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.MZGiCsUWHbUyNXLFKZrfmRcgeWeEBS

ougXVGmXjAPtuVG

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

edkMsbRckaKnFCf

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.”GcREqodGmFMlwFCWTqnzkeCUMICONi

ewvxGVUTXjycJEz

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

mIkmESPICBnOEVz

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.iskegQVDfakwrFZawlJyxgMSvvKtRS

KlTHpvoGmftNBFs

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

hosSbrwkjzBklOX

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

DFnoGYQAOpAaBjS

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

aYjPPtXuikeIVUl

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

GCuZGVSKLyRVdUQ

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.SMpmxRqOyrpmrBXipgqvzihckukAQV

xWICkkdPahOpvCg

Li Wuting turned and boarded the carriage.zjPLBAdTIaBieUkmHxYeZfyqBvKekZ

HWVRogWqGSXYHJA

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

iUmhItlLEDmNXNk

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

cPFeHofRYrqswVE

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

MvHQBfHpuZlfJks

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

BbKFVRWrlKwxQyf

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

XqgRutqgAKKKvGl

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

DBKJgDafVHqLAYh

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

QvUUZhMDcdbztaZ

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—MQEyahxVqShgVvbNBerTkSPgrkITJD

gJHkDMhVNJptfYx

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

kRobYgMiUdaPjWj

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

RPdTUyMWJYgTfUq

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

jXZSnwDCgvicCKZ

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

CiRJfJuEPTsJsdi

Geng Yan looked incredulous: ???wdIWqxYOghNajkvanpodRXxQWpSCFp

rDOKvFuvvMdxoqu

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

AtKsbFfZVdnPsUk

Leaving Geng Yan standing there with his mouth open.rcxXlJAbxeaWmiahsuRRUBrCPFwSsf

xcgnFmYhlmePhhS

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

xMRErxSxgdmhkvr

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

RduKSrSSGZKjfsF

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

YpnqTDwcZCBaNCa

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

zkseTsRAmjolALc

A small candle flickered on the desk.UXNKZuhkKUTKcKTOvosavVwuuEwxyg

QrAEUaDvDfbIZDZ

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—TwgDbwTyFYZfTXWmWVeDqVOutJNqtg

DBtODWgzwsXsXrb

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

BaszwpnzlidhJAV

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.YlCMFwZIHRkjDZtTrAaSIbwWUSARXR

waJBUXULHOqyYKO

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

QTXxUaMTBqgUPxl

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: ?LXaVmQXbiIiZBNknSIxYRDsTRNaoDv

WDUNWfgHCSJrIVc

He leaned closer to the light to examine it.xmnqaqRZoxLMsDxJunKnavjdltrZHN

GmmHCncOMzNacdr

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

RLTZCjKeFRgcwmj

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:cvcgdbuoHSYvYibbFkloPVaBkKzYmP

EXJNYEBNDWXHuKf

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

XfqBAcHpKJsXubC

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

oWTIYzCaLLXcPUs

·pOpWmVflbOSvsfXhscMunjcxGYjijN

xMwWrcvqjFCCFlD

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

HPVatfXNNcWDHAw

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!”zNXqHcaqfwyGHhyjXoTSygXwVCtFyL

CWsAYZFDYOfBsxF

Li Wuting, “…”JttVAbMwSxHmsrPeCUWHdxrjmzKCFH

lfmmlpOCkmcVRQq

Ning Rushen sincerely thanked him.MchHIfbIImlJfxeICplakdOrVpGRBH

AQnSyXMiSNxYCOu

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

wwcMotlbKLZJRid

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?PgQOgYfCCbFmXWtnBYaypENzXgyaxq

VXwNRHImyUrgLna

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

lPEDKEzXOmuwIAf

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

oHdvqGSgOWWIVgc

“It suits you well.”GwIkqiZljCbcdOfQhMLxqAfiTLMXvV

MXCsoMrxpWfAqoQ

“?” Ning Rushen turned his head.SzLDxCQcACTLYwviURpingLssLxiff

DYOtzUdGlhJRVor

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

vjIdNdcHqCEksiU

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

JocwNwNCvRBolvh

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

gTwRZbbfunqoQOP

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

ghtyzJBnWlLYuzi

“…”KmVfsddkNNfTCQfFTzqSQYkoeOKVfs

DVApexHVMkvHwoC

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.ggxtPABKvuVIwnXjtgACRwEFtkAZKA

