Chapter 51
Ning Rushen endured for a while but still couldn’t hold himself and continued to lie down.PDZwzBlnkfhlrVXJoEbJWHYgLDMMsM
TuERRQgubYURNyNHe 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!lDAMlDNQNgHkMqFOFXlzhqvKOOAJcn
IPfARvsCpPbIbdDNing Rushen’s nose felt sore from the collision and was quickly lifted up.bBxxmQfZbYUnlNnXiFGDENFYyDsbLf
dIiFylRgNxVFPiAWith 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.qttwnoJbehIhuOiEdjaVUdZJjxrxda
CiSKnJLIZHmxxVtLi Wuting seemed oblivious. “Did you bump into me?”WmGvucaBIxulYcQhTgwSPsGVlCBSpa
dsIcjlizYhTvDbuAfter a few seconds of eye contact, Li Wuting said softly, “Blame the Beidi.”RkYeXuzglhXBKwlbNTwFgbOEAQiebE
gXLyvQhchZqKoeAWith a scapegoat provided, Ning Rushen hurriedly nodded. “Your Majesty is right.”GTnMzbYhMRLqWAWNIbwfKuXPrCRuUY
kslPkhNIHmpvYhhNing Rushen turned his attention back to himself and felt a wet, cold discomfort. Embarrassed, he spoke up:sLRGWkCeIRvryjeXqAsVZyiyiyWIOp
VzXmRmvoJjyICqVLi Wuting shifted his gaze to the side. “Alright.”OYtbkzNlbhVpAVSnxxYAVePElwmJuZ
hVYnPdPSDBIHJwMHe called for De Quan, gave orders, and then said, “Bring another basin of hot water.”nIlBKBImIygLTFOXchDyBoVvzbqyMA
NQEOLgkjlBcZIDZWhen 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…tKZSodMvcGsTBBeTbXFSiEIMYZpQnM
hfBHMKwtSSRgqWSYet he had still scrupulously avoided crossing the boundary between ruler and subject.VjkaGTNzuxHXRRTlbfrprzCwnaOKFA
YlifSKtAdwLpFnRAs he thought about this, the clothes and hot water were brought in.CKiFxgqdNtzGjDIkCUIUrvnHEOUXoC
bpRIFxAjwgrJqceA thin blanket was placed around his waist, and Li Wuting withdrew his hand and stood up. Just before leaving, he suddenly asked:tYlIxIMvmRHiHzLEAuxeCtNDjhTrtg
gfHUsOWOfLobAaM“Has the effect of the medicine worn off?”tDidzHHoPVkPqSkpPYypFNYROjlNpr
OYXXpOSHcOTKvGBNing Rushen was puzzled. “It has.”HOayUAuPpJifagKoCrrjThVocnLfFd
GXRmCnFenhMZjdXLi Wuting scanned his face, seeming to faintly curl his lips. “Is that so? Your face is still red.”HxFCEeilNtRLYnnmHFTCzXcBFFwmfI
aDwuxrbqtYhuCFnWith that, he turned and went out from behind the screen.OeFWdkQCvXTvGsiwFasUqTHBuzQeMm
DBsCBwAptoRLohuLeaving Ning Rushen stunned, staring open-mouthed, “…” What?YdjjtLnOEnUwWAFQAdmNMhypWbbdGZ
kTqgJvpkEOvRRTl…vTpsurLHbNGgsEMHDznGrMlaVKcLFn
maoGbIXiQYTDlDfLi Wuting did not leave the area outside the screen.HPREHdtEvigINetkswnKwftcUkUcWs
RJgeqhqbyqkapYgFrom the appearance, he seemed to be facing away from him.ETYrABLVSYQoYtpFyQZwaLpzVmawOu
xYyMacFeOwkBfzMPerhaps he was afraid that Ning Rushen, left alone inside, would collapse again, fall, and be unable to call for help.HguTqAKuDxeRWMZDFCusrkLmBnorqN
bpAtlHwwYPSCpIZNing Rushen huddled on the couch, using the hot water to wipe himself, silently relieved:WoJRcmoCWDRvPRcCRMhSkRPgnCJvYi
XwmrwpYfueHzOFhIt’s a good thing Li Wuting was here.contaLQLtCShGKTSzgvJGPyymMkZrb
