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.IuxCGKhbcPIzmxxhscijsKsczEbSIV

PSzdPowXiWamCrZ

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

GMHyEsiVpZSIxIR

“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.”BdPmuoPBNoCfBXCWVqqhfbvBWCrFvH

LeUImShfoNHCKlm

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…”GjdAcrzgcEzvBOEZUBQcUiYIhJHUZQ

kYdsRutwuItQYqn

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.”iEjIvCHYuxIIRsFZtdzOMDlcjPYEXg

shzklLDmVoFPWtD

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

RzfyQZdIZhsEdPM

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

GVgbAVfwrTRQyOR

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

dbrhDSCGiEwChQO

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

EjfhUcXZZYmMliy

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

IHpmdOoMxDZuGps

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

cJjrujMaMgAeeIl

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

eBkNznqOoRpwmbd

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

qVfVFlFrgjYwTub

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

pXLTXdLCIMVENBy

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.wsCsgIvYoSfnQheJknBtnnbJGDWAIR

fJAvjGQDCYVOCgM

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

sUpjULpcuvhGusJ

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

geeDuvMavxznQAi

“Uncle Yan, go to the palace.”zwSwkmbavrAdFGmGWjAtcpztWRUPVY

lbNYcdMLNBqREZC

…xoJsMTHCDRTMHbXqsKjKtgoVBugHeE

IRLhDSalLRdjdyD

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

qZPSqRwQVXYNpBS

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

zIFUNNgRpROejPP

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

fIDXfmIJQCRkGIv

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

zybPukwRYnuCkhy

Ning Rushen spoke up, “Your Majesty.”fJkEPbWiemFrJPvRyTdqKwDEQUhAGG

FJrSVPnTTCMHbeS

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

lEWAgjjxLSzKhkW

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—GyKpEhIezgbphJXPywaEaZgIZhIJwZ

NHyJKjnGoQKXSJM

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

LYWgbnqaatalZDn

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

PoKZIRSXVlWyqwH

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

PvnsfGBpjSqSDvZ

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

fMoJQggYQSFyVYU

On the pages, big and flamboyant characters read—swgRcHdClDoFiGjgQNZNirfmHgwPYB

VbAYrLrPIEDjjSq

“Sir Ning, come quickly!!!”JZSjevtqjkweLGnzKYImWeaLRuiVHL

TKAzoJSNNItoDzf

“………” He was immediately stunned!HvlJkvDStksiDlbZqKarmqKGgATLvZ

eVDlnMCAiHNtPWT

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

zCOSZkEAtJaBaqj

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.fniLcinRFXndaAmhUESqCwUckKKwGV

NIxOpQMEWnxPiXp

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

xlmVxwANCtVtOCr

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

SmhgycGNOxCyNVS

A large hand flipped through the stack of papers.zIpRVAmHIbHBrRNRNFgNnfBFlbIOsX

blOnERHUULvHmoW

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

HqsopRRGHdMauPH

Ning Rushen reluctantly withdrew his gaze.EUUXlSSwCseHYyZdAxgluNRUWUDSMS

PESLWHTOLoMVuTx

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

WdBdMWtSEyXjQdd

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

dccMXuqcNXJbPuq

Ning Rushen’s attention was finally pulled back.DvLVrLINdhhpasGMhoFcxczIuBIepZ

wCkdoMwfhMJSNmd

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

oWUNZQbqjEouEsB

There was a prolonged silence in the hall.sFOiuiFBFYWbbWgvqjeeGLUGtXHJTv

TthyswgEYGsgvFc

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

gNcWpCAnMRXOHEW

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.NLjyPMkfLRoXjVnngQTmJrEaHCvrKY

uQWidvXxtASIjXi

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?”SIAhpdvAdANfpcgQslcIRZbwSdGfLw

DskaeqSImnwfgSJ

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

hQvNUYUleJbQeeM

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

DcrtrARmHXzTiAO

The homeland of roasted buns and lamb slices…EAGtMZHEuAzFHdNRuUeYzgXrfVROwH

qvQlBFzdeAKPrrk

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

kggylLcYXaFhbIk

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

czfNzCaxotfiLgb

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.SLBWvSWRFyYOJvAzPpoFDUbRxgZZzZ

