This official is so weak

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

RnkmjIXexscLtay

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!nRTGGNvxWsWkrtjJyHPfNAiKvocSgT

AmTCgBnhyEjOWRr

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

utknHeteGPppNeA

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.NBYUVmUBOGVAUTRIKboypMRmnIgNXJ

JmLLNsXCHWDnSwW

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

XwyrDMRoXAyCvet

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

RURtaoRCVIqBkFJ

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

MmANtqHHywlUAMS

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

BMJJnrRarFqKhxl

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

rUuDgMYLkZejfCz

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

UUFPERPSmicvIrA

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…mZpboywWrMuIFflFfBoLMEVpOAEjml

hYTknZGtqBmkGAJ

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

WBTgUFkrkFrqfst

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

IvsLSQVRuZVDmTj

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

wMsBbCcNgMObYJz

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

INpaKysXwrrLHMv

Ning Rushen was puzzled. “It has.”TCeHDgRAtQBJtWfanuBUIfMwXGVFbU

lXEIhVDIEieMbUD

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

KpRjLeoaUqeEnqP

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

uCgJFHelRMwtpGV

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

nQhtbMTwgHSMJYu

…BqyiCqqbrKPvaXRtpQADkhbsAgtSDC

FCgAmNScHighYsL

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

wlgrPXJMzabgdLx

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

cQWPDzcdNQRFsPr

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

vOMdFiblAruhKRC

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

mYYMcyUFjnnxdlf

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

ZjYcyfNpsCkHqIz

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…”NdBgsYmDiOurwtZoQdANNMUMXudRDo

uLZeVlvleBinhAB

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

CPGtYhUYfLgCvwr

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

KezzWoSTXtghWSK

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

CElwqcEtEgCWHKS

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

EeGyUexPSItSuGE

But none of them had come with alluring scents.edyNMqDKszdesyEMTbidUskuXkZCqK

RtpAycUMTQNnsbq

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

xfLhqfXVjllpqgn

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

WmKlsKGqdzZqKlw

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

AiSzbvUcGUHHxWF

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

kLilijvgppgyiqp

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

nlXIKcqdLcrVPFX

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

DLedEFMpGlLKhZb

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

lCCaEPbMkZCmkvG

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

lqQkSgKywePWLjy

“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.”VseyYvbsAdDgwfisXQUtsxVnjIdSyW

BpxuGmfsWgYSuij

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

KrHUnIlqnqKPmzm

Li Wuting chuckled in agreement.ezluGLdjjdMrWVJfksoGLDHKqPBkpC

RucmFrEuyzXAueK

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

ELNPYVrKZTgcnjN

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

CpWtpfCMotVVQCt

“How will you take them?”oZsNwJmGsOqMSYDFmRKJkCozPvCnyn

mBTvhsDmpPTJPLE

“Wrap them in a black cloak—”AegOBlBqFBiqZIAMrHVlVBkkzFbkJN

ZJeXvBkRdgYZEOF

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

mMaqAmAujqqRLro

Ning Rushen, “…”uZblZGdQvVkWaErZPELBUzwwwXbaEh

HPcoItKxrFwlYCz

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

OQmBoEfLwPKzYxo

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

cpqISyqNWKGZYzN

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

PgszqwxrhOjncCH

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

EZxUPqxKzTCyzGa

Yan Min responded with a simple “Oh.”DzFeonrPZaDTnfBiuVdLOAbPkZApAR

EklCyBCdCojtVuO

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

dWCzWrQPxkxoHjZ

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

okdgXHFmyUyUKMG

Was Li Wuting perhaps too kind to him?KJzgGDRaMlASQTAbwaOCZQDgJKCSmH

zdncpvMxQDCeecP

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

HEgmOleoLDzEcfk

No wonder Xuan Wang wrote such stories.QMidqOiOoxhzxzYrbfIaZPCbpEmtRU

INYEFhmtEHljwrE

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

RdlKIsQhXfEOVBE

…ptBhbKOFNHNKqWlaaqbFktovrYmoRZ

cgzgTAiidHtYKKW

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

PkOPAXtBvDyFcaH

He didn’t go out the next day.YKcFUlQHGTLwTxYevAjSjxLjkBgIXY

KjOrrtOzUhlGPCy

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

VhxQcGMhmPdUIUy

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

KKzogorZFcJNTIL

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

hdiNHSSLitIJKLX

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.NELMBIGgUFqycWVCvYBZNJfubsBDbJ

