Chapter 51
Ning Rushen endured for a while but still couldn’t hold himself and continued to lie down.wgZSFCLfiIOlrgknpxrsGNxSIqAScT
RnkmjIXexscLtayHe 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
AmTCgBnhyEjOWRrNing Rushen’s nose felt sore from the collision and was quickly lifted up.kBCGlnYuuIsdJItkDtGfmXUXPPiyRc
utknHeteGPppNeAWith 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
JmLLNsXCHWDnSwWLi Wuting seemed oblivious. “Did you bump into me?”XBhsMwoqnIBTyLFpycFxRIlqLVMIIr
XwyrDMRoXAyCvetAfter a few seconds of eye contact, Li Wuting said softly, “Blame the Beidi.”bVoCUmiAoMiBbjUOPgYnwUkAvTmbkC
RURtaoRCVIqBkFJWith a scapegoat provided, Ning Rushen hurriedly nodded. “Your Majesty is right.”HVKrNCgDUOwgoXKozdcHNsOTKXgxZw
MmANtqHHywlUAMSNing Rushen turned his attention back to himself and felt a wet, cold discomfort. Embarrassed, he spoke up:jnBDtkGdhnXUHhFOSwJWFarosJVlPW
BMJJnrRarFqKhxlLi Wuting shifted his gaze to the side. “Alright.”IGIWbrxocBXHbjgjvajwVOTuYFEApV
rUuDgMYLkZejfCzHe called for De Quan, gave orders, and then said, “Bring another basin of hot water.”jfLkzslcqOePojgfRoXWsnJjTezHxh
UUFPERPSmicvIrAWhen 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
hYTknZGtqBmkGAJYet he had still scrupulously avoided crossing the boundary between ruler and subject.sYjspcHHRBHIZwDoaKdgQrpyyQtYCq
WBTgUFkrkFrqfstAs he thought about this, the clothes and hot water were brought in.DoeVMlxwwzHcAeEFvGWglwABgJnMsd
IvsLSQVRuZVDmTjA 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
INpaKysXwrrLHMvNing Rushen was puzzled. “It has.”TCeHDgRAtQBJtWfanuBUIfMwXGVFbU
lXEIhVDIEieMbUDLi Wuting scanned his face, seeming to faintly curl his lips. “Is that so? Your face is still red.”cbTruzZgvaaaSRBobNVNOnVmJhZoAd
KpRjLeoaUqeEnqPWith that, he turned and went out from behind the screen.WEttYkEHTQcIVOoVJfIKqNMpLZfUOR
uCgJFHelRMwtpGVLeaving Ning Rushen stunned, staring open-mouthed, “…” What?PPLUDaRPKiYTcGWMkCbZXkFpMQbvZZ
nQhtbMTwgHSMJYu…BqyiCqqbrKPvaXRtpQADkhbsAgtSDC
FCgAmNScHighYsLLi Wuting did not leave the area outside the screen.kyZZJBjgjaivMdiMeLIFFCRLHnWNtH
wlgrPXJMzabgdLxFrom the appearance, he seemed to be facing away from him.ZiBJdrdNLIufYvqqdXarJCGASZvMQV
cQWPDzcdNQRFsPrPerhaps he was afraid that Ning Rushen, left alone inside, would collapse again, fall, and be unable to call for help.FzOJhDLIwGGNFgmUCjJpcvSJMWlkBX
vOMdFiblAruhKRCNing Rushen huddled on the couch, using the hot water to wipe himself, silently relieved:SzNDURtFmpcwJsLBUmEFvFLECngiwu
mYYMcyUFjnnxdlfIt’s a good thing Li Wuting was here.kyObczwFGFpDGavEcOHtlvnQhFkwfH
ZjYcyfNpsCkHqIzOtherwise, 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
uLZeVlvleBinhABThe warm chamber was quiet, with the sound of water being rather noticeable.uLEpSmzcTcxdqaCsznhJzczzyyXFrV
CPGtYhUYfLgCvwrNing Rushen asked, “Your Majesty, what is the situation with those two courtesans? Is the King of Heiku trying to…”eIGOFtunZuXLbqVHQUAqBDdGyVLEVY
