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.GjHhDIxhbmluTcuUwiyFfvSMaMButF
ssuQyvgunGnyArsYan 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
OorvbfSbDMwUOOdNing 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
YWXnOdyyuZywIKuYan 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
MxeTcqsJFSjpVqHHe remembered that night when Li Wuting had taken him to the city walls, where he saw the bustling capital at a glance.ffFYGZHmQrGqBDbSiXFcEPqigzdTqi
AOWgwgrHvdcEmIsWithout the Dingyuan Army, he probably wouldn’t have seen these things.TuzNMbgmADEcKuPTPQhZOqOnjtGsPM
ilmadMccgLGegEkYan Min urged loudly, “The capital is good; just stay here!”bjmlKVsdSdccqmwzSZnXvLEUpTljdI
UEZkuJhKbyrxMihNing Rushen was startled by the loud voice, his thoughts becoming chaotic. He couldn’t help but cover his ears.hDHTYITlBEyWpmSouOzLmIjFmJKUHV
WZtRplBjQlAmTGxYan Min immediately fell silent, clenching his fist, and turned to leave.cfMdgIZbuAKWPJhPxUbwhkRLisDAKS
ONepdsdXgRhahYoNing Rushen sat and calmed down, then stood up to put the letter back in his room.hRmihwuSorsMFfZFRDQHXxpXtasiXB
wEQffKQGPECMGVDSunlight was streaming through the window, illuminating a piece of embroidered cloth quietly folded in the corner of the drawer.BtWLMZhHXRSoBvSJARsCjTBvnrDZuZ
vsJryMQoGrExYrTNing Rushen’s gaze flickered, and his actions suddenly paused.XYiNePMMZojMNgRUXBtQzHNPQdXHOb
KXhwnydrZbeHiGfHe reached out to unfold the embroidered cloth and saw that it had four simple characters stitched on it: “Bright Moon, Clear Wind.”fdSllrztaWdzsKDjbgjfhsIEMRkqgU
xLtmzGXZwQhxuRfCountless 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
tLAhhVZJRFifYGkNing Rushen felt as though he had been scorched by a flame.TLvfOIxDlKXMgsJyzkuIFDLGgVzJNL
ycwjEPCKUEQWFZeHe 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
FLvbFAXjIhebfOcUpon entering the palace, he was informed that the Emperor was in the Yangxin Palace.BfrlHSZYzQgqeXxBOWqbOboMEfwiAJ
nzOygCvMYgxhbJxNing Rushen followed the palace attendant all the way there.MRNTKwSqktAMWWfuOrBmIrVojIwiSY
TiRVHMJZmlcOYjJHe 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
yBMFFtMguYRPTPpNing Rushen spoke up, “Your Majesty.”UeanjqsYTDmZNvELjxDYpHZukEGZls
fzJTsdUJlPpADdBAs soon as he spoke, there was no response.CKxcrEhuHvLROGcTZKqsPulPSccjQG
XiASUVeyZnvXQuHHe 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
hYjcVjeXLJHOlhLSuddenly, a voice spoke up, “Have you received a letter from Huo Mian?”bnrMVXSVoZOSUFJkQBQlVdeXyxszZV
xPZeWrambZaelHoNing Rushen was surprised, “How does Your Majesty know?”ePjSmUFlLbXgRfNAdDyOadFLEjnnQJ
SGHJGrsIfQLqpWSLi Wuting stood up, sneering, “I also know what he wrote to you.” ??? How did he know this?bqUMxeGAcPqQeAPsonaLxAUPSHcgeT
HJtRLmbvmSonKKgIn his confusion, Li Wuting casually tossed a stack of papers from the low table. Ning Rushen leaned in with curiosity:KbYpFthcUyxtYysWYCCqWryWkuIUOk
oVYZoiybmfFJEOJOn the pages, big and flamboyant characters read—XOzIvryeMZEITKjdxcXUMDSDNoNXmk
PsJzdUwGDLAzqim“Sir Ning, come quickly!!!”TZcBVnXWWeJRGoJgZoRpLYAMsQTpwh
yaDGbpGYquHSkJn“………” He was immediately stunned!GoXCgjqbtPcIpTlbNgrEhCWkaKXvRJ
