This official is so weak

Ning Rushen cursed quietly, “Damn it, I’ve messed up again!”gHwhtZYYxQmUSwyWvNLEZgOOTeTIiI

nWFHIPBWvvYdXOh

Prince Xuan was still staring at him intently, his hand already reaching into his pocket, clearly about to pull out paper and pen.nAkRJwFjGgfybUUuOlKamJqDPxLfCl

gzEPSQcglWYoepn

Ning Rushen then composed himself, suddenly taking a deep breath and holding his forehead. “I can’t… My head hurts…”ihvDCUhgFMbnpOGgPRCFvoYmjBrgtl

StVTLgMSDDUeEip

Li Ying-tang hesitantly asked, “Is it because of His Majesty—”ypBsLBkpKPGjyNHGeLurhhJzOBtAGA

UQqhHKtQGfiYrwZ

Ning Rushen’s face turned pale, his eyelashes drooping weakly. Li Ying-tang wasn’t sure if he was genuinely unwell or pretending and hesitated to ask further.QTeSqdCjhAnmcnsoRxhlAJKQwZNvKR

rUAnnTZhKPMPQMN

With a hint of regret, he stood up. “Then I won’t disturb Lord Ning’s rest.”AGjzHpBoqZAKmTBazJEFNXpzTEAvbO

gohNZzzZdFvusDt

Ning Rushen immediately sat up, maintaining his usual expression, and ordered, “Pat, bring a bundle of long spears over.”pxeSqViOubEfsHaYsjYHGYUBIfZjZJ

qvAdIZFJWcMXZlt

Ning Rushen pointed out, “Stick them all at the bottom of the courtyard wall.”sfcQyDdxpFVtwpRcKHzVFznoNwHmPS

LsmMlrGpJLbgyaf

Yan Min was horrified: This is to harm the royal family!zNNUwhgYnyjIxXEFnhmfnoUfZGRSxX

bzMXWZQFSYbhWjE

Before he could intervene, he saw Shiyi, unfazed, already placing the spears neatly and even asking seriously:cvVMlnimsZtUIYAjivisFcbTUUPsNv

HEDDvrNgKDiFzZo

“What should I do?”XggiggTTEQNxwpeluGxftxjZfuXovd

iEIOwIxvUgGrHNm

Ning Rushen patiently replied, “Can’t you find another spot to lie down?”COtIjhTKzedfiVRoXCiDFmcNvctRQS

xJwskgMLMoVwUhy

Shiyi thought for a moment, “True.”KHzqagCPDbZaXexMQmPzLfAfJnlSDn

sLotmFketJOMRLZ

Yan Min: …hMswrmlInLYMjEuOEppiLqNBJPthMy

GvkkjhbIAJVdvsD

The defensive wall was soon set up, and Ning Rushen was satisfied and returned to the house.bDYqykNtjOxkFzXgPyRUuztFYQsWsr

yZoGfBRWPoRgLCV

…LipzHowKkocFmWmcqMhDmxXQeYeVpW

xxvZcSFfqfiCGPc

Since the transparent glass cover had returned to the capital.VgXeETJmncLNKhcWNYoVwsygHfdJAM

HCmIsbTfUDZNGvA

Ning Rushen had been feeling anxious these days, fearing that Prince Xuan might be talking nonsense in front of Li Wuting.XBxuLkkGHBSeDueCjyZfErVYMZSqcN

VlCxCekferKihoG

He had been secretly observing in the court for a few days.zNrtfmeoUqjoUTXfUdnGZDhDbeudsz

XfDhAYcnRxZJjVk

Li Wuting finally couldn’t hold back, putting down his memorial and asking, “What are you looking at?”BwjbcmvLPFgWOdCLIqsHuHmlrePsZN

BbSTnnULYIgJOCK

Ning Rushen retracted his head, “…I was just taking a look.”IzlCLLdZXqHEZrBbukumgTOHzFrDMk

kkxkQAvEueMZKUu

Li Wuting’s gaze lingered on him for a few seconds, then suddenly asked, “Did Prince Xuan say something to you?”jqmXlNNoWUJTrAqHpELQBTPoJnUPer

OQNlkfbjkeMJCZT

Ning Rushen’s heart skipped a beat! He forced himself to remain calm:mtcNYxUlKDeyjddQwqwogzGLsymlcx

ROqmYlZHlTbAsqa

“No, Your Majesty, why do you ask?”KtcFlrrkccqDpHuaIqOFyHKcbckfMX

taYELqCsWBHMFzp

Li Wuting frowned, “He’s been… acting strangely lately.”BfKgpeFNUdmaVTQtgQgsIreKEfSAcF

