This official is so weak

They galloped across the desolate wilderness.hmyHgOxrCzttLAsFmWkzGJApttcWmn

pNkcSSajnIcJihn

By the time the sun had set behind the western mountains, they finally arrived at the foot of a hill. The sky above was already darkening, with a bright moon hanging high.SwqsdwgrGTTezscxLafONNkfvSzIbu

wMZaQKDMoFftcnM

Ahead, a wild path led to a grove of osmanthus trees.VsYeiODPyAesZIZlEFhlDyFuTcJpwr

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As soon as Ning Rushen dismounted, the fragrance of the osmanthus flowers wafted towards him, and faintly, he could hear the sound of running water.tlaoPXwiNAHlnYshQmURoqURGhhmYe

jrhYNiaPaajPcJe

Surprised, Ning Rushen looked around. Who would have thought that in the barren lands of the northern border, there could be such a natural hot spring?GTtxYBmOyZNXdhkSRNBicFVYLfldef

wmQkORfCBHEbeBG

…Where did Li Wuting find this place?KKmMIzPCBhUxoOzHdPlONljcSxoiYS

CUrEqUbrzOgexcd

Beside him, Li Wuting casually tied the reins to a tall osmanthus tree and then turned to instruct Dequan and the guards to keep watch 200 meters away. After that, he called out to Ning Rushen.NCaIFspPFajBAESQrJtjFOmkjySUlq

bLlHOsjrdiNmsTw

“Come on, it’s just ahead.”lmyAZwcDZhtaIdDIclVeSGossPsOPZ

PveJvANHQSAhbJL

Ning Rushen followed, “Alright.”dVlbVhuVruHDyOPuyEepHsoRkysHVs

KOmZaxjyLLqnYjY

After walking a short distance, a warm, moist breeze greeted them.NPRctRnAsFoNYilFkeLtCulQnVZhSo

tasJaOYFmisAknz

As they rounded the osmanthus grove, an open-air hot spring came into view. Lush trees concealed the edge of the pool, and the bright moonlight overhead illuminated the wisps of steam rising from the water.jNlJwpTYRMFObriDkuuxnXTuJNXEwH

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Golden osmanthus petals were scattered all over the ground, dotting the water’s surface, which reflected the moonlight.lWDyinnkTkkPHHyyHnPIeTFIIWTERA

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Ning Rushen’s breath caught for a moment.qZcTAnFTFvWnNIpEIGZhGMCJfCvSQF

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Then Li Wuting’s low voice came from beside him, “Do you like it?”qXURpGFPxWVKKHtYdjhyUAXdKQgaBo

bxCDpprmYNxqYyY

Ning Rushen steadied his breathing, “…I do.”HiMpojAaCAdOrTatXVwtSPwuEUidBE

JxSWongEQoIiQyk

“Go ahead, didn’t you want to take a dip?”IVHEPOywABDmWNGxJXCQusFMonKPVC

RWRMuQxCtKOtHDe

“Mm.” Ning Rushen snapped out of his daze and began to take off his outer robe.KmQtdaLCoNdpKHzcqjtrVVSyjiVVhp

JjabygYYyQYGthz

He still held the clean undergarments he’d just retrieved. He felt that the ones he had on were too dirty to wear into the spring, but he was too embarrassed to go in completely bare.OJPPoalRCgtqVqWXPZspEgtbwBqGPd

cviqDNVmLygUolM

After some thought, he quickly changed into the fresh clothes.vgLPBiZFzeVafAUQeNqpxgcUZWhtPV

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With his back to Li Wuting, Ning Rushen couldn’t tell if the other was watching him. After he finished changing, he plunged into the hot spring with a splash, and the scalding water immediately wrapped around him.WRFzPmRfofwnKteQzRVaLeysBMkaNH

ZmKouvwoEgQjMRh

From behind, he heard the rustling sound of clothes being removed.iRPhhKxAfKWAxSgMICUNYZhHwEbaON

IMqgnIjHoHLukjm

“Shall I join you?”xDppSRFZpZUzsRvnGtgVykugUoWQZM

aStlizTZqdUopVl

“……”DgMJDtXXqyOrMneJVXPdMiqGChGVkJ

QZlSehIpATDqeXQ

Ning Rushen was enveloped in the steam, the hot water sending waves of heat through his chest. He thought, isn’t Li Wuting just asking the obvious? What, did he expect him to stay up there and just watch?vkCYRJCffihwsSdvzuxHKnknQggqKp

