This official is so weak

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

PpScyqBcklCtksJ

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…eiKYHyCFgCoIbPhDkAAEEUwUKMMCsZ

AILyyuKQTCJziXo

Li Wuting really wanted to see their little book.AgGhIIZPuiPMETUgIgMgwLIWYDcWNn

izpSdgmFVjBQWMg

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??HrhCuhnmcOqOabKmCBkBHAOruLxVIO

QJbInEECaSGIYii

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

dvxngxDwKtYxIQa

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

JpCstjiwurZJbfx

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

vRKAiUVXCpNBgHs

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

fXNnOCMNkLzwqGc

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

RhNDgHPBIxXCMNS

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

ZtNYqYJRIaaOVpb

After saying that, he turned and left.xWAtQKoXEweqBDhhDjzHRNnBvsJLBs

qpNAbQkBioTYPrX

Yin Zhao looked puzzled and tilted his head: ?NgwiFgHLTbcYuCGiQcyPVRtzevAOna

lLxxfYDNNAiPxiS

…BdbtlyOBwwxeoMMLLUEcUZdXOJqjYE

NGtFRHZBqoAmTmQ

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

JQxxJXBHXlWIVgS

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

ClgOQjXPXFcJkbH

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

yJAcLHXbVTePZJY

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

MgxdfzrRBfpwOue

Otherwise, how could everything feel so dreamlike?QsqVhXYaJgEUJoXpNcpmbhaYEVbepP

oNzPqOQUpZTgOhw

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…sKXCnJAakVsbbXzNOlTWLuQefYVWVr

DMIKahIMsjHfLOZ

Just thinking about it—iBWqIeQNJUqukxrOWfPQylEssMlqAO

pEwVVsHUWpQYUZT

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.pSfWxMIwHoCuStZMPgIdSqKsDvtjQO

wkvCkmPfqpmollK

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

CfblIBXQSJnYtat

Ning Rushen felt a wave of dizziness.hLuXEntYFyVTjtIISVsWyYbGnDWWnX

XKtcZXYdGBbtDub

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.HGltYNxbIIHwpAdxNADZROzpCKDHkp

NCOYPxLsDeWSwJE

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

lAgzGUPAwenHOEF

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

cuFmHNUgITRwdox

“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?”iShfOlkrUoWvbNUxvQbrTBCIOeoZmr

iXeEEwBLTTRUCeP

“No need.”lBsmMrlBuBkndejOYmCypkuCUuBFgb

wdSSfPneoIBFgWq

Ning Rushen took the tea and gulped it down.YzaVLHQaFIsqBabXzjGgQGpZaoVVeO

yRjioGwGKhzIhuU

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

UVGWvlkuXGAMgAX

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

HKXjAoJaoExnLEw

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

nQbRHEPbUMiczKd

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

CwkozAndMaSktvw

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

WtzkiTimTYAJVZW

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

ySuBMpStNWrsAHj

·XhcqDxOOzXOCNbhtvKKaMwMKUyhKYk

HCcONFNTJUlxleN

Ning Rushen couldn’t calm down all day.bsABUEyBrWbOqfzSZPDaKnOvAwKLTC

yXWlODeCDvHWqSY

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

uwWOokedJGcHJsM

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.fdoMbBlVNrBsZLmiNRLbrbLXVWyBsZ

xHoKdvalbspJibA

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

kxeiweSINojxEZt

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

kSJRWKzqRxPgZbw

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

LGZfRtRxuXZJLbW

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

oTtWmkEBGwHXeew

The officials in the court exchanged surprised glances:jvpGDqVnoeqiFegSLFsJVDVjUztAtg

HypUlVbBPmguJLN

“At this time…”MoOKfaMonhLPDCuEyWffNjlYalMnSl

BuzehbotdxdSFem

“Why suddenly send a supervising general?”WiNsrkqgkkIhiMMUveRMhFSczXbrsV

rOHMSISbtsqAtTy

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

ORZTBEPjWbYJYWo

There would be a war in the north.bgofZkRHJgtsMcxANPvOsjKBwUSgwb

rbIzrDLxGBYTTzg

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

pHxDVuexngUEpcL

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

IblPJDhBghfxJpR

“……”wuhzVEbHRvziLkRQBsAVLpIbSDQLRi

vHwzpFBhahOVVjZ

Ning Rushen closed his eyes amid the bustling court.zxzSiNdTnFBUZKnUcRfxJxqIQTlVbL

luGFFNDTxrfsEQb

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

aQaSOnPaLwSxWmE

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

fVlfMQfLvNwyLsE

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.btxsZJrQqPmkbmpKitBKWMdpZZcYVf

