This official is so weak

edxkSYckPPzbqxtTable of Contents

Chapter 51

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

NbLcbiJKtjPPSpw

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!GzpjKnLNBfyvyNhQLLvdlfybRNAPOZ

afdNZXDjlnPHVuJ

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

LQkJptdUjfmJiOD

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.FlUQCAybrMjWPdlpSNiLaQGQuDVEmT

shJAdtfvkfFKhJS

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

hJaGjukjpRoROeH

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

gHoCRQGgOnoedBL

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

gWAOpBglckPvtcx

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

SNRLweeQfuzwtCH

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

OAVJTZmqHmaIIAt

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

dLVymDkEoyqwujb

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…wrioBPwcJJBbGeNjZzIhLhrycgAJwN

NWXAYDFwXMabNlo

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

bMzJleQPCHMlpmr

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

XLEHLBjvlzhMuSK

A 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

xREFVCSjIXBdYQk

Ning Rushen was puzzled. “It has.”djexKXvBFgggTjqUZYxHmRqnfcxPvy

PryPOTAYTupzWsI

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

JWMMcCErLeZIaaK

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

qoXkigaMseraGdC

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

HKDCSLThtMOaRVX

NVoCesHVcLWnMwZXFnoRsfJNgiGJyj

CafwEAnsLCHFQHt

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

EjhOIUypAZgTsiO

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

TbtjpdMAckaLcRQ

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

tgsNAirOCRUcEMQ

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

CqlyNrlXqppZmIm

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

DHxnyWbfjWLNjeu

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…”MpmZxaTMqJxpCesvrJGksKuTjbEjFP

XLQzRlvXEmNadYM

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

hrlfvzURURFmVQl

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

kWgdRqCpGpnLSPB

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

erramEIKcvuMTNx

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

ZPMNLNyijdUqlXY

But none of them had come with alluring scents.ZGKKlXjZGooJeCMrxGpztTqwAITGJz

zkpdUipIFWiiCoI

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

ghEeYYlLmKHzdzq

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

BxCTuozKaTxCnQb

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

gJpoDkMYxxxCGJQ

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

kZUdqhHNSuELrtC

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

XhJKZKqoBGRaZMh

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

OKLOekPRrPulKHl

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

uoFExHHvpYXmjuC

Ning 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

LUOqApUmxMLCTPZ

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

XJltxsHwDWVxkds

Li Wuting chuckled in agreement.YhdaLsjEgKZalEeFqeNIZjydujmhvW

XoGolAECigQSvud

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

IWidRYJsjBHZNpB

Ning 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

NbYuHroiOrfFTtj

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

rLuSCpUhLPKFBux

Ning Rushen, “…”EdpmAJzttJoQWnOIVehApcgajlFCxm

UdjxiaYVLavncrD

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

bsMihXgTYQVuOKE

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

WQjBtjkWswSILSg

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

uVaPPjrNHmcZKHu

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

JKJXCblxkxugGTP

Yan Min responded with a simple “Oh.”xthplsrZCetWnQrWZQhwbglVIrPVQl

EKNbmJqAOFXLJnl

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

XYoxenYJjexAcWa

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

RyJZrAxgLsTLfuX

Was Li Wuting perhaps too kind to him?afXOsBiZeUKAGEeFwCAdVExIjFwiVu

XSlosMIeiqjKSoo

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

KeSTwNGTgfhLhPy

No wonder Xuan Wang wrote such stories.GoyOZbbuPmzElTJEfLxXULzSIbAEoT

bzuBNbeUQeQzIaN

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

gaNwnaDIQDEkIVJ

PHpyuAcGcFvBIUGESzrWcVNcYPtpQr

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

nppijeHoTllgcOi

He didn’t go out the next day.GgudTbYdAiiHQOCFpjuwClEwusJCVm

yhgtpZCwaaSwQea

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

SOmehovqgOXGUGG

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

hngvfmaozuzAGlI

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

DvpsEwkJvhkJFvL

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.PudffeQqmbBLfjYjPIgrSyCxDboeJg

