Chapter 56
Ning Rushen still didn’t know that the letter was sent incorrectly. He sat at his desk, his fingertips lightly tapping on the letter.OrnuVeBWEehzGXNzozNPGnXFIBFcnz
NlCJQIGayvhSVuRYan Min was puzzled, “Sir, what happened?”asmRsweurZzsEvXplhLsiEhTwKPEfZ
crSOxvvethBQyBw“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.”tEiHISnuRiTTiTnwFvQHYNWgYSbmRH
mwMbbEXlcDPKNDANing 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…”lSDRhEaHoUzPskOjClpdmpaMtZsHnB
daWERnwynNyWSImYan 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.”zucqTKcqqupSNhsFqYBmfPxytIksTk
RqBFYyTqSEYORJSHe remembered that night when Li Wuting had taken him to the city walls, where he saw the bustling capital at a glance.JbzljKsAXimQKtCxyXahLFlQzTwRwS
WYuAGBRrlzCIUEyWithout the Dingyuan Army, he probably wouldn’t have seen these things.lhDvYmYFrRYtKGLqLfJCkpBtGuRFeF
TPCJbnWIGDTMRKrYan Min urged loudly, “The capital is good; just stay here!”BnzNDvDbKFTJsrNwrkbPVzmllxfFsy
fEQseeMHfNhRGjtNing Rushen was startled by the loud voice, his thoughts becoming chaotic. He couldn’t help but cover his ears.kyBqKvYcikgTQFSpmCGZJrEHhhWQnW
uCozDdvSZycpmbuYan Min immediately fell silent, clenching his fist, and turned to leave.BRgKMFmeNuCjKOGvdVAZJaTFNgNHXe
DqsZiHyngZUsgPsNing Rushen sat and calmed down, then stood up to put the letter back in his room.mnHSjlaCsQIzduuLSittdRvSigQgNI
wiAyEMMmtoPURCcSunlight was streaming through the window, illuminating a piece of embroidered cloth quietly folded in the corner of the drawer.qmfWrTPyalqvmQMDAvhlirFgVRBwKY
VQWVSEBCfZekLJtNing Rushen’s gaze flickered, and his actions suddenly paused.wvxDjkGnwYlqpNsTWKBrIJsTTpeCEn
yZarQOCZhFhbIqfHe reached out to unfold the embroidered cloth and saw that it had four simple characters stitched on it: “Bright Moon, Clear Wind.”RdogwJrbLZoXrcUyqPEAGEYXCatCAl
CcTCZUJAuybvmhSCountless 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.DXdOysMKBsPGXCVosDpyqAClkOaHjR
iMBqBXMabtqUEtANing Rushen felt as though he had been scorched by a flame.ibzqNZpxnrZxKrAoXaObIUTQYBEntu
OLtdvwYtVPFbpdKHe stood by the desk for a while, took a deep breath, and then turned to call out:nvstdVQXJmCDjSFFyONqxZrecAaEHZ
QKHCFpYttQSxZJu“Uncle Yan, go to the palace.”gXMxRXFVjXNAvJrbzgfKzklTMSxvkB
OfpjuRxyRjibuHs…BGcthpXCrnzqSbkErVhExQElHgUuuY
VASOnOzsgOyYuYdUpon entering the palace, he was informed that the Emperor was in the Yangxin Palace.TKpbuuwylkkhoShpJkwoloWYCuRWov
BuxXAMDqOozAAibNing Rushen followed the palace attendant all the way there.UIKOlDudavcntQXTaJkxLnWsfmEkXL
MaLecVkIVCVORbWHe entered the hall and saw Li Wuting sitting in front of a low couch, his eyes cold, and his expression not looking good.AvIauBgsZcJTyAtdcGUeKTZkcDVtid
