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.zHCqhBtuAmNVyLXsJPeFNIGIhTHHcF

NrhrybmdXPrRyCj

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

fsPAHsOQuMyROXu

“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.”CpgWbBHLaaqKaZXToLyOdnDAAlBQov

pmXNYOGgXdDAJpD

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…”VJjaRjeOxUaQCtxjdbbjCgIIpqmlIo

ZidRRhNifWLctOb

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.”jmSYgEwTrvieXFEPpwZvsPlaVoYBom

dfkdbpdjGXzfUUZ

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

AtJaxCqMKLIkwAG

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

XigyDOOZGrjbAKs

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

fKEMVTZPVDvolIP

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

VhvPSpMkEDUTEkm

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

JVMNDSodUNTzZLo

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

hbesNxfqofHXGOe

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

qXbYETLkuiGlixI

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

vlsPOnAAIbtHOfJ

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

MFgRKNrYlfiJjhG

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.XHWSnoCquCXZSJznpXGKwUtTuwTejo

lEWKSyRhyKTpaQH

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

pTdPFlGxtxXMrfi

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

EKsQxxjAFIXsPDO

“Uncle Yan, go to the palace.”nTViHDtOMQSyWwiFKtPRysTyQUvZIS

jnGriDsGmoLEMra

…kWgBYNAziiDYYQJNathKpShwfForNU

yIGtblfMSXBzhAM

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

FumDUmuEpBQwQID

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

okyQhgKsmIQjIqT

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

yJzIaNhOAKFTaVw

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

LOIHethSekxNBdH

Ning Rushen spoke up, “Your Majesty.”KDDSaPtQrIQxcanTQKsvtnjvaQaacu

DNXlUzxdfaBVqPT

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

sYqNyieWwllzADP

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—ilsumQZCtMmnjbqlxqxQXHXpbqJrVA

yLjEpWwcoszsBkN

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

udIySumhXOGFGFv

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

UTYTAZqiGuWaaJF

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

xSPsBQftWpSGDQy

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

mWESiYLRUkqWtvg

On the pages, big and flamboyant characters read—zSMJOnjbAOsjitRnbleMUpnluJKHgb

NBhXGmjMAJubfxK

“Sir Ning, come quickly!!!”ZhqJWdAvARxWzntJhjcsaUYLtTCTeD

JSjQmZajPrxvLUK

“………” He was immediately stunned!YUoDmmTfNtserwFiNdEdsunWpQDVeX

fBUrEtQuiHAkaft

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

XuKDgnVeHlLGnxz

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.uuTUWmQDbRTzjKcEdlskPoHonstTKt

AQXYHFaEkVosqFo

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

mulvZOCZdDtBAZU

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

CXfQNhZQnZqpqby

A large hand flipped through the stack of papers.GfUNJEnoDRygqZtJHtndasdibYyANd

KDJdlIOEFbfFdrW

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

PgFBWmKxBjiuiRu

Ning Rushen reluctantly withdrew his gaze.ZGNxjPemwtWfwhnuWDuceHVnRTMXuI

HpkSrMJCeAJPPJK

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

lcUuKNkYgvEhSSy

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

gDDmNTKPuzmXalf

Ning Rushen’s attention was finally pulled back.KUWgAzRQvaMzziJeVkHWClrPLqFgAL

kYHidzxokrCMPvs

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

QHpUUHWxRNZjCMa

There was a prolonged silence in the hall.viWFnooymjEcojoAiCAClaLXIiHyng

iSQaaxSDVjumrUR

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

hrUSTiGxGMIfhxd

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.vVBzzpljgIStslXlhJQKkdGaNhRXzh

WokoYGRWWdzyrqD

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?”VHyAvhUwZAncafBnFiNzvWCDQRlYKl

xheQCCbSXxCayYD

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

SKXDOWWwtpsrDkM

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

hsHztDwtmwSJAaw

The homeland of roasted buns and lamb slices…EyOckuGcOZdvvLKZTCOmxiRbZTJHqP

iihkKcnbilrkJQs

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

bbNoPeSoxPZzhLc

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

IcqzNBDGfBcAJds

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.WtsHBDyrzNLVhuVSbQoxWBSyolLqFU

qOWlXmvjHJOiOAW

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

KmJCSWOfurZxjWH

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

AKpAUNcdWTOszNZ

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—enEeFMSlmEJkpyftZqViGEHSHVeyco

phHxIbXiagaJcAY

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

CNOKoCuZUusPBKg

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.RsGbKRQNqICNvAHKglWoLrcaUBRRUo

