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.xITmnJAnktYDffAJjSCdQEjsnToluT

okCfzyWUOHJSnQW

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

nBlDQHwIndPUJfg

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.”gyLGdXuscUuLMGIltrrdOJvJnCFzZz

QUjlaIvUeFjJnPp

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

IUkvrmOxzbejFpY

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.JDSqofRGOvwPHlYCPSHXYtRFGmeMyI

FRdCztrDOjXHWvL

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

TmyFolMLCcskcLA

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

bLFWmEuFZktzQEp

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

qkFYhpaAyVhNGvB

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

dHIxcXitjLFVlVi

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.PFkbOpqIyGgTgbVYIgZMgDhIXtpYgw

bLkPGqDvVwVoPCH

Li Wuting turned and boarded the carriage.xCLbxfcJYAeSdurSFlbKjBwFGqPBdc

CxJXkgLoayEBAiX

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

geEzghuMuqngVot

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

PJUnvfbzNwPSpro

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

OXYvyHAjmAgUVOQ

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

JAFhJzFKkhHYFJe

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

XvwLLVfQVuXkTHO

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

AYmhuGRbSESWVMm

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

pMVZMcqGlbtqpIK

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—ZNbqtemMdyIbdQjexIZxRUSbKjtZiV

drRbAknhwEsdOkj

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

xqdzJipzDAGYqzP

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

mGygVzsbTyKOdIL

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

bLsyqdHerxbdExa

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

ZjHVyisRcKlRkPd

Geng Yan looked incredulous: ???dtgixhKhCpGloWJOsxqAnvpygdheOw

ZZShOaMSyvdvqGR

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

vzAvpLFhjOnCxLn

Leaving Geng Yan standing there with his mouth open.fQcmOJquWOODxAPoFlyKjUfPfkaZBQ

GeujFHbiOQsJCTN

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

lXMtWHlWfnPoQBh

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

iHQcyXcwxHhqfVG

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

wqRmpJkosSZNyQA

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

jyatWFTAZImLJpO

A small candle flickered on the desk.ARIBFnTBdtxPSGWKLsclStUvYUuppK

stsoMhFXOOLJkXC

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—RtytwShjOhsVwiQooSGVnUfWrYZSGE

IhcMbITJVLIWOxP

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

uekGVjqAhprgIUw

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.KMHPYwDyXYQVaUNxAGYvokNVlTdKKN

BggBLQxKLZUNpYL

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

pOwBIVNSuiYMyIw

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: ?OtmmqdjyqDpOXqFFsZHsHRxumteAGv

PjPdtSLpHGUNATx

He leaned closer to the light to examine it.sfSwfcxobeqIOMBsAOPuVmDzcLirJv

icCOpFGiNAtHVpx

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

BDOEMKWOKcsNQuf

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:tqNLIUSuptZUIvsIeglyFzMONCSkEq

LNCzGFgJDAxOlhS

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

nWaHGaMRYygXjub

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

sWPCuQpAMDdTbDF

·FrWWQzhujIsAIOWodlvjtwWSojPNWN

XaiCgJdKDdNXOMf

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

ljFTSSqPnTxMlJd

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!”tsYDMPyRRuhzBadmwwBgkugwWdQPjP

ckXQISLInpiLrzz

Li Wuting, “…”inLKlWbQtGafGKwchnpqspcrrypYjh

EfCZuXNYPFyTuul

Ning Rushen sincerely thanked him.GOSMEYccdgwMDhQREEJpTktOPtimIv

okBOuaRjEdjoAGe

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

NktISrCGPhlDNnW

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?DuRySmJfXgBsGeljqZQCPNZUUwXOwo

FVfzuwZfNKtlinR

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

WZJNZpaYRTcvcEm

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

OPUOJfwDvOzOrjw

“It suits you well.”sPFFAdISkiGAdcUOAEyGtSVzmzymRY

UjlWADBRrpEPUir

“?” Ning Rushen turned his head.ygnIKfokilptBjzPqHVGBQCyFIzHsD

hffpJFxwWyXTjnc

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

VLabsiMylzRPGMa

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

tlhOfIitiePxIAe

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

ekCmVoQyBNBcznS

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

DNTxtQoDbEdccQN

“…”xKmQYLnCatvnEzniODBShmczEqxnsu

xAXiBevGcNxtnPD

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.WlyknVvazuvxdNuNdYEdVqoigIoyVM

GRfzXBpIrcZEFnw

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

ILWhqovHzvEtGTC

Ning Rushen: Um!WdyCLWLYkqXakMqCOmIRuwwVhrYEvV

nEnkmPWiYziGhEK

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

TtNRoJdIGIhkBue

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

TTkwudIDcmCLCsH

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

tJLDwKRMJMvFdma

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

ssqEmNiUdihrVVV

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

ilKUVDdCrspDmqb

Hmm? Ning Rushen looked at him in confusion.zLoNmoEvstDNkbTAfHsKKHCiamgdie

jGLmwrbsaICvWxu

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

uRlIaToYBfJBhKV

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

HKtgfQpplanviuh

“……”dQlygbCEBvwBWIduQyioputaqIMYEy

BzvSQzHCKZzBJDv

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

ulRgtjwUesjylAM

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

WmpaRjLijPlyths

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

jVizxRhEZbPAyhe

“Well… as Your Majesty wishes.”vBNBunXKNWJPTZkWadZojqFZMmcmky

fuioNjphmxCaPTL

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

gunMeZDcEqXeVGc

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

vlnUVWJYWDMCCQl

“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—”nrwNXHivLhqRJipjDXGZGTlGJouUEp

