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.fPutxEMBGsBBzUzclhvTLRzzjGOSNz
tJNVJVCEMzknaAcYan Min was puzzled, “Sir, what happened?”wPZZzRMStjqdyFDsxhIUIeUCOFsFxU
zuegcPlflGhRdka“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.”VLSzfvMNnoGsLqJWdRZEgSddosTLWn
CgaouzYevXzSxRhNing 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…”IYSDkPKHOtWKbucQVUsGaeXBzyKmDo
ysqIGErhjCyyHaLYan 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.”MIjozAVLlMARTVqRxlwmuvjeDvgdek
OUHhNVRrAUgewiuHe remembered that night when Li Wuting had taken him to the city walls, where he saw the bustling capital at a glance.aiuRoTeftQMAykeBFAgoDqetYNmrVY
NiwFTZVCtcaGIlEWithout the Dingyuan Army, he probably wouldn’t have seen these things.HyyGKfITtHVpzEQaKBluYsInMyASBZ
IfvuENGwbweIkpUYan Min urged loudly, “The capital is good; just stay here!”PONNJGodaMDbmLeHHNNkeRXMGDcTOF
CGvOuDNXbjMvfLYNing Rushen was startled by the loud voice, his thoughts becoming chaotic. He couldn’t help but cover his ears.awQIKBCqAbkJlEqheCglgGFjfcrIbA
ryFJdfWwKvjXPENYan Min immediately fell silent, clenching his fist, and turned to leave.wrnUUzXjHZemodrNJxcdtbRwBUTCuT
jURSVkiDxNMdAAhNing Rushen sat and calmed down, then stood up to put the letter back in his room.STgrlzWkZpgSqKcWVWwlPjZBRaaypf
YKONqQXyCFLLdJlSunlight was streaming through the window, illuminating a piece of embroidered cloth quietly folded in the corner of the drawer.sIadEEAqACwauccvqfgvGLhVahyMUv
jwgIFTvjlIfIFntNing Rushen’s gaze flickered, and his actions suddenly paused.EHDFmhESsZIzHTWBYxSedXQpgvGYqX
zibjnyEygAekpOhHe reached out to unfold the embroidered cloth and saw that it had four simple characters stitched on it: “Bright Moon, Clear Wind.”dvMqTIRSqZlRmTspdrcEoyJhplLnfr
hnZqbihHCICwJfICountless 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.abEauWvTsdTbHiGDitBDfpuCuqNUaQ
zWZZXQDRIvYivpmNing Rushen felt as though he had been scorched by a flame.LEjUCQWqxpmWGfXjAeMYYSlVEIkIfO
XzluUPrdiAAbwVKHe stood by the desk for a while, took a deep breath, and then turned to call out:IMMXoecJcaeQLWKpRDgZHdUFoKdurI
AEOqrnOZPwmwuUO“Uncle Yan, go to the palace.”WohrLJgXBdcccPWiJMykTcRGHeuBkK
kOwcJVDTygaBKGM…qTMrjRCnZkeSSvyfwGmCbwJusglcxI
fyHkhLyxOjfMvAfUpon entering the palace, he was informed that the Emperor was in the Yangxin Palace.YofkfWIcpeWVadPiSZFXmeEBnVfDcP
qqCeDoFsRYsHxIANing Rushen followed the palace attendant all the way there.hbYSNVtAZzzHbRMwBprOyLKTiawtUo
AowAgLNNrFsMiudHe entered the hall and saw Li Wuting sitting in front of a low couch, his eyes cold, and his expression not looking good.VNqaAhjUSvqSdoyvahUNmUDYekuMCR
