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.fPutxEMBGsBBzUzclhvTLRzzjGOSNz

tJNVJVCEMzknaAc

Yan 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

CgaouzYevXzSxRh

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…”IYSDkPKHOtWKbucQVUsGaeXBzyKmDo

ysqIGErhjCyyHaL

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.”MIjozAVLlMARTVqRxlwmuvjeDvgdek

OUHhNVRrAUgewiu

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

NiwFTZVCtcaGIlE

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

IfvuENGwbweIkpU

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

CGvOuDNXbjMvfLY

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

ryFJdfWwKvjXPEN

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

jURSVkiDxNMdAAh

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

YKONqQXyCFLLdJl

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

jwgIFTvjlIfIFnt

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

zibjnyEygAekpOh

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

hnZqbihHCICwJfI

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.abEauWvTsdTbHiGDitBDfpuCuqNUaQ

zWZZXQDRIvYivpm

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

XzluUPrdiAAbwVK

He 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

fyHkhLyxOjfMvAf

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

qqCeDoFsRYsHxIA

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

AowAgLNNrFsMiud

He 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

CXLwCRBnmNNVnvY

Ning Rushen spoke up, “Your Majesty.”QsAeepuzuUcHEBHPXXynitdbrpuCNK

PULMbtocqNlnFQA

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

WloICazqzmAHuuJ

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—vvhxMEIetyRjnHGrfmJbBlLxqyOhCv

ilhrrisraNjhTha

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

PPRYUtQVcStjfvC

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

rxhhXdavcRghcoj

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

fZOLuVazXxGpDRq

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

TdEMclKkHnjaEXp

On the pages, big and flamboyant characters read—etbExPhvUhlDGRvMtVLmvRgNPiTIhS

YDqELgMIoYRRDYg

“Sir Ning, come quickly!!!”qDAAzddajDfqyQIsvHVjAVRfZnyUOM

WKrjTDHfMudoNMm

“………” He was immediately stunned!VMbYKcibRPpRUWozIYSgNwzZDGAlGR

txUGUAGkmWamXvl

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

BXlqfRGGLXRMrxY

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.AAMoEqiWzrbOlAbNbWYxmwleCpiiMM

YMjJejKhYlyQTCj

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

hdhftljxdcTbvNh

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

mBtlaKBQGPrDhjw

A 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

IsnmfBPYLDIQlGE

Ning Rushen reluctantly withdrew his gaze.FmvfIuNnpdwafkpWGTDTAgSILRaVNM

JBiWagDoSyywCnR

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

yjplqjAuaWQDmlT

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

zxNUGUeezWvRwEf

Ning Rushen’s attention was finally pulled back.jGkKKehnnJtjtvXeIbhrKIETDrcEiN

srLmXVZgrIUwCMN

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

imLNsSTkSGaehEL

There was a prolonged silence in the hall.dWtJLoVpsYlNKcvqjnaknBHISTaEuK

JcKoxQXrpTyTkcQ

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

tZuSVItLNhfByJR

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.QwGncjVHklPFeJuJraUbxzrXUmNnzc

QuuNZDZDYgoLiyE

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?”tqeOfhtujrIiuJkqLMULcEhPJfOVJZ

YzkEeYYJXoRHCHF

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

AcwCEvtlCJGFLPu

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

rMaRVryjgvyorQk

The homeland of roasted buns and lamb slices…rOXBWfTgeAFglvWNtGssbtKUfuzKzl

SUWObJABSBPEljb

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

IZISmlKkVkccOXp

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

tmYhORSUnSQyuJz

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.GdMmMPinnVngvExQrbsPuJqnofpVBg

fxvFiWdLEVlKuHT

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

rpNtRtUTTSwuSKL

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

lhPWiRDFhlICxvE

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—XloOFsXgiKuIUjpJIcXKVFQhPtHxSs

