Chapter 51
Ning Rushen endured for a while but still couldn’t hold himself and continued to lie down.SmhEGPRfTywFKDBdolVxNZjwQpFQIZ
NbLcbiJKtjPPSpwHe 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!GzpjKnLNBfyvyNhQLLvdlfybRNAPOZ
afdNZXDjlnPHVuJNing Rushen’s nose felt sore from the collision and was quickly lifted up.cgmgbiwcLNgeTHSmsBVNokhkJcIuQN
LQkJptdUjfmJiODWith 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.FlUQCAybrMjWPdlpSNiLaQGQuDVEmT
shJAdtfvkfFKhJSLi Wuting seemed oblivious. “Did you bump into me?”VLNJqCEfuZsPnvHiqAgvkYorczHuSe
hJaGjukjpRoROeHAfter a few seconds of eye contact, Li Wuting said softly, “Blame the Beidi.”nkRxQTlbZzpwXEAJMJpyXkxeBaIenq
gHoCRQGgOnoedBLWith a scapegoat provided, Ning Rushen hurriedly nodded. “Your Majesty is right.”pnficwqfkFBZCGbopRKblNOjFXiJsg
gWAOpBglckPvtcxNing Rushen turned his attention back to himself and felt a wet, cold discomfort. Embarrassed, he spoke up:dSGscwvIByXiXKHdVFUhMSdVyAhHNC
SNRLweeQfuzwtCHLi Wuting shifted his gaze to the side. “Alright.”SuZiyDfbUuTNJNgVxvdiZvYDFCVlQQ
OAVJTZmqHmaIIAtHe called for De Quan, gave orders, and then said, “Bring another basin of hot water.”DuIvdPYjLGvLHVyeHNrOeJmBkvAWBB
dLVymDkEoyqwujbWhen 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…wrioBPwcJJBbGeNjZzIhLhrycgAJwN
NWXAYDFwXMabNloYet he had still scrupulously avoided crossing the boundary between ruler and subject.NPZHEHxwZNHgXTdnNLXcGTpdFAtykd
bMzJleQPCHMlpmrAs he thought about this, the clothes and hot water were brought in.kDHPmeoCPVuLGSqISBCLSrseAoAgdl
XLEHLBjvlzhMuSKA thin blanket was placed around his waist, and Li Wuting withdrew his hand and stood up. Just before leaving, he suddenly asked:SyjoQgMjSXTeBDJlulwkUnVhLyCXeQ
EweVsGQpXtyWGpD“Has the effect of the medicine worn off?”FlOAUZRndbUfPqHpfdyUucabPPyVuT
xREFVCSjIXBdYQkNing Rushen was puzzled. “It has.”djexKXvBFgggTjqUZYxHmRqnfcxPvy
PryPOTAYTupzWsILi Wuting scanned his face, seeming to faintly curl his lips. “Is that so? Your face is still red.”NSGAqIovxpyzIlNDhCZdemKbglGlOC
JWMMcCErLeZIaaKWith that, he turned and went out from behind the screen.PvzlJdBzBqfssUwhcOcmqHRdumFoEe
qoXkigaMseraGdCLeaving Ning Rushen stunned, staring open-mouthed, “…” What?SwpwhYQXJGgpmWRYfoMVdBuXBKpkpZ
HKDCSLThtMOaRVX…NVoCesHVcLWnMwZXFnoRsfJNgiGJyj
CafwEAnsLCHFQHtLi Wuting did not leave the area outside the screen.ylwsFYljYiIHhmjIeLdZGtbvgLyIBG
EjhOIUypAZgTsiOFrom the appearance, he seemed to be facing away from him.CLwXtyNziviuLVBuiyQKbJQgFAhbcF
TbtjpdMAckaLcRQPerhaps he was afraid that Ning Rushen, left alone inside, would collapse again, fall, and be unable to call for help.oNLgqCsvVKfmvrplXVbGHoMlStsguQ
tgsNAirOCRUcEMQNing Rushen huddled on the couch, using the hot water to wipe himself, silently relieved:OYVCeiQxNCuFbbcodpBbpWhnIMElVJ
CqlyNrlXqppZmImIt’s a good thing Li Wuting was here.SQqLDVpjFvJNfjfFuOFAWrqiQLDesH
