaFlXygpPah

ypqGcchUbquhdIu

He hadn’t planned to report this to the Emperor—HLIpCgZNvMXvjlwlkoDCNSkkdMixbX

jPbdsGRhmyHfqmS

The Jinyiwei monitors whether officials form cliques or engage in corruption, and Lord Ning was not involved in either.agAHilNfTouMpyLwPWWGDhnuTXCOaL

eSTMJcSiVkcSkaX

It was likely that Shiyi hadn’t reported it either and had just been inquiring out of curiosity.NdbcOMIMcbJgZtnEIMmUuGJbXHGzaj

tpNsSjGfclZvSBY

But since the Emperor had asked more questions about Lord Ning last time, he decided to mention it.bkPxLvwaWJehQOsmpAQVWYOqBWYOSV

aVGNAabexPbwkch

He didn’t expect this would lead to—fWNtEORuIdurIEQnwjUaYNPrlZWfue

kGtngtaHAenyZFZ

“Jingjing?” A cold laugh suddenly came from above.VBmfFDheSgVtobOYvAaTbqKjoFYEsE

hAHsySnuDXjIRwQ

Lu Wu snapped back to reality and looked up.UxTFDQOVqHrLEsffvDXTcIKxBimZhh

iVDsjsLfcImqCdi

Li Wuting’s brow was furrowed, his tone indifferent, “Even mentioning the name, how intimate.”wtGVWrJKKLJgdUcMtWirhWQsODCVfi

lPKeNFCNnzYEiuX

De Quan was sweating and quickly said, “Your Majesty, there must be some misunderstanding! You know how unreliable Shiyi’s messages can be!”upUOPqosCPESroZmXbGmHisGeUrsXd

gwAmglSnShaXOjq

As if thinking of something, Li Wuting’s expression softened slightly, “How did this information come about?”yuCIYUfUhkcVUnPJOqNhkWSYtVQxpJ

lTfqTbJUIusjCHm

“It’s said that the steward from the Ning residence went out early this morning and immediately asked Shiyi to inquire.” Lu Wu recalled Shiyi’s earnest tone and added, “—Lord Ning must be feeling lonely.”smqEmCtOiuzmUfHSVYvVzQxwjnbtJO

QbYsiRTyCLjUSkY

Lonely.KoLusZFaRboCitxhjKoweGsvwuZJwG

ABOfxZFkfHtoWiJ

Li Wuting closed his eyes and pinched his brow.FgmxjVvZkVdRNduhogXXKOHFcKnCuj

tUOfMCgXYGTxHXt

The scene from last night of lifting the curtain to get into the carriage flashed in his mind. As a gentleman, he tried not to think too much about it…xxWbCUbIpQZOgyTfsGFnZjAGqVIAcK

mNxFlnAMcmmSPmc

After a moment, he said hoarsely, “You may leave.”cysDGNEEWWptLKkdHnHxLzLgwfHzxE

gTWlIpjlfpygURl

Lu Wu bowed and started to leave.EKNqncCqpFmQcYVCQGTFLJYDDdoigo

byQGOMrVAEORLKH

He was suddenly called back, “Wait.”DvpuTgsvWVivADVgxQadPdYSBKyjvQ

zzEPZpoteFLEWtF

Li Wuting pinched his brow and said heavily, “You should also investigate. I want to see who this ‘Jingjing’ is.”dgUGMaOpNZgTSzgPzIunkxeyPaVduT

AfNbLaiMCdoNPqr

Lu Wu complied and turned to leave the Imperial Study.PkaZsMWDNyWPaDeaGopIIKFBCphoCM

zFhmTuzjNzgwrWx

…LoVCMdzXofEVUpVrbohHMwsMhadVBW

ePjlNWQmjyLGKxl

After Lu Wu left, the room remained tense.xqLnVHJTGFtRpkjDhhCMhwzjutLzsU

swNdtKincUrwCWx

Li Wuting pressed his brow and remained silent.nWJyCucdZXgzuBOjowAVzTEhWsRyPI

ULaMXBBbqVgFSKf

De Quan, beside him, was burning with anxiety: The Emperor, being the ruler of the nation, could decide on anyone with just a word; there was no need for such convoluted measures.nrPcnCydbWdRbEKQyEXjFtLtjffaxM

