Chapter 54
Ning Rushen was stunned and asked, “…What do you mean?”QmKFeiOzyyuKnvjBkgoNdyvyduHriw
tGgzZLujpLzxDEyNing 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…OlYMiJcBeQVOkpdrLysNYJfQWojMhW
nLZYodJIEGgdAiVLi Wuting really wanted to see their little book.GDoQEbcqnqNynyJJgYMnUlXHWLJqRM
jxaYEBwPKjrZlJxBut 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??szUjvWYkEaTjhxorSArvHJoIsHcqyA
SkxSDKAiolLcfuT“What’s wrong with you?” The sudden voice of Yin Zhao fell from above. “Your face is so red.”bBmpSgIVErhiXKUKsXduDwXsmSHBZU
CTNwhyDnZmPyGISNing Rushen came to his senses and saw Yin Zhao blocking some sunlight for him, frowning as he seriously examined him:VBJQNKRKiOLNvPRkBqyQIYgjvqfYiv
PQPZWsxdvNwGymC“I’m fine,” he said, trying to steady himself.lwySLuTpzXupmtzpjSArGLcJrdhaem
nXMiFnSlafXHojaHe then looked at Yin Zhao with a complex expression: but you—XxPRvrMpwcRbzvrXPgkqQNemtcwdTW
vLiPHEMXtagrBQzAs the emperor’s blade, you’ve stabbed the emperor yourself.RVDHBHyLaKHgVCfvTuINdoRRypnxNw
NbNkcQUTBOrJpLSAfter a long time, Ning Rushen took a deep breath and patted Yin Zhao, “I’m going back now. Yin Zhao, take care.”ePlCrnwYlSzhDsOvxBKbjHxNHBUkmg
KhZXxCNuUviEoIFAfter saying that, he turned and left.VVVDInnaktjMuwGpbRnXrBosyZouzm
qpgFApPbREpOdBSYin Zhao looked puzzled and tilted his head: ?wnwgYwIrdcUDljVJCanSLEChaZEZFJ
cPAeaZmxASgWrMl…WzKhBwXNhKTjJdeUjgEgeQFqcNEaeA
CbxOifyHToeQUEqAfter Ning Rushen left, he went straight back to the residence.gsAjZjFYptxmNmayAsFomkpegJcgag
fIgMNYPLJrMIrfGHe sat down and called for Yan Min, “Get me a cup of tea, cold.”cFIzaAOztONzvfmMxHfLSlowPWueDz
JkvcoatRLpErfqbYan Min glanced at his face and asked the same question, “Sir, did you suffer from heatstroke?”GRscUJfIpzyeAerfqyRHCmBMdtdyms
KHhIJONtqWianAQNing Rushen pressed his head, “I… I’m cursed.”pRNyXUzREwwoOPPFWHiOLkzmKKISlS
HlZQSdcfPECUGmJOtherwise, how could everything feel so dreamlike?dsmJJafEiixrGkXYfTyYMvCJhqycYO
PAxlCQImfDADkfYLi 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…QeKBiaGZlQGBhhpMKTHIhoOsjUaILw
JXZmWzUrmlJwMPAJust thinking about it—SpeuuHGCUiFHRdWvFtEZGIbXLzfyLn
QEJQqXcRBtYTWhqThe past acts of grace, touches, and embraces, which seemed not to cross the line between ruler and subject, suddenly felt ambiguous at this moment.ERvWfBvXVbaDxvIdlaqHXDqKSUSVUB
ZIEUggVSdPjyhQZEspecially when Li Wuting had held his hand, wiped his fingertips, and embraced his arm…zGgGqRWPhiQnWgfEaDxJtCzCYIMClV
iPFHTEBTtnrpcVvNing Rushen felt a wave of dizziness.uvMDCSBdNGUHwmuduuWEDoiMgvzzbD
mhijyfAPtCTZyDvYan 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.DegGggQIzXTOBoaYLakYFOtINqAqIN
StwxTVgSjJObhXWAt first glance, it was almost soul-stirring…ltsuQJqsHskvANlZgpsNFnCoktrHQG
