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.OrnuVeBWEehzGXNzozNPGnXFIBFcnz

NlCJQIGayvhSVuR

Yan 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

mwMbbEXlcDPKNDA

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…”lSDRhEaHoUzPskOjClpdmpaMtZsHnB

daWERnwynNyWSIm

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.”zucqTKcqqupSNhsFqYBmfPxytIksTk

RqBFYyTqSEYORJS

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

WYuAGBRrlzCIUEy

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

TPCJbnWIGDTMRKr

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

fEQseeMHfNhRGjt

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

uCozDdvSZycpmbu

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

DqsZiHyngZUsgPs

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

wiAyEMMmtoPURCc

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

VQWVSEBCfZekLJt

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

yZarQOCZhFhbIqf

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

CcTCZUJAuybvmhS

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.DXdOysMKBsPGXCVosDpyqAClkOaHjR

iMBqBXMabtqUEtA

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

OLtdvwYtVPFbpdK

He 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

VASOnOzsgOyYuYd

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

BuxXAMDqOozAAib

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

MaLecVkIVCVORbW

He 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

jsRfofjWrDWLjDA

Ning Rushen spoke up, “Your Majesty.”tijkMwUiVCUQoezvovQmUfCzcOrWvL

bOPICvcPDqrVlhy

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

FXJDdpisxgxyNSO

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—jNFxaDaUxtxwACZNuInvKsuAgzcSMW

xEmftZoifVbFGcS

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

YItczYvxpaNCMkn

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

LTIEzhslJtabKjm

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

EtiSMTADKoueXli

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

xiHEtghQUXgiSNs

On the pages, big and flamboyant characters read—VdGQiVBtXymyVWmnWEPDzsyMRAsJIw

nGgrORNOocDFwuh

“Sir Ning, come quickly!!!”aoAiLPyqfurvMVPdjuUcELqdNckNrP

nSeCLFynWxoqGna

“………” He was immediately stunned!RNxMTWnrvFtVUlQflgJhWpNyFKcVAL

cQNMWUeyIHjamAB

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

UPyvWUXTpYSCKed

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.kCdSkyaGozJSTtSNGnwLYIgIgIbEac

kvUYexFzZZkKTsU

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

dPJeeJKxjRRuFEr

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

UQBTvVDHaZvMDAN

A 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

eArjiZEDAkXecqU

Ning Rushen reluctantly withdrew his gaze.gxQrSQMqMUmWHYjhJiESvEjWIgsZXs

xszViHxyZLIkQsb

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

tCuRiqLdRlhnCCG

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

ZbXpPKBQuSUnHyh

Ning Rushen’s attention was finally pulled back.biySgKBptryxxaqqhDfFnNJgJPaxZs

FuFoXeqLMQLglkT

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

fupVYsWOuGyvDuB

There was a prolonged silence in the hall.wRFHTlvBgHWgFmlRndqWAaJScQsYSY

fLrSrOEbjLTbdBk

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

KsANnKFWJVwooYA

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.PWZqxQpmYOIVHgNLUKNSZWArNwvEUa

JqHtuJxybKxmXku

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?”KpFXfRZqFNvodJXxbCmzdSNTHLUnJw

XaDpyiIIlNUTIIp

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

HCtbHDhIjKzXlRl

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

yYkWiDzAWhbMROd

The homeland of roasted buns and lamb slices…qhnIYWOyczFWrJZWlEoFrrLqEcFMSX

vJCyPNosUpbWjgS

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

WUIhJfUVCUDFGIw

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

conGipKleZwEicg

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.BLSpvvsqSvLOLmlWnYlWEDPtbxGXCn

nsRCtNXEjunqLox

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

UAYxMkXKyYxfqOm

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

AepdCCiagsiKsSx

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—cvUMKViBnSWiTpDNFChKrTFYzrnMZy

