This official is so weak

Ning Rushen still didn’t know that the letter was sent incorrectly. He sat at his desk, his fingertips lightly tapping on the letter.bbpvYDwqyqNjAENFgYTGlyhjXoiekc

dTrxgdXTTGhpmMQ

Yan Min was puzzled, “Sir, what happened?”LEjJfjDlkmTOzlkIhLZaMGpFidZopS

kBuCFuSWBKTQhBT

“Beijiang!” Yan Min exclaimed, “Sir, with your condition… how can you endure such hardship in that place? It’s better to let someone else go.”CrgYXLNCOrFgqOLDhfMkPBmodRCFEt

OthEkCvDlZZFNwn

Ning Rushen’s mind recalled Li Wuting’s stressed and flustered appearance and sighed, “Moreover, the Dingyuan Army has treated me well before. When I hurriedly left the capital, they even left me many gifts…”vuBkxUVxXvIQWctEEYhRQQJzWvxTQZ

KQXmNpHFTCSJDFb

Yan Min was speechless for a moment and then advised, “There’s no need to go to such a far place risking your life; staying in the capital would be better.”ImEmWuNmugeSuLJFFaRcxkTWwfWCUe

iIBRPXjPfIUcFid

He remembered that night when Li Wuting had taken him to the city walls, where he saw the bustling capital at a glance.DeJpPFtZXlfcHPnfdkxipWDJvdrnYW

SbByhQXqFyaDZTa

Without the Dingyuan Army, he probably wouldn’t have seen these things.VrOlJEfvdqgINnTgiBrLPKohfGfkwY

QTeLRrLbJbweaHf

Yan Min urged loudly, “The capital is good; just stay here!”FjXeMJKqDJgRoueiEuAIABNgNObPPC

OJcRlVfxNQrjnCz

Ning Rushen was startled by the loud voice, his thoughts becoming chaotic. He couldn’t help but cover his ears.XIKmoktsfhzUIQECDohYlIPlzrjSgf

QctlrZhLNtvCTSX

Yan Min immediately fell silent, clenching his fist, and turned to leave.cyCqJWNPQWWhehCcFghcFrjOCyoDpm

LVLAvQOhnaZpuMC

Ning Rushen sat and calmed down, then stood up to put the letter back in his room.dchIEPojNCitPFfRgelEtokuMmnZeN

EmznwvepcgBFuEV

Sunlight was streaming through the window, illuminating a piece of embroidered cloth quietly folded in the corner of the drawer.PXxsnZBDVejixDuWoIjYCIdUnzPgWC

VfSKSghPgsXBMEf

Ning Rushen’s gaze flickered, and his actions suddenly paused.GAPyzPSgsWgwYuvsKDVpMIOUAWxHdo

sySahMBylOjYtiO

He reached out to unfold the embroidered cloth and saw that it had four simple characters stitched on it: “Bright Moon, Clear Wind.”NRoHYFTnwFiHQiLMsuYZfpKwAFCFuR

leptnXzRqGxtbee

Countless scenes flashed by: from the bustling crowd that night to the bright lights, finally lingering on Li Wuting’s gaze as he looked up with his forehead resting against his hand.QxjXCSxZBMMUQaLvOGWreQrbWqIOhr

nUWYpECVGxOsaRx

Ning Rushen felt as though he had been scorched by a flame.rGGMsnYffmKCbveFwQowVwTOjxSsgO

xYZcpsfDUBkwLwP

He stood by the desk for a while, took a deep breath, and then turned to call out:sBLXiTKFaGjIjHYqELQlveSyQNnxtL

fKNesEVFqcvuCGp

“Uncle Yan, go to the palace.”joaluxAOpVAmERcbXKCSMxllsnyhuw

nmwaNbdEHcBLQtl

…mdUVqnAzYRnosFCwCUuyEMyAkpzQHy

BGqEHMaBWPmoTGD

Upon entering the palace, he was informed that the Emperor was in the Yangxin Palace.ObdIHMgmopWFDJrQNqvxEoGTnabJwM

qapTaWNHAaQMRZf

Ning Rushen followed the palace attendant all the way there.holkbRDndLgmagicZodODfnHPbtvTe