ZsvYvNsgiNpGOYK

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

ipUljzTtXAqBaJC

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

VoNGieTQlpwadGw

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

aMIBzZAWCQioKyj

“Have you really made up your mind?”kzxLmInhPvhazBVqjEjuleQyeRFWLM

FjKuFcksELvWumf

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

ZKSHrytuGpwlKaz

The rough fingers lightly brushed against him again.nWiBHbHzdfYfhaiSvwgtkceXfFmdaW

avJnfHwdmMluQws

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

NWAjplxZYeTdsuq

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

fKFgqUXqoznxJLD

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

FTDTfIqJREKhVqg

There was a sudden silence for a few seconds.OTuqRSLhLlViCnHMJHhCxYYRmcdZxO

vwhqhZizZkuqXJC

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

lrxScXpwCQkXVhc

“…”tKKqQAagAxpZxJJkyxEJZcoNMIpAVX

jgmUNPwuJBOlwuV

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

JZhdbNZMzdJuDYT

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.CKRsUXKuYRPiBpvgaIKjgkLNlEjmTg

YxUECwnoqyzbWxi

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

gesDxFpwqrIUQfP

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

shhiRKpOEDnEEDP

The dark sleeve lifted to stop him.KGLZKWcpoBQMXpQOKOXJhiOsGFEuSZ

TezWzrtlhdwQDPq

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.”NHJuUgBwtGDlwemrMxdomHMQjuIlKw

JznNszYncBtoTJr

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

akOENmwlTUuKZvM

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

pdQxjZHYrXIaQRI

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

KHIwsWimmSxqqbO

“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?”xIYiYkiMHKAwkwFpjvdGwvAOVDhvtb

olXbFnyUSCdnADu

Li Wuting sneered, “No need.”JipvOqiCvXgGSzEVazvcMVsyQTTPCA

NlDMEORxDQGLnjQ

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

fXFHPIdAbthMtmB

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

HMXVVJrSxRpTmqU

“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.”rhkXqUsmgUAdPWsZMMYQGjGBNcCWfz

wvBfdFeKiokjvSF

Ning Rushen: .QMpeeekgtRLVwvBMDPPUYLFJeTXfdk

PmnrrNJaKXdsvCU

He responded and withdrew.cVrVROwEnJFshQPIxwunzoYRcxMmKQ

aksgjTyyxLTdDIr

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

aOqlgXczkjCKLVc

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

ZWCptZnPMJEDsUw

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

sLbLjtVkxbFPYBV

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

FqsszDsaKjMDMDB

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

smmUALTzNrVyOQl

Li Wuting continued, “Moreover…”OaGSqhFaEybeqhvoNoWPuVpqgzMGVX

zEZJMIHfokOTYmC

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.JgvderNHXwqpsBpRIWGTGYvbRtfMqH

BEFmAwcpFUqkncH

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

xlnVSXbtxNptfTB

He turned back to his own worries:bEvNIpozMWAsMakdjqKdLtfFfZGzxh

UjDHqHNMnnCLoPH

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

WFjvrJDANGmDuHk

·ZRYFwkzTwdzcPSHLNmsYReNoQSgLmI

JyWHcNulnCUHJqX

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

ylOvhtjpDursOoz

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

amIziBLpvPzFesF

It seemed both reasonable and unexpected.TyPGGUxBtyRQwnISehIqmanFwNuinl

zOULbdtmyOXsPqN

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

eoRXMdBzmQboRnx

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.VmsLlzrZwDkhJmOnTYmsflTNIaCJXn

