This official is so weak

Li Wuting called his name with a hint of a different meaning, as if scratching at a deep, elusive question.OvTJiGvavqnQOwakxUARknjJUfihup

QWOSGmgPxiAVaMC

The hand on his head adjusted again, and Li Wuting asked quietly, “Ning Rushen, what does this character mean?”WLZxsvCaUTkITjSthTfevaEabiOBIY

ZBtNzGQxHGCKCLx

Ning Rushen was surrounded by the smooth sleeves, his vision blocked from all sides, leaving him only the view of Li Wuting’s handsome face below. He let out a slight breath, “…Hmm.”FVQvFrkgMpUheDZcTVfuigijuFFShg

bjVILeKFzbMadXa

The other person chuckled and finally withdrew his hand, “I haven’t asked yet. What does the character ‘Ning’ signify?”aBwSmhbiUJZMiCOdpLBPJDTMMlBdtL

rXdHDKmFfjrRtMK

He replied, “It represents the good qualities needed for serving the Emperor: reserved and profound, endless as the deep.” Keep quiet and do more work.YPFfCITqCrddOwkEfkvvVLxERCvpLf

uVMIqkCQsTvBhoU

Li Wuting was struck by his “endless”…!HJEpkdPFlnSZhtpPJgMHwkilliCnQf

mPzACKgyBKCSOBx

After a moment of silence, he softly said, “Even ‘endless’ can have a pause.”FoAqSMNaYUCFjnXnHuUwpxSfKYnBia

yGWhPRRNIIkQMEd

Ning Rushen bowed his head, “…Thank you, Your Majesty, for your consideration.”wwKaKpevMQjrcQKmoYXUtXQBOygsQZ

RQuFZKgHylDSZdB

After presenting the jade hairpin, Li Wuting prepared to return to the palace.NwycfauLBCUvBOlyDIREcneKuBVDxf

iQoGFoLZDDXdlsX

Ning Rushen sent him out of the mansion with a slightly awkward smile. Li Wuting stood in front of the carriage, glanced back at him, and his gaze finally fell on the top of his head.ddyOAVGfRaoxWUngszpKqtANMifktF

ouxKLTspmFcYAlv

Li Wuting turned and boarded the carriage.snOCgWjGgDYBnBNsZHezoBtmfdqlGS

wgCXfTZEeWdQNhT

De Quan turned and grinned at him, showing a big white smile, “Lord Ning~ make sure to wear it well!”ONxFfNogZbMsVBGzKdFMwgIqLQonQV

fqpHpBCqGfhbynx

“…” The carriage curtain was lifted. “De Quan.”KVKavIIQAsprFngiuUPCHUIakQrRnI

UQXasynGdtWSEwW

“Eh!” De Quan hurriedly covered his mouth and climbed into the carriage.FMWrKyaiOrgjFHatvfBdElrlytCPOi

IguyBkXGubjMMxB

Ning Rushen watched the royal carriage leave with mixed feelings:HQBABNFhQkeVyyHeZAUtvTfUIvzbPf

FIsKZzzkxdtkGuD

…What exactly is De Quan serving in the presence of the Emperor?nhihkOYuhUSFqYDQhQyDAYJieFnthN

deHdtBhSaulbUAe

After sending Li Wuting off, Ning Rushen returned to the mansion.SGEioTfqonPmFFckRwSmECluFpqhhC

orjMQNdWJayPxZA

Once the royal carriage was gone, the front courtyard immediately became more unruly.PXhtUUFpknYThAvJohClMvxFZyYPpJ

sSpFYSKUZqLVVME

Ning Rushen was dragged by his colleagues to drink a few cups of alcohol. Just as he was about to use his usual “escapist” move to leave, he was suddenly caught by Geng Yan—vFQosZRrPBxROapOjGhqRrtmVYNMrW

exkMQJiPuatAFCl

“You changed your hairpin? It looks so precious; it makes your plain head shine brilliantly.”ptuiGQeVGGZoXcisWqqsgnuvfngkDz

UygqaGMOwlXeDWR

Ning Rushen, “You really know how to compliment people.”PCedCrAdYoVmnTtMjUVqwUuIKeMmgw

