This official is so weak

yFoyVppFwrgfQCuTable of Contents

Chapter 54

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

tGgzZLujpLzxDEy

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…OlYMiJcBeQVOkpdrLysNYJfQWojMhW

nLZYodJIEGgdAiV

Li Wuting really wanted to see their little book.GDoQEbcqnqNynyJJgYMnUlXHWLJqRM

jxaYEBwPKjrZlJx

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??szUjvWYkEaTjhxorSArvHJoIsHcqyA

SkxSDKAiolLcfuT

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

CTNwhyDnZmPyGIS

Ning 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

nXMiFnSlafXHoja

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

vLiPHEMXtagrBQz

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

NbNkcQUTBOrJpLS

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

KhZXxCNuUviEoIF

After saying that, he turned and left.VVVDInnaktjMuwGpbRnXrBosyZouzm

qpgFApPbREpOdBS

Yin Zhao looked puzzled and tilted his head: ?wnwgYwIrdcUDljVJCanSLEChaZEZFJ

cPAeaZmxASgWrMl

WzKhBwXNhKTjJdeUjgEgeQFqcNEaeA

CbxOifyHToeQUEq

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

fIgMNYPLJrMIrfG

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

JkvcoatRLpErfqb

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

KHhIJONtqWianAQ

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

HlZQSdcfPECUGmJ

Otherwise, how could everything feel so dreamlike?dsmJJafEiixrGkXYfTyYMvCJhqycYO

PAxlCQImfDADkfY

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…QeKBiaGZlQGBhhpMKTHIhoOsjUaILw

JXZmWzUrmlJwMPA

Just thinking about it—SpeuuHGCUiFHRdWvFtEZGIbXLzfyLn

QEJQqXcRBtYTWhq

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.ERvWfBvXVbaDxvIdlaqHXDqKSUSVUB

ZIEUggVSdPjyhQZ

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

iPFHTEBTtnrpcVv

Ning Rushen felt a wave of dizziness.uvMDCSBdNGUHwmuduuWEDoiMgvzzbD

mhijyfAPtCTZyDv

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.DegGggQIzXTOBoaYLakYFOtINqAqIN

StwxTVgSjJObhXW

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

EOOvsGjBnLLmqZu

Yan 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

DfNvYuIjdheEyEX

Ning Rushen took the tea and gulped it down.hmOzuivsjjBkwnHHYxkudRmvQnQqhQ

sEsyWFpOnobQuou

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

xxBuwaCFzepZIIn

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

VkipVitgwKljgfn

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

jLlWGIWYBBcpcrU

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

tiMcwAaRGPKHNxq

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

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

wPHTOKZtMTWBOSU

·FvDkrIoXvutfOCtpWQdnETxsSuvtRK

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Ning Rushen couldn’t calm down all day.MeiqUylZGlqLWHCpaZHJiHLkQAjBqW

OAnoWxCOyQIIyme

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

hysAtpjuEDMUpoX

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.vMDUBRHJeudEYIntecggFzqgHJYfZv

YVDaBENJqBNUsmk

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

ijIEFDbHJZeZwdJ

However, 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

xITNmboGLSTNUex

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

kEEGhlytUqyQNZT

The officials in the court exchanged surprised glances:ODYhjokxcFxHAEuHPVASAMjEKCKhVt

EzvhjEmEtsGPmJp

“At this time…”ihmuFzNkjlQUyOeOYdUeRoOXnnAIsG

nzqKToLpByYfpBZ

“Why suddenly send a supervising general?”wMUojqUgjQThuoYUjLOVTORYfZEcLv

YlooDpGCZwzfsLd

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

YnkheGKiQgCLBYy

There would be a war in the north.PvKrTsKakExZJEwMRTogZNzTxlAnNR

XPFDyVjEfxGnzyw

But 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

YwRcPLWmAGBYbZh

Ning Rushen closed his eyes amid the bustling court.vnpjCxsLXNdBELaijoRWexCzqaqhWS

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

gEGcmpYuqMXezne

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

CTbudizlbpkmJXo

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.uQnJDMZFIFkTutLFZclJInfNXzvpll