ClhmxzJCyoIAfRE

Not long after he returned, Geng Yan arrived.EDDnKOUJuJtuilreVqGqzpUcxMAQPG

VKfbgUkzFqngNqD

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

jGIteGuPcpJsPyS

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

mosdUlhoxTJmVWv

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

RpzAwKAYJrLITnU

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

IJGjcugCHOQcHZY

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

IkdhZRjDtFSdPzY

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?”nVHzLSCIPPpzOdKcDPeRhwITYgoAIn

kcGYDkPlwKYWhzg

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

BUXUzoojDWEDKsq

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

daSmfCzHFdUZcvo

Ning Rushen: “…”kvcBLGBwSOpfjhQmOSSptqVlqGujRi

UvnCboFGZXKCzXH

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

NSLZviYTdsNjacO

Geng Yan, “Ow!!!”mAyWwOWDRGltYJqbAjtocireYOFXZo

kTXouxSnPSUtVQy

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—AAUtHYYVwWoUeLpAdhvrIiQuygqhbX

ZqEUyMwKYMAzqsM

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

DrcwBDrHyjQDfvy

The familiar scene made him momentarily dazed.KRRYWlHPzwumcpcgfPuyDqNmSJCPlO

qWvxzoEmmZlamyc

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

ABQajzTkGPanJzW

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.”YGTJhNKBDYXYtpnDeNVAbABVDeQlgE

xioJNAAiDRukIbF

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

apyRKzSTIIgsDIk

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

cyptBlyFjZXBbWk

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

RySPOSjXkwNgFJD

The departure was scheduled for noon the next day.yCocrVHogLGTCIKVDNqodxSuipEpre

lRFLPvHSdLKzvTE

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

AtUWMwuFRprbNYs

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.uqfpGxYGmQHtKcALadQRsMQMIyyIIA

uJtwkewLpHPOxRj

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.PEFVwlWPIurisRwoPwETRlzdtsiDeR

esgzAHjHMNIZLjn

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

kpmapEOShEnoSbG

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

DAlVugQozldtlSw

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

gAveBMWniwSNjOz

Ning Rushen turned, puzzled, “What?”XGHokzPiZJoampWvWHQULWJYHBXZsv

qHMVDvKbDRyhhGw

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

mEzQnwmCgrfOOgA

Ning Rushen was momentarily confused.tvrWtjbNbxPHLgioRIHVUgaaQJUSAM

knRdrDIYESOIjBO

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

mXTNTsZyPRvLQok

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

goHYeOmkUGWIeSS

The carriage rolled toward the northern city gate.ZEjgufDRXYbLfGrTdHkkLuIqTWyiKm

NEZTzPQpNYZzmtM

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

dCZWphLkLMvtllX

Suddenly, the carriage jolted.kjeKtZRmhIzKpYvLjPvywfKBpaxmrA

CraoyPVDPxqEcRZ

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

nmbxzSkbkIncqPC

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

zYdBYSDDnSAyrkk

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

wQqXMwibUxLbEEm

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.mbypHjUSmQVtPZegDvWcxQutYVOIpg

DXEWehXwNJIrzVJ

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

SaRsztIAxhUEhZB

“… Your Majesty.”GMIIXuFMuKodAlYaRNmVvVPvnFsQQc

BoIPbsmmFecANgh

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

axbcwyrlSBmwvvt

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

XsOpTsIfAufjazu

He walked a few steps to Li Wuting.skAktaIMnbjgZcrtgWpnNnYETNfKPf

ZxcvyHBtHhEmkvR

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

XeyCGiVuDZnApSK

“Why has Your Majesty come in person?”gPUasFgNiRFIKHFrGVaLLFCzNFePRy

OVVvJvNCZMtsbiX

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

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

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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.AfzPeQWjGmrQElWHZwYHHAYLaCOriu

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

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Ning Rushen agreed and stepped forward.LZXRyYtGBWjtjsqiMpCswIhiGhdRAD

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

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

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

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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.”jdNIrafScYptYhOdqbHZWtMtdoNfpI

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Ning Rushen turned to look, “Yes?”EoBPoTqxmYZCxwWASDeLXAIORvnZHy

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“On this journey…”LfyCoxIJHNaidrkOFPsfdhdkHOIbwF

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Li Wuting began but then stopped abruptly.MQifewKtwOXxStPkTtmxILgKZwwEzN

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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—UGTwBKQfjeEODxSAaalBhGjdadpTTn

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He reached out and embraced Ning Rushen.ECPbkgfefwzjbzShJKuWgQqbsfhgsJ

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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.WbyJxFGkjsTRCcLxShCvXOncowMWfj

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

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