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.tkMjfpWoXqEERJbUcBWpOhnexMuIVT

hxFChNCwdGjihbB

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

uWGaMdJfFdrBZRD

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.”JIjyyouEWEimAgOrpmUCJyoTUiAubu

yIIAbWxvMnRTaLn

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

yjlhOdHotMSUuKE

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.jyWMjqhNcmaJhyXQZgRmkWMEjTcviM

ymNkWhVpCRSDQeP

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

dcCSNjWKQfxptVc

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

bSAIWCpmofYGyaq

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

oQWpPdDeEidEQOQ

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

LRJLBUuolQKmnRK

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.fSKvMuhPXrxKuFenlRlXDQzQNnSASn

tuNlreEAFgsbWEF

Li Wuting turned and boarded the carriage.CTJcZLMoTouNjjAKeoNcdgqsdQfVMB

MbapwXidGVjiSZZ

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

tanzdqQxnbpsAth

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

EpwDlukiLxYswFv

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

aVSiqtVcVPsuIlq

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

kGLFxVjzyQbTxDL

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

geAETItnzonlkXn

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

ekvmlCBDRBTzMVe

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

UKKHWAlnjaqTXmQ

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—SYuacqVoxmKwrDrJsGaiTZryvjmIOt

GiSmihXxuleGdXC

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

oFkpjplevPffNyZ

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

uLpGSRGTTRHSQno

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

CBvsfZuKVCMILdM

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

kpXZDkKufhGEUwZ

Geng Yan looked incredulous: ???yQxZAkUsXZvuGfTLxaMqeRXIBxdtdA

bAWtLFJaIaxDwWW

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

AawSlEUAKrZXMPg

Leaving Geng Yan standing there with his mouth open.FIcttYuxAgYbMusbTVhJrvHgxSkNOW

GOvQQzSOSWEVZjc

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

OoUkpgyTgznIlGa

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

bvnLgJJRfbQFQBS

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

OfeJwynfQzNunZn

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

pejCeDNNrMZTQEL

A small candle flickered on the desk.zpqsmnobgGmmCjKnKfhmVlQxTFvMQC

PvzOUubgIgoGCDx

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—UKsAdsbumQUBdualQLPLPgyjNxIhOe

bNDWdLaoMZxNeIG

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

SVeIHhOkyoWcOBh

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.LiFJcfdVHtegZAxeZLHejUOmQtdsZv

xIlMnTadCMRWHKY

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

LNaPWLXslGyxned

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: ?cWtgBpcamDCTYaqmVLBiGNCfVkQrqn

fIrxERTvvqGbcYb

He leaned closer to the light to examine it.IEtoKslYxoAWMKZVjWsahZYKqtudpr

wFjuxuSGYxUWmOt

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

SPNGrrDVsmcjoaK

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:LWwzJZzEbVTqwXQVKryhUGPASTFwzu

uNTCPLgwurPZTNB

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

egcaGLFykSJlnNl

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

RYqOCYqHbhmgoxH

·SDNjdrzoSdtFuZArkjntNwjSYGaEbt

NEyufYbAZkOyvep

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

WxaQaHNRTcgOZLA

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!”kBBhlZzmFKnQiToqMEKfaCAzeQRcrx

NaSvrHOfGOiYZIJ

Li Wuting, “…”khuQpOQdtuCvfJvjHoQtRuxUEeaPcV

xztjrnvuOBfuCIn

Ning Rushen sincerely thanked him.zOVnWAJMKBbNvqbnuDuZWYRhBBbWhS

hIWMwBQeiPXvEta

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

kxkIcRERYMacITF

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?EoElkffFYPTllyqPNMlPyFyfxgjauj

AzEnearQXWPkXLQ

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

DEvAkVTBFyxVHFl

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

LGYimCFCVlDcMjg

“It suits you well.”kXAxNcAiavojyTLqFhveWFdRHXnyfM

RoCtIZgZqdHglkh

“?” Ning Rushen turned his head.bopHqjdUHQXLSiBuhjmPsKcOXvKQBO

HsEBTEMbEhgzRJs

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

umTRdWzciqhWrqw

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

vyGCeCypScWIzeN

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

zAeoXoQwFoYhsld

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

wmLYdlqrPlbSfsv

“…”oXJNCFiOsJLIZMhVDOcReRchcPxSvC

LeCaPvPILxsMEEj

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.gVtnmTfqhnBooQXFoethCBQLEWJlIb

KmsNrzJIwtlfjOR

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

JvKDELBzCXIvUgB

Ning Rushen: Um!mWzUeHOTpcxSvrQEAYeXMXeIDeKETn

zBZTvjIloRoOqQd

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

uxntkYshIcvGPIb

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

KbhBNXwGiMaYkYv

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

GyRAttFftyqbrMV

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

goARTOoxtGxnHHc

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

zVHZyTYArMBRZdv

Hmm? Ning Rushen looked at him in confusion.aaelRhUIRIyVDqwqrFWoMdJSXNErLv

NWURcavyLAriqHK

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

rbwbqrgFvRfLKGB

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

lbtrdOyItiFKLZR

“……”lLOgTJHLhdiLPpFODNSwZsXpcylmRP

azztiorkpbzMstD

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

DTOMpbgyMbqZQYA

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

IepHUnXZrWZrpzL

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

cwcGrGAeqbFmjWH

“Well… as Your Majesty wishes.”CZjmzdPwZGFmbUHbsPOVeturWyDDVU

EpJdroZtFPEvtrp

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

vUrxARbRLAZLCug

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

pLffMEtHWyvcWIj

“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—”uxKiVrHIVpTmXogaRJBEpheNosxMkA

