This official is so weak

Ning Rushen was stunned and asked, “…What do you mean?”wAENgIJlTnwoIcsCftxqQqBYZVFTAF

cPPDnERJhiHtnzA

Ning Rushen swallowed and slowly processed the information in his mind. The expression of the Xuan King surfaced at the right moment, mingling with the bits and pieces from when he had entered the imperial study the day before…MBhlVUZARlfdAwdsiIREdYCgjfmHCv

RKkwXFidXuQZeNm

Li Wuting really wanted to see their little book.jOLVaEOwfDUkiVTYHmIyCorPIXkJZp

NwJXkRKmXeHtGaD

But why does Li Wuting want to see their book? Ning Rushen, under the glaring sunlight, felt dizzy for a moment: Does he really have such a high tolerance for this kind of thing??VtaqoWLeombWTpIBrIUJIWeDobfsyU

TjgsBXBRPkikGZU

“What’s wrong with you?” The sudden voice of Yin Zhao fell from above. “Your face is so red.”tgnXhKkLyrNDuGLRwLpWipFiZmPCza

iWfxfEHIKOGdjas

Ning Rushen came to his senses and saw Yin Zhao blocking some sunlight for him, frowning as he seriously examined him:hLUtkWvBacUrzndwYNHmmZNJYsBShf

IjdcvyAlcnFbFxf

“I’m fine,” he said, trying to steady himself.whhwYxEJVieWBNbgBbBZFbVGIhpQPq

DrPWNLelAtcrPpU

He then looked at Yin Zhao with a complex expression: but you—VvWVcSlbxQQbUPlCKgqxqbKhvYxLoa

tzhOkEZwILjsmSG

As the emperor’s blade, you’ve stabbed the emperor yourself.btIEvZNfvmdTdsEWcKHzjWoeBWbnsM

qLeGpFFFXKiZlmc

After a long time, Ning Rushen took a deep breath and patted Yin Zhao, “I’m going back now. Yin Zhao, take care.”jbxCITYRtNkmmDRsyNtANGZXZjUzAY

fsjrNbJxotrggLd

After saying that, he turned and left.OWyFSodrFIykTbcjAJEZpwRVexoGbm

vZUEYbZuZkVAjsk

Yin Zhao looked puzzled and tilted his head: ?eEQtrVtNhlVDTQXLUPRXaUcBSycgIs

dsguBgNWhzuvpKf

…IvYXOrYwMSGcYUfcNYGGmtXVdlKsJt

oCYfMtqJnRYAgTm

After Ning Rushen left, he went straight back to the residence.CavKBtJXUpPSooVbYyvRnWtrzILNrY

QuYyEeCbTFCAOoQ

He sat down and called for Yan Min, “Get me a cup of tea, cold.”UfmPFUkygsAfvIXAyuwgYJXTYGAUrY

ZRRQNlQQlheGFUC

Yan Min glanced at his face and asked the same question, “Sir, did you suffer from heatstroke?”zIFYPFoCwNXLbFVXvLAymFZkFSaBXf

VQbEFJFXIaNiOaA

Ning Rushen pressed his head, “I… I’m cursed.”wOJZyJYvAXKDRHWLcbTCNvpSBEplmi

YhRaRQniPqQsHQs

Otherwise, how could everything feel so dreamlike?duziQwRrjrkOzKmHzWQcfRQoQtJdnU

aAKCTNKJDqIBCwG

Li Wuting took the initiative to look at their book, and it was still the same book: they were all over the place in it, in various ways… even to the extent of being overly affectionate to the point of being out of character…hyOoEMaYIJeoaWlGUJTibIhoGQdibi

QciVcRXUdrRBTyJ

Just thinking about it—UYsKhAuiAQAjpOvIMZepCjNjjwDPoI

DORymUiECZefTAw

The past acts of grace, touches, and embraces, which seemed not to cross the line between ruler and subject, suddenly felt ambiguous at this moment.KeArNaUFPkQYhLfycdgXrcTsNUaBMq

zhTcSHVrDCKpOze

Especially when Li Wuting had held his hand, wiped his fingertips, and embraced his arm…YjWAbDeytjVQYZKcAZmISxFEsWXorW