jQVfDnugKYTPRcvOtherwise, 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…”yNazXKEwOeyTFNrjvyAZklSGOspEOX
eMIEMbZYOakDjlPThe warm chamber was quiet, with the sound of water being rather noticeable.HtUgCfnXexDNxVPPOsyJtRyWEbybQC
oFbotsftpRAONHgNing Rushen asked, “Your Majesty, what is the situation with those two courtesans? Is the King of Heiku trying to…”LiBrdgVkrluGSUhEDiEsPFzwhsmmiK
fDLNVnXbBlEAxhVA cold laugh came from outside. “They are testing where the line and capabilities of this new emperor are.”LOyiaarKEMupOyBqwxFrajcJsHNPpa
LOhQEztKVhALoKuAccording to the customs of the previous dynasty, it was not uncommon to send concubines.ZqoqDGvnYJSlUSASzNZcZBaFIxEnGJ
cmuCpgnQKePzDneBut none of them had come with alluring scents.zsTimAyOcmVVpQtWPkguBFwlbKEepX
mfhOXJykqFmwvPjLi Wuting’s tone was chilling. “If I were to accept them, it would mean I could be manipulated. If I refuse…”ztnEvqTtAnBukCIovQnGgNQqBLiaTk
VjxAvQoVrDfNPNaNing Rushen quickly put on his pants. “Then it’s as solid as a fortress.”nurBMEhrNCKDqziAovvlPrapcYempK
fgRUDEwGkOHqGYdThe beauties with alluring scents couldn’t shake him.QdzJNyvUsvXdjpLsprwgjJczMkClpY
DoqyVutUbsVWGys“…” The cold tone paused for a moment.rEylfryUEXZTjrpnJJNqxEWPFvTenJ
ODIfcfVCJcSXLLCLi Wuting took several seconds to regain his words. “Refusing them is also a blatant provocation.”BxrwpVSlrTkWxzXLgoYgCLouUXhTnz
qCtDlojemYORtmBNing Rushen shyly fastened his belt. “I see.”RAyUePZuYYFumpsyhKNvinlkbPKbwj
zQrzFTLzEWDkoRPThere were still some court officials and envoys attending the banquet outside.EdzekYbwPlaZhjcwLxJvXrtYdMgAvz
WhcYehwJkoclFIuNing Rushen waited until everyone had left before preparing to leave the palace.cuQOzeyNQBzCCKyRrSgxFPAbGBRNSE
MhgFfCWNaQbWLJt“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.”rBZSSWBXQxKJIDBkrKolvMYNkuxBTv
qpmscJaVGdXCLeNNing Rushen thought about the suffering he had endured. “It should be handled severely.”hYEPiiUfQoWCRvBZtqIctWUBiWavfZ
CFrJEGtHHugXiTPLi Wuting chuckled in agreement.VJASDptwHWCJjkNkNyAtHAYqcNXZkv
cWOzlIHAQYzJNnLHe then instructed the palace servants to remove the official robes Ning Rushen had changed out of.iLShBAdYtROsWWjSTLWkNifBjywUbH
ZmjOoykJdkdWXemNing Rushen felt a rare sense of shyness. “Your Majesty… I’ll take them back myself.”FOYTSbxwPAWCSBkoecidWspdWhkltE
QRSMKKxlOdVGUfM“How will you take them?”RHflgafPNKFtauNJULhjcRmCIhNNiQ
PPWApyxQezzeSRO“Wrap them in a black cloak—”BHxxEsKleIyTMElFiUBgZMmyFoXjIx
uSDupqYuLTfWirtLi Wuting echoed, “Just like a thief.”HlskxsEaPnDrksRUnCIazAoWJUdXjz
AcmzPfDgFyOxmBmNing Rushen, “…”ZbjUpdmsdWGEgHvoNrXbHKQxBtxBuB
LZjDtncfqtQuTktThe overly vivid image dispelled his thoughts, and he left the palace after taking his leave from Li Wuting.aGFrdmUjVUJmiIooxARKenXtVVdIHI
nKFvNWvOOKKkOKAAt the palace gates, Yan Min was waiting outside the carriage.ZNTmoUDOBIEZkZqoiUKlKIRfSGrdQX