LMlTrywNdNCMNEN

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

snrYUfStgxdDBMq

Ning Rushen lounged in the courtyard all day.DvxgIliUGKwnPtaXxAgqXdcrxTRIGf

FkxFLcRRpdJyMvN

By 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

QnAUkBEngeYpSAH

The group of servants immediately dispersed happily.PfkqnrGVHMDYipAzsUyejdamomTKaH

bCVFfeoWJCBEbxa

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

pLcmuUmxzvFsXFM

Ning Rushen, “…”GOVcjcavjIksqhJYSoSLtSDySwxvEE

TXEOlEUyLZUuhxH

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:seGBcjxHuUwUXwymgfLpubEloDIYUJ

ikkAcoSOfsnjfzw

“Lord, Lord!”PYgxUyjdoUTQtXOfwawRYhVIiuNSQH

jGwJCxaFiLXidUA

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

fLACNJksnsoTREo

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

SxchZaprwjlPbos

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

lCFBbuRbEdbkDEP

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

eLJzDnpQEZLbcgl

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

kGyUqPMqgCXjBPn

After 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

CamnhKojBHtzhiO

Ning Rushen: Huh???FKbWsCqDsjJzsxaTiFCsmfGVccYvHD

rNbwZRQvDghPDGH

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

BETStsLeoufPSHD

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

IBHPTCEibeqLbaM

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

ZHiHwNAmLcRiTfi

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.EmeayUBovYtOshORXTsWCEXVNAjhQx

YsscmDiqwqOvCvJ

They were accompanied by about ten undercover Jin Yiwei.ertbIFLCCvZjzkBhhfLklpHOiJEMRf

fVqyPqZwSgBPlNB

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

WWsgUpRkROKWcYN

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

LbLRyKJnflTvlCf

Ning Rushen, “…”FcEYUMIsnuUWAFvRQrmwSkNEdbFLvx

ZEwrXYwInyZaUhz

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

DKpWwHMcaAgybIK

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

QwmQxJpvrmQTNmh

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.CkOnOuwLTGHlcmegtQcjUnMNIKKTpM

tQcNXbtSQrSoBgd

Ning Rushen gazed at the scene.YyEMBRnxRupPSWgJHrSnhmCdxQibnj

acdqpVLHJrzMqdc

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

wZSTCprufywuSYl

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

TnTVInplIQaeRex

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

RdGdAeDrwGgNesX

Ning Rushen, embarrassed, “Hmm.”vObdJvAGoiLHEmIctGYsxRcQboNFbQ

gIhNtxwDrZhSLae

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

oJnUqMjwBGkheMM

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?”jdRoUUGWoqmnuCLyvzpzAIAoHrNmuS

RcTfAXINijSBJeH

Li Wuting started to speak but heard someone muttering:gnXItSxXpoocyAPYoYPPKeEcAJaSCw

fYFHbylwMlzvbjW

“Can’t carry it all.”hqlCCJXVpEzgyFVOHTmqKdYVjPYXID

IrizteNzynnVfUs

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.”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

pQTXmPnXkLayJEW

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

TcBmMciOhLmwZkZ

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

wmfkNkDmmmRGYIE

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

aBPPDzGumpOHrss

lGUSMOUgaLMAcAKYjdrlGUOzwzGflb

ZiYYnOggzrmqChm

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

JzdPKDYWxSKbHFi

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

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Li Wuting glanced over, “Finished eating?”PUrWGPmKVTxHRzTfrTupniwVwfgxiT

CGEvFAHaoIXDTED

Ning Rushen nodded contentedly.hbqvkbPXcaaQTYAaXLVPlFrYfxpfdj

MQpYhLtMCbmTLPD

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

laWUqpVLVWIcRJT

Surrounded 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

uJMrIodVnECGTMu

Ning Rushen paused and looked over.isjbLaaNQskkZDGEhsGuilTIHJvQdD

MRdgQwRgvzzSZbj

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

XQOrlvzZrLKeakT

He asked, “Yes?”mhFZENUBFOxhabdJMxieYjYQalwVmP

sGutsTxOXFLItqy

The woman immediately bowed and thanked him.ECdNLnuznheeCMZFFUHtwRinbQIFpu

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She 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

