This official is so weak

Ning Rushen endured for a while but still couldn’t hold himself and continued to lie down.jQkUTkLiPSRLJoohzMSDalbrwoDujA

emBrzlSCsOpREOu

He fluttered his eyelashes, pretending to have just awakened, and casually got up. “Your Majesty, I have already…” As he spoke, his arm suddenly went limp, and he collapsed back into Li Wuting’s arms!keMmtXsKcHuIxLldGguFaahoRybRHU

WkBQHYYxiHygAvj

Ning Rushen’s nose felt sore from the collision and was quickly lifted up.fXlcxptErdyHqDONQJtJijzanYZlZr

AjhIqzqMqkBvsXX

With teary eyes, he glanced at Li Wuting’s chest. “Your Majesty, you are too—” The previous expression suddenly surfaced, and Ning Rushen hesitated, swallowing an inappropriate word.PQqoJweqDRHkvKGbIcjWdyNmjenWiw

OtYBIWkkJiBmZka

Li Wuting seemed oblivious. “Did you bump into me?”gzyaGxWZZPxYYgXNsUvJfcAMsbyJfv

wTiyOObjmpHYrQd

After a few seconds of eye contact, Li Wuting said softly, “Blame the Beidi.”edKAsTmfNxVoEbNiQQaqnvAgWflQCH

FkSgQMVuGzVwyPW

With a scapegoat provided, Ning Rushen hurriedly nodded. “Your Majesty is right.”KoChTVRhqZgsKGAuQQZydEZlZqyPgt

KIXWzvdMrllsAEA

Ning Rushen turned his attention back to himself and felt a wet, cold discomfort. Embarrassed, he spoke up:LUuQQrZUgNATDsSdRgrwSXiVYhFjlg

hbtlsfyfnWazxHG

Li Wuting shifted his gaze to the side. “Alright.”lpJYuAOMEpAQyHojxePbkriGqBYANO

CODwJEGfBkShMiT

He called for De Quan, gave orders, and then said, “Bring another basin of hot water.”qtuqEzIpBXoOgPgAggVcufiggnineN

kTQUILMnXVcNJqC

When Li Wuting said this, Ning Rushen recalled various things from earlier: Li Wuting had held him while he was caught in the heat, wiped his sweat, gave him medicine, and dressed him…XpPOPJnZKXDvKYrtkaKdPJRMRldzur

TdRPQZdBEKfisBt

Yet he had still scrupulously avoided crossing the boundary between ruler and subject.RrCLVrxdIpficWVczDHzqfVIhuEUjT

HLIPfZboYyeOmkg

As he thought about this, the clothes and hot water were brought in.gftdNXbNFVgfvVVaiGbBMqmCLoUsZn

lsJwAUwqTGobvYn

A thin blanket was placed around his waist, and Li Wuting withdrew his hand and stood up. Just before leaving, he suddenly asked:bFgRRRjRjaIkEAwNyNvlUvvCwpuMVz

rUQFWJUyGXrTRYI

“Has the effect of the medicine worn off?”rXJlTtFoQEzzWoEyUlMmSKykwXfUKu

DVphpLmgtKekqar

Ning Rushen was puzzled. “It has.”tDidSFAtaXfdBNBlcQfJOegCGmfzWo

xpjoJxlBecVfHSx

Li Wuting scanned his face, seeming to faintly curl his lips. “Is that so? Your face is still red.”uHfRzXFpdTArudBAnMTjrgAXaDWCVn

dWHFTGHxMlgwRRG

With that, he turned and went out from behind the screen.JmKMzaDNpOzAatWtTikJZfWhYjSUHQ

VPCVdSjvGVIWbrX

Leaving Ning Rushen stunned, staring open-mouthed, “…” What?RmaGwyEPHuGCtWTfVYhhbCKyUOlpKe

yfEyKvqQDSMMGKd

…LzMJTqYLmkcLKpRROkjcEQZQxVyXnK

KkmVtWkZEtGrwGr

Li Wuting did not leave the area outside the screen.ZLjtaRvgZwrSLSJyKXpNhusLogOwDP

mazlexWBjsEcfzH

From the appearance, he seemed to be facing away from him.bSDGNRMrwQPqiOgNkqtTXRFDsQGdOh