rEFxlOJMpLFRRPL…Was he still worrying about the military supervisor matter?IUUfiWBeJDtIiOtFzAQNjDCiDPhbre
CXLwCRBnmNNVnvYNing Rushen spoke up, “Your Majesty.”QsAeepuzuUcHEBHPXXynitdbrpuCNK
PULMbtocqNlnFQAAs soon as he spoke, there was no response.mDKDkKOwNACtGCNDRRNmIwyecoWgtD
WloICazqzmAHuuJHe 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—vvhxMEIetyRjnHGrfmJbBlLxqyOhCv
ilhrrisraNjhThaSuddenly, a voice spoke up, “Have you received a letter from Huo Mian?”ZsAwJMORFZLAaIcQMPOJFZVBUzhwaH
PPRYUtQVcStjfvCNing Rushen was surprised, “How does Your Majesty know?”BBTjzdOdSDpUIVXUXUYfLMZaYeoOWQ
rxhhXdavcRghcojLi Wuting stood up, sneering, “I also know what he wrote to you.” ??? How did he know this?yDeqjcqqGtkghXneGzFlQjFLTnucjZ
fZOLuVazXxGpDRqIn his confusion, Li Wuting casually tossed a stack of papers from the low table. Ning Rushen leaned in with curiosity:mfxUxwQmdXpDAPkYPXSopcxthrTYNy
TdEMclKkHnjaEXpOn the pages, big and flamboyant characters read—etbExPhvUhlDGRvMtVLmvRgNPiTIhS
YDqELgMIoYRRDYg“Sir Ning, come quickly!!!”qDAAzddajDfqyQIsvHVjAVRfZnyUOM
WKrjTDHfMudoNMm“………” He was immediately stunned!VMbYKcibRPpRUWozIYSgNwzZDGAlGR
txUGUAGkmWamXvlWait, Huo Mian… didn’t he accidentally put the letter in the wrong envelope?gsbwPeobQSEQOdRyYPPkiQJALQjNrB
BXlqfRGGLXRMrxYAs 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.AAMoEqiWzrbOlAbNbWYxmwleCpiiMM
YMjJejKhYlyQTCjNing Rushen remained silent for a while, his throat suspiciously moving.ajFcnAGbvloTWIyKlWbGeWjfEbmoGS
hdhftljxdcTbvNhLi Wuting, who was watching silently, “……”JZXRoUepPknGOtowQWMlkhKRyfHtIt
mBtlaKBQGPrDhjwA large hand flipped through the stack of papers.CPTxwgWAxbqfZnRTjfohjXtcjKmEVf
oglXyKztAMXkbev“Enough.” Li Wuting pinched his brow in frustration. He was so angry he lost his temper. Why show this to him?LVSIbgxvbLcHBRUwaHUBaMXdGdUsTf
IsnmfBPYLDIQlGENing Rushen reluctantly withdrew his gaze.FmvfIuNnpdwafkpWGTDTAgSILRaVNM
JBiWagDoSyywCnRIt seemed he saw roasted buns and slices of lamb…mNlgtQBmYDDTXPdVZYLmPzyxqosYgE
yjplqjAuaWQDmlTLi Wuting looked at him for a while and then pressed his lips together, “Ning Qing, why did you come?”PvoDMiyymswawjlPpIiAMMmffrrvtw
zxNUGUeezWvRwEfNing Rushen’s attention was finally pulled back.jGkKKehnnJtjtvXeIbhrKIETDrcEiN
srLmXVZgrIUwCMNHe mentally prepared for two seconds, took a slight breath, and spoke, “Your Majesty, I request to be appointed as the military supervisor.”XkVYibrTOTujhXRryXAyyCznlPvqTq
imLNsSTkSGaehELThere was a prolonged silence in the hall.dWtJLoVpsYlNKcvqjnaknBHISTaEuK
JcKoxQXrpTyTkcQDe Quan beside them was startled and quickly glanced at the Emperor!lFaVWjmzacEcTIisUipNxXeADixBoc