BAWHqlobAeZqaZP

Geng Yan rubbed his hands and tried to pry, “Let me see…”LeaOpigthqCuCHCpMpkyxRAlQkOZYn

VumixLpQMugNZLs

Slap! Ning Rushen swatted his hand away, frowning, “What are you doing? Do you have no sense of personal boundaries as an adult?”DQVwhypKhZQVCEpjbILVKomQXuLcXY

EoHRKLEZOWnfSWD

Geng Yan looked incredulous: ???WMSDqHnhVhDVMBthZJbopkBNxdqZcl

DFLMjDtuDawocvA

Ning Rushen gave him a disapproving look and turned away.hAHKSlGjeKJolSQeAOWoqCkigSkiyt

qLpAWJkpzBeaeKh

Leaving Geng Yan standing there with his mouth open.wsTUYYCqTZqPlEFVHEWlMyuZWGBjxC

xmvTNMONaUhBeLy

After a moment, he looked back in the direction of the main hall: By the way… When did Ning Rushen change his hairpin?vQsnwLnWHGcQhxKghaNaNDiSqInkFr

yEspCeKTLcitHzB

Wasn’t he just over there looking for the Emperor?YMEtCVjOzJqJEdgNaaFnErRrxfvNNn

LNonFxlkttfJNJw

After a day of the coming-of-age ceremony, Ning Rushen was utterly exhausted.FJKMkncKIQcFIWzIFQwTCEjrrZkgEC

UZLljJRJcREclij

By evening, when he finally rested, he changed out of his layers of clothing and sat at his desk to remove his hairstyle.vucbaoqQoiaKJhlWOhatfzSNJWOVoA

ZawrYofVinRyYFt

A small candle flickered on the desk.xTfyvxzhNmnNEjXrYlGvaBuxrDpjeT

SjGZyozItGbiVco

Ning Rushen lifted his hand to undo the tied-up hair, letting his black hair cascade down. He finally got a clear look at the jade hairpin Li Wuting had given him—lHercfqurlUStuthcrjNLKuAQMoxFB

gzybsRQsUgAzvnj

The pure white jade gleamed and was translucent under the candlelight.nwcWwsQZKRrpngPfVtnAGZobTaXpDi

dwwszixJuOHfXjj

The carved design at the pin’s head initially looked like delicate, floating clouds; upon closer inspection, it resembled a finely crafted jade pear blossom, which suited him remarkably well.bbnbvzJFXceCKioVQSSAbcJMciXUuj

pDzJtsYiQSBYpHv

It truly was a gift worthy of the imperial family, elegant and fragrant.gnaFqXBQpEsEJUnPxSAajyZpEVafKo

wilYRJJCzKnFaGN

Ning Rushen lovingly stroked the pin for a while. As his fingertip brushed over the head of the pin, he suddenly felt a barely perceptible tiny seam: ?FyTRlQKzMOucStlktDSLZXIUUmVexI

ziBTfanUbFllvpN

He leaned closer to the light to examine it.CJBhEFIOtJIsipjhbFWCXdgzmydWtd

FjncZftMzvafRDj

There was indeed a fine seam… perhaps a result of the carving and assembly?ZebUXynKNpHMhjTTTEpYyelYuMhZfG

quGxkWMLNWkFmrY

He tried to pry it open but didn’t manage to, fearing he might damage the jade pin. He decided to set it aside and ignore it:dbHuZtjDomMwWRUtnxcOjIMBdWztnz

bhtXOPYnffwnnas

It was not a big issue; white jade naturally has some imperfections.IfVtDSZOjpEAaMInOdtPpIENAHWYTO

NLGQkChIQSSsMSW

For instance, Li Wuting’s fate, King Jing’s mouth, and the entire body of King Xuan.BFeboUmnssJsaTGfaqimErWNYdRjEW

