This official is so weak

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

SwmuQvUPTJXXKZL

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!gjrFmepzIWDEHMEYitAPwJINkPpYFA

lcNXQbmHIDSDvUc

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

qsWXUXaLwkcoXfz

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.yempswAHSVRgtyHwXtypbrgtbayPEt

BmnnJWMKrDJbjmZ

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

ZnRVnpeohjbXFKf

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

LFIKdFsRyjLiNSn

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

UxiORAZUSmzcPIp

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

adFArZUJlsTIyfk

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

BcJDweccBHgdCdB

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

ScIRXJuxWzgNkMK

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…tKJTyqORwLdvdgGggMRVAJSplsfyxc

FnEyWmlBhFzZLDK

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

JhrUQnWKplvIavu

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

AXyHfTQGySTLOok

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

MzIoweDRshSSRaM

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

qDsEfxRynbjyTQu

Ning Rushen was puzzled. “It has.”lxMSqfWJaUzaOrNmDClvsyizWorpPT

mVFcsObpAoiozGT

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

XgcizQkBmGFVikH

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

CtBgnxEwOXYdmTK

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

fTCaVRFtnGdfvnF

…vhKdZNLHCbKrJpqJszwcjGGdnPpfQh

fzzrbPsJIKSoAuo

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

IEMZBobIVwsWZrV

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

hkjPJCkXpEwtlMV

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

lewzXQASrMzWlTp

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

VoBItNqAcjuGLga

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

IxUIKfanuVWCBBA

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…”QYlbniDYKfotpWJUXbYKGZpgUbVZMz

nWAROPkrsNKSKJN

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

YKUGiAgWtZRkYdl

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

jFiCYBcrNRHoOHd

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

HXTEViwJMEFqMtk

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

anZApPqNZfWrllS

But none of them had come with alluring scents.zYfQwdkFPDIgRCQcXMMYUVjsUvCFLp

rxUXXifCBzfOlnb

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

GVpQZyexqUWjLVl

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

jKvrUQEfyNFgTOS

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

lGpWnRwqSGYcJvH

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

McBEbgqsFCrJfgn

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

yjStiWRpyLhGQGp

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

SjaZfFfCycOjWFm

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

sRZFXTBbeyBjyIr

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

DTBcIqZnSVGHLQg

“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.”KXClbPKlxipoBFGOPmiqTaSgnaVOqB

ypYzTDkauPAkdsg

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

VotaZsRBWeaKbOd

Li Wuting chuckled in agreement.QCxLlnqacmswyYEzHAZOguwQCkjszB

zidBGiYcydwjdLd

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

wpPIyoOHNFksxWj

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

FBMhhFPxSaofOLG

“How will you take them?”OmsLFLzxMpmbRBkOVakyKePJIfTAFq

nZlUzlYBaOwQWEK

“Wrap them in a black cloak—”AdDhDoFIxFUFmUlaXriuhvntECnTIu

dHOlWuSewczysJS

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

KDuoiYCLcthJPIf

Ning Rushen, “…”ydFFSYloubQUJgeNuGdOMBlhxcLbLm

FnpXsuKWfCLjqdh

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

kqgtdLjfBoCeWwG

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

giwyGjeheFsIsjg

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

peOIaHiCtEUXaPW

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

CynvNZnzBIlxwMo

Yan Min responded with a simple “Oh.”yfrhgSQiwbzyjUjrllWJvoQIpuJhDm

hMiuXNLvyDSlLoN

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

lVMJVyLXkeqKcvm

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

zDvQeoVyixvYhWH

Was Li Wuting perhaps too kind to him?LZnHLRTpBDgglQZZfwzlhPmMdhpyuu

tBpYXHUnHWuBxZV

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

XjnkfruQeZuaFVP

No wonder Xuan Wang wrote such stories.tXKzDCPcrOaFMwxpclpRXmpfPibAOI

JoenTrAVXxovhns

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

lwclJoeWzLSETpO

…vXuKphsNPnyaOZuCqefSahADazjfAJ

KfXXIfGDMgGaaJC

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

WWUsPGvtugGiqMX

He didn’t go out the next day.mmwfUZBqXYYvnXCqnbaDomgRLOdWJh

tKIpBBNBWsfHtzX

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

FRxjoLJhmkcyFnu

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

fktdUQBkrNvyLRW

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

FmpcrCzmBbhYcwf

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.gLmEdWQcoezgspBktZJNeILunVzxdw

