This official is so weak

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

WiPTgjXZiiphbDK

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

aHImaZCXcQyDTpc

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

VIfHHsaTdtphPgk

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

fTZuBmJAjAFBVZu

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.zvBYvIALsEHQcqXSFTsbGfePxQaXDu

AbFzXtcRnbodEHN

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

SbftktqyXEDozrq

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

UcnhztaZzdvdESr

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

HzUhbrCZuVWbENp

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

EeAlXWLNnwgUrYr

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

FaixUpkZueOLJRQ

“What should I do?”pKydAGDbjHqIPcwMnHWWGKURKGSmHA

PiLGCXhoPqjWNiA

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

jejLcpZFUmqijZL

Shiyi thought for a moment, “True.”ymgaAiVATYiGsprHtRjiJgkuGWeMew

VsEIihcqLuyHqbQ

Yan Min: …bCEJbooxkMYCYawFmQEqyzrvdDBihV

DYfffQUqyWdwvKV

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

NvCertXtMtEEFFw

…nZSJAzcdmabOzQtghowgBqkFTbNVWG

MeLlhmRjlsDRCcN

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

qScRRiHgZQNsQgJ

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

qeMYtFvxiLlnduw

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

SGjNPiqgmfNyfhd

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

jFslzNhyXYAgWzJ

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

BnfryUoSBEdqiuZ

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

YlbbLOEbEoZOxNQ

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

jAGivqSHzvMHKWJ

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

EVFGAweIjbyaRJL

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

ivDncwGfurioUTU

Ning Rushen cautiously probed, “How so?”dRLJuUKJuAyigDrQUtWmVyXBAHciTm

PQvbptIxGjnaIKy

“Strange smiles, making mysterious remarks.”MqNViNCQrfMcfhjBYgLPdFLWfdRNdT

SbSHWlztsIpCQuK

“……”ToXJaaddgHKLQFwiWNYPeGLUqetYLF

oWyQgRPTWBuIbHa

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.ZIhtcglXCGpIXVpScsQyIerWaXCdlk

AYlZqGlBbeHaSzr

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

pMTMnMWtBgPTsOU

Ning Rushen eagerly agreed, “I will!”FAvPakOwlVqtAytmZYxOVTTjQdqfOD

jsuJgjIGLyvfviv

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…”jrExyYNZFXpuazxdvodLkHwDkASHDu

hhoWZzYQrSRPwHz

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

VHWlLGeIfVlWRjY

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

LKerqPstKEUfoEC

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

NpIaLXtytimkBCB

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

TpYYJVIndqhUaVQ

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.wKwWcRCWVXQzioFRZdUtUaQzRNoyGP

vumFDUrnsuzkjmG

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

RVqndOPHvyYBeMk

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

OssPhQLLgVgYCFm

“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.”LJtIWGczGOWZNgbNQZNgZkOKkxVBkc

NRXTIwSAyQrAaFJ

Ning Rushen nodded.lmqiwBmgchoxOpIKtQjKRAplruyjQh

LasHbLiXOPUMbwC

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

ocEiPSvxnlAEgAY

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

eZvmTXZWkXOJXUt

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.KKUNBHObiXBZjNVOoPnBWxUCvAAbDU

wprlMiCKjqGiQQA

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

ekmkRCHevTLlxlX

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

gFHgmaGtCaapbNx

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

wytreXREyGdbtqH

…xHlYPDuRFDNOwJgEUtNtXGysjNjUvY

cgzvjNARJyQVfdN

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

ZqWHtYvWdORkgdu

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

srOOzCgsGoPFDms

The palace banquet was set for midday.nginrBpreAXDTTJWEdhWcEsLAJJwqS

fTIfWxKHtVuvOSc

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.aFUoDQcrXReyABzSRzaaOOlvECjSEt

wYfALHlYXfXEjNr

The Cheng Tian Feast was a national banquet.xNilslemxFCFIEbsNAKTTkrPnBNUvJ

ZlkWUBGcUruADxH

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.BwwPjJMAWgUJopebwBDnJSSQVUAfTv

HtzEWdjghCiclya

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

TFXBbyucwfzFMsL

Geng Yan greeted him cheerfully, “Hey!”KvELuyTdEISvqfeujUywVbEoWArnUM

YHTiqBICgDIZFlS

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

ovcETWDsamUMmMP

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.”YxESUMxtTCBEMFMDzClhuKIIOrfbpj