DHxnyWbfjWLNjeuOtherwise, 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…”MpmZxaTMqJxpCesvrJGksKuTjbEjFP
XLQzRlvXEmNadYMThe warm chamber was quiet, with the sound of water being rather noticeable.bjeDusTGpeqeYxGaFQqXjvhnLYtIIz
hrlfvzURURFmVQlNing Rushen asked, “Your Majesty, what is the situation with those two courtesans? Is the King of Heiku trying to…”SCWpfymFtKZkinCuHqHhSEyXIZxBDF
kWgdRqCpGpnLSPBA cold laugh came from outside. “They are testing where the line and capabilities of this new emperor are.”iKSbUQsCNgSPmKtHpKauVZwjlojGhZ
erramEIKcvuMTNxAccording to the customs of the previous dynasty, it was not uncommon to send concubines.NCkhEexXsbtqtvYetevewwkhoSxelx
ZPMNLNyijdUqlXYBut none of them had come with alluring scents.ZGKKlXjZGooJeCMrxGpztTqwAITGJz
zkpdUipIFWiiCoILi Wuting’s tone was chilling. “If I were to accept them, it would mean I could be manipulated. If I refuse…”COSINRJSZdEPbXaHMMMblSTNdyuYkw
ghEeYYlLmKHzdzqNing Rushen quickly put on his pants. “Then it’s as solid as a fortress.”kPkSYQrIlByUPBZaSByTwEyOJrPBPk
BxCTuozKaTxCnQbThe beauties with alluring scents couldn’t shake him.AJgJDApffDsQSquZiOAlisSsqRVWgQ
gJpoDkMYxxxCGJQ“…” The cold tone paused for a moment.YKFrhUYmfXYBTLayRBcyldOyGwUgZd
kZUdqhHNSuELrtCLi Wuting took several seconds to regain his words. “Refusing them is also a blatant provocation.”xpsWHEGpsETjyTqRgCGdxrJsCeotUy
XhJKZKqoBGRaZMhNing Rushen shyly fastened his belt. “I see.”dBOgqUNMTcPEUdGnKHksYOemnJQVNW
OKLOekPRrPulKHlThere were still some court officials and envoys attending the banquet outside.CRmNKDobdFOKlNqfubEzVYoYIsLifW
uoFExHHvpYXmjuCNing Rushen waited until everyone had left before preparing to leave the palace.czkDrsxlHcPVxYTHjiwONjpbaGYuVm
frgwcGqWcDwBMAB“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.”EqFdMpZrOIzLboatnMCLRandXVJxXk
LUOqApUmxMLCTPZNing Rushen thought about the suffering he had endured. “It should be handled severely.”RQBJuVXIBhkrhqoiQgAoUCaSlfJKjn
XJltxsHwDWVxkdsLi Wuting chuckled in agreement.YhdaLsjEgKZalEeFqeNIZjydujmhvW
XoGolAECigQSvudHe then instructed the palace servants to remove the official robes Ning Rushen had changed out of.BNiLVfPzYGjBYjVbrbGrEioHbiZOmw
IWidRYJsjBHZNpBNing Rushen felt a rare sense of shyness. “Your Majesty… I’ll take them back myself.”FIjqTxgprQMehhXRxwlhrjQWUKcwpt
NtEuWhCbZskoDmn“How will you take them?”PMyYFUuYCMJvjgwdwlMXKQyJcutqyQ
ExxuFMhSjlUvXht“Wrap them in a black cloak—”IzMCwydInFkTefkUBCdsqUpabswVto
NbYuHroiOrfFTtjLi Wuting echoed, “Just like a thief.”aEYRpmNplxNENrsKzgcwvldjRwwZkp
rLuSCpUhLPKFBuxNing Rushen, “…”EdpmAJzttJoQWnOIVehApcgajlFCxm
UdjxiaYVLavncrDThe overly vivid image dispelled his thoughts, and he left the palace after taking his leave from Li Wuting.TEFueNcdOGHXmKxVyopGUgfCHrlfEq
bsMihXgTYQVuOKEAt the palace gates, Yan Min was waiting outside the carriage.dWDujqRqbLgQjOkKNJCwMJSPVxVAOZ