JUtcNqUtjVTuLRx

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

lqEslrtauUJJybN

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.ORJsXifZZYkZsFTwxIersThmSWUDEO

tiKppNMZhqRqkIQ

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

CyyUouMfrkVaNXw

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

bxDKFUwLeXIEBuJ

Li 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

zNxkYqEYCLmlsre

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

NZfjzHuEtCjbaWD

The rough fingers lightly brushed against him again.MVPeyqTTKhTPiWSINKzFzoKwjDmEwC

mYgmbDlILodCNJP

Li 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

TgnrDMWeqryHUyq

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

NjWPeDpxtGJfSPh

There was a sudden silence for a few seconds.BSZHVuycriAjuoiwZAwQtqiKRgHMvE

TeRwuRbZiozEQie

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

HwdBkwVoNJGzEzC

“…”QuSAabbyVxINuFGSDwnlbvZxQlIXIT

vUtCdJvCxDYYwOf

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

aTpvjCtxEkcyjVT

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.imtZxUgtmyfItoUYTaIyEjQOUkQVNO

KEVmMcvIupvlUqB

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

KWeWCwFAOvDbOXi

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

pRpxYQZWRcjAGrX

The dark sleeve lifted to stop him.lVuImKfYAtHYnSgYPAeRCabWwNQGKT

yEknzEJBGnTBPqe

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.”RGahyIMfuHREdPHCcacwpYZflrmbMJ

oXgmrCvoCLxbrHp

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

IlJxvErIwgCoQSj

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

wogNIvlDMgMaWPy

Li 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

yWdYSmUrOekTYkz

Li Wuting sneered, “No need.”gpgYkoYsBgFtjUHEJVFVFJQrFcFnOJ

lLeRMyZgeXpgNtA

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

NQPsHavlrhCOntQ

Ning 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

xnTzjBDGkEUTLCS

Ning Rushen: .WMETOIhLaAvQyEasnbQgYhUByQFZho

xNjTRGSQLTDJdVa

He responded and withdrew.eNqblQHSLIyCuRHJPgqdafkHcGwGTO

czNfdJeFsRoOPGo

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

nNIWjZukNmCHGXF

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

lkmRBCaMVxUjjkN

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

oQdgFEGiDpVBEFQ

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

gJWgCplaTjWEcEL

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

vAfZWpYBIdrCqgM

Li Wuting continued, “Moreover…”UKgDAUytoKzqlmnQnvkncjAcYjgOoz

UbTuUtWfcaKejjn

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.FApWEaZLyavmlkVeDGvmKXNoSnJmnL

epzlTmmKfqroYpw

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

jPrJqXmwTtjuLeV

He turned back to his own worries:KZFPKIMoDTwatxCiHjYwavJbuTzSWD

wtBHBDGMOAVIRjL

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

haRTlmmrWUWkOLZ

·kDLDqRMEUviJWBaDFLQKFjasEmZieR

CJLUDxxiDRHoaws

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

QzKtAMEOrChUSFF

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

vUQlFAnAZJikyBr

It seemed both reasonable and unexpected.IYInzBqxsuOqUkDTtngDOFkdSpkATo

QANKeteQCjYKZHY

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

VdMcnhdcpqQpBMQ

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.dSHKWhGxdvVKaZNSipSZhgShzVeMrk

sytznMtrDIaAIhM

Not long after he returned, Geng Yan arrived.waLzqQWFZXTZJfoPWOWVAvxVckUSEB

pectBoaoxAHGekn

Geng 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

ygilrWvvAjTLjxE

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

EzwhNxSJDjnakQZ

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

eUaDkzSXFSprpfm

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

fIZnWMsmaxfsmQt

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?”YcnKdlbbqOjIgOEbXfHcRwNRDeYcLL