tZuSVItLNhfByJRThe candle flame on the purple sandalwood lampstand flickered slightly, and there seemed to be a shifting light in Li Wuting’s deep-set eyes.QwGncjVHklPFeJuJraUbxzrXUmNnzc
QuuNZDZDYgoLiyEAfter 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?”tqeOfhtujrIiuJkqLMULcEhPJfOVJZ
YzkEeYYJXoRHCHFNing Rushen’s breath became somewhat erratic under his gaze, “Yes…”OzxDYxyWgMcnXrPHoaflWkfhXNbVHG
AcwCEvtlCJGFLPuLi Wuting’s voice was low, “Do you know what kind of place Beijiang is?”lvPkTCtdYlvbAbEYxedrUUzRjrccib
rMaRVryjgvyorQkThe homeland of roasted buns and lamb slices…rOXBWfTgeAFglvWNtGssbtKUfuzKzl
SUWObJABSBPEljbNing Rushen swallowed and still said, “I know.”JoxeSchXjHevhMugRHdBOGuoKzCYzd
IZISmlKkVkccOXpLi Wuting seemed to finally show some anger, “Knowing that and still—”hsxRybdYVlTPsqKtpOocAdFpuWfDtq
tmYhORSUnSQyuJzNing 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.GdMmMPinnVngvExQrbsPuJqnofpVBg
fxvFiWdLEVlKuHTHe looked at Li Wuting, “Your Majesty…”LDkDPlmNNHJivUzJCQAjLxvqbsMbgi
rpNtRtUTTSwuSKLThe four characters “Bright Moon, Clear Wind” fell into view.YIyZSzsnhsVAaowdkbhzmDiuyGonCs
lhPWiRDFhlICxvELi 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—XloOFsXgiKuIUjpJIcXKVFQhPtHxSs
JUtcNqUtjVTuLRx“Ah!” Ning Rushen was suddenly pulled forward.eWwOfmLZQNmNvUEaPzRgdhZOqIIfeo
lqEslrtauUJJybNHe 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.ORJsXifZZYkZsFTwxIersThmSWUDEO
tiKppNMZhqRqkIQNing Rushen’s heart pounded as he looked up, “Your Majesty?”dFJEaHoTrDLSNgjATcwdRJMMdSKGGB
CyyUouMfrkVaNXwIn the moment of looking up, their breaths intertwined.nIMlfiXDRHbHHqLBsqEHToNzYyViLo
bxDKFUwLeXIEBuJLi Wuting restrained some emotions and lowered his head to look at him for a while, his eyelashes trembling slightly:mQpatCrrAzwhmlFtolLKJBmjZozEpX
OFVbWJcxaTsdkFf“Have you really made up your mind?”xnqeXEqSaOJxMnnUPremBcFbUWEnLl
zNxkYqEYCLmlsreNing Rushen felt his waist weaken and ears heat under the grip, “Yes.”XsUBJqBWAEDGGMXTIArhxENdcACQGn
NZfjzHuEtCjbaWDThe rough fingers lightly brushed against him again.MVPeyqTTKhTPiWSINKzFzoKwjDmEwC
mYgmbDlILodCNJPLi Wuting’s voice, sounding like a jest with an unclear meaning, said:VUpjnuigEzgYMGNdlAvKVmThWzRPtT
aPqExAYKnjdhMRk“If you want to eat roasted lamb… those, the imperial kitchen can make them too.”sgSZyWkCkZEvOpviuLphSMjHuEUvyj
TgnrDMWeqryHUyqNing Rushen felt dizzy, “But… it wouldn’t be authentic.”dKGaLhOBcEQHkpALSHwLtpItMLxRTv
NjWPeDpxtGJfSPhThere was a sudden silence for a few seconds.BSZHVuycriAjuoiwZAwQtqiKRgHMvE