ZwElTxiQuojnsey

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

MRcUJOuSZjbKFKP

…rlyYiQyIvSVgLyeakbnGUnwosFiVBE

fnBmTTnsMlehDXI

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

iwzMNZyKDWhUKFx

He felt a bit uneasy before entering.ZeaPMbcSTuNBYaUWzjLMklyUmbQeOn

YsZzMgiTmTccaGv

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

qdHnNlVggnKfxDo

Ning Rushen walked over, “Your Majesty.”MSNVbevUHXMPACXAzzNegoMhzILbUz

BBlbfdFUVQdaCWB

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

BWHXVjXzVmKaXlP

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

hyTdEryzSyfyMEc

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

SyFmuJJlwRBUhtL

Ning Rushen pondered and understood.ETZMcXdjeHMASfCSatGOYXkpNJojuj

vIjXebvEzlMwibL

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.HLtWwmFRItWwwpXujoByKSmdiGyOkx

mcpkHGfYDYnOowI

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

QMaJuPtQTuYmvES

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

ELpvYblFYlZySig

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

GjMqNobVbgrsoRg

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

vlHHSiEfUTaXEkm

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

vnuivSwdVIduiwE

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

SVwLmbOpDJirsVE

Ning Rushen simply responded with an “Oh.”UCRSMLoJbcatMpwNPwsJlqdzpyanCn

JSBJvBNVoFPqFMf

The imperial study fell silent.xSwyxQIrlTgJphctbszaOpxjQszfCb

KokOrAGdyUmVhdM

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.ZLAsQdsmbkJhPAGIWLTDWpmrEBwyLQ

oOkSpwLOqmsFfxm

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

yCeWLdIhQEDrfjQ

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

WvJpcbzfLuiJTrw

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

uJPUxsCYveHLSON

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

uddXmMkVvcxUQSe

“…Ning Qing… Ning Qing.”fHFjMUwxSLZzTBUmwOfUfvQQzavIEO

DfPwTlNGSfhFlLd

After a brief pause, “Rushen.”bPJLVTNIMknNoLOvuGucjVUwUwjWNi

ymItVsNNZXYvbrY

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

svWsiXShkdJKJED

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?”iWOUwmrAoOWkvHssjFsXeUSGNMYRSA

oRyNbkODFDrjFUu

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

lWPogGWrtRSYOQq

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

xtcEOQfqGuRMAGA

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

cWiVDVriZuymUmz

“………”tepXOJEtYPIkyStfkQiKZhRGICxqLB

KmcolUsmvIOgbDc

Ning Rushen was bewildered: ???TxpZQZbeZnPnGjkjeMLmywqdVBJtAR

pTVeHxsNuHvhDPg

With everyone gone, Li Wuting stood up.jRzxYQAEkcoAqWCNvoiyrKRWYJACcM

RuMMOybPWqvFVOI

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

MRwOHWBkcgXLIaW

“What’s wrong, Your Majesty?”KftydQVHmxALKrLJUUTMqtgBWhIQSk

UfOxyCwIHkAZlTN

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

KykYgMKUGLYXDlT

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?”IeFjBgelRuhfXEQsnwrWsQELKZKqpi

mHqXxMOOPiCyLWh

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

IJFOAgqzrHLddES

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

vkNBtwmGgrswlOZ

“……”TxTydocRoBYJOrScgIZvIBLeoqNpub

GRylZRBtSNjxsJp

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

fLhsjkYDlRmiSqt

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

wzszKFVuDUNQQTJ

But he couldn’t bring himself to ask—vqeYzLBxuvlzFvswsBKQviPcViPnXR

ribqTJGcxDTZdbJ

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?bFLhZOfzGUovwSBPlWQLxyoSecvJvy

xNETnNHmelStpSc

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

cdMNJpIcWQldpTc

“Overheated,” Li Wuting finished his sentence.LCFNuUIoDbwvXOxzGTwoEGbSVgpfTO

uNeYGWymPvevXJC

Ning Rushen: .ctmMWVRYzJZwhdxuEwYzGnAHaKggrP

nMtDkLiejWkJTey

How did he predict that again?KdXEulfRPxMEPyPpwprQYRCpsrtryt

OLNQpOcqVfKKMTv

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:YHNGZPGbSpznJuXaGoqyXifqMPLSpR

sVgTfcHaazQADvV

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

RriNCbVaAjrukVq

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

FVOjfnQvSpAAdoD

Ning Rushen was stunned: …What?nDDojioRdnuyEGdgoosXFqToeUkYAl

pDeIPthlfDNweVf

·ezLZKABaSOGpRIaBzHlhmZoBrQqJIC

QSPNoNanjnNMOFX

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

QPQEdHfNXuxcpjv

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

eJsipUJFzzStvYA

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.nQSAnUeMAiTtFfuRHMEmAeObQGgETd

USmeFYOzGdcbcFP

He had even found a spot to be buried.bwgXLgWZvoyddkUxKPsYlFjwZTVMTw

SFmLHlZRpHNiFTD

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

thuTHUDynJjFcyd

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

ocEPuVseqFfnRCV

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

tfLsGApdxkGBMyk

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—jYWbvLDmlkgBgEFXiuETjagLtlVCCt