EOOvsGjBnLLmqZuYan Min swallowed some words and set down the tea:ozJMeirEDowURdZpfRfBCyDHOxFyEn
ZhTuUJepxYAPJDa“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?”dfdxpKBrsqVSEltdfJLhBlkbYTyvDe
kGFxCfyyfvWltjv“No need.”PyTZsBdAZtafMVMXVPVXXkWfkuYltb
DfNvYuIjdheEyEXNing Rushen took the tea and gulped it down.hmOzuivsjjBkwnHHYxkudRmvQnQqhQ
sEsyWFpOnobQuouThe cool tea flowed down his throat into his stomach, barely cooling a surge of heat. He pointed to his head, “I’m just…”cQnNIPWsQyDzYOoHBwxveVSvWULsyF
xxBuwaCFzepZIInYan Min looked inquisitive, “Is there a problem?”wdLbEggWOsEVnWlGCuuSZWloAXwqGx
VkipVitgwKljgfn“…” Ning Rushen whispered, “My thoughts are a mess.”XHEyfiwaFqRxnrPYdTtYbniNeXUMBi
jLlWGIWYBBcpcrUYan Min lowered his head in embarrassment and brought another cup of tea.MEaxXCpVEzbAiZbfvokAitdUxzzotK
tiMcwAaRGPKHNxqAfter Yan Min left, he let out a long breath and rubbed his aching head:cmcuVDFYdlzIGsFbVdckQRUJkiwNbb
NOGFSvOzKloQcbYIt hurts so much, as if something else is about to grow.GlPOxsJfieBWNEDcbPxKVhpKMcVDha
wPHTOKZtMTWBOSU·FvDkrIoXvutfOCtpWQdnETxsSuvtRK
arZmIRCkUpryiypNing Rushen couldn’t calm down all day.MeiqUylZGlqLWHCpaZHJiHLkQAjBqW
OAnoWxCOyQIIymeThe next day, after the holiday ended, he had to attend the morning court again.kekwzAZdBmHsWeVROoTxgZSlPHvHEl
hysAtpjuEDMUpoXIn 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.vMDUBRHJeudEYIntecggFzqgHJYfZv
YVDaBENJqBNUsmkNing Rushen was momentarily dazed, thinking he was likely dreaming.vSxioDutpXbZwKObgljQAljfiRgZLX
ijIEFDbHJZeZwdJHowever, before he could sort out his thoughts, he suddenly heard the emperor’s indifferent voice from above:ajwhtDwLtYIsdYSxnNkHDjwlPSwgNJ
HIPUMeTezWLfQlg“I wish to select a supervising general for the northern border. What do the ministers think?”CpPRiCYJKVXIHOqFoTQJoBuFTPmMXV
xITNmboGLSTNUexWow—like a stone thrown into a pond creating thousands of ripples!CDupUujqphCgvGQmlsFcATefGNsYCv
kEEGhlytUqyQNZTThe officials in the court exchanged surprised glances:ODYhjokxcFxHAEuHPVASAMjEKCKhVt
EzvhjEmEtsGPmJp“At this time…”ihmuFzNkjlQUyOeOYdUeRoOXnnAIsG
nzqKToLpByYfpBZ“Why suddenly send a supervising general?”wMUojqUgjQThuoYUjLOVTORYfZEcLv
YlooDpGCZwzfsLdNing Rushen’s attention was drawn back, suddenly recalling what Li Wuting had privately mentioned to him a few days ago:DhrHalkIGwjLiGbqLNbUXkluFpVebI
YnkheGKiQgCLBYyThere would be a war in the north.PvKrTsKakExZJEwMRTogZNzTxlAnNR
XPFDyVjEfxGnzywBut his thoughts quickly shifted back to the previous sentence:mHaaUJEriUjUtqfimWnFlEhHJjSFbM
QMgWiRPiPaYYzTd“Didn’t you say you wanted me to give you a harsh response?”bvcsmvJcRBZwUmsFqqoAcezTzAdsWD
oDseSYZMyfysCUD“……”RiFmDNxTuVViAvCbvCjGoRMsvzNxiz
YwRcPLWmAGBYbZhNing Rushen closed his eyes amid the bustling court.vnpjCxsLXNdBELaijoRWexCzqaqhWS