TeRwuRbZiozEQieNing Rushen became clear-headed for a moment, “Moreover, I’m going for the people of Da Cheng.”OlgbNFSIrBbggOJHHVWrRMQAsRVbVs
HwdBkwVoNJGzEzC“…”QuSAabbyVxINuFGSDwnlbvZxQlIXIT
vUtCdJvCxDYYwOfAfter holding his hand for a while, Li Wuting finally let go.zqLiKAAZlbIkYcOJsLnEWjUIkHyfsV
aTpvjCtxEkcyjVTThe 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.imtZxUgtmyfItoUYTaIyEjQOUkQVNO
KEVmMcvIupvlUqBLi Wuting seemed to exhale, “I understand.”VbVkHdSVuPbLIYOXTwoNRGSMbceJlY
KWeWCwFAOvDbOXiDe Quan beside them became anxious, “Your Majesty!!”zBRBIUMmrbjNswuMPJlBtDQENSsjPm
pRpxYQZWRcjAGrXThe dark sleeve lifted to stop him.lVuImKfYAtHYnSgYPAeRCabWwNQGKT
yEknzEJBGnTBPqeLi 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.”RGahyIMfuHREdPHCcacwpYZflrmbMJ
oXgmrCvoCLxbrHpNing Rushen’s heart skipped a beat, “Yes.”NhEFMtCvjWeoxYrLExXKUgljaeJtiB
IlJxvErIwgCoQSjThe hand on his shoulder lightly tapped and then withdrew.jwnzoknHqQZlHHloQVBAlwVtVUjXWu
wogNIvlDMgMaWPyLi Wuting looked down, “You may leave.”GfQwaKIOufephXtPbbjKvKdsSthPIy
PNTvdnfngzeWcZD“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?”XhXKKEqouPwsXDwNVwpWbylYvKKQws
yWdYSmUrOekTYkzLi Wuting sneered, “No need.”gpgYkoYsBgFtjUHEJVFVFJQrFcFnOJ
lLeRMyZgeXpgNtA“…” Was that a hint of killing intent?JAyTfzLkJlYznUgZoredApPKcpkosL
NQPsHavlrhCOntQNing Rushen touched his nose and prepared to withdraw. Just as he turned, he was suddenly called back—NlQLrGvmzVmIcJwJzUzXEXOlazCuVJ
xDUTUozmqsPNvEP“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.”gJrhBqlrIjyvlIHBlrbIbjxgnlEZrn
xnTzjBDGkEUTLCSNing Rushen: .WMETOIhLaAvQyEasnbQgYhUByQFZho
xNjTRGSQLTDJdVaHe responded and withdrew.eNqblQHSLIyCuRHJPgqdafkHcGwGTO
czNfdJeFsRoOPGoOnce Ning Rushen’s figure disappeared outside the hall, Li Wuting finally looked away and lowered his gaze.LLdIFrMBWjrOerHjUDyNLlIXRkiMSQ
nNIWjZukNmCHGXFDe Quan, unable to contain himself, said, “Your Majesty! How can you send Sir Ning so far away?”fCxSoAfPgiOsgfiIlGDrydznKhtQwI
lkmRBCaMVxUjjkNLi Wuting spoke in a deep voice, “If he is determined, I am willing to help him achieve both literary and martial accomplishments.”UqBohCzgDjCMQZQbpOjgDpJpfzJVnc
oQdgFEGiDpVBEFQDe Quan was momentarily stunned but then seemed to understand something.eJTVmzFGHFOSDMtiXnBXwHLqDbOPjd
gJWgCplaTjWEcELHe felt a pang of sorrow, “Your Majesty has thought this through carefully.”zWVEGWuJErSITdKlSLnektbDzvTgYv
vAfZWpYBIdrCqgMLi Wuting continued, “Moreover…”UKgDAUytoKzqlmnQnvkncjAcYjgOoz
UbTuUtWfcaKejjnMoreover? 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.FApWEaZLyavmlkVeDGvmKXNoSnJmnL
epzlTmmKfqroYpwDe Quan was bewildered and could not make sense of it.bsmBGaVNIwExFGNrjvIPSCAuidnDnA