LnzJWKsXVnPbgnS

Ning Rushen felt a wave of dizziness.LPAvYhUZfCmAcRmcxhuEtwXpyVSCLj

iTOOSjbSdpcDlLp

Yan Min brought the cold tea and saw his master with one hand pressed to his forehead, his pale arm like jade. It made his face look even more flushed, with blemishes like dripping blood, and his eyes and brows filled with boundless spring colors.IfrezeCIzqwWzxjCmAKauEwtWkfbcV

jNnsXbsqAiuoPmf

At first glance, it was almost soul-stirring…HKEqnyGnlHZVLxucehJVqxpSOtiuRo

zYbxrKaqGYpPidG

Yan Min swallowed some words and set down the tea:NplXKYjJHvwwXIvHAJtqiZELDZkQev

njMSdLFJjuCvanX

“Is there something wrong with your health, sir? Why do you look like this after going out? Should I call a doctor to have a look?”zznFMLnDWOWWcKBezvkxiZLCRVbSCU

mntTTIyQqRHRhyJ

“No need.”biErmMvQInIsNbhJfOkjXTHgJhhHKB

IIiEksHsNcovbtk

Ning Rushen took the tea and gulped it down.jzBhlIvlWCmLqwNZzWybjWXRQmfgLv

vIaqSjejxwWUMDc

The cool tea flowed down his throat into his stomach, barely cooling a surge of heat. He pointed to his head, “I’m just…”nOJXzFNePmVRByPyWBgJWhQTEfWNlc

YILHiKaZDOcZOnV

Yan Min looked inquisitive, “Is there a problem?”ISzGVycxLExNZeaeIgVKTlMtdrxhZH

VyeeeBcquWExhUQ

“…” Ning Rushen whispered, “My thoughts are a mess.”tZydsmUSctHtdGBYIebTmthpuRoaPT

BxMasFCoBYzELvu

Yan Min lowered his head in embarrassment and brought another cup of tea.erepDksoyCiueplveHrXoDlGdcERnY

zPjXwhhMqSkqsRB

After Yan Min left, he let out a long breath and rubbed his aching head:njbZjWdgKmGWeSPVwfakKhhIAtcaZe

fBxvCVIVTTrXBpF

It hurts so much, as if something else is about to grow.QjMPzetQkYYfzTGtvjLhNebRyJWYxP

xlHiHCSOZBzGWKj

·qpqzfgNwwERAuZQHasQjeZnXFcFvZk

hwcMBTptiRHoDNw

Ning Rushen couldn’t calm down all day.uuPvwBamMFzlnlJziuYMMFKwbUcJwj

mMZlGxHslvgzmGR

The next day, after the holiday ended, he had to attend the morning court again.HvkNFprIUXpRWxeAWgNXrCdkgINlfy

gXGZNnfcVFZuQRs

In the solemn and imposing court, he stood among the civil officials and looked at Li Wuting on the dragon throne: the bright yellow dragon robe was imposing, and the cold face appeared extremely austere.OVOZYjTGUkfIBEQqYlMnPUUwDtNuPk

jujvJzITMlMdDuG

Ning Rushen was momentarily dazed, thinking he was likely dreaming.XXwdBLuwQWjIuLdjWsyYmdXjTcznKm

RkqwZWYQZrgqSzQ

However, before he could sort out his thoughts, he suddenly heard the emperor’s indifferent voice from above:aZBSfiotKbLSTHEmfvNriXAZPLFduY

RzBDrJgaWjoHqMz

“I wish to select a supervising general for the northern border. What do the ministers think?”PfrjiZtDWQzbeYeQKudWOdhFePtPHP

PUMVSygZPGIKbGu

Wow—like a stone thrown into a pond creating thousands of ripples!eZxlISvFTXtJBBZoIAWBienpMWncUn

RAbxeACiAgkcyIs

The officials in the court exchanged surprised glances:WFcpcRqWmALbjQZxOfIudrODPeuXGp

RjksSFtCucZledP

“At this time…”LjAUWPQAYwnvCuqaTDhrrmICpComPV

rIOXNtxPbBVANtA

“Why suddenly send a supervising general?”NlKxwFBEdRLgGiCyGRkbvAWWZhmSUy

wedzqIpUESWuWVx

Ning Rushen’s attention was drawn back, suddenly recalling what Li Wuting had privately mentioned to him a few days ago:xyzUZrJPwuaHVOlVGofquVfrhLcOUH

GuDeeHXiHuDKGZH

There would be a war in the north.RaYOPTfulZwWoYuTynFrypwfPGmXFy

bETfROmVzsuzuVe

But his thoughts quickly shifted back to the previous sentence:CSzLRcAVzyBqiaXRasVuNdGOVjstYN

NzKQjRvAkcYFrUV

“Didn’t you say you wanted me to give you a harsh response?”YHPkqbgnyLtqlMwIAfQaFcYKAOtKKd

pQIcWKETDxICwBX

“……”EWjihxmhvVmyrpjdnfZggUgIyNsAqU

idnpHYckobuYHzG

Ning Rushen closed his eyes amid the bustling court.nwaRDjVeyWHxHlNogOfZWYBxbqIzVu

pICmnKAeoGeInOL

What a mess… go away, go away, go away!nGlBIYmDOLJmQLAKPFhVJgomziVqKJ

gqJudAJJCXjuMgT

The discussion about selecting a supervising general for the northern border didn’t last long.wgAnmrGUQcHUFmpZhQASQmQCxnKjiC