YymNNXtLScXqaNc

But the Emperor insisted on maintaining a gentlemanly demeanor.lydskxDtUzsmooIeampJBfNkJEtqOC

fsALxSElBaInbQR

Now, Lord Ning was about to get married!bPQSPyquonPCoqEtinUPWWeJLpvVTk

cTIqDbStmMQNThD

The Emperor must be furious… really furious!amODaCMRzVRjkXszUtHQWZRtDiNRwg

YWyFOLDvMQwVbZt

De Quan, determined, advised, “Your Majesty, why not be straightforward and—”PTJaEBZNmNmflWobDZxUXEKiBIBzZP

fQtLzzxhGNoshkg

A cold glare from Li Wuting stopped him mid-sentence.gAQKFjEQVdfMKXWCpOfXAJLLOGvOnz

tvpAgVbGyhRqbnr

Li Wuting glanced at him for a couple of seconds before slowly looking away, “I have said I would not force him. Otherwise, if he leaves, I…” also cannot retain him.ZmFrGigOtdZsMpATdmBwjgQfSdscPZ

qvLAjTSVKmlzBdO

De Quan, frustrated, could not help but stamp his foot: Oh!NUoejBSJbkwTPxZBjtgdriGKzeqhTU

vdnrvnrUzuWMPFK

“……” Li Wuting looked over, “Why are you so anxious?”zBgjYzzFEkZfRbblOdghKWmNbTldjs

zSTyPHEYRPHNBHE

“Shouldn’t I be anxious, Your Majesty? After so many years, you’ve had no one by your side…” maintaining your virtue, avoiding anyone. De Quan swallowed the rest of his words and continued, “It’s rare to have someone who genuinely cares; I hope you get what you wish for.”iGBDfpAKunpNSgTccdQCMPumdIHUuP

CWhQHCtrAoHTYXs

Not just him, but also Prince Xuan and Prince Jing—weren’t they thinking the same way?dJAxuACRdhCCLpJyTSrLHHawbwSBtU

bcXorMjseCQxjTO

So that’s why it happens again and again…BywFAOifYrccfXqOxCXHRqamJzxWVI

YuFTmrtKDzGTrFa

De Quan sighed deeply, “Your Majesty, you should consider yourself more.”wsPocptbaRTEHRMcpPjIoNRkhtpoZc

eTsAvMXMQVanmZr

The study fell silent for a moment.wqWcIsTLBINzNLNZFydBvsPnyqyFbR

kjkaEtXlniFZawO

It was as if everyone recalled the hardships and bloodshed from the past, where Li Wuting had protected those around him while climbing over thorns and obstacles.wqeJHYwqhJssVOeiSaaIMdTfBluRnj

IhpsnAjiGlPviuP

After a while, the Emperor spoke, “I understand.”iQalsybMelkvMXYKWrFWLQiQBBiNEF

GugUHAQODJZxqaP

De Quan was overjoyed and looked up.ayVYLHjvUBlMoBqsflDUvtqqMboUwL

ODBaWLJOuIanivL

But Li Wuting sneered again, “However, before that, I need to see why that ‘Jingjing’ caught his eye.”xWzmoaMTyoaWshQLmmZsKxmEPGbqOa

NzIgUMKSNxlnbSx

“……”eZWxsrZxELUxQQFXLwFmJGhUbzfSol

DkaQPsBwOCgYZyS

The cold tone was like a chilling wind.vuqGcudmeewNmTASuiEausdMbhLnWV

HWrAuawzWkfXjee

De Quan lowered his head, shivering, “Your Majesty is wise.”GBzFCUoyxyIVQhxxTfLrxMRGeGeJvm

SLFeGGBcNpChpgn

·LvKuxNrgmOABhwpyaVuGUrQwKNkMiL

xFxxVXNWOybnEfR

These days, court affairs were busy.pwNUNBJobUiyOlbNvcDeWwnLAwmqlL

KxPWXVvmUQxqYqK

Ning Rushen hadn’t been able to visit the study for three or four days—jlzqPYTAZHlJmtKgdjRWNGbGfHGbiY

ijALrDitsFjeXLy

The draft for the “cabinet system” stirred up hidden currents in the court. With petitions and waves of courtiers flooding into the study, he couldn’t find an opportunity to attend.oYEfjkTgwCQRkpoCZTgSYasKKIQUsl

QvfbStnqNBbRMFd

At the same time, the market supervision office was bustling with activity.hvDbmHohGKaVlmgRNqVgGgAyPPWbKT

EaEDZjbfTscMrmo

Next month is the Chengtian Festival, the “National Day” of Da Cheng, and the families coming to bid are almost breaking down the doors.sflzNaBEQTVYgmRkkReWoJyoCTACIk