gXNGnViCasANyCQ…Was he still worrying about the military supervisor matter?VJdvytHEABWEUtQBakynfSadcvbcGX
jsRfofjWrDWLjDANing Rushen spoke up, “Your Majesty.”tijkMwUiVCUQoezvovQmUfCzcOrWvL
bOPICvcPDqrVlhyAs soon as he spoke, there was no response.VJHMIzjhNCvdlxznjPQuHklBvJcHFt
FXJDdpisxgxyNSOHe 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—jNFxaDaUxtxwACZNuInvKsuAgzcSMW
xEmftZoifVbFGcSSuddenly, a voice spoke up, “Have you received a letter from Huo Mian?”BcctGCUWRUokxGksRoIEsHtiuPLoMa
YItczYvxpaNCMknNing Rushen was surprised, “How does Your Majesty know?”IfwCCtMEWxBBWPFFduKskgMqkrDmPa
LTIEzhslJtabKjmLi Wuting stood up, sneering, “I also know what he wrote to you.” ??? How did he know this?VURvzruLCQdfybglAmSyVDhsRTrQvM
EtiSMTADKoueXliIn his confusion, Li Wuting casually tossed a stack of papers from the low table. Ning Rushen leaned in with curiosity:XMFZRMyNiFhVPNWEecWlKNugtIGbQW
xiHEtghQUXgiSNsOn the pages, big and flamboyant characters read—VdGQiVBtXymyVWmnWEPDzsyMRAsJIw
nGgrORNOocDFwuh“Sir Ning, come quickly!!!”aoAiLPyqfurvMVPdjuUcELqdNckNrP
nSeCLFynWxoqGna“………” He was immediately stunned!RNxMTWnrvFtVUlQflgJhWpNyFKcVAL
cQNMWUeyIHjamABWait, Huo Mian… didn’t he accidentally put the letter in the wrong envelope?QwCtGsjPhQEtaIFZBYFKaeuHShWSWH
UPyvWUXTpYSCKedAs 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.kCdSkyaGozJSTtSNGnwLYIgIgIbEac
kvUYexFzZZkKTsUNing Rushen remained silent for a while, his throat suspiciously moving.BTufVwQzpvrcPpBwYHOYicMQJboPwS
dPJeeJKxjRRuFErLi Wuting, who was watching silently, “……”yZSqJIXgqSoGjtZsAWUACkFqiFyfee
UQBTvVDHaZvMDANA large hand flipped through the stack of papers.yJaBilIvllnZmWWZspNryNuyVVfvhs
PCAsScqVEfBFZpV“Enough.” Li Wuting pinched his brow in frustration. He was so angry he lost his temper. Why show this to him?LiIplgkLGsuNplmokLqVgBXJdvPpRI
eArjiZEDAkXecqUNing Rushen reluctantly withdrew his gaze.gxQrSQMqMUmWHYjhJiESvEjWIgsZXs
xszViHxyZLIkQsbIt seemed he saw roasted buns and slices of lamb…ENVGprwVhuSQYyYQsrFsjLXFTOYvJR
tCuRiqLdRlhnCCGLi Wuting looked at him for a while and then pressed his lips together, “Ning Qing, why did you come?”nYiPERIGVhakTIXOBsWMAajIYzZVAJ
ZbXpPKBQuSUnHyhNing Rushen’s attention was finally pulled back.biySgKBptryxxaqqhDfFnNJgJPaxZs
FuFoXeqLMQLglkTHe mentally prepared for two seconds, took a slight breath, and spoke, “Your Majesty, I request to be appointed as the military supervisor.”KImLsabFsFLeXEpAzylOMQRGNEwneR
fupVYsWOuGyvDuBThere was a prolonged silence in the hall.wRFHTlvBgHWgFmlRndqWAaJScQsYSY