YVBOvpEUqvQXYPhWhat a mess… go away, go away, go away!RnkMMosRqLfUhKcCliGUskNSEnWsfg
gEGcmpYuqMXezneThe discussion about selecting a supervising general for the northern border didn’t last long.fziKAaoiGCYnmvuUuREmAlNrQOQHFl
CTbudizlbpkmJXoLi 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.uQnJDMZFIFkTutLFZclJInfNXzvpll
EGZjjPeXqhtTYUrThey would just wait for the emperor to decide on the candidate.SQEZZfQvHmBWXPaxssfoJKvwFSpzKF
aWRyACeBGRMuuEJ…gvvtCiBJCYlsdPkVvnkAYtYiWQniTX
ifszvGzJWWGRgtWAfter the morning court, Ning Rushen went to the imperial study as usual.PJkmYMtUmgfyrmxxnjKnRPdxVVNSMC
pLTKrnPZcmbHaCAHe felt a bit uneasy before entering.mHYnBZwmySFKIhuysHozJgkjmSpVMz
PYgZegxPBvmkOyIOnce inside, he saw Li Wuting focused on writing something, his head bowed, which made Ning Rushen’s heart settle a little.CgfOAyueagtrLlJoKSsDALXFrlUETb
bEGfWncahvkxOMQNing Rushen walked over, “Your Majesty.”BBJsroIjxWdkwHEHGCYWTpvPcUsClW
DTAxXZVxGmCZEMNLi Wuting acknowledged with a grunt, continuing his writing, “You’ve arrived? What do you think about the supervising general?”wIWhgnBhTFGfugHIkTpHMGclGqCsvn
PzgmVjuQeANkjLbNing Rushen asked, “Has Your Majesty not decided on a candidate yet?”IZNyVqWDuiUBgFibyUbqlnhwkXYAYf
BkeFfMqRboSnrtmLi Wuting frowned, glancing at the list of names on the paper, “There are too few candidates.”wygoFcuyowHCwyUyxsZFaZZNKcWNyc
mfMvMhscSjSCjzjNing Rushen pondered and understood.SaOEAhYuLqRTDrnfqOgtEKWqAioIuo
NoYHBZNNKwweEOfAfter 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.becPWLtXmLWroJsyczZHEuAdHOhcNm
aqTpQXTCBrBkkHbHe needed someone talented, trustworthy to the emperor, and available.btAgHLLkCyglGAJEqAZrLFsBPjbpEG
DmIdhsvGafqSJvVNing Rushen glanced at De Quan, “Then…”ZsmgWypPxTwwdarqEQxXwhUgYiQWPH
XKzVdPavksnchFELi Wuting followed his gaze and dismissed, “Not suitable.”wjHkuncaeaoSMivMvWmClRdYMbgbMs
ccilefYqigohslxIn his previous life, he had sent eunuchs as supervising generals, but the resulting discord nearly caused problems in the military.NdDYpIpvUagmLuJKEBfeXmGGLiYFjp
EMxCnrpWcfETBSDDe Quan, who was absentmindedly peeking out, looked puzzled: ?ggldRxlVAORluIUCHzLOAAhZyYJsxU
VbKFHjwoPHFpXyt“Forget it,” Li Wuting rubbed his brow, “I’ll think of something else.”CsnnkpnwsHYMZHdKoqwRhueigPRxGD
SXMBYdsvYNICNEDNing Rushen simply responded with an “Oh.”minkKPhHFfXAWqzQXFKtfnEmmjABSW
oPGlNOhpFSxztohThe imperial study fell silent.qJYTELNOVuRaFfMhCzMMIDMCWCWJJB
lkUqgzOTigLvdZmLi 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.AKirLKmswNXrRlYRDZZdJSxwQvsSIX
PWtCuBINfRILYVr“……” Ning Rushen’s gaze involuntarily fell to the desk.GXCauUKBJdQpHabrLsNPqXVotXbkVn
cawsTlftiwtgdIxBy the way, did that stack of papers get burned?HgWquXsOvEeDqsQyNGREeNFFUspEmW