KezzWoSTXtghWSKA cold laugh came from outside. “They are testing where the line and capabilities of this new emperor are.”xeHkaWzzDiTTKxLPYAmZcYpvKpvyeo
CElwqcEtEgCWHKSAccording to the customs of the previous dynasty, it was not uncommon to send concubines.SGyHNauYkjdDCpxVUIOLDLeVwNEQtT
EeGyUexPSItSuGEBut none of them had come with alluring scents.edyNMqDKszdesyEMTbidUskuXkZCqK
RtpAycUMTQNnsbqLi Wuting’s tone was chilling. “If I were to accept them, it would mean I could be manipulated. If I refuse…”EeMxfaYWulLWLseRPafdBhDkuPPvqT
xfLhqfXVjllpqgnNing Rushen quickly put on his pants. “Then it’s as solid as a fortress.”YMKzGUURPZXdnwnJmEejFNDQCVPozL
WmKlsKGqdzZqKlwThe beauties with alluring scents couldn’t shake him.sILEKaNyXogLiHWHUGyBiHTmXJtpFv
AiSzbvUcGUHHxWF“…” The cold tone paused for a moment.apbgipIoaRraonMgskaDoQYGEfERpy
kLilijvgppgyiqpLi Wuting took several seconds to regain his words. “Refusing them is also a blatant provocation.”UgVpCRyBAxVDrxneEubUELRZOHowdI
nlXIKcqdLcrVPFXNing Rushen shyly fastened his belt. “I see.”VBGmGZEPBZctaIlQxkTmoexLxyWxow
DLedEFMpGlLKhZbThere were still some court officials and envoys attending the banquet outside.YfEaugGpcBwMtXdHCcsCHmkavCeLTA
lCCaEPbMkZCmkvGNing 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
BpxuGmfsWgYSuijNing Rushen thought about the suffering he had endured. “It should be handled severely.”OesgHiDEVLetJIgefVyswWKaPOXLlp
KrHUnIlqnqKPmzmLi Wuting chuckled in agreement.ezluGLdjjdMrWVJfksoGLDHKqPBkpC
RucmFrEuyzXAueKHe then instructed the palace servants to remove the official robes Ning Rushen had changed out of.liVrlIKGvElnLvoNVmgJgVmkynyiPU
ELNPYVrKZTgcnjNNing 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
ZJeXvBkRdgYZEOFLi Wuting echoed, “Just like a thief.”YnnIlyHmlpPinTsbDYslEBQDRjNtRC
mMaqAmAujqqRLroNing Rushen, “…”uZblZGdQvVkWaErZPELBUzwwwXbaEh
HPcoItKxrFwlYCzThe overly vivid image dispelled his thoughts, and he left the palace after taking his leave from Li Wuting.MnlTsSrSJLIzIuRZGtJBYSTxSGjXFt
OQmBoEfLwPKzYxoAt the palace gates, Yan Min was waiting outside the carriage.AftLBIHFosQaBZaXDPIZYoDNvoZfLI
cpqISyqNWKGZYzNSeeing him, Yan Min was surprised. “Why has the lord changed clothes?”MxIXeXVdttrpnHxfOIwlbhyUgTvwdU
PgszqwxrhOjncCHNing Rushen waved his hand dismissively. “The wine spilled.”UQzZOhbwpFqJwRvGFuXIZQgttYQdOY
EZxUPqxKzTCyzGaYan Min responded with a simple “Oh.”DzFeonrPZaDTnfBiuVdLOAbPkZApAR
EklCyBCdCojtVuOThe carriage swayed slightly as it headed toward the residence.VmpbxZeSSlAovCvaNyTvnFzxoGKhzL
dWCzWrQPxkxoHjZInside the carriage, Ning Rushen lifted the curtain to enjoy the breeze. With no one to interrupt him, he couldn’t help but reflect:vFvdNRcnNhBiBtUPffNPAlzHtswvIC
okdgXHFmyUyUKMGWas Li Wuting perhaps too kind to him?KJzgGDRaMlASQTAbwaOCZQDgJKCSmH
zdncpvMxQDCeecPDid he treat other officials this way too? Or was it because he was always around the emperor?ykcSatGBDspGTfYAxoeZuRrWVJvPCj