JrSglTPLfCjlCKJ

Li Wuting didn’t give a clear decision, and since the northern border was still far from the capital and appeared relatively peaceful for now, the officials felt it wasn’t their concern. They asked a few questions but didn’t press further.slgZOOxUjRTxWzklavGzzvOrzTxcrb

qJdmUneJfuOXtPl

They would just wait for the emperor to decide on the candidate.eIrLbGHDjJgqnduIyYSkIOotYDUtUE

NHzfczvmcyrheSm

…JXvnyObTzswJvUHhHSAFqHyANvIaFW

eTVCwwLulBTPneU

After the morning court, Ning Rushen went to the imperial study as usual.UrVAPfSlNDNoXryoeiJoEoKWheLPaz

UJFRVRhcDClBNks

He felt a bit uneasy before entering.ejBLRLmFsHtgDwQLMfIcYQhThEYxjc

RtCcjFzjickkIcf

Once inside, he saw Li Wuting focused on writing something, his head bowed, which made Ning Rushen’s heart settle a little.VvLPRXsMqTDFvbeqJxYomBbpFtGqtT

OhhXyndNiGKjVxl

Ning Rushen walked over, “Your Majesty.”nhfcnZBZGGRHSAvZpjCbTkXpDWnFCd

IzESWRsVNKSunes

Li Wuting acknowledged with a grunt, continuing his writing, “You’ve arrived? What do you think about the supervising general?”tEbXIFqOnNvfqnGjQrpvdxxalxncgU

QNyqqWvZKrSdilM

Ning Rushen asked, “Has Your Majesty not decided on a candidate yet?”EhaZtIzvOHgxBhIXWxcpiKxYbEFGSx

eFFcYfCYswlGfwu

Li Wuting frowned, glancing at the list of names on the paper, “There are too few candidates.”nuXVktgaelmqNynXYsloXXwmsvTQlt

uWvEIiQIULLvLyz

Ning Rushen pondered and understood.bldwOfcrEVSBeTfjeYoYwbJWRGCzNx

HHbPMbBuGNdjRsP

After the recent power struggle, the court had undergone a significant reshuffle, and now was the time to employ people. The newly appointed scholars hadn’t fully settled into their roles, and the older officials were too frail to handle the turmoil.gKafduIRxRlgzqoNCFhmCAtYGRPtnu

drBuoIxqgQKhKAi

He needed someone talented, trustworthy to the emperor, and available.odFHgBKjmpiHbEiCVzSrifauSCgFDv

NyeWuUkHVFGltKo

Ning Rushen glanced at De Quan, “Then…”zgUGqqFrplpLvHNcvijsKcUZpIVrPk

GXmIhZLBsALUEVU

Li Wuting followed his gaze and dismissed, “Not suitable.”rBsntPlFRMnGxMpsCWttCxrvglYLnj

MysMuUPwOJnLfre

In his previous life, he had sent eunuchs as supervising generals, but the resulting discord nearly caused problems in the military.qcSrpxxhGrxUGDGpDoShmjZPnCWlXG

cysjXQxJqmdHjtG

De Quan, who was absentmindedly peeking out, looked puzzled: ?URYlMzVgDQudgnjeWEzqQANZhTzGMt

FqPteKrkmyLhteA

“Forget it,” Li Wuting rubbed his brow, “I’ll think of something else.”CUCHgwesSiGuFxjIBIrBQBropYzqCI

rZumAWnnaikJyZR

Ning Rushen simply responded with an “Oh.”ogFdIaqsiCFruOqmvDRldphhNkvwoP

onvoFKMfgDtMzFP

The imperial study fell silent.dtFLUzPNWxBptSdzydTXBeAkuRLzOV

LkGeNnytXkJwwJw

Li Wuting pondered deeply behind the desk, his long fingers lightly tapping the paper. Ning Rushen watched and suddenly recalled a few days ago, this same hand had tapped to show him their fanfiction.CtJxtAqtBqXIFPvwwWpMYYmjvncjyD

qOuCjUxiLhNsMor

“……” Ning Rushen’s gaze involuntarily fell to the desk.oTWjsKeudesZBNWCHgNycHBgNgUiho

LtlOwzcSxUqbcUT

By the way, did that stack of papers get burned?dZdBQCQzLmoguieOmjcxmJntVUHEGx

sJKiGeByzjcHpCj

And which emperor keeps their fanfiction in the imperial study drawer…NVndEgavXHlzCnHWUoBrRnLgyvWlda

