This official is so weak

The cabinet door closed tightly again.qhpyZqDjpfyJbuDdeJbutAmdeuSMaM

AKnPozipzhsvstK

Taking advantage of Geng Yan’s grogginess, Ning Rushen shoved the gift box from the shelf into his arms and turned him around:BzsVSCKrSLqnroBMxOtxCAshYuMASr

oiiHeLvEsLwmsVB

“Go on, go on.”GvwLDyQxAtGItmVUSVyKJxpupfDATa

vGfLloLbKujqlQl

Geng Yan mumbled, “Oh, oh,” as he clutched the gift and left.BiduCTnRGymLCYNUODasfijydwUWYZ

YbBfdJJnhkuTUJb

Ning Rushen felt a lingering fear:IyapokYUbOjXKXfNOlFboEZvIFMcBC

zxQIFVAltBdsUeP

He really is a genius…HRkfSXNTFYAxoOwZppMHKrmyNkVopU

fwuhnLoIzCNNONl

Thankfully, we opted for sliding doors. If it were revolving doors, Geng Yan could have been spun right out.VaXTscSZzyomPkfALPeDCeFrcnKHbH

naQZkcBfSvggMKn

Ning Rushen followed Geng Yan out of the inner room.XtzAsurmldCZvVdrvaloRYBaFMABGB

nBwIPPczeBxSseu

Before leaving, he glanced back at the flawless cabinet: Geng Yan must be a detective dog.VaYWjWCnUSuJDEJvHtEzouoaAbduRT

zSxyQUksnwJkOQA

The two of them returned to the banquet table and distributed the gifts.hIgwVtyfgcwIHKpAzKUhvWhDIxvLHo

dqmwKehaVUBwMKA

The guests cheerfully accepted the gifts, and they played and enjoyed themselves until dusk before reluctantly bidding farewell and leaving the mansion.lSULfZeruJbSmkqFIinsUTPtvyTAOC

snPZlIFlXeidtvG

Ning Rushen personally saw each of them off at the gate.DcrXqexJGWSrhSgIgfMFqrFqLeIROl

fscFUNLeJCotXaK

Just before leaving, Fan Wan awkwardly held some goat milk cakes and said, “Master Ning, you’re welcome to ride in my carriage next time.”tvezpTRysXWhRPFYXGOrTfdWWeKiyH

GxxbCxMQPhcYLWQ

“…”BDxVLkqaXzuxFKVGAqDVgbkfIHztlq

uiuDWBsOhSWlcce

Ning Rushen waved his hand, “No need, you should be on your way.”EbYTTJFcSYgpHPnErFpiSTxTKBxriE

fgQiUBLhsJXTmuA

After sending off the group who ate and packed away everything.UYnvLHBrJTCVjAFXkQnwYrZLWYijCg

muqiFDaLKyObeaI

He returned to the courtyard, and it was already late. Hosting a banquet for most of the day, his frail body was starting to feel the strain.fyAvMBKmykYwOdzlseGWGTGyiUhAsD

KCLROrlWekLvZco

After taking a bath, Ning Rushen walked to the bedside.EYoJnCQSHkhQFspZVUDFqDMwTToGhW

FGCZxRhppwkuoKB

On the nearby shelf, a decorative hourglass quietly stood, almost as if it had a mysterious allure—UdvWjhQlARxexMZkhVmKjSWOSSMhps

pTxtEifBsPxnxIa

Where would it lead if he walked through it?IJeiqUyhzUqoGwpqlEAhBzbncHmbGb

krkLVfhMUAgMBLb

The palace? Or straight to Li Wuting’s dragon lair…yNfRhHrYkhUtMxfCjdCZLGtoAelenp

ShqNkLmBFHpDWsI

He pondered for a few moments, but in the end, he couldn’t resist the overwhelming fatigue and collapsed onto the bed.iETjsYyoTpavkbhLuXRsUAjdVcKGEK

qGLYJYRiJrsKOrO

No, I really don’t have the energy today.GbRsgIxCppPeeqystlLgBRsVtoUNDB

oESjCHBBgmflJCt

Sleep, rest, lie down.cmYfCyXfjatjRTIEOcHQxIYerYvflG

ZKbnOVLFVDjMfjg

…ZqTJVRHpxjRLuRNdwzuniWICsYZjji

mpmWysVgUXITYkb

After a day of rest, the next day brought court duties again.DePCEQWLHHrsqkUWNPdNAobVcDduye

bEyYhPOHukVrJlJ

For the past two days, aside from briefly seeing each other at court, the two hadn’t found any time to be alone together.QQDwzPDWvrUYMLFkqSCxluQwBsPZYz