EwSZrCXqAslvVXE

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

iLvoZjahkeHWTBG

Ning Rushen lounged in the courtyard all day.EKnjCwlMsHjDndmudUBxrHjgwwxPBp

pUsmnrNfXhlPAxH

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

ndfkFgqPCaHcpsM

“Go out and have fun.”HvFpOkkjECLgGoKfxvdlqNgIlvqSAE

AvheFeMerRbUOBO

The group of servants immediately dispersed happily.BZJEsbQbPISFdSnBgdiCMqiOblFnxB

zlerHDkLFjmsinO

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

BPOoElItbvxqwjL

Ning Rushen, “…”yHGPUfKLuMkoHVgjQdVsePiyhfUAtF

ufkPWisPtjSGYUW

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:XyPtdqvVxPLwfXGoxSfEYqnjnvVCHR

sKURRbJmFgbPvxw

“Lord, Lord!”tZYlGTYoDuBjeSlhodWzgOxHVwnwfq

bXoGeHkXVmlbCrC

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

lHnmrdXREXfnmFi

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

GcwVHBkAsWEovNW

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

cyuOiaFotUfdnPq

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

RSzWlmSkBaGBLjs

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

MQKoxxbTrDNPgRA

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

DnXAWnshrmbmkcT

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

sbiXqISrcSeAvts

Ning Rushen: Huh???xoJMXAhodgMQnUkUlWATBnJlwtRaRa

dxBNeaDvSbttTDS

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

wQwZnhoROTqliDv

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

aPqYSiGlMIVhjrF

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

lMLQlAcoeSvbNOQ

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.bGqLwvOTzXjrElWJbUJGwTcujlLCDh

fVXifltrywsaCpP

They were accompanied by about ten undercover Jin Yiwei.CFpRVYGTkXDhXgMwOLLaRbObxadDcY

kceRWUsQNTeNELf

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

TAGZtCJgExMvoGT

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

HoMREozOfthvkTp

Ning Rushen, “…”XOPZKdsqgYawILAeoiJMzCxmoqoNnX

aXGLuIkacSLpVwh

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

QhKAmGirHypsObj

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

hExBvGdDmhFblbx

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.jgQbOIRVguyjfAOEjUPQDZWczEBrMZ

ZNLbzOoYBrkerhe

Ning Rushen gazed at the scene.fJAnatdsQaYQxqetNPZGiNBZAAWTaT

OaCSidEhBAYLTSU

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

PdKRVrraWUPMgJn

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

ORnYNWAUUMtCMsk

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

oejGQpeUznRwhqg

Ning Rushen, embarrassed, “Hmm.”gVrTDQOjXBLRifHYMYTfMQYnDSwivs

QxAPVJuMEzSEvUn

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

GclbJIDZFCjdgyI

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?”zKusisQElnClBmGJyIauEHBqdBQYZc

bxhellUpzCrsFSg

Li Wuting started to speak but heard someone muttering:WlbOjCqEQGOGljpFmfBbAiuacRprSB

JAatNFJNnoFAInO

“Can’t carry it all.”HbMiRWNJIfYDtnTQqhruvnZngSRwOc

WnvXjiAeGvYJmaa

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.”fGvCpwlOIUkRYBBAOmEEMGCwLCCLFB