LqpEowHNOtvmWkz

So the days passed in a flurry of busyness.POUJTYcKemTiwuYWasXocRrQOJphtI

JXgiIVmtbDpnkfj

On the evening of the fifth day, Ning Rushen finished his shift at the Ministry of Rites.ppKmqmkLwpMSgPKDTRhsgWgokqxwZF

cdaaWAWQIrVjsdS

As he walked back to his residence, he happened to meet Lu Wu coming from the opposite direction.BjFKxHjLZPayqZmszcXPZEFYeShEIh

ODABikHYfXKVesZ

The two exchanged glances, and Lu Wu stopped.JnmpBElVvpXgIRFwOwkHFalwgnqmMt

NXynclGDytKBPtJ

“Lord Ning.”EXFJGnSFUqDgKdxOqXIadgRdXUoLJQ

aEDgBoeYjnmgBnc

“Here on business?” Ning Rushen asked.nhRgWAxpkMrrwLJwItORiXwyZQWTDA

WryITVOGfnbClgF

“Just finished.” Lu Wu paused, remembering the meals Ning Rushen had once shared with him, glanced at the evening sky, and kindly said:LHMxZSSsOXkBNRJJxnZdGYrqtHoFkv

hxvFHGSnNuyarkj

“Lord Ning, it’s best not to sleep too soundly tonight.”YZnRhsglrSUNsYsFyLFhwyOeyDbEXV

GbCoGJGVqUjVjkt

“???”ZNITsPRmWJkuoeNCKqijACUBqddiDn

cHSMaFruhbGukxl

Ning Rushen seemed not to have heard clearly, “What?”cUwlYJXftLrwbTYfFimdXwUhoySRRj

QBYawaBszCXSHBP

But Lu Wu had already shaken his head and vanished in the direction of the palace.HoepAjxnwerGjSenOBclLjbOxaTgcf

UstVTMGLKepGGrB

…What does this mean??QKNuVVKXOXHgmcJYTaXVsIJIYPjJqx

xOdGXhvUfXpkOUn

Ning Rushen returned to his residence, puzzled.oytrXvTeSTkUBRuviFoxqcXHZAMNGs

yUmGIQDSylsUTYA

As he passed through the front hall, he heard familiar voices coming from behind the courtyard door. It was Shiyi, who had been missing for a few days:CKjIZvHIPYJmonFBtBkVHkVqUlLkwa

OICZleUXmrqNhns

“I’ve found out. They’re all here.”sqPAHNSnXKeeOHIgUTAeLzTpRkjmRV

rSFtxArlefxsDUy

“So many! …And so detailed, from appearance and physique to interests and hobbies. Which one do you think the Lord is interested in?”KtaCHeyOCGHLugiZnTlHsZuEZeePEw

OQlwHukWJtuvPTE

“Ask him directly.”dhGvWWONhvHCkHhGGWkQZzLrLaqCod

zAOLpeDKVikWDSB

“The Lord has been busy these days! We’ll show it to him once it’s ready. As servants, we need to be perceptive.”mbBgzedpavndeGymPyzGmETpeBjhQT

XjzfRlqOFyrNwOz

“……” Ning Rushen.UBJoJSFnvoqTtQeYuIwtidDMvwSowu

uQUVHJDhHRGiUDC

He could no longer hold back and walked around the courtyard door to see the two people mumbling with their backs to him, and humbly asked:soJpgXmEpDBkKTRljRlZzanzCGoLqG

hZMnTuSJInSlgLN

“What exactly are you plotting?”xjyTjPNaKbBOdtEZoVrfOYWiAdruDP

mtEIEajCYvTiSfx

Shiyi and Yan Min were startled!chEhwEMSRkUjPnsOBBuVvoVnEaQLZI

YxQHSpBdMOfZpWL

They turned, holding the paper, “Lord, you’ve returned.”YJpwVuFvKpBrWuERorDxrLMbIBelyM

tCtZwwromSKPans

…HhkBUMMCXMXPgZYlhKpRodTBZEinAT

ytgeRIiHBOJoGKu

Meanwhile, in the Yangxin Palace of the palace.NxIPLihFEciEnlmXMqpLwwcpAonmlH

ebHjxpJHJXlMpcz

Lu Wu knelt before the Emperor, “Your Majesty, there is news.”gkcxGvzklXYHiKecRfovTLFzirzDGP

ypQdFwaOhEVslDn

Li Wuting, sitting behind the desk, curled his fingers and said, “Speak.”wEUFGSxugVEODukOQbmCbTjacRPkkA

tRtKalGXoiydBlS

Lu Wu replied, “Your Majesty, the accurate information has been brought back to Ning’s residence by Shiyi.”nkaFCdeZqxFxblixirZmPzMlARDcmd

vvmHElcOikrmqlX

Li Wuting’s voice turned cold, “Then what did I summon you for?”tOwTybqPrSFKfnHipzpGsvZLwQzfuk