YiKIoFuysNlTXlJSeeing him, Yan Min was surprised. “Why has the lord changed clothes?”eGXCCMpLwmQbAbZzQrUpdAFlUWqDbD
ByrwyPVuBmtjIxwNing Rushen waved his hand dismissively. “The wine spilled.”TqTeRjqzPpRFHZlFamzAxubwxUCDYe
lBZUhOEGrqoFFCQYan Min responded with a simple “Oh.”NkakqFSgmizHVPxqDQUMFgyRKSeKVK
LrAKmxbEKlNvxCUThe carriage swayed slightly as it headed toward the residence.hBdxBiklVSZJsIouddgxXIQyRKzFfY
GLqDVHQsBANOTUnInside the carriage, Ning Rushen lifted the curtain to enjoy the breeze. With no one to interrupt him, he couldn’t help but reflect:XyXYinHlLXNnkXQgIvwJaIUVSllvDF
tZLiohTqRhKCBAYWas Li Wuting perhaps too kind to him?dqLUpzqqKuhvBpPbkxeHtgnTzrwNYH
gCjDCtWKanoDrcyDid he treat other officials this way too? Or was it because he was always around the emperor?zocGoBPnMFasikUWsXXfLsVUZNqmqS
xmONxSjdxstCpRWNo wonder Xuan Wang wrote such stories.NOmrrcUYaSiqgCYRVgeyAqeBHfFPXK
VDRsKingGQsfdOfNing Rushen pondered privately, thinking if the protagonist weren’t him, he might have been hooked.NIzZVujvPJuEmUFBplOePfvYriQkBp
PYreQomIPlniVbe…KaSWsrjzKeQFVedNLrXNPiiyfjZGmN
HcJONlBeuOzEMTsAfter returning to his residence, Ning Rushen took another bath before resting.fqKGWtHTxnAodpzklKbFBqyNMOIxPl
qqoQLNokJbyHeoWHe didn’t go out the next day.ZagsxcxpdpKwkWTsiqEnRNOeqZAmEO
kwlORKbzejWMTozThough the medicine Li Wuting gave him was mild, his poor physical condition left him still feeling fatigued after the previous stimulation.tvjaQXVsNQuqqtveVUimtuPRiLoXVV
tTGNmNVzCEotDnPHe moved a lounge chair into the yard: relaxing was more suitable for him.vnWKagVwZDQJLmXYitigTQPqPWaxvb
DxqkRGIwLomhjIiThe Cheng Tian Festival was to be celebrated for five days.BgtccFrmuDguCBUNKpSMSMPxCjwNZM
OMcxQJANxaEwHAkVarious 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.bYZNDsndLTEFxHQChzvAKacUINLGiV
ftTjxcpqVvujafXThe grand event was organized by several major families and was unprecedented in its scale.XZpzapyZKJYUcBGhMZlkYkpzzLgpbA
JBwqiKYEhBdUdjdNing Rushen lounged in the courtyard all day.aoWfSWEXUOcnoclHenjCrKvQFOZquD
lxFisTtMIjBCAewBy evening, as the sky darkened and the night fell, the outside became even more lively. He decided to give his servants a break:MaCxEsLINZbGNYvndzCShxONhaGQiY
VvQQQpsfRLfpdoP“Go out and have fun.”WIWfZjnivconLIbavlsUpjhUPJjiBP
zNPUDEaZUULbCRbThe group of servants immediately dispersed happily.TBLuzIsKHNXUhHCLiryaXmGqqCIHQz
JymdMJQxOuJtbPKYan Min stayed behind in the residence, saying, “This old servant can’t row a boat and is too old to strain my back.”szmgRbBPMglZKUUZJrrgshwktFdUXw
JHxTGwmQGwBpBcCNing Rushen, “…”CvCiPlpFdnADouXJWjxijeTfjvaPnY
asLJCNBmVapbCrrHe 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:wnqXeKhNZVXsMxTCXzoZyVWkSYpAqd
GAxWxdcEnDyAQRC“Lord, Lord!”LHDOGIsgWqgzsbHgHrzRaqKYiBKhiB
yAVIBCIvsVgvahENing Rushen, “You look like you’ve seen a ghost…”ADdOTQFknLPKPcUyNCjScMHnZTOUBK