GfqfIMuHmUWgDPI

Perhaps he was afraid that Ning Rushen, left alone inside, would collapse again, fall, and be unable to call for help.DAxDIjuXnPHZBkGappNlOXKVaGLTCY

xSRQJpdnkSdjhXm

Ning Rushen huddled on the couch, using the hot water to wipe himself, silently relieved:LVWcUmuqyUrwCEzmFDORsKjqhtvxyP

FYfheJUYBtCMgtq

It’s a good thing Li Wuting was here.xWlSUEptnsCbMykRLfMOCMBKHEqScx

UCpYkLuMFuAVuEL

Otherwise, he would now be in a cold bucket of water, hugging his knees and shivering while murmuring, “The water is so cold, I feel so unclean…”XzzUynVTYhvNatbwaZKnTyxakUkupW

nHaUVnQXUtJcbCG

The warm chamber was quiet, with the sound of water being rather noticeable.UglRaliSEFerNgJNYbhZeYvUHsUNiY

GaIKBOENWaXiwHB

Ning Rushen asked, “Your Majesty, what is the situation with those two courtesans? Is the King of Heiku trying to…”njReIRxbvJDNvqXWQAyyaNJECZDUpt

PMIWdmODxTehdXp

A cold laugh came from outside. “They are testing where the line and capabilities of this new emperor are.”mlaniHtOwbsCNmctcUyjVtFGBoydXP

VmzsjnRLQJBFCGy

According to the customs of the previous dynasty, it was not uncommon to send concubines.mXkknieDBawhJNrbHrohqIYXRmoDZU

tQgwWEnYgPlbzAZ

But none of them had come with alluring scents.ZVQCXDNhyxVbXzavaHrUqzOdJZznHv

uIlniVQMfzuBKQZ

Li Wuting’s tone was chilling. “If I were to accept them, it would mean I could be manipulated. If I refuse…”RrCQPwHrvUPptSFiqxYeYWksbCYMMN

gLtZRujrOcZuADQ

Ning Rushen quickly put on his pants. “Then it’s as solid as a fortress.”AKDkbIlnVSfveFyncMqUqWqLYiQspp

JlXfMydlrXcaeDN

The beauties with alluring scents couldn’t shake him.yWkOLrgcIvHbYQvJFYGwcOMRfRmUCv

iUnmdomXBrLOuCM

“…” The cold tone paused for a moment.PnWQzzpVGJzvbGTtTysASXCBjKBzvk

UdGqDKZbkckKEma

Li Wuting took several seconds to regain his words. “Refusing them is also a blatant provocation.”qupjNSDrFXJSQgWPPWxUAXEfLrtHrr

TmXRyZHgpVcTGaM

Ning Rushen shyly fastened his belt. “I see.”qAjPDsjDCvHvstPZARWnQFOZtxoppW

AcbmjtLCYNkMUWt

There were still some court officials and envoys attending the banquet outside.sORLpLyXtBBDXFKJGEwAUVVTHxeCKD

hbqcSYYcqIeIYvJ

Ning Rushen waited until everyone had left before preparing to leave the palace.XGBVDkZegbxrIDezYeKCRpBKLDYlGA

WHwVAdiEFVMbuan

“You don’t need to worry about this matter anymore,” Li Wuting said as Ning Rushen changed into new clothes. He tapped the desk with his fingertip. “I will take care of it.”vXYLKjJhJnUNjfXbYrrnYWgikysRsx

ULZZufOpZopaing

Ning Rushen thought about the suffering he had endured. “It should be handled severely.”CQNJtIPzpYpiGqdxvSUCKwQUZnRuBh

PbNfCXIeGtTwkmx

Li Wuting chuckled in agreement.pzULBkhWuSbKZIWVNHbTuZbCbLjvoS

cTeEkMBYgzlttIw

He then instructed the palace servants to remove the official robes Ning Rushen had changed out of.zzddrJhIGRYXOSciJvuWHAkVxuwBXp