UMHjGWIuyIsewon

Every day, there was a line of officials waiting outside the imperial study to meet.bWLNYgoGVuKquDTLbudYYrUvtMLEdx

MfklAgrJRFTlKHg

After the court session, Ning Rushen was contemplating whether he should get a “love queue number” today when Dequan came looking for him outside the hall:sNzLRNVrOLswRvvOTQYeElxkCTUukB

RanPNwSlkgxLPoD

“Master Ning, His Majesty has summoned you.”cmKdmJCprSlhtGNTCHLIrwBFKCemUW

VmGUNGuFvMLnIUB

Ning Rushen’s heart stirred, “Alright.”UnjWionRsBOLbjpYIAUJkmvPPCafcl

cvbkStKjgafPoAR

They walked through the long corridor of the hall.KsgicnKYcXwdhMSsHzkFruUBwTmrEf

UZSGyNSKlQQjqmM

As they walked, Dequan said, “His Majesty is not in the imperial study today. He’s going to check on Prince Jing’s studies and specifically asked for you to join him.”WkiQzbFyNbkREaZINVGyUaGCkHlsXu

sxfAIjOpcynkGAz

Ning Rushen asked, “Is there something important?”vTBUYwtsUBacksJFMMomyxIhvKUXTD

EsGRvIvmoiNmNTZ

Dequan gave a knowing smile and playfully scolded, “What could be so important~”WYurRfQmhpkUuEbGEAVDtaTlGOEOVl

SrpgkgkiwfXlElT

“…” Ning Rushen understood.WVbKWJVdclruXciqODxmWpGCreBuYn

MXdtksgjLaqcKzb

His face grew slightly warm as he suppressed a smile, “Oh.”umWlUmcZSGMDxyPlXNiKbdYBlZzOEm

gawEkTycpRdTPjJ

The place where the princes studied was on the eastern side, in the study hall.GvNmbYraeVhtoTGReoloJuKoYYXDzw

KVklJBcXALuUooN

As soon as Ning Rushen stepped into the room, he saw Li Jingyu slumped over his small desk, looking utterly miserable. Meanwhile, Li Wuting sat nearby, his profile stern and cold.VNawpiSDHVGqKgnKGFtgpoDGDoPLnQ

fjvwmnqEaUMrgYY

Hearing movement, Li Jingyu looked up, “Master Ning!”kSNJcdTAYnTUVfOwlbrQMLYzKCzCmo

bTKaVBKELVsJcda

Li Wuting also turned his gaze.evUmmxkFoScYrDrdiPOEosgLvdJpNS

iqFGKQHKwygZHAP

Their eyes met, and a ripple of emotion appeared in those calm eyes, almost as if there was a hint of a smile, “You’re here.”ZVPKaUXMbUNFsqcrGREWDvjVZrpDMI

yYBSVwqslVOVflT

Ning Rushen’s heart beat a little faster, “Your Majesty, Your Highness.”CKxDSAGyOqVKirQQekNMURbrfDfygt

WQAMGjPzMImZtiH

Li Wuting glanced at him and suddenly stood up.THzPPXzYXFxPQaOkJuxGTunuaFkXEV

nplviaztSPARYbb

His tall figure blocked the view behind him as he walked over to Ning Rushen. Looking down, he studied him for a moment, then softly asked, “Have you missed me?”pNusFxoELfSVpicNwCAeqVKasrZgKH

sssiphtqMMVIVOU

The longing of the past few days was instantly stirred.wDyvAwvmyqVjYVmgYhpWRPjUlNUqGa

mKPFnIGHwnOEqdw

Ning Rushen could feel the heat in those eyes, as if they were saying: *I missed you a lot.*ggAqLNDzyCIqjWPuLJPJQToGJNdfoA

maDFzlfpXVmGaMS

His own breathing grew warmer, and he whispered, “Yes.”cAFCBnXYAIyvhReHKdnXEqZiiZZayW