EvxKMGeDSDkYfYI

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

oSlqfJbiBekVPGT

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

WbBgeWYLoTySfIb

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

bveqlxpcPqispHE

“Oh.” He immediately began eating.ZYkHsDkrtgPKGVkkToDByvrooEcVpM

GaJwMjFllFxuchy

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

hFJkkGIfGskMOsO

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

zKWqMleTAcuSkAw

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

nxfXxhXzWMcCSLu

…INFDWguHuRbhuNylYNCDuDBitCSlNt

aATIbKkonRRfVps

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

tZjmyiOGpoWTuTS

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

igdtcnlcnhwgeRx

Li Wuting glanced over, “Finished eating?”wTySgEXJEqbooOHjWumqyhGkWDbHtr

tVVKQtVYbbnwtIV

Ning Rushen nodded contentedly.lnJZXtulMTPYaVcEEqrLDRfuyBankK

MpYZlgopGAfTgYp

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

qtQnCDwobuYsaPP

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

WnUKczOScEfQWWQ

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

zObMekqDkCFVbgy

Ning Rushen paused and looked over.ZOIuSdXseiOGFufGHKhwnkHQRCHNbs

MEXdKppKuBOnHjp

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

XBmjFcAEmXALIUQ

He asked, “Yes?”TKpsvpmnfMQfKQtJIBmGikynzUaSfd

NxyvxSRXDSBllnx

The woman immediately bowed and thanked him.TjiaDdAmgkkxsMpOrgRjwDmzMgrhyS

WELPPdvHANabUvv

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

uFkfxDAskMLcsak

“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.”VHUkjJZqLZinHRJwuDNkRNUMHfsvZe

zDlpWAJlslighVS

Ning Rushen was surprised to be thanked.jglKIxylLMTYcZOTahUXiXOCjbCmPH

aqlqCdmmFqHkzIs

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

MPehRcgTsiVhZXB

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

QAFeBmqpDNGEOZa

An intricately detailed embroidery was presented.MLmgowSBctKaHUeoAGrSfZtRlhDntY

WIBhmjKGVZFUXNV

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

dfjiEcwvWkPztGt

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

uTKEzUNgulQzYgQ

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

SRQBEkxntsSSNnY

Ning Rushen thanked the woman and accepted the gift.VCVXNUskKKsOgKQUWqnWEMVkJVCIVN

miIwtYHuMEZJLNH

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!”ClLoLgkkBUMczHqZtSnHQDnIMVLkIZ

mQtoskGjGZLnqkl

…QzLSVrGdWEOfBQUpYzwjFKNLNyARZz

sUtLFlZIIgeFQfA

Back in the bustling crowd.gRIHjgBJmCaweidBSyCHPXycSegKpY

XzpdbpxAVeniBUa

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.”bOuhKzLqLLxjQRkjndPDMLTtgXcMHg

fRHbLmhEJLLejvY

He had seen this on TV before.cNUHGhjOHRKYzUKadbeDmPLObtNSek

vXoDObBEcCHHcUi

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

pYzjNNAitSfBwHh

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.”kmxslFJdCogEwEginImyXjIzYEJVOI

nxMJOsuSWdmflYQ

Ning Rushen was suddenly touched.nUFNgWOKqucQNOOiMIcBaNniJWxbBV

sVfeUNHriveZFFG

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

pWaabAXKPZWdHqS

Li Wuting’s voice suddenly fell beside him:wvnRpRLkqYEGUtcldLnoslbGslLTLn

VzfzBVJSkLecqkg

“Still thinking about resigning, Ning Qing?”mrXowuuPnTMSEuuJnizOxwUaNCoYVF

aeYUdWhlqPjlfEr

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

NvTXNYWmZDuAgra

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

AuuUJZOpnqHEBwX

“I haven’t…”eAQlmKxvIHZSeGvhXmYEngJlLEobcd

AMauQNSdiirQtyS

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

fqSrwfRmDIARnct

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

svmKTQUVhlalNIU

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

SyQfYAIboQDAsYe

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

SfZlxmcVTiCFnko

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

ikdMnWpAKcmONuf

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

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

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Ning Rushen: Where to???yPrgqMavuMmzZSjqLZZIeOswIZEonV

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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.sJlKRucOksbUMzkznAFSqSeXKARmzN

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

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

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

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

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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.lfrvmhXptwukCiuMgogubqOrDjFWla

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

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

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

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Li Wuting’s lips curved slightly.lBCKFOCopKtAsEuQszdEeDvMcVjXeC

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Ning Rushen looked again at the magnificent scene.TSHCzKxppFzyyiUiioelmylMeqEHgJ

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

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

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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.lYLfjKyLXxvdWlLnfuvTPSnpkAPkrT

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

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

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

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

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

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…DCTsBttVreoThSSJtLWZXtAGmizqhU

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In the distance, the fireworks display had begun.dwFGooGyhHokilSOMjriVZIizJHyex

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Countless golden threads of red fire suddenly burst forth.ooSfmuKbTHrcxDIbKakedClgTuOAwf

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

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

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

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