XCwbZOSLvHrUTVN

Ning Rushen cautiously probed, “How so?”ckMthcixTDlwUSOrbyTybKFkPWHMMn

fGIBRPWwMtjvLcL

“Strange smiles, making mysterious remarks.”wHrRgFCPdJVersptLHjffOkJdVbVag

iwRnipnxteYPSqA

“……”bHqMrGVhjNtetJPXMLgUlRUIgrieve

AWQyzNgtsNpwAVv

Ning Rushen felt slightly relieved: It seems Prince Xuan is still lost in some unshakeable fantasy and hasn’t gone off talking nonsense to Li Wuting.QpmTeHMDjRGkqogxFAXcAUXUAnOXoP

ewvhJKiLmSJyaio

While he was thinking, he heard Li Wuting say, “Keep your distance from him.”lrVOpSBocPRJaXGHlzsnPWXcnySgmk

pjWuaDnANFqvQZP

Ning Rushen eagerly agreed, “I will!”HzgHFECpceCrSsBSKqHiwyWxeCXwKv

rgGmrNXTzAzSQGy

After he answered, Li Wuting’s expression softened somewhat, “Recently, with foreign nations entering the capital, the city is crowded. After your duty, return to the residence and don’t go wandering around…”UEgIHDRYrpmOtSdVyjPhvxHCLjQMob

pulKeQkncHfclfE

Ning Rushen vaguely sensed the swallowed “fooling around” words.EsTstsVoQRWxMMmeKwrSoOLowhHntq

QOWRKhoWNatdRQB

He narrowed his eyes: … What does this mean?lJMCkyaisOZvXNxyAuJYghZiqnpuwp

lxyhWBTSyaNDyuJ

In the end, he just nodded, “Understood.”JqtIHjlpjbecqNXBCoKcUNtlHflBOP

RubaGRNgmWoGIFT

However, in recent days, the capital had indeed welcomed numerous envoys from foreign states.VEEKNXuCTOhEoLksrMiAtiQdrUJnZD

YujuJGJRlSzMzqJ

As Ning Rushen returned to his residence after his duties, he saw Hu people in short clothes and narrow pants setting up shops along the street; young girls with long braids curiously trying the local pastries.djmfILYJBHhthrkiUmKzJwnZFzxjMv

XilGkgBLtnuazHd

Guan Fan accompanied him, “Oh, those are from the ancient Qiang tribe.”jkWCeVrsODhMdchGTcBixeJcyDjDcm

pvsgGyLyLOwcodc

“A girl so young has traveled such a long distance to pay homage?”ldjkpGPiGMKtHNMYSAGISPyXGcBfvT

JKdRfczPzdasLhY

“Our Dachen State is powerful, so various foreign states come from far and wide to pay their respects. Those who come to the capital are either officials, merchants from their tribes, or royal princesses—people of notable status.”veKwIoCmgVsdTvOZvsFRsTXeWcwiCV

eUtvspqfKZBLKzl

Ning Rushen nodded.dmkAKleUjEhilBXfzhdDMCfUQqdvDz

aIyyWVvPKMPQKUc

Guan Fan added, “Speaking of officials and merchants, the threshold of the supervisory office must be almost worn out by now.”suxugmjqmgTQNiImyepmYZBevgPxgR

CyUvcRmlbdxImEg

Ning Rushen sighed, “Everyone wants a piece of the pie.”FraQtwVXVIIoZLiBfxJjoCSyuMYSBh

THtpQhSnQTyQBDA

The capital’s trade policies were highly effective, and local officials and merchants wanted to emulate this success. They seized the opportunity to come to the capital to make their case.llsLzutPRpauMsEOSJHXMsRWsUbUnZ

JyWfLQYQVbOBoIq

He had kindly guided them until he nearly had their backgrounds figured out.BaYUTOgJpgDvJVdEyZeoLQzXsDltur

hmBZMcFxBDJyTRy

Guan Fan asked, “What are your plans?”NywuqHdfYswdXrduGnmMktkULZVCGp

UgcLLPkEdGGszEX

Ning Rushen replied earnestly, “Naturally, we will wait until the Cheng Tian Feast is over and let His Majesty make the decision.”JQSnAxJXJjNUJZIhrfOXYHkRihGUmr

RhYVavrrADbqsqL

…jjduuxMwmZQdntotApEvTTGTLxkxhC

wjCKcdiSAJfoIvy

Amidst the bustling and complex preparations, the Cheng Tian Festival finally arrived.iFLsRIJfNkYrCqhFoSsEUHmEXwnRsp

clEIGdEiqkoVGli

On the day of the Cheng Tian Festival, the sky was clear and sunny.GUYtGBMiEOzaYdfSBaAfYMGSRInKpR

NhAgtXHCYUESdgl

The palace banquet was set for midday.lyXGZSTpthScZbIIHxcRmOKIgtbmwj

ddnNGlhjwoRYyRM

Ning Rushen changed into a scarlet official robe and secured his hair with a white jade hairpin before heading to the palace for the feast.YIcxQtczFlmQJBMAOHnVKTCMJmRUTZ