GjvFnzzSYjZRGMu

Lu Wu kowtowed, “This matter… is hard to explain in a few words.”PytWDunKjORsWiuqHAXssBFdZSpBmV

jRFovGMSvJxaLZp

It wasn’t that he wanted to shirk his duties. There were simply too many people on the list, and he didn’t know which one it was. It seemed it would have to be identified by Lord Ning himself.pwECbKyOoxCSKpUueoRCUMndxHgLLh

yjXyXCXErizEWLK

There was silence above.VcgNmzpeoejHuqOtpjZhPzvyLjROlC

TlPTmCOLjrAIQVZ

De Quan, observing Li Wuting’s expression, said, “Your Majesty, it has been several days since you last spoke to Lord Ning.”vKbJJuXFKfsjhSJzTOGXpZJEbmObHg

kSFwNCuEyocdNId

Li Wuting pressed his lips together.EOuKzdbpYNJXZgnhuzMCVfjmSSIqdI

zatAnFleGwxpdXz

De Quan recalled that during the court sessions in recent days, the Emperor’s gaze had lingered on Lord Ning a few times, clearly deep in thought. He speculated, “It’s a good opportunity to clarify things.”QnABUtKGMHuqEodxKMNjmCYKbWlQTl

bOkCLtobHexzWFy

De Quan spoke with a hint of sarcasm, “Let’s see what this ‘Jingjing’ is all about…”jgsmvzPpWgVnVNdooUUZkVjbgkowKj

vCLXPvFCRZaKcKf

“Enough.” The cool, clear voice cut him off.njhDYdISzjuvPJotSvizOAUDHwTpAN

xYnfkiOlcozJJzd

Outside the palace, dusk had already settled, deepening into twilight.PIpbyFaAOjwrCYxRxdaEHPHFTvyzgJ

fLvzMTXlpiBlcpo

Li Wuting stood in silence for a few moments, then rose and said, “Prepare the carriage to leave the palace.”iCEGUzfvQFYUYsFVksZEfVtkHXhWzC

EMzrOqoGsqbZaAN

“—Yes!”lLQWiuinTRtxeFkSLoxbmBNWNpSsOF

wXuSHJAHDpeRiZa

·gwYoftRoZMBwqlEwGWUDyoSihnfZlc

rmONIxcDqTxKDqb

At Ning’s residence.sqkTTnAwrnNyJnQkJxnDZwOOmkAycj

WQQUpWaCLTRraox

Ning Rushen held a full page of paper, his breath catching.RCckcKzGXxDMJiUpRRcQrUfowQUZJI

XqtALudDkqzPsmn

He hesitated for a long time, trying to maintain a calm voice as he asked, “…What are all these?”gWzNdRagUYxTljWotHxWglXftRpfgL

XiMNxCWGhjPubHG

Yan Min glanced at him, “Jingjing… and the others.”IZwaRRgWtbbLEKAKGlbHFLCervuqni

BJPhuiLfeQKJzSa

Ning Rushen, “………”wRlTLMTyIMLnAKSOjeQuHcYeRCbWyM

KNYlHIVqCyTgIgt

He took a deep breath, supporting his forehead, “That’s not what I meant. I was asking about…”CxryWYBcEhiObNraJnLUveKDhevcbg

jVePGRBbSKbZNdW

“What, these aren’t it?” Yan Min didn’t understand.LIFURbcJCfqPVJxjovXtQlbjySifvB

zUrKWLkWLTInJVk

“No,” Ning Rushen said, feeling dizzy again. He decided to cut off the topic entirely, “Forget it, don’t bother with this. Don’t look for any Jingjing.”WqbXsGfIIRHgfWQlQNIQfgETtzmehx

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“What about the others?”TYLbgjIYQRDZTCfpqDCjBaDmCLXuNb

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“None of those either.”kMSkCsKWKDSMRiEJLZsJVUmgBUBqih

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Ning Rushen waved his hand, “Leave me alone for a while.”JnOeCDygNAAcQGzhKxezAIWOkiwwUw