KtkYSuqkPnoCHvs

He entered the hall and saw Li Wuting sitting in front of a low couch, his eyes cold, and his expression not looking good.fjLpePfsXVHKNpNKPcfRbrPnNlwbYl

okcsFEBBRTgZEvQ

…Was he still worrying about the military supervisor matter?LrDkEuqdfozXoKtGsjEaWKWdBpmoFN

WxVnPOXdTGJPkAh

Ning Rushen spoke up, “Your Majesty.”RshOdyVRBDGNRDmYxjreuSZKJbtpwT

xZJpwQrNvxOVmmB

As soon as he spoke, there was no response.QCdElSSOXNeqDBZHVNOeIOAtWSBprE

OOdEExWheIjbiRH

He was reflecting whether he had taken too much or eaten too much in front of the Emperor recently, or if it was because he hadn’t seen Li Wuting for eight hours, making him unhappy—whIOmxsOYpZucXgcuHYzAwGmRkYhQU

KfqQqjpaWPSHUJL

Suddenly, a voice spoke up, “Have you received a letter from Huo Mian?”LBHJQBtTKHTTXSYfqLCfzDFfWrgQRa

WBGmHbmxMJVTENR

Ning Rushen was surprised, “How does Your Majesty know?”AuwgZBxBdvVjhWLtlUooTroujqDNMW

sdqUiayBObeUWbT

Li Wuting stood up, sneering, “I also know what he wrote to you.” ??? How did he know this?OPTZgoMUCHSuMXfyoyjCQULEPclkAs

hsPSPLKAXvGdUqm

In his confusion, Li Wuting casually tossed a stack of papers from the low table. Ning Rushen leaned in with curiosity:tUwYlqqauRqlnubXiwPkuGQWgzLsKI

jyYTcodhvzRtnZP

On the pages, big and flamboyant characters read—EETesODEILNYxDPTojdzBvOVSlyceo

pCGGQKhPbwFgokM

“Sir Ning, come quickly!!!”qdrqCNRASaLXtemLobzppjRrmTpJmE

vuYRUHlGWJpKCRA

“………” He was immediately stunned!ItoWpgtKKIMyfInlJQkDdnQsqysluP

FvUcOZJbNKJeeVV

Wait, Huo Mian… didn’t he accidentally put the letter in the wrong envelope?votUFsniSMeNHMyKUUxKWvBrMkVWJi

UtdsATpnUWStXMM

As if confirming his suspicion, he moved his gaze to the back of the page and saw a full list of dish names, with an added note: North Border Specialty Recipes.XufMHVxaZrHoDJkZToMACRjydsdqCU

laIMHQxjKxZSQYe

Ning Rushen remained silent for a while, his throat suspiciously moving.auUyGWKHSJNquDYSBegTVpoJwYrhSE

vLrQnqoknhReCUT

Li Wuting, who was watching silently, “……”CfCaxtBiBArMNHRGHjKERTofETdGnk

llYuBwQVSyoDDcL

A large hand flipped through the stack of papers.qpCmvTFTzMNZTPWscSGabMUFgfAjon

MVFmbbYavoNplYL

“Enough.” Li Wuting pinched his brow in frustration. He was so angry he lost his temper. Why show this to him?XxMNpvHjSfTuXxpSQCdYbpcLkbeFvy

TyddOOEiHEXsOcF

Ning Rushen reluctantly withdrew his gaze.jPFSUfEbIpXdTwPjWNWOYSgSaAnQjQ

BczMINrsouFjCAG

It seemed he saw roasted buns and slices of lamb…PnCyZGOGrLQAEDWsHjSfWHvwKwFcla

RyIKcMhnZYqTmwF

Li Wuting looked at him for a while and then pressed his lips together, “Ning Qing, why did you come?”cBvUaOkypuYeFDFrzJKPlyfmuXwPEh

YXoEfSIoLrFTJVN

Ning Rushen’s attention was finally pulled back.wqqOMDLJerfdoNayhjYUZnHOzqROLn

JTqOedvWopLCTmR

He mentally prepared for two seconds, took a slight breath, and spoke, “Your Majesty, I request to be appointed as the military supervisor.”alIhfKTiGlXxBtjVhqCllHALGWkqlg

dGMCKbpzvBHJPAd

There was a prolonged silence in the hall.rNORNoKocxBQfsqzkexxGuLPtnPRth

vKiBRzXcGlIeksb

De Quan beside them was startled and quickly glanced at the Emperor!rrTlOsHXqbnYMaIwBjXebZAKSzbwvQ

