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.DHHUNOKMFrcLXHWgWDPpJijpOmEtDv

tZtxzhaVbVJOxQI

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

sJutkQczNbLjcwL

“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.”fjKJLROUugpWByonuTJIjNpQMXojKu

eKisMlmJUYGJWDx

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…”mBvDesMVXkxZPzxbAQtjhSFPXPIOkj

dDhoUazONrmAeOW

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.”sdMsaJRyiMQZMjViKsqHOCgkoqlkuJ

WxTLIUdzkgICWbo

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

nIjOAMQVYeFrZEI

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

MMllVAVwFPfetLD

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

pJXurBGcSWnYhYu

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

pYurpWaCnRjqMzy

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

wXmTncxuJxqljBI

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

vyOLyNEGQgEwMYO

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

npDaDxakEoUbrTI

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

icLuWEWcpRXIMjD

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

ofQaBxyokOQFShk

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.arHlplrMcJFUYrqqUCGnrGDVoGRxyB

oMGTMGeGiSUhzDk

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

stIiJKHRexIYlho

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

EXFHruXCjhjPuAr

“Uncle Yan, go to the palace.”LppwnesRXTbKXWGYcqAVLrFIvdBEgh

QKcGXKQGoLiPLXb

…LGLUPwPGmenKMsAjUGfDBauAmbDajM

vitOxLyvSTHcWSu

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

dWhhduuPKPjqeds

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

vdXTBdAzQZIpLpP

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

unisqjCUfhkFggh

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

xUAULKEAuLkuyGB

Ning Rushen spoke up, “Your Majesty.”PMNxXyeUEFBQoqovmhFVCNSgSbSPrH

lgYXCEgXyqHlSbS

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

sdUCrUGptgtsrAq

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—GZIKnBwIPmrqIkLlDuVOrfEIjBSFXn

dKdLxvBqZhzrina

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

ErOaljkdNURcGRL

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

NYgsubQVkDwirNT

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

EdKsePEfIkHXOSU

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

HrtZcRhmIVqdhFF

On the pages, big and flamboyant characters read—KqnBhpjwltnJgYpWcSULLlDESNzAOA

dvbzwyyYWycsVBm

“Sir Ning, come quickly!!!”URTbqqZDirfOKfrKgZWiICNOwNSgEl

EPdByvySuAZXVFh

“………” He was immediately stunned!XgkqQoaRcbsaYthsZdbBnQwgvDgbgx

WQgfHmnYItsIEcB

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

eoNUNODDGwDaRLA

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.AJUcJIETUFzDwgcmuiKabMEnDkijRL

kecKtcGGvXGfiAK

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

bmOJeqwwMAcVGpg

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

ZHhbmGDgjeidgho

A large hand flipped through the stack of papers.AmIKJivTsZCbLcSNbpxRbqZuEBXBcZ

XjJFBFeovHzwiLE

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

hmbZMyFLyfasXlS

Ning Rushen reluctantly withdrew his gaze.wLNolTQHLGIUqglXonZOXXiLIhRRet

idKemgfGtGnnbju

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

cmaXaIBtnAtMEvA

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

ONcBjMWoXMogdXD

Ning Rushen’s attention was finally pulled back.gjuOpILPctuhGkSamBYmKBoPSIPIti

foSCAdNcEhENrSa

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

rlpIgmrmTxvRgZR

There was a prolonged silence in the hall.AgQdarQIRzWPqwXpONVpesXgADyISA

RfjDdLQvqvTthIe

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

ClYSPPppshWrfHr

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.SmbSfyKrQBjoSfYAgocjYTEtMXgiDp

DExkYcSArREDwYa

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?”wLjyhCGJMToOnLwkCbfORqivzefVnU

qIfBxbTSlGUqHdq

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

XbvzMExrSVITTbi

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

ZQLjgsogWiyYFmy

The homeland of roasted buns and lamb slices…wgfMJBoPjWVmiqTHEombUQWquBkMgT

wObIcvVgFBvEVqN

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

EGHcqCfeDNVtZVQ

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

PZNhdXvXMbEwsei

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.kJOnRtBGAwKQYjKKMCyXngfkXgAJfu

yqUSjjxftwqQlMh

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

CKpwJVyFcCjRdYd

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

xMOGnNtebPFLDsb

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—LdBJwotnKLiMOXWPXBVwfrdVfyyHSP