WCezHIATOYWEMwr

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

cDlgUDYhLGOuIeU

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

SawFTLoTyBugSYV

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—mUwPxXQCgYDwlMazidQElTIglODMjc

nvSYZCRfRVhDxEP

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

tBOesClEOGPZtVk

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.RflyVSCQNiobqqZTzayPkPvYBJrsPq

sHtKiLamcWXwcOw

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

nVoyMXItASgpHHP

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

MNBajivaXKhVMHl

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

MFHdauNWocPvRMI

“Have you really made up your mind?”tXiuTQETiXANcufdSVPSqGMxCVrVqo

LCoZZmPDKoAqfds

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

TPgiqOGZmhxQSyD

The rough fingers lightly brushed against him again.xNidStkeLELcJxXJqOwmhEVIKTbvIg

SdBcrBVXHvCCLWS

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

etCJGtIzWTbwOxi

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

HnpkynWOVMiemAa

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

NNUzvBAENRwlGpz

There was a sudden silence for a few seconds.kSdTLeaQWZwXMALbFwNgEWymYjZuNN

VyclvoIUQKjKNIF

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

SIPiYcafswkHfvE

“…”YgRBSjKvPELRQOmSbWYAbRCgXJIJtU

KEfuOTjcKhiqBXY

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

xKZRkxCBNBUqPmF

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.ndTpjHIbAcmytHOtBRBIQtwmjJSXZq

PVrLCCluGZDdvwN

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

hdXPZbRCITJULMP

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

LTdoEJPrbEtLheW

The dark sleeve lifted to stop him.TLkTJDOZhtPpdfzkrlFuzDbUEzYagw

HzJVdfnyLycALiu

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.”HhYHaCHYjAYrbvxhbUygmbRTqIiymB

yxEnWcVMpkEouty

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

PhNZAomZCSNBRIS

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

OWoJFGUAbWBAKNY

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

OVISNFQGIBvbGOx

“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?”hgiBeNUKLzTHQIqnxgqPuDKwCgwThI

qLaxJXvCsPltrGP

Li Wuting sneered, “No need.”sMTaTFmsGtRJlkXpObAusLdGisxOIP

yrXMUrpTxGdXkNZ

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

ZLoqDZhqhIiXJkW

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

xoYJoLHJglDpuZT

“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.”tstqAtSrhgyyQtULjkEzFwyidxxwzo

ugqQfEZjjIJHPLG

Ning Rushen: .fSxEdTEjSQRApnQJYfaTVjOvHgRyfW

hGWrYYgcAypDoMV

He responded and withdrew.ljWkrmFbzMZrYOiKZhkheVYBOuquEE

tRkKBCDkSgzmmGo

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

RMwxZIuaENAJINL

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

YULlmsjBUIgscSX

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

OGZibVHEEnIgzvr

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

PGsFknsNjCjMLds

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

eVUAcvDBAvkgdUp

Li Wuting continued, “Moreover…”CmbBEAWvxFPSOiqSxgQDxBaMdzmXeC

WDKTfRleyiStHdM

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.bRSgfAIWAvXXlMMZEhWTLctiwfXRka

lDItlnaUoOXMUSd

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

hayVZoSWEMQsXrD

He turned back to his own worries:qjVwfdsbtJnTEVHZngJBcpcCRHLbKf

AFkDAvphzZWmnIp

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

YHnGAFteDxIgdcd

·dGgELEphTNRIdVZpzuNCJySMfGJcbh

WdiRtaDZHSlksls

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

weHKivoZxnGEBaS

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

kAoejMvGkTEHwzd

It seemed both reasonable and unexpected.sNTOBAlBlwsWnYrWUhPISBjQFiFcNF

EeTMHLSSATQKEvB

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

RmArZufrlifpTBi

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.momaKWJcfMijtkTbMRrZubWoFePaHQ

cfpVfQWLWvzitGM

Not long after he returned, Geng Yan arrived.HPHHzufwivUDPscgRgnaeGPnZFRJtU

rNNPsDmazwNpMgt

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

RkGFxJvmWmkuEem

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

rqPnkFXirNHRRTb

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

bVtsDufcOIcavIn

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

hAtUxLOKihmuruf

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

cVLpxrsmGpzOopN

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?”KFuPvrVfAAlKEAukVIXbSnRgiktJZe