HTFxAcWDpVDoymmThe next moment, Li Wuting stepped into the courtyard, his deep gaze immediately landing on Ning Rushen.GOxxXynrXXEotmIltzJYcmRQVCDWbx
vJIPxIIODbkSmtlNing Rushen changed his tone, “…Is this your esteemed self?”dppfiopxdvmgRvcKYDBPTlzqEcfARZ
jGRmlAWeUPAieZFLi Wuting praised, “Ning Qing’s Yuchuan accent is still as charming as ever.”rxanMILzPTvPbPpxmdHDatjmzXpdNp
gwciGJAAgExxVWXNing Rushen lowered his head. “Why has Your Majesty come?”ZhkFSGkPtTAUdAxEokRbjTeuszWJjn
avpKzcbBTnZNZbuAfter a few seconds of silence, Li Wuting turned his face slightly to reveal a distinct contour, and his Adam’s apple bobbed:QqFfKPWFvRdccRrlmoWKWuQMzFueiW
bLtpeniCGOTYSbL“Change your clothes and go out with me.”wSpEZHerwNNawLqtlYUBkBVtPQhXoZ
xDQebvoHJilIbpNNing Rushen: Huh???GuJLioacdRgVYAPWjYxTkaHpLZQUkS
yuVoRaKLZtwnPdhHe changed clothes and left the residence with the others.OldlGOUptysFwSuBZkRrkiPaanNRbV
BMDDvFHnTjUExkXThe streets outside were brightly lit, with the ten-mile-long street lamps illuminating half the night sky.FbHjWtJwRUmfIkFOFjInrngnVVFhNA
SFDDoWUHiOZBTrEAs soon as he stepped out of the alley, he was met with the bustling crowd of the street.gzeSLiEfjzkdiGQouUyXtXGfkkTrHm
WeqSgxgSmEuuGGgNing 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.NypMGfsHNwrwCsosObuGHVhdNXTWRB
lFhNxnHdgkCxZpYThey were accompanied by about ten undercover Jin Yiwei.EwgQgSOJyzbTJcmjrhmTlJlHXgXHHx
IwKrEENVlTWHafNNing Rushen glanced around, “No Lu Wu?”mIhDCpOJsOHAwBpHwepnFLQNMgQDdP
VsDgVdrazCaBjwgLi Wuting replied succinctly, “The personnel are complex these days.” They needed more reliable people.YbCsLtxHzOPXWnzruBUOyvgsuxJeCf
wVzrJEXpGxicVOQNing Rushen, “…”bEZaIxWhAbvegQIqlrlETquTJOWJhk
lXyQZgKpgEzqtWoHe sighed for a long time: anyone associated with Shiyi had consecutively lost the Emperor’s favor.vxBjVtrKcvgcGpZoeQFnhkNsZIMDcY
FjShnPEMotSEtLqThis Cheng Tian Festival was even more grand than the Dragon Boat Festival.OHvPHsvrOKHWiDITalynkcLFPyoApd
vjKgxPDxBdPapqIAs 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.PhzyroYRKERaVJmZFLTESrLRqlNcIF
aYzwfqqAVDOeBcrNing Rushen gazed at the scene.EdgOrSjzmaNBlsIwJrAEOgpYnTPaMX
LWcPabbxWvbHaWNLi Wuting lightly tugged him away from being swept into the street vendors by the crowd, “What do you want to eat?”yLYMmQTrWbIwkPPkyTsrZaicXWWkvP
IxdCwKAjXzEOjLNNing Rushen, “This, this, this, and those.”OXioJtorlcouuTMECBFMVykUZWriek
UYxytLqtILbosGpLi Wuting said softly, “You could have just said ‘all’.”tUetDVTMEXWfdoCStYyWKyTwQMCOaX
QBMWuJIJAriIPhHNing Rushen, embarrassed, “Hmm.”cthRKtUtcPElOSrtrLSUwLROWAqBFD
PjaOKpZoQLtkADc… Shouldn’t he be a bit more tactful?VUizkXOXZlQMINkqDLrTyNQjHODSuZ
zRDCEeqzbDJhnaRThe selected snacks were quickly bought, and Ning Rushen, holding a large pile, looked down and said, “Isn’t this a bit too much, Sir?”gObTBSRrEXsnHLdPSWKPYNzuHUxKqd
GurqadLEtIKcEnQLi Wuting started to speak but heard someone muttering:lieXodFoGPLywflkqKniUGSsLANajy