LSnlrWWMFgYnRqJ

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

kacUMeMZBwomRcH

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

rpDEVMgIpIiWcfv

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

qPUUrgQIPgOOTpt

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.UnRdPZzkUIyxnpyrbMjCEEpTQtzLvG

tDdzStseszxaBml

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

IJipEKkLKPDHRmH

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

gIHyisqDwIJcOnj

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

rFshODXXpuOYAfk

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

fSBJbUkeMpOYSKp

Among them was a familiar creature.sqfqKUVpTZYtJhHBLIlJnIPmUHLVGn

ZiZPtoudHvGHbwX

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

jGmDoCfYYZjnmNu

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

viwTlIbdZgGkKZW

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?”BgjqMHNWLKWOOUQmSrivLMfbgLuxJL

zmubxcfyiDUTbry

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

jbWUmErAByHdYyu

“????” Is that an insult?rukHbZofEIiTbMxKhVoQapzILxjLak

SOQiETxPyinNwkR

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

avYBjJaOQCxMuGr

A series of jingling bells—bbrmOHcNsOWxExkZqkqrnCgSRVzWvM

LtgnmdAnzJUuVKm

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.bqEfzUDZUkGgPfDDyQqJPFPgfWFVbA

SCJCFzAvbAGikqj

… What is this, a dance performance?stbzSpuDUNWfMCBkqtMuKAoGKPVYhf

ozdYoRgXZRTMGYP

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

wTacribosNkQfDl

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

pMUdJgafZGsvWRw

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

EWpfAkaafCVcrks

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

bzlNqUKhsGKzblW

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

bOwzwOdWlgGbPpO

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

eKwdebKZJjCmVhu

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.”LquIeClSHRbcJSsGdxKomsElVkYiwF

tZbaYaWfaWdofrZ

A powerful nation dominating the northern frontier.fFeHynSvIImduelBHskZPcVaofBFCY

ieECKRdyZLhiFCf

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

uNJoEOrjPIFbROt

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

RbMHnoSEAhOzBBQ

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

EmAHrMvfnhdGxfg

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.HsIOPBPcGilYqBJuLAcUNnBqoslZDn

HNqHffYfIvbsWgE

In this somewhat tense and discordant atmosphere.hycUKjjvZBlhkKJEMAxGvldymYWksw

pElfDwhRmmNObrC

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.DfIiGbLeMHkNYSbjkOvCHMaNySXFsj

eQOrrpXzpzQGcNw

Everyone: …MwXgRQUwehlUfjpVrHDRSDZEzjyoqu

TBfXCXfFaNQTUmH

King He Ku: …NzmQZPppKnQgmIVwjJxwQmcHbuLnus

AdWXzzKhyGdikuy

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

ZPhVNXbhzipgpHu

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

TQuNhgkKUQQiIPm

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

KkEUSAanNpDcbNX

“……”XpbxHIwplerpFPaTEwKttWDURbqaPy

MbnBiqpEMHErqxE

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

NOHKqrxJhJoCpIt

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

ZMsaLqoyqwFhqMm

He is poison himself.MHtPilvRMNEhYoEFZKtCplRorUMDbN

ZRYEQlpTFnaBOsw

Geng Yan, “Huh???”QdPhyBfUDfaFJSsAilRYExbOyoSIUA

PUsFvrIYmJrPZfE

·REeGdJWEypLmOslUOfmnFqXgBnQlXM

PBcKPMLWJVbCsXY

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

ySKlGTLOdWfUyHt

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

icBIxiiIXiuubQk

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.vTRuovDXeyrLxKKYSgzuEBqIkvEMph

sZgMuokUfDTSSYb

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

KOGlhYeOvbIsHkk

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—”uxCrHjfmgrggEDPGTjTwGvFFqxIyCb

zdwRrnPleUkblZe

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

XYjHIepetELzCPj

“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.”rKSUFSPfFowsvaHbqBaNocdSVMVpoa

IOtQjxsnvFsYRNJ

“……”PkVqGLaLLjqCNGqutWsSIWOUMiVjfX

izxpCMTWrBTTVUA

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

BkNPLabQPbgGfpf

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

mUVzCMjpdmvkZfV

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

pDlVawZTSNLegfp

…ldsiqLVWAjKwlKEzdxaZrXlKkCEHjh

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

wbyvTFVrZlwFQQN

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…”dlRqhUjDzgcMepqEAgAOFZflmgBWYI

sFrSVvVryyHEtEB

He phrased it politely, “Sick.”rDOZJGvUHtUnJoikGAHVoeZFxFQKmg

YdSngAhgBMgjSME

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

yfONOullWnOaATH

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

zqshxSFKwzOpLqj

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

FgsxkFCcOTpwUij

“Happy about what?”NhsakPSrtjsZzEwdZVDvLJVWnApfxt

NncGCzouaVocRxD

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

DNlvQylWHiuocbq

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:ieuLRswUAkzjhxOIOuokovkDgeUVbD

krymOoekstxeSPQ

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

GklwWXHfFMTIywg

“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?”XvreWOCfdpyLocWIUgyXEtHIOrqyqx

aTXAJOkHzpSFrjY

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

OyDlrpuZjaTcVhf

“Ning… something.”KbCgfPbtNsFymBOvJKnGBfOaIyXCEy

gvIGLAmMXgAiFkv

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

MoIQRjWTmFkJzRA

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

DKmJbErQBBjUyLi

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

jikEjZcoskQnaRm

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

ZJDuYrtZASOTrAW

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:xKiApmqFMbpMWpmmEtzXmvTaKaRmbV