UIoMEVqMNJjEgzJ

The Cheng Tian Feast was a national banquet.hcfePqsImuTHTTWmEMrvWwKKGFCsab

BHAXTpMXymUGYcZ

The banquet was held in front of the Taihe Hall, with grand arrangements, surrounded by the sounds of bells and drums, and a hundred-meter-long carpet laid out in the center. The entire scene was both solemn and lively.TKQlQTqdkvnQLjBjBLxEODqXjowsRg

hXHImNAbdRISmFt

Ning Rushen took his seat at the banquet, with Geng Yan sitting next to him.bVGFkVfQEIQLPlIZbCuqMikegqjyRA

iLDqVXnenFSqrPh

Geng Yan greeted him cheerfully, “Hey!”KmBAlvCzVJzZLPrDpWSbpGoYtUpsqR

KZUNPsHEeUKYklF

Ning Rushen looked around, “You’ve changed seats again?”phfPcYhNvbiQPuwvJxqUQrnkAhAtTe

UrLebUeaaDqFAod

Geng Yan said, “In such an occasion, how could I have chosen? I don’t know who arranged it, but they happened to place me here.”cxnYVDhltfSOxkeTdpYeANlidTQwXM

zwHgZgZCmHdUByH

Ning Rushen was about to say something when the drum and music sounded.mICDlryhDFZFRewNZeDUTygOIAnmNd

wDkizAKEwlFDbxX

Under the vast, clear sky, the imperial procession majestically entered the spacious banquet hall.rUyqQzPctSxBaRQSZuBDsHiBJASbsk

AkJqxRBrRDRiWPX

Li Wuting, dressed in a bright yellow imperial robe, took his seat on the high platform.LYVqWYXpVYentIzyaSmZnwRhilnoSb

uyhrjPRHtKYqZxX

Li Ying-tang and Li Jingyu, the two brothers, also sat at the lower seats. Guards and palace attendants stood around, and the banquet finally began with the music.JIztefFXLjFTvwNiTeXpOOPMtEGDDn

rqCMtWCcKBpreCw

As the feast commenced, envoys from various states entered one by one to pay their respects.wAueLlfbMZaiWupzqddglMJnbLMHEK

HHdBazDZMgHbykI

From his seat, Ning Rushen watched as the delegations with tribute gifts walked in from outside the hall:BvjnkPJjPqBtooFcRTvWSFHYRubOGI

hwBlwapcrTEypcu

Foreign attire appeared like a blooming array of flowers as they passed by.lpLHnTDPkhJFNPrIGUrPUfPqvenref

dmFGdIQCGBGAMUt

Among them were those leading camels, those carrying carved jade landscapes from Hetian, and even the famed horses from Dayuan…avQOScxvEAgituPCANLTcyPuFflKkl

KOTGynKfxKrTZnp

Among them was a familiar creature.qrvbICkljJKuXdWzIDHZSScAtGMQxN

TPzrStSMedeJAAp

Ning Rushen looked with mixed feelings at the white, fluffy animal that seemed ready to spit at any moment. “Isn’t that… an alpaca?”JvWraRMwnQcItXPqTrOrCBFidZQnuz

NOHcylBsknYRaVN

Geng Yan didn’t hear clearly, “What??”wzEeDYEJIhvcwkruFXimGBOTYTnfMf

xsFugooDqNlDfkY

Ning Rushen pointed and Geng Yan said, “Oh, it’s a foreign sheep. The grass… what’s it called, a horse? Is that a flattering term?”RZzRxVcWQnhUSJQrKnzPYjyAVIiXsv

zkbveNEpScsgEcp

“Not really a flattering term,” Ning Rushen thought for a moment, “It’s somewhat like the Geng dog.”OlMNcXeAPNNbDocUUIXoaBDnzjXmOd

GdSdxeXtrScRFid

“????” Is that an insult?XbiwkcmRPaNNtUOqqbYyOfXxbvkbOG

DQKPRTVTCxHBTnb

As the two were secretly stepping on each other’s feet under the table, a group suddenly entered the venue.dOgdLVwcLLHBVDrBmTpSUGvgMEEiVh

LVhsatCIzldOBJY

A series of jingling bells—DaRHFAXVlSXyYTPNhkxdNGzkpcabjj

QbfJzbTpeyvCKTD

Ning Rushen looked up to see a tall man in a short coat, tight pants, and long leather boots leading the way. Behind him, a fragrant breeze followed a group of dancers dressed in purple silk and silver ornaments.XYMdWNmKvopCcuBQkPPldkkVULcAeI

BAvysVnxFAYdDKq

… What is this, a dance performance?wZthAiAKuqKiJXDpeGNwGaVGgDwowA

gdFnOZonuhOqZgF

Geng Yan suddenly whispered, “They’re the Di people.”eWjEzHRQWzZkijmJiPyAtXUopyJGeJ

hULQXUUmmUvCHOL

Ning Rushen turned around, surprised, “The enemy is allowed in? Shouldn’t they—” He made a hand gesture like a knife cutting.gHwyyDKXcGobvmIgHftrIvsThtgJxZ

LfVcixResXrKPek

“……” Geng Yan said, “Northern Di people.”DAfQlfVGlFlMdsQZvYzAEeFNMgGRug

sMUclcNPpAfkDDY

Ning Rushen took a moment to process, then realized, “Oh.”wkrzcYtVgzhQYqKcuZjzorFWBXPjpi