CDVFnfLsahXHGKZ

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

xdkLUuudRNTOFhE

Ning Rushen lounged in the courtyard all day.zpTPuTyuHfOwCsevKOajssOCIlgvXu

tfZSqzkZobMnGIk

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

hUiGXQJtpnADdJZ

“Go out and have fun.”HYcmyLgjKJNKwMZOuNWsoswbDdrSau

dlbjYFjUkQgXDCz

The group of servants immediately dispersed happily.VhnnPeukGUomGNvwsJSWPXtJfKXkRC

ioCVqyzLDozhEKM

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

ckxHwfBvZoBYDhJ

Ning Rushen, “…”pRxIwNfralXwbDNuKnVjdzMHeybVbG

FSVjrEyBTkHoRQg

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:IlXrjHoyASgFBCnOalVaTkNnyoAoxU

MaRUdRiLCMHRxpy

“Lord, Lord!”jWQamRpLoPuzhEmkCDrHgTWUhVhRTv

LsVCoYObbXtgOAr

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

IgjPjleRXBptGgH

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

rbrRUpBeVuzufCq

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

FiIeHZNfmGehhPA

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

rKUIzhqLoqHWLlg

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

SAVKczZVckNCtOt

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

xJTzVDTHHUjnViC

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

XVRZbJZrKMpDiYU

Ning Rushen: Huh???bIqOUFKsQESKgiEpwYDWlbcPRGmbny

zBKFtCDZbGrvvkJ

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

DCRPrNWqQgTkCtq

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

tBDLDwWSUVCkVED

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

pAqNgnLiCeyIQxn

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.eximjumwumRkCRWuKdmbyqiENNgyXO

ZaAFvcIPDSNFNfK

They were accompanied by about ten undercover Jin Yiwei.FRfjUIbNROsTQMYzGWsQgoKrXSYsTV

kdsWvuBXscQUPJM

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

hkXxpcLPBTLoFXW

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

trzgkCNEczmMvqn

Ning Rushen, “…”rIkroBBNhftWTlbWjCPLparTZsILUB

nuMyGQVlkuZcvsH

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

NPhXrgrTdFYeZbR

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

kGMCyRVLchHsiKb

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.NktNQBZKFkcpZCSjLeOdLHgfwojdWG

BWmujjkqYeMTWky

Ning Rushen gazed at the scene.WpUCprsQLAlYdvpURhYHzqRFnUAwfQ

XZFeZDNVrWKGxEi

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

gAHjPsykKuVMMTH

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

UTXDEWGRiSyZTlK

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

atxZWNqdQNyWuAs

Ning Rushen, embarrassed, “Hmm.”WCzawMrfCfjtExMHiqNZgIlLPgzmkM

ZjjiNamtVCgmYSn

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

mVrhfpmpnQYHAUh

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?”wHzqJaYVQhLfimDhmpkqrUxzvhiIYc

XWlMIuZEwxzrPjY

Li Wuting started to speak but heard someone muttering:UegeHrbTGOILNvsyNJQQpdGsHGoPde

DKgFCgHCMGZdENq

“Can’t carry it all.”uFoPLFaVDThpQWNcIAfMaiESXsoQOJ

wmuFCEZAgOwmujF

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.”EYCMtCXMLASMWahsYpTcIcOUcOutWY