FtvcbONWIkUHDfc

·wUSIKFWQuxsEvckJcTNjiRFnutpxmr

XegdEtvhhctNcsH

The next day, Ning Rushen wore the jade pin to attend duty in the Imperial Study.wkyMbCanHTogkceJIuTtVhEWMyqocb

ytrtsesFZmYXcsn

When he entered, Guan Fan was also there. After reporting, Guan Fan was about to leave. Noting that Ning Rushen had his hair styled, he congratulated him: “New year and coming of age, may you have plenty to eat!”JZTfziweYeanNlUJAqDIIBiiOfpgYl

xGlZqLTfziFvBfy

Li Wuting, “…”SWzqDtaRbhkyDhQJCwkbxysHgqedxE

edroOtuRIOkQsQl

Ning Rushen sincerely thanked him.mQBixXlOQcnpcAoOqoVVrnuzOdvqQr

FXsWhwCSHPxQuyb

After Guan Fan left, Li Wuting gestured, “Come here.”NOXxZqUQYoRosmAMzOiFQtdbNgSrBa

lGoNgClzXsoUVaL

Ning Rushen moved closer. Li Wuting pointed at the desk. He saw a memorial spread out on it and, without suspicion, leaned over to take a look: What’s the matter?OqWbDLPIAXdEpAUHmJzFMfCzPfoavG

fdaAsIwLvohbqAf

His head was right under Li Wuting’s gaze.NYlPoczTYmgjTLguiVCrelITjOQaOL

nSjXwPfNpMGUpxE

After just a couple of glances, he suddenly heard from beside his ear:pwIXMWILaKdMJbfJkMfVOxqrOgnkKH

ZIgtVDIXdANtmIK

“It suits you well.”tWbvQOvVdVSXkbuhdGLWnQMPMDIAxG

PBtyULyTxGnFcVb

“?” Ning Rushen turned his head.vQvBnhucQjMcqNnRxqarAJKJtwKiPh

PXiSqBIOZeSuNqy

He saw that Li Wuting was examining his head with satisfaction, not even glancing at the memorial.qbjYIZbuyZXKndJEPYGiYoVpiLJNhE

IzUCCrgyjfdigUG

It turned out the point of the desk was just to make him bow his head.vhNMxfVxmeyLgiIgpFcsGtYMeeglvR

gtDIdFoGryXClae

Ning Rushen commented softly, “So Your Majesty is using a diversionary tactic.”AgHhwMZeALvmZRStzdKkKXvpmuIjyJ

hEOtGpsrNScUFZe

Li Wuting lightly agreed, “I am indeed avoiding the main issue.”nMVbMRLbJiQoWoJqAEfSQDMQPvUyDj

HDQgEtZBdFjdPWq

“…”quTOHCKCZaZoFlLVFUypGbmWbVbJpL

gSGJtCxDjIaNZge

As they faced each other, Ning Rushen’s neatly gathered hair made the contours of his neck and chin stand out more clearly. The slightly open collar looked particularly fitting.IIAtJEnUTYMrYxdhTnpATLzKKoVzzT

RFnTwWFzaGZUUfs

Li Wuting’s gaze fell downward, then he pulled Ning Rushen up.XdPGZlSBXEvCdCKzHjSRPVPWmeltnZ

alFgtFSmsJuxFUt

Ning Rushen: Um!nTnzMcgYZRZbyUYVxeKQelVXNVHQTl

BuuUqRhFisqEYpy

Li Wuting positioned him firmly, and just as he was adjusting his collar, he heard Li Wuting say:eDwdkRVDAVxfybygyCDTRxeIMOqvKI

aUSznRRZqHrgBJG

“I thought Ning Qing would put the pin away.”NnNrdbwEvnNPRtaZqtPJfdbIKTvCpP

jDYWkMRyKPYagjl

Ning Rushen was puzzled, “Such a fine jade pin, putting it away would be a waste.”iTYklScPsZzVEEvjApKYTTSixFRdMY

uStLnWfPghFeOmq

Besides, wasn’t it Li Wuting who told him to wear it well?SMBbIovIxtFejPUeyaKrPJIsmmLJly