OQhTUSwoxhZhPVh

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

eMdLybtfEpQgVDF

Ning Rushen: Um!mFdmEtttFFnwNkQjKHdDZAKMUsNkyc

nUwBjOILsVWhqri

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

oIeLWcFwLrlyLxr

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

NhGzyrxDlzWeAaE

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

FJsbJAnHkDCGsJK

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

JvHJCWmWAItleWy

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

EMyKYOaqVOhMAjc

Hmm? Ning Rushen looked at him in confusion.UCoSaQAjxUTRbLshmNMsbZGYJIVmbw

QkSuXJeKQlYMoAv

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

lwwhiBNSpyHdApb

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

uLoRsKzLFwPNgtA

“……”LaCzrVdxVLxHcrRwEqSiTUyApwxgkt

HLbxNacJUWaTlIf

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

EQAuQwlHOIisWiA

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

LfpyNTajgDKnopa

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

eEkTRqxZYrlwSPg

“Well… as Your Majesty wishes.”GmwgofubwSuARyuySgbakMICIPSBis

jkfXZjYwqAryEJG

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

kUgvtnvUDGGNeJo

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

xdHWMCITauycoIU

“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—”FdtHiPLTVdxbwYLzhRRDdjijEqmpyC

lWvaklNQzBvryIP

Li Wuting’s voice suddenly trailed off.bEGjALYRiyQNddbUGwVKgsQSFERUNr

jrXKpjGdxISpOeb

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

ZwphXytwEzDPDsu

Both fell silent for a few seconds.pAuCxhisWIEqqukYBaDxNtZKujpVvR

gtLvAqmoKCcYIhK

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.”JnOZsEnXeTEPDFHZvXiYDMgQIrtxaX

gfaDOKlYYznYTsx

Li Wuting responded, “Well done.”PWXYqYvbTJdmvDJKDAxWqgBkyNNdfE

dNHZtuVMJaWaSEP

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

QQIunbAVmQnYkEA

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.”PEuXwCgRkOgGDPIOFeBwEaqBjiZnXi

WBCnOUfHVvDwrew

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

gmbGuiHefqJOMlI

Ning Rushen was startled. “What?”eElJcrwLatloUTvPyJIAOMfIRZtXOr

MMxuSxxtLpumXEh

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

SfHnOwcucyLHFhX

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

osvTcHHOpFoNTJO

Ning Rushen’s heart skipped a beat!MrenSAzdffvAEjJzwdLybTFrabUwPT

dAmjgnruDZlxZBE

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

oQvLJzKrBVwoaND

Li Wuting chuckled, finding it rather impolite.GAHsRiSyvRnDQnMeDCgrqsASXSKcDQ

lMKndtzSGpwhCLx

…FZeerOCqiZaTSHEEgxlRnTQjHfUdGu

RXClVyIOMPpXVEk

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?”TXcmdLzGWFYvqUESGWzLbQPEuASJrc

COsQEDebzofrCVD

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…zUbAssbXQnOBTElEvQxPFMUiMAvAzf

AbylheiyxflfOvZ

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

pLdEurQGHKkCsYf

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

qIkTtJPFekAJfjz

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?”QFVZEGJeJuroCoCjSjckTMPlteIJau

zrilBZAXsDkqHne

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

uXdfyGLNOGulrpq

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

ZmFEWVDHIANuxda

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

xHAxJpPVEXhzyiH

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

rXfRIzzanYqNfqJ

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

KFqchVhUBexTwZY

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:VElharnZrrygUFOLrbRkZzeMkkjRwI

QVWNHMnxcmDxUGP

“Ah!”jhHIOglfmNCcBayyiWHeMfXASOwoFh

ZZMnYyOcZFhYsdV

Ning Rushen: ???kfOwxdPEQIKxdxsoDMOOkzAlvlhqNQ

NCCPXtBaaPzGKQf

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

ASdiWLWecGghhGh

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

tqrNABLDztDlZGx

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

IqDpYRTJgIdUuew

Ning Rushen was momentarily dazed.IjNXKtNOpCYzMgWjxZhHOkeCKTUmri

ArZedAnBNALprlE

Was he too tired, imagining things?cdGycpSOmRaLYBAAMNohYkiauhVIKN

QZYjzqUvEWamTIx

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

ZcGYYbwpvQtNaLb

Li Yingtang, “Ah, let go!”osuuThHwpwaWIRSMwnHNmBslKpGWYg

jeAblOWsvDzRgRm

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

LrcYydHDrMoIXDh

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

mHkFUqzrPUAlDhS

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

qbSicuiynokcBpa

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

xZoisZXJlSBkAgF

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

bbVRlUHFypCIoqx

Ning Rushen sipped his tea.BCfjUwffbUiNQsqaThSXocfauVjYQO

efArvNsewHXYGDR

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

lklTPeUncMCoeBo

Ning Rushen almost choked!kTNTorrcbGhBaVIWIombfcuKRCCUBk

IezFYtCtqHgdGdS

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

HHUduHKuQzHThLZ

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

mboReJKXJsawdXk

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

xYPecLaOaexwPYm

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

juosPtGCmhwDNLn

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

cpKUKUWoBZoYsEW

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—”TetOMpviVoOSYjjmAQhFtPVCdmmorm

JOmEQNtUeddOzky

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

UTlCzbdrdjoEuto

“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!”PkawzyJqvhqhpUsXkiXNkHTDILsNHB

imTThiIkBfLflEe

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

CQeZHqiwZxsIyuT

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:RNjCPLJqyeMRngnUkeCWeLDMjUJalK

owJqGOkYkhZIRQh

“…How did you come?”NZGaUtjnCbyaSUZyQXpucoxtgujxFg

AfJtahAbkavPTdW

 aeiOGeXAkMRESfpTqiUEiOIvfnxuiD

YdsPSiSGIQiqZQC