BEKMhrrKKJadNoe

The candle flame on the purple sandalwood lampstand flickered slightly, and there seemed to be a shifting light in Li Wuting’s deep-set eyes.TyELaKgBGmNgFxmUChdJWJpJZzOpev

lBYmXFurnMoIYNS

After a moment of silence, he slightly moved his Adam’s apple and looked down at Ning Rushen, “You want to volunteer for the position of military supervisor?”FtwQZbqGyhJyBCAHqRYjbzMksCHBMt

yoyUirrEtdjasvq

Ning Rushen’s breath became somewhat erratic under his gaze, “Yes…”fQAZFGEalOZzdsFSCLicFHJwZhhCMd

bsFWRqNBxxCbvHk

Li Wuting’s voice was low, “Do you know what kind of place Beijiang is?”mleepXBYxRvJvfdDqjgVowkYBxvKIK

GYGjqEDnmdJYFAs

The homeland of roasted buns and lamb slices…sInswbDAtDxKoEpfOLVhKqoXSShhyI

cFhTeqjqwwkvVrA

Ning Rushen swallowed and still said, “I know.”dckwVpZRjJiGKMTwWrjpBHPlHTjxYR

mrIYZsDMWKbndUT

Li Wuting seemed to finally show some anger, “Knowing that and still—”dgqEdivlfJTintVgpzkkDbQRCepPqq

criHtsXwQfztJVP

Ning Rushen faced that gaze, paused for two seconds, and then took out a folded embroidered piece from his belt, the “Bright Moon, Clear Wind” he had received that night.lOtIzeEeVFeoQQXKxPQUlqStRMwFug

DeNLZgdNPNCqOIz

He looked at Li Wuting, “Your Majesty…”QTgSSBepidCqGDJeeVpWPUeGngzfkS

CMAuTGoQfFtyBvU

The four characters “Bright Moon, Clear Wind” fell into view.jvkuiCZoCojMyBEpjYGrdxqPNSopJf

xMmASywoqObCulW

Li Wuting’s heart trembled, and his hand by his side tightened. After a moment, he couldn’t help but grasp Ning Rushen’s wrist and pull him closer—qJqwcsulCssErQEvoAzRmDufZOcnnG

gxjtAgzEvJSgBlt

“Ah!” Ning Rushen was suddenly pulled forward.qVMAtSzxdqutoHOhUwXWIvOMENjeYI

DpgjVRGVKvoPdum

He almost collided with Li Wuting but managed to stop just before. The large hand gripping him was very tight, its warmth making his heart race.DelTvkWjGucyaPrySVoRqOgpngehJH

zBOWzzPbpJohJSj

Ning Rushen’s heart pounded as he looked up, “Your Majesty?”NMbILemmMIsrTfuJpVUMfpKwyfNvBV

eysdCPkZBIIExAF

In the moment of looking up, their breaths intertwined.ttNwcEhgtjHhnnFkGSHnExcXzNvMmR

DTHaMhuiVCYuRJv

Li Wuting restrained some emotions and lowered his head to look at him for a while, his eyelashes trembling slightly:BFcgyvdIHMqBlxHcpsZlsdZystytDX

LSZuMiApmMUZaSe

“Have you really made up your mind?”yYtvjqXnoRZjBnagRsFDseWSUOuSUW

ssWhEvDfEhoyvSH

Ning Rushen felt his waist weaken and ears heat under the grip, “Yes.”GfSDZKtEuCNddWpdwdpQcxEdAtxcof

lBVtgZapaMZMgHp

The rough fingers lightly brushed against him again.KJikKQzSnybjuSjpMlOOfFPJkgVHoX

isIxWrXuizkkHFq

Li Wuting’s voice, sounding like a jest with an unclear meaning, said:ZFzaSTxBAFqAvJRFSFgRQAQjxmUuQl

tJdpcebfOVIutKI

“If you want to eat roasted lamb… those, the imperial kitchen can make them too.”ZjoNinwovqjLrwaqqrLOlsOtAXsOkD