ewEZTGMtChiPNFT“Can’t carry it all.”tMvxIYBbPGFSMFQHdJdHbpsinsWZvb
GMOtOICAqIRpgVqHe 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.”nBXPatPFrgpdksqJbmvgzExJKZzRfq
AfdTXlVsGCpMoIx“??” Ning Rushen turned his head, his mouth slightly agape.ajwMoXzXzCMOXePdNTyRLbFOzqNTai
jjfNSHUzYkNrFXv… Li Wuting was using his esteemed dragon arms to hold this pile of miscellaneous items for him?CzCvcyrLSSVtSPTMstDfvKIVznniBo
PKaPJEiAWRZCJpp“Hurry up and eat, do you want me to hold it for you forever?”tndInUoDeaJWLBgxGjjFIroAumgKXv
krNTDeHDiCmjZLh“Oh.” He immediately began eating.ZXTCfmBSjrerueAAUpBzzUTosjvcrY
vdWFgoUdiyDWIPRLi Wuting’s gaze fell on his flushed, full cheeks and bright eyes, a smile curving his lips.QaHbZvZevNAqEOwsqxnHcGwDgfnbpX
EixsRocgdOSUcLGDe Quan, standing nearby, looked on with a tight-lipped smile:NhzIiKwFxElwQsNeDcaFcQqLaiiUJP
PpnrndVPwQnbuOTOh~ The Emperor’s words might say otherwise, but he certainly seems pleased!oerVsyYBmEJNzZoRdxhYhRopyxaZlE
zOyIWQtPPuTcKbJ…YNJgYsDYcRJulIrfHSYQxGLZayZTys
kFuvMuunhFRAKyUTo avoid troubling Li Wuting’s esteemed dragon arms, Ning Rushen ate quickly.mLchAmSTzzdBahHKRBHrcBhNpUHJzt
JgWKWeAXdqFNZiABy the time they left the street, he had finished eating.BymnEcxoMTixALKAZMzEfRhkHkVbLs
qCkUjCHUptHgmhwLi Wuting glanced over, “Finished eating?”cktBsoiUjuNqHYIoviLEQerBXUlLHL
yodbdopakzKUpJmNing Rushen nodded contentedly.RKprBvgjxvAdMMwnZmJBFdkuxOTxgD
FnXNeVYDgxTNhghThey arrived at another street, and not far ahead was the Ministry of Rites where he usually worked.oiKTqayxTVSxAKElqWDJCXQhCYdVng
fAZuziwjpPPpKwdSurrounded by roaming vendors, Ning Rushen was lightly discussing the old topic of “family reunions” with Li Wuting when someone tentatively called out:ivjQRvzAycOoAboMWETuYsXdkeOcCW
mmUsvwRNSDmGmDm“Isn’t this Master Ning from the Supervisory Office?”vlOxQxIqljjmlZJRhGDkkDOTYhXvvU
UuPFCtjNKlLEGtKNing Rushen paused and looked over.BckoAJzAUZCaIuZCQXfDIwyjuZbQKc
iqQgaWMNDMCgYfqOn a nearby stall, an elderly woman and a young girl, dressed like ordinary folk, stood.LJtdYFafLxXniqqVEEGejqrWScgbje
siomTFUhFHWknluHe asked, “Yes?”ZWKjVqdBVoswoWgpXcoTRrxRAgIzWt
LpKVBYmSXFCKrhBThe woman immediately bowed and thanked him.ZEixUtiTJrOrCUTtrvJLGmwvWrsCoR
RsfHJTVqacbayJhShe seemed to not recognize Li Wuting, and just kept thanking Ning Rushen:skcfLWFcDkTnwJLIQKZrnBalwJlCId
ATQzCbDfTNRnaCq“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.”aeZlxifYBqYrUrpVzPyAbFwpUruomt
DKjCEAsPUKKzKJMNing Rushen was surprised to be thanked.sEbpvSDsxNcLmIDgIKcgkiudWjWtvq
scZxusMnOOSyPKZBefore he could respond, the woman pulled out an embroidery from the bottom of her basket, her hands trembling with excitement:IhGhKaBVJhYIjEGatKMoiaEOlLtswh
QkpZIVgycZmBScs“This is the best piece I’ve ever embroidered. Please accept it, don’t dislike it!”XGpBDOttopDuHlBfdlWgUmxxBsQldV
GFYEBcvsObhfydzAn intricately detailed embroidery was presented.CeasKCURORqqzpZFePybphyVEUKjlh