ssczvyqhMoQjQNvAnd which emperor keeps their fanfiction in the imperial study drawer…pXyeBQQpkXtoIaaMMJbRwncYydmXiY
xepotwrNMJtPCaLHis mind began to heat up again, lost in thought.EDkyrXsxpcKewczPFOVztkauwAEbwI
IXmKbAPBUUGjvoP“…Ning Qing… Ning Qing.”XOMvUQnjNpRTLWzeRyckSJKEVfpEkG
cMNCVqAGdnvopcuAfter a brief pause, “Rushen.”coKtgDGqgVzgzrbiHelMUfgFeSkIzf
VLrYCxTivbBFaJaNing Rushen’s heart skipped a beat, finally brought back to reality: Hmm?KyekIYKNJAKgmWTGjSGMgJqUGsnLgw
FlzFJNtocDesBQUHe 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?”kbJSqGEhPqZRqFMeSfbRLRdRgPrsEJ
HOPThOHGaOmnHxsNing Rushen opened his mouth, “…Nothing.”DSrhpAEYMGDhkunWKAZizsYJteoYdW
XLXdPUWSBBLMytCLi Wuting looked at him for a few moments, then suddenly said, “Everyone, leave.”kIsKjPPetVwCeCDILgygWbgUPoGidy
UazIpmUhpyhSfcGDe Quan looked up, realizing something from Ning Rushen’s expression, and hurriedly led the servants out—slamming the door shut behind them.eaagvGNlOEAYiFEfOODZJyyNjkURwT
mcpIRWaLeSHZRVc“………”vHxflQajBngYwEZpeCIeYQhoQMGlEH
vNXNTVtLKSVYPfkNing Rushen was bewildered: ???LGyVmzeDVfXpvryObErqOmQiXNXXxI
cMliUrspIzECHlgWith everyone gone, Li Wuting stood up.leSLDOXgubccwrXksXnfHyXEbNCNOx
QUJcdYIhEqkMmrXThe tall figure moved closer, making Ning Rushen’s heart race. He looked up and asked:hxeKvXiSAWLdenArWcWekGPzSYULUk
PdbatcxoWbqjQQT“What’s wrong, Your Majesty?”PpCrmNbkswFmvXgveHodkfWfRnSwsG
QzfaBfmRWsWndia“Why are you asking me what’s wrong…”hppwTxUEOotfmwHEcXjlsiBjLMqVlY
BmoGhSPiuXbWkTILi 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?”VaNjTzvphVAxYbbhldZiakuzfjexdY
uQQwKCCAhNDDTzbNing Rushen flinched at the touch, “No, it’s not necessary.”YUPpHLgVDtRcVlGJkelqCUTpQXwhHO
LGTpmajYDGwCvqX“Then what’s the matter with you?”dorycjPnCtyuoKDVrvCxEQTskawqec
KihvEoLmEYEPXMR“……”kByMSPUTELjwxgCtGIFqMLemfUZgWD
bJesDlXkCWguCRLNing Rushen took a slow breath, avoiding Li Wuting’s close and handsome face.lbKdKsWQXFkmsAdZpSAWakPNFLhRYs
atYxepAyQVSJGMsHe thought: I should be asking you what’s wrong!kgmvwmJRgsRWqGOHoRexQKUXsSFJkr
jCYtnNFWDSiotvQBut he couldn’t bring himself to ask—oMXLbVqYdTDHJSksUkiQelJhXNGWUG
NoLtuAjAEFHivaMShould 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?lENimFwPrQWZeKIwclaYjJGctIrFlh
yPZCgorOPnUNFXXNing Rushen hesitated, “I’m just…”UWYMEuXekroKEsruOHuJKQBDmcDfIT
BnRVzjXoavIxLTN“Overheated,” Li Wuting finished his sentence.UoUmvuNhnRsOIjoTkIDyhCcqltPqEa
wCLiLjqBrLXRXTJNing Rushen: .mUfpLoCCvduhbFKbvbglRdGzXDcaLa
xaeUTBJdhxTuHSmHow did he predict that again?EuczyxrFCewnzWwGlqVMcORcpJxrNV
oLyIrrZreDhEwsZLi Wuting’s gaze lingered on him for a few moments before he shifted his position, moving the list of names on the desk aside:pyyCVdUxChdImheorGgALvsiuMkCkG
kVEFfOVCOywXotw“Alright, let’s go out for a walk.”GbvAZKyanAZqyKQJsyfmPWnrvamNrs