COJCvAkkwXvDxGe

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

kbHwNbfIriSxJBb

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.rnqqksNJuDkRBTfSlsvInyaSYXbDnR

WkJvBwJJupnyEIP

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

uKAuDBmkOAAZUXr

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

quZgOYCRZaBQUpA

Li 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

LzRlilmJcFjMMlQ

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

CguqeUZIDFDvMyb

The rough fingers lightly brushed against him again.tqrFXvVZrCLDFnYwUyVfLJbVXeijCx

bYrRbpTmaHrByPU

Li 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

zRdPWoBYpdtrJQZ

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

LzWYpqeYRACTqYZ

There was a sudden silence for a few seconds.fXaReRvYQURJlzLHEqbQEYgZAmxgIv

dQouAzHBYPjdODa

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

qxUDjuRCCHqNLGO

“…”fuTJaPPSQtAsuctaMwYPDzCZTVFtLc

TphuCBLFqbiZsnW

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

rkcyJRxxgXbePzA

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.OwPOFEZjqKCKktpBPSbEPbSnDVDyyV

SgwZNZokkybwBeO

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

dVbSVaGAadLeGcd

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

wKOUbhWsuZVuBeC

The dark sleeve lifted to stop him.WFDOXfkDVBpwmiNfFjsyDHvGmBNCov

qAHXRiJIdHAVzrs

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.”omyVpROvoEqIQiMgrPygvdEnOffPAA

WXYLQGlFepHvnEB

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

HTLcxgJuReXNEpL

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

cQUGyMhjhyEOKfF

Li 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

xsCThoKMzmxEZrE

Li Wuting sneered, “No need.”qwlJbQJpGDpGzOzdcJNtpScLOWKBSm

gyzgsYAkfHarDTm

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

MCvhXLBnHMzIKym

Ning 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

kSYFwejmzZnrPel

Ning Rushen: .DxEtMhdxwkuEQCyLCnhMyenuggfbTR

zqeYBmzYYwPznTH

He responded and withdrew.qjKCSgfFqLLckuhzNPCIhfkRDaLOgm

vcLJsVPjhYyIxvK

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

VKKaMNxSPylReQt

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

LXPHLedYLKPYNOB

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

dOdRFauCeSdnBKo

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

PJAhBBEUTuDkcrO

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

vaBWlVoBCrfGtLN

Li Wuting continued, “Moreover…”GLxWbBfbfhXTGedgLlHfRCLendqzeC

CBqIlYCzNzCXHvL

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.xvnnuVXvUzxEnZZZFplkKVsophgBlI

LvfgNiCIikvFlkH

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

CJhGwtTHYTIMiHH

He turned back to his own worries:JGuqBaDWYJpTYEEkWTGkhUczcxEmWM

yFlzuwffPttLkLm

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

KdhzVmUKEtrpJdv

·PvpPairNcjvvPgklWfiOijoMTilOoA

kybUuIkxCftOmpP

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

KyfRVBjLynZsPTj

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

lQAjGJiQKyfHYcZ

It seemed both reasonable and unexpected.NoDuQLdYVjrydWoslFgiJEMNTuQYFI

xXqysIPrAyyzRJs

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

gniFyNNBuAaLpim

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.wwGzxGHZKOwkuAvikWrVoVFuCsSgeO

HvkLRYTgeLYfQJt

Not long after he returned, Geng Yan arrived.uYXEkALWtqtmbCviGXasqTLsjfRTXp

DVpMpbXfGWEGoCB

Geng 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

oTviJKkDPHObsAm

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

TaVZjsftJPXblhT

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

QFbVuDQWiqjSSgW

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

mMXkAtpsBJFhIdu

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?”ujcOQYJbNeNaneIKoZkJwwjuCUEzVg

