This official is so weak

QUpmpzindeEuWAUTable of Contents

Chapter 46

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

iFwIhxNSzeLSadQ

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.hJwHGsafcVQIiVjFUbKNtXsenHvGHl

cbdOXMPehIDnZHk

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

lyPOUSHkiBKSciT

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

TLeBuhlbrJxINMg

It was the day of the morning court session.hyJhZryIcJdjkYncCEYgTifthXepiJ

cMZmHhNyucTCzaw

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

LQpwnAYNrcDAtXh

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

slhUvTZWUQSSoFt

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.ZZpvDwNatBgGtHJFBWvuoyqaOjZYoA

VAxWmAlFDMzlecC

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

LCcriWrkeErcGDj

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

WMnoKRjwYxCWmlt

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.eCJgUbXXcOZSqRiFgEnEbCPlSqUBNk

VWAbHkWbhkiWunC

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

yKtBDaqOFjENpWO

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

eLrvDoPitnyXKNi

Why don’t you lower your head?goJizSnOKaLdforQfDayHDgytmrBRm

obSzkWGvXbnVTRc

“……”UWWeFXEZOcmiXiEtqiuDzSLspjEHVL

OwwicOqQDTmxfjL

Ning Rushen lowered his head.rzsUvfAmxutrUHEOSSJfzZjANcHMKl

tGXOqNtVUcddmUp

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

WoEFHRnlacfjZYu

The morning court session lasted two hours in uproar.rtzDBDcMLNKirJjKSeNfvYgigfoMjJ

KyqtQeUpfhxLYeY

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

FzceREjjKLdhpDf

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

jKKzTNDKpsNvZLp

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

wuPoQKNUxjIWAID

Time to wrap it up and go home!CvAXMkGuUmdzEANUQLKYtLQlpwOUuf

hmJpOfLtMdhSEQn

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

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

AEUTGwMFkUxaOyb

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

PytmUWqgmRtpvir

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

DxgBwhtRSWQUhjh

He stood outside with his hands in his sleeves.cRqChnkstcbbFKyqbUXHTYeBRDFCjs

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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:uTSpLSbwkhnJRlJefoJcJakXOSRUpG

fgKtUABuqRhjfGD

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

yNOVTlZWEhgglvK

Ning Rushen was puzzled, “What happened?”XpFfwOvbZADJQyBCZcOBoxXgeTHCMr

CeQhBMueCsXDyVf

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

moWWduwYbWtWFia

“……”ayJpXNQuSbtIHsFrdYWBBRvfbvaPPV

TaEErZtTKNTtzPp

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

nZfECYgRvMtkphi

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.KnMvtwEHvBudSlwoZcrmCamrNleTXM

wMOSoYKHrWTdXTq

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

uPDGHXcwVNjOPNa

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

oSzscwlBydgfGMv

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

EOtjHZpvRYEctrP

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

wOIwAEqXybSXtwN

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

IgdrHIyOOTItQpK

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

nSRZwalKbuxUlIx

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

sqYUIFaMRtfkPUN

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

jaJdDZnAqDwkinU

He turned and left, pondering:SaXUxsKDjgXhTQbqCWFnMLDqcCGgDr

KscEQCUjwwDCjIE

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

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

ebQtgwZSdcgcjyR

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

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

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

LdeimIDuHpaGrCe

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

xxeuslRwjRcuYRY

“Repeat what you said just now.”NYvVTrZrUrzjOQVQfPsuOCnXJQYace

TvoPzpfMGxCzxBO

“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.”KOfbDFQmndhJuNOJSZHFCYMNLYRdNF

wxTkBMStmvNzClh

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

nqetUCbaZroYPmC

“……”lhVCiywWfBLpnvUOWARfPEVWxmptQD

bhoOGHsLxIkhkAl

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

GIvmFWyJyrBcssE

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

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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.BhmcBOnmLxXXfJnGTqLFnnKaKHpFws

CXRJglKEwuEvOVD

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

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

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

RpWctsifSxEvBAp

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

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He didn’t expect this would lead to—lvnQlyXlaPDvBLpWJJGEpQZGxoiIqk

aXKeRToJDKYzvHd

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

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Lu Wu snapped back to reality and looked up.HOhZnoTdSHdvgxDTnzEaMmjdqiGkUD