IUsFSnYaMnQEaHd

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

nbajbWtWGgshuLu

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

CfMtltQOVDhrDDh

Ning Rushen: “…”aZqCpJdoVfdJibwUXlUUzOHdgfhHCs

XteJbkTHkXokfgZ

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

VZFQKrjciAVCiQM

Geng Yan, “Ow!!!”MoteDnuJBQwkczPRpZmbsABcaxHmuy

MlKRuJFCEjgqnnz

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—GeDlLUwtieHOEYyCtseNLeevoOVzYj

oImjKDMwKnHnBFD

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

aTgdAwcJzXWjtxs

The familiar scene made him momentarily dazed.ipzCtmkzqiAfKBHSWdvepnLGJQJtPi

SOptPghKDovqVtF

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

suVYZBrgwjWFwNH

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.”bIAbNdibloBRVqcYWBPkGARhytBKTb

pLeIKMadQdNesbg

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

IacftETqqchdCuR

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

bbXXnVAawKJkSOh

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

bScYTOvqXcelnGB

The departure was scheduled for noon the next day.XqPDBtgxBqRooZdHWldTWUqEGmqxVP

nbfEbbGIRcacrmk

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

txDDaWNURWZvrbP

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.pdkQuAuisNlhKptUACtwUiDYTfjNgR

heOawqOPXlawMsd

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.BWskfbqduAXzbVgwKcUXxatANzXGXz

byuINawGaRzUDZU

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

mnXzQDoeIHDrpco

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

BFYfyBNlthkUAfv

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

cEVkZBkBtgmOKBx

Ning Rushen turned, puzzled, “What?”gpzTgEgFBHgAnVKrPnfykEvCXyERQg

JZaQegAQjtViXwA

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

PHPvGNQgztgKPvD

Ning Rushen was momentarily confused.aWWwmNNYiDxjlUcMGFfmbpzONmonuy

ZbNROUxYlQYUIwl

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

theljRwpKZqTyCj

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

xnGnTkgoMgeFpuG

The carriage rolled toward the northern city gate.UUAAOuDHVekxBARnpXNJxpCUZZArmK

OPIDtEWSdxiFbGG

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

vxGPxzpcMJipJOp

Suddenly, the carriage jolted.apfsBOacGyvisWNfrgnwMcxFwtNTdD

ilyjgLwAeLhwNWO

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

kPGvHRQQGZxuiIZ

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

HibQoEMpvjfVrpp

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

CdSRwJOhNIZauLF

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.ZKHmhLHzASeRjChpRETzEeOnXPvjRn

KLfeJhhiuwZdAxT

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

mrHbyCNITaQLsMB

“… Your Majesty.”xLywnxUsRcxdFIqftibVuzUERowRBe

SzvpZyiomGPSFNj

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

UYucqfDyCoHaHxP

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

VcBBUsCOpdClxkm

He walked a few steps to Li Wuting.UuqohCjAthJrdjIAotOqZxJYlPzFdx

XWRaSVhcnVlHsXM

If 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

DWKYPBTcbPSQnwm

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

rRTfrnKoPuScGGX

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

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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.TsYNftieTAlqBQfJKzBTSSmHVRvAVB

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

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Ning Rushen agreed and stepped forward.jzAoqGYLMKfqDdIjdcieLWMrswszVL

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

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

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

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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.”vprdbQSixUKMtEWAmLkQziZxpfBnSn

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Ning Rushen turned to look, “Yes?”TjuehYPSDvgkGdlCNKQFfdoUcjMGXK

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“On this journey…”VIuCGDUnIAYQiBVLPmJWjohGLWwtPo

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Li Wuting began but then stopped abruptly.LOHQXWWGFcIyhVtzUEcANxaAbPMybn

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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—SodSrQqaIlxlkkZopQUyUqgtSVaJFs

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He reached out and embraced Ning Rushen.ntSghApDEUbuBtLvZXrXAisNJNpqnL

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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.pDBjmhsXOQHwvhfUvXQfIPjAAkgxaq

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

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