ThFkSAUrmPVzZqrWith that, he beckoned Ning Rushen and led the way.MUwcQGSBpGxXxexuJfHESukMMgwHhk
ryBRoklqYfkaGJaNing Rushen was stunned: …What?VbyTTGTzvXTyWSEDvYQlGclKQOvNYf
YpSqOhfQABYYLBw·DUWSLqWCfuwGfXHuxMyYMFbtzVXuCS
oARsFrTYCNBTeZhAfter leaving the imperial study, Li Wuting only took De Quan with him.PuatVztlOZyUBTjVHlJltbaCFAnSyK
BKrHLYAisBPtnjYNing Rushen followed them outside, and not far away was the imperial garden.uRrejJJAFjoBfxviLqSpgGhaKWmbpy
ceuZarIrTHoxTSjThe 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.NEJpUHBkXVjzMVmivvUmINosPgwUdV
ueXdSazBpQnIKcvHe had even found a spot to be buried.gZzWKfAKbxwrsgEknVcwReGXMRzvwC
htbeoIyHXSxMZzjWhile reminiscing, he suddenly heard Li Wuting ask, “You said before that you liked that tree?”aWCBioDJAZLaWTDYnuVOLnmkhgBfOu
HgseiILjgYZYkNNNing Rushen looked towards the tall pear tree and couldn’t quite remember, “Um, I guess so.”CjnDpZNzgajdQRjYNHoKDcfjPEdPuz
ItPefwJLKfvFSmILi Wuting nodded in acknowledgment and didn’t say anything further, continuing to walk.nwvCtFLRKjYGRggCFAOLtxBjSEQjxe
cuSwtgfLksGlaINAlthough 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—fifuwREPyycjRQZURZKRPqmrFErelz
PbGIQvLvOnDRBoZAt a glance, it looked like a park.DvVPtCuNaBhCmsrPmKhQECGIezNfYU
kamBKUXChgJQeshAfter strolling for a while, Ning Rushen felt more at ease and tentatively asked:zoedkUBxSIHzDkUHEPPewRYnmwTMmo
mnHbaKlUntXQITj“Is Your Majesty still busy?”UnlqnymWMbXdWEayJXkAjeimvCMOjz
kYkgOykGiSLKTaYLi Wuting stopped his steps, “Not feeling hot anymore?”zuQymdcOkGszfxzfQQCECgsyNnReFo
yGxxQfwZhXIBXJRNing Rushen nodded, “Just a stagnant pool.”QTVOIvmZHOZKNPIceUbVULdDxqkLNl
EMIxxyZAqbCUethLi Wuting, “……”KzKlbkCZBoSniDOZaFLpkWFhxncjUh
zkfkLLShtMwsvxKThe garden was quiet for a moment.KUcCWRnqSajUfWvNaqTpxvtIgdcAps
idgcfjWwLyFqvAmNing Rushen was considering whether he had overused his metaphor when Li Wuting suddenly raised his hand—PhFCRCIyJxnTEijBWrmhTJDkpVvDct
KnYNJMDmHJKfRcxSurrounded 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.UciXEFeuKbzxIanwdpQguckzrgznGI
NALdWgcoglmkFIlNing Rushen held the flowers tightly, petals fluttering around him, and took a deep breath.agQYYMBHKDHgctWrDeqbGEyZuEvDeH
xNIrArcKkvtGPYZ…What’s going on? Are these for him?OJaijJUtRNAyoeDteXuFKdradLFqtz
qhDYeIJAPzlmRmcThe snow-like flowers on his shoulder made his bright crimson clothes and clear eyes stand out even more.mISWZFtgPLkTjtQznAiPBJKZVjNqtM
mubyBeaOnrKWqpRLi 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:girRbEjtXZtbQNHvrOAATHnYkUWeLG
eGXmQVRazoXAybA“You don’t have to be so calm.”ANGcrNlCoPrWQKMGHBdytFrTRvqArL
bwDddNlqeUqKKaf“……”BddSrnYnxnlReHLkQBQvgVxMcWdHWT
CKtMBIfyrVPBbIlNing Rushen shivered: He really stirred up some emotions now.JLsSFHMjezHoPxiLwpHHxBYlgzzaWk