WQjBtjkWswSILSgSeeing him, Yan Min was surprised. “Why has the lord changed clothes?”UdhFdHedrJnpUZEyVjCsojyXeHtVYe
uVaPPjrNHmcZKHuNing Rushen waved his hand dismissively. “The wine spilled.”eaWuqDTHgUxkjQtNWDIOSmcTWfESpz
JKJXCblxkxugGTPYan Min responded with a simple “Oh.”xthplsrZCetWnQrWZQhwbglVIrPVQl
EKNbmJqAOFXLJnlThe carriage swayed slightly as it headed toward the residence.VfKObGBDokqjagwVxbaWEvuvBXFNrX
XYoxenYJjexAcWaInside the carriage, Ning Rushen lifted the curtain to enjoy the breeze. With no one to interrupt him, he couldn’t help but reflect:YIsfZehJhDjiJFWHfjWFMtDXLVLzTz
RyJZrAxgLsTLfuXWas Li Wuting perhaps too kind to him?afXOsBiZeUKAGEeFwCAdVExIjFwiVu
XSlosMIeiqjKSooDid he treat other officials this way too? Or was it because he was always around the emperor?SCgfAKpjNrmbAqYziobDKWdBnJCmee
KeSTwNGTgfhLhPyNo wonder Xuan Wang wrote such stories.GoyOZbbuPmzElTJEfLxXULzSIbAEoT
bzuBNbeUQeQzIaNNing Rushen pondered privately, thinking if the protagonist weren’t him, he might have been hooked.SPoFwjNgWLApacfnGwikqCFCRcKrvl
gaNwnaDIQDEkIVJ…PHpyuAcGcFvBIUGESzrWcVNcYPtpQr
gCfvqMdUvatKOpqAfter returning to his residence, Ning Rushen took another bath before resting.PXEQVvlgAAjFeKyRWzYvTBqnvDnOwm
nppijeHoTllgcOiHe didn’t go out the next day.GgudTbYdAiiHQOCFpjuwClEwusJCVm
yhgtpZCwaaSwQeaThough the medicine Li Wuting gave him was mild, his poor physical condition left him still feeling fatigued after the previous stimulation.SYanGxzaRHUlCvjgCEGwJgPPvLzhNu
SOmehovqgOXGUGGHe moved a lounge chair into the yard: relaxing was more suitable for him.JNVQuqDtKoAvCYOaUdQkYyFMUGXBMj
hngvfmaozuzAGlIThe Cheng Tian Festival was to be celebrated for five days.huNxBQmqHnxcPulHZvEsrbChUSpIYN
DvpsEwkJvhkJFvLVarious 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.PudffeQqmbBLfjYjPIgrSyCxDboeJg
LMlTrywNdNCMNENThe grand event was organized by several major families and was unprecedented in its scale.uUYDMEhEeKZePxZcsxByXgfnZRmWIV
snrYUfStgxdDBMqNing Rushen lounged in the courtyard all day.DvxgIliUGKwnPtaXxAgqXdcrxTRIGf
FkxFLcRRpdJyMvNBy evening, as the sky darkened and the night fell, the outside became even more lively. He decided to give his servants a break:ZpFekigevFTFeMRXiaANEWPpSDbIXM
FetziNzFURfkAUS“Go out and have fun.”RtlGUfHSNKnHyFXYKgFIXQYNhSWlXn
QnAUkBEngeYpSAHThe group of servants immediately dispersed happily.PfkqnrGVHMDYipAzsUyejdamomTKaH
bCVFfeoWJCBEbxaYan Min stayed behind in the residence, saying, “This old servant can’t row a boat and is too old to strain my back.”NJPIiRSPoPHhqIlNDAcHfSGnMMfqEM
pLcmuUmxzvFsXFMNing Rushen, “…”GOVcjcavjIksqhJYSoSLtSDySwxvEE
TXEOlEUyLZUuhxHHe 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:seGBcjxHuUwUXwymgfLpubEloDIYUJ
ikkAcoSOfsnjfzw“Lord, Lord!”PYgxUyjdoUTQtXOfwawRYhVIiuNSQH
jGwJCxaFiLXidUANing Rushen, “You look like you’ve seen a ghost…”fdvFzpNvZmGyLuOZMRjSTBtwtRSRsU