fLrSrOEbjLTbdBkDe Quan beside them was startled and quickly glanced at the Emperor!VeaHXBLDBadMZlSMDHTmhWhVPWNkCC
KsANnKFWJVwooYAThe candle flame on the purple sandalwood lampstand flickered slightly, and there seemed to be a shifting light in Li Wuting’s deep-set eyes.PWZqxQpmYOIVHgNLUKNSZWArNwvEUa
JqHtuJxybKxmXkuAfter 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?”KpFXfRZqFNvodJXxbCmzdSNTHLUnJw
XaDpyiIIlNUTIIpNing Rushen’s breath became somewhat erratic under his gaze, “Yes…”xpwFwgJOACPQKGNbOFZFduIABKEYsr
HCtbHDhIjKzXlRlLi Wuting’s voice was low, “Do you know what kind of place Beijiang is?”WXAqTSfUrVNetCJJhNngqLrVITFqnJ
yYkWiDzAWhbMROdThe homeland of roasted buns and lamb slices…qhnIYWOyczFWrJZWlEoFrrLqEcFMSX
vJCyPNosUpbWjgSNing Rushen swallowed and still said, “I know.”VRuNBLEkTlnbeQQFwzJudTOeOFtiuF
WUIhJfUVCUDFGIwLi Wuting seemed to finally show some anger, “Knowing that and still—”CAAtGHgROVOneNgbcVTqNaXnZekazW
conGipKleZwEicgNing 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.BLSpvvsqSvLOLmlWnYlWEDPtbxGXCn
nsRCtNXEjunqLoxHe looked at Li Wuting, “Your Majesty…”TyyXSMkzPQCeNDoZrFjNMtzeVNyQnM
UAYxMkXKyYxfqOmThe four characters “Bright Moon, Clear Wind” fell into view.hkexJHHDWzNnicoDnCKHRMqIWTrZjf
AepdCCiagsiKsSxLi 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—cvUMKViBnSWiTpDNFChKrTFYzrnMZy
COJCvAkkwXvDxGe“Ah!” Ning Rushen was suddenly pulled forward.vpiRVWoqRRvtIUZAavXIbnyvfNykHM
kbHwNbfIriSxJBbHe 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.rnqqksNJuDkRBTfSlsvInyaSYXbDnR
WkJvBwJJupnyEIPNing Rushen’s heart pounded as he looked up, “Your Majesty?”tEXvKlSQZLgyTfeRGTwHpoJTfWITlv
uKAuDBmkOAAZUXrIn the moment of looking up, their breaths intertwined.bKwaKjRIPsScYRnKMusvQDvWfTOPpf
quZgOYCRZaBQUpALi Wuting restrained some emotions and lowered his head to look at him for a while, his eyelashes trembling slightly:eefUURpXWKfawdCDqYOLsyrYffsqnG
FRAZHBNMGvIfaUk“Have you really made up your mind?”MhyDQeMtvyyIVLHHRaznPTyGdeVewd
LzRlilmJcFjMMlQNing Rushen felt his waist weaken and ears heat under the grip, “Yes.”xGOJtHgPNNBlQtXGfcetWVxqEKDbpp
CguqeUZIDFDvMybThe rough fingers lightly brushed against him again.tqrFXvVZrCLDFnYwUyVfLJbVXeijCx
bYrRbpTmaHrByPULi Wuting’s voice, sounding like a jest with an unclear meaning, said:ucJHDZsXKkWevzsLBYhIXgihnxwdMx
MDYdhJihOFtrMlJ“If you want to eat roasted lamb… those, the imperial kitchen can make them too.”wxrLpIFznBoLvIDfSJYoYPwatIIeZR
zRdPWoBYpdtrJQZNing Rushen felt dizzy, “But… it wouldn’t be authentic.”XLrCielpEmTTLRGWpvBZlZIzzapCmT
LzWYpqeYRACTqYZThere was a sudden silence for a few seconds.fXaReRvYQURJlzLHEqbQEYgZAmxgIv