VpFHBfKCpbsMJHc

Ning Rushen felt a rare sense of shyness. “Your Majesty… I’ll take them back myself.”aDzBfxBuvVfoEqgOEAfhsVWSwYKhKH

wEzrBQiqfDnfamu

“How will you take them?”zUlHRSRpehkXVkiHvmmdKPzZZsEtCr

yTIwRNdKyhAIkJD

“Wrap them in a black cloak—”VaYdXUXhPxZaOzWtcEOCAUbCHBauHi

zXhlAcCyoPkJymo

Li Wuting echoed, “Just like a thief.”MTrJWsVJkyxYKnjZYvrznejDZkvFSb

GLuOorMeytuaiuY

Ning Rushen, “…”OkjVkkifUCsrvlBvCpuqqMxKJIpGqk

jJoSpjpJvmVJwaX

The overly vivid image dispelled his thoughts, and he left the palace after taking his leave from Li Wuting.qxXVqbCLXxtOwiuNoONeseCIqTJiGp

uewfWwUmchTvuCI

At the palace gates, Yan Min was waiting outside the carriage.cgPjORVVoNHgKcMkolvndqGTCikPDc

JYENhHfnpIWvTSm

Seeing him, Yan Min was surprised. “Why has the lord changed clothes?”FxsRLEkxojBFXHNMMjdIhorwrWaDZy

aDoUSxUlYGQhuNs

Ning Rushen waved his hand dismissively. “The wine spilled.”OJEHlHlvwHsCnYUSmzFDYuJLPmfYbw

fGWhYigZCYORLih

Yan Min responded with a simple “Oh.”QIYGBwStUroItzhTLWjgWUHApmvjWW

hpyJqkPxYIBadFB

The carriage swayed slightly as it headed toward the residence.bgNKAkXiAJhjjbrYPCQYuLYrOxulek

yMwyWKlTdGZYlly

Inside the carriage, Ning Rushen lifted the curtain to enjoy the breeze. With no one to interrupt him, he couldn’t help but reflect:HRUhbyxdUTEpHdNXqDvFzXWMXCBiKG

oBniuMpLXYVUAVd

Was Li Wuting perhaps too kind to him?fbXqUQhtaDWAdYBeonixZWLJzSmJiV

rXBpmMARDauqAYD

Did he treat other officials this way too? Or was it because he was always around the emperor?WkepYMfEfpBokGKppChZSEwVGqGWex

eKJQwQIfvlHxKga

No wonder Xuan Wang wrote such stories.IlyhtuQIHIzhtAFigSMZNqawEadRtJ

mdbLKEJjDSebVkI

Ning Rushen pondered privately, thinking if the protagonist weren’t him, he might have been hooked.PguuIEniBrSxSGzxEoVBArzUQOehNj

UhqHequTlrAIDNR

…tAlmdCWRXJFoSFtLwIWHjnEJGHNqEe

ClKldhrCyvzzoQf

After returning to his residence, Ning Rushen took another bath before resting.HrLZGstafgWjkcscTwKPKIGZDMxDyr

vIWQehBZmJcTgtB

He didn’t go out the next day.pBBqPipUALYwuOxYWmmoBAOayfgdsx

SJlOpakkLnaBjqp

Though the medicine Li Wuting gave him was mild, his poor physical condition left him still feeling fatigued after the previous stimulation.MMbpFIAGFEwwvUsyltueRzdjAqhCpA

kLWpmizuBqjRxfp

He moved a lounge chair into the yard: relaxing was more suitable for him.CUOOKxLOstzvbCHXTpdnXIPuelkmNJ

TQbNCzEpWTRJSwP

The Cheng Tian Festival was to be celebrated for five days.fOPtutVfwnVcGFfiLRLquCmWlGonLY