fLACNJksnsoTREoThe next moment, Li Wuting stepped into the courtyard, his deep gaze immediately landing on Ning Rushen.SUOArZVWlFUlwZKeEcKrDByjenIAGb
SxchZaprwjlPbosNing Rushen changed his tone, “…Is this your esteemed self?”pCNsytXPaECykKimqhGsnrxHqUcMdJ
lCFBbuRbEdbkDEPLi Wuting praised, “Ning Qing’s Yuchuan accent is still as charming as ever.”yfRhApVZUuBPAnnuWAmyduQTbEEJEj
eLJzDnpQEZLbcglNing Rushen lowered his head. “Why has Your Majesty come?”ZQkbIeliuhOeOPpNKPNFbEakULlZxF
kGyUqPMqgCXjBPnAfter a few seconds of silence, Li Wuting turned his face slightly to reveal a distinct contour, and his Adam’s apple bobbed:elCLXibsPTftdccQzqfBsDVAvZaHqD
dHdsyyTiwHtweex“Change your clothes and go out with me.”rxbxwvyynxGKeTKWZqgcnYnVCeRCmo
CamnhKojBHtzhiONing Rushen: Huh???FKbWsCqDsjJzsxaTiFCsmfGVccYvHD
rNbwZRQvDghPDGHHe changed clothes and left the residence with the others.YCWXzPoalKRQaTjPUazbpwhkDrXNnE
BETStsLeoufPSHDThe streets outside were brightly lit, with the ten-mile-long street lamps illuminating half the night sky.tapqQNgNNwBraLEJvcmeUpQPDnVuSS
IBHPTCEibeqLbaMAs soon as he stepped out of the alley, he was met with the bustling crowd of the street.wBOTMvbhbxQRNUqgHSXNzMktScuUFZ
ZHiHwNAmLcRiTfiNing 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.EmeayUBovYtOshORXTsWCEXVNAjhQx
YsscmDiqwqOvCvJThey were accompanied by about ten undercover Jin Yiwei.ertbIFLCCvZjzkBhhfLklpHOiJEMRf
fVqyPqZwSgBPlNBNing Rushen glanced around, “No Lu Wu?”fZFwBhonnIcemjyOUYQurwfZNKOEZy
WWsgUpRkROKWcYNLi Wuting replied succinctly, “The personnel are complex these days.” They needed more reliable people.UKamttFRXHxoKIqDRAzBOTQaVkwFSt
LbLRyKJnflTvlCfNing Rushen, “…”FcEYUMIsnuUWAFvRQrmwSkNEdbFLvx
ZEwrXYwInyZaUhzHe sighed for a long time: anyone associated with Shiyi had consecutively lost the Emperor’s favor.VdKunBMRUILnSVVKimIhhHVOcAgIga
DKpWwHMcaAgybIKThis Cheng Tian Festival was even more grand than the Dragon Boat Festival.ETdYOmWtkbolMJNvPQoeLoPlWvOQAu
QwmQxJpvrmQTNmhAs 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.CkOnOuwLTGHlcmegtQcjUnMNIKKTpM
tQcNXbtSQrSoBgdNing Rushen gazed at the scene.YyEMBRnxRupPSWgJHrSnhmCdxQibnj
acdqpVLHJrzMqdcLi Wuting lightly tugged him away from being swept into the street vendors by the crowd, “What do you want to eat?”izudHpFkCQEOqQbrqWPUzwLAOXQgAK
wZSTCprufywuSYlNing Rushen, “This, this, this, and those.”wFFsNnaEOOGsHFVRTdEGHkwFuoLAes
TnTVInplIQaeRexLi Wuting said softly, “You could have just said ‘all’.”jXZvJahfWeKYoKVRxKHWpgLrSwcFVf
RdGdAeDrwGgNesXNing Rushen, embarrassed, “Hmm.”vObdJvAGoiLHEmIctGYsxRcQboNFbQ
gIhNtxwDrZhSLae… Shouldn’t he be a bit more tactful?qEIkvEgbOTUvjTWqnEzJFjrgRbISKM
oJnUqMjwBGkheMMThe selected snacks were quickly bought, and Ning Rushen, holding a large pile, looked down and said, “Isn’t this a bit too much, Sir?”jdRoUUGWoqmnuCLyvzpzAIAoHrNmuS
RcTfAXINijSBJeHLi Wuting started to speak but heard someone muttering:gnXItSxXpoocyAPYoYPPKeEcAJaSCw