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

odOneimiCeNKjlf

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

iWfEtYgOPNdcNlh

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

MFIGSPxHrhSEcWj

“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.”YjAWYDmkpcxunicAeOpSpOHYnSkUJw

wpoBRPJGRMgWode

Lonely.sKcoAEQTvTQiCrITnPHviHGqpAtpxD

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Li Wuting closed his eyes and pinched his brow.hidZnHpahedCLSZipCDQiEXmdpgPsn

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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…oAlcYmbHrfHeRxMuXiwWIAEAYSrJxP

tgwBCrNCPKpsECK

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

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Lu Wu bowed and started to leave.bxNdkEWgGWFuYcLjHXUXNgckEGkXRQ

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He was suddenly called back, “Wait.”YLnPbUXobRVOKZQjvpDYZNhLoqSNKf

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

POiniSvbpiSckNl

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

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After Lu Wu left, the room remained tense.VGpRrAiWJSVuahAWHJbBMQpomBAiTI

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Li Wuting pressed his brow and remained silent.AepnDwarhWfzRGYsRqXUQkcPhFnNWy

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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.EgRIHmzUMPhzEvgUVqSAziVaKhrYPC

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But the Emperor insisted on maintaining a gentlemanly demeanor.NrIzaNfsWWfswOoJoAMWaeHLqnkcuq

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Now, Lord Ning was about to get married!WZIQxNNlzMNnWQujDBLIbQzMZIQgar

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The Emperor must be furious… really furious!WcqFhIWZWxrlMkLmOZXEVPLhIwxVpv

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

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

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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.YAqbLbeJGpLbohUKHHxiJhrpthfZZu

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

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

BFyWaNECFHAqVae

“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.”RRHTmATJynyHEyBwezagdPFMJjqTyD

LssSYBltxByYpVO

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

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

HhZlEKscaChfZDc

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

tDaLsohFXaxiiuY

The study fell silent for a moment.rdUTXBQkEYuLQxSrYpCspemMpVpdEj

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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.cjQVzAIJJmOVEdAKHknrgkXbJkyQdl

IrHRQhRlGzacDgc

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

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De Quan was overjoyed and looked up.NGheMoQvYXUNAnxicNqbPSWFqISfAq

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

VDzJalcdxDQvCMw

“……”ARIIyISsrUTxHVFaeRxOFWVuvudroQ

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The cold tone was like a chilling wind.TTAYuUCLKGcvLDLNJeXMhBGpuXrPqr

maoyjjhySqalEFG

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

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·XadlMQrBHpOMhzzuHhsirSdGSUBsya

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These days, court affairs were busy.lCWrcOkfHYqskWsbBWrJmWsZnStyvz

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

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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.CRcCjvefoOUNfDCVhzQwWtVhoglpUk

GUCNMjUGIkZnuHW

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

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

iZBJBFGdjFzBFrh

So the days passed in a flurry of busyness.SREqPYWDRWMvDgDtNPbWhQFjMgcurh

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

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

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The two exchanged glances, and Lu Wu stopped.ChdopfwXlKGOyWrCtrUwCJQBCIkQZR

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“Lord Ning.”QxVsrBMxVQawQdnxMnZQdORgoeTXTJ

BbeReejbVDYfmAk

“Here on business?” Ning Rushen asked.IYehqVNqBcMhChQXioFSmSCRCVFwOb

SdAYZultCBkNpqy

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

geMDtwqKOWLPgDi

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

cdQFYdehEJDHqGn

“???”BTZtxXnlGkGbsYTGdlbeisAEYuvaMZ

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

eDpubEgqaenxWAm

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

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…What does this mean??PRdBjCfxsIMVjMejcehnfvlOrQcaQs

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Ning Rushen returned to his residence, puzzled.VyTHBXvkKXqGSzIHEeRnqrLSBzxAWU

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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:MOfgOLXZjGfqBbLftTZjXgYUqJqmYZ

UAuKJlSIsLLXimh

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

SyfmPjoTkfQUJFR

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

DOUIcykcAIBBbps

“Ask him directly.”eyMMmwGDWdeeOVDmrNgLsdifDGRDYm

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

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“……” Ning Rushen.fVNRgjicgWFPYJNcxnZIUvRRUlYdkp