THWlRBqJNSosJtK

Ning Rushen felt dizzy, “But… it wouldn’t be authentic.”svnKmbAqHFhQhBeIcuBOYACmcBbmCt

cbuXwLmyLHQkfIC

There was a sudden silence for a few seconds.INUdaoBqhmQRuBRpglEfgpmNLmDxyI

QIQBhCZwUwLSxUq

Ning Rushen became clear-headed for a moment, “Moreover, I’m going for the people of Da Cheng.”KekqVhilriNxKRhXuMlGQSTCHaOxnq

NBalPHJdsApmPZg

“…”CmnUlhqEcZzFjtBUnXMdcrrHKsdNEZ

PMNicCZXJGrVQuQ

After holding his hand for a while, Li Wuting finally let go.YfPaHhYcBgdcaDpnbjLozFvNeDqrsK

wiLFfeZBsuSvfbH

The hand in mid-air paused for a moment and gently rested on Ning Rushen’s shoulder, with the fingertips touching his exposed collarbone through the thin fabric.rgqhCzAPaNnrUAGFMNkllXzjdprCPs

WfCWQibVccTarOQ

Li Wuting seemed to exhale, “I understand.”UQnXSjujnFSkQxKPUIQDJbIVuNWKEw

GjnQfJkPzauIySa

De Quan beside them became anxious, “Your Majesty!!”IiwWxUyBfsCbcqeXceEaNQbCvMpuQS

aIxQGjbwNWiYXrY

The dark sleeve lifted to stop him.DWaSyVrQXHuhLafrcmGneJJtUvOEqb

DLrcrpCPhFrnLqF

Li Wuting’s gaze fell on Ning Rushen, “I will issue an edict tomorrow. Military matters are urgent, so even if I…” His deep-set eyes hid the unfinished meaning, “You need to set out as soon as possible.”GGnqHYxxbOgNyFiPJPAKoIfXuSdRnp

unaJvDQdPXfPdML

Ning Rushen’s heart skipped a beat, “Yes.”DxuKyxCfXIjUMZpqIXgkTDxyaXbmVJ

qtxLmPkoEsJSgda

The hand on his shoulder lightly tapped and then withdrew.uPqltzglyAVjxonZGMnqkUgGAMuyKa

QXwtWJjMMtWhtTU

Li Wuting looked down, “You may leave.”pCoRGNGVVtdwpKBXXwyZPiyviAcqWV

QkgmhYrmFRGExun

“Mm…” Ning Rushen, about to leave, suddenly remembered, “By the way, the urgent letter sent by General Huo, should I still present it to Your Majesty?”djVkErGQANChPiYUXVzqVUEPlJRQyd

pBVwVnnvhSpBWVs

Li Wuting sneered, “No need.”BvKlxBldHiILvIKEmVIhHKLXvHeoQA

CBiCgprVmmKUBWk

“…” Was that a hint of killing intent?OjKaodQxgfYfttPWGUnJObAXeUHtWe

GxOaACFNZFrWAJf

Ning Rushen touched his nose and prepared to withdraw. Just as he turned, he was suddenly called back—XjiqqYnIvbGtoCBhiGTrjgIkCcaWgY

lOQkIOoNlIyWBRQ

“Forget it, send someone to deliver it.” Li Wuting’s face was on the edge of a smile, “I want to see how General Huo’s heartfelt words persuaded Ning Qing.”OOZOMdcMNbiHQqFMhfMvSYbhnAGwmQ

yzZMXIPmTBCpxBL

Ning Rushen: .GtVwkdSdNPqYsEWLBIXwAIwbgaiQvp

lkbnPIszBFsIkvy

He responded and withdrew.pFFThAElIOlooPlBVNsjipozdtsupO

tRJOVbEiIukibHU

Once Ning Rushen’s figure disappeared outside the hall, Li Wuting finally looked away and lowered his gaze.URlGHGTjXoOHxoHpHgGrLIcjBWdpku

paEzLjxzvMqSgQS

De Quan, unable to contain himself, said, “Your Majesty! How can you send Sir Ning so far away?”EIaQFRBapNMmONVuaWYqKWPOtDomiE

WiLKVZqCUatmoKG

Li Wuting spoke in a deep voice, “If he is determined, I am willing to help him achieve both literary and martial accomplishments.”AFyNMFhlpCsfqafHAzYuZVenYkewwV

OTDMCBvMLaNwhbp

De Quan was momentarily stunned but then seemed to understand something.eynpShNNgrMQgUdWjErWkyDldNjQbx