OAuPxJbHjkeDCBQ

Li Wuting’s lowered eyelashes fluttered slightly.FLJhKAhssWObPPNCZjgtIdnxDCjwtL

uLtmTRHQLepIqxp

They stared at each other for a few seconds, and just as Ning Rushen was getting lost in the moment, he suddenly noticed a head peeking out from behind Li Wuting—irsSQHyiNzeAXSKDsGqfnJzMGgfYaq

ZYINAowtUjyDXzw

Li Jingyu tilted his head and blinked his innocent eyes at them.KrQnHeDQYENDiyzdTAYNFRTHdNKAkT

dnZhBOqKDRzzVWR

Ning Rushen, “…”ulVJSRQnxYoQVDoktiILipLWnBAVKn

FDfAxgYHtfJPsLv

He calmed himself and gently pushed Li Wuting, “Go sit back down.”RXwhHumPUkePughpDVLPvNIGizvVIi

qMOGFDfoPaRPumY

This isn’t a children’s channel.HRsAloxxmiOFhmgKbislwFScBgmOWF

ookwUnvAaFMrtWi

Ning Rushen sat back down at the small desk.EyilSqhhARFgFGNodipQSEYdyNeekH

nXnLChlkuygRshi

Li Wuting sat to one side, while Ning Rushen faced Li Jingyu. When he looked down, he saw several policy papers on the desk, along with a few pages transcribing memorials to the throne.ZPvaSUVBkpXzWuOtGIuAJiJaLVbfWW

nkHghdZoGOtsufc

He had been spending his days in the cabinet reviewing memorials.CQTPlWpObzHaJVGNMmxckuiZnJGPKq

ZfwYDAAmjoIBLTa

With just a glance, he recognized the content: some addressed water conservation and flood management, others discussed public order, and one even mentioned the bandit problem in Yaojin.npWqSbUKFIRjrBUyHHseSiLMThKjXN

xgdZkivibnYyAvG

Ning Rushen slightly turned his body, “Your Majesty, how is the situation with the bandits?”iRkapiXMPqJDrnxJxKMtZQsCWtkTBZ

KbGbxnFSTPzMQBr

Since it was a task assigned to someone, Li Wuting didn’t respond verbally, only shook his head at Ning Rushen.QvxnLYtihPdSoDSVDDJefkRMGPtffw

gZvoSOnbePfwzkr

Ning Rushen, confused, thought, “What does shaking your head mean?”ekUsdtkDLSrDETeaQyheLHuTLaKwwx

BuhXNehcCpxbNTW

Li Wuting held his gaze for a moment before his sleeve moved suddenly.IrjXeRAPRbCOvSIFdFjkbtjGeZHkEq

xArqicylGswFNMV

A warm hand slid across the table to grasp his, catching Ning Rushen off guard as his heart raced. The rough fingertips brushed his palm, causing his breath to hitch as he looked up:VhzWvHAfZGmhhdcPpVLZrRPtJTUNzr

wDyEgeGPjqZSnFE

Jingyu is still right here…!UnsVmjUhJRhMxzveLBiFQGtuknzlVG

FHDAlBgQkHIJTAW

His cheeks warmed, and he couldn’t focus on reading.BYJtXaQyVRBCrEitIxgUySSeHkPQKG

VWphSmjCJPeBRHc

Li Wuting noticed his reddened earlobes and curved his lips slightly before patiently writing the words again.unpAcybNrrpDYawXyjnohiMeAbSIhc

kIMnSxKqJCeHQJs

Despite the tingling sensation spreading through him, Ning Rushen carefully deciphered the words written in his palm: *Recruit them.*OeZAbgKdDIMCpNaobAHxHqEhZGURxT

cBOclGQNDoVDihV

His fingers curled slightly as he glanced at Li Wuting—gqOedwmwScTepUtoiCcZtwTCmQMIar

WnFdyHHZRwPBtrc

So Li Wuting wanted to recruit the bandits? The head shake must have meant the process wasn’t going smoothly?WwezQDrQAgQZaXcjknOrMDGKFhGACy

hgheAZzCRBHaEqy

As he was contemplating, there was a sudden thud.nYXAvhszFVxbZwTxxyOFqSgwNomeUc

AgEJSANRBGTVpvI

The table was bumped by Li Jingyu’s short legs.lopXfNCSDnmLICyWUsMPwsWOLrHTjK

FktFwXBgAVExwiv

Ning Rushen snapped out of his thoughts, realizing Li Wuting was still holding his hand, and quickly pulled it back! He shot a glance at Li Jingyu.WkNTgkipfKgxPAtxyoDbKgMpTIBZMT

vEAPwojlCUSQGdq

Li Wuting seemed to chuckle quietly, amused by him.CZTGCSZBZvckzlDTpXiQlyaRXWWIVl

aZTmSfEaQKuUeTq

Deep in thought, Li Jingyu looked up at the sound, “Royal Brother?”ymUOdGUGmZwzRFXdTVnocCZdQLxDDW

