This official is so weak

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

TuERRQgubYURNyN

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!lDAMlDNQNgHkMqFOFXlzhqvKOOAJcn

IPfARvsCpPbIbdD

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

dIiFylRgNxVFPiA

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.qttwnoJbehIhuOiEdjaVUdZJjxrxda

CiSKnJLIZHmxxVt

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

dsIcjlizYhTvDbu

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

gXLyvQhchZqKoeA

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

kslPkhNIHmpvYhh

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

VzXmRmvoJjyICqV

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

hVYnPdPSDBIHJwM

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

NQEOLgkjlBcZIDZ

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…tKZSodMvcGsTBBeTbXFSiEIMYZpQnM

hfBHMKwtSSRgqWS

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

YlifSKtAdwLpFnR

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

bpRIFxAjwgrJqce

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

gfHUsOWOfLobAaM

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

OYXXpOSHcOTKvGB

Ning Rushen was puzzled. “It has.”HOayUAuPpJifagKoCrrjThVocnLfFd

GXRmCnFenhMZjdX

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

aDwuxrbqtYhuCFn

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

DBsCBwAptoRLohu

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

kTqgJvpkEOvRRTl

…vTpsurLHbNGgsEMHDznGrMlaVKcLFn

maoGbIXiQYTDlDf

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

RJgeqhqbyqkapYg

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

xYyMacFeOwkBfzM

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

bpAtlHwwYPSCpIZ

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

XwmrwpYfueHzOFh

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

jQVfDnugKYTPRcv

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…”yNazXKEwOeyTFNrjvyAZklSGOspEOX

eMIEMbZYOakDjlP

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

oFbotsftpRAONHg

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

fDLNVnXbBlEAxhV

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

LOhQEztKVhALoKu

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

cmuCpgnQKePzDne

But none of them had come with alluring scents.zsTimAyOcmVVpQtWPkguBFwlbKEepX

mfhOXJykqFmwvPj

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

VjxAvQoVrDfNPNa

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

fgRUDEwGkOHqGYd

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

DoqyVutUbsVWGys

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

ODIfcfVCJcSXLLC

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

qCtDlojemYORtmB

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

zQrzFTLzEWDkoRP

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

WhcYehwJkoclFIu

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

MhgFfCWNaQbWLJt

“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.”rBZSSWBXQxKJIDBkrKolvMYNkuxBTv

qpmscJaVGdXCLeN

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

CFrJEGtHHugXiTP

Li Wuting chuckled in agreement.VJASDptwHWCJjkNkNyAtHAYqcNXZkv

cWOzlIHAQYzJNnL

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

ZmjOoykJdkdWXem

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

QRSMKKxlOdVGUfM

“How will you take them?”RHflgafPNKFtauNJULhjcRmCIhNNiQ

PPWApyxQezzeSRO

“Wrap them in a black cloak—”BHxxEsKleIyTMElFiUBgZMmyFoXjIx

uSDupqYuLTfWirt

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

AcmzPfDgFyOxmBm

Ning Rushen, “…”ZbjUpdmsdWGEgHvoNrXbHKQxBtxBuB

LZjDtncfqtQuTkt

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

nKFvNWvOOKKkOKA

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

YiKIoFuysNlTXlJ

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

ByrwyPVuBmtjIxw

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

lBZUhOEGrqoFFCQ

Yan Min responded with a simple “Oh.”NkakqFSgmizHVPxqDQUMFgyRKSeKVK

LrAKmxbEKlNvxCU

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

GLqDVHQsBANOTUn

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

tZLiohTqRhKCBAY

Was Li Wuting perhaps too kind to him?dqLUpzqqKuhvBpPbkxeHtgnTzrwNYH

gCjDCtWKanoDrcy

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

xmONxSjdxstCpRW

No wonder Xuan Wang wrote such stories.NOmrrcUYaSiqgCYRVgeyAqeBHfFPXK

VDRsKingGQsfdOf

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

PYreQomIPlniVbe

…KaSWsrjzKeQFVedNLrXNPiiyfjZGmN

HcJONlBeuOzEMTs

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

qqoQLNokJbyHeoW

He didn’t go out the next day.ZagsxcxpdpKwkWTsiqEnRNOeqZAmEO

kwlORKbzejWMToz

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

tTGNmNVzCEotDnP

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

DxqkRGIwLomhjIi

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

OMcxQJANxaEwHAk

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.bYZNDsndLTEFxHQChzvAKacUINLGiV