QzXtDTihFfNrQQR

Moreover, he was already undressing, wasn’t he clearly planning to come in?owxFjHtNrGugvYonDwKqgBIkhGfrEy

YBpIFOGPFCDQUPN

Ning Rushen licked his slightly damp lips, “Mm.”wwPLHrnFFAeAlzMPSbNQQitDDYorPg

UYwOJaGfEXgDyPv

The water splashed as Li Wuting entered, creating ripples that spread out.KeFUAaBueawuIcsHqAlgJWrweojaBj

JXqEKYhKvrFIxTU

When Ning Rushen turned his head, he saw Li Wuting standing at the edge of the pool, bare-chested. The water just barely covered his lean waist. His broad shoulders and narrow waist formed a smooth, graceful silhouette that merged into the water under the moonlight.VBJTMYgzPYjhmUYBweBntOuuqzbbhE

beIDkZPRQEXfdoh

The water was not murky; it was clear and shallow.MgpnaGZpHSuiISVXXGmVpdArzigjbC

BHlnzsoFSUzJImX

Reflected in the water were the shadows of leaves and the bright moon, making the surface shimmer.pJsTOpaTTgSsFFPapJuLpXCRXaqOEC

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Ning Rushen caught a glimpse and quickly turned away, his face heating up as he floated to one side.ygUjCvMICdTLHCrWjGISQcwfHoPnoJ

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He had just drifted a couple of feet away when he was called back, “Don’t float around aimlessly.”xteLFpIZoIzCnsvklweKNMQCjgleoN

rkEIqZnHiyAjWJs

He glanced over at Li Wuting, “?”BxfdvhQXqsapAXFDjNhmIKAedsSJzV

hDbyJZjwWctwfwW

“I’m afraid you’ll end up bubbling under again.”jbLxegOofEmgHuHgdoNiBsjAzjtHmA

FfeUpTulwdQxuFX

“……”ahbprYHesAmQWiRgVrtyAFxQJoMsvx

FVjLySBXzlFDeCW

The image of a granny by a small bridge with red flowers flashed in Ning Rushen’s mind.nzwvtMXfolKdAzjVPpuMVgJqCSVduu

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He swallowed nervously and then adjusted his slightly disheveled inner robe before moving back closer to Li Wuting.BgRLztHRaIOnRHTUDWpQZkwWUDvNlb

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Li Wuting looked over at him, “Feeling good?”kYKZrKHYlLUwxgePReITZmiACxJhSE

FIxlOswELdYQXJT

Ning Rushen finally remembered that he was here to relax. He let go of his worries, leaned against the edge of the pool, and closed his eyes slightly, “Feels good.”sStxEVTbeWfUfOOUZLcTaeMJcIxkPI

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The hot water soaked through his entire body, as if soothing every part of him.pGphYAVSqvXGtjwUrTxcOAqdtRnrGn

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He rested on his elbow, the frost-white nape of his neck tracing a line through the water, while the snow-colored sleeves and forearms gathered some of the golden osmanthus petals from the edge of the pool. The petals were bright and delicate, like scattered gold.DYlxXOdiCTJNzOadutXFOEMwZrKWqd

mdCGCrJeGXOybNO

His pale complexion was warmed to a rosy hue by the spring water.XQxrqNANUvzvPwNiXSsPeNfdsXsygK

voXDZOoqmKrGXaV

Li Wuting’s gaze lingered for a few moments before he lifted his hand to brush against Ning Rushen’s flushed cheek, spreading warmth across his skin.UvcIosEOdsRYMrLGceRJFUgWhWdmGu

nqUXKcdHkAWJQTU

Ning Rushen’s eyelashes fluttered as he opened his eyes, meeting that deep, tranquil gaze. His heart skipped a beat, and he propped himself up slightly. “What’s wrong?”NUBVOuXrxpzFhXAbWHGTgkgSLuzqaZ

wwrzgVleJMQiSkd

The broad, warm palm slowly caressed his cheek.KGbqupjMCbdYhdlmrfhDmwTGygtXDb

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Li Wuting lowered his eyes. “I’ve made my Ningqing suffer.”oupwmMKimNgImwUEwuzxkWUlgntsLc