UDwyPjQLuIPNyxt

Li Wuting replied in a low voice, “Focus on your writing.”dykiScvnugbgQdiOIHTPuaNxIzSqwG

ZWmdkHakNFynraI

Li Jingyu glanced at Ning Rushen, “But…”KnPzTSMRWDRSYZkCsVXiWrnxXQFREf

fIvGAwLOGIRiWsA

A hand pushed his head back down, “Continue.” After a pause, Li Wuting added, “I’ll go pick out a few books for you.”qSJLZPuhwqKFdmPuXVVuWjAXNhiRQM

SXVIfvoIAfiOnRR

He stood up as he spoke.jaWbpTHNgHiJsYEUbrSgGSLyQVfrqa

ubwzNKnPQvrjhwV

As his sleeve brushed past, Ning Rushen suddenly felt a suggestive caress in his palm. When he looked up, Li Wuting gave him a brief glance before heading towards the bookshelf.GMeEmWDwqpkmECiOKJRZoTxeCldjzq

QtesFlueavzznmA

…What does that mean?FtjNCVEIbQxSVqZJRhowvAEjYOBHtA

exAoxPHGvHDlEFV

Ning Rushen’s heart pounded.PCaOtgXICQLlRLwNQbgtvqarrSFepd

rdtIuKfODNaOuyw

He watched Li Wuting’s retreating figure, and after a moment, he too stood up:giTtzKyzfZfNELDUIOmpkAIrRCxvAn

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“I… I’ll go take a look as well.”hvzHxcGYMkVxcFSSCzKephnJsXFYpn

QVFjWnuYXQJOmlt

…YraeNTGzNPgaQCPZFflUMKMCEKZIdN

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Behind the study hall was a series of bookshelves.muylDIpmykXfyYgLbcChiutJnBuaBZ

uKqChRbwcoOxkaZ

Ning Rushen followed, and just as he passed by two rows, a hand suddenly pulled him in—OaDPzEqmuUDfOBvqSqwKYfVIrYWrsn

WSOWocnVxhFvQMj

“!”aiMQqXvdfVRcOGywIZcSupvAeycPbi

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His rapidly beating heart began to slow down when he recognized the familiar face.YOSPyplVTKPoHyqeBdYHQoXazbVBpQ

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Li Wuting pulled him close, his eyes brimming with heat.IYHoNANbFkPtfeZYnPLBMSSobzSMts

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Behind him was a carved window, through which soft golden sunlight poured in, casting grid-like shadows. The light and shadows danced on their joined hands.kQFvysXgxWQkXbXRJdZKTmLVeUaFxx

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Dazed by the light, Ning Rushen looked up.PMObUHBZjURfRfeUbqYhkBgHrLbITn

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He saw Li Wuting smile, as if asking him: *What are you hiding from?*MRknxnFZEEcbMAMWHYryxCDwqndXjA

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He thought to himself, *I was just worried about your little brother still being here.*HiDBxUDRGTJUzVJShYKvmqklAGyGLj

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Li Wuting’s fingertips brushed against his again.aQSgBdDlkfrmECduGosujZDiIODQJd

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Having not been alone together for days, this rare touch sparked a current between them.yyHkuxBfejhwyMLZgIYwqhqySKxpBe

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Ning Rushen was lost in the deep pools of Li Wuting’s eyes for a few moments before he couldn’t resist closing his eyes, lifting his chin to meet him halfway.ojyFSzIGxGAjPzJNMkXuXtAGzZTrfv

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The breath in front of him grew heavier as soft lips pressed against his.VlAGyTfvArbNAQlrTSCFNtyiphoLfK

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Li Wuting’s arm circled around his waist, holding him close as he kissed him with restrained passion.SdMNvNOcvwrolrGTeiYFxbPIgLZJXn

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The study was incredibly quiet.SLtrzFzLaPyxyohHthwePtJMTCkUPO