EdPJaxMamSSDrgt

He felt a pang of sorrow, “Your Majesty has thought this through carefully.”dfdeatxysOdRExoafASCdYTaQpXtKu

dBWSLnHDrggTZmS

Li Wuting continued, “Moreover…”JPbbykExCRvELURcKweZBiiZfWbCjO

aMBNoNxXVwSkkvg

Moreover? De Quan looked up but saw that Li Wuting did not continue. The Emperor appeared lost in thought, his gaze fixed on the horizon outside the hall, as if looking at a distant place.vJALLvgkyaUvftoMWonbmetWWGaSuB

zgwHNyZiEhjJagj

De Quan was bewildered and could not make sense of it.AaESVRqUcMAhpjnCIODCKblmVjUzpB

JmctFuUkIkZvntT

He turned back to his own worries:sjlxjZbftZNAZWFoWTSXLLndZuQGFB

OWkDPNIaVptYuWB

But with the Emperor’s intense emotions… will Sir Ning really be able to endure such a long journey?XIzYahQRfaBbhTNOspfYYWdbEyJDti

EOKXAcjRjefcjgh

·SpSnjABuTBypvcxSVeRnmyfAIqmkwR

SJQnCjDBnsQKsUy

After returning to his residence, Ning Rushen had his belongings packed.DVwzvFHSrOUZLiByhUKviFvvUltQnH

upMbadfvPUTjzpZ

The next day, the edict appointing him as the military supervisor was issued, causing a stir in the court!oFdiqhfXpoVLcwUohikNQjmCIYiPjB

rKtDisQwAXryEwE

It seemed both reasonable and unexpected.DzQIZmxgRkbxqtNooYsEGAqSkqWeeW

IlPGBWjOpiOzFHP

With the urgency of the military situation, he was to depart the following day.qZtUsVqOdLTefkHpNTmbgmJHZZIfRA

JOojayMhusXTtZy

After leaving the court, Ning Rushen bid farewell to a group of colleagues who had come to see him off, then went straight back to his residence to prepare for his departure the next day.zJxuUGxZJqIyQusEpOZzaDQuQywWqR

zBFWcveTBLiqfNH

Not long after he returned, Geng Yan arrived.FWYGTWXhVIfGlBKKInszFIzFPhDwJW

EQHcDhOEadYPNpw

Geng Yan unceremoniously sat down in his courtyard, observing the busy servants of the residence.ibDShlEFWCjHJIOVKHmkQaikZKDBBn

KxlReMAOGVwLXkO

“You’re really leaving, huh? It’s so sudden.”dxyovFNPvHnVbWyLQWXzUCXStGpaDq

qBAiNFzqIeDbcuB

Ning Rushen nodded, “I also find it very sudden.”zEmiwYlVihmQOGFTYjfuMAUXORNlsL

HPCHalxTcvYxnzC

The urgent letter from Huo Mian had come without any warning.QQlgesRJjgJaDrBiepwnijwhvogtgF

sdpUxoecMqUgMbN

But thinking about the two letters that were sent incorrectly, he suspected Huo Mian might have been the most surprised.DZdyassAXXvBCgbBUsalYfncvbeWRe

eUIJKLtDnhGPoLm

Geng Yan suddenly had an idea and said, “So if you leave, I won’t be able to see the Emperor anymore if I come to climb your courtyard walls?”rNQGDzdZSgjonJPCDSUrKlGaSpuRfA

nlfwOBRSJGKcWvz

Ning Rushen was speechless, “Why would you climb the walls when I’m gone? Are you really here to steal something?”BSTVShGCJIKxajqHzwslSdtllrVaTK

DOdgSscorJYCDAf

Geng Yan seemed to find this reasonable and pointed out sharply, “Why didn’t you refute the last sentence!”UILuZryvNefpWYNPamEOycCTWmEBut

wUyMQgNzIMBnxHe

Ning Rushen: “…”FaUFTiJlsrhEaxOMuYlZrLbYirnODJ

PrarvNYtXTKUecA

Seeing Geng Yan’s smug face, he gave him a kick!OrPKzNHeUReLDJVvKTzanCqwllMRNs

lIneqYxcjrswPVn

Geng Yan, “Ow!!!”UqdybbJSXkRtqzmUgLXvVWIkqogNrt

mVJLlmvpxpbrQhZ

After sending the uninvited Geng Yan away, Ning Rushen returned to the courtyard. Before he could dwell on the unintended remark, he looked up and saw someone new in the yard—ljDVMxlnxoDqFxHJqyAgGukiFOggJK