EezmOFXPrtfdfNV

The Northern Di’s King He Ku had already begun his congratulatory speech, and a group of dancers presented a performance on the spot.gALJMUdnEEzGTETInNmEQfKhByAivQ

aEYcbwcGDTtZlAa

Ning Rushen asked quietly, “Aren’t the Northern Di a general term for the Northern tribes? How come they are specifically called Di now?”AeVFJwPpAZQAVcZwfjmnACoXfANljw

gOUlVdxbRIiQWam

Geng Yan explained, “It used to be that way. But in recent years, the Northern Di have become powerful and established their own country in the northern frontier. Now, ‘Northern Di’ refers specifically to the Northern Di State, while the remaining Tubo and Yuezhi are just referred to as tribes.”JborfOlgeUTDkNzXLMSiRpHLxTqkUC

QcSMVzlVdYwabPG

A powerful nation dominating the northern frontier.NbZYURmLXNZhyWAQmHoMDacfBCDytZ

TZplAeRyjwWwAHF

Ning Rushen glanced at the rugged King He Ku in the hall.grkunmwOCJeBoApBxUrSXvzeIZbGut

ujYKuZZouPHupci

—So, it turns out they’re still enemies.YwDXSuyedzhwsWKFOAQaKubjluzhzI

BArzNnyNSEbVOxa

In the midst of the melodious music and graceful dance, the atmosphere of the banquet was not so cheerful.cYUvRwdjzHnwBhneGGIIABNiDECyPN

SvPvcyTiSYJmalA

The ministers on both sides of the banquet table were solemnly observing King He Ku, and Li Wuting’s gaze was slightly downcast, his expression unreadable.qxJrhePIigZzzVMGtsAzTewnLCxVAa

KzHJwNXXzycYTVZ

In this somewhat tense and discordant atmosphere.FzcSygsTFJIsJqTPlZqEGgZvaDMhQo

CpoWcQtTsHogtPO

The Xuan King, sitting at a lower seat, suddenly burst into laughter with a “pfft”! His gaze was absentmindedly fixed on the void, laughing as if no one was around.CVvRShzSlMcZjonoPBqVvPLspbZssc

CnniFzzzszJkGLA

Everyone: …cDlmPqcZjyLXnbgkTrvZtlAOqKmHRE

XHirtbYcNgOriNO

King He Ku: …irRYRgwliLlSErFtBxUcBvaiMrDGJl

XhNrqWmnSsQgCjk

At the main seat, Li Wuting said, “Li Ying-tang.”GznrtvAqeCvVOzowrMaVOkuZYBXStw

KuZhqzSFmTzlRlt

The soft but cold call brought Li Ying-tang’s attention back.dTZlwJZDPOfblUxYukLKesaeJucwyl

JUVMWpDAwJKlQvW

He met Li Wuting’s icy sideways glance and finally composed himself, straining to control his inappropriate smile, “Oh… Ahem!”mkozYxORuJNWnRZlPaHhQQqNSDLvNR

ihEZnJriUaSHUiK

“……”UwXYikrvvjEDfzEPprxNZcmieaNTTR

QygJaoLaPhPjiiq

Geng Yan couldn’t help but ask, “Did the Xuan King get poisoned in Jiangnan?”kAIXUdLthWXMQrCVcWQCAZraRRoJfr

htgiHyLETDANoQq

Ning Rushen showed no expression, “He doesn’t need poison.”YQgAFNjYbcFYQloFIGCNJwlfCDoPDZ

rtBOcKDugMBudeW

He is poison himself.TWuOXRulfpJLvnsjHRgZutRISqdOey

NfXhYPLtzbbQETU

Geng Yan, “Huh???”RDnnfdzsvwPqwNtZmbKHrLvhMybSSH

sXENgVFXLYArifs

·KaKmBEVOXaINAXFMxGeATVVKldqaVd

nwCoolPgabSeXAe

The Cheng Tian Feast lasted nearly two hours before concluding.YhJmVpUoGfTcdfRKkLgoGCANVkZhcL

qMsUdtjpyOHtabt

As the banquet ended, the court officials and envoys from various states began to leave the palace.aKAojGcgtysDubTkdkKTakjKjzsTny

QgSXzCAiEylvAzB

Ning Rushen intended to discuss local trade matters with Li Wuting, so he went around to the back of the Taihe Hall to find him.qphgdnsLIDZgXlRSRSWDEgJTdPepaq

sdGfIQlRcVvILRc

He waited at the door for an attendant to report.wyuqyivnybJLcYAEfbSFvAUSUyvZmt

cuVZpOwUhCxBbGo

The attendant soon returned and respectfully said, “Lord Ning, His Majesty is still inside speaking with His Highness the Xuan King. He asks you to wait in the adjacent warm chamber—”oZfXwYmCexsxWiqpNmiYGMUcwmhsnD

mSKotqoeiYTLfyb

Ning Rushen was about to respond when he heard the attendant continue with a smile:JZeBUEltkvcRnhDXFDivlLlHJeBWJr

zlutSsHYCXeKVNh

“Also, His Majesty mentioned that you had some wine at the feast. If you’re tired, there’s a low couch behind the screen in the warm chamber where you can rest.”FcLJNjIcDbjCiyJzgKojnCoPGHtAEi