ZEEpmcEJhtLJZEq

Li Wuting, “It’s just Ning Qing’s usual style.”jNXqbCyoIeaLFVtqiHhGQleOZegthm

toeSBzoXCRiytcr

Hmm? Ning Rushen looked at him in confusion.ZNzDwfpiLmUeJkkaRlyhjcXEePWbkG

vyhIxsYiHTbjxQN

Li Wuting, seemingly in a good mood, had a faint smile on his lips and gestured at the desk, “It’s like that bow—”HSzxmMeGHXlZRPCMIgRmAdeFMLNGiI

NdyGRpnbIpaztuW

“Ordinary people would keep it at home as a display.”cCniQwmrSnDDCIMRlCpgvQvYknZUmC

TQuVBCYZuigdJdH

“……”xJCbysfmXtSzoKgnSGwnPstNdGuWWs

DOumFILyeHRKqCy

Ning Rushen said, “Should I put away the hairpin, then?”aFYILBQkiPExhZNHuvUrlGgWnMucRi

qouCEYNTUOqpBxj

“No need,” Li Wuting replied. “I want you to wear it.”cCHjvMFCcQGjacnqnVGZpWjEmebdFM

eTdbOcvfwgDGPGc

Ning Rushen met his focused, deep gaze and was inexplicably stunned, hesitating with the words on his lips for a long while:IrWlyoJfqfPitsdBshYuQWrBgbyJzP

OtXhZewfqBGnEhI

“Well… as Your Majesty wishes.”NwuWAXWQfXfRSbjDjaVTfVNydCkKpz

EfLYmXFEpJMxabJ

Li Wuting’s lips twitched slightly. “Have you looked at the memorial?”HjmTgyQBzOepEjWwQIeklrZVYzNfxs

detCCqCoAmYtORV

Ning Rushen snapped back to attention. “The preparations for the Cheng Tian Festival?”SNVhOfACfNZhYwiINqilGctGsWYQAt

UoFwDyjELVAgcIi

“Yes, the Cheng Tian Festival in half a month will have dignitaries from all directions. There are numerous complicated preparations. Not only will there be foreign envoys, but local officials will also come to Beijing to pay their respects—”TTGoRtvPhxkKadQXFdXteoKavEZdHi

MrUjOWRyiSVjQBK

Li Wuting’s voice suddenly trailed off.vXpjSBhYHYNKkVeepFpezYUuDdimNT

rXQDwFwhbqwEbYg

At almost the same moment, Ning Rushen’s mind conjured up the face of the Xuan King.wRLtmduRubiKWrqTjtZGKjIAWiFSli

MKHMxjvRrvfTkEA

Both fell silent for a few seconds.JudEeDducHXPgMRBJcmhcJafzyBYTF

iriOyHoeIedVTMG

After a while, he pushed aside the painful words. “As for the招商 (commercial promotion), I’ve nearly finished it. Half government and business, half private merchants.”egihVHgABLwhASionSaarRJbrXKzLk

NuYMJLFYBcfokJA

Li Wuting responded, “Well done.”wgFPeSnpQUpcaKexzegRbvDiIhPULj

qqtVJIiHOrrAUDy

Ning Rushen pondered, “Then, may I take my leave?”BVKGmgQmRocHzJMXABAmXUVXqjuGxM

OXcoVgDkQSqKOjr

As he spoke, he saw Li Wuting’s eyelashes lower slightly, seeming to give tacit consent. Just as he was about to turn, he was suddenly called, “Ning Qing.”lOkoOrqVpTbZapBRBCPRnAvmUCFjgP

ZyCPadGyoFZqWCp

His gaze swept over Ning Rushen’s collarbone and shoulder. “Have you lost weight?”QFxIknAZdjvVHXKkcNnzHAfvylmbfM

IzQeLVybEjQjwRu

Ning Rushen was startled. “What?”MMtitrHcUwGyTwzASeCqGWiXXAggGP

vqrtbzHtmgutdWn

Li Wuting’s hand lifted slightly before lowering again. He said no more and turned to call for Xiao Rongzi:UbcbDyoBvsHuDpbVQctslwGymHsTqd

qfFExUdnjqRTwbn

“Send two boxes of imperial meals with him.”bGTLARMwkuhVsaOzADikKaegzmjuBu

HqoteRjzBgJfMQT

Ning Rushen’s heart skipped a beat!HxumlohQVrYtHWpqIzBfwBOVTrxcSB

jLmloMoifKhTdZr

He quickly responded, “I have lost weight, thank you, Your Majesty.”MOtnRsoBJvncGZZIfKyLfdZTsEBsQv