EGZjjPeXqhtTYUr

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

aWRyACeBGRMuuEJ

gvvtCiBJCYlsdPkVvnkAYtYiWQniTX

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

pLTKrnPZcmbHaCA

He felt a bit uneasy before entering.mHYnBZwmySFKIhuysHozJgkjmSpVMz

PYgZegxPBvmkOyI

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

bEGfWncahvkxOMQ

Ning Rushen walked over, “Your Majesty.”BBJsroIjxWdkwHEHGCYWTpvPcUsClW

DTAxXZVxGmCZEMN

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

PzgmVjuQeANkjLb

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

BkeFfMqRboSnrtm

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

mfMvMhscSjSCjzj

Ning Rushen pondered and understood.SaOEAhYuLqRTDrnfqOgtEKWqAioIuo

NoYHBZNNKwweEOf

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.becPWLtXmLWroJsyczZHEuAdHOhcNm

aqTpQXTCBrBkkHb

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

DmIdhsvGafqSJvV

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

XKzVdPavksnchFE

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

ccilefYqigohslx

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

EMxCnrpWcfETBSD

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

VbKFHjwoPHFpXyt

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

SXMBYdsvYNICNED

Ning Rushen simply responded with an “Oh.”minkKPhHFfXAWqzQXFKtfnEmmjABSW

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The imperial study fell silent.qJYTELNOVuRaFfMhCzMMIDMCWCWJJB

lkUqgzOTigLvdZm

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.AKirLKmswNXrRlYRDZZdJSxwQvsSIX

PWtCuBINfRILYVr

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

cawsTlftiwtgdIx

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

ssczvyqhMoQjQNv

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

xepotwrNMJtPCaL

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

IXmKbAPBUUGjvoP

“…Ning Qing… Ning Qing.”XOMvUQnjNpRTLWzeRyckSJKEVfpEkG

cMNCVqAGdnvopcu

After a brief pause, “Rushen.”coKtgDGqgVzgzrbiHelMUfgFeSkIzf

VLrYCxTivbBFaJa

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

FlzFJNtocDesBQU

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?”kbJSqGEhPqZRqFMeSfbRLRdRgPrsEJ

HOPThOHGaOmnHxs

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

XLXdPUWSBBLMytC

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

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De 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

vNXNTVtLKSVYPfk

Ning Rushen was bewildered: ???LGyVmzeDVfXpvryObErqOmQiXNXXxI

cMliUrspIzECHlg

With everyone gone, Li Wuting stood up.leSLDOXgubccwrXksXnfHyXEbNCNOx

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

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“What’s wrong, Your Majesty?”PpCrmNbkswFmvXgveHodkfWfRnSwsG

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

BmoGhSPiuXbWkTI

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?”VaNjTzvphVAxYbbhldZiakuzfjexdY

uQQwKCCAhNDDTzb

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

LGTpmajYDGwCvqX

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

KihvEoLmEYEPXMR

“……”kByMSPUTELjwxgCtGIFqMLemfUZgWD

bJesDlXkCWguCRL

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

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

jCYtnNFWDSiotvQ

But he couldn’t bring himself to ask—oMXLbVqYdTDHJSksUkiQelJhXNGWUG

NoLtuAjAEFHivaM

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?lENimFwPrQWZeKIwclaYjJGctIrFlh

yPZCgorOPnUNFXX

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

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“Overheated,” Li Wuting finished his sentence.UoUmvuNhnRsOIjoTkIDyhCcqltPqEa

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Ning Rushen: .mUfpLoCCvduhbFKbvbglRdGzXDcaLa

xaeUTBJdhxTuHSm

How did he predict that again?EuczyxrFCewnzWwGlqVMcORcpJxrNV

oLyIrrZreDhEwsZ

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:pyyCVdUxChdImheorGgALvsiuMkCkG

kVEFfOVCOywXotw

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

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

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Ning Rushen was stunned: …What?VbyTTGTzvXTyWSEDvYQlGclKQOvNYf

YpSqOhfQABYYLBw

·DUWSLqWCfuwGfXHuxMyYMFbtzVXuCS

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

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

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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.NEJpUHBkXVjzMVmivvUmINosPgwUdV

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He had even found a spot to be buried.gZzWKfAKbxwrsgEknVcwReGXMRzvwC

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

HgseiILjgYZYkNN

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

ItPefwJLKfvFSmI

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

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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—fifuwREPyycjRQZURZKRPqmrFErelz

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At a glance, it looked like a park.DvVPtCuNaBhCmsrPmKhQECGIezNfYU

kamBKUXChgJQesh

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

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“Is Your Majesty still busy?”UnlqnymWMbXdWEayJXkAjeimvCMOjz

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

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

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Li Wuting, “……”KzKlbkCZBoSniDOZaFLpkWFhxncjUh

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The garden was quiet for a moment.KUcCWRnqSajUfWvNaqTpxvtIgdcAps

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

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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.UciXEFeuKbzxIanwdpQguckzrgznGI

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

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

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

mubyBeaOnrKWqpR

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:girRbEjtXZtbQNHvrOAATHnYkUWeLG