fYFHbylwMlzvbjW“Can’t carry it all.”hqlCCJXVpEzgyFVOHTmqKdYVjPYXID
IrizteNzynnVfUsHe 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.”xcCDbDXMYuRBysxCANcKQKbdvWEMEz
AvzYaIDNdtexsDN“??” Ning Rushen turned his head, his mouth slightly agape.SjpSYSrQwMuPsqgPUGGxzMTZJbAogJ
cwzYfJdobIEPGAK… Li Wuting was using his esteemed dragon arms to hold this pile of miscellaneous items for him?USRtkFPowyfsFewdCNukdUOtuIHWjZ
bSwhGjuwFDsVxAH“Hurry up and eat, do you want me to hold it for you forever?”PkNgNoWhvCFthqVvHYoXRyFrfAWUoH
BBlDVvmtSqkUNvw“Oh.” He immediately began eating.iXYonRVIycZtwBoIthmLXjLvVjCTqe
pQTXmPnXkLayJEWLi Wuting’s gaze fell on his flushed, full cheeks and bright eyes, a smile curving his lips.zQBGqRYEqjfRVaoilctwWrHOfcyHzK
TcBmMciOhLmwZkZDe Quan, standing nearby, looked on with a tight-lipped smile:CaqQiwHdgWrJFnglpTyDIIcHJMYhLA
wmfkNkDmmmRGYIEOh~ The Emperor’s words might say otherwise, but he certainly seems pleased!uEJirBTlMtteEHEQyUKJupDVqKWlwN
aBPPDzGumpOHrss…lGUSMOUgaLMAcAKYjdrlGUOzwzGflb
ZiYYnOggzrmqChmTo avoid troubling Li Wuting’s esteemed dragon arms, Ning Rushen ate quickly.EnDKfoTcGRPxIaXgzpGbOEsKZJlFlQ
JzdPKDYWxSKbHFiBy the time they left the street, he had finished eating.qAyOIoFbUqcsRATDrJDZYmHNIHJmrx
ZGVMjYJxVTqKlGhLi Wuting glanced over, “Finished eating?”PUrWGPmKVTxHRzTfrTupniwVwfgxiT
CGEvFAHaoIXDTEDNing Rushen nodded contentedly.hbqvkbPXcaaQTYAaXLVPlFrYfxpfdj
MQpYhLtMCbmTLPDThey arrived at another street, and not far ahead was the Ministry of Rites where he usually worked.BXyeTQejNZbYYCcOFzZyOMinlXfRrM
laWUqpVLVWIcRJTSurrounded by roaming vendors, Ning Rushen was lightly discussing the old topic of “family reunions” with Li Wuting when someone tentatively called out:iAFOSSDnTDNulAyQzewWaGuZzzWRZa
QgtaAfbyqmcKlju“Isn’t this Master Ning from the Supervisory Office?”xmDzcWRHVFkoGJOvwzZgTXtoQxLyjy
uJMrIodVnECGTMuNing Rushen paused and looked over.isjbLaaNQskkZDGEhsGuilTIHJvQdD
MRdgQwRgvzzSZbjOn a nearby stall, an elderly woman and a young girl, dressed like ordinary folk, stood.bBFfPVdDaltCaySzCgAWxVvmIqWqWl
XQOrlvzZrLKeakTHe asked, “Yes?”mhFZENUBFOxhabdJMxieYjYQalwVmP
sGutsTxOXFLItqyThe woman immediately bowed and thanked him.ECdNLnuznheeCMZFFUHtwRinbQIFpu
cLKRsaruTcNWmHFShe seemed to not recognize Li Wuting, and just kept thanking Ning Rushen:GeEKMHQCPVCeZYCgCFWlVBedkvJlXT
PRDElIlmzmVXLGc“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.”PMZYuVIVNUVrKVfjEGKquIkoLIusGC
KecWaIvHMFTtUkENing Rushen was surprised to be thanked.QKpChOfmNDBRMuGAkLdVcWtESoSUMm
YdAfEISNEuitnxbBefore he could respond, the woman pulled out an embroidery from the bottom of her basket, her hands trembling with excitement:mGVMGsDTAvfPAXnlxByJYuInvNNfoe
UggCcWgRdVsCtaO“This is the best piece I’ve ever embroidered. Please accept it, don’t dislike it!”tyIPhFQzHzvtuOdUUBdcYYygJdAmHg
NAzjSYQoXpxXIvwAn intricately detailed embroidery was presented.clOcrZpwAOnstgLOdbAWqYnyPvChxV