KecWaIvHMFTtUkE

Ning Rushen was surprised to be thanked.QKpChOfmNDBRMuGAkLdVcWtESoSUMm

YdAfEISNEuitnxb

Before 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

NAzjSYQoXpxXIvw

An intricately detailed embroidery was presented.clOcrZpwAOnstgLOdbAWqYnyPvChxV

ztXnYTCFVmJItmU

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

rsKdHBtbbvbnprq

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

IpSUeAfabMJubxY

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

cnDuSDblroRnmEW

Ning Rushen thanked the woman and accepted the gift.KWKHXmPAZlSIzxGCnSDeaNazyLRyKe

CZYQUzzEUVcNHDM

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!”nFkiKDcRbcZdctJnzNbYwoUOTuyXnh

XhJfFiDzVvREhHE

MlmaRtpONsZPPkGeeqIJBwMQklkPax

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Back in the bustling crowd.uIfSPTLkzmmrrxSApxPcUwyCrWVOgP

hiToJTyBRKcupZT

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.”zgiyLwhsKtaxsviGXljqfQjUsfwTeN

lIsQGEyWImNtAqe

He had seen this on TV before.bxCIUOmAzdbQEDyJoLDPxZKqvtdCWS

ramxYFUBkXkRdtS

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

dtLDWwoxrGYNAes

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.”MQKsNCEXlVdMopOLFSDRprbNVBNFFC

aOSsGNYYqfokFRs

Ning Rushen was suddenly touched.DmYkEjzgvGBGoscrGfwFdQWGTogvdR

YwhHAlSMsrfrVVg

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

cWHwkjBuUhztqVu

Li Wuting’s voice suddenly fell beside him:FiNLCXGCQmcvJJhnKFMiiTMzQoPVYu

rhaUdOWCOaKHqUc

“Still thinking about resigning, Ning Qing?”zkxGJgLNzNSWNoqTSRAoKahOxnQlzJ

TWuxTxqMIwkUpST

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

ehMORRmILLbnSvm

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

QgJiNbdOeIDVPmz

“I haven’t…”zffeBZCvJFpIHNjKcrpsLGhavhuSdw

gdsoYbksLLFqpqt

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

mafHLYxUhKbMDSU

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

oaESyYcLXDggPuL

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

jrljjUoYiFoeVYD

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

KyCKDfXUjVmQPCY

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

MAzXGuarhyfeDkg

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

GXFNUFYwLgsCEgp

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

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Ning Rushen: Where to???EuAtywDXCMKJQaNDBOHZFvdQNoacHf

FsoDWtBSywjWOkX

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.DBIVTElnBQiEkEORqOMGxQjzxipkxF

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

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

EVJIjsbqeWrElns

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

UMTTECsdKbLUnkh

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

oOLnwqaLUyzHewP

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.UoCOzvoqFxshItnLtmBAPYaOahhiwh

VzQPcrIzeuTcReQ

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

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

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

OKrZudXyXJEuVxy

Li Wuting’s lips curved slightly.yhLhGkcmbiqrbcKPgTwVQbtYbDboOX

QMIhudXsZmTsJPk

Ning Rushen looked again at the magnificent scene.wcSjEycThfiVMvmiuhjuKAEdgavAZE

kcZHVIOwMlEAJCs

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

otOxGrvozwbedkI

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

AQcwUtVgWSKRpZi

Li 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

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

GNsrroAnQnTwUdX

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

vewFQnLgtEftsQL

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

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

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LFsJykJDfsLbkMWOtoLgEDRFiBIxza

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In the distance, the fireworks display had begun.QLvVaRDVALzTtIgbhqLgFqFjScMdgZ

MZiMchvMKQzEwEH

Countless golden threads of red fire suddenly burst forth.fAkJYXNUXbdPhKygUWSYwHixOjKxaB

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

QIANKBFFHWXivCU

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

MvDLADoNpqjAIHG

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

oLlWNMjaQHFnurq

 jMhGCUsUgvXXFwcFgzjFOPIlFsYSOd

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