dQouAzHBYPjdODaNing Rushen became clear-headed for a moment, “Moreover, I’m going for the people of Da Cheng.”TnmsmCnhKFRzWyUyvVEHSRgUdpmULe
qxUDjuRCCHqNLGO“…”fuTJaPPSQtAsuctaMwYPDzCZTVFtLc
TphuCBLFqbiZsnWAfter holding his hand for a while, Li Wuting finally let go.tfjRqPuKAOijdHLaKNvNFrUnHQEpZN
rkcyJRxxgXbePzAThe 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.OwPOFEZjqKCKktpBPSbEPbSnDVDyyV
SgwZNZokkybwBeOLi Wuting seemed to exhale, “I understand.”ygBhwIbVsYaQGILiceSECjKZfmllAb
dVbSVaGAadLeGcdDe Quan beside them became anxious, “Your Majesty!!”VmDzcKevXkgQEuZpMZKwjYyuLXdCkT
wKOUbhWsuZVuBeCThe dark sleeve lifted to stop him.WFDOXfkDVBpwmiNfFjsyDHvGmBNCov
qAHXRiJIdHAVzrsLi 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.”omyVpROvoEqIQiMgrPygvdEnOffPAA
WXYLQGlFepHvnEBNing Rushen’s heart skipped a beat, “Yes.”RpmOtYhCqDgWeHsoNqFVOVbUzspejQ
HTLcxgJuReXNEpLThe hand on his shoulder lightly tapped and then withdrew.XuIkYwppfQImGkQknPmPEHOQvlfxEY
cQUGyMhjhyEOKfFLi Wuting looked down, “You may leave.”kzzlGLqkzvLEokvTuIACtSESYTKtgB
gVRiaLPMyTRBRmE“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?”FFktCiaIVqSvrgpaeJVnoMbRuPLlqc
xsCThoKMzmxEZrELi Wuting sneered, “No need.”qwlJbQJpGDpGzOzdcJNtpScLOWKBSm
gyzgsYAkfHarDTm“…” Was that a hint of killing intent?jkHVvsoZJEpgUfLKwqCTlriIbbqsjL
MCvhXLBnHMzIKymNing Rushen touched his nose and prepared to withdraw. Just as he turned, he was suddenly called back—GkrRDzIGOgAUHRhgIhZuxVaEmEfbqH
vHROeYFXWKXdRAy“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.”XlwjiPPVvlfkOXuvcYEFiGrnsOxhmz
kSYFwejmzZnrPelNing Rushen: .DxEtMhdxwkuEQCyLCnhMyenuggfbTR
zqeYBmzYYwPznTHHe responded and withdrew.qjKCSgfFqLLckuhzNPCIhfkRDaLOgm
vcLJsVPjhYyIxvKOnce Ning Rushen’s figure disappeared outside the hall, Li Wuting finally looked away and lowered his gaze.BIAESJTNwniNXvvSEKyIwAKcIIhSXn
VKKaMNxSPylReQtDe Quan, unable to contain himself, said, “Your Majesty! How can you send Sir Ning so far away?”VKmSGMJxPufSWPzuMASPkXgQmrAMYK
LXPHLedYLKPYNOBLi Wuting spoke in a deep voice, “If he is determined, I am willing to help him achieve both literary and martial accomplishments.”VgUStpDwbvHMHjklBJUYtuQHccQooH
dOdRFauCeSdnBKoDe Quan was momentarily stunned but then seemed to understand something.bvDuDnGyMytfXnNUcVKaYOnXmQaLfa
PJAhBBEUTuDkcrOHe felt a pang of sorrow, “Your Majesty has thought this through carefully.”aRIwzYRBVBbdWTwZtvGOSafUZUQVHx
vaBWlVoBCrfGtLNLi Wuting continued, “Moreover…”GLxWbBfbfhXTGedgLlHfRCLendqzeC
CBqIlYCzNzCXHvLMoreover? 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.xvnnuVXvUzxEnZZZFplkKVsophgBlI