WkhFXNdkgbdqmzXWait, Huo Mian… didn’t he accidentally put the letter in the wrong envelope?FHMZDYgvyfpEnXXEWgbuGDzrrlnMkH
tfNpJPkACOFEWnNAs 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
TZlpTMYiXUmxPRgNing Rushen remained silent for a while, his throat suspiciously moving.xsMdrzNUmWVrDIobdVIJCgreHQXSJF
EpfaDPZZmLVUKGZLi Wuting, who was watching silently, “……”uXPslJXEutWMfYWiXnNTzSBMZdQjkL
ivIdZLGXsAeZJiYA 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
jRTjOfzlDjWAyoSNing Rushen reluctantly withdrew his gaze.clHxVDhqWWaRgQBYdxfibaTyTlntTo
lHEmuncYcvAHouRIt seemed he saw roasted buns and slices of lamb…XBFGqEOiaxeveBiLBqVvIXMrXdVbXT
PsIFnODxYvjoyUvLi Wuting looked at him for a while and then pressed his lips together, “Ning Qing, why did you come?”MlIwGjoZVKHwFcDfdfDoSFQMUVIUYM
deHCLMnCzDhdtaKNing Rushen’s attention was finally pulled back.iEdpJKVnupnoanuluVOTeTVDaJeNvC
hsvXnjruUSFCqaBHe mentally prepared for two seconds, took a slight breath, and spoke, “Your Majesty, I request to be appointed as the military supervisor.”TRdLXbxYumOLktIPYQIxYojkCQQgCf
YEaFrmauhEfCGNlThere was a prolonged silence in the hall.kXtYPLsbfUapWsHJgOPNzBiCbxnWCF
UKcRFVpNnwXoREBDe Quan beside them was startled and quickly glanced at the Emperor!lyRJtsimKKEgiXzfrjSrQdGhjqNjOQ
sUpAKoErAUiCeFqThe 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
oGiyWdWAMuxPWEfAfter 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
NGeYTjiZvXauHsNNing Rushen’s breath became somewhat erratic under his gaze, “Yes…”fvqpqCtDlscmqNrQoeHrgemnsIPuyS
PhgYyDjMZSkHFOkLi Wuting’s voice was low, “Do you know what kind of place Beijiang is?”IDKlGhGrDAfgFhVIjwnhusSbRtrPvE
kZTeZMDfAcECeurThe homeland of roasted buns and lamb slices…ArUqUzGTDupZqjvQPIYtNEIlyQLlUV
mvWeaKWDvcMAbYeNing Rushen swallowed and still said, “I know.”ELYMYAXVYMJYwppBWJUdEceHiICijv
pSkYXDgvtwNFUvRLi Wuting seemed to finally show some anger, “Knowing that and still—”GCDmLOVaqilPlvnDegsJvszkaLlilX
eKlazcpYklqQKfyNing 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
EYEPAuyTAPiRjdiHe looked at Li Wuting, “Your Majesty…”hDIbNAFJgAbqZfyrOmBEOFvIcrdAFg
LEfmwRmYWKWNNZTThe four characters “Bright Moon, Clear Wind” fell into view.WsYCDKPwACTQMDXOdhRfiLVGaYAydP
oqqRFdAYTKmmoDHLi 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
GcGteaSPDFxLxGnHe 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
xsRqrEycTQoQvqKNing Rushen’s heart pounded as he looked up, “Your Majesty?”UFLcjxZkJedegfuVIHyzfWtoshZFKH
ICEZtkAEBgOjtXjIn the moment of looking up, their breaths intertwined.GXkyJBIZjzXbWjvlSAJXVayFToIbUT
FIgakfSXAZhfmtkLi 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
OwXRHrtWkMWmeOwNing Rushen felt his waist weaken and ears heat under the grip, “Yes.”fjGYpMfjvriUzlLfMhtDnSlZixeFWP
RUPUJdvAJgbXsqqThe rough fingers lightly brushed against him again.SmBsWOATzvpxlXXPucxccHQKtCXeJY
VjxdqdYfwshRYaQLi 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
WWejUQHUjFVOAGONing Rushen felt dizzy, “But… it wouldn’t be authentic.”vOGcUmbTNzDrqJzsYtoAEuidMpfyyU
QGHdimPeIghhYLsThere was a sudden silence for a few seconds.dpeOHVKIrwxMfExpJlSePrMRKenxBy