jPrJqXmwTtjuLeVHe turned back to his own worries:KZFPKIMoDTwatxCiHjYwavJbuTzSWD
wtBHBDGMOAVIRjLBut with the Emperor’s intense emotions… will Sir Ning really be able to endure such a long journey?aqRfoRsVDCnTvrHVCqTUFbjWJNSdxZ
haRTlmmrWUWkOLZ·kDLDqRMEUviJWBaDFLQKFjasEmZieR
CJLUDxxiDRHoawsAfter returning to his residence, Ning Rushen had his belongings packed.HEzEcWilPoRXIgIESQGTbUOIAOFLek
QzKtAMEOrChUSFFThe next day, the edict appointing him as the military supervisor was issued, causing a stir in the court!ueyUnVSWBlLSuSwnoVxzsqeVRDULoS
vUQlFAnAZJikyBrIt seemed both reasonable and unexpected.IYInzBqxsuOqUkDTtngDOFkdSpkATo
QANKeteQCjYKZHYWith the urgency of the military situation, he was to depart the following day.RcxBqLDAKraybtGvholbFJRjsBWUxQ
VdMcnhdcpqQpBMQAfter 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.dSHKWhGxdvVKaZNSipSZhgShzVeMrk
sytznMtrDIaAIhMNot long after he returned, Geng Yan arrived.waLzqQWFZXTZJfoPWOWVAvxVckUSEB
pectBoaoxAHGeknGeng Yan unceremoniously sat down in his courtyard, observing the busy servants of the residence.AhEZhFSowcRuRUcJHcdzOyiceyQAYM
JTXHHbdGcrjEpNu“You’re really leaving, huh? It’s so sudden.”WLzMVebmSietSXTLlgdvctJsaBnUXC
ygilrWvvAjTLjxENing Rushen nodded, “I also find it very sudden.”neBBJKRQbNLAXzftmmuhEmJFFlseSj
EzwhNxSJDjnakQZThe urgent letter from Huo Mian had come without any warning.VzSuOUaGIuNCLODteKRrVhFzUWWyqF
eUaDkzSXFSprpfmBut thinking about the two letters that were sent incorrectly, he suspected Huo Mian might have been the most surprised.VikNuZDpVczXsDNuMomGKqTIEaYZse
fIZnWMsmaxfsmQtGeng 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?”YcnKdlbbqOjIgOEbXfHcRwNRDeYcLL
IUsFSnYaMnQEaHdNing Rushen was speechless, “Why would you climb the walls when I’m gone? Are you really here to steal something?”bPKEooPpJDKSlUInsTozxOVtIoEOld
nbajbWtWGgshuLuGeng Yan seemed to find this reasonable and pointed out sharply, “Why didn’t you refute the last sentence!”FyGGPPMpcjlGFEUpJpkWKEfAiNeCsl
CfMtltQOVDhrDDhNing Rushen: “…”aZqCpJdoVfdJibwUXlUUzOHdgfhHCs
XteJbkTHkXokfgZSeeing Geng Yan’s smug face, he gave him a kick!bVSaNiRUwuRlriNrDyTUceMBLXOasR
VZFQKrjciAVCiQMGeng Yan, “Ow!!!”MoteDnuJBQwkczPRpZmbsABcaxHmuy
MlKRuJFCEjgqnnzAfter 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—GeDlLUwtieHOEYyCtseNLeevoOVzYj
oImjKDMwKnHnBFDBy the side of Shi Yi, Lu Wu was carrying a large bundle and looking at him.FpwEkfFqLEAYlkyrSoMEHUCtIoibXj
aTgdAwcJzXWjtxsThe familiar scene made him momentarily dazed.ipzCtmkzqiAfKBHSWdvepnLGJQJtPi
SOptPghKDovqVtFThen he steadied himself and asked, “Why are you here?”sJpPyJxAUhBGKNiMdxKodxBWsBJqyU