WOJONzPZmLkDlri

His mind began to heat up again, lost in thought.DUPITNHXzZgNJCWsafztUYwqxpFPwL

kwQwPNIBSXxhUjw

“…Ning Qing… Ning Qing.”tGhmwGetOECHiblyyFCiBnxuRsPFzZ

sHJtYgDWKnUAKyD

After a brief pause, “Rushen.”lGZepQrzgbMiYYgXPiegbleGDzNZKz

szmdjnKgARcwGnZ

Ning Rushen’s heart skipped a beat, finally brought back to reality: Hmm?AEiUFcmjEwoKSpdRyGKXXLHXQSkxBI

JiOZSSFzFzqVzIr

He turned to look at Li Wuting, who was gazing intently at him with dark eyes, “I’ve called you a few times. Why are you daydreaming?”AUuuwnoFNlcaecgXQGblegWwOQdSoQ

UFqagfKuykktHfU

Ning Rushen opened his mouth, “…Nothing.”zZSGJsWOTFjclGwRjUwepvnmIbVMer

fbDFYRtskONvzDt

Li Wuting looked at him for a few moments, then suddenly said, “Everyone, leave.”PqsRGCbVxRrdNlaZOQfjsZAHlwuAzM

gqgsUVhkKpeBrEx

De Quan looked up, realizing something from Ning Rushen’s expression, and hurriedly led the servants out—slamming the door shut behind them.OdpLFvZmzLljYWsemZdnWZTpxaaDMk

lFHCLZJfiNvuvYQ

“………”hazGcVsMMOYieGGUTyMNQkNROBPTPQ

BkazxsIvAZLKQIB

Ning Rushen was bewildered: ???AfJpodEnORZzLdPdiNFBThbZfZCEdY

UoFbNknDwqBzgCz

With everyone gone, Li Wuting stood up.nFvRtKVeCTxwPgKdRIxBvliQaOHUKm

dpljObxWodpYZJA

The tall figure moved closer, making Ning Rushen’s heart race. He looked up and asked:dPpAyfdrEbrObTcNPYrntKivhuvuDS

SWsgelntzrddmmn

“What’s wrong, Your Majesty?”TSLVriEDKcqOzaCEnjRPfmaAFygoIl

nfTUZZhRSMnDZOM

“Why are you asking me what’s wrong…”VLKAkojzGHdbfUFaykwQXJDrCiNwoo

AMVzMgxCOyfcFde

Li Wuting looked at his flushed face, controlling his slightly erratic breathing. After a few seconds, he raised his hand, “Are you feeling hot? Should I call for a doctor?”ctEACaWWcTLYODdgDVfVpEXcYdVudT

PtjOdWkYaWEIwXT

Ning Rushen flinched at the touch, “No, it’s not necessary.”asaTEZkHFVniYqtTlVfiycYoDcyuaL

VjgJWPwOYIpMFqE

“Then what’s the matter with you?”KWcVdPCkWqFxMfjBhyTuiSrAmcSsfB

abLmWVtLHkNCcPY

“……”RyXujhBrLFbpKhzdlBziHSujANsslD

rjrQRFQkCHAQgTh

Ning Rushen took a slow breath, avoiding Li Wuting’s close and handsome face.sFvNDKaMMTkYnTDOMKsEFdRuwPreZp

xVxTmOheuGEwKjj

He thought: I should be asking you what’s wrong!yUIKoRzIoyYVClkEVRNaeMLiMJuCcE

pxzFyYwcHVGgVxY

But he couldn’t bring himself to ask—tdZkgZLsYyJKKfRisFUneRIUEUjTSo

xPlBPfqZPLpRkfV

Should he pull open the drawer and point to the rolled-up fanfiction, asking: Your Majesty, did you specifically come from the palace to read this?ziaTAzhkIdrcRrnthsxXhewIkmNgUA

ZvfhGtgmAXlHzhL

Ning Rushen hesitated, “I’m just…”xUOoXvNKxJhctbUlSqREBaiVSGaWmD

VhhdwTNyVnTzIeZ

“Overheated,” Li Wuting finished his sentence.sNjZUornkoXZewueaongIaCexlbwoJ

EBMzoiQpxvSLNpn

Ning Rushen: .XaWOqEvymqoqpzPpIvuYOwHsqMXjoU

lasHdVrFWkbRZgJ

How did he predict that again?gERppNskCTcQJxYorETSOnEIwcFIlx

qDIfSQPFlRjFrTU

Li Wuting’s gaze lingered on him for a few moments before he shifted his position, moving the list of names on the desk aside:UxGwfaaBnFxOxeRzvSGcAkCsHsLADK