eqeCcRtHDVxfgjR

“……”ElcLVoBJxAJlUYnYBSVaiBGXCuOZLe

cUqgiUoqHZIKhUL

This “rest” had the distinct tone of Li Wuting.dnZEXuyyNCSsryzBjSDLSARilpdXEn

GVyYzxZtwPtRSBk

Ning Rushen touched his slightly warm face, feeling somewhat moved, “Alright, thank you, Eunuch.”iGtafHrbtuhLqMSeTrOUjjmNscYkKF

poAltDBjoomPdXY

He said this as he turned toward the warm chamber.nbwJbzEtmLrGsFtfjoGGZoIsyjFGhA

BBbKVugPXIOCTnE

…LoRxhBdnEZPSbIFMngcIhHWYfksuMt

vMiRWvWdMuvVzAu

At the back of the hall, Li Wuting and Li Ying-tang stood facing each other.PHvPHOxuvTuAwuACZIWVNPdPALtBpj

mGpdyjBqhAdwxSi

Li Wuting silently observed him for a long time before finally letting out a deep breath and pressing his slightly throbbing temple, “What are you up to lately…”OupgqkpDfvaRmZqihsZsAUsMVnHrct

FxVZZazYRlGtyGw

He phrased it politely, “Sick.”ADaTnhAvbUXgvavPfzHGgqHlYmqVaT

qSJlGbpthvAXybK

As soon as he finished speaking, Li Ying-tang couldn’t help but let out a chuckle.rwysTSoxMshDjWhpQmAIyQufjaWDcM

zWmBWZSQxIondgU

Under Li Wuting’s cold gaze, Li Ying-tang, still holding his folding fan, tried to calm himself and cheerfully leaned in:OaRVhJPWJFwoXDulCgXvQDBddAfGJt

IYjGcDpurqibLvc

“I’m just happy for Your Majesty.”cSKnKEEXSVeLYzhilRiQWqUIxEoodx

vmlusSDFHjncwxO

“Happy about what?”pHMXkGUUDYHpVBlcOnubxLFkYarryD

mOkwyIOQXhWKsLq

“You and Lord Ning, you two…” Li Ying-tang chuckled. He couldn’t be too direct, so he rambled on.iUssyWsKEcprOOJiMLarEZXygEvKPo

PSbqWZncwiEKwSi

Li Wuting listened as he said that “Lord Ning is weak,” and then advised him to cherish him. After a while, Li Wuting finally understood the meaning behind his words, his veins throbbing:eoTdcgFVORNIJNzAFypCJcSxxUrqkB

mjAslNeWkIKldGl

“What nonsense are you thinking!… He’s just reached his coming-of-age.”mSNGrLkObNiZycPbxEDLKspQMAnXlQ

jonoOFdmFDqBfLO

“Ah?” Li Ying-tang was stunned, the words he was about to say suddenly cut off, “Just reached his coming-of-age? Then was the letter he sent over a month ago, the one with the crossed-out words, not his?”tCDrSEuAJxFUBLzkxHfiYngcxnMJjK

dRVbSiZBBVbMCbP

Li Wuting suddenly looked up, “What words?”YMIPQIQRKcyMRFeOHfJxGYDBnUIjIa

WxxyNIFpLzNBjTC

“Ning… something.”TIKAofSRUjcwOJjdtANeibIUrnnlFr

PeQuejsoltdWSEU

After a moment of silence, Li Wuting’s eyes lightened with a faint smile, “… As expected.”axKzWRiOyzYQSVCMQCDzwAAqnuewpa

IXqFuCjGXpVUwzM

Li Ying-tang was confused but was soon distracted by something else. He touched his nose, “Sigh, seeing Lord Ning like that, I thought—”VnXXxoIdjFCxrzxPwcatrLEeVuKIkb

mexmxbzEKGoYROd

Li Wuting’s heart stirred, “What?”cpypgVSFLhSikFflKByGAhCwCxSVIp

WkQIKARymUEUpci

Li Ying-tang recounted the matter of visiting Ning’s residence.weHvjjIfzNDhQCuSNvSVFjRSqxUvWX

pZYtmaYSBuozMcG

After he finished, he saw the usually calm emperor lost in thought. His usually tranquil eyes seemed to stir, and after a long moment, he lowered his gaze, exhaling a slightly staggered breath, and said in a hoarse voice:AiRuKoBNPeGgqEAKSldPNcktSymngG

GltWnwbkwDJqTxJ

“He… really saw your dirty stuff?”GxRQyZEGexJePePiVkiPnITrZbGrSi

zMBbPNJPQJGhpwL

“……” What do you mean by dirty stuff!!!mHuoYVPZqSOJRMgVAUqXegMpMlhhWc

SBVzLsmthdFTjKK

Li Ying-tang was about to argue but saw Li Wuting’s almost imperceptible smile:WJZoppFWHSjCcDxWcwcMCGrDMaSPHB

auVBHJAixnIOeMA

“You should go back first. I’ll go find him.”QDmWFgLxeiZwivurvljGaRLoKfefcq

WakTiQypBUJoBlv

·wsUcidOVLqChmrCESLHwoELHyOlaOP

CdikHySyehLgunW

After parting from the attendant, Ning Rushen went to the warm chamber.arTGULkXyaLFbhiwLKInDhlpaHXtOR