HEgmOleoLDzEcfkNo wonder Xuan Wang wrote such stories.QMidqOiOoxhzxzYrbfIaZPCbpEmtRU
INYEFhmtEHljwrENing Rushen pondered privately, thinking if the protagonist weren’t him, he might have been hooked.rXxUFbGXAwJFWmKdLuMSEWpyAXHpjQ
RdlKIsQhXfEOVBE…ptBhbKOFNHNKqWlaaqbFktovrYmoRZ
cgzgTAiidHtYKKWAfter returning to his residence, Ning Rushen took another bath before resting.GrnArJZEgkJDfXkygcDyXFfMGBxAaA
PkOPAXtBvDyFcaHHe didn’t go out the next day.YKcFUlQHGTLwTxYevAjSjxLjkBgIXY
KjOrrtOzUhlGPCyThough the medicine Li Wuting gave him was mild, his poor physical condition left him still feeling fatigued after the previous stimulation.kAzzuGTVRYKWftfnDoutMGKPFzslgK
VhxQcGMhmPdUIUyHe moved a lounge chair into the yard: relaxing was more suitable for him.wFERbKZCqFVnzNLEgBdckXXwRAzeGS
KKzogorZFcJNTILThe Cheng Tian Festival was to be celebrated for five days.FxTWqNiPoSssJaWKbInOIuFWAtAJMR
hdiNHSSLitIJKLXVarious 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
EwSZrCXqAslvVXEThe grand event was organized by several major families and was unprecedented in its scale.RutxuVNNdFmpibdbEVgJRwUYDCzwag
iLvoZjahkeHWTBGNing Rushen lounged in the courtyard all day.EKnjCwlMsHjDndmudUBxrHjgwwxPBp
pUsmnrNfXhlPAxHBy 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
AvheFeMerRbUOBOThe group of servants immediately dispersed happily.BZJEsbQbPISFdSnBgdiCMqiOblFnxB
zlerHDkLFjmsinOYan Min stayed behind in the residence, saying, “This old servant can’t row a boat and is too old to strain my back.”hxNpdLnsARYXlyfPQHRcatQITRqXAz
BPOoElItbvxqwjLNing Rushen, “…”yHGPUfKLuMkoHVgjQdVsePiyhfUAtF
ufkPWisPtjSGYUWHe 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
bXoGeHkXVmlbCrCNing Rushen, “You look like you’ve seen a ghost…”VGFLrLrHLiQIUzPtZgqkZXiJNWPNWR
lHnmrdXREXfnmFiThe next moment, Li Wuting stepped into the courtyard, his deep gaze immediately landing on Ning Rushen.RLWwTneNItchfRtCfjFqSIvbPqDJBb
GcwVHBkAsWEovNWNing Rushen changed his tone, “…Is this your esteemed self?”ACrRtXZufRzGJlLmDYBHbbPXZKOReI
cyuOiaFotUfdnPqLi Wuting praised, “Ning Qing’s Yuchuan accent is still as charming as ever.”YlQecgrJTFpMwaGCGCVTFLlbYDLZhg
RSzWlmSkBaGBLjsNing Rushen lowered his head. “Why has Your Majesty come?”lIqRqICZGqdeEYvYFbtlgXrbPUfBUJ
MQKoxxbTrDNPgRAAfter 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
sbiXqISrcSeAvtsNing Rushen: Huh???xoJMXAhodgMQnUkUlWATBnJlwtRaRa
dxBNeaDvSbttTDSHe changed clothes and left the residence with the others.xbpfsJkXkuRQaPCAtuELXcsFqpJsXH
wQwZnhoROTqliDvThe streets outside were brightly lit, with the ten-mile-long street lamps illuminating half the night sky.ZlEhtHrlMCYhuhRbgknRVaTqZqdPMC
aPqYSiGlMIVhjrFAs soon as he stepped out of the alley, he was met with the bustling crowd of the street.VwzkWxrPGqBuZnbcmEHKKfmxDzCQAI
lMLQlAcoeSvbNOQNing 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
fVXifltrywsaCpPThey were accompanied by about ten undercover Jin Yiwei.CFpRVYGTkXDhXgMwOLLaRbObxadDcY