YnrJqEZCkrXdrkE

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

zFNToLhFIlmSnjg

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.saBQCzXbWECWHljjHWpdBDevqgglYv

xNIZYKcCPZeOsep

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

jCBUzAKkvrBUGWv

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

XXifyUPbHwHrMNJ

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

CRaoRYKMDjwlOiV

“Have you really made up your mind?”PeAdkldmFbmTQpbIrMycYTGmxjcacc

RxKaxxqBYlpcgIb

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

UssnFyGXGbcbZZo

The rough fingers lightly brushed against him again.NihBEPZJGUEFMKGwaRuVAHuJAFlCOY

aNHNhsaETbJIbXZ

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

ECnHxvdFDOEYMxS

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

uJdVWzQldvZFwOV

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

SLLEOdrqXhtwSNC

There was a sudden silence for a few seconds.UrRKbEoicOMMqVnxOkQleXGHDrkLTI

JVXrfDbhPLTfWyR

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

RPXKNGcYAFBtxIh

“…”ZFCuhWOZHGTQVWnipdygxICfiodztv

cKBDdZykWyuvMwh

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

VFuWkyXUbRbISlh

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.xGUFDvKNtIOUZuHCztimIloHMZEvXH

DHNqbEvytZdOcOC

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

SOqhHjVhiOlauiT

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

gStSfFtpBnjXvbe

The dark sleeve lifted to stop him.EkZmFQMIqQwFYWvzINYEYrUyckqpma

ikbzybloppdggHy

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.”cJVYMUjJGNTVzEFCEVsIRZbhyBKhxu

RTJDrxqFIkAmzal

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

eFHWQNLdIOtktKg

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

lbcjuLWJselZiEQ

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

SreILxzWUvTrYHV

“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?”xdmxIRaJlkXnAMUcOAncTtkAeBOUSM

NrrkRpRdiozWcFa

Li Wuting sneered, “No need.”smJSiNnBpqnYQSomDYjGZbvZxuVAcb

WAoDYDBlKpdRdEu

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

jUVfHdUYaYGfPAj

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

psPURVDmDSkVugT

“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.”xfyMdWCWWFjfDbUrArqSdEKdtBAQjl

EpdRSIrcsewojsd

Ning Rushen: .TPQnLapSsVuWvjlzseNLESLzByFopv

MmPlsfyjGFCLktE

He responded and withdrew.tUJeacmLBvBkIUCHAgYVIsxBhLglhE

uyWszpiyvJtrfjK

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

UIRNRDoIbUrIejC

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

LZhKJUnqhTMPSpW

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

sgYNpOACbhelVBw

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

TSIRGQVBfRoMxDd

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

qGXryedWZWBvKgr

Li Wuting continued, “Moreover…”BjHrTeFvAwzDAMeDkPbmzlGnTiofte

sQwtxuuDnCbhFxv

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.jLLYuYnHxqbVlLiWcKdannnHJygrWC

owbzdsTxQqDBvUp

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

unDnYJklfRtEraF

He turned back to his own worries:fDupIcGcDfEzAZmGUbVWstxnaWKanG

JrDCsVPHImElYPg

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

onoJifjjcUfFVCc

·sYlIEpwgwIrSyjXByRejAmClKWAACy

psfUwBigFxNQixu

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

hqQZqrEYvcnXPIR

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

UyhMQPBWcDhKZih

It seemed both reasonable and unexpected.zLcDAarZjuMtUrxpEOwwNLviLxDpFX

RWNWoXvOBJYoWaJ

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

ORZgloRZYtFBAso

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.KkbSxafdcaudNTKbxVTshbhqrwQeiK

jTdWeVfYCesheUd

Not long after he returned, Geng Yan arrived.uickkxGgwCcrRrQFeCuyOoqithBfTn

aBDaUoTRJiVQPZm

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

FUNZHlRHPafJXLi

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

dwslUhWVqzqpTzP

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

OioklnbfAtJqviZ

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

hqyxWrddVOTnstW

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

cCqFaqehZBGuRXY

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?”eOOGPOcbGZydhroKErSuLxHVqXMigG

clelQIQANbJyXfl

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

nRehFdJTyyqUCpw

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

OmmQsHWpfmOXWJO

Ning Rushen: “…”ZfHTZGOCNWWkFHdhzHuCSdDsyNnVZi

GMvajlkVtPEBkPX

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

dRADCnMjVHtgpUy

Geng Yan, “Ow!!!”VsCzsovsbKoEmDGGLJMPeLQQhqMzIJ

OAbmjfryORnwNUO

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—csubzLAukzhJheDlMCtETOQxsFHIbH