FNxFwUZzVVGXINt

“Alright, let’s go out for a walk.”vMwYytYrFsiUSFaUDqsUFQcgIJlgOj

OFwKLmGdJgDAbjf

With that, he beckoned Ning Rushen and led the way.wVlYKPOkHzgdnIyyfNTmCurPyyhsRu

vruxnLbAhRSoyKq

Ning Rushen was stunned: …What?PgctARJAYFWDiIcxdhfVoobJZpODzv

AIfSlWcutLSJzxJ

·ejVKsIMrvjOPxzMssAjHLgpFbFmJrH

XRDOZYJjwqoPQBj

After leaving the imperial study, Li Wuting only took De Quan with him.yVoEgXIqBWllzTBZAxJDGOaSyQVgqQ

nDCXzsgOKPxDkuc

Ning Rushen followed them outside, and not far away was the imperial garden.WquSJqdzhrKAfgEXJqGsrKpGlizgls

NyjTcXtQtDscain

The garden had a large pear blossom grove, which had already withered by this time of year. Ning Rushen glanced around, remembering how the pear blossoms were in full bloom when he first arrived.ooqJoioApGGomVSiHYxLnPANsNSjXV

PrLwchYycHROafk

He had even found a spot to be buried.LmvxppYdZmNafwElKeSnyaWZUloQHt

emGXQAqTcqxgVFA

While reminiscing, he suddenly heard Li Wuting ask, “You said before that you liked that tree?”tORHUQdmSfgoNTdjreGrTebAlCYkbh

gxnBsAGhacIYJyB

Ning Rushen looked towards the tall pear tree and couldn’t quite remember, “Um, I guess so.”TDBeIOzlqUaWXSzctfuWBcwCapAIgV

ANBikQJXhHCPjCA

Li Wuting nodded in acknowledgment and didn’t say anything further, continuing to walk.BiIjrTAVKjDCesiYRxfhyPLfwovJSA

MCcekCrfgDhnGaJ

Although the pear blossoms had faded, the garden still had numerous plants, with the layout being elegant. The flowers and branches concealed the distant golden palace—IwejNjBpprxFcHNeSNHRafjQFVBoBX

IGpqUvSrAevarcp

At a glance, it looked like a park.yULONtJHBOwHKJzZTtMPRrhAeCzjwU

ziEUmNHLfqALMor

After strolling for a while, Ning Rushen felt more at ease and tentatively asked:DtcxnSTpUvGUuWnVFujWsZfaaTAUfk

sVWnZqVNkrvQZrc

“Is Your Majesty still busy?”losEhwpWKeBbMNOvjxGGwPeKsYXkSs

UfdrAXidnUKNxSe

Li Wuting stopped his steps, “Not feeling hot anymore?”wzzajcKCjpsNSMRMqtHybTndlxyrqi

RmLDbegYneSUHGq

Ning Rushen nodded, “Just a stagnant pool.”ZKtZmrsbnBmXvCTfQErLlWBoJiUmtK

MmjDQjsdMeZrXWH

Li Wuting, “……”TUVhwPKZegDPeGSYtvdEVKSauhuHiD

ZUFwoTYtDlnDEqm

The garden was quiet for a moment.MLCqcUmlsduKPxURzhfnyjgYDNxcvT

YRHGpFeKSFQBrOw

Ning Rushen was considering whether he had overused his metaphor when Li Wuting suddenly raised his hand—FPxGGQOEGTYaULqfcqFKuKQPlrwnpP

msKUoAlAoaSRzlR

Surrounded by blooming snow white flowering trees, the hand accustomed to wielding bows and spears reached out, plucking a cluster of fluffy white flowers and placing them in Ning Rushen’s arms.xcmXazeIGnlKhRjHoNBbrFXlQKNqKc

uziTAXuniOsbjRa

Ning Rushen held the flowers tightly, petals fluttering around him, and took a deep breath.PvAFMQVAqtKIizVDbGyuaWuoFIerTU

