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.GjHhDIxhbmluTcuUwiyFfvSMaMButF

ssuQyvgunGnyArs

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

wyEgoOuisIapAAI

“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.”pKVpieYwTZEJxOvrOvHBMPxMQCXOeM

OorvbfSbDMwUOOd

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…”RjHuAkkWtmalxOkWBIBmjEXyQRLVhh

YWXnOdyyuZywIKu

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.”dfqjOdKyhCzuaHXWzmPuRaOUldquXy

MxeTcqsJFSjpVqH

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

AOWgwgrHvdcEmIs

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

ilmadMccgLGegEk

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

UEZkuJhKbyrxMih

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

WZtRplBjQlAmTGx

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

ONepdsdXgRhahYo

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

wEQffKQGPECMGVD

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

vsJryMQoGrExYrT

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

KXhwnydrZbeHiGf

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

xLtmzGXZwQhxuRf

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.wjGRbeLWTbBYIxsRcNQLlFjmHvhAOV

tLAhhVZJRFifYGk

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

ycwjEPCKUEQWFZe

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

TbiTJaHDARiHfhF

“Uncle Yan, go to the palace.”OVxsAkZSZMoXxVhZOUBOVtQAMcZtQg

FQFQMJszoEdihpu

…BrvNGVJgMeuPCncMhdgfJlqlyDhNrx

FLvbFAXjIhebfOc

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

nzOygCvMYgxhbJx

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

TiRVHMJZmlcOYjJ

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

yorzpJVHTSKICkT

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

yBMFFtMguYRPTPp

Ning Rushen spoke up, “Your Majesty.”UeanjqsYTDmZNvELjxDYpHZukEGZls

fzJTsdUJlPpADdB

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

XiASUVeyZnvXQuH

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—MBjtHrnDCWhJiXKhEitpuVYLlRErjC

hYjcVjeXLJHOlhL

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

xPZeWrambZaelHo

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

SGHJGrsIfQLqpWS

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

HJtRLmbvmSonKKg

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

oVYZoiybmfFJEOJ

On the pages, big and flamboyant characters read—XOzIvryeMZEITKjdxcXUMDSDNoNXmk

PsJzdUwGDLAzqim

“Sir Ning, come quickly!!!”TZcBVnXWWeJRGoJgZoRpLYAMsQTpwh

yaDGbpGYquHSkJn

“………” He was immediately stunned!GoXCgjqbtPcIpTlbNgrEhCWkaKXvRJ

WkhFXNdkgbdqmzX

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

tfNpJPkACOFEWnN

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.DYzUBYuKGTqKBUaTaziZNBHWXzUbxF

TZlpTMYiXUmxPRg

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

EpfaDPZZmLVUKGZ

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

ivIdZLGXsAeZJiY

A large hand flipped through the stack of papers.QlotUFZKmJPnYycCjmQCrjEYaetERz

fhFfFqzDZxieSzX

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

jRTjOfzlDjWAyoS

Ning Rushen reluctantly withdrew his gaze.clHxVDhqWWaRgQBYdxfibaTyTlntTo

lHEmuncYcvAHouR

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

PsIFnODxYvjoyUv

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

deHCLMnCzDhdtaK

Ning Rushen’s attention was finally pulled back.iEdpJKVnupnoanuluVOTeTVDaJeNvC

hsvXnjruUSFCqaB

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

YEaFrmauhEfCGNl

There was a prolonged silence in the hall.kXtYPLsbfUapWsHJgOPNzBiCbxnWCF

UKcRFVpNnwXoREB

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

sUpAKoErAUiCeFq

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.TTdJYPxuwgMdNRouYBnxTipENtWvTJ

oGiyWdWAMuxPWEf

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?”NYpZByaYuaQSJJioYvoHriQENpUIld

NGeYTjiZvXauHsN

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

PhgYyDjMZSkHFOk

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

kZTeZMDfAcECeur

The homeland of roasted buns and lamb slices…ArUqUzGTDupZqjvQPIYtNEIlyQLlUV

mvWeaKWDvcMAbYe

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

pSkYXDgvtwNFUvR

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

eKlazcpYklqQKfy

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.CGUgIkPXaGVBcgDRhAnIFrpahdaxWO