XTyBOfcqrtrrHVt

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

KfwQnjDeFYdVtyj

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

nwLMnzkjBqqJyIc

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

yXlXOXXeHbTkryZ

“Oh.” He immediately began eating.NjMnJyMCHlfkegKuyJUTwPzQUGraAP

AMCESpqSJgZMRkb

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

XfZepYhqJrcKgsW

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

CEgwopviGygQvQI

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

KlpUEbKytTucqaC

…aeUYlAXdxFAOPtqxKrgMbYAcwNZfND

wmQueWwPzFZMGCx

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

zaBNhxjoBpBslsQ

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

IqaZsUZzgVLeYJB

Li Wuting glanced over, “Finished eating?”hIyrVejcbAqFZzkjbRHSUPdWNwfWZT

DBrmALokbhKyLHP

Ning Rushen nodded contentedly.UwawUrcFHneCGVvDYMxZfULxSjgXDJ

DxYaQBvMgkSfkzd

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

ZmxBgFEaEnvmGOd

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

DnoycizUPVVCPus

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

lfwcObIZztKoWKP

Ning Rushen paused and looked over.PmoIZUtbmUzEBZuaFvxBgAsPSHluNS

QKoRVCAxNasGIeC

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

lDcyrCawDFIzNMs

He asked, “Yes?”OICrCRwpmIBEQUHZtexCQWRVGryiit

ZyvlnsusOSdjZas

The woman immediately bowed and thanked him.RmatFvEJitKjjHVsmBXAyjfaYTyKxU

VVVfrxggERBcWgS

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

nyjgJxVgoAxeILQ

“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.”ExANjxYMSaQZjskUhlzKlihXuEHHFC

FyzmTboZxPeJzFV

Ning Rushen was surprised to be thanked.owgGmClhlzJSGGMMxhRQFVxVTwnYdZ

TlpHOBKTKUzfroM

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

FvuoajovhbSyNLQ

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

INMzJKKYtNDliDi

An intricately detailed embroidery was presented.YOWFukWsNvHLTZRgopbrPJoqNxrJTF

qFgYMedRsLonqpp

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

XVTzYaTrjIfjKXJ

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

kbINwWUdIRYrKpN

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

JpmaenOAvoWxblo

Ning Rushen thanked the woman and accepted the gift.ORDnDIyiDFENMetMYHajelZUVtSYsn

srZAquTXnfhIdoV

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!”qjLicfTnsUtUdHFdAAcJgtBDdFvFPl

eIqOxhldVSvEdRd

…zOPGCsbxnsyOSNDyWFONQzMtiuxVPp

ztzgryzGFGOskZL

Back in the bustling crowd.MkAOqCIPpcIHFeujECIOlqTgbJRgvu

sgxWtbEgaLXZsHb

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.”qxJsKIxNCLwOPWsjUmhzlkFYAxGDUl

UbfUZoHbWOSujrU

He had seen this on TV before.kazgEJxeKMnKhPOBVttLlZLwULDitD

YhSeGuvlIisMVIL

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

MKjrAQRRjDrpdur

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.”iXPAUTvubKrfrECigOSglIbWUSprET

KdObPiDSMMJkcVg

Ning Rushen was suddenly touched.dOHnPgMYIOwxKhkYihOhOsYgHDQTRv

EnQHgzJueyYiInO

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

XHJtaBrfzbyyyuB

Li Wuting’s voice suddenly fell beside him:KEJCiYRbCYhVqHReuEtboSdNXSfFjE

wCCIgNTMrphgscv

“Still thinking about resigning, Ning Qing?”OWIZuipQrZAgeVISWojKsfZcmktHBa

mZKbIHxjDwWMdTF

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

MxQJOryZVKZCJqU

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

FmWTayoGLqfDvLP

“I haven’t…”ZhzVlzNhBpmjUzHOpuAGzUqVSfjGty

zLaGzOLNfnJjIWU

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

UuiCweOYgagpYwg

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

NZUaMkGmmkWQCyQ

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

MVLBGzxCmUhhqoe

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

DuhcjoAOZKVVQCr

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

nGhDtxdvbZWAMjG

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

OhWBNNptkfHWOGn

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

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Ning Rushen: Where to???qMOelNeOQREOcqPUIKnFYjSNZPowlY

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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.WaWGIDnyNuzzsTNcGmqetQrczNsvbw

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

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

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

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

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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.VQEeTeMeTYMDNbzqtGuFSutZZRDsNS

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

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

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

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Li Wuting’s lips curved slightly.VJoKxHMiGUaXPEwZvHZHaHCcRWBilU

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Ning Rushen looked again at the magnificent scene.IuVWwSxnTuxedCayYGWbGrSRwNDGaF

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

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

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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.iTnMeuTFsUMEIbxxvsoFHYSKvOJmOC

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

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

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

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

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

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In the distance, the fireworks display had begun.KokTVAEWxkSwFUjFzupwwMeuAQpYih

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Countless golden threads of red fire suddenly burst forth.gdTkSAQXgaEwJidnxXKdSvePZDjVio

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

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

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

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