FbNDlHiRNKUHyHD

Ning Rushen pressed his face into Li Wuting’s palm, momentarily stunned.PhwZcEmklNDtSKHIrltWFWinexWDXV

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The water was hot, the hand was hot, and the heat spread to his chest.pKbvrkqehVVesYidiMqOBHQvKWOUcP

LheCDTBFurnzPQo

All those unspoken burdens he had carried alone, the feigned calm during their negotiations, and the harsh winds and cold moons of the frontier—all seemed to melt away in this pool of spring water.IEbXCFLRDucTUjxXgWxOVGTIBCfNgd

TPCNiSDCIFaEeZe

He grasped Li Wuting’s wrist, “It’s alright…”VHAAhZBgyjLDEqwlLPPAxgQwJwPmwb

lnhjPzjfjozBjNH

“Besides, I’ve returned safely.”tnfCAyrmaCPcrhwxjTxgUWtLJWXkla

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The thumb moved slightly, lifting his face a bit.kCKcfgpfACLRocAVBIJhvbcCWAluwm

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Li Wuting studied him closely, a surge of emotion rising within him. “I want to kiss you.” After a brief pause, he added, “There’s no one else around now.”phBCYoTVVFWdABkqLMfbDPGliRMpea

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The intense light in his deep eyes was almost scorching.JjHSXgSznLEPHfVvJWvzviCJIpSTvk

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Ning Rushen looked at his expression, suddenly recalling the restrained and fleeting kiss from earlier in the day. Li Wuting clearly wanted to kiss him again, but had held back at the time.KZBzXGXYpivfvyitKCLePSxCUfWGde

dumItwcnBMbrJDz

Judging by his look, had he been thinking about it ever since…bwGrcUGuEcRWfaaVvYnnxWdXtBGUfZ

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Ning Rushen’s emotions were stirred.aEzLllYjNmybqwQxQDQQorXtKwEOqB

cARKGSLzIpRBrBp

The fingers resting behind his ear gently hooked, while the man in front of him remained still, just staring at him.AWYgZXzlOBaoaBKNNhYhPNPXredvJJ

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Unable to resist, Ning Rushen leaned in and met his lips.syTRPLbHWKqSGEqwDxNdPUNuwPzunJ

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·fMmmEwlZVcSbqQNulLUMdiwowbCTlF

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The soft lips and tongue pressed in, prying open his teeth.YIGxlXVvfWPfTFkUUzardiaGzvHmcS

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“Mmm…” Ning Rushen closed his eyes amidst hurried breaths, letting himself be swept up in the intense, passionate kiss. The rough palm brushed against his sensitive ear, sending shivers through him.OylxdtJJJEjTFPPsuJAhTAzmlPlLaC

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Li Wuting leaned back against the edge of the pool, his shoulders and back becoming wet.gBKFznuvSRQtuFKipszpUsjckrzOjr

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Ning Rushen’s fingers trembled as he was kissed, barely able to cling to Li Wuting’s damp shoulder, almost slipping into the water.JTEJpdiJIDsyCyYbUMKrHuEFlIfdrq

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Through his soaked undergarments, a warm hue could be seen. A large hand gripped his waist tightly through the thin fabric, the heat making him tremble.ySWuPPVBHqdZKfBqiALzkmgxmdUhco

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Just as he was about to slip into the water, the hand holding him lifted him up, setting him down directly across from Li Wuting.hwSJsmVtlhoqsQeeyQarlhEqZHpNXM

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The kisses continued to rain down. Ning Rushen’s mind was spinning, on the verge of suffocating from the overwhelming heat inside and out. He could only tilt his head back, responding to the relentless kisses.ROCbiwuxbxaVCaJNRcOLzLyMGLqifH

DdQieLZhOKmIHGG

Amidst the kisses, he suddenly felt his hair loosen.SCZIKiFdnBIPbnNYeFvAfgMVEQyVJj

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Li Wuting had removed the hairpin from the top of his head with one hand, setting it aside on the edge of the pool.IlKbJczOxEqLpKxwQxrrewBxIGtXLY

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His long, black hair fell down, cascading over his thin shoulders and back, trailing into the water.YoHyGhMJokajawoWDyVpjOnbHLkfDL