NKSPJqoLgNlFPUYHolding the full cluster of flowers, Ning Rushen was unsure if Li Wuting had merely picked them casually or… no, thinking further seemed absurd.BVGAwllXstjJxFCZwBZcAIGYaWYgeN
NWixOTsaaVBzMdhHe pushed aside the chaotic thoughts, “Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty.”yfPEmokrsuAlGSvVwskMmmaxukvpEL
rUYJsMVVCTqLwHYLi Wuting’s lips moved, hesitated for a moment.LKZLETiBJVhxgvhDzdXZqYjDQKCUrL
OdwApkUsaEcCVqlThen he loosened his tightly bound collar and turned his gaze away, “Alright, there’s nothing else today. Go back and count your clouds.”QsmvMqXLDTvtAAsNNxfIgcBnHlCLXz
zxFqZIENFWEVDrl“……” Ning Rushen, “Yes.”HKDfMPrRDNHWzJFwosCmVrhkHnCdOj
lkfycuhzBARWoFh·FKDFRZVCmxwIcfqhXaBPdwHVBQdfsK
QKMcuhyvNNNCXTyAfter leaving the palace, he carried the flowers and got into the carriage.WMdnxgJgNgTEuXBpiizeJURtiJEQUg
MLZWUopcwlijRNhYan Min exclaimed in surprise, “A gift from the Emperor?”PkIoqCpJsBibjTFSrgRMahPlSpckHX
ahNAkOPRVRxjvtmNing Rushen gave a noncommittal sound and glanced at the fluffy flowers, setting them aside after a moment and instructing:QTQsWIiemOdGmRrfTwHtrfeyHHPuar
ihCPLtqaanAGMOJ“Put them in a vase when we get home.”iLmVvMHkIiULExqDljNMthLHRRcYVz
vWcSPpUoUdWZquc“Certainly, Sir.”zAhmClLEeuLfbjUiXEhwwSDooRoRYm
jZisspRKaqIkrYRArriving home just before noon, Ning Rushen handed the flowers to Yan Min and went for lunch.hxvXLvIkCGXZrdAsnxeEeUHsHOGMoN
HqjLCAeIWtTUqkjWhen he returned to the main house, the cluster of flowers was prominently placed on his bedside, incredibly eye-catching.xeWTOHpyLqCHnyxvjGXTPZnPdNMGvc
ZwBxFqZwIhPJVytNing Rushen, “……”tKtVxUDoQoGpLZUKNAcmaFRlmtNqcV
fiznbfSrnnEBoAQHe struggled to ask Yan Min, “Why did you put them on my bedside?”MEHiibCBFrUfnlXrFJIbJffHXeWNDQ
petKJCxhDmILRwAYan Min, puzzled, replied, “Since they are a gift from the Emperor, they should be placed close by.”wyFABuTluvSggClyfTiJZUEKGkQPJL
rMkRbnLucOVsNDW…That makes too much sense to refute.EQGuUTtEcrZUubrDyluYIdUEEVNhLf
DQUQTXBMNbMGbACAfter a while, Ning Rushen rubbed his forehead, “Never mind, you can go.”utenfTBoWOhpSxvlVUCcNtxOxMnQfv
xeHRlPEPKfKepMSYan Min confidently left.UKOZfWFqDlnJxaDlivSOnrwDxtSlsd
fCMTiFzdeCvtjLyMaybe the flowers were too overwhelming.NnjRwsWXJoxJCxnLTViOABddlbXYzU
xfbsnuFymOmRhfkThat 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.SAeyDlfwTgJYBxabwBLDsHNqIhYvyw
WSAnPKsvOQDTkRY……RYnNBmhuzuqvvQcblmrYaMNNThJBzI
OAulWllwnRhFEbIThe next morning, Ning Rushen woke up with the covers around him, staring blankly at the head of his bed:hIJiRmWVdRuMjOCSPNXqvtSTloKEem
nMWifMrDLwUnVfw—He… he’s unclean again!!!bINmFHbowzuwwgaCmKXhvZWDRXDLJJ
VlfYfatVSPapilf“Sir?” Yan Min peered through the door crack, cautiously asking, “Would you like cold or hot water?”jyGZZPZUajFOXgMnsrRmPpRvBZWeMM