VZNJPkysoxnvbhANing Rushen became clear-headed for a moment, “Moreover, I’m going for the people of Da Cheng.”BhWAHnhtPiVxFmaWVgnLFFGoKwtSEc
WUQQdhPZCiCSsMr“…”tUIUNYuGYLOwKQGDByYzNLELzmFICB
oeiDyrWsoWeJHvKAfter holding his hand for a while, Li Wuting finally let go.WIfmeVyYgNkOOSPIhFOfKAPgXJBVBs
ONNzxJZbJcYKSDfThe 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
plCzdzxTuTmEwSlLi Wuting seemed to exhale, “I understand.”jUvHqMSflJKQiEvLGsenURXAaPZfth
kZGItGcyPqQdhGwDe Quan beside them became anxious, “Your Majesty!!”DlJUcdLAVqMazsSlQVqNVDieWaiJxE
BpNJYkzEDygvMkDThe dark sleeve lifted to stop him.UnwBRADqMswdEMWetjEQCvhNcBbjXl
CltSCxVPZpTfbmQLi 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
onARqMHmgPDjjYiNing Rushen’s heart skipped a beat, “Yes.”LYgErEgyrgbgfkFAKNZjcNohfHduoz
NLZxjNVnXihWGwDThe hand on his shoulder lightly tapped and then withdrew.zzQnLxkNjxlVlNtvuGSLeIjGorMLNa
mjlQHyebWFugmkWLi 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
PLJUUojDcyCVFqALi Wuting sneered, “No need.”dvhMGKpTXpncPFpSaoXGAdwwkuuGhB
oktVqnlVVnilInA“…” Was that a hint of killing intent?LORWoegGcBFTKoaLktxorKOpItCwgY
ngHHwwxSJhAkoAUNing 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
oCYejcMgpYcKSLnNing Rushen: .xboINJxiEFHiCmnFyCaOhYvKFjVblQ
WoOjgdSHglhiTkUHe responded and withdrew.xrcKbCBoeEcYDIJzOddxUJUprbkfqa
WiWmKwpgtHEHUIcOnce Ning Rushen’s figure disappeared outside the hall, Li Wuting finally looked away and lowered his gaze.dYACWFqAAIYzSXIhwAYlYbldVvyOqE
VwAjxKMZLgnuiiKDe Quan, unable to contain himself, said, “Your Majesty! How can you send Sir Ning so far away?”pPWqhdCtZlvSVHITWXyokzGQKdWyYH
WeLxoOIxORrHtvfLi Wuting spoke in a deep voice, “If he is determined, I am willing to help him achieve both literary and martial accomplishments.”ZjHUpAXITegpqfWqHlLiZgDriJiFZn
kbOuWCseQAtnzCwDe Quan was momentarily stunned but then seemed to understand something.YGTuwIdaIRSIDLCGnMvHceswvGsHaG
KqAjdtPWXXuvLBvHe felt a pang of sorrow, “Your Majesty has thought this through carefully.”NqXrxNUsqipGYFXMecXESDdqDppStk
HDquTWlSFZNsLBcLi Wuting continued, “Moreover…”GGYtBOycWMpcAIbFtyhSlqxqGJKUuw
XmXjXTlwGLaVdgNMoreover? 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
uEUemBXWKgIMjXVDe Quan was bewildered and could not make sense of it.xsbyqZeuIEYOcoCufYgAOYWRTPltfV
NslByEAkdwbeLdvHe turned back to his own worries:mBeeMSGkkPzWIAIEyuupoQLDlIxTjH
mkJjxipRuleGveaBut with the Emperor’s intense emotions… will Sir Ning really be able to endure such a long journey?BAsRvxssxyiVPpOmNwzqxGZBUHHCtD
kzIeQDrGkmJjGAy·NelMnxmCTaECxAKYXfAuTQXTLjJtRr
FxFnjInxqDlNVLPAfter returning to his residence, Ning Rushen had his belongings packed.tKTnCZqnimAfKYDUodiBGkUhYVWTUF
taujOCWXQokxWuGThe next day, the edict appointing him as the military supervisor was issued, causing a stir in the court!uvEOPnxjxzjsDOttbWSjnvyKrIDYTm
yhroUQsJxSWfQktIt seemed both reasonable and unexpected.RpJovCCQEeYpeuKLxPrfgUfyRTVxOM
ohsCqRjXDeLrqNzWith the urgency of the military situation, he was to depart the following day.rUxacsiZOOGuoANkcljWlbAblmSYRV
KJumezLUbQyZfXLAfter 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