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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:EoGovWyOobJAreUezNfLuMLyqeArRM

IUNtSKIJIlcKKaK

“What exactly are you plotting?”ViRadhKhYCDdttSQEBfbimIsBItJvi

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Shiyi and Yan Min were startled!OreCpMCVeZmMUiMpOyPTKIfpxyvqGn

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

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TQNZRgAWpHggbnZLodgmmxrPVYjCmh

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Meanwhile, in the Yangxin Palace of the palace.KgwHhtspvgqZfBKdQeGOOxZHMKsyMG

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

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

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

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

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

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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.vWGUtoiuCaUNuAgqxFiDxWRyNPDuzg

bPbEJeuomvJHttd

There was silence above.MLELJYLBZICKRjzmPxVmiMpZjYZDNe

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

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Li Wuting pressed his lips together.xJBijbKukQANDUmUNCMSWFGuLqjUAW

DeGTbqVXiCzmEma

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.”udomOIHELauiSXvVBgibHgjZdfYSEG

bZhxJhlNjqsUcBe

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

URAIZADGzdKcmrT

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

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

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

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“—Yes!”OzfLKQuWkZVSQZPgRNtgjcWTTRRAIp

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·wZmSvaznxfPOkUknkEiUsaRyvgDIeW

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At Ning’s residence.tBFCaLeJDgRMirtOvXVZrKkxPafAZH

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

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

TCMCtOXaYQJHUsC

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

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Ning Rushen, “………”tumhOlqWDkCAxWHiGUayoFPbGOhoJf

zrWgsLJUkwkFYVT

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

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

aFzbFxrPqhITBVy

“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.”qziZbfTxbvJrTmbynGnhpjFCqwVBRD

SavnYqxCzzYkUAQ

“What about the others?”ABoGtQuxRrWndMpcnjLlmRSawPKSMd

OGCiOpjWKJBulyr

“None of those either.”aDWQYYDHqKtNOvcPZqeCOQsEUXmUIm

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

xxoeRqyYUqvuiAe

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

quwCvMFpxkDtdZH

After dismissing them, the courtyard fell silent.GEiOVaNtejHjIKCWnhRxhmwpdtLPpF

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

ZiQxIPoYEJuGhoO

He reclined on the chair, feeling utterly exhausted.fLSaFyhQGAYxBdLlwMXhHONGzWddiK

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What are all these matters?CGCEbDzWiRFQnoiIczpWTzGhUVwwKB

fStgyGScTHPXBkA

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

eHgEivwzPpFRyjH

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

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A wave of heat spread from his tailbone.ECFNtmAlqOZdbhKKlytbqAxjrxdIWh

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

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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.DAvOUcAVAukMyFxLwOvEliZkWzfeBC

GBawELFgeiWwBSr

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

cEmfkcgUTHkrZqQ

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

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But he had taken professionalism too far—QaeefAhmQCBUGdJEIlvHVItjUDbexJ

hfKYGStxXqjUUQW

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…BIVnTGnreDzCNwfHhFrQNWAgBOtwAE

GylDasDqAvuwMxO

Incredible. Ning Rushen looked further down the list:tOAQhIMZHLPkIBafanBbuOStetQwgZ

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

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

yYOMvSiGbzibnax

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.ltfAzbmAIeDEmhzuTNnaoMpPGQmHiQ

AaBdABwrLoBSwxB

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

AnudtJhMHnxJltn

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

aYAKpbCfGBwmenH

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

jemJawEnmbfDvYE

A shadow flickered in the distance.LIedRtkUDrMXUGzYdZFuMrWwmEJPQa

lQCfWQYGSTVLNuU

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

waNbaDsmlTBlhFS

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.ASKnZuvxPadoIrGpXuHXOXCYWIAHVI

PKRyaeSnDkztiVK

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

fiUQKkEvOrIiCol

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

CzhsOZGfoITXkwc

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

RXIYsGVeRjEtyYx

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

ELmhVosXNrxrttp

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

hmWkPDRjVawkRob

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

rUSHKcIcBwdOnMD

 fQCzTSrNyPgJdRBbcoKbKnoRYfEFoO

ZpFLgysJZujbOOT
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gvUsnDMVyleqSUSXQXRjcNrmOagzvN

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