ztXnYTCFVmJItmUIt featured the words: “Bright Moon and Clear Breeze”MmtyfGQaxYxNxdbyzMPuufHIBvaAys
rsKdHBtbbvbnprqNing Rushen felt a surge of emotion and was momentarily at a loss, glancing at Li Wuting: What should I say?ANdxnGYHColQkfdtsnhscmoUCYbABH
IpSUeAfabMJubxYLi Wuting said, “Accept it; it’s the people’s sentiment.”kNrvDsFvAwVJhVLvbHCUiSNDMhoRpr
cnDuSDblroRnmEWNing Rushen thanked the woman and accepted the gift.KWKHXmPAZlSIzxGCnSDeaNazyLRyKe
CZYQUzzEUVcNHDMAs 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!”nFkiKDcRbcZdctJnzNbYwoUOTuyXnh
XhJfFiDzVvREhHE…MlmaRtpONsZPPkGeeqIJBwMQklkPax
LDfDAsakRHqLgTbBack in the bustling crowd.uIfSPTLkzmmrrxSApxPcUwyCrWVOgP
hiToJTyBRKcupZTNing 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.”zgiyLwhsKtaxsviGXljqfQjUsfwTeN
lIsQGEyWImNtAqeHe had seen this on TV before.bxCIUOmAzdbQEDyJoLDPxZKqvtdCWS
ramxYFUBkXkRdtSOfficials and wise ministers receiving gifts from the people, and he always felt it was something very distant.lzuskrzHKiIZuwQKvQIXnuQVySBaRr
dtLDWwoxrGYNAesLi 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.”MQKsNCEXlVdMopOLFSDRprbNVBNFFC
aOSsGNYYqfokFRsNing Rushen was suddenly touched.DmYkEjzgvGBGoscrGfwFdQWGTogvdR
YwhHAlSMsrfrVVgHe glanced around, seeing the bustling and joyous scene of the celebration.YpcafKoxJmmfWAxZpBetVtxmCGZqeu
cWHwkjBuUhztqVuLi Wuting’s voice suddenly fell beside him:FiNLCXGCQmcvJJhnKFMiiTMzQoPVYu
rhaUdOWCOaKHqUc“Still thinking about resigning, Ning Qing?”zkxGJgLNzNSWNoqTSRAoKahOxnQlzJ
TWuxTxqMIwkUpSTNing Rushen looked up to meet Li Wuting’s gaze, feeling that there was something more profound being asked. But—trSIUwvCHWKlalikVWiFEVdPriffxU
ehMORRmILLbnSvmHe opened his mouth: Why would he resign? Is the golden nest not comfortable, or the pastries not fragrant?LOSdKQPvKaCqmfBiiFimtYCxUlYQDp
QgJiNbdOeIDVPmz“I haven’t…”zffeBZCvJFpIHNjKcrpsLGhavhuSdw
gdsoYbksLLFqpqtAs he began to speak, he was jostled by the crowd beside him.mEKNfYnEocgTxESLGexcyCnTFFsUhi
mafHLYxUhKbMDSUHe bumped into Li Wuting, who quickly supported his arm with a large hand beneath the cloak.xpXBdpcKPsnucWAHACDhCliimZMYDx
oaESyYcLXDggPuLNing Rushen wanted to continue speaking but heard a murmur.WPBoSITDAdpPexEXyuJEfalyVKgnAI
jrljjUoYiFoeVYDThen he saw Li Wuting look towards the now-boiling crowd, “The performance is about to begin.”ATWWBPeNoIpDUoFKBEmVFmtxPEFMZU
KyCKDfXUjVmQPCYHis attention was immediately drawn. “What performance?”NlunhSdavPLGtmrakKExTaGezDgdmg
MAzXGuarhyfeDkgThey were currently walking west of the city, with a city tower not far off. The crowd around them was moving towards one direction.ZwfGNpIasOMxRKWLezlELSFKFnhTKB
GXFNUFYwLgsCEgpLi Wuting glanced at him for two seconds, “Come with me.”dyYKKbZztqNsSqJBDsnREcYmqBaJhx
kOJdntZUAhCGdJhNing Rushen: Where to???EuAtywDXCMKJQaNDBOHZFvdQNoacHf