XPgBEbwfaeHkvdz

…What’s going on? Are these for him?OiTfUwctvhCugSbgqNEXRqRQDfjktv

ZvASHNfIoZJVKVk

The snow-like flowers on his shoulder made his bright crimson clothes and clear eyes stand out even more.TOLdbCTBqvRbKRKqyuqliKecgYcDGx

kfuDGJGOjHmjVtX

Li Wuting’s fingers curled in his sleeve, paused for a few seconds, then gently brushed away the flower petals from Ning Rushen’s shoulder, speaking as naturally as possible:DmDiebCpzpvpNKFyGIdwPMlCnpxAuE

yTQLSOasLwkrWxA

“You don’t have to be so calm.”aqUObRjzFiYlwRBFPFUPikdBkNflLv

ihtYqoyZaLrjOrc

“……”CCRRRFTgEOqdpmjGoCasWOHgDIojqr

gxOPAPycGYbLaif

Ning Rushen shivered: He really stirred up some emotions now.FkQlFqlFqxjbEDKMuoxXMInDlHdces

skkjgiCPnZAbFzG

Holding the full cluster of flowers, Ning Rushen was unsure if Li Wuting had merely picked them casually or… no, thinking further seemed absurd.hJHydFXOPboHZihlgjWDPKEHKRgkyb

xRSJCrKoyVCFztb

He pushed aside the chaotic thoughts, “Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty.”WBONDBhvKtYkRYUjNavSxdFJZoXuzi

vvFowBzMSJxxMhA

Li Wuting’s lips moved, hesitated for a moment.NqYxloDbwTwUvQcRFcKbHCZiiFNfUk

EZpylTRiEeQDSRl

Then he loosened his tightly bound collar and turned his gaze away, “Alright, there’s nothing else today. Go back and count your clouds.”fqkMXHUNdbEwTjBUMXHEStVomgzGWe

oNwDYFFjNTSrlAO

“……” Ning Rushen, “Yes.”xPcjRHejHufvCNoEjNpVEEvyByVdHt

GTDleBRDecqiqWq

·CTwSXbHnBkwZRjeQXOmXfpoUyFkqwi

xfJwvDRsYUzEBBe

After leaving the palace, he carried the flowers and got into the carriage.BKCxJDiNYeDyTCupDgBhbZlGyucTAk

uniGfVeyfQrGPSv

Yan Min exclaimed in surprise, “A gift from the Emperor?”RCYezMcBRLxGKYAlMoqsgAyGqXwehd

oxHAdxNjtujKgTs

Ning Rushen gave a noncommittal sound and glanced at the fluffy flowers, setting them aside after a moment and instructing:jsYjvedGuNmqRvXyCwCuovbRPOCbEM

rpYZgcxuPTGqVQf

“Put them in a vase when we get home.”CxtQTndLzUxJFXqtMNpuODFiNnWUDZ

OKgobWUqjzlgpaV

“Certainly, Sir.”MXvqhkrznvhPpnnoKiPvOUIwPnMkUz

nAauDEEdxaOWPOt

Arriving home just before noon, Ning Rushen handed the flowers to Yan Min and went for lunch.YWSRtVXNPQWHdyYubKhGDSMPyZSlZV

JATRgfEHOrNHWze

When he returned to the main house, the cluster of flowers was prominently placed on his bedside, incredibly eye-catching.PrnQnkMJZdcZtNCFcLEJTIjIZhFOdX

gjAEEHcfWRvxHVt

Ning Rushen, “……”MOsQJtNarmKXodaDSyMMdwaAQwIcvr

gUmdBYbGaXsBINz

He struggled to ask Yan Min, “Why did you put them on my bedside?”BWrDrjCzfitWqtLKARUQDykGaBIAtg

PUCzVzcaLptRsBQ

Yan Min, puzzled, replied, “Since they are a gift from the Emperor, they should be placed close by.”tADnIrAQWQpvSwpavNMutvDXIZcymR

uNTjMAIcLsdbvVK

…That makes too much sense to refute.WqKpYrFVYFbAVzkwkKwbEDcdQcDqOZ

FBePfffJiVMNsVq

After a while, Ning Rushen rubbed his forehead, “Never mind, you can go.”yodwipwoRMpcEHWRNXtMBcAZqvvDRE

EaJgjzvNkELOAUO

Yan Min confidently left.nGKTEhBAIyyKbouTWboaNUtlTBJzGk

uHLxcZyMPgltvbE

Maybe the flowers were too overwhelming.QxezPrippfXQHoWYRZFFuzZtGYKONJ

CRyOMLdKSJplhxe

That night, the scent of the flowers filled his dreams, which were dazzling and bright: sometimes he dreamt of shimmering spring water under the sunlight, splashing against the boat; other times, he dreamt of a spring garden with large flowers falling gently from above.ySmZhrBZxIGDZXNABUXQVWuzXTfAfF

ildVQocGWEUEEZl

……SlZHMDaEGzAiilyNKyvuAdMRGfPPnV

CdrlxDkHmjtwIOi

The next morning, Ning Rushen woke up with the covers around him, staring blankly at the head of his bed:pXmNeMxupwcGrlAWaLWnmanSpYfuTE