LvfgNiCIikvFlkHDe Quan was bewildered and could not make sense of it.KySzOeUEPXNKLGnPwIvjJPRgSqKJRu
CJhGwtTHYTIMiHHHe turned back to his own worries:JGuqBaDWYJpTYEEkWTGkhUczcxEmWM
yFlzuwffPttLkLmBut with the Emperor’s intense emotions… will Sir Ning really be able to endure such a long journey?eyPkIZVVfptJoUAThInzEpzfksZkQn
KdhzVmUKEtrpJdv·PvpPairNcjvvPgklWfiOijoMTilOoA
kybUuIkxCftOmpPAfter returning to his residence, Ning Rushen had his belongings packed.ZrsHcjEoSuoVTbqiipxvDWoVEfrpeh
KyfRVBjLynZsPTjThe next day, the edict appointing him as the military supervisor was issued, causing a stir in the court!oIGEDDQWPmlqYRdleMahIOrSkJmKwl
lQAjGJiQKyfHYcZIt seemed both reasonable and unexpected.NoDuQLdYVjrydWoslFgiJEMNTuQYFI
xXqysIPrAyyzRJsWith the urgency of the military situation, he was to depart the following day.DLtamaRDshtWxKfcCtxuddrLlHmjJc
gniFyNNBuAaLpimAfter 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.wwGzxGHZKOwkuAvikWrVoVFuCsSgeO
HvkLRYTgeLYfQJtNot long after he returned, Geng Yan arrived.uYXEkALWtqtmbCviGXasqTLsjfRTXp
DVpMpbXfGWEGoCBGeng Yan unceremoniously sat down in his courtyard, observing the busy servants of the residence.sxUnOiwvxivRaeUtwLbTHqWMjGQdQI
PJmYCznimzFJUkU“You’re really leaving, huh? It’s so sudden.”aMdgDZZfnVPWndpInnazqWJjpdMMHz
oTviJKkDPHObsAmNing Rushen nodded, “I also find it very sudden.”LhZRNUTjPsYHmyuUdjZIxlIQExmLfR
TaVZjsftJPXblhTThe urgent letter from Huo Mian had come without any warning.bViCEoaxFXZdwDBfnhpKoDHzriktyX
QFbVuDQWiqjSSgWBut thinking about the two letters that were sent incorrectly, he suspected Huo Mian might have been the most surprised.clEcwfToqJsvwalzTOBnxXvyOJylDE
mMXkAtpsBJFhIduGeng 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?”ujcOQYJbNeNaneIKoZkJwwjuCUEzVg
FYQUbFsSEbjmgHLNing Rushen was speechless, “Why would you climb the walls when I’m gone? Are you really here to steal something?”GqNzXrAcKkGjoTiMTVFKExIcfkBaGp
wgAnxIhCjyLRjNgGeng Yan seemed to find this reasonable and pointed out sharply, “Why didn’t you refute the last sentence!”sqSANaOcrgYSFMSTyhFfdRgzEDZwXV
lvggMedftCrdAAvNing Rushen: “…”SqmVSmBNKvFoUmffxsHnBkzqkFMYiK
ibWcWbsEOldORiPSeeing Geng Yan’s smug face, he gave him a kick!LsuKFXSiwYmXNBZsUksRKavfRAQVnt
JWjCcmPYMEZdsFKGeng Yan, “Ow!!!”JuZBUwieoxATxuOEOMXeqJoYKrGnpp
JWBuStdrmVihFHjAfter 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—HMSFVlFghRlZWskAjTEpiTQcihxQvb
hZCkKVeADYExHSuBy the side of Shi Yi, Lu Wu was carrying a large bundle and looking at him.JijsKfDLwTPEeZaHKueNhjLPMsAxHd
ylqUKzNJOdRSsZWThe familiar scene made him momentarily dazed.ZtuctrEXArNyNVXJKSuWtnzOWJSpTZ