DTqMzQwMMSUfLVB

Various activities were held among the people, and envoys and local officials from different regions continued to stay in the capital to participate in the celebrations.KEukzgAekjOmeRpNpqBtRMUNCvFKdc

kfLPddDMAbncjXZ

The grand event was organized by several major families and was unprecedented in its scale.OSxjjeLLyWXVsPeNfoXIMGuweImCev

wysyLZZhCVCGuWm

Ning Rushen lounged in the courtyard all day.FwgsaCJijXMDKZPGhvdhdvqmHcaDvp

esOFllkhOTCUJWL

By evening, as the sky darkened and the night fell, the outside became even more lively. He decided to give his servants a break:lnloHPuNgOaSkitOrVJRkVnpYtfcQZ

fcGrAfDPBwVvfAs

“Go out and have fun.”dneYVmvpILALQvyYWKgUmSGNPFtCpf

XRCHryRWaIKaKEf

The group of servants immediately dispersed happily.XTwKzbehXqhXQorQDGzyMwlmegwLiU

JLhzEinPqxCiPYB

Yan Min stayed behind in the residence, saying, “This old servant can’t row a boat and is too old to strain my back.”AyttiIyEIRkkexqsYnwidOVlFipTqy

rDARpvIvHtuhnPh

Ning Rushen, “…”mhBbsdrsIryqbbXHMvYQNBCxGoxJSJ

zHLpIVFTalOiZuQ

He saw that Yan Min was intentionally staying to keep him company. Just as he was about to be moved and offer ten taels of silver to make Yan Min leave, Yuan Liu, who had just happily run out of the residence, came back breathlessly:gDflvHMWZNzYAiOZpYkxpmxCFxDlHP

CxRaVxyKSHlJnsH

“Lord, Lord!”rXEMziesuWqetItzAjfXOZeZfcGnZu

pNUEriJMADJVoWV

Ning Rushen, “You look like you’ve seen a ghost…”zuqjBTSrcsjTAANpsZvWbOLQojAjsg

LYZwUdKXnbTpipb

The next moment, Li Wuting stepped into the courtyard, his deep gaze immediately landing on Ning Rushen.FCOGjcLAixtHJAyVnNUqITEVHTeVdQ

NulqLQtoPQJuVhN

Ning Rushen changed his tone, “…Is this your esteemed self?”mBCkpovVsSjFVOyQLSZoRiCFJizvtk

ftUtjtxATHmMgIp

Li Wuting praised, “Ning Qing’s Yuchuan accent is still as charming as ever.”ZiHQvLrnObKdVtroRzjMqZJiFcFTcD

NRhrfrabisHFtaP

Ning Rushen lowered his head. “Why has Your Majesty come?”oqUDXCGhiiWETXmzlLAzxoYcjxsfku

KgdTydJZpuuObqq

After a few seconds of silence, Li Wuting turned his face slightly to reveal a distinct contour, and his Adam’s apple bobbed:AIFCcQcxPpLlwveOPbOJIFUtiJMNLF

AxYBZAuIuSKzCzf

“Change your clothes and go out with me.”gVnaNALZrBOvLXFxxBDhWEhakNNhzH

XrTXRfkDEjnUqWv

Ning Rushen: Huh???BrqXGLEeLnPLnIKUViQsVjrmodUvEp

yycyHYSqGczfVvC

He changed clothes and left the residence with the others.pEMktEeRstCFtkxcagjiTnGSGANJll

XUpsLPhBzFRegvg

The streets outside were brightly lit, with the ten-mile-long street lamps illuminating half the night sky.JsvVRoUTVutPVLoTKJxYKlGULqCwCu

SFYqHFLQSHgWwoV

As soon as he stepped out of the alley, he was met with the bustling crowd of the street.LzljpuefqpXQugCFjWpsYgifWGhSSt

TevMbzSLRCKWiJm

Ning Rushen walked through the crowded streets with Li Wuting. The latter was dressed in dark robes, with a silver-threaded cloak concealing the sword at his waist.jIvvuHvZeQIvNNQrKyzwznBpWZiRgh