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

bwDddNlqeUqKKaf

“……”BddSrnYnxnlReHLkQBQvgVxMcWdHWT

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

NKSPJqoLgNlFPUY

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

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

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

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

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

lkfycuhzBARWoFh

·FKDFRZVCmxwIcfqhXaBPdwHVBQdfsK

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

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

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

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

vWcSPpUoUdWZquc

“Certainly, Sir.”zAhmClLEeuLfbjUiXEhwwSDooRoRYm

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

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

ZwBxFqZwIhPJVyt

Ning Rushen, “……”tKtVxUDoQoGpLZUKNAcmaFRlmtNqcV

fiznbfSrnnEBoAQ

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

petKJCxhDmILRwA

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

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…That makes too much sense to refute.EQGuUTtEcrZUubrDyluYIdUEEVNhLf

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

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Yan Min confidently left.UKOZfWFqDlnJxaDlivSOnrwDxtSlsd

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Maybe the flowers were too overwhelming.NnjRwsWXJoxJCxnLTViOABddlbXYzU

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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.SAeyDlfwTgJYBxabwBLDsHNqIhYvyw

WSAnPKsvOQDTkRY

……RYnNBmhuzuqvvQcblmrYaMNNThJBzI

OAulWllwnRhFEbI

The 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

pkRQKtJxIJcfICN

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

XHmZhRBnBkQXFqF

Yan Min was horrified.klixXjlhKhJPJUwhbUcFRGUdnpOFYz

vHuZFPUbvrjytWM

PCSVzscyplQHmIAMCoySRJFBpmYpGj

fMBbrVDdISSEhhO

Struggling to get up and prepare himself.YnzNAfvzxBOtXMQuwxbZGggChlxnUj

eHBuFfAiBjWAMOr

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

eXTrCNDclnZdfeS

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.kwQLXEymjpYaVdXyjubIelKsjZkCVN

IbwWXnAWwWUrBjx

After court, the officials dispersed.XRDRdWMSrQTWMJxAJaGSMFDhNDrmgR

dyXJVPncEAVAAkm

Ning 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

LfgYtuGLgWziDYN

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

lZgMMrGBHrriWPC

“……”vVAMQOwbyIydfnYBSvOpCTyVlaeMAC

wzTNIjevOgtTdEJ

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

RDAxbVYLqGCIXtH

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

OkIKbApzAIjgAxl

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

svUDTPDCxuPHtwN

UAyeiDKNtAeZKEiHgjjxARMzhxjQCU

TNhmaoWmuCgGfHe

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

FpuDdDiHGIbzgBZ

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

UdvLgNPNtBGvATy

Ning 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

igdBaknJlzcQoxs

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

uwhCefCCYpTniUp

Ning 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

bTAApKrqPWCtXbK

Ning 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

znovklozNMvPTST

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

gUEOEuGdENyzXUn

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.JlqaGwvSkFvWDaoogIvVbVxJvgdEbS

OGddKCgdCAfvUVc

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

uFiWNcRsLJNfBdb

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

ySVqXBGIrrsWdie

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?”qwLQNszfqswggxUOuzCyAxJGQERZKv

cRlJuwONJihIeMJ

“……” Ning Rushen paused his chopsticks.DMypHtSrPwSNERCsWRGZqCtLEXRqnl

DSXyhEQkVBtMvWB

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

XJakkNWcsDaDqZl

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

QcUedxKbJimehNs

It sounded like a routine inquiry.yEwHDucLTAxnXeZCXnLQbHNFHnCyqK

VJTMQJOTDHviezp

Ning Rushen lightly continued eating, “Oh.”RvntQXjQYfxREbblxsEKWGkYzFEmsR

wMajhpQgAjCNhwW

YPvODIwXDTjdPrejqnnnlCqiHvidQn

aOTFqDdvPNkvRmQ

And so, five or six days passed.KutXeQHBnQJcqmNzgkuPSThkNwMTLh

ebXypjxUVlyDYyH

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

FmLUzjPYpVsTMNJ

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.xFgfOgYOiHuJsWuFaIAdEPIRahModk

KhVTIpPEROslfcy

Seeing him enter, Li Wuting looked up.lkHJfiKhCFXSRlCSKoQxykENGPbjjK

ZtOfaetHEtopGnF

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

kUcXsrqQZZyXPOL

Li 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

GlKNlTAXPPTCjfK

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

rQHmdVDjikrFrLB

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

IKKvoKTBTlzaWrS

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

ZPKbnDSaWHyMywy

They were so comfortable, so soft…tBkWJPpGyMjFlgNhQhUqnDWNCiBEFQ

UqXyviVUpRkcJli

Li 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

YfQiTnyXfJnbSEC

 SoJHwTJVLkRuXeVMqXujlaTNTYEYMu

fLoXnaOdzbIBOaJ
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Eliane

Ótima história, ansiosa pelos próximos capítulos

Libby

Can I ask whether this story is still being translated?