suVYZBrgwjWFwNHLu 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.”bIAbNdibloBRVqcYWBPkGARhytBKTb
pLeIKMadQdNesbgNing Rushen’s heart skipped a beat, and he slightly opened his mouth: …HAHkaFXZtwAQIffxzIotAagWSqYSKk
IacftETqqchdCuRLi Wuting had completely sent Shi Yi and Lu Wu with him.wLMbEBughJLkJzDRPomwHGfUXzcVhA
bbXXnVAawKJkSOhAfter a moment, he nodded, “Thank you for your Majesty’s arrangement.”lQRxUdmFphImplBRWrJgLUMoYwpyOF
bScYTOvqXcelnGBThe departure was scheduled for noon the next day.XqPDBtgxBqRooZdHWldTWUqEGmqxVP
nbfEbbGIRcacrmkNing Rushen had packed lightly, bringing only a few essentials.MnRnnmDZeSlpZIWHlwixSCUlGyzDMO
txDDaWNURWZvrbPYan 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.pdkQuAuisNlhKptUACtwUiDYTfjNgR
heOawqOPXlawMsdAs 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.BWskfbqduAXzbVgwKcUXxatANzXGXz
byuINawGaRzUDZUHe had no idea how long this journey would take…rfxmyjxyWnPzVxyaXQmfEytcZZUfWq
mnXzQDoeIHDrpcoNing Rushen felt a fleeting, unusual emotion. He paused and said, “Should I… go bid farewell to His Majesty again?”QjdvDnXBqunCIMVZYFakxHXGlHtmal
BFYfyBNlthkUAfvBefore he could get a response, Lu Wu beside the carriage said, “No need.”SiJgytIsGtkBGKjeQNUxYmJuDWeHsh
cEVkZBkBtgmOKBxNing Rushen turned, puzzled, “What?”gpzTgEgFBHgAnVKrPnfykEvCXyERQg
JZaQegAQjtViXwALu Wu explained, “His Majesty instructed that due to the urgency of the military situation, you need not go to the palace.”QGeKkFUSOAMJkTvBZduIsNsDPFmsRP
PHPvGNQgztgKPvDNing Rushen was momentarily confused.aWWwmNNYiDxjlUcMGFfmbpzONmonuy
ZbNROUxYlQYUIwl… Not seeing him? What did that mean? Was he being abandoned?ldWkVTdeYXCRSwFIxKZtFxqtpdVawn
theljRwpKZqTyCjHe pressed his lips together, then lifted the curtain and climbed into the carriage. “Oh.”QPsgUYCfQOjuAsGfFscOpbDwXUmTFw
xnGnTkgoMgeFpuGThe carriage rolled toward the northern city gate.UUAAOuDHVekxBARnpXNJxpCUZZArmK
OPIDtEWSdxiFbGGAs Ning Rushen sat in the carriage, still pondering the matter, he didn’t notice where the carriage had reached.RhboNAXVWsjDJfKvDrlFMVQLCwqQHF
vxGPxzpcMJipJOpSuddenly, the carriage jolted.apfsBOacGyvisWNfrgnwMcxFwtNTdD
ilyjgLwAeLhwNWOIt had stopped. Ning Rushen lifted the curtain and asked, “What’s…”afJGLsVNLFduPSdesPxEovxEvDMpxc
kPGvHRQQGZxuiIZHis question stopped abruptly when he saw a tall, deep green figure outside the post station—PvUjthVXkpASTphkKIAnMPkPEoNVIn
HibQoEMpvjfVrppOn the dusty official road, Li Wuting stood with his side facing him.sobLNzarLTduGFKuSBZxebXTzaanbG
CdSRwJOhNIZauLFHis 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.ZKHmhLHzASeRjChpRETzEeOnXPvjRn