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Shiyi and Yan Min reluctantly said, “Oh.”uqpRZfJzsVBzTXJdNfuoKjAfvxgAbT

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After dismissing them, the courtyard fell silent.SxLlGFhorIXKODFeFJSlDYJbHyfRKX

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Ning Rushen moved a lounge chair to the front of the courtyard and casually placed a lantern beside it.ZmThtGuBdmKSqjzMZkOTAckQLrRSWG

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He reclined on the chair, feeling utterly exhausted.igAJNNHhdqsWdYPgEDteosESTCwzVG

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What are all these matters?wARGePARgZXhTnhlOGGAyLcFkGXCCV

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He had never thought about marriage. That morning, he had simply been poisoned and dreamt about—GWmsgPuZLYpXihCFnydBhuDkDaIfRL

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Ning Rushen’s thoughts paused, and the lingering dream reappeared in his mind.LATHQMMeuWKNXJtEnIvLzKbYsDVzXq

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A wave of heat spread from his tailbone.NZNRbHAyfMrpquMkHPYBHMjcROlrGy

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June’s weather was already hot, and he quickly broke into a thin sweat.YvFJLMDhaDgzTsDATpCUjoRndIKMuS

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The trapped heat took a while to dissipate. Ning Rushen decided to take off his crimson outer garment and drape it over his shoulders, wearing only a white inner garment underneath.zTuKkdDLNKfoZjPEADQOXLODGiUbMF

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After putting on his clothes and leaning back, he glanced at the paper in his hand:TFueAnGBnqLUEemopUZIbesOBiRCQe

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He had to admit, Shiyi was quite the professional at gathering information.VKCOQbVtwDdcTIzVztVKVTuWKybjDS

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But he had taken professionalism too far—FItgDXRiEUuCYoFOwHyYVmGTkaPwUT

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The list included people he had visited the same bun shop with; those he had brushed past on a certain street; even those with no interaction but with similar patterns on their clothing…gPROepHEBvqDVoJSJivfNEmycYFGIT

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Incredible. Ning Rushen looked further down the list:PUfwpOWNmYpeoHmKjPwWkYzFLrOCum

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Why is even the young daughter of Minister Ji included?wsyURoICNSqRHAIBxBAtUtiCiofhET

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He felt dizzy and rubbed his temples with one hand while holding the paper with the other.rhwGLHLkNvmHYVOkuaEuZDEyJtBfmt

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The white cuffs slipped down from his forearm, and the crimson garment hung loosely on his shoulders. The warm light from the lantern illuminated his profile in the dim courtyard.PTLYkpIpWSLVRlRmEaUiJauCmGnwyK

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Frowning and closing his eyes, he appeared languid and weak.VbeQQwRFplKWPQelYpHmUCGruCPDOE

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As Ning Rushen massaged his temples, he faintly heard some movement outside the courtyard, but it was quickly quiet again.YIfRSyRTvWRLfPreumRhpsOXSyhqcG

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He didn’t pay much attention and stood up, preparing to put the paper aside.mpWPnfctVNCDjfUWidTbyTwJifqqBL

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A shadow flickered in the distance.TbsFBwJmQpklAyAvhdyBwnYQKixLzQ

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A figure appeared at the courtyard door, and Ning Rushen looked up to see Li Wuting standing in front of him.TxmFIWwdbUzrSJcTYsySURqnRIUZcR

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Li Wuting was dressed in dark robes, as calm as the night. Having not seen him up close for several days, his cool and handsome face was strikingly captivating.RUlKWOzHCipBotzJpHaqyvvVnffFQx

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Ning Rushen’s heart skipped a beat, and he froze, “Your Majesty?”pfiEQmevgdGKglbnaPSYWbtctnDXIv

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The paper in his hand reflected the light, revealing a full page of names.JqCOfwfFOPKXzYKHEabDBSKCUdzNhL

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Li Wuting’s gaze fell upon it, seemingly stunned.IqXgwDahoPzBFiYizPJkajvQAKzbDW

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The two faced each other in the quiet courtyard for a few seconds.usZqzQQiyZLuyGRZKyrEIIKmFCUubH

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Ning Rushen was about to speak when Li Wuting, with half-closed eyelids and pursed lips, saying lightly：asPbwJRxrYjpPXTKFDbBWkJKGFTnzJ

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“Isn’t there a bit too many of these Jingjings for Lord Ning?”BUyfwnwLBmTcNEQPJIyZKgiVNcqqzi

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 NSDXkMyZoncgpBLwMGNTXNKZylBFUu

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