pkRQKtJxIJcfICNNing Rushen trembled, clutching the blanket, “I want to throw myself into the lake.”yHWAUcWIAitemthDWPgZoUGtcmIgxI
XHmZhRBnBkQXFqFYan Min was horrified.klixXjlhKhJPJUwhbUcFRGUdnpOFYz
vHuZFPUbvrjytWM…PCSVzscyplQHmIAMCoySRJFBpmYpGj
fMBbrVDdISSEhhOStruggling to get up and prepare himself.YnzNAfvzxBOtXMQuwxbZGggChlxnUj
eHBuFfAiBjWAMOrNing Rushen changed into his official robes and still had to attend court.epCllwmAJwtimjayjWTIgxgDApADPu
eXTrCNDclnZdfeSFortunately, 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.kwQLXEymjpYaVdXyjubIelKsjZkCVN
IbwWXnAWwWUrBjxAfter court, the officials dispersed.XRDRdWMSrQTWMJxAJaGSMFDhNDrmgR
dyXJVPncEAVAAkmNing Rushen was still disoriented and hesitated whether to go to the imperial study when Guan Fan approached and patted his shoulder:FRZvWtATijHSNOluBotToglsrGtfxG
dtvLaFbkyULWJEU“You haven’t been to the Ministry of Rites for several days. How about today?”TxkBryATMAruAqbbQPCGSLMBsStzkI
LfgYtuGLgWziDYNGuan Fan subtly hinted, “We’re having glutinous rice steamed ribs today.”tqSZAUdOhUCBjWASVeZscuzYkuGDfd
lZgMMrGBHrriWPC“……”vVAMQOwbyIydfnYBSvOpCTyVlaeMAC
wzTNIjevOgtTdEJNing Rushen immediately nodded, “Let’s go.”jbCBFlKwjbxBkgkfqfGGaSxfirCYpQ
RDAxbVYLqGCIXtHJust right, he could clear his troubled mind at the Ministry of Rites.VEjxJLlxqyaCbkZeuFQxahyZeMDIoK
OkIKbApzAIjgAxlGuan Fan happily walked with him out of the main hall.pMZPPcEZpXGXXyHeIyaEjUaiFcpsgw
svUDTPDCxuPHtwN…UAyeiDKNtAeZKEiHgjjxARMzhxjQCU
TNhmaoWmuCgGfHeThe two walked side by side out of the palace gates towards the Ministry of Rites.RoAaUUJmkRKpYwivQTLfPFLNIYiSXI
FpuDdDiHGIbzgBZOn the way, Guan Fan asked, “Give me a hint, is the northern border going to…” He hesitated.EbppwXVYHVSFzQFEFQZppiqBVviSmj
UdvLgNPNtBGvATyNing Rushen tossed the question back, “Why do you ask?”VnbdkoPoFNRvMoZFsPDuxaEGdWbCBK
OarjFFiUVXKJMyi“General Huo is highly trusted by the Emperor. It doesn’t make sense to suddenly assign him as a supervising general, unless.”FhCikbTTRMOkoqhdjZUOBEiGkMHjwy
ZwGygDYWLeHFTlO“The Emperor hasn’t said anything.” He changed the subject, “By the way, who was chosen as the supervising general?”REnYMdWzxLqJuObghPtJgRvlWrSely
igdBaknJlzcQoxsGuan Fan, understanding his distraction, said, “Hanlin Shijiang, Cao Zheng. Right now, only the Hanlin Academy has people available.”rjVvaVHPlRkAZxjLhMCBjAthGKsfpJ
uwhCefCCYpTniUpNing Rushen asked, “How is he?”kGeeCLduuXyIacVfTykPjKxkZTHdUU
mdSAxLNzEbxqwUP“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.”xvqSycBnlhsrjYdMcRbKiYymhGoWlg
bTAApKrqPWCtXbKNing Rushen thought about the unruly Dingyuan Army:ImeRdTFNsZFGvHzZlgCwpCmmEAYDEb