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A breeze blew, sending a shower of golden osmanthus petals drifting through the air, covering his black hair and shoulders. The rich fragrance filled his lungs.mbzaFRLvXRJpqLNysYpMElRuYVrcly

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Ning Rushen’s eyes were wet and red, almost drowning in the warmth of the flower-scented pool.ibmMmuForKmGwiDOrhpezzBGqSpbld

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Li Wuting opened his eyes slightly, taking in the scene before him. The emperor’s rationality and composure seemed to shatter in an instant—OgixvHGCpwlinxgpoLEbIvsbFKRLvj

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He pulled Ning Rushen closer and kissed him even more deeply.mdAaEOFgdXnudRyJsCfQIZQWipyKIv

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In the midst of the intoxicating dizziness, Ning Rushen suddenly sensed something. His heart was racing wildly. He pushed Li Wuting lightly to catch his breath, but his neck was quickly kissed again. “Your Majesty… Your Majesty…”bpMKMQElAtnUjSUyAgwndeNCFSdOpD

WGGHeUVULcjDdWY

He shivered, unable to bear it any longer, and struggled to get up.wbTkELlSxFqSNoMAwqMkWgPwXMVwwk

fnvIBxcMQQXWkvM

The large hand behind him pressed him back down, and Li Wuting kissed his forehead in a comforting manner. “Why are you hiding?”qPeRvBWhbbSSFzIPtoxrLsgZacqAuO

LCARHyJbLYvrShy

“I’m just like you.”JLMMZrFRKutkHbjwfkgdoMjxcsDWeA

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Ning Rushen clung to his shoulder, meeting that gaze.YMfyuVhwDVRrtaoRMPjrtUGHVDCLWK

kftydJfEzOmJWNU

Li Wuting’s usually cool and composed face was flushed with color. He looked at Ning Rushen for a few moments, his large hand still firmly gripping him. “Uncomfortable? Let me help you.”ACkPPHYpOZXgPbcsKcPJyCtzKrREvM

CgqAqxtDViSdtCF

Boom…! Ning Rushen felt something snap in his mind.dNnBJTswbBhptvIlJluMohXzOuLHbK

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Around them was an open-air hot spring, in the wilds, far from anyone.eNUPkgCxbQGAEePuwfUkmoCJUwkbUc

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At this moment, they were far from the capital, momentarily detached from the roles of monarch and subject, from the constraints of power. In their gaze, only each other existed, with heat rising and emotions surging.qynHxIHUjIDLKMtwNVOwNlpPYuovXc

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It was as if a fire had been lit inside him, burning away his rationality.JOBQAhtpwApMtyQYsvNlGxXxRdaMUy

lucaOforyfyKWey

Ning Rushen was dazed for a few seconds, then instinctively blurted out:vfVBwEhFMKnNwzSndptZHnGZxxanvj

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“But Dequan and the others are still—”tHIwwQxoseeiaKFBqJGxfZlYmGrMhC

WkidAltyoVQhHkC

Li Wuting looked at him and smiled, his neck flushed red, eyes filled with heat. The usually dignified gentleman had shed his noble restraint for the first time and said something he’d never said before, “…As long as we keep it quiet.”qvbeaMGXOclmCDTFFbkUYSiFpyGjRd

fsHQDbEwwBXQEkR

Ning Rushen’s heart wavered at the seductive words.NTXsscSawrOiAXnsuHWbjiGfmozxcZ

aQWswgufFTbTgNB

The night wind carried golden osmanthus petals down around them, the surrounding foliage rustling softly, and the moon hung low over the water.oBCaKzpoLOvmWqKhrNpuxdgiRbrKGs

YpQEyTyQfMVYpdu

His heart pounded wildly. He had never been so bold, but he took Li Wuting’s hand, closed his eyes, and pressed a consenting kiss to his lips. “Mm.”BRVKFwofalpUxjdcVjVjvEyJoIamqP

iCYuiIuMncoXNdD

The figure in front of him, as immovable as a mountain, suddenly trembled.fvXQPAZvEMStZknBezWAlKpZzczMCF

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A wave of golden osmanthus petals was swept into the hot water.qqdiHibqGyumbVphvZuGVVsFbhaxMm

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…UwbmQusuZiNkXVimuSCuJkhyItTPhk