AvkSrUPIJOycRSU

Li Wuting chuckled, finding it rather impolite.aaBvhvKCQtbnPsZdrvpkPDeskogQqN

DHlXGeJkhsgkmBg

…FJRmyoIyDJlJCjewJYmCokmGZzuQFU

DVsVstVjHMosPci

After the person, who was brimming with joy, left the imperial study, De Quan withdrew his gaze and said with a grin, “I feel like Ning Daren looks even better after his coming-of-age ceremony, don’t you think?”PfvuTWwvnidzwGmAGMEFRtYNHGjBpX

OQUZENsiJXfPMgv

Especially with his long hair bound, his bright features were even more distinct. Occasionally, a hint of emotion showed between his brows, which was rather…CqgaWNogcEZhujqFGTbRPHETxWEomN

TAfcuWBrpVjuhEC

As he thought this, he noticed the emperor’s thin lips move slightly.KbtLnmhiyQDZTnBfnPSijgGGFjQFDm

wJhOmPCpVlrHDmI

It seemed like he wanted to say something but stopped.OevvBVMIXrSnoADNejdEtoqtHctHFo

IODeWNzTtkKhItb

De Quan immediately understood, leaning in with a grin, “Ah, look at my mouth! When has Ning Daren ever not looked good? Isn’t that right, Your Majesty?”jrakazmJPeabNYBCqqAXHCmEmTIxdw

DaujsvCxNGxCvyY

His face was smug and radiant, almost overly spirited.tIywgKjSGxxpeVlrtWvCtHiXctVAwF

fAHBOYYECUoxYZp

“……” Li Wuting’s brow twitched. “Get out.”RMjhVrGVTjcCOpHHrKVKMAuyfriWkU

WUUHMlvxQSgkUyE

The Chengtian Festival is the national holiday of Da Cheng.vbtnbqfBcGEezzgCaYVoJFCkMoywOr

oEcyVkbryvbPpmD

Preparations are unprecedentedly busy, and local officials are gradually arriving in the capital.aTcnmBGQIOGFCQYGMZmLmLMRQkGWmB

XkNZCTmmbIbyBXX

Ning Rushen, busy with various matters, gradually forgot about Prince Xuan.HCNdmxKqVRhEZbsIqxPXCcHucmagBw

xWwPFAeUZiZLMyO

After a few days of this hectic pace, on the evening with only five days remaining before the Chengtian Festival, Ning Rushen returned to the manor after his shift. He had just changed into his casual clothes when he suddenly heard a loud thud from the courtyard outside:uqtBeXtwhOTnZmSCYoyspHqogImffC

FSDJKPiZYLlnnmI

“Ah!”EJEUTkaOSWEOKmoTffbuLqriMcZHIQ

FThiASCMFCHezHr

Ning Rushen: ???NDXVKXPDLGOYaDcqXIPJZipjpkuVFr

DiBEAwOcMMREucn

He opened the door and saw a familiar figure fall against the wall.KALeoDYIcdIMiwNuQjglytdotvaOrA

kRoTDbKYWzLdfnO

After two months, Prince Xuan was still as travel-worn as ever.ltRLWIecPqnPydtMOOUMfJdYnNwnMI

slQfRyVgQeioibn

Perhaps due to his unpracticed wall-climbing skills, he landed and knocked into Shiyi, who was feeding the pigeons, “…”yuYxzpUqBNYyrTRsjhpDogoIzsXEJp