IKvDXnHvNIvtUFg

They were accompanied by about ten undercover Jin Yiwei.ivvYKrFMMgKyCkUBxuAHfXUxzToOAv

YIuiPJBTGJguaPZ

Ning Rushen glanced around, “No Lu Wu?”FvNJEguHITtGQhMMbURbFtSaFKVlyW

UIFFkwazvHvfJeL

Li Wuting replied succinctly, “The personnel are complex these days.” They needed more reliable people.ockGoCxNKEMZwYILvsqGvLNhZwTfMq

nTCRtuWGiQxZirX

Ning Rushen, “…”SWEsriDfQbnOjDiPWLqgjUytyRWNwm

EqkOiATEYWPgdMy

He sighed for a long time: anyone associated with Shiyi had consecutively lost the Emperor’s favor.NliWPyaqQjQaWmyfKCCKyCytELmzDn

HmeFmaOsZjleqDH

This Cheng Tian Festival was even more grand than the Dragon Boat Festival.bTfIhmLVeiOkUAXeykjiPutnxDtkLc

wfuVhpxKVxBGSlS

As they walked, various snacks and handicrafts were on display, with a mix of sour, sweet, spicy, and aromatic smells in the air. Street vendors created a lively atmosphere with lion dances and dragon dances.PgmGWzPkPdhMPqizlRUHNXwnktEqen

MaZSiVdCnGbMMkL

Ning Rushen gazed at the scene.HcWaIeIOQAwiFefuQJPcrVYHsFxjrr

VfrVepLdoXdzGlm

Li Wuting lightly tugged him away from being swept into the street vendors by the crowd, “What do you want to eat?”MFmzDpDfcIOXgxZsOzRgXMAJTyzYUX

ritbvRaOCtfaxjp

Ning Rushen, “This, this, this, and those.”EwRJxbaxNlPAutjXsvUtZaJPsgpIFa

WDxdHHSWCgGBhxJ

Li Wuting said softly, “You could have just said ‘all’.”EpNEIpuhNuClLuqZhheSyEVlBANpGp

uTOBrwNotJaVyVZ

Ning Rushen, embarrassed, “Hmm.”YAbxzmGqnaqAoyFGTxETPKVkOeJYuJ

mJZAetaLnHzPmjr

… Shouldn’t he be a bit more tactful?uBCcXgIOlJuzmXTHPiJlHqhnyokYdO

PZYDOmdgwAefBpi

The selected snacks were quickly bought, and Ning Rushen, holding a large pile, looked down and said, “Isn’t this a bit too much, Sir?”SWskrLnHievOVXBtTAXtztHVUpjmCn

jTAQtjYFpsJyRnC

Li Wuting started to speak but heard someone muttering:HhfnAAjDcUTGuMxxsMawInUPOPKFIh

UYDrQsOCmcTKcLR

“Can’t carry it all.”rfFxdVAcDCcBMPAZpfjCSANLWSBMeZ

UVIAHvYRbCVadCT

He hesitated, swallowing back the words “Don’t be modest.” Then, with a long arm, he took most of it from Ning Rushen’s arms, “Hurry up and eat.”gWpNZkPhESNAjVGPurFSonNtyTvOqF

IOwpTkTJMTeuXdi

“??” Ning Rushen turned his head, his mouth slightly agape.jSnjiLZqBrbCpHLDUulUGvkjFgvNxu

yPERfzEWksFTnEz

… Li Wuting was using his esteemed dragon arms to hold this pile of miscellaneous items for him?wHfEgxuYSvMvGVbfFQXCApYNMqAduF

HaEPJZZMDtquMbm

“Hurry up and eat, do you want me to hold it for you forever?”UCTxQwpvINZcRIfjLVrLVhOsIPaPvI

fyMQJjAFhHcMloi

“Oh.” He immediately began eating.CxgtiBZVQQAMUNTLvKRBFhOpCksxch

aLgOIOUzNzweWdC

Li Wuting’s gaze fell on his flushed, full cheeks and bright eyes, a smile curving his lips.mPeoJRkmAKhsqlatxwzwHeysowrxeA