OCqbyyiVZMlkEHB

The warm chamber was not far from the Taihe Hall, and it seemed that the palace attendants had all been sent to the front, so the door was empty.VtFfodFuKTLqJurwrOGoGXpLrMiMXe

qDkzFaMAVkFNSNW

Ning Rushen entered the room alone.BUDQhUvKoJIfGeEgiBYSVzXBSRghwh

snScFiuLWIjgXBB

As he stepped inside, he immediately felt a cool breeze.WTtLhlJDGDAlTRToHfNUturXEmFLgg

jBamuTIzXgsPNHZ

Although the warm chamber had the word “warm” in its name, it was actually only warm in winter. Now, in the middle of summer, the room had an ice basin set up in advance, making the temperature quite pleasant.AcAicsgSmxYUHRGJCHQQyjwJAhWtdl

WqwurALUZNUdFSs

He rounded the screen behind the desk and indeed found a low couch.HcZZpFgaWgtqgsNCHIXLeaAgTwjBiL

cMOOYyweulZUPtl

Recalling that Li Wuting said he could “rest,”XOOSEbUEWyOZTDNQOWrVgviTkKbYUv

RZernYaEAwCxhBB

Ning Rushen did not hesitate and comfortably lay down on it.GEPAaIQwghYhkdZTsrNOwJQEwfaQFH

ZMnSGadtwApAIHz

The low couch was soft, and the surrounding temperature was cool. He soon dozed off.OYgaxrKbAhyDhFMtEOrimJrDqANzhK

IvEzYXLidPKPEpK

He was vaguely aware of the passage of time when suddenly, there was a rustling sound from outside.rkezjAMRwKtaafHXlBGknoXSiDfLHj

rxJPdwDwWBluDgN

Ning Rushen, half-lying on the couch, faintly smelled a delicate fragrance…AgiaURjmHxUbpxjjpgFggSqnGQgPAs

sGTOBPTZTdijoXI

Since he had fainted from inhaling incense in Wenhua Palace last time, he hadn’t smelled incense in the palace much since then. Now, smelling the fragrance, he furrowed his brow and opened his eyes.ArWFmQZQOphlSMdgvItiEammOIEDrc

LdMpdpwIKVTBHxh

His half-prone position faced the outside of the screen.sFtQGjNjolRMSiXBkhqepBkPAVdIMf

AXjfvKmxsTqUYQA

As soon as he opened his eyes, he saw two faint shadows through the screen, with hazy purple gauze and delicate bell sounds, and the fragrance growing stronger.ZzChapdadCxlSLbtBOeurMQzGzVAZr

gmJJLcEBGhERTcS

His heart skipped a beat, and he became alert: Northern Di.gjQtcmmGYDnBjcUawLfwYpzXvbpcbG

uRBpNXiDWfAaYUj

Why are they here? Is it King He Ku?xZlGsSrsnFtSEnDohBoAQyGldTjQIt

xAcwxfjnzmPNUfa

Before he could think further, a wave of heat suddenly spread through him. He trembled and covered his mouth to keep from making any sound.qIyDTCxURTuKLfXIdmKYUalNjlXgEP

saODIyMcbDyAuvF

Damn it! Ning Rushen’s eyes widened in shock:oNHACObgsOZIzkJCFVXnGFYnAYCpiw

xOIlKbEHwuEVQQT

He Ku Wang is trying to…aipoiVfKgTeJzafDroMgQnsjKcSTyo

eJvzFecuwubLjFS

The two court musicians outside the screen were unaware that there was someone else behind the screen and continued to wait quietly. Probably because they had taken antidotes in advance, they were unaffected.gnrRjTHCgvZNPemDTgOINQxNNjJAjD

yeLGOxzizeuPacg

However, as the fragrance continued to permeate, Ning Rushen was soon engulfed in a wave of heat.UYgDssqTVAsEpcsrixksKaKqceFFce

JWIlFxVJNiEjGxt

The heat enveloped him, and he struggled to stay silent.MuUVSaEOEtzhIQoXczeCMBdPzNnGWk

EkzOFftwonqPmwh

In this situation, if someone saw him, a court official, alone with Northern Di court musicians, in such a state: even if he jumped into the Huai Ming River, he wouldn’t be able to clear his name.JxlxYSqDndnseGJOQqdGhYuUewqbWO

valOBRmoDfZavmr

Ning Rushen clenched his fingers and trembled.vXeeGxtrdDOHznQbcwhzMzDSIfCTfo

YcETCyXaLTiTsAq

Sweat began to soak his eyelashes, and he couldn’t help but let out a faint noise. He quickly turned his head and buried it in the pillow, biting it to cover his breath, loosening his collar in the midst of the hot sweat.mSYUbUhGXEFCXNDMBiaATdBtBKblIO

fAFZIDPdUeaRoQK

… Li Wuting, where is Li Wuting?oDwZxWwCZOmLWYLuQmJFMEMSQzVSgb

xaGsjTBrAuOuYnj

The faint sounds seemed to stir outside: “Is someone there…”enYJsunolSVAxUEWUCNjpraKfIfCzp