EtyiZMTfhcGKQwC

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

LdIqjhpjuMMBrPH

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

cGFuIAlscdEgJNX

Ning Rushen: “…”UTLloFGsfRVRWzbYEVolhJoIGCdprz

ePdAldHzZazGUWr

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

CVxWnpgZPSKJGYv

Geng Yan, “Ow!!!”QzWGhvdDNZbbALCyPUsaPWhDgbSpjl

EouonuuxTMmjfrB

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—NCgkPGYSJMjRsPImsAjtDlkHZZuzwv

wDwpCLgkmlImoVq

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

VXoscTsnXFFDjHY

The familiar scene made him momentarily dazed.ORhsshdRBbteEmSRKNIKWSPkhLAoVl

MrvHZYFfBwNfjOu

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

jErsMqBCmtIebST

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.”MDIeRWyuxmTvpVbmzAYqWEbxgtmcEv

bBuLQCILThbpGLh

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

sNEDJcnZcXgzGSY

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

ljiMyJBShypkTFD

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

MmHjVLsJQfBvzmD

The departure was scheduled for noon the next day.HnHEYPodAuGMNhtWgzFnWDVdRCHJtP

yxrmGHDiLbYHnBs

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

ljrMGVxKhsYhSKy

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.NxADGmvAbVbXKufAcmMjNQRbDehjoZ

rRAMEJCNGSWssdd

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.fsiUPCsoGRAkJlDWQSKEFDrmdMIrsC

ASBOnTeaAcAXGbC

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

ZJKhacHKaNQFSRy

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

TPrcKiSddcXuahA

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

bzcVmLnpjJgPZuu

Ning Rushen turned, puzzled, “What?”nluOEpOhKgfUaYGyfMnsCvhLvOMoKE

haouyUJHcipXVno

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

puHjiPxnOKMLrRn

Ning Rushen was momentarily confused.MZFdIMABxVpuhftKuPyuPeXVDuUUwA

ruRAwhIkhuBFqrs

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

PCbOTdarQZLfUiM

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

UsxeOiihGTDoDBz

The carriage rolled toward the northern city gate.gaSyAahYybvvWqJrjoMZiPpemYQcbS

reSzfdLlkyZLNUX

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

PMbJfmdGLektIad

Suddenly, the carriage jolted.bxrGKZpYWAjFdZOFUeYlcRdmYXvgIv

WOmbRhanCfbhlmt

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

gdKBsQdGuNSJhdP

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

TlfHiIrwQSznDum

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

pXyHxtLwclclilZ

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.DuqLksdZQwXKIrEMtanMKTXTAwQfKV

TUVLmQvoLGphUWp

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

LmNRYXACAbelckj

“… Your Majesty.”zfkYlmjwvyzVaKBMQpUXycLojxfGpi

ohygawskkUfGFEv

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

zilDzhyHthwxXUL

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

lqVUsDQAAtJvWPC

He walked a few steps to Li Wuting.GMDwgFHhQcrAxAcscphchktuXFYXsv

XTBpqNdaYsOazVG

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

DRoqwoLILhuTxLV

“Why has Your Majesty come in person?”VdIYUJFywzTUysnLpVdNgRknIqwVsq

wLHiYkouqAyYxtQ

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

QfAivzgLrcRaKqw

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

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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.NhzIQMmcjwTPSSUXjvhUdYRSDrbzyJ

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

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Ning Rushen agreed and stepped forward.zlqQPIKQqxQkTPBorUGSxVRiAXbfWv

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

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

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

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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.”pSilpncdRUMlQUEwIFYzHgEuqiDiDS

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Ning Rushen turned to look, “Yes?”hemlUQQOfbPcHjlGzcLdrsEEUHyAaU

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“On this journey…”kbPcrpCdbbfmhuAQefQJBNqbWhFBzE

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Li Wuting began but then stopped abruptly.mgmZBtzaJLjbBxHNfWybyorvNZxixh

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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—tllUtVYNOFbavCsUlEfSuqZcNzzZWb

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He reached out and embraced Ning Rushen.sNotvYpFKsguWHrnKZPQmuxgcXMMOU

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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.zckgVaQizuJOXKMrkZqmGqfXhdgool

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

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