EYEPAuyTAPiRjdi

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

LEfmwRmYWKWNNZT

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

oqqRFdAYTKmmoDH

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—tqTCxZQsArmXaGygiyWaSWvOLGHxfB

BHnyUEhLrXLLaok

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

GcGteaSPDFxLxGn

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.OnUGpAZaUgpMLnXgGTwesyHHPwgktp

xsRqrEycTQoQvqK

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

ICEZtkAEBgOjtXj

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

FIgakfSXAZhfmtk

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

WPCojGmHEliQRIP

“Have you really made up your mind?”LNmUtEPfonAlQjmheLiNeOXfHMBfGz

OwXRHrtWkMWmeOw

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

RUPUJdvAJgbXsqq

The rough fingers lightly brushed against him again.SmBsWOATzvpxlXXPucxccHQKtCXeJY

VjxdqdYfwshRYaQ

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

HawLncEYvQyKyCa

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

WWejUQHUjFVOAGO

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

QGHdimPeIghhYLs

There was a sudden silence for a few seconds.dpeOHVKIrwxMfExpJlSePrMRKenxBy

VZNJPkysoxnvbhA

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

WUQQdhPZCiCSsMr

“…”tUIUNYuGYLOwKQGDByYzNLELzmFICB

oeiDyrWsoWeJHvK

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

ONNzxJZbJcYKSDf

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.MumhxLSaBgVeIHITgigwNukzxYnOzV

plCzdzxTuTmEwSl

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

kZGItGcyPqQdhGw

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

BpNJYkzEDygvMkD

The dark sleeve lifted to stop him.UnwBRADqMswdEMWetjEQCvhNcBbjXl

CltSCxVPZpTfbmQ

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.”DiCYkEkyaqxTCHJKYyYSsGtqBjSKeg

onARqMHmgPDjjYi

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

NLZxjNVnXihWGwD

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

mjlQHyebWFugmkW

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

NTljYGCMxlabLcR

“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?”GULIpiyATQjZRdqYsxDBAizohzPhUx

PLJUUojDcyCVFqA

Li Wuting sneered, “No need.”dvhMGKpTXpncPFpSaoXGAdwwkuuGhB

oktVqnlVVnilInA

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

ngHHwwxSJhAkoAU

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

UvzonFSrcbjDODH

“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.”rklfYsPiBuMFJqeTTTcPfHHgnSuVaY

oCYejcMgpYcKSLn

Ning Rushen: .xboINJxiEFHiCmnFyCaOhYvKFjVblQ

WoOjgdSHglhiTkU

He responded and withdrew.xrcKbCBoeEcYDIJzOddxUJUprbkfqa

WiWmKwpgtHEHUIc

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

VwAjxKMZLgnuiiK

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

WeLxoOIxORrHtvf

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

kbOuWCseQAtnzCw

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

KqAjdtPWXXuvLBv

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

HDquTWlSFZNsLBc

Li Wuting continued, “Moreover…”GGYtBOycWMpcAIbFtyhSlqxqGJKUuw

XmXjXTlwGLaVdgN

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.lYnlVozoWHqWempMlLnKLbbOpgDyhm

uEUemBXWKgIMjXV

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

NslByEAkdwbeLdv

He turned back to his own worries:mBeeMSGkkPzWIAIEyuupoQLDlIxTjH

mkJjxipRuleGvea

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

kzIeQDrGkmJjGAy

·NelMnxmCTaECxAKYXfAuTQXTLjJtRr

FxFnjInxqDlNVLP

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

taujOCWXQokxWuG

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

yhroUQsJxSWfQkt

It seemed both reasonable and unexpected.RpJovCCQEeYpeuKLxPrfgUfyRTVxOM

ohsCqRjXDeLrqNz

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

KJumezLUbQyZfXL

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.ERECfeCfmNhUTEyenqBRGvOelyVLtB

PtbPUMuOTxBZPdP

Not long after he returned, Geng Yan arrived.urtkneXgTIPDgZLtdJBbnJMryjYbNc

GUgZsMXQqwyxcKi

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

HZqcFzCxiDvGWYG

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

eLkMyBipmOImaaK

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

kGkmFElBrrrgNXJ

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

rRwozUXnEEfXzTm

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

TDHiiRyyvlUDDoI

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?”WbTJFDpztxznyshyLgNgAeycwKomQY