FYQUbFsSEbjmgHL

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

wgAnxIhCjyLRjNg

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

lvggMedftCrdAAv

Ning Rushen: “…”SqmVSmBNKvFoUmffxsHnBkzqkFMYiK

ibWcWbsEOldORiP

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

JWjCcmPYMEZdsFK

Geng Yan, “Ow!!!”JuZBUwieoxATxuOEOMXeqJoYKrGnpp

JWBuStdrmVihFHj

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—HMSFVlFghRlZWskAjTEpiTQcihxQvb

hZCkKVeADYExHSu

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

ylqUKzNJOdRSsZW

The familiar scene made him momentarily dazed.ZtuctrEXArNyNVXJKSuWtnzOWJSpTZ

KhraqCUUyCOFfCQ

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

cJRvmcQXVsdikRf

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.”wXoSKWNuvWoXtCYKnRrzISbpjVsGXd

wOGfFejYMXAzmDW

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

MxOPAwFzWsKLgOT

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

dLbBzeRpSRrRJOk

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

DwhcQqftkyXnGXw

The departure was scheduled for noon the next day.RQEUxIRMvtNgXdXqLLAAXBLvuRzqed

ylUjZodLYnavEPJ

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

dbcMMHoMnzizzJe

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.LASRMTpmLMLrergosVkyoBNjSgLeRc

trReDHrDJyCYSKN

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.lDiuPzOerzTDIHdDnhgSMiSzDaSuUK

tZtiQJZXTwNPQBo

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

BjxNQbvLnjAkHXs

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

zEqEfRfLrUAcoto

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

DEMWBdnaQlsLbRv

Ning Rushen turned, puzzled, “What?”rDVJymnsJoXOdmOlRpnLpHXyKedVoH

XxGCSaeGcdeovhC

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

gVIKEUoPagzLVAO

Ning Rushen was momentarily confused.xQjBPwsvKCEqEvoVSOZUUnTZaqBWpc

riWGUxekAIHidmJ

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

XPshssRXoYpUNIl

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

LlTgQepecjuUwjw

The carriage rolled toward the northern city gate.xtKozTbNHAcTbDrqahikHRBxpmicYh

pggHZQGwdTysmvb

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

KRQtFIDoFAGeyTD

Suddenly, the carriage jolted.gmZxaLkVKnYRqAkgVcEAIINfYPBOmd

mPvkIHWMhGqJdxy

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

PcbXzxJQCNfPSaz

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

DKyKcdVTlZMFlTG

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

dlRPyRTboIKjAya

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.JyMGoJzHgBnwIPlKCfoSiANULQBpVr

PxlBjtsyEkIhKzF

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

yKFOpVrPWnRoSVF

“… Your Majesty.”dSTWfbvkUjnYkmQQYEVmFQlzLWGxPn

mdibyUnkFLWFGQJ

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

VJKfzPgHDsfLCdC

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

XaOYLzYvKENuety

He walked a few steps to Li Wuting.NdUoHfQWDaspiFWwPIYbZkHCqGAnuV

eVtBfHKSqnJDEpj

If 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

UfxoEYnqYHHZPef

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

sHfZYmLHWvHztqj

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

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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.aboXxyipEekmOwqhkcLrPWZsTphKcm

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

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Ning Rushen agreed and stepped forward.PMrjzaLNMWZbLnslduvTYAVDyEcHjy

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

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

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

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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.”AlwQxpxgTRYlyGliwICUHBFDdFllnH

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Ning Rushen turned to look, “Yes?”MZKKlsrRHkvxaGlQrOpeWbnsoSnOhQ

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“On this journey…”eflhcPwYlAphJyRgBaPuXtefpZygbJ

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Li Wuting began but then stopped abruptly.ioMHnDCSbBTNTRKQqYXlTgEzlFDjiu

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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—BSpNbNotEUlVXPSpAwbLrNtGiPYeLW

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He reached out and embraced Ning Rushen.LkoeIOvKzNDIOAHHqgICXdXknxDXsB

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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.JwcTpyoHCcuJWzlYpYalgjQDIYjvGs

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

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