UzxHSCuwHbgjXFG

De Quan, standing nearby, looked on with a tight-lipped smile:DXcvBGylBEfkvSjBvNLncJxFAkpPRY

tVnNEdgsTOSYpfA

Oh～ The Emperor’s words might say otherwise, but he certainly seems pleased!zEHQWDMQcrKcdiHptUfsxMTdwGBTKU

HGHNeRBiwOUBXId

…zUuRPhzejiWbLkEuwfMsKTEYQSVUPu

zWRZbCGyPEEOBiv

To avoid troubling Li Wuting’s esteemed dragon arms, Ning Rushen ate quickly.StwurTJFaCwtbmvWJurdhgrCskSbdz

iLuSzXsXTcNgZok

By the time they left the street, he had finished eating.KcGQGlFUlEUwITjbKePJuHLoGTAekU

XxwFYjsObdjzPws

Li Wuting glanced over, “Finished eating?”KQUWIVQxzHlWhWTJawjxidEicLyRRp

eRMHYczJOBbbyCp

Ning Rushen nodded contentedly.ZbtqeNZpKUGaUpxcayqdJzHnEoIyxB

cTsEdLRRLKhXmym

They arrived at another street, and not far ahead was the Ministry of Rites where he usually worked.rhzINrOYHUjmtpKRtvAFiHjNntyZou

KdaETqSiyLIZTuK

Surrounded by roaming vendors, Ning Rushen was lightly discussing the old topic of “family reunions” with Li Wuting when someone tentatively called out:KtdnhhKGwyClaRKYlqTVdokvvdPdYJ

xzDbYtxtwaMumOA

“Isn’t this Master Ning from the Supervisory Office?”QWFkCFTewhxcGweWiHbXIOivWbJqrg

xeonoDPSrjrLOdv

Ning Rushen paused and looked over.cqwMAmUPgYudIquscsDBsNIDLXyuHn

iQWhvvzRSAlyceF

On a nearby stall, an elderly woman and a young girl, dressed like ordinary folk, stood.PLVMITXIDuXZPSAfSfOljxnCTrkRyj

QpagrlqtRJmzPBa

He asked, “Yes?”AJqexWldMFytnqhQueMzAkfJkUKyiq

KgWWuCQdIUqdunD

The woman immediately bowed and thanked him.VFTqllFkARIkLGywsRIpRAsnBmVdzu

bMRtRgZhvHEJPYN

She seemed to not recognize Li Wuting, and just kept thanking Ning Rushen:BuEygFugCUtCwPuEWtkDTxbKtFkGsT

ylyBMxiKKZakvjY

“Since Master handled the Supervisory Office, various celebrations have flourished. In the past, I could only sell one embroidered piece in a few days, but today I sold ten or more… I thought I might get some new clothes for my granddaughter.”LkkCLjnxwKAcjYJzcjzjcqaSWmvAOL

qUhnyWUeZOYzUwk

Ning Rushen was surprised to be thanked.YxCBTWhCpQdyLvfuWyZqBizyyLcHPC

edXAOGlUVKFSqTn

Before he could respond, the woman pulled out an embroidery from the bottom of her basket, her hands trembling with excitement:xKEACqAPiTLjSIyLETNJmEQzkDSKpP

rsAQUxpXSBZbFvC

“This is the best piece I’ve ever embroidered. Please accept it, don’t dislike it!”MOrgjvikGEqEOFlCEejioEtHsmHobx

DZuEyTBeCpQByIx

An intricately detailed embroidery was presented.kgvCJkOxebHRBknBtuxTIMBjbgvfcH

lIQsotrflojKkTK

It featured the words: “Bright Moon and Clear Breeze”nJHMKHytmdNSLatuLMYEaFmSaqEtpI

slSpWwEpanmSnTq

Ning Rushen felt a surge of emotion and was momentarily at a loss, glancing at Li Wuting: What should I say?vjnNCxRiMiHNNCBXNpZWgzouwmVXCo

rbpwHRCJycwShtq

Li Wuting said, “Accept it; it’s the people’s sentiment.”ZStdJvFQqZqyndUqBFcqwglCtEDfZP

gPPQsqavuibTqNm

Ning Rushen thanked the woman and accepted the gift.AokeSpgXEjSzphDfNwxYQPuChIWhvK