gVcdYbfqGCSLSjj…Only hoping that the person can manage the position peacefully over the long distance.PwnJXBImIacIYnBNkBxrsjAcLiiWaN
KdzgmhMpwYVuvxM·pMMpiOoSbEjxbDXEikUgAAIsMHvphq
znovklozNMvPTSTThe Ministry of Rites had fewer tasks recently, making it a peaceful place to stay.kYRMHnXiVIScCBtMCyawAXvuyTzuCp
gUEOEuGdENyzXUnPlus, 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.JlqaGwvSkFvWDaoogIvVbVxJvgdEbS
OGddKCgdCAfvUVcPerhaps because he ate well, he slept well at night.iEiUqPRvyQVMZIGLQeyxvUgLexJpsT
uFiWNcRsLJNfBdbHis mind returned to purity, and his days became calm again.UTcYcQDsRSlnGETaIBTxjSUjKrcisX
ySVqXBGIrrsWdieExcept 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?”qwLQNszfqswggxUOuzCyAxJGQERZKv
cRlJuwONJihIeMJ“……” Ning Rushen paused his chopsticks.DMypHtSrPwSNERCsWRGZqCtLEXRqnl
DSXyhEQkVBtMvWBHe tried not to think too much, swallowed, and asked, “And then?”tOsgpThIcoRGtctYafqLiyzlMQSyhl
XJakkNWcsDaDqZlGuan Fan said, “I told him that everyone is doing their part, and no one is idle! The Emperor didn’t ask further.”TAcnRNwvlngjImBAtLRAMVHoNnuHaD
QcUedxKbJimehNsIt sounded like a routine inquiry.yEwHDucLTAxnXeZCXnLQbHNFHnCyqK
VJTMQJOTDHviezpNing Rushen lightly continued eating, “Oh.”RvntQXjQYfxREbblxsEKWGkYzFEmsR
wMajhpQgAjCNhwW…YPvODIwXDTjdPrejqnnnlCqiHvidQn
aOTFqDdvPNkvRmQAnd so, five or six days passed.KutXeQHBnQJcqmNzgkuPSThkNwMTLh
ebXypjxUVlyDYyHThat evening, Ning Rushen finished his shift at the Ministry of Rites as usual.ZqQwHDznCcpRCFTcfzknnWgZJkyuUT
FmLUzjPYpVsTMNJReturning 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.xFgfOgYOiHuJsWuFaIAdEPIRahModk
KhVTIpPEROslfcySeeing him enter, Li Wuting looked up.lkHJfiKhCFXSRlCSKoQxykENGPbjjK
ZtOfaetHEtopGnFNing Rushen’s heart skipped a beat, “Your Majesty?”ijScrYEkAQqVRFZjNyIQJtswpgYHbM
kUcXsrqQZZyXPOLLi Wuting waved him over, “Come here.”MVJtbOCqyFrMFUncLgYXjuFdOmJiKH
BhTxtubWxRvUnai“……” 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.FgwoKqxYhZxAtRdwmSwzVyllSvZjyr
GlKNlTAXPPTCjfKHis heart raced faster, “Why is Your Majesty here?”eZYeBpPPiovcjMpAUaCVOwBYytPtuk
rQHmdVDjikrFrLBLi Wuting stood up, “Just wanted to see if you like them.”HgeSrXFRCHtMpwCwFnGNolWyprGYSC
IKKvoKTBTlzaWrSNing Rushen touched them, “I like them.”kMZbjFUANgVlRLKQUiZmeorHebhVXY
ZPKbnDSaWHyMywyThey were so comfortable, so soft…tBkWJPpGyMjFlgNhQhUqnDWNCiBEFQ
UqXyviVUpRkcJliLi Wuting watched him with shining eyes, unable to look away, and after admiring him, asked:ADotduzfbbvTODSeyKNPGYAOtvLzsc
ENxubPjxFCLjnpF“So why didn’t you come to see me these days?”HwAhWONBiEsJSBmgOKBQqCQIUaUVam
YfQiTnyXfJnbSECSoJHwTJVLkRuXeVMqXujlaTNTYEYMu
fLoXnaOdzbIBOaJoafMEBfuoylnTwHfaPYYkqwjaJIEXa
Ótima história, ansiosa pelos próximos capítulos
Can I ask whether this story is still being translated?
updated with everything i had so far