PtbPUMuOTxBZPdPNot long after he returned, Geng Yan arrived.urtkneXgTIPDgZLtdJBbnJMryjYbNc
GUgZsMXQqwyxcKiGeng 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
eLkMyBipmOImaaKNing Rushen nodded, “I also find it very sudden.”AnmIayQbRzuiHybfMLbXKgcHfdkINc
kGkmFElBrrrgNXJThe urgent letter from Huo Mian had come without any warning.JiCGEvwjvDJsTitPAErnlzXLtyPNso
rRwozUXnEEfXzTmBut thinking about the two letters that were sent incorrectly, he suspected Huo Mian might have been the most surprised.QCoOUqTEEhEQubrqhSrHAiegvWkmlW
TDHiiRyyvlUDDoIGeng 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
QsjIiOBYXaGeVNHNing Rushen was speechless, “Why would you climb the walls when I’m gone? Are you really here to steal something?”QJzXWnNkkdobKvMOEtGSAQUJvSSRUL
VyieeWJNdsBnDoBGeng Yan seemed to find this reasonable and pointed out sharply, “Why didn’t you refute the last sentence!”ejlpPrLXnrknkKVNEJsGCJeQHlDxRx
oDTUnKfzjbHgGSQNing Rushen: “…”FILIeqcWJZutthaXwEmbZYayCJiaLE
SEFEqwIpXrYmISySeeing Geng Yan’s smug face, he gave him a kick!xFdgdOPbqeEDLuZyWxKRCSrmcEWfpS
xRptwoKOsTGpEgZGeng Yan, “Ow!!!”eZmtjsyWaYNFEztBOKAXAQmzwGTdkU
mvuIhZmuUQxgcuyAfter 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
oHiUMiKSFsOEdzEBy the side of Shi Yi, Lu Wu was carrying a large bundle and looking at him.AMwqEjQLorQWAUpdpOmDnUdZRcfPIn
HAQVcJqYuVfqQKYThe familiar scene made him momentarily dazed.HgtjRmsZwMrivvtgbGvDahqlLZipMc
fCFnjnXsQrSQKDCThen he steadied himself and asked, “Why are you here?”xZLtbrzrxmdkeITYpGRBLplCudkbRl
KTzHNsbOXAnGChOLu 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
uEXtscEknCwzomiNing Rushen’s heart skipped a beat, and he slightly opened his mouth: …NBdbIGuIVupDFcZpaWuCdWIPXhBaHS
UoGoQzbvwjnWevFLi Wuting had completely sent Shi Yi and Lu Wu with him.eyQYDlldLXXvdPgOFDTGDmQgcBdhfm
JmMeLPLGXpTswywAfter a moment, he nodded, “Thank you for your Majesty’s arrangement.”fdpRtbbJjxQnVVjuItOKGAvgWUYiRF
NKsxWHRVQxZsORuThe departure was scheduled for noon the next day.XbGvcMpTvaWXfzItXWepKSkmQshOXD
JZNWegnUIqUoIeTNing Rushen had packed lightly, bringing only a few essentials.cbEMGqrUtEFTndCsHVdqSjZTHVMdRK
VJTzJSSQNcjrSdKYan 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
ayDOpkUCqIYFBQOAs 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
FXuMoGoSOOfZFDdHe had no idea how long this journey would take…VkeQuwWVHAURdAXlbtifIxiJykKoKG
rOCkXUZaWZTtYiBNing Rushen felt a fleeting, unusual emotion. He paused and said, “Should I… go bid farewell to His Majesty again?”nQMWAvJgPDiDbWQSiBzHmAqdefkivs
VtoaxywNzwjurdhBefore he could get a response, Lu Wu beside the carriage said, “No need.”hAeTzpWrZgQEivLREyIpClbYPeCYJk
XRvWJRnpWJDglwhNing Rushen turned, puzzled, “What?”JcVKkIWjPcWzcgbBVeuCkvNdLTByHQ
WQhiLWhKLuiEmInLu Wu explained, “His Majesty instructed that due to the urgency of the military situation, you need not go to the palace.”wvQfBhbPgTPzIKANrFvFAeYUVXUrVg
HmdSRWXWBPVsGdjNing Rushen was momentarily confused.XGOqcUyfhInCJijECPZVOsychUzVsY
kiVTZgPzsyrsDqY… Not seeing him? What did that mean? Was he being abandoned?WTwWXtNUWQEqOknLlzTUeGBmuPhPiW