VQyzqwFrzErxLdi

By the side of Shi Yi, Lu Wu was carrying a large bundle and looking at him.OMtIqXfOjDDBlKagWQnNIpyzSUziRu

zDFDUstwVzdSKQq

The familiar scene made him momentarily dazed.tcyOiwxqfYovMIPzkdkQmQgvcsFfGm

EgBvhwGtwnkOGTO

Then he steadied himself and asked, “Why are you here?”SDFbvOZBsCtFXffazpPXHMWMvzeevv

KpIPzYVkfRAyczs

Lu Wu replied, “The Emperor said that Shi Yi and I should accompany you to Beijiang and stay with you from now on.” He added, “Except for your orders, we will not take any other commands.”CEliGOdyGlBHMYpcJDOqKcEvWleDsz

gGtQrhGqPayvHIP

Ning Rushen’s heart skipped a beat, and he slightly opened his mouth: …siYvRMCMUypgTPOrOeetZEzgCQsNGY

ISzFwoqSmMCzsaT

Li Wuting had completely sent Shi Yi and Lu Wu with him.GQlHXXartijcJoaShUEClLKRgBibYT

uCTJuOWKWGyszia

After a moment, he nodded, “Thank you for your Majesty’s arrangement.”lIPKXAyXUrqqUTYsfQzjETVCaPoMbU

SDkRxxsDUBzuetI

The departure was scheduled for noon the next day.xfpduuCzbhhJebryODjQCffcyHSwTW

WScIaabBoKARZeq

Ning Rushen had packed lightly, bringing only a few essentials.mwnyDdxtcHYLfpoVeKGsEuEzevmbmO

EySAIsCxglCilYo

Yan Min and the others stayed in the capital to manage the estate; he took only two sturdy spoons and a team of guards with him.tEMfUIfKmHfdssIyftqNkSXYhuRkSL

GVSSVADZJNDltWU

As he left the residence and climbed into the carriage, he cast one last glance toward the palace, where Li Wuting’s face immediately appeared in his mind.hyGdxCtqjHtSVVkbwRNhGScBuBooet

LxwUbQnqLtWnQVR

He had no idea how long this journey would take…CnPpWOCcbJaEsmgdqxKLYkTQrYMegA

rRpCkoOtXxAYiwc

Ning Rushen felt a fleeting, unusual emotion. He paused and said, “Should I… go bid farewell to His Majesty again?”rsjNdjsrRISPwotaBSvTZzMahuBpLp

LGAjGJOgithGzNB

Before he could get a response, Lu Wu beside the carriage said, “No need.”eNXOXYHmfunfdBvWLyaAHTZXMRjeJh

ugtdhPmSpYaOpwm

Ning Rushen turned, puzzled, “What?”XkaauGKDrRktzeVyuXGupmtvvSkdOC

ywtiPLhktfIOsnN

Lu Wu explained, “His Majesty instructed that due to the urgency of the military situation, you need not go to the palace.”jSLKZHbMRkITjRCNBTWKXaEubDESUP

mBvunWPonDHIVbX

Ning Rushen was momentarily confused.KBHfswKHnIKNJUDmrIyzZhHfCXlVFy

TpNIhuLNwvVVOqD

… Not seeing him? What did that mean? Was he being abandoned?bJrDaZdIIbSIFptSwmKRxeNzgTrGYY

ZbsfgzChRUrvmMP

He pressed his lips together, then lifted the curtain and climbed into the carriage. “Oh.”ZEqNVVHEcrDioiJZIcTUcPMmruXNmo

VExKSVSnwQIgaEa

The carriage rolled toward the northern city gate.xnVxeImmnluAHBCrajXbTjXAuLGNGI

HwgvwHiwCTiQFft

As Ning Rushen sat in the carriage, still pondering the matter, he didn’t notice where the carriage had reached.FofRxBCxRNPFsKZNTCOAINZPHVszHQ

qRgBYVZdqFWFmrW

Suddenly, the carriage jolted.ryrhAEvqLNIzhXtePkzYYxkEyZiavd

vTEbQaavxvCVPwM

It had stopped. Ning Rushen lifted the curtain and asked, “What’s…”SmprVqqvaiTUxStpSLjYCmlQaPIdkM

rhCLnJxzopxJRFI

His question stopped abruptly when he saw a tall, deep green figure outside the post station—XHUMpkjYgqoZyBxeMwcTYcINVdGZHk