QsjIiOBYXaGeVNH

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

VyieeWJNdsBnDoB

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

oDTUnKfzjbHgGSQ

Ning Rushen: “…”FILIeqcWJZutthaXwEmbZYayCJiaLE

SEFEqwIpXrYmISy

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

xRptwoKOsTGpEgZ

Geng Yan, “Ow!!!”eZmtjsyWaYNFEztBOKAXAQmzwGTdkU

mvuIhZmuUQxgcuy

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—MPXjijHGjsZmzMdpNzNGLdINGFaJxc

oHiUMiKSFsOEdzE

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

HAQVcJqYuVfqQKY

The familiar scene made him momentarily dazed.HgtjRmsZwMrivvtgbGvDahqlLZipMc

fCFnjnXsQrSQKDC

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

KTzHNsbOXAnGChO

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.”YQLupwfvHCQUmUBbcWrVIsXwiwGUVE

uEXtscEknCwzomi

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

UoGoQzbvwjnWevF

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

JmMeLPLGXpTswyw

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

NKsxWHRVQxZsORu

The departure was scheduled for noon the next day.XbGvcMpTvaWXfzItXWepKSkmQshOXD

JZNWegnUIqUoIeT

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

VJTzJSSQNcjrSdK

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.XjFIlzxKDgvJHtzPAphFqkWNogMuJG

ayDOpkUCqIYFBQO

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.gKSIKsBvDyZvqCskLPJBNxyyewPnMo

FXuMoGoSOOfZFDd

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

rOCkXUZaWZTtYiB

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

VtoaxywNzwjurdh

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

XRvWJRnpWJDglwh

Ning Rushen turned, puzzled, “What?”JcVKkIWjPcWzcgbBVeuCkvNdLTByHQ

WQhiLWhKLuiEmIn

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

HmdSRWXWBPVsGdj

Ning Rushen was momentarily confused.XGOqcUyfhInCJijECPZVOsychUzVsY

kiVTZgPzsyrsDqY

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

LjEappkurniZiTy

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

UgrXfcwooaPtBZR

The carriage rolled toward the northern city gate.YzcYXpOcelKOiAnRTcuCujWqKDWMoc

AIlwkvysAOtfUAG

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

KRQVVVMhJXAiyih

Suddenly, the carriage jolted.JTTsYorBtkVgGOQyxOeCxyQmUxPZuR

ybPfSZVjMPILCfv

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

dsolcdyTKKBSQGd

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

qjgNrRpYPRmYADr

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

sISMLdEbBKKfUVl

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.jvmWgMYsfXIWKxntRjZhVCpnUuJyUO

pawGRuNYVAFMQYP

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

uLXOsUKPVrQebDZ

“… Your Majesty.”PpTZYVRtXdfFJWiempZbxgtVnPsjAQ

DUQNteJNKZGqHXT

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

tKXDVMhSvDhGbLO

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

kTgQpOFkHtUohFa

He walked a few steps to Li Wuting.HADAXpyUUowGYJRnMTJcPcoJzIckqM

qyHQwyWVQtMWNvD

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

oHEowKlqQvYbhNV

“Why has Your Majesty come in person?”tqmjSspxtARQMYZxoemacPurjEbasw

YYKlPchphSpZzbc

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

YUZbMxdiTxHRICs

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

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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.WJRIqPzbUdqlxJoGIhoJXLTJWXRbur

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

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Ning Rushen agreed and stepped forward.epeNYmgZvyoecpDYeTaeViUNMiUUPT

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

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

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

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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.”bEvsAYXuJRISTCTnuppxCHECoAGVWD

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Ning Rushen turned to look, “Yes?”CJdyInrPAUfNyTaPkuHMrjeGnWqxMH

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“On this journey…”taXkMKpRMPgwAGzxgvPwoCLygXbgWQ

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Li Wuting began but then stopped abruptly.WagjPWaMvacXBslfkAoxBHoLjVCWuI

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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—QkYDMEatnTDKREqSnonRiLwvEvRfOJ

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He reached out and embraced Ning Rushen.nYxjXWolrvauVOwkcULbmOKPyykgwR

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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.NaSFtNFjnXkanBhrvFstCMcRgYgCaa

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

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