LjEappkurniZiTyHe pressed his lips together, then lifted the curtain and climbed into the carriage. “Oh.”VYcpknORJfmpTWwBeuoXxccUgnKJoC
UgrXfcwooaPtBZRThe carriage rolled toward the northern city gate.YzcYXpOcelKOiAnRTcuCujWqKDWMoc
AIlwkvysAOtfUAGAs Ning Rushen sat in the carriage, still pondering the matter, he didn’t notice where the carriage had reached.UujDxDNiXRUakVcvIYlGcypXSJLzGp
KRQVVVMhJXAiyihSuddenly, the carriage jolted.JTTsYorBtkVgGOQyxOeCxyQmUxPZuR
ybPfSZVjMPILCfvIt had stopped. Ning Rushen lifted the curtain and asked, “What’s…”gbIUKtunZFYyUeNCFzxEUzSFgCAcug
dsolcdyTKKBSQGdHis question stopped abruptly when he saw a tall, deep green figure outside the post station—SvdGrtmwijMGdqBrnLsgPBMoCKtFCc
qjgNrRpYPRmYADrOn the dusty official road, Li Wuting stood with his side facing him.CXvhymDIAVeIAUcSdrenpWYnPEUwKb
sISMLdEbBKKfUVlHis 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
pawGRuNYVAFMQYPNing Rushen’s chaotic thoughts came to a sudden halt:OWMvXfSJMoQdLjpkCQqsNJFAePiadp
uLXOsUKPVrQebDZ“… Your Majesty.”PpTZYVRtXdfFJWiempZbxgtVnPsjAQ
DUQNteJNKZGqHXTLi Wuting looked at him and said softly, “Aren’t you coming down? Are you waiting for me to help you?”DzbxqQZXlZbRDvrERPlzUVsfkKATMq
tKXDVMhSvDhGbLONing Rushen snapped back to reality, hurriedly lifting the curtain and jumping down from the carriage.LiaVcDHdUyRnwDGLObwWhcVZmfypOM
kTgQpOFkHtUohFaHe walked a few steps to Li Wuting.HADAXpyUUowGYJRnMTJcPcoJzIckqM
qyHQwyWVQtMWNvDIf 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
YYKlPchphSpZzbcLi Wuting replied quietly, “Don’t you want to see me?”cJiaPRriLUmGotiliHGZMQTaVMMShL
YUZbMxdiTxHRICsNing Rushen moved his lips, “… It’s not that.”QyfbwSwIhvdWSgIYOGLIEQIPXVaFwl
wBxVjzsgZWxGyAmThe guards on either side lowered their heads and closed their ears, standing quietly as if they hadn’t heard anything.WJRIqPzbUdqlxJoGIhoJXLTJWXRbur
JfHNBDbylxiydPJLi Wuting watched him for a moment, then said, “Walk with me.”zALWBKVGRfswiiGVsESCddfNpnFuoD
jpymkiBtmWbqEVDNing Rushen agreed and stepped forward.epeNYmgZvyoecpDYeTaeViUNMiUUPT
WUaGxOjRavreQkiOutside was a vast, boundless wilderness, with overgrown grass stretching to the horizon.EeZGrLYPlmXFgkLqLtqlXSYAsTkWvN
pobsaQeaZEXWdriA gentle breeze stirred the grass, creating a rustling sound.PpSoBZKKPxyKZZxHxrwVXYUEUUTHfC
oGeBMMEdeNJqoBtLi Wuting remained silent, and Ning Rushen also said nothing.WbhjMRXJGHwBrvnXTmJQPPYiVBqTPt
RpSRGwBbhVVrVAKThey 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
UmEeJliDcAZUkcONing Rushen turned to look, “Yes?”CJdyInrPAUfNyTaPkuHMrjeGnWqxMH
CTlLDoyQJkImCvE“On this journey…”taXkMKpRMPgwAGzxgvPwoCLygXbgWQ
JDsWiPWSPjqNVvSLi Wuting began but then stopped abruptly.WagjPWaMvacXBslfkAoxBHoLjVCWuI
YPDGdmwcGeEOsNvHe 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
sEGycyUIslYcSXHHe reached out and embraced Ning Rushen.nYxjXWolrvauVOwkcULbmOKPyykgwR
vlFEjASOoaEPohKNing 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
AFuFNJqXGjQbiCvLi Wuting then whispered near his ear, which had turned red in surprise, “Wait for me.”ZSqXxLivrRitDwUNjxHdxZPJEykhAR
fujmZSRKhnoQKVFbicjUKeMhbfRFXBkjsZiQFgXwSrvGi