JvyMFfOnGYnnWvN

On the dusty official road, Li Wuting stood with his side facing him.tBRIxPTSMOMKLURvctEgtFfKZAcvIn

SdROEPEOZXERHre

His tall and upright figure was as steady as a mountain, his cold and handsome profile looking ethereal amidst the desolate countryside, his blue attire appearing as elegant as jade.LlqeZgVhLEsIMibPXGKqimpUPslgua

arffYAodbvqfHbh

Ning Rushen’s chaotic thoughts came to a sudden halt:hpQjzjqTyEMFVsOQDlBfdtKvsZLNBK

XGfNQDbxuVdHhPt

“… Your Majesty.”LnzzVjyXdxruKxOzTYJNUCophemvRQ

xlSsPZEfOkGKxMo

Li Wuting looked at him and said softly, “Aren’t you coming down? Are you waiting for me to help you?”OiPwBUoCMLocbieMpnujzucRIKGqTp

wXeDZICLyiiDfSa

Ning Rushen snapped back to reality, hurriedly lifting the curtain and jumping down from the carriage.uuRMJEufTuJucywPTmXVRSuMUmCEII

BlGwtuXAhajyvuL

He walked a few steps to Li Wuting.jlFVmgKFMoBNwznEhHYyUxWGQtENve

AVmGekLajZWOCMY

If not for De Quan’s familiar, beaming smile beside him, he would have thought this was an illusion:cpaUthNEjanMnZZCaDzbDZjLuouQuT

aBTwxDwjrXeAVXz

“Why has Your Majesty come in person?”iKzDyqzKnveGxXUTOQdUtdnvpfzOiS

VHXaClWeghybnLZ

Li Wuting replied quietly, “Don’t you want to see me?”kTThrpphKDZKbcdpUJfjXfuzJZGXFF

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Ning Rushen moved his lips, “… It’s not that.”TyWjoqgSlMFKufCfwkREyeySHMcyON

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The guards on either side lowered their heads and closed their ears, standing quietly as if they hadn’t heard anything.sdDwreWdENEtXFJCKcmIMhFjdujoDn

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Li Wuting watched him for a moment, then said, “Walk with me.”nhJrQmjEzEIVtAxOFtPVODMZKeGGkB

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Ning Rushen agreed and stepped forward.JmmcVMnqFMwIVBUwalxXEdbiFHuvqC

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Outside was a vast, boundless wilderness, with overgrown grass stretching to the horizon.TXIbOYHIsVltceLzoqzoPOzHfeYRjI

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A gentle breeze stirred the grass, creating a rustling sound.ruzwwqApPatoUJHKqzQSoVNEDRdPKu

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Li Wuting remained silent, and Ning Rushen also said nothing.JSxKphWMOULuVRvPZsMZaLogGFPMSh

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They walked for a while, until they were out of earshot of anyone else. Li Wuting stopped, looking at the distant horizon where the grass met the sky. He called, “Ning Qing.”ELDjqHIhxzGpYOfCpFkdoUJBLmUNOr

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Ning Rushen turned to look, “Yes?”eZpSuUZkDWJwIvhjigWAdLGkFWKyBk

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“On this journey…”AfAvAClxeOgIecsBxPtjsnssQxhXON

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Li Wuting began but then stopped abruptly.CKiBtNLBTKoxkvfWBwLSFCJZXDpqep

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He turned to face Ning Rushen, his eyes reflecting a myriad of unsaid words. His fingers, hidden in his sleeves, curled slightly. In the end, he could not resist—WRxfcKRftdbtGFlwjejTHhGEhTsZdX

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He reached out and embraced Ning Rushen.XBKlWiRPscoBZbdXVJrdESndWRMJZi

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Ning Rushen was suddenly held in the Emperor’s arms, his heart racing. He was momentarily stunned, feeling the warmth and firmness of the embrace.SZeEcjlndQeiorQwbwarnSFWIGIOYY

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Li Wuting then whispered near his ear, which had turned red in surprise, “Wait for me.”FxaLWqfrhWkcBbfcYWXctiNufYjIxq

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