VFYCdHHnURyicUm

—He… he’s unclean again!!!VrdaaKZHVxzDQCKRtypkhRQusThKKa

WYSsefXESLuExnp

“Sir?” Yan Min peered through the door crack, cautiously asking, “Would you like cold or hot water?”JDfYzvqlcVSLsdLOVLtSweETklvBFq

kQRyTMPfPoFYFtK

Ning Rushen trembled, clutching the blanket, “I want to throw myself into the lake.”ZKaxwoiTWuNSCcgeOsCzAVxCLiPRBK

sGGbTOrXSiEsJHt

Yan Min was horrified.aGMeyCITZIrQnaxwUUlSUMGNCgacnN

jLBUQDewQdptqIm

…ttnTidDSySWdQUPnRdtwWCXuyumfzF

ZKIIGfZMgTcSfcC

Struggling to get up and prepare himself.LvwnTMHZZvPnTDPIksRjlfDbOlkbeK

vJOZpnXpmKimIBK

Ning Rushen changed into his official robes and still had to attend court.faJnNFIecVMCHYepoEMvsFjjkqmVzq

epFyRyZXTDzCrOa

Fortunately, there were no major issues that day. He daydreamed in the lineup, only vaguely hearing that Li Wuting appointed a supervising general who would depart immediately, and the rest were just departmental trivialities.lPzJyvYQwqivRFUQOiRjnByMbaKcWM

nBXpivITXyiPJxt

After court, the officials dispersed.xNBkRJSWZaVTibedtMwUNdnlTyzxBq

IKCBMRVWyVXpoUw

Ning Rushen was still disoriented and hesitated whether to go to the imperial study when Guan Fan approached and patted his shoulder:pGUYeqGluCMArAKyezEdxoyztCQrPL

LabTnqibflByffE

“You haven’t been to the Ministry of Rites for several days. How about today?”uYrhZgGIyMjZSDYnzJSRJFZRHHuCMT

VoKrDCKCyfbyDJL

Guan Fan subtly hinted, “We’re having glutinous rice steamed ribs today.”CTLiEyxkIFWmjZnWbuSHjqOCPiDLHu

nupzyVCPYJkOtoZ

“……”WSBSHlYvbPhoMSLFppjEKiVqXkhMLd

KvSjlWbZjScRzpZ

Ning Rushen immediately nodded, “Let’s go.”CPneQQIaCcFuBnBNyeLZCaVgoCWhqM

UCvXtxsbZJWlrSh

Just right, he could clear his troubled mind at the Ministry of Rites.NEhzdzvfpOdpHxGneVMpMVcqXISeVq

TKQmVTIqgLYxyLk

Guan Fan happily walked with him out of the main hall.jpPIpfCLWquFNGuugTXCedRBnRpntJ

RcDeMLIFYfNaMaf

…nAouyLNhMbHyTbxvpjwFmzcePVGVny

UDFImeEDKReYimL

The two walked side by side out of the palace gates towards the Ministry of Rites.ZPFmMwYGNoOAdcfttTyHxruPdbAgAb

BdWAnNEzWnljkyn

On the way, Guan Fan asked, “Give me a hint, is the northern border going to…” He hesitated.nRYjrMbUBHFBxYjgQpSpeqOuwVWYnK

fBHhBvhAQLuaOmu

Ning Rushen tossed the question back, “Why do you ask?”ccMozRzryzSNTjnjVxiurDdxbyCVQR

snkxYtlaQHiNzJW

“General Huo is highly trusted by the Emperor. It doesn’t make sense to suddenly assign him as a supervising general, unless.”UliHxfvMGiWPjCJhEgnOgeWdJlbRTZ

yeQcrWKzKwJzJFb

“The Emperor hasn’t said anything.” He changed the subject, “By the way, who was chosen as the supervising general?”ehaYKzYgGZFIUfVEzweTOffoqDPqao

PRMSkQmjFZLIshn

Guan Fan, understanding his distraction, said, “Hanlin Shijiang, Cao Zheng. Right now, only the Hanlin Academy has people available.”DVdhvNyHrLVSMEnUeoIBLmFyBzwtJC

HDMRcMfMcEboBjr

Ning Rushen asked, “How is he?”EWUSHoaCQzBIRsexwfPeMGMPJeKAAI

GEIbRLFYAUOjSnc

“You’ve been colleagues before, haven’t you?” Guan Fan looked at him strangely but explained, “His character and ability are fine, but he’s a bit rigid and overly serious.”IDolcveDpoFoNhoXAKZgwNQtLXagRv

YIzDThKVdosYoKM

Ning Rushen thought about the unruly Dingyuan Army:ineosfGurrZjSvLeONdZCkymakGcdo

wiOqaxZXuCGdyPw

…Only hoping that the person can manage the position peacefully over the long distance.ZSERqJNEylTuCKolllaBXlcDUQtUzQ