ftTjxcpqVvujafX

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

JBwqiKYEhBdUdjd

Ning Rushen lounged in the courtyard all day.aoWfSWEXUOcnoclHenjCrKvQFOZquD

lxFisTtMIjBCAew

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

VvQQQpsfRLfpdoP

“Go out and have fun.”WIWfZjnivconLIbavlsUpjhUPJjiBP

zNPUDEaZUULbCRb

The group of servants immediately dispersed happily.TBLuzIsKHNXUhHCLiryaXmGqqCIHQz

JymdMJQxOuJtbPK

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

JHxTGwmQGwBpBcC

Ning Rushen, “…”CvCiPlpFdnADouXJWjxijeTfjvaPnY

asLJCNBmVapbCrr

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:wnqXeKhNZVXsMxTCXzoZyVWkSYpAqd

GAxWxdcEnDyAQRC

“Lord, Lord!”LHDOGIsgWqgzsbHgHrzRaqKYiBKhiB

yAVIBCIvsVgvahE

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

HTFxAcWDpVDoymm

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

vJIPxIIODbkSmtl

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

jGRmlAWeUPAieZF

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

gwciGJAAgExxVWX

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

avpKzcbBTnZNZbu

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

bLtpeniCGOTYSbL

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

xDQebvoHJilIbpN

Ning Rushen: Huh???GuJLioacdRgVYAPWjYxTkaHpLZQUkS

yuVoRaKLZtwnPdh

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

BMDDvFHnTjUExkX

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

SFDDoWUHiOZBTrE

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

WeqSgxgSmEuuGGg

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.NypMGfsHNwrwCsosObuGHVhdNXTWRB

lFhNxnHdgkCxZpY

They were accompanied by about ten undercover Jin Yiwei.EwgQgSOJyzbTJcmjrhmTlJlHXgXHHx

IwKrEENVlTWHafN

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

VsDgVdrazCaBjwg

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

wVzrJEXpGxicVOQ

Ning Rushen, “…”bEZaIxWhAbvegQIqlrlETquTJOWJhk

lXyQZgKpgEzqtWo

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

FjShnPEMotSEtLq

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

vjKgxPDxBdPapqI

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.PhzyroYRKERaVJmZFLTESrLRqlNcIF

aYzwfqqAVDOeBcr

Ning Rushen gazed at the scene.EdgOrSjzmaNBlsIwJrAEOgpYnTPaMX

LWcPabbxWvbHaWN

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

IxdCwKAjXzEOjLN

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

UYxytLqtILbosGp

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

QBMWuJIJAriIPhH

Ning Rushen, embarrassed, “Hmm.”cthRKtUtcPElOSrtrLSUwLROWAqBFD

PjaOKpZoQLtkADc

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

zRDCEeqzbDJhnaR

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?”gObTBSRrEXsnHLdPSWKPYNzuHUxKqd

GurqadLEtIKcEnQ

Li Wuting started to speak but heard someone muttering:lieXodFoGPLywflkqKniUGSsLANajy

ewEZTGMtChiPNFT

“Can’t carry it all.”tMvxIYBbPGFSMFQHdJdHbpsinsWZvb

GMOtOICAqIRpgVq

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.”nBXPatPFrgpdksqJbmvgzExJKZzRfq