AaQXxNzrUxCBJGt

At that moment, a steady and familiar set of footsteps suddenly approached from outside the door—CBrkTbEuRhhFhRjgaYYQYVExghftfM

nJXRIRpKfmdjHvo

Ning Rushen finally relaxed for a moment, swallowing lightly against the pillow.qeTQSThWsgxpTdkokYFgLULqmKSLyQ

GcldmdjgcyjwbST

…UTqUhEzOBFpKUUpdfZvNvmitAQZitq

KoddDMfcbjYEYod

In the warm chamber outside the screen.UOfWPYhHUtXanwNfMKbFqUuxbHMHQv

sAIKCUGEMJxqkIl

Li Wuting had just entered the room when he saw two figures waiting by the desk. He was momentarily stunned. Then, a wave of delicate fragrance hit him, and a faint sound of a groan came from behind the screen.UtblhmhJHbQoYrpRXdBJFzUygmKqRp

mAKkLVIFiCTZTLe

He suddenly realized something—lsHJQfwhHFZmcEoVUUcQjZNACTBUuq

bbHolZGvKQytWvS

Li Wuting’s heart sank, and his usually composed face instantly turned cold with anger: “Get out!”plySnhABwOsxqpYZRzpWjmjTHdIUqm

tyoQHaLSnPsTsDY

The two court musicians, frightened, quickly withdrew from the warm chamber.yLABEcPSZptjzNjDHTdYtAeoIDWPTo

AagCFquUhlifeZn

The accompanying palace servants hesitated for a moment before seeing the emperor step around the screen, leaving a command: “Get out! Only De Quan stay.”pPuCyocKdJohXUWnSMwWGBqxJVFfbT

bGSUSzxmQnqiMUQ

The crowd immediately scattered.KBbXdrKqbEhGQGNmzvZPObDTMLPNIo

wmLRqGFVvwjBauo

Li Wuting walked around the screen and saw Ning Rushen lying by the couch, his neatly bound hair falling out of place, his bright red official robe hanging off his arm, and his white inner robe also pulled open.dthQaSfkJtXCmjcFnrcwRnxBDOXSmO

UmpjoIHCEuclfHP

He was momentarily stunned, then quickly stepped over and lifted him up, “Ning Rushen!”HymizZOiMDgNOBwELoHNONvStsawRk

isZcpenbwIYmoOa

De Quan, who had just arrived, was taken aback:ZcZXniBzhhBVmDFPneOMPoIkQVwUlm

HABggpTCdEPxnXg

His Majesty just called out Lord Ning’s name.JRPlCBBiuIeTdeLpRbexMPhSFSZQxq

JCjsUpSIFAWOqDi

“Your Majesty, should we call the imperial physician…”beQsscsPUcfUqxUwGdXrtFORJuqEte

LSeOlkYrQMfPcYH

“First, bring cold water and an ice basin.”cAGDXjcNAzsOolOFOQArRxLsEcSSnq

HrLAnuOitCLLSXH

“Yes!” De Quan hurriedly ran out.CfIgcrskoTtAkKYgBrjgUiMdXGCeOS

nBtmVYjCMSakhXw

At this point, Ning Rushen’s nerves relaxed, and his consciousness started to dissipate.XMHWnMvYFlOYytCRXjJLzSlwxxCjor

rQLrXhadrqkFWXp

He vaguely heard Li Wuting telling everyone to leave.ebSGrtPgSYlnZXNXSUgRAIhTdWcrrd

kYoSzYTdQePPuUF

He was soon held in a firm embrace, instinctively burrowing into it, grabbing the nearby clothes, and rubbing his sweat and tears against them, “Your Majesty…”yJJaQTNjTSfioIbYaxavShHWlDhwHF

UcuKoxujYaYVCVW

The hand holding him seemed to tremble, then wiped his sweat, “Hang in there.”uhwnUNHGvhFjXZngBrEaKWxHSJZzZZ

luFkIESyJTfuJTg

Ning Rushen wiped his tears and didn’t forget to complain, “Northern Di…”KAShaQKhbFTvjXkdKmuHiXwGituMnY

gynLyLOcMotklGI

“I know.” Li Wuting held him closer, then took the cold water brought by De Quan, wetting a handkerchief to cool his hot face, his tone grim, “He Ku Wang has become too ambitious.”CPqHLAlosyYfFmcKphVwQtzeQDizaS

XWoveACOjHJakXP

The coolness alleviated some of the heat.tNCBUseENXjtsZWXJLpXkuVYlckrnN

QJZRdglRZuTsXZC

Ning Rushen felt a bit better and stopped burrowing into him.GPNyNcFdZtQBowMWoYDDRUmAMROicS

jpSuSiJutNWpfOs

The ice basin was brought in, emitting a cold draft.pQjiUYZxwdFNEnFLhPTEJQCnnJMBWM