kceRWUsQNTeNELfNing Rushen glanced around, “No Lu Wu?”KuSuPBTmaBTuDqWtEPdBhpTUomqZAv
TAGZtCJgExMvoGTLi Wuting replied succinctly, “The personnel are complex these days.” They needed more reliable people.oWEvEmpBuFCJXmzrWnTaUDJOQqYLye
HoMREozOfthvkTpNing Rushen, “…”XOPZKdsqgYawILAeoiJMzCxmoqoNnX
aXGLuIkacSLpVwhHe sighed for a long time: anyone associated with Shiyi had consecutively lost the Emperor’s favor.okOgyvYACeDWgWgbItFnogDppEuybd
QhKAmGirHypsObjThis Cheng Tian Festival was even more grand than the Dragon Boat Festival.HqXSeksRTDJHMODnvVqYiCPWQaswUp
hExBvGdDmhFblbxAs 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
ZNLbzOoYBrkerheNing Rushen gazed at the scene.fJAnatdsQaYQxqetNPZGiNBZAAWTaT
OaCSidEhBAYLTSULi Wuting lightly tugged him away from being swept into the street vendors by the crowd, “What do you want to eat?”wEABxNxZijzsScjvSbNAqsyPkerfbU
PdKRVrraWUPMgJnNing Rushen, “This, this, this, and those.”nldjEjACbLhzjJLFutrVrULMfrZnlV
ORnYNWAUUMtCMskLi Wuting said softly, “You could have just said ‘all’.”zesOXhYOaNcYJXwTrPPBWlKFjAYyws
oejGQpeUznRwhqgNing Rushen, embarrassed, “Hmm.”gVrTDQOjXBLRifHYMYTfMQYnDSwivs
QxAPVJuMEzSEvUn… Shouldn’t he be a bit more tactful?HGAFZStsUGMWbcnUrsEEbSnKEGasyQ
GclbJIDZFCjdgyIThe 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
bxhellUpzCrsFSgLi Wuting started to speak but heard someone muttering:WlbOjCqEQGOGljpFmfBbAiuacRprSB
JAatNFJNnoFAInO“Can’t carry it all.”HbMiRWNJIfYDtnTQqhruvnZngSRwOc
WnvXjiAeGvYJmaaHe 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
GaJwMjFllFxuchyLi Wuting’s gaze fell on his flushed, full cheeks and bright eyes, a smile curving his lips.vQMIwdQzvWkQouVlraobuKHOsSOhyP
hFJkkGIfGskMOsODe Quan, standing nearby, looked on with a tight-lipped smile:hAICHMdeVbZSxKlZdXQDLiJNagbtbV
zKWqMleTAcuSkAwOh~ The Emperor’s words might say otherwise, but he certainly seems pleased!BxMUwsNwForDYJIZEedZYLzUMvEgBv
nxfXxhXzWMcCSLu…INFDWguHuRbhuNylYNCDuDBitCSlNt
aATIbKkonRRfVpsTo avoid troubling Li Wuting’s esteemed dragon arms, Ning Rushen ate quickly.lfkptFKXLJbEeyhURiwetLOjKwmlYk
tZjmyiOGpoWTuTSBy the time they left the street, he had finished eating.MSUQnoedulOQHZifxguLYvgedxEWhH
igdtcnlcnhwgeRxLi Wuting glanced over, “Finished eating?”wTySgEXJEqbooOHjWumqyhGkWDbHtr
tVVKQtVYbbnwtIVNing Rushen nodded contentedly.lnJZXtulMTPYaVcEEqrLDRfuyBankK
MpYZlgopGAfTgYpThey arrived at another street, and not far ahead was the Ministry of Rites where he usually worked.TAsENyBchRuGoCNNVNddvQqzevDxQm
qtQnCDwobuYsaPPSurrounded 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
zObMekqDkCFVbgyNing Rushen paused and looked over.ZOIuSdXseiOGFufGHKhwnkHQRCHNbs
MEXdKppKuBOnHjpOn a nearby stall, an elderly woman and a young girl, dressed like ordinary folk, stood.juvVGBePEYZSZPepzzEhFoZjJJZXCm
XBmjFcAEmXALIUQHe asked, “Yes?”TKpsvpmnfMQfKQtJIBmGikynzUaSfd
NxyvxSRXDSBllnxThe woman immediately bowed and thanked him.TjiaDdAmgkkxsMpOrgRjwDmzMgrhyS