CGXRPnpgaCAxFJeIt featured the words: “Bright Moon and Clear Breeze”nQlRIGduSpkilXAkaGdxvOuKnBxMTs
qdfvarHahsAVgJLNing Rushen felt a surge of emotion and was momentarily at a loss, glancing at Li Wuting: What should I say?sMGuGqfPyMaCMAPmyBwSgqBGNGTucU
maYgAZCpStTGDszLi Wuting said, “Accept it; it’s the people’s sentiment.”PkEjDCfFGkmsjphmuRTgjjwuElxcou
XrohOLPDZYRWVsfNing Rushen thanked the woman and accepted the gift.UGQyJqzAXJQPXMPbzuOfpuRRKNscoS
RHdpUALdqkokQneAs 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!”VbBzBXomKAoPHzuYvsJsCGklceUwTf
cHeYmkMFWbxPzrC…JgEGniWLsRDodqPfuhTthskaVgQmwU
CcNtLVPfofCqhMOBack in the bustling crowd.vdqzaSleUAPqGgwomBWFiLoyGUqAKt
echwrIJZTXcIDqgNing 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.”WJlhBsvKbXXGGwTYzjoHsMReUzEqKq
yvmbmihwPikLWeTHe had seen this on TV before.GntpItcdZjBDKTxYGpahJNcAFjwYTa
hKclAtdsjQYSXgCOfficials and wise ministers receiving gifts from the people, and he always felt it was something very distant.ztEtSgfyJZREVkRQfJHGugUJgiNMVW
FxdORBmSTLDiTtuLi 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.”WkcwnNhIENpOQORFakZAqRDCztzwqq
DMiDmEvrlBtvwodNing Rushen was suddenly touched.eLfsXkdtjDqGNtSURgvecfqLAJwled
DOamJlfzqHkUalTHe glanced around, seeing the bustling and joyous scene of the celebration.yZjMmDIvxTSyALLjyPmEcfJnZYYvzV
wHAIAeeWvdpqKcWLi Wuting’s voice suddenly fell beside him:YkIacJdyUtkGEgWStUKysNeXHtauBm
buuQTHLNRyKmpYD“Still thinking about resigning, Ning Qing?”KThHewsGcVVAMBINywDodUXacNFAwX
htDLfaIZREwjIudNing Rushen looked up to meet Li Wuting’s gaze, feeling that there was something more profound being asked. But—YfgXXarmKuiZHVRxvLvvzEvQQLZjmH
FeQDrGKAfUdPbeKHe opened his mouth: Why would he resign? Is the golden nest not comfortable, or the pastries not fragrant?zjQMMknpUqFXHoSPBWOwuxtHjiEQTt
kPrKpnIpGmZUcPE“I haven’t…”QhUeSVeisjXjFHAJsiFCdSDceAKzkz
ITrezcKtgxcRURgAs he began to speak, he was jostled by the crowd beside him.mgsNRkWAorgZMgefsMBAtlirssyWuk
KuZNADNhHrliQVHHe bumped into Li Wuting, who quickly supported his arm with a large hand beneath the cloak.CSVeIUXYLzQhtEUsSvatEryLZRINYU
LocskDojiawMAlUNing Rushen wanted to continue speaking but heard a murmur.mFiUzzotmtAbgjaSAHRopwiRdWFzNc
vkEgpyXLVgDgLELThen he saw Li Wuting look towards the now-boiling crowd, “The performance is about to begin.”AmkMjEaknLAIQFvanLoHNArrVsmgqp
FBatQqoCFkyKRDTHis attention was immediately drawn. “What performance?”PwWhmnOAIPHBvOqNbCeQMmCoOjsHKh
DvblLNAMHqFjbYPThey were currently walking west of the city, with a city tower not far off. The crowd around them was moving towards one direction.ZFQxxxMWvWgdTeVSkcpvQlDdjbWelS
aIaJvqCBuJaXnCvLi Wuting glanced at him for two seconds, “Come with me.”VnnfARVvshyVBVoneHhUpdzkELBEIX
xPBjKnxoieAsyKlNing Rushen: Where to???mfgvcXPxgbybtlWpCeFNDZwmGrzIhk
zCeXaFiJcUAUOowHis 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.tCFPsFuhXeKgybOICFCoPVONUKHBuC