UqHuVFXlKIvitax

Li Wuting’s voice suddenly trailed off.IsWYmMBAQjdMiGLCemBdMzcJGMyfYa

SyclQRtaYGzEFeO

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

IkOFQuWSOfypzIL

Both fell silent for a few seconds.kBkwLovwxOevmhmwxdJhGzcmOSEpOt

XmuiWmWJrPiiwwg

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.”wHQtBOhrwiwbOJdrXvfoTdhYCVlOuN

QgLIRMHaDDEKooY

Li Wuting responded, “Well done.”IgqqeUIGzbWVcKDjoEcBPGXjrZhqwg

bXxeEIQlqhVRJCV

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

YZIJrVZoYJBqKhK

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.”tJNzWehFDwcUsqrpEvdnmfiDCATJbf

LoTvFrgFsZbzDiL

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

hnlYYMNucencowQ

Ning Rushen was startled. “What?”JPbZgVHKQfPdRZSrywrplLEXdAvHtF

ncFOtnSeBxWHpAP

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

HJHDhADBjoNSCFm

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

HYtbCmabVNOKDbP

Ning Rushen’s heart skipped a beat!JlWataLjAjtTJHRiJIcaetRMijqxCm

HUdYRUfdJNEafrE

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

HxXLdkMVPtQqFpX

Li Wuting chuckled, finding it rather impolite.vHpZQsDHTmSxBsfYSCaMpLMFZiugEE

obuqUMhCBfoyrqI

…RhVoROMpVavIEWCxnyyTsTmhmwXCZk

dmZqrnuKTsXxYqL

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?”mGNUEElLEVzoKIrYbjwBzxiWZFZWWY

xLhpyqxPnbbCAGd

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…iBeYMHviFHpEmWqXCiBOOvvjMYtIlx

jeqCepcmNkAoiKZ

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

tAxOunlVAzTYgNt

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

FYanqRsEnMIiChl

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?”CAMipfhzcLtUZzpTMzMgIbNPbVomOF

NMVvCZfopbXTwAs

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

EZrkVHAIpdZcgfr

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

ByOoBcjCQrzFnGi

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

qGIpnLgzCzcrKAl

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

QnExyfriCiqWJMd

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

MvLluzAwJwZtTNP

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:ZptykiEiiLaJfIOTlWXOVrezKgUPnm

IodemuIjOSOFFGX

“Ah!”aUkrKREFSTKoWTwksvXDIScGpkSFBl

byEmFOfpQqyFTCx

Ning Rushen: ???SHlNuoSerpOdWMXWltVpijPdxsVtPC

iaejxDBntqnUUnB

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

WwUQVrdDPMnkcHM

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

yAjDXiWxeeongYj

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

mnKHwFxeZrBCfHQ

Ning Rushen was momentarily dazed.QfVYEGbYBJWcKOaLQCCHWcilqFPEyi

APqfLUZFbBSEPLx

Was he too tired, imagining things?jmWSQuEcyBlYsSRWqHeDbUNqmHaEQa

lMDYpicjbrkbkFc

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

rnlOcdcQkDDnQLt

Li Yingtang, “Ah, let go!”nXmmrtUcyCIEKLGMGRlSdZjzRqjZxn

gRBbxTtAncwISvh

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

yiSvthSGuWWKTLs

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

KTkDBiuoWetaBqk

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

tpILZbFrbuubZre

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

mDUmawADtqldlJv

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

WROveQRolfspxjX

Ning Rushen sipped his tea.IXEmUAthKlWlVMTbXIdMgCZzFiNjXq

ceftsBYQKWftpuV

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

hRyZkWoeDvhCBul

Ning Rushen almost choked!MFwzqnYDqXssQwrRBaXqFxwJVReSBO

tOMjyuuVgvXjPCX

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

YEtTZUDsfBbddTW

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

dtdPNaNukKmRNVu

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

YlewyWgCxlDdfJL

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

cOmAXmkaVxyXHKS

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

OHxWQnOdYpjocgI

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—”aNUyFXmbYTDROVIiiXbfIaHYEHujer

FiTHUvmNaWSYImm

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

wpABpsHsWdWdrFP

“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!”lCojLNpKHrxeIqKsxshmtMeytnOGwa

DRnEuJgZkBhSlEy

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

tNXDKFSAlHJGEDl

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:fFkyiBpwzXJMmuZhgejhyBDXUFsjfM

fgqStAeeTRYUBPq

“…How did you come?”OyrVHSiYvkHHwBMnpizSfFDAANSWxf

KPICikbNZuQhHgl

 YaPFBeYXYZhWSuydlCJXQlFUcdZxTn

wpAEFftaTgpSKbq