WELPPdvHANabUvvShe 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
zDlpWAJlslighVSNing Rushen was surprised to be thanked.jglKIxylLMTYcZOTahUXiXOCjbCmPH
aqlqCdmmFqHkzIsBefore 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
QAFeBmqpDNGEOZaAn intricately detailed embroidery was presented.MLmgowSBctKaHUeoAGrSfZtRlhDntY
WIBhmjKGVZFUXNVIt featured the words: “Bright Moon and Clear Breeze”SwNsXQBdfMgXUqJaZjJubxTwykHznU
dfjiEcwvWkPztGtNing Rushen felt a surge of emotion and was momentarily at a loss, glancing at Li Wuting: What should I say?hwRZeEdzFxlfnqsCWWFuqQMtAFUFOg
uTKEzUNgulQzYgQLi Wuting said, “Accept it; it’s the people’s sentiment.”qQNwFkErximfGHAlAZAdDJjYvbyXac
SRQBEkxntsSSNnYNing Rushen thanked the woman and accepted the gift.VCVXNUskKKsOgKQUWqnWEMVkJVCIVN
miIwtYHuMEZJLNHAs 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
sUtLFlZIIgeFQfABack in the bustling crowd.gRIHjgBJmCaweidBSyCHPXycSegKpY
XzpdbpxAVeniBUaNing 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
fRHbLmhEJLLejvYHe had seen this on TV before.cNUHGhjOHRKYzUKadbeDmPLObtNSek
vXoDObBEcCHHcUiOfficials and wise ministers receiving gifts from the people, and he always felt it was something very distant.tVHlGuOaZdKrKXdkLbjiHIuQoWNIGC
pYzjNNAitSfBwHhLi 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
nxMJOsuSWdmflYQNing Rushen was suddenly touched.nUFNgWOKqucQNOOiMIcBaNniJWxbBV
sVfeUNHriveZFFGHe glanced around, seeing the bustling and joyous scene of the celebration.CFnqHiWOGSiDJBwjKjtnoiImULgVbS
pWaabAXKPZWdHqSLi Wuting’s voice suddenly fell beside him:wvnRpRLkqYEGUtcldLnoslbGslLTLn
VzfzBVJSkLecqkg“Still thinking about resigning, Ning Qing?”mrXowuuPnTMSEuuJnizOxwUaNCoYVF
aeYUdWhlqPjlfErNing Rushen looked up to meet Li Wuting’s gaze, feeling that there was something more profound being asked. But—kJxShvemurBGfUsbegJDpHnXacVbUN
NvTXNYWmZDuAgraHe opened his mouth: Why would he resign? Is the golden nest not comfortable, or the pastries not fragrant?UswJSYsfGZghmlJfdANExgfiOiFIGS
AuuUJZOpnqHEBwX“I haven’t…”eAQlmKxvIHZSeGvhXmYEngJlLEobcd
AMauQNSdiirQtySAs he began to speak, he was jostled by the crowd beside him.pOSypNdfQJOJnOfHVDTZHPIDZQYhAi
fqSrwfRmDIARnctHe bumped into Li Wuting, who quickly supported his arm with a large hand beneath the cloak.SnbvJXYEJjTbEzTtWktxfptyaqFxSO
svmKTQUVhlalNIUNing Rushen wanted to continue speaking but heard a murmur.KOzRYSvpYNenUoUIuRUuPBdaUCBstJ
SyQfYAIboQDAsYeThen he saw Li Wuting look towards the now-boiling crowd, “The performance is about to begin.”WxxOBvvLoAVeEKooMmLnbQXRcUSddz
SfZlxmcVTiCFnkoHis attention was immediately drawn. “What performance?”imyvXpPhmCbKoOFxyKWyhGemOJbzUX
ikdMnWpAKcmONufThey were currently walking west of the city, with a city tower not far off. The crowd around them was moving towards one direction.mxuhuysWVVPwdSWNhKNKwPCsmDjeOC
eQozYDkrnnfMvELLi Wuting glanced at him for two seconds, “Come with me.”rbUcZBISzMCXngVLmodpBFJqJezquS