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By the time Ning Rushen’s mind cleared, he had no idea how much time had passed.IjYsTJkdOoaXmTxnwDaRuwumzDfcbd

EzsrsUmwiCSoXjH

He lowered his eyelashes, leaning into the crook of Li Wuting’s shoulder, his forehead resting against it, one hand gently stroking his back.dtzCGWVWWmikEMeaEirKjqRJYbRVhe

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He couldn’t believe it—he actually…JcHaRppNNbNrLAMNwNeeyAjodEVWbq

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Feeling so embarrassed he could faint, Ning Rushen closed his eyes, trying to calm his emotions.LptQiuMGUQpudTAsIIvfjsGEzuqMET

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Li Wuting held him close, gently washing him with the water.kkLNjXBPOOFgDEGwZXhBCMXcVAmrbd

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His fingers ran through Ning Rushen’s long hair, now spread out in the water, carefully wiping down his neck and arms.CVFujagPUrWLxZkoGSXupjaRsZuMpK

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Ning Rushen just lay there, accepting the ministrations: after all that, this was nothing in comparison.TksTZVMTCndNjSiWwmFotGdgcqGEwA

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After a while, he asked, “Your Majesty, what time is it now? Are we still riding back later?”AWelIDjTjqfNtAeJiveqzfhVILecNH

IeFolODCcoGKjYt

A low voice came from above, “Mm. We can’t stay too long; you won’t be able to handle it.”FpWyuquryMYFuUmKtndhweSbAUHXXj

YQAEpTvawmpzTZc

“…?” What do you mean *I* can’t handle it!fVuXCMDbPWTjKcNlWkSfBnczUzpMWT

qpNsyWBtzUcMtaV

Ning Rushen, determined as ever, sat up and looked at Li Wuting.zbrFwODsjRZefVBhqnFjcHAYVAyBBs

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They stared at each other for two seconds before Li Wuting smiled. “I can’t handle it either.”SxLhtOSTwCFGlcCQXNBbNjMLLNtmri

NPNnXqMwTwZHgVe

Satisfied with that answer, Ning Rushen lay back down: that was more like it.ZUcJSokbwJTJvzMtbYskdhfMpTyWna

gFXGIfhvJPUVfGU

He soaked in the warmth, letting Li Wuting continue to wash him. Just as Ning Rushen was on the verge of dozing off, he heard Li Wuting call out:brpbmSaESOvwaskHUDHPwgTLkGZntD

whfulAzLNxmBDwM

“Dequan.”KiafebxnhKeXTbKsZQcJolbsBjykmT

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A rustling sound came from nearby, and Dequan stopped a respectful ten steps away. “Your Majesty, I am here.”kOffmSfrCpFPktmzGGGpgeOwxzgYAz

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“Place the clothes and dry towels over there.”bzMxnVEHPuwshZrsIpZaQeEOXeyyPn

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“Yes, Your Majesty.” Dequan set the items down, hesitated, then cautiously added, “Shall I leave the Yulu healing balm here as well?”YSxgjecsysynEWmccTbsjNpZnzUYhX

qsPpBFplQJpOhVA

Li Wuting: “…”ReKIJLaaMvCbCqcKsMtrhKILZQmhUh

wBNyVCHTQQfbYsp

Ning Rushen: ???PYLicrrllQCpPnajHNjCMneIrVRSmw

FmtctONljPDVjoT

He suddenly opened his eyes, trembling: that Dequan! Always spouting nonsense!!!iKADhetOmjIXJAwzWibeMLkHaCsMCC

YCvinhNybGGjUZz

The arm around him tightened, and he felt the heartbeat beside him quicken. Then he heard Li Wuting’s hoarse voice, “No, take it away.”pGjQGAJcCMMCOhZZDUirlCtJCVGnwl

xqZMgpKopMNpyWG

Dequan sounded disappointed, “Oh…”mvRBufJgzFrBcdyvtWAxiCFmZvRbpe

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Ning Rushen: .avLxiGGHqMohaJRPUFFxdRqfDDGzea

yeUvDkdXQJAqeut

·vinfxVWpjnqoHXXSwKxATNBRfpZRcb

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The clothes and dry towels were left on the side.vBsBntDvDLsjpHredCtShswzcxXFKP