DiUJMrJEBbDPKkb

As he walked ten or so meters away with Li Wuting, he saw the latter give a signal behind him. A Jin Yi Wei immediately turned back, slipped a gold leaf into his hand, and then quickly disappeared amid shouts of “Don’t!”LPRZMehkZndDUVsOMwChUFIssPGVUf

GuDiedNHxCjYEaC

…liRBBKpPMydVUoRPcBMWdVoDPpRzPk

kQjrPkPaycrmCzP

Back in the bustling crowd.AmpsPpLSoFABhlSzidTByWtfuZmCGL

NinEaOLIALkCSVj

Ning Rushen looked down at the simple embroidered piece in his hand. “This is the first time I’ve received a gift of thanks from the common people.”qIgnanLxASbsYscBHVFxcHifDOEYHg

ekObEGjZUCGjPeN

He had seen this on TV before.XihLGJIXGjMYlRpQwwilAmTibEeLzp

BQEOgwHDImLJZLg

Officials and wise ministers receiving gifts from the people, and he always felt it was something very distant.ZOznTMqunlVWHPNjyRHGSosOJyZHTF

sHpwsxPfGLwiEzo

Li Wuting’s eyes seemed to have a hint of a smile. “To most common people, their concerns are just basic necessities like firewood, rice, oil, and salt. Those grand visions of empires are too distant for them. What you’ve done… you might not know, but others can see it clearly.”zrhyTeoysnpJRDAQHSnMqHleQIBbLv

PvnHINIElSqpWzM

Ning Rushen was suddenly touched.pgYLLijhXkeFEsWIRaPASXaxrEvHWU

iWGaLRbamhjhOeO

He glanced around, seeing the bustling and joyous scene of the celebration.wEeDdfZwJpmzmKCHwpBbXMuDHUebKN

GiZydkJFNspPkiv

Li Wuting’s voice suddenly fell beside him:OnOrrvJCnHQXudGlowgOHGarjfSlnq

UogKRdIoqGxpBkv

“Still thinking about resigning, Ning Qing?”siydPukGsBGENpvehOLvJfzgPGdJxh

uCmHlOXVKCnnaOR

Ning Rushen looked up to meet Li Wuting’s gaze, feeling that there was something more profound being asked. But—YPhdaTMZCjeiQSHWFCIPHYhHlbUnHB

pQPDcxNFQGSjLKe

He opened his mouth: Why would he resign? Is the golden nest not comfortable, or the pastries not fragrant?uWCLpamkfRYuatXQQHwAvdDbQFgfDP

PzuLyxkyVZGuJuw

“I haven’t…”MGCNbSIEDtMkxRDNdJFlQGYQUUDqDp

njASxdpFXXZQHld

As he began to speak, he was jostled by the crowd beside him.mCnXJSfmosaOFMVEIAuvAGlwPOZtWa

gIQRnrBRuuKJOew

He bumped into Li Wuting, who quickly supported his arm with a large hand beneath the cloak.xVFSVvFkHgMNIzJxTCZvUwiytNQkQz

ibROEozMUwmlklT

Ning Rushen wanted to continue speaking but heard a murmur.ymtpDhzoRVFdCAVQRhAfKDivnOGVEU

tkwMSwUDLjAcjYy

Then he saw Li Wuting look towards the now-boiling crowd, “The performance is about to begin.”zPqLGBcaJoRPFcldssaxyUYBDQAdWy

gXjwlOLyYlMIZHd

His attention was immediately drawn. “What performance?”IOOQqCZzpnbJusFsjeJvGuJbKtvguE

xvRRcnLvGZqTijt

They were currently walking west of the city, with a city tower not far off. The crowd around them was moving towards one direction.xuHOlKePPHnCyKCLkpnVCNzogzyuVf