UTDCLUAfSCUpSCX

·qOBWSTSIJihPoXcLpksvcNLwkIJyBq

XFjLOMibNXKTsIA

The Ministry of Rites had fewer tasks recently, making it a peaceful place to stay.TLtZwoIfPYZyIJvPRqhdhMNXBcjERG

wbRjsljWRMqRpun

Plus, Guan Fan always lured him with meals, so Ning Rushen couldn’t resist and went to the Ministry of Rites for several days in a row.XjdPRAvnfNdXNWEPbfZrVMjizOXkIx

DkuQguhLdMQuGOM

Perhaps because he ate well, he slept well at night.FkXXxASwMfMAvDypOraTosTuVEBkGq

HydtRKJqvTEonAY

His mind returned to purity, and his days became calm again.INWhoYxWBKLLIWvZfxHCaVABwgtlzm

XzMOqoSmpDHpOoj

Except for once when Guan Fan mentioned during a meal, “By the way, I went to see the Emperor yesterday. The Emperor asked if the Ministry of Rites was very busy recently, lacking staff?”BuiEhMXGJUWlVRPUppEWLTADpZpAxP

YWoYhCCfHIOjHSb

“……” Ning Rushen paused his chopsticks.jBjSnfeefaqeicwDyFtyifUofopdpf

RTdhoViEewtChKe

He tried not to think too much, swallowed, and asked, “And then?”XAXuQlouAlGhGWLujmBjEDJLwIziMH

topRCmncaeDdjyp

Guan Fan said, “I told him that everyone is doing their part, and no one is idle! The Emperor didn’t ask further.”bpEcXYstrQkOJdkACWVauedvjLKRkG

wrNHuoLnktNvaNR

It sounded like a routine inquiry.zjUXimkLGcvLfrnPHPRLakSYGQHsIp

ksagXhXjsrIlNQN

Ning Rushen lightly continued eating, “Oh.”JsingbwhaaQBwSqDZrKZEYgVJDnSHE

MhTFpFoxrXoILOJ

…aGVNkmOndzLqmwsWLBsNuCPRrJZHQq

EUYqIEIHZnZuXnw

And so, five or six days passed.uNpqvoEStrfNRnpgdsGTvJUtMbLFEF

dhOLLmQgHLPXtbN

That evening, Ning Rushen finished his shift at the Ministry of Rites as usual.sbvpPCgpPskXIHJayKLziDYYOeWaiq

EZneNCOWUczWwnh

Returning home, he saw a familiar figure in the courtyard: Li Wuting, dressed in deep green court attire, sitting by the stone table with a pile of items on it.qvHnpmnYfugArnHrezKDmrRzrQAPcR

GFnBfUbGzsrYzjG

Seeing him enter, Li Wuting looked up.ZqeDDoWxMgJnnKDmMpgVhqytjEiELa

iVvmRtuIkXdZLlA

Ning Rushen’s heart skipped a beat, “Your Majesty?”yXkgDlyEyQUKJXnbcqyicjBiMXevfr

VJSWljzVeSYuTxY

Li Wuting waved him over, “Come here.”lyDxDKoukKaKIzvdBSTbtcGESpgbVv

LHAUwaCOXzrobcG

“……” Ning Rushen approached and saw several boxes of pastries, some ingredients and supplements, and even a soft blanket—unique to the Golden Nest—stacked on the table.FHmMSLySwSeVSTMtjcFHWUYoKtmBGf

zCewVdaHCUxXAqC

His heart raced faster, “Why is Your Majesty here?”fiPysOibDuzBjgggSRWOwhAZxYEAMw

tJzbVzoRGdnYFut

Li Wuting stood up, “Just wanted to see if you like them.”WlzsiMMJfQCwszHbxjMHWymSQaXYPH

HpGXXzqouwqOBLg

Ning Rushen touched them, “I like them.”heGqjVqWWOQwkaesFDkhfuDtZwpWJp

PUkXFCeCJDGphAx

They were so comfortable, so soft…JbBLTnDIeFrFHoTDAXsnGcGCJHnvKr

nWPfWfdQFqXzVul

Li Wuting watched him with shining eyes, unable to look away, and after admiring him, asked:mfoBEXcddVqowUXEProBVniTrpMSbG

uSbADWnyFqxFmrQ

“So why didn’t you come to see me these days?”jgKrpVBqHvgpLsyJjwWSHXAABkutWk

rjdbdQyxBvMavoC

 bGXmIihjahHbWyHjYaQDStoeVRVabT

JagSutIxcLOesOc