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Through the gaps between the shelves, they could even see the front of the room.ynkbYbvxxtjrmvbTEmEhRiGhcEbUOt

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Neither dared to make too much noise; even their rapid, uneven breaths were suppressed, exchanged between their softly entwined lips.sqrptKHqbdLYrxDyuTqwsDTCBvgwCq

CWPZPOIJJCUSXsE

The restrained, lingering kiss felt like a tease.jSNCofPaKanlOxDljvYmOQzckDPCzZ

mqYDVjbFJVlQxJo

Ning Rushen’s eyelashes fluttered as he was kissed, clutching Li Wuting’s dragon robe. When his lips were pried open and he couldn’t hold back a faint gasp, “Mmm…”zUTkvXbpnvUZYINmlGhfdZFzWnKlCu

ClQncKRtVgPGCzh

It was quickly swallowed by Li Wuting’s lips.YchTVGobYbHOrdsAxJAbqRDbJWszOt

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Amidst the passionate yet restrained kiss, they suddenly lost balance, their steps stumbling back: *Thud!*YXJocXAPJDcrufRmwWPwTYaYEOJXND

HwLJnrDvhpxKNDe

The bookshelf beside them was bumped, and a book fell to the floor.FLHMqxlXuLSuRnJTinrBEZgChEhxWk

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The sudden noise made Ning Rushen’s eyes fly open as his consciousness snapped back—rvrdqXQAfPeBBKfBKqfiIHkaIwRpWv

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At the same time, Li Wuting pulled away.oDKRJBhRugHGIsRWTxtgvZadFAXbhA

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A flush crept up his tightly fastened collar, revealing a hint of his reddened neck.cAAXIZanNNyYvSLUFtrbhJpMjRZeak

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Letting go of Ning Rushen, Li Wuting bent down to pick up the book, glanced through the gaps in the shelves to the front, and said in a low voice, “We should go out now.”cfRloLcZDfesrzbOabfCpwloLVCQRl

YERNZDDLajjrJYF

Ning Rushen pressed his tingling lips together, “Mm.”HfNxgznxOjKsTwnMFXpVkKtYHFHAsG

qyZEGXXnjHymgqo

Just as he was about to turn, Li Wuting grabbed his hand again, “I’ll go out first, you follow after a while.”DUkHQPFAniIDyzlzQxdvCczgidETML

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Ning Rushen turned back: *Huh?*YMFRJBEaGbufecqQUYRdQMizyAMESY

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Why did they have to leave separately like this?GSyRuqaDrIHejBeeWdtixjlChPvaQU

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Seeming to notice his confusion, Li Wuting’s gaze fell on him, his lips curving slightly as he softly said, “If you go out now, everyone will know that I’ve kissed you.”KpUmVbNxwUiBWrGbCdjFDwLViIXBBP

poDVvFzMkWqtsAY

After speaking, Li Wuting swayed slightly and walked out.rQqmLYozJttamcIKCEkiAfwIVubaUo

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“…”xvsfCHmTaunLXFmafmZzrFwIlVvzZK

AFOSEMrVUvajEYT

Ning Rushen stood in place, his eyes slightly widened: Fuck.BvZPLwzjKSafXleLUdJJqsOyjPRYNK

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·sbIKMQzLTFifrWdPLYanqmosUKoUcL

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After calming down, he finally walked out.JsapYsruWpOhTlgEmEXGXRXWkPuTPv

wZBtizhrzAAujVQ

Li Jingyu had already finished his homework, while Li Wuting was sitting nearby, carefully reviewing it.zhSpiaZoDzzubCfKaXYhDCIjDANOqu

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Seeing him come out, Li Wuting glanced up.QfHAfeRMvTWoPyFyTDAVcdBNFNREtu

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Their eyes met, and a silent ambiguity surged for a moment. Ning Rushen pursed his lips again and sat in front of Li Jingyu.cKImtleBHQzxGnbFiJJnyfAsxRmWJW

xymtHBulvXuNhHR

The book that had fallen earlier was retrieved and placed on the table.UzwbMlwxDkyFJqdPdkNRdjyIBfGikz

JMzfBCfxemRVFCH

He glanced at it: *”Policy on Governance of Officials.”*YVTPQqPMUztIdotNymDHOewzAAvZcm