AfdTXlVsGCpMoIx

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

jjfNSHUzYkNrFXv

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

PKaPJEiAWRZCJpp

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

krNTDeHDiCmjZLh

“Oh.” He immediately began eating.ZXTCfmBSjrerueAAUpBzzUTosjvcrY

vdWFgoUdiyDWIPR

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

EixsRocgdOSUcLG

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

PpnrndVPwQnbuOT

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

zOyIWQtPPuTcKbJ

…YNJgYsDYcRJulIrfHSYQxGLZayZTys

kFuvMuunhFRAKyU

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

JgWKWeAXdqFNZiA

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

qCkUjCHUptHgmhw

Li Wuting glanced over, “Finished eating?”cktBsoiUjuNqHYIoviLEQerBXUlLHL

yodbdopakzKUpJm

Ning Rushen nodded contentedly.RKprBvgjxvAdMMwnZmJBFdkuxOTxgD

FnXNeVYDgxTNhgh

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

fAZuziwjpPPpKwd

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

mmUsvwRNSDmGmDm

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

UuPFCtjNKlLEGtK

Ning Rushen paused and looked over.BckoAJzAUZCaIuZCQXfDIwyjuZbQKc

iqQgaWMNDMCgYfq

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

siomTFUhFHWknlu

He asked, “Yes?”ZWKjVqdBVoswoWgpXcoTRrxRAgIzWt

LpKVBYmSXFCKrhB

The woman immediately bowed and thanked him.ZEixUtiTJrOrCUTtrvJLGmwvWrsCoR

RsfHJTVqacbayJh

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

ATQzCbDfTNRnaCq

“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.”aeZlxifYBqYrUrpVzPyAbFwpUruomt

DKjCEAsPUKKzKJM

Ning Rushen was surprised to be thanked.sEbpvSDsxNcLmIDgIKcgkiudWjWtvq

scZxusMnOOSyPKZ

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

QkpZIVgycZmBScs

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

GFYEBcvsObhfydz

An intricately detailed embroidery was presented.CeasKCURORqqzpZFePybphyVEUKjlh

CGXRPnpgaCAxFJe

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

qdfvarHahsAVgJL

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

maYgAZCpStTGDsz

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

XrohOLPDZYRWVsf

Ning Rushen thanked the woman and accepted the gift.UGQyJqzAXJQPXMPbzuOfpuRRKNscoS

RHdpUALdqkokQne

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!”VbBzBXomKAoPHzuYvsJsCGklceUwTf

cHeYmkMFWbxPzrC

…JgEGniWLsRDodqPfuhTthskaVgQmwU

CcNtLVPfofCqhMO

Back in the bustling crowd.vdqzaSleUAPqGgwomBWFiLoyGUqAKt

echwrIJZTXcIDqg

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.”WJlhBsvKbXXGGwTYzjoHsMReUzEqKq

yvmbmihwPikLWeT

He had seen this on TV before.GntpItcdZjBDKTxYGpahJNcAFjwYTa

hKclAtdsjQYSXgC

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

FxdORBmSTLDiTtu

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.”WkcwnNhIENpOQORFakZAqRDCztzwqq

DMiDmEvrlBtvwod

Ning Rushen was suddenly touched.eLfsXkdtjDqGNtSURgvecfqLAJwled

DOamJlfzqHkUalT

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

wHAIAeeWvdpqKcW

Li Wuting’s voice suddenly fell beside him:YkIacJdyUtkGEgWStUKysNeXHtauBm

buuQTHLNRyKmpYD

“Still thinking about resigning, Ning Qing?”KThHewsGcVVAMBINywDodUXacNFAwX

htDLfaIZREwjIud

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

FeQDrGKAfUdPbeK

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

kPrKpnIpGmZUcPE

“I haven’t…”QhUeSVeisjXjFHAJsiFCdSDceAKzkz

ITrezcKtgxcRURg

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

KuZNADNhHrliQVH

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

LocskDojiawMAlU

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

vkEgpyXLVgDgLEL

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

FBatQqoCFkyKRDT

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

DvblLNAMHqFjbYP

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

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

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Ning Rushen: Where to???mfgvcXPxgbybtlWpCeFNDZwmGrzIhk

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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.tCFPsFuhXeKgybOICFCoPVONUKHBuC

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

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

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

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

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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.hejOUDWJiSXnBKIljBhDubMBtLemZH

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

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

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

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Li Wuting’s lips curved slightly.zMKRhYCkNToUUhNMwUzZPmSmtCWIyQ

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Ning Rushen looked again at the magnificent scene.fCTapfxhRTjlGsdxNsPKQHaXTlYujE

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

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

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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.PnNkkWWOQjIQLDKNNYcmlPzvZCINRl

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

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

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

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

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

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…GAUwrmhMzWOclHnQhVCXWDryIZRAFT

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In the distance, the fireworks display had begun.AOBWUdTzQnnFjxwXflTWZcrXKnSifw

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Countless golden threads of red fire suddenly burst forth.gQmdxoxbvcMeauxzwKmDKLrrBRqyiz

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

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

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

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