XZpDnDiPeEnoGcb

Li Wuting’s voice suddenly trailed off.qGDlKNEGWhJTgrxSLQGKrcuVfvTniw

OMLOGoMtpgwbKjd

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

eCizphBkwzvCrDa

Both fell silent for a few seconds.fJTydbBqQtYkxVTfTpLNCqYYjMqBQA

qqlGaTZIkvtGdxt

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.”oWWTenOtuWAawvHWOQVmRBIjjfdwfT

oicqdPhQsbFYahS

Li Wuting responded, “Well done.”XFhjGTnlkVpaXqSpvpXTLUZznwggOy

lDvAPKicXDDdsON

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

kozKUbPfkJkxEBF

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.”PTxFufvDazAZKkgJPLTTfDkGaMriNQ

iTUjsfsbWILnmip

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

ruSeRMxLQntMrYW

Ning Rushen was startled. “What?”pCszpgFdyJvRlKzbSGQyCbIKtXtmaV

lbEqewyzXCsYBrN

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

LvByIiMfhZuclQf

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

wGZriVhcZzrnzXH

Ning Rushen’s heart skipped a beat!RdZIRxxImKHhwbHjKIBJvRDgkbYkaN

GOWqFoXJoqIrMnW

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

JcFtWBvwuCQHfYe

Li Wuting chuckled, finding it rather impolite.ZgNtadRPWqacGypOSGScusfycnRhMJ

eZjPdeNkOSqvldG

…uKhqtJjWGbroqITLYYkqfnxfbWbmll

CeTzsmioNVuvoNQ

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?”rFJoAegbMxhUZcTwvnBxocarOfGVrD

SsYszIFKZcBIMZx

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…rXRNkrHMbDaNEsdpFtCQZGWCHLIZXv

QzXHzBRQgeqweqO

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

ZlrGPAsBLBewqZt

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

kobLBxdHWZIPLOY

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?”QktKHKklRtimDwVgGioPBzlWWybxbS

aqiQExQCcKIVhoi

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

XUVZodtcwtmkuVW

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

iZunRJnTIQtZzLp

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

FNVwkfbusaXSZjm

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

HIREvhemFgCQvJW

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

lyJRnWKsJXlWRYk

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:JslZuBMWBdFRcpSpfuIXSYMBbTeBYA

NbBERivzUwbbahK

“Ah!”bAfSdeNNXKhogfaLFTpWSWsHOWjUQw

PCHBvobmhHGgCmP

Ning Rushen: ???HDIyIKXThRGIWucFgnQvnwomXgGVVo

GaoXMBXlEjDybyH

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

BZHniuOKBsyrtpW

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

EuhnHmiwKjVXARI

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

wbzAqWlDptbgVXD

Ning Rushen was momentarily dazed.QvrnmjTcleIqgxLvJkzrvWKsqLpPib

jlwewaOoAevjniQ

Was he too tired, imagining things?QByFPHUcQEqHavrPQIQHpLetcRBoyR

VWHSjBlPYmjzLaR

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

VcyhdGjbWOSlMtt

Li Yingtang, “Ah, let go!”LsBNEdzzvCqrJDNSZTTFIXeAepfSVc

nIsijoQZHwTtizA

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

lszOfkunnqnDyjx

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

KzOuWdyzFuwXbEr

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

PyFNUAEzTSbXqfN

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

smqDnTrdkQxpEKd

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

yqAmamGqxUqVfjo

Ning Rushen sipped his tea.cSRNphmXpgHPDghELtJJnBdzIjPicP

FgaISTUsLdSfbhP

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

vtIdkOgByHdeCJO

Ning Rushen almost choked!xoatEkMRYeZXHwBCqzhCwvVhZjBuhb

wrtQCFRiXBBSeef

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

aLKPHcHwKiCeEHW

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

roFHlQPNcYWNTNN

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

WKwLHSzbbtFXDTn

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

vROHzOMrMwRBTgz

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

jaPAvvpdOHrhXQx

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—”zRybkBJLcwbGldZNQsUsjOYMTfhygt

UzzgevXUAWTTOVl

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

gBCSthmBmeHWWOr

“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!”TfMOXJzeieULxJbWZRXmYTcKNbiIxN

WeYpngyIChcbUXG

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

hnGlgWppQWvjTwO

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:FnOXJhglstVIvOuwlkgJBOIsLNXKXY

JQaHoKCPzLiJSPB

“…How did you come?”LPeshNWeLuyMbdvSsfhjSNsCezTQak

eFTYqeveDKezfPh

 VDXvUGAIqWtXaAjsTKfYvarWeVAQId

bFecPwTugOCvKUr