TguuaFvdoqVZOUW

This really is a step in the direction of grooming the little short legs to become the successor…SVkfRtcFtwqmYAHzFgAVrceliPOvpq

aynmUgwSeINneLR

“Come take a look,” Li Wuting suddenly called out to him, handing over a bit of Li Jingyu’s homework. “What do you think?” Why was he suddenly testing him too?bEdphVKhjLEnshnGuJUodorgSZxWZo

hsDeIszFXwVvtBv

Ning Rushen glanced at it and saw that it was about public order in the marketplace. After a moment of consideration, he leaned over and started whispering about it.evKoqmgDCjgGOIhgaBSdkpfuROvfvo

LQFfJLqJlSuOktN

The two of them were close together, their sleeves overlapping.JIJJWgFdTBjhsynwcUosWBgfqxaegL

HRkdYvKHbhPloXs

Behind the table, Li Jingyu lay quietly, watching.gnSmAZSROqvFUQYFCRnXXZTaedFBMC

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He took in the sight of Lord Ning unconsciously leaning close to his elder brother’s shoulder and his elder brother staring intently at Lord Ning. He recalled the “Theory of Innocent Evil” that Lord Ning had once taught him—BpUgdzbMjEtwUDMJHgUtHEXAfPBFTa

EsOhOfkNDLnQlik

After a moment, he seemed to have a thought:bLWMSNlHvBVgdrfIKrrpkwYnexJHTT

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I’ll note this down and use it to reel in the second brother.zOtwoSgrPyJagdvpugzkFYSEXwNhGk

SIENSGiJOQPOqRx

If second brother works hard in Jiangnan, producing a bit more grain, it could be exchanged for information about elder brother and Lord Ning.LrEmvLsMKZLmeaOHHuSYUDuobwntqC

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Li Jingyu touched the *”Policy on Governance of Officials”* again and nodded:jXtlQeKiMzGxafnsXmSlqOOgTjmpea

KBUNwEENpxsJtbG

Yes, that’ll work.HnNTYYyWxrGuZpyvfVvDeptBDtSGoB

MEANcehUGbeJToC

…MFMiggWEXVQatiJaIqUCkPqUZKjvnQ

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Li Wuting had only come to the study hall today because he found some spare time amidst his busy schedule.TgwRSIaTLtpGruzCAUgfeGGfTkXHzt

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After spending just over an hour there, he had to leave.RSurvSUdhdQoJTZSxxFcRYihgkwcKg

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Ning Rushen followed him out of the study hall.pVZuNXAdprwTTQOSSfLNoEuqvGchMo

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When they returned to the steps of the palace, the bright sunlight overhead seemed to drag them back into the heavy burden of state affairs.DCXPWvTGhaUENqDaoBzdWrbJkyvyTA

ngRhEmvhUHLvpdZ

“I have some business with the Three Departments, you…”cHQGfbraQsLrzrirzNBRqGujozMZPC

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“Hmm?”SYStbAyWlgVaQMkdeDRgQeNncPKQlu

ipiwqWsCzMieaQf

Li Wuting paused, then pressed down his words. “It’s nothing, you can go back first.”LggmdnKqyGMzzgxqFtdxkJWqjFUmjA

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Ning Rushen looked over at him.syzYHinmLrPZRWmITNXPFYJTtcxkki

ianUBjOSvLOwiWM

Under the sunlight, that cold and handsome face appeared dignified and ascetic.rAfNaMlxnXjdJWDQDiFRouBxpulSdX

XHzWUnrgDEYHcAY

—But not long ago, he had been embracing him passionately behind a bookshelf, where the sunlight poured in.peDlyxGgnaNupFJMWsRlWGwnvjHwOH

ZGjXOorViBFRwsL

Desire seemed to stir within him once more.uPAEsGysjTjRossrhxALcmFzKPtGrK

aYYYhFQutiPiZEv

Ning Rushen steadied himself. “Then I shall take my leave.”MNGZHJqHoipOyznOoioTgUSmeMjRQm

MHgcaVqSQDafqcR

·YuQMmwKRGKpspBtwOuKAnMifCqczVc

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Because Li Wuting had called him away halfway through the day, he managed to avoid Ji Jie’s grasp and stole some time off at the Ministry of Rites.fpObvpVJWyIggFrFJdFrStNVvzWDSF

vGhLEwyoJHdMfza

By the time he finished work in the evening and returned home, he was barely holding on.pGJQlboZtrBpPehsFdUTUyXlJKYIPr