FkqQlApsIzkFfSp

Li Wuting placed him back on the couch, adjusted his collar, and then stepped out from behind the screen.yFrAnEfVocnQxyGLsUxJSQxMvCsafF

oIwExUEqIqPJPbn

Ning Rushen could only faintly hear a few sounds:SkdVyVijPURtWsWkvZBqFctFolNcoH

rCZUZuOwcEXpMTO

“Your Majesty, Lord Ning is like this… you…”jfdwXmHBiPleuGKKYwWNMdzeNfHMtn

RMJkJDfuKANaTTh

“De Quan.” A cold voice cut in.ZgETjugncevxyGgRAniQVlrxyAgYaX

UCdQuvqvpoXQBJv

The outside fell silent. After a moment, De Quan changed his tone, “The Fuling Powder can counteract all poisons…”CxxfqcjPBulikatfusyHdjICnfFhBj

xIyFEAbyHVsemJj

“Don’t use that. His body can’t handle it… go get…”tqHCeeIMtYLHGKAXfiXnpZsGzpDoYd

tAFWGMOubvxKkyh

De Quan complied and left.skYnHNrmgfRVVzABzbKdzpFkjohtOj

usgJoyJMeVNrROk

Ning Rushen turned on the couch, feeling the heat surge again.bBEMVVzXTjhZplPJcUCucASghPdHiB

WRpEFUoTrXegcMk

The next moment, Li Wuting returned.XOPTyEwqqvIroCGtZLQgLvFDhNdMce

WJLffREBYJvCMMy

Li Wuting lifted him again and continued to use the cold water to wipe his face and neck. Ning Rushen felt hot, but the breath falling in front of him seemed even hotter.ARxezCMxYEdyfNCaoDjIXkwXYPeaqw

MSMoZqwOuGwkekI

He slightly opened his eyes and saw Li Wuting looking down at him, his thin lips pressed into a sharp line.XUmOpMzVUfIrWEiRplkVvxbqpfkVNy

wclYdxXuECgEfXb

Soon, the medicine was brought.xVCKBiqtgYmFJLzwmstKlbZHNjzSBq

MtAoQrprHnMScOT

Li Wuting placed the medicine at his lips, and Ning Rushen, in his dazed state, felt a cool sweetness dissolve in his mouth.COqHROUFmZUbjpLjWkKBcilSadFIYp

pXXHPHOmZAatzss

He gulped, “What is this?”hHCdHDuiXPcqJShdIVqGXDurQOAcQO

sbFkMEztbdZHeqv

“Don’t gulp.” Li Wuting wiped his fingers, “There are inevitably poisonous substances in the palace. This medicine can counteract all poisons.”JVdYgOdVcLNxPFHOPiNdGSZCyKMeXA

NVTJjUcerPuCiRG

As he spoke, a cool sensation indeed traveled down his throat, quietly dissipating the heat inside him.rkKHIDoczQSasgupVDOqIhOZuynLNc

bhJjejemuRqaZaW

He exhaled warm air and closed his eyes: resting for now.xrbbYpUyZdpWkgGDObcMbyhaTsTDNz

QtUkIHkjqqGkhXV

…qHLWCHCVDVaNWjlcmWtAYNziaQmPLm

ZEfHlpstctiEGsg

The medicine Li Wuting gave him seemed to work very well.TAlfdvSGPjDuNauhpXOXrWYjcxwkqC

XHVGihNRgOUwMIQ

Soon, Ning Rushen felt the heat dissipate, and his scattered thoughts began to come back together.fNsQAqYpJMQReXOyfEJRpEUIDWqZpO

BTAXimuNieOAHMB

The fragrance from the medicine was not too strong, not like in the novels where it was either do or die. He was now fully awake, though his face was still flushed, and he looked as if he was deeply immersed in his emotions.wGlfwjssNnJSkuhxrklgKmvRVgnirS

QKTPTxhXgMJDGzT

As his awareness returned, he finally noticed the current situation—VLmvcMDIQKoFJlcpuASzRQyTjwvGWv

uyVupWZqyfHmcsQ

Li Wuting was leaning down, wiping his tear-streaked face with a rough hand.klLrCUSkQfuyyiCsrHBXwvstmPDvoV

jizuuupoGYrsYad

“……”GDUcFbYddzDquNVowrGVjHXvLgVVPr

IVwMVQdcPZURnkf

Ning Rushen held onto Li Wuting’s clothes, nestled in his arms, and was caught in the tremors of his own body, thinking blankly:fesiRPqIrTLBKvxkXviswWxUnwSfNW

HHqBlLeiOoYgWEt

In this situation… should he suddenly sit up and act awake.zLWQkMRPHFMpwyqjlZUykvPOyxMsEc

rMqLtWzgpFtUfbr

Or should he pretend to still be unconscious and continue lying there?vnqGsSpIhesPOiCealHhcgaPwTmuZo

suGrcosiAVTdwpx

 QMikXfahKyPiDECnQxTyePWIBNSHKN

nvCNomPsSWOirEL