iWlgsnsHlWMYJNCNing Rushen: Where to???yPrgqMavuMmzZSjqLZZIeOswIZEonV
yfeofYqwfwLfASZHis 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
UblMZdxsaQbmNuuLi Wuting waved his hand and led him up the tower.feVqOlTPnRFfkEArXmatnjEfGvVdbC
HActoXKyPeyesODOn the tower, the view was a city cloaked in night.YlqZVadGhNPgEXtaanABUnymaUKBQb
pNvOieTFDVXKwCaNing Rushen took a deep breath, “This is…”PGGsivmBSpmnYXOnmdltKDwxbUprRY
FUrILsPPYWYEqMvLi Wuting stood beside him, “What do you think?”PTmlIzZgpyOrLsYKeHAtmLgorQXSsG
ruqeiYICOUWlCOLFrom 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
MISYlBwHnSEknsVNing Rushen leaned against the wall, his emotions surging, unable to collect his thoughts, “What?”lhEbSxcSHaDHLdezITLYjpFhPAMkpg
JtrCywKbIuTDrJILi Wuting’s voice was soft, “How do you like the Great Cheng?”oazvNLgzsKfoZAKysYKqorbyjYofgj
cjkNgeWTJfUisLqNing Rushen turned around, his eyes bright, “Naturally, it’s wonderful.”aufuFcdCthKHytzZzWaqLdBYMiIDsX
GBbQMnzxvnKshghLi Wuting’s lips curved slightly.lBCKFOCopKtAsEuQszdEeDvMcVjXeC
KRSGpsWYaXHCPVFNing Rushen looked again at the magnificent scene.TSHCzKxppFzyyiUiioelmylMeqEHgJ
yFUSnwkQbWIYnXUHe held the “Moonlit and Breezy” embroidery, his pale and thin profile illuminated by the brilliant lights, lively and vivid.HCOiltIkSRsiGMgFyiwHnOGcfZNBNg
qXyzVWRGQPBaftOThe night breeze brushed his face, making his shoulders tremble slightly.EpldpkysUSUpvoqqzKMrwPBWuduhiE
wbWmLTWRZzAzRnELi Wuting watched him for a few moments, and ultimately couldn’t resist taking off his cloak and draping it over his shoulders.lYLfjKyLXxvdWlLnfuvTPSnpkAPkrT
bIBXNeRevSneZMs— He had made up his mind, he wanted to keep him.EgqwUntPEhEnQdrQNZPzxcIYXWcVnT
TPqCDfDRFuZphtoUsing his favorite golden pastries to keep him, and using this peaceful era to keep him.JhmoAARoCEwEHmKNikDMAbOfOIhUth
QXwqlqedkhJUrEZAs the cloak fell, Ning Rushen turned his head, “Your Majesty?”sgBmvwDPxOXnYdzBNFvshFgdMphFOz
DywHCqHnbPgrbAkLi Wuting looked down, not explaining further, “We’re not here to watch the performance.”cYeUpHcsSdWZXUezmzeiIirCpXVsPR
OrNxYNpxsGyUpBZNing Rushen was about to say something, when suddenly the crowd below erupted in cheers. His attention was pulled back.oVgOMMSJYGQamiOYMDecumnJUevaGN
SnIqSPojtuHDrpf…DCTsBttVreoThSSJtLWZXtAGmizqhU
PYCggtZJPiRkIncIn the distance, the fireworks display had begun.dwFGooGyhHokilSOMjriVZIizJHyex
GVvLzLpCGkrVHJVCountless golden threads of red fire suddenly burst forth.ooSfmuKbTHrcxDIbKakedClgTuOAwf
ptEoDpiBcnHAmlKThe dazzling fireworks fell to the ground like a fine rain of light, a fire tree of silver flowers.irVlZiHihoecfAFHhDaqkpFrjUFfQW
reVOlUKRghBBRQaLi Wuting’s hand resting on Ning Rushen’s shoulder tightened slightly.tAhacWsJxcRpZPeMJXEnTfRaduTYSz
EBefEfEKDwejbiNHis heart felt like an old house on fire, crackling and popping.VhjLuPRBWplJEWnbQmmZHTcOgfgtGy
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