KLfeJhhiuwZdAxTNing Rushen’s chaotic thoughts came to a sudden halt:doNYSVcvwlweTeJcgsUpuznfTAPKIy
mrHbyCNITaQLsMB“… Your Majesty.”xLywnxUsRcxdFIqftibVuzUERowRBe
SzvpZyiomGPSFNjLi Wuting looked at him and said softly, “Aren’t you coming down? Are you waiting for me to help you?”KHgRgfSAknOMIzwkdEUdOPRSeVTGAe
UYucqfDyCoHaHxPNing Rushen snapped back to reality, hurriedly lifting the curtain and jumping down from the carriage.xZaISSICkktiThYvYAJXlNXzAcrHDg
VcBBUsCOpdClxkmHe walked a few steps to Li Wuting.UuqohCjAthJrdjIAotOqZxJYlPzFdx
XWRaSVhcnVlHsXMIf not for De Quan’s familiar, beaming smile beside him, he would have thought this was an illusion:XsmyaXHTosCWPkOoqLYkxQLDPMrrBw
PKzjpiLrReQiULs“Why has Your Majesty come in person?”nvzifSSURdRruYmbqPrjyGdiMiflhr
DWKYPBTcbPSQnwmLi Wuting replied quietly, “Don’t you want to see me?”HJuIxTQiBFIkrDiHnoixuNvKGEKzmJ
rRTfrnKoPuScGGXNing Rushen moved his lips, “… It’s not that.”TsUdAVpgyQZRFkpCmCrJZMmhICeEbz
FmaUfEjCvGnzrXvThe guards on either side lowered their heads and closed their ears, standing quietly as if they hadn’t heard anything.TsYNftieTAlqBQfJKzBTSSmHVRvAVB
qRuImTcbBBDthdELi Wuting watched him for a moment, then said, “Walk with me.”hoqmrDPZyzPazkbMAiNlXzJUESINzc
OnCiGqjnYubwHUrNing Rushen agreed and stepped forward.jzAoqGYLMKfqDdIjdcieLWMrswszVL
BwBarhLHuQwUdQsOutside was a vast, boundless wilderness, with overgrown grass stretching to the horizon.VCCpoaNqCbHMAPCAAyKzyPEuLzEKlu
UyalCoyIKbnyvWlA gentle breeze stirred the grass, creating a rustling sound.TcTfyJgdNimfyLAigNaIrDXuALqexM
xxMIVcVCNAePAAjLi Wuting remained silent, and Ning Rushen also said nothing.YMsxeWwhcRfsakCFadErPFUkhMXOCo
MFbsusCdWdsxPjIThey 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.”vprdbQSixUKMtEWAmLkQziZxpfBnSn
WJyeLrLActmYMPjNing Rushen turned to look, “Yes?”TjuehYPSDvgkGdlCNKQFfdoUcjMGXK
PTBZwqYhorDImVx“On this journey…”VIuCGDUnIAYQiBVLPmJWjohGLWwtPo
OiLwTlDfeNCeegpLi Wuting began but then stopped abruptly.LOHQXWWGFcIyhVtzUEcANxaAbPMybn
ldyIrUuNdTVkuZqHe 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—SodSrQqaIlxlkkZopQUyUqgtSVaJFs
aVwjfOzSiuKDddvHe reached out and embraced Ning Rushen.ntSghApDEUbuBtLvZXrXAisNJNpqnL
EmxywFjnnAGFyVvNing Rushen was suddenly held in the Emperor’s arms, his heart racing. He was momentarily stunned, feeling the warmth and firmness of the embrace.pDBjmhsXOQHwvhfUvXQfIPjAAkgxaq
vjJHaRnHycRMdDULi Wuting then whispered near his ear, which had turned red in surprise, “Wait for me.”qXGOlDTebxPOTJFCfXJYOLMIxFYZfV
yHUfvPPTnUQhxfprhwSuZPBkiyqUlRdLgWMbKYNWEClFd