AtvDMkDRwNkaiEm

“He… really saw your dirty stuff?”jHHPyiKcyNNElEQZBUJPIkGYwsfTpX

iyTqKhHpfkMHLAS

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

pzLYtyflwcLBGkW

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

WmsDaudQLcyEPMe

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

TPuIaTqFOGKchbB

·BnbOPXKZDsGBZrwBrBztUKgPKQHfvl

nPZCmHfnVhQiRoc

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

PCaqHoRWkMcHbfy

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.LnlfniHXcopoqvWowBddzVQfCAtvqe

FdIlZZqbCTOjmdZ

Ning Rushen entered the room alone.WkXOJoMastNqHIofkKbntKtwkNSNGk

QLMvzCDzdRqBvzh

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

VIfdhPQRuXqwFgU

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.fXsMkgIIWkhMtJLkVAusxcXXWUxvFl

HYEpbIFBbUlXDKy

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

ezjGqqZFzmfimAZ

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

jFLtqtzRCoqepJj

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

qHSgyzeViOQAAHM

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

aCdJZvCeuCzZDdN

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

jCNAyEMaofOdHYZ

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

qOoBRxERNnNePjz

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.eQzoISnmOoBScHyIEHhGJVKqDsTDHT

icgNamNcPvMOdHo

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

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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.QqJRYNEWFOtpaSKAPFARdMmbnYaVsC

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

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

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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.OxZSHGokwMnTICrsBuzntTPtgtkyYa

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

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He Ku Wang is trying to…XncepLiSFbHJzfdWKdmkWTKhActJav

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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.OIqnXnefMeZygekjpKYTOJyEdBdTPW

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

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

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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.ygQHBlAfcQOgNwVyZMoxzGVtvPSpGT

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Ning Rushen clenched his fingers and trembled.yAprSgssuRYGZGjWmxpaigfsmigmdD

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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.jydwtXFPEedRsxqWgBSDLchWgNHACb

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… Li Wuting, where is Li Wuting?lBmasgMkZEBmeuJGnRkJdWcOFVqbUT

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

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

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

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…JoVwWCbXhPyqDQaCOOucQQrFPGQZOC

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In the warm chamber outside the screen.keqEHrIrraZdlGBRfgfwGTZTbmqxAP

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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.VgZmeGxNMfbOAryqUyZyZbAlwFFlhj

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He suddenly realized something—MPowotpyKjgxMZvgfQhoTbdxQJceRz

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

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

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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.”kvtoiJTpBktgJWGKGRtpEEuOvoOjQe

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The crowd immediately scattered.dmSQNfemHPwDnnWlJHdNmCPmRTDvdI

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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.SvBcdLPrtWzDVPZoFlKNGgCKtuogAb

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

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

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

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

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

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“Yes!” De Quan hurriedly ran out.UFJhwjrzwEpRlYbCZSyKwoOFnYeNge

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

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He vaguely heard Li Wuting telling everyone to leave.lPbRAwOHcalfUkQkWnkXdOmxVKzxKc

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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…”CIOfOVjsQzUoolojDBRnjzTAHddUlT

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

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

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“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.”rQLdsPDwTqUspigdvbCiOxlgaSwkEX

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The coolness alleviated some of the heat.drdKHayYVDJrSNNGNxTcbEHjyvKPbG

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

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

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

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Ning Rushen could only faintly hear a few sounds:cAxfIsWAQbKLGbPpAqyKJeuPikYNBd

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

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

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

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

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De Quan complied and left.hAebIOkldDoMmrpRyWJqnPjNmjDQTF

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

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The next moment, Li Wuting returned.bHhQSZiLpAAxljwTpDteJzLGJjSHOn

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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.NNIQuivwNrcWHEzuoWXmIjhEoUJJFo

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

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Soon, the medicine was brought.rIXPeQoWTXsbrKJnCoHKkudImuorqf

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

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He gulped, “What is this?”RllQVpLKAOxfQYRUzClETWmGecpMFv

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

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

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

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…hfxGfUGmVwPqFvlWNVmdboDZckxYJE

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

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

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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.jZFJlyeTsJopKlfcgyNkuwDWJgKwJP

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

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

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“……”IAYSvbSfNTpGMlqTQoDQBBcCaCQqvB

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

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

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

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 gTwFsvmhFfklrtiZbqMRlHmIIwBEdE

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