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After tidying up and taking a bath, the bright moon was already hanging high outside the window.YqJeUHOarfRANdvCaKrNXMVTwsPXAH

YfyMiskjvvtGyHm

Ning Rushen sat on the edge of the bed, rubbing his hair until it fluffed up. Yan Min came in and sighed twice:cpHYZfrqkwnCZGxHbNiPgamQuTXExa

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“My lord, you… sigh… sigh…!”PHEnsTGknizXQBKQThpAvKGAeORGsO

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“When you were in the Northern Frontier, did you rub your hair like this every day?”uxdBlBXwiKJCDkYzgjiRLfKCuKdYnn

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Ning Rushen’s movements paused. He didn’t want to say that it was the wise and mighty Emperor who had rubbed his hair with dragon claws, so he mumbled vaguely:deUAjsBiNdwzMuyIdNbLFPSsSRsMcZ

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“Uh, more or less.”thKDpTFbJoRCfHxeruHoUthCMYWMXl

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Yan Min immediately clenched his fist in distress. “Hey.”kCynlIOrHnOhoVsPBnWkgvFFnOmPAm

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“…” His expression looked as if Ning Rushen were tormenting himself.OMgGkdcHmtDcYnSTwhKcIidiwAmORG

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Ning Rushen waved his hand. “Alright, I’m going to sleep.”zjmXCtJhshWIKAxMgkmRkMkrhhkTAi

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Yan Min extinguished the lamp and left the room.poSIMhVyOSbVQQtrVNGhSLPXUIsmin

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The door creaked shut, and the dim room fell silent, with only the cool moonlight streaming in from the window.ZuNgpkQdHaQYJSGfpjkbxvgKiHrsHB

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Just as Ning Rushen was about to get into bed, his gaze flickered.VTyQnWzXtjZPPgUQFDUGRbSvYCVKIE

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The slanting moonlight illuminated the shelf against the wall, and the fine sand in the hourglass reflected a faint silver glow.nPmnmbixrxcNbwpbtLTdrAXCxsJdIp

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His heart stirred, and he got up and walked over.NbrJJQZzZSwzKALxfVceLMrfJSUdVY

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From here, would it be possible…aYMYPUnhKCwkxDYDsNpJNcRXlzkrcs

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He paused, then flipped the hourglass upside down.DceKgKdpYUymYNHHJvGqxQOwKsvigj

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The shelf in front of him made a light “clang” sound and, just like the day before, slowly moved apart at both ends…gxrjihEiGmWSEnySBrlLIMdswiOqSQ

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A dark entrance appeared behind it.dxgFyqltHWecKhvhKNyWtbPoNluThH

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Ning Rushen’s heart pounded, and he felt inexplicably nervous.hDsQbwezzgVsemYvNmwNOFvoAZihGz

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After a moment, he took a deep breath, grabbed a lamp, and walked inside.QGKiePtPDQKRITRKrDVzLAXPaLYtJC

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…VgXdjIfuaBNsrOCCrDimflgVQpjxLL

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Meanwhile, in the imperial bedchamber.FHonitdiQddoJSBBnITlovzetJSAsS

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The palace doors were already locked, and the lights inside had been extinguished.hdhrQqjShVEYIdSYlMdXNHHaCfNNXZ

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The bright yellow bed curtains draped softly down, and the moonlight spilled across the floor, the night cool as water.iRVRRpgllLdLRfVPmgwYmNkGgChtXg

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On the dragon bed, the emperor turned over.flFpkDMDttnAeJacCNhUlOOwORVFbe

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The thin silk quilt couldn’t contain the heat radiating from his body, and with his arms empty, his thoughts returned to that kiss earlier in the day.lOSfBWqXMSsJHHgWdakrGgqGhDrCDE

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A kiss that ended as soon as it started—it didn’t alleviate the longing he had been feeling for days. Instead, it stirred a deeper thirst within him.WQEKXRFAkXkCqRIcwdnXXTVAopOBpb

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Li Wuting swallowed, his adam’s apple moving in his reddened throat.pYgzQPiDuinSubkGgpJHdmDGBzvPgi

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His knuckles curled around the quilt, and after tossing and turning for a few moments, he finally got up and threw off the covers.zYelEddBfqFoRaygxBKbFPqMqvBTWu

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He fastened his robe and walked toward the inner part of the bedchamber.COtRbtlFfSkmPAhKZFcImByofstaSb

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