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Li Wuting glanced at him for two seconds, “Come with me.”fwYxOHRVVqnYwZXhcNjQkuiCshtIqM

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Ning Rushen: Where to???ZMROqsydYmRKPMjoCEnRVpgrfzqHOW

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His arm was grabbed, and he was led by Li Wuting through the bustling, brightly lit streets until they reached the base of the city tower. The guards at the gate were startled and knelt to salute.sizcIVzmMrkrlZkdgqThMfjmkpjdiA

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Li Wuting waved his hand and led him up the tower.sLEsJwVITmLkcZTJNloSHtRcNzPIpt

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On the tower, the view was a city cloaked in night.gjLWKpwNBAgfSjxvoyfRdlpYbnlcEM

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Ning Rushen took a deep breath, “This is…”bUEIBmsjtOOIeUQNbApAWuRGYKFllW

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Li Wuting stood beside him, “What do you think?”cboOAuIJOlTXEjfWgdZPVvmwKOiuOc

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From the high vantage point, most of the capital was visible: thousands of bright lanterns dotted the night market, and the distant Huai Ming River was embellished as if a heavenly river had fallen.qKlgEghkAvEuIrSNrNzWDAboFsYhhe

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Ning Rushen leaned against the wall, his emotions surging, unable to collect his thoughts, “What?”pXgIHyHDhCOAVCbfDviPgIKyhHtDpz

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Li Wuting’s voice was soft, “How do you like the Great Cheng?”DGbSUmAmmQceYsmDmPrHgbOJAGbduD

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Ning Rushen turned around, his eyes bright, “Naturally, it’s wonderful.”GxxMEasLGmsXzLPTKTqpkYcKgrZfag

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Li Wuting’s lips curved slightly.YcMfNLVtGcohrcxunzwPKUEVnbLdXs

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Ning Rushen looked again at the magnificent scene.PYVRhgntCtzvIEfLBXqsJDVDpanGGe

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He held the “Moonlit and Breezy” embroidery, his pale and thin profile illuminated by the brilliant lights, lively and vivid.uzBJlBqXdOvDBOakxJowAJTOeubQuu

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The night breeze brushed his face, making his shoulders tremble slightly.rsSNHMHydyWnyAzloilxNXOlGwESCc

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Li Wuting watched him for a few moments, and ultimately couldn’t resist taking off his cloak and draping it over his shoulders.WSRcziemtEAtuPFXAEWeSwNGEsOUTG

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— He had made up his mind, he wanted to keep him.CekrBivFxwXXuhFCMufTRpkSSMGcRt

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Using his favorite golden pastries to keep him, and using this peaceful era to keep him.OaxqYRbhPcOpgoKOBQGscmKhTNmknw

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As the cloak fell, Ning Rushen turned his head, “Your Majesty?”SbKInAuLUiuTlbhmXXCobehmheZDrL

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Li Wuting looked down, not explaining further, “We’re not here to watch the performance.”WMgtRslUawmETbQYsdIIrWcNDjIsJK

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Ning Rushen was about to say something, when suddenly the crowd below erupted in cheers. His attention was pulled back.iaEHVSjBLPeLIGFbqZkhYKOtOMerVH

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…XQcUaXBLiNqtCkISUEmPZaHQZcYRJg

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In the distance, the fireworks display had begun.rHfRJusuCDbxlTeMsaxaDxSqsXFiVJ

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Countless golden threads of red fire suddenly burst forth.WCKZWnkzGpEfppTjNzylJDlcttsKxI

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The dazzling fireworks fell to the ground like a fine rain of light, a fire tree of silver flowers.pyuUHjpTmZtZpoOwbIDLkYJsKWXndp

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Li Wuting’s hand resting on Ning Rushen’s shoulder tightened slightly.YIEWqCToLdSLWHwDlobtDHrPPUacuz

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His heart felt like an old house on fire, crackling and popping.roiwQHHPWftDzOnSvlYzeJtFaUqiLB

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