XIPUwejfwWETqLa

In the end, Ning Rushen couldn’t bring himself to let Li Wuting dry him off. As soon as he heard the splash of Li Wuting rising from the water, he quickly got out of the pool, dried himself, dressed, and retrieved his jade hairpin in a flash.bzMSZzNyFiABHGgXXEadjXEWIkbrqt

vaOrFlmtEfCURRB

This particular hot spring had almost no sulfur smell.CgMWWqSgOiAKWMEXduOwALvJgRzvNl

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His body retained only a faint scent of osmanthus flowers.pPwxqZVRaTdCcqEMRBjxYyJHCcNVbu

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After Ning Rushen finished dressing, Li Wuting approached and rubbed his hair until it was half-dry, then skillfully smoothed it down, surveying him with satisfaction. “Alright, let’s go.”BlAPtTKlVpKedFyTkpddWCFFwAVIqT

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With that, he swiftly mounted his horse, pulling Ning Rushen up with him.LlmuLpfTzuHGzNVibGNAxVszpHFGul

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Ning Rushen leaned back into Li Wuting’s embrace, trying his best not to think about what had just transpired. Gripping the horse’s mane, he responded, “Okay.”kNwkXzkqtDqNpupjqxquPbjSAKwTSm

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The horse’s hooves kicked up golden petals as they galloped into the night wind.JFTQuJtLoXVmojvopEXcpNakaMOvdC

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By the time they returned to the military camp, it was already midnight.MOFDcOqHjqurSlEKzWrFWXkvxEwEKU

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Most of the soldiers had already settled down for the night, and only the patrolling guards acknowledged them with a salute, not asking any questions.PwnhgLKqYkAcQKERnaWOMlBOzrcMEZ

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Ning Rushen followed Li Wuting back to the main tent.qNTebvqBNXzZwhghufswxbOpwBNvdF

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His hair, dried by the wind during the ride, was now disheveled as drowsiness took over. He quietly climbed onto the imperial bed.kzPibsUHeevPHRlOiTCTHiCOyFckIO

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Li Wuting, who was in the middle of unfastening his cloak, noticed Ning Rushen’s natural and familiar movements and couldn’t help but smile.IEssOhkpWodJfPEpSdgnTdEUFTjLGe

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As soon as Ning Rushen settled into the bed, Li Wuting pulled back the covers and lay down beside him.VzOuDxRFFOiBGridZDveDISWznbDsx

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The faint candlelight illuminated the space between them, casting a warm glow over Li Wuting’s handsome features.HIhJQxnEnAnDUQGlDDikyEZSkpKdUR

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Ning Rushen, staring at Li Wuting, suddenly felt his reason return. A delayed sense of shame crept up on him—had he been too bold earlier?BNbBOSokBbwbjZVZAxDxMGHazmRoPH

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He hadn’t hesitated or played coy, just straightforwardly welcomed it.zOuNxSfcSCuBsBvVphyhxIVGtQBuCI

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He had even taken the initiative to grab Li Wuting’s hand.bUqMHCMQtpDbubEXFPjcfctavvVTtm

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Would Li Wuting think he was too forward… too brazen?hdzOeIcbPNsJMPxBGfMSZMdamAzAyN

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Ning Rushen slowly burrowed under the covers, mentally preparing to say something. “Your Majesty, in truth, I’m very pure-hearted.”mQIWFqJPauBSlfWGyqynyWBRYHarxv

yyyPfxFLCmUIDWM

“…” Li Wuting’s movement paused: ?asntyvNZWFCkCuQkzItbQFOFsKFMHL

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Ning Rushen continued, “Though I may have had some… unexplainable reactions, deep down, I’m just an innocent blank slate.”lMBrlKrynnwJKjCEyyxlMScFuumBcW

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Li Wuting propped himself up on one arm, looking at him.HxcCXihtRZToRlkKvePcstRgrdlHDT

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Ning Rushen lay back down, “I long for things that are fresh, sunny, and wholesome…” Suddenly, his foot hit something. As he spoke, he instinctively pulled at it with his toes. *Jingle—*bArgditahFfVxrwrtMAKwmyqHXiigw

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The sound abruptly cut him off.GlILXjoFSsDeJmoMoYGKfPQrSNdfyw

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Li Wuting’s gaze shifted to the foot of the bed: xNgmggPPSWbUtdhzxuIPuzOTyEdoTl

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