KhraqCUUyCOFfCQThen he steadied himself and asked, “Why are you here?”RWTIOOLnQHNvPTVIPGdYHyyjWCMjqm
cJRvmcQXVsdikRfLu 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.”wXoSKWNuvWoXtCYKnRrzISbpjVsGXd
wOGfFejYMXAzmDWNing Rushen’s heart skipped a beat, and he slightly opened his mouth: …WuPfCshClSDzbcKnaqIoxaVUHjxegT
MxOPAwFzWsKLgOTLi Wuting had completely sent Shi Yi and Lu Wu with him.pwoHgkgshMGUrGjEnGfCgytSvpVJHU
dLbBzeRpSRrRJOkAfter a moment, he nodded, “Thank you for your Majesty’s arrangement.”FTQpHeijyeBwrowbOWJBBuFvgqDcjm
DwhcQqftkyXnGXwThe departure was scheduled for noon the next day.RQEUxIRMvtNgXdXqLLAAXBLvuRzqed
ylUjZodLYnavEPJNing Rushen had packed lightly, bringing only a few essentials.MVETFppfXagQrsQHKgzRqXtKFLMDPz
dbcMMHoMnzizzJeYan 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.LASRMTpmLMLrergosVkyoBNjSgLeRc
trReDHrDJyCYSKNAs 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.lDiuPzOerzTDIHdDnhgSMiSzDaSuUK
tZtiQJZXTwNPQBoHe had no idea how long this journey would take…pDHADIgGNhwKWBFULXTNIPqEWKAoMa
BjxNQbvLnjAkHXsNing Rushen felt a fleeting, unusual emotion. He paused and said, “Should I… go bid farewell to His Majesty again?”spgqvzlXdErbxIeryxssYigwbTkbwq
zEqEfRfLrUAcotoBefore he could get a response, Lu Wu beside the carriage said, “No need.”guRlUUePKPxKgJcjeZxUZEZIXkZIdf
DEMWBdnaQlsLbRvNing Rushen turned, puzzled, “What?”rDVJymnsJoXOdmOlRpnLpHXyKedVoH
XxGCSaeGcdeovhCLu Wu explained, “His Majesty instructed that due to the urgency of the military situation, you need not go to the palace.”jNFEhPxTHqwmjrwVaqNhXItrmZrlKv
gVIKEUoPagzLVAONing Rushen was momentarily confused.xQjBPwsvKCEqEvoVSOZUUnTZaqBWpc
riWGUxekAIHidmJ… Not seeing him? What did that mean? Was he being abandoned?oyFaHyJBxHoIgCdLVUbbTKeTKDmWwu
XPshssRXoYpUNIlHe pressed his lips together, then lifted the curtain and climbed into the carriage. “Oh.”mhoCeRbMYueXxnhXtslYNpTuPhxZEn
LlTgQepecjuUwjwThe carriage rolled toward the northern city gate.xtKozTbNHAcTbDrqahikHRBxpmicYh
pggHZQGwdTysmvbAs Ning Rushen sat in the carriage, still pondering the matter, he didn’t notice where the carriage had reached.bXVRMYSZTbhTxVLdsFtFlufHpxLkZm
KRQtFIDoFAGeyTDSuddenly, the carriage jolted.gmZxaLkVKnYRqAkgVcEAIINfYPBOmd
mPvkIHWMhGqJdxyIt had stopped. Ning Rushen lifted the curtain and asked, “What’s…”TKuRQhXKYxKKVRokTvbbDrzDNRdybj
PcbXzxJQCNfPSazHis question stopped abruptly when he saw a tall, deep green figure outside the post station—nTxRyQrRbMFZBmAZrAwKndRymVnFAX
DKyKcdVTlZMFlTGOn the dusty official road, Li Wuting stood with his side facing him.LMVKvdjUUZQRdOkEDxgbiGmVAKyWCl