OQAOWeaILbbhZTWLi Wuting waved his hand and led him up the tower.InyjkwKdNiOpWATuNFFzhECSRdUZqf
rpmIwfiMKduqfeZOn the tower, the view was a city cloaked in night.FKzqDdFtzyRRZRxeLQLutvSYCbnStr
gaYHXQwzNmFaruZNing Rushen took a deep breath, “This is…”oHjrPvXEUUrSEeWzVVVmKhMcelolQb
aZDILvOoLAQftHyLi Wuting stood beside him, “What do you think?”WogflQopuhgjSltTJrPpzQGlUBMoSY
TirNWbPPDXBStMmFrom 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.hejOUDWJiSXnBKIljBhDubMBtLemZH
NVYibWHqbRdRBxfNing Rushen leaned against the wall, his emotions surging, unable to collect his thoughts, “What?”LVJHFOjIuYTIYeLvPnvDOAROjZnqPm
gvGuClguyfplUIuLi Wuting’s voice was soft, “How do you like the Great Cheng?”vBQSvSlToKXolQCoRgcDHXqnOtlUgG
PIklViCThxJnAGJNing Rushen turned around, his eyes bright, “Naturally, it’s wonderful.”EpTCqPEEdPoziKPCiWPBhSbEjPGwFz
bYxhfcOpMezqfOVLi Wuting’s lips curved slightly.zMKRhYCkNToUUhNMwUzZPmSmtCWIyQ
wfFVqOdenMkwGHxNing Rushen looked again at the magnificent scene.fCTapfxhRTjlGsdxNsPKQHaXTlYujE
NnMTaBupSonhtmwHe held the “Moonlit and Breezy” embroidery, his pale and thin profile illuminated by the brilliant lights, lively and vivid.lHfvziFFEzUKzdzywzdFitKMINsvNz
CGTFjxcRCCUcbcsThe night breeze brushed his face, making his shoulders tremble slightly.hWnxAOrHGIsdjtCgHWlLbLJEglotBb
YTYvWyNIlSssWDgLi Wuting watched him for a few moments, and ultimately couldn’t resist taking off his cloak and draping it over his shoulders.PnNkkWWOQjIQLDKNNYcmlPzvZCINRl
pkkyoDRdtMKarUP— He had made up his mind, he wanted to keep him.alDacVyUPDIkUyFLClntRlNKUlXqQE
dnNUYFzRDAKBwlvUsing his favorite golden pastries to keep him, and using this peaceful era to keep him.rmPpMHOIsYivLLssolATtZkXMnBqtY
aXnbWLjBbIxfVwZAs the cloak fell, Ning Rushen turned his head, “Your Majesty?”KUErotYTsLyQSUKtwnoLpEQAaVljdh
sVQDkIWpXyhvEilLi Wuting looked down, not explaining further, “We’re not here to watch the performance.”dTfAYYZEuwUDxLmpZmhnuGjQPhkjpg
yvKWERayCTqMLPKNing Rushen was about to say something, when suddenly the crowd below erupted in cheers. His attention was pulled back.CIUalonUvqOkukayJLCtiEBzTaLLKH
hyxKxlzzARfOTMj…GAUwrmhMzWOclHnQhVCXWDryIZRAFT
mYezdhYPYPkuzPSIn the distance, the fireworks display had begun.AOBWUdTzQnnFjxwXflTWZcrXKnSifw
zhiZvmsPfIYvzEoCountless golden threads of red fire suddenly burst forth.gQmdxoxbvcMeauxzwKmDKLrrBRqyiz
mVKgtlkacEzrmsnThe dazzling fireworks fell to the ground like a fine rain of light, a fire tree of silver flowers.JXkcpdcXgVDWfCZoVSmsMFxcsyzuUY
ioZFEhYZJkkSMAOLi Wuting’s hand resting on Ning Rushen’s shoulder tightened slightly.bAcWrZYrlpiPivliMMfsBYdyJSvDmo
QSWnvgFGIQAPkpLHis heart felt like an old house on fire, crackling and popping.UrbpefiuaLFNxwREhiDiTdcSSzZPAj
iHXERQHlMbGioMEywmEnawOMSYKTpbYbNgGkuEQniTJQn
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