VCEjIHADHLKEycg

Ning Rushen was momentarily dazed.FzWEhjplGoKSbQFVwAMXiUqRuVmhMK

LvViUuTYiayLMkI

Was he too tired, imagining things?ifpKKFByJRJOOZXgjAYGEKxfHmAWgo

ekVmntHBDTfCKmD

Shiyi had already grabbed the person: “Sir, he’s alive!”xrbWyTvUKELZkMVtZdqfnXrjfsHbst

lAnDwzzufMqsIje

Li Yingtang, “Ah, let go!”UjoslEFOIMMCUysEzcrqJWubqpuVTp

rEIIuSJJYpmhViN

“Your Highness.” Ning Rushen composed himself, had Shiyi let the prince down, and asked, “Is my manor’s gate just for show?”PYVCgbyYgcBNNaUTCpJYAoojDoCANA

GSBJqAxYZOxrIaT

Li Yingtang adjusted his clothes, attempting to appear graceful, “That gate, this prince felt uneasy walking through it.”YQguGtTFRTbOGpClBzdPdrbrEjDzhx

KWsjFiuhJvOqXJM

Ning Rushen thought, of course—what thief would be accustomed to using the front gate?vEUDdZWqUwotAVfzKuKcPRhSYtDXNv

rCvRhKceCcEzbht

He had Yan Min bring tea and invited Prince Xuan to sit down.mmZwbLBvzBnTByVawdwvCzDRyMpAJm

sUdYJiIEOJLhmbw

As they sat, they exchanged glances, both recalling the last letter, and there was a moment of silence.bDjIPxAasanHMOYzexnYoyACiuEqwh

lhBibNZJwuYWhOz

Ning Rushen sipped his tea.keCbKYyOmczpppBmlcdKTpDhstLrNX

qUuxSSzmIUvEzAX

Finally, Li Yingtang couldn’t hold back, “Lord Ning, have you and His Majesty… reconciled?”apZZwwTodYZiOVdTsxlZawEkeyNEZF

MFrVmseaJFVxDcy

Ning Rushen almost choked!XjVOlwsrEHesVtNtfYzMeYgladffqT

CaHOAJDkkRAWdgb

He felt his heart break: there was nothing to reconcile because there was nothing in the first place!aRRGEGWuRDkweHCBppyuQeyZMUhmww

QxRLkEoERvsfVwx

And every time this topic came up, the contents of that romance book would come to mind.imRFmdBPAdckBVtZzkCNEtQwtgoxyr

hjTYuxPOnkNdUOn

He mumbled, “Well, more or less.”kpryZVqxPYZFhZzpkEnIziWqQVjTKZ

THRyECThxOZbIjY

Li Yingtang was deeply concerned for them, “More or less means how much difference?”PlqimzWzfjirILhasgnKwOudaYITwh

ZgGWvLZgsqRwuaz

Ning Rushen closed his eyes, “No difference! It’s perfectly aligned!”CfKAmPVydaOZuFdkNouVjeTZbTBdPK

hEXTYAKHjonUBCA

Upon hearing this, Li Yingtang sighed in relief, “That’s good… That’s good… Those few days you two were apart, this prince couldn’t eat, couldn’t sleep, and even the romance book—”uBaKqbtjHKGVfvMHSIdeWcKKmfLYVk

coocykWwTBbOTrr

He abruptly stopped, turning angrily, “Do you know how I got here!”wztZMCTBmDVtrtgjbWhcKHdPdbLuDB

JAhZdknVkpWlQMn

“That romance book…” Ning Rushen, recalling the nights he was swept up by the craze, felt a surge of anger. He didn’t even address the prince properly anymore, “Do you know how I got here!”oAXiZlZtBFdQFBzHbNLBeoPoPeyvpq

UiFIufBUtRQuNDo

With this, the courtyard fell silent for a few seconds.wAbfwdsYIBTwgTeUYQgeDRCrjrIXqx

QnbbjzxsHjgElFl

Li Yingtang stared at the emotions flowing across Ning Rushen’s face and suddenly understood something. He controlled his overwhelming joy and leaned closer to the table:HDXcrtIkuyyZNKAHLYmSlltBKEqwNF

aTulUMKkOWAdRBC

“…How did you come?”ftGbVxeSHNbQYpTMIAiXjzjNWDBSWL

RuQqAzTyWtMXQja

 kpnCrDqUDnWJFIYFUTrgkmVOxPPlzO

mfUBHgisLzSAUNo