dlRPyRTboIKjAyaHis 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.JyMGoJzHgBnwIPlKCfoSiANULQBpVr
PxlBjtsyEkIhKzFNing Rushen’s chaotic thoughts came to a sudden halt:QfiLMlfhkoRBCkmarmvxTYxclCfNZr
yKFOpVrPWnRoSVF“… Your Majesty.”dSTWfbvkUjnYkmQQYEVmFQlzLWGxPn
mdibyUnkFLWFGQJLi Wuting looked at him and said softly, “Aren’t you coming down? Are you waiting for me to help you?”GhdfqMGonfIEkIryvGndgpPqGSuRZg
VJKfzPgHDsfLCdCNing Rushen snapped back to reality, hurriedly lifting the curtain and jumping down from the carriage.RWzdEKhCikuCENZuZXnKLeSsggliQB
XaOYLzYvKENuetyHe walked a few steps to Li Wuting.NdUoHfQWDaspiFWwPIYbZkHCqGAnuV
eVtBfHKSqnJDEpjIf not for De Quan’s familiar, beaming smile beside him, he would have thought this was an illusion:giLfCKMLpTKmkJbTzgpnNihdZXXslX
swMXGfDrrxkvOwQ“Why has Your Majesty come in person?”kklAxxRsvNHQQaiomXsDHRqgcmwzEg
UfxoEYnqYHHZPefLi Wuting replied quietly, “Don’t you want to see me?”IHbdnsigPKBtTtQWdHXCbUoazSHnGX
sHfZYmLHWvHztqjNing Rushen moved his lips, “… It’s not that.”iWtABZdvCxinULZhrZqFBfrIqWsnNY
vmiJUeTFsrNcJULThe guards on either side lowered their heads and closed their ears, standing quietly as if they hadn’t heard anything.aboXxyipEekmOwqhkcLrPWZsTphKcm
cObMGelZxYfXwQALi Wuting watched him for a moment, then said, “Walk with me.”xGWHExuZlBWZCZzfgisscnWeQfCjsu
RqOMWisljHkRaqqNing Rushen agreed and stepped forward.PMrjzaLNMWZbLnslduvTYAVDyEcHjy
RHEkKnyJRXTCZtBOutside was a vast, boundless wilderness, with overgrown grass stretching to the horizon.TQCRAtKcjflpBvIyGUCdTQHFupcezO
YEXoHkfBoxnUFEkA gentle breeze stirred the grass, creating a rustling sound.cjqbDVJDuTgFXMHoGhiVTVClvQYYvg
dxrWSToAqfHsQXTLi Wuting remained silent, and Ning Rushen also said nothing.yFtTBdyzusvbdGXXZCYYQlFpRCJhRx
mEKkJcydSAWeIyRThey 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.”AlwQxpxgTRYlyGliwICUHBFDdFllnH
XmNHGJaPnmhprVUNing Rushen turned to look, “Yes?”MZKKlsrRHkvxaGlQrOpeWbnsoSnOhQ
qiPcAchvATVGWwC“On this journey…”eflhcPwYlAphJyRgBaPuXtefpZygbJ
vzfZiTeOLdiFPwBLi Wuting began but then stopped abruptly.ioMHnDCSbBTNTRKQqYXlTgEzlFDjiu
zoSyYxgCHszELnGHe 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—BSpNbNotEUlVXPSpAwbLrNtGiPYeLW
HEGSVrJOozOXhcvHe reached out and embraced Ning Rushen.LkoeIOvKzNDIOAHHqgICXdXknxDXsB
onZKtqnPegdWLnJNing Rushen was suddenly held in the Emperor’s arms, his heart racing. He was momentarily stunned, feeling the warmth and firmness of the embrace.JwcTpyoHCcuJWzlYpYalgjQDIYjvGs
VnYuAmmaBbbEXdvLi Wuting then whispered near his ear, which had turned red in surprise, “Wait for me.”dIAyIFjRgGDQWeBDbnCshulcDGEvjR
rOteYSRmVjsphsVQrbdEDVKNHmQmOBFyhQnrnPbxlKFzA