XTRjTHWxSwnfwlv

At a glance, it looked like a park.AJnxZSnDirZbmPDsPYgnBsijDjOEwY

feSWZuwvzTbwTgC

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

YQGTuZrKrhYqMuZ

“Is Your Majesty still busy?”SgtYJEhJDeXFyhMQOsDyRJsoJORjqt

hsCjwpwnTqexQmu

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

vJyjcLrbmAvsHzc

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

MrBLPzHgTvHtISj

Li Wuting, “……”bYFgIJuhfrnPckvtkcQqDeNrHFoNey

sQyzaFMLfLKkddR

The garden was quiet for a moment.TKrkZqAoFTMLaZWIXUGUwTeonDfgvC

jcGiNXXQoFdgkCm

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

ZquoVVTcqhEUdMa

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.UvKYITcsAKQXjSMDUjhDecEDcZYiLg

MNwjxXecBLAnBve

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

ShkSDTYVwGlqNkU

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

XNZabfFdMuNYcBh

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

sJnhNrnbBFYQUKw

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:srxnmUPToXBtrDNwJiKlWHLeFDDkqp

KiZwGAfBsiEGlso

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

ZnkvzccMtIkprSU

“……”YiOQxLHyhmFWLZApJwBpKezjtovOsd

rkyKPpnVTsCsSRw

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

zzbBtrzvLeXDIWP

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

RizDQstEjguZyhY

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

KXbkhjUTfczXVgm

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

NnDJskygFHUCPuT

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

TmCjJiWIeUXIcJr

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

EZoArIqBokkjTcZ

·FmOCTAekePLWiJMPZwJEAYNZLfnfcw

rXxtAgpoLCANqGc

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

FzWCJUfLmiEfZoU

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

jdkZobFZnQkvNOJ

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

TbHurcRmmtgJlmm

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

oGwSyRzIAYytXKl

“Certainly, Sir.”nzaSSPNAgKXhdBrKMeBGAThgQHPoVq

vuXzwzetlWVcPNB

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

BGAezEcUCVCCEyg

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

qTrZRQYiETvvCMI

Ning Rushen, “……”LvfrWRlMvTpTtLdTmMqWWEQLpzPxkf

UBbSzHHxTfPncSM

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

RhnwQDHrPwgqYKi

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

pUzArsCXclduFoC

…That makes too much sense to refute.JGhglntChLTBRwWUruENLfMMTHTLYu

LuvWlCHVZlOtsIu

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

EhxkaXRxaPROZiA

Yan Min confidently left.menRJOyQtZDEIQJQKeYfZLlCBpydfc

OpOOtmHSSlRCcXa

Maybe the flowers were too overwhelming.EzFSZbzIAksyRboppvjVXBOuhuRHFN

EOTruvnrrUSygcN

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.acHNvPYqFAjxjWaGHQXKDizDNSsYNN

pfVksGfLFpjvyON

……gUhtiUgDfRjqoFmHLHRFLSMNwexvcC

bmDHtEHzHZVMCRr

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

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

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

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

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Yan Min was horrified.oaAWvfFuGAeTnvCFculMJUuitkwaFs

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…oLgBDkapQlPrlUyVJoARNlbZshQSqx

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Struggling to get up and prepare himself.kuQHaNXaWMiOoBrTMijfFKIbeXZMaU

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

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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.yjRLmTqOoLqXdXxfYFXEkUSlNbWRTB

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After court, the officials dispersed.zsTSPqKONUMqYCTYxuOjlqVgFDqwkJ

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

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

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

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“……”LBYEImmPMVUYQiTUCBAQQNKqReQonb

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

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

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

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…sqhMhRryCxHayPyDEGqJscOIGTOQCk

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

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

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

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

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

utloiHFbArgmkBP

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

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Ning Rushen asked, “How is he?”NPiZRnXUpxrODiOhKJukUWkgLWVIGi

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“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.”TXVHZKJwTNdEaYLUCDqoUZTuNCjbic

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Ning Rushen thought about the unruly Dingyuan Army:uxAgkNAuVyaFSDHwhpZWPXmsNzalHs

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

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·JNeoPzlcsZernHkTmDZuaISLDNszBx

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

dElwXpFrErJqvIs

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.PlzBNqICVcfFoSjpYkglSMUoshrmRR

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

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

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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?”yRIJTgnUbhUDzPjKIqfyIMPeZsqzpa

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“……” Ning Rushen paused his chopsticks.oVqEIRIRhwYdcmvQlpXTGJqzsuUbOI

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

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

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It sounded like a routine inquiry.NESfIgLRXZdLZWltCyIqVAEmehYgtf

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Ning Rushen lightly continued eating, “Oh.”wrUmQKnYsVxPGoCfSgBlmMBmWKlsZK

ebAtpgZPrUINtwG

…SULhVXebvqYxjCRwOsyTIrVrkXQqzW

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And so, five or six days passed.XGRfneXanRqTEZKpmBgmfvvutPjbzj

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

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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.VNlCXUPtdYyzLbBVQdVIfpvqXABvHV

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Seeing him enter, Li Wuting looked up.usRQdQhyuuGxlkbExGlPjpPznXMlse

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

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

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“……” 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.MrcSMDkXkhQHrUEFCOkVpgLuSkApdO

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

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

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

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They were so comfortable, so soft…PqAerqygcRXsPyCqGWuGlpZNlwRArv

IKtSAqaccIgcOyr

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

NYAXasXOhJowjoP

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

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 SilksxrQdrBpUMFRfABqboZdHLTbcS

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