FsoDWtBSywjWOkXHis 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.DBIVTElnBQiEkEORqOMGxQjzxipkxF
tvgxSAxzlZgTJtbLi Wuting waved his hand and led him up the tower.tBSRQEOhvsTDbmXHbxKrTsaAIBfIQK
lzolpSDCaGstUppOn the tower, the view was a city cloaked in night.cElfZjEAtvGGkfHXaZtwiNJPDaLqUL
EVJIjsbqeWrElnsNing Rushen took a deep breath, “This is…”ZQIWlEEojuSGIYcpBbAQqJLzNVsMTW
UMTTECsdKbLUnkhLi Wuting stood beside him, “What do you think?”ylDqnQvnQFEdPteMTeMOJwouQCAhIH
oOLnwqaLUyzHewPFrom 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.UoCOzvoqFxshItnLtmBAPYaOahhiwh
VzQPcrIzeuTcReQNing Rushen leaned against the wall, his emotions surging, unable to collect his thoughts, “What?”ajSbxZVCDmBLKjuEsnLvsbHqJXWabt
pmIvOHnWdEkdhFkLi Wuting’s voice was soft, “How do you like the Great Cheng?”AOMITSAooCnLFdZBHSWTrJhCpOIzpc
FVeLPCByEkUoMChNing Rushen turned around, his eyes bright, “Naturally, it’s wonderful.”AkecGEKpUTJqpjPmGHQLoDpOmTuJlJ
OKrZudXyXJEuVxyLi Wuting’s lips curved slightly.yhLhGkcmbiqrbcKPgTwVQbtYbDboOX
QMIhudXsZmTsJPkNing Rushen looked again at the magnificent scene.wcSjEycThfiVMvmiuhjuKAEdgavAZE
kcZHVIOwMlEAJCsHe held the “Moonlit and Breezy” embroidery, his pale and thin profile illuminated by the brilliant lights, lively and vivid.HnUcNrtkJJhvJixQeBcRLYageAQEmU
otOxGrvozwbedkIThe night breeze brushed his face, making his shoulders tremble slightly.HPVybimlaVdkeCgdidHHeLSTDZBnaT
AQcwUtVgWSKRpZiLi Wuting watched him for a few moments, and ultimately couldn’t resist taking off his cloak and draping it over his shoulders.CyGpFXwpeaaiUHAZtnqtIvrPzhbxJX
KjoeZIofpBEIhrS— He had made up his mind, he wanted to keep him.rnfyPOtynJDEFgJCOsmLAOGxJtsTrF
pHlKvkhiMNSnQlOUsing his favorite golden pastries to keep him, and using this peaceful era to keep him.TtDMXowEOXlDogcNdMrwVYmpYNDYFV
GNsrroAnQnTwUdXAs the cloak fell, Ning Rushen turned his head, “Your Majesty?”ziItsZBihDaPELJKQqqVxuzjThPAXn
vewFQnLgtEftsQLLi Wuting looked down, not explaining further, “We’re not here to watch the performance.”jriQUxxIUmnmxoJUNqYkccnEPQdsNh
maieNihnnFPCMRmNing Rushen was about to say something, when suddenly the crowd below erupted in cheers. His attention was pulled back.pYJldAeXuZeeSFYDnuIQqJHlKUVDWK
iAvgOKbVbkWxldS…LFsJykJDfsLbkMWOtoLgEDRFiBIxza
jiZdnnnsjEoQtTLIn the distance, the fireworks display had begun.QLvVaRDVALzTtIgbhqLgFqFjScMdgZ
MZiMchvMKQzEwEHCountless golden threads of red fire suddenly burst forth.fAkJYXNUXbdPhKygUWSYwHixOjKxaB
xSplrNzaJWaViASThe dazzling fireworks fell to the ground like a fine rain of light, a fire tree of silver flowers.MjBPcOBkqRBEPPWgUfUjrcPkFksOQG
QIANKBFFHWXivCULi Wuting’s hand resting on Ning Rushen’s shoulder tightened slightly.IWLppcqxBTCSoAmmiLzXRBZfSWonOd
MvDLADoNpqjAIHGHis heart felt like an old house on fire, crackling and popping.yrmvXRKXrLffkeJlVBOQIZDOhVSwqZ
oLlWNMjaQHFnurqjMhGCUsUgvXXFwcFgzjFOPIlFsYSOd
YhqpxHYSqMTYTdWMqNGHvDrOgwxENUCdWdMmgdDaYVnyM