LlzqBmlWvklOiBJ

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

VHwGuqhwitYCDhD

The familiar scene made him momentarily dazed.OpSpJItuWLYdRUCuWKIUOgVYKXGdlE

dNnCAkKiIcFRWeW

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

YoKinlQhgxueHfZ

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.”fvyiqxustWYBAElNuflfiPfXhDtCOT

mMNYMoEFBdJpmND

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

qnWtzElQByAUsAi

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

fnSBfGkKhGhiYcK

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

ccVJJEhayUNQyFq

The departure was scheduled for noon the next day.kLhMAXqsuhGSkpmWpquhPDPXuYQVXA

mwFwXeaKrasEDCR

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

oaMSXIfJfUXOcPu

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.erYezhcwRQlCYLyjjSSWSjnDngomhH

pOwwcgahTMRBnHF

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.UiwjzXwUFJaRwQtnvtaHhUTzjyORZK

PCRQsByRcXqZJJz

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

UQkMKRrspjhoRWw

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

aWgMFhTepGNtuQZ

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

pOiCXGcetLRTBBX

Ning Rushen turned, puzzled, “What?”mTqcamJcLFQkrccHYeRlVGkcUVIzxk

tlCGixsRnOIlXfQ

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

zaWWvEruPFCTFoM

Ning Rushen was momentarily confused.LXUcLXOOCwiXGNXybFhVZmaUgyYlgC

ZiHzCIduDUZQwoC

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

HvrctyimFFOeetH

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

qDhHXFBOwumfTnV

The carriage rolled toward the northern city gate.GJFZLktROiPRusWCnlBYUJlnluLTtO

qJNwATpfIMErqXG

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

uEcEWfAXqBpuVLL

Suddenly, the carriage jolted.SKLhxsDrDwMhlbnvfcnUWCYunmEQDw

lBuwMRuMBIEptFQ

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

TSppdssaHuYRZgO

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

XAdLRQATAPlHYcY

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

BcaXZLpXjaSMnnJ

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.btWDwGiXlSYeGXEIFAyeqTeuWxemRV

mzXtGsQMXBTABpv

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

KxtiQbYhOviROMb

“… Your Majesty.”tiwYrlcRiMLZEIvhmkJJpPnNOMDcVl

ZyNJlMswyYwjTxp

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

FYZNQPtwMpxzloP

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

IjBXnmJGjlPBvrS

He walked a few steps to Li Wuting.XEArstcuNqHyNJJdIFCWByxLxJjdvx

aRzgpGOJwluFVtL

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

niwCrbGEQfCXDVF

“Why has Your Majesty come in person?”SwsFEDhGCqsaLunmCirZJOgvgjMiRW

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

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

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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.koEMBOXFHLUxngiapNESZVAeqwZmea

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

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Ning Rushen agreed and stepped forward.AdGnipBWeIbvNhLSynTDHTzxAtcCQC

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

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

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

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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.”mEMxUKniawOajGczGdCYODoxuwEUAN

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Ning Rushen turned to look, “Yes?”uJnuHqGmlhuanhwGVaClmiUfslbhGM

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“On this journey…”PHMAXpClQiMEcYtwRzqgejCcdCzCDB

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Li Wuting began but then stopped abruptly.ZQrFCnZTEBHTwOWkkWNeggGOjxHcyr

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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—buJNWtfrFyglGzGwiUWrvvSHBLeijr

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He reached out and embraced Ning Rushen.gzQRBlEYSkodGhayeWuCsFeSozhtqm

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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.mkhuYaOkrgyiEGffwQXBAWzslWeLpq

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

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