This official is so weak

The cabinet door closed tightly again.rhfhkTOLEbLNTjzunzVRxsRrfDsPmz

EUNDKHHNDzYlWeB

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

NtuaqjGTFhaNWDD

“Go on, go on.”oUNOAjgmBTUNsPqtsuNtaorpVgWlsi

ENkWkkhlUXWTxbi

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

WcFHXgvnelqYiOL

Ning Rushen felt a lingering fear:rArVyFryuAHGygoItzvOIeuaXVQvjY

KPBhYuWTDcoEPWf

He really is a genius…nYiCPmfxTasFeFnydcvysrLYkAgIkF

wcnNZnEIUqWYCMF

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

LQASSDRcQoHYzcg

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

LcYHjQnVaRdBbgo

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

IauYKVslNEPwXkU

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

AOsvlFQrPCLVyDL

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

cFfurehdhAfpxus

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

VOwQhXLyKUJJqQR

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.”ktCYVffRxlgmdsijpamQglSOsxcJdZ

BTlAzYjhnclcVsr

“…”rGAyfLkRnmgRgatwFjiDPhmYKtSmCS

ymmwlBcGtwAbhGn

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

wppFIUlGxfwJfYI

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

QZkuugsyeamhfiw

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.WMIqWZJtWOKPtuDlNWIwYytgKynjBG

VuYxbMQHmnzYpAj

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

UqbVTwaDQFgtTNW

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

KvQADLSsjPbKcgr

Where would it lead if he walked through it?oFYbDtREBKvVDOMlXcckTUzjRrYHJX

xDfpmqlUSUvuxiy

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

wpyaSZhTFePDdao

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

wQlBCIrRRPnYYLs

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

pJuFoGTxBGllcYS

Sleep, rest, lie down.VFlIzxKwEDDXarLaQvxnVarOhNImes

hHhsRWTZcmBWwFt

…yLFaxlahaZLLbhnblXOpNPLOPDuHor

DCscxLKvkrprDxJ

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

YylEPkQltdCjbir

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

UkCvrrzOGqRWicQ

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

CLhvPRLbgmHQWaU

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:HvjfDoShLKtKvzbsKsgDSLQkKkWNxO

SjNEoJbTJubgJpA

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

EBqYCjvNkzoIbnP

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

mldQqMgOGOhtfsa

They walked through the long corridor of the hall.ySkHxkQBxXpUJoQnDmgVPsEtcvXkup

UxTyZiJoRThEbYX

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.”hGuGqzIFPnkabpogkPVHttiFKJJvJv

yTissJgxBJTghpk

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

zMWcakOweFKRGBD

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

AGXJNmLtmIuFhek

“…” Ning Rushen understood.zRJpHRqHHFwoTxwiSKNudgFmNbZvbf

KjxhbEiqaDvODtS

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

qlduZCsOFlGBoKd

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

UfKNbjawjewgXSG

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.xqcBbFuKFvzxSHXGydtvOoCkZWQKLq

RtBJANKMVLfMtUW

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

JIurZzvJIGURyBh

Li Wuting also turned his gaze.bnAiOsMrumnmSJIgOhXfXgTNIxKvmV

fuGjlFMTYYakVzY

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.”oLZgukUqJexcpMaZqjUjPaGwyWrXoS

PCcqBluJkRbZMeG

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

iTsLSkWpNYsGZtM

Li Wuting glanced at him and suddenly stood up.UaOiHdaIMgyALwiCNKQnwjYITWZtiJ

EEGONkBPgdmiQpK

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?”fNZAzUkCSMueAxBHMOHGbFXBHUVaot

fzqiqxuXxaeWhuN

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

tpnKSqDLpthbZCZ

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

hcScOhcNIkGYhOL

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

meEsvCrYkjlEKdA

Li Wuting’s lowered eyelashes fluttered slightly.eDsoPOVXtBDsbMVdIdzemzQDZfyVji

SwWrBkidMwVZMiI

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—wmTokzzOKEDonUnApAUDWHhCSWGfvF

ISfnVjdxLUcXiIT

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

scToGuUURHHpiOq

Ning Rushen, “…”XFyFKpSfVhayNLMpZiisPRSjXVLrVX

ZjGLnYIrQJYxzwC

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

weCQuolCulInbWG

This isn’t a children’s channel.EzFffmbisVlHdyPpLifTogLrCUFpSw

gyLqZuYRcGZZiUK

Ning Rushen sat back down at the small desk.yPvBqLwanaVlMWXmGaSNXQOesxpJPS

IXTJdFDFzKsFJoA

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.RQMFaBWoMXnWCLhXIBJSORvcpPiNrG

eRxqaCGpalhFvmo

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

bgBLjEOLrDhQvgJ

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.OepQXYHzAYPwRtWHjrYrAjSJEeIWte

cuzCqJwRzqHRsBk

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

AmsWCyMICKOegYw

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

DccRbOuCamRYRzV

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

BDUQTXllzWCzcbZ

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

fJHsopxgEQDUOdJ

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:uQddZWOnYVzQPwlGTaiSMaqRUtgGJv

fRqwZjkopbHCXiB

Jingyu is still right here…!KmmvgQXYtCGrKTWscsGPRkioNLKpwA

iugXiECADRouIEx

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

yDCYfiMCixByLsQ

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

BgFzYSrlouUVqXL

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

ogEJNkegMtWwmXf

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

iexSDfgfIguLGRe

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

oNcnJSqtxMdBFoZ

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

gvhSGNbnTwjcrsw

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

sAqiEBGpngHQKgL

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.ugsUJmXEedCKtMetmlnsceXoWSpPGe

vfFpbTaqAqjEjAc

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

nYjuvqxSWcOqjOQ

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

aNmPmSNCObzFRoc

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

GygldNwKOwVshCY

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

TUulSsrLYMbhJSx

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

hhuALLpnhiKpoYa

He stood up as he spoke.OLxvMDiPsQhStfwVBNiPHQouRgAnsR

TKdeJksXgffZipS

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.zvrMnqALcsJfjTOYzimvbkHgatNRSa

dmLNCNAWpPvqvCy

…What does that mean?DeAWNStvfYNIMHvLgKANhSZUyoFvWN

frPKltoCHqwyxvO

Ning Rushen’s heart pounded.YpVMdykWMfNHtRDpLIfUNUYBvKGSbD

wxVHnvKFAbgHzXS

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

UGGzoHkABOYarjF

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

txBJmDBuwlbUqTP

…GpkuUjiSEFdameOYvCzsdpAUhrhHgP

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Behind the study hall was a series of bookshelves.QlXZNFrDOuKtWjJcrATFaiBSXyxmcw

nawRTwUpmEwbEbx

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

qNaGKMpCyazvJQz

“!”brKnIunfefLbDVzhptHcgmCeZPzabh

CCexHAGBqCYMdLE

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

BvVXqGSAnomGWrS

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

qzLoAmiOickwQTD

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.dkbMXxAwyezrjEHTPmYHYevNBfdchN

ExxirQaKriLUoeJ

Dazed by the light, Ning Rushen looked up.yYUXAmXswxKjvnDLVXwgvFGuRYvUJE

ZFAeyUgsqbABbjN

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

iILCLuRCDozYcXX

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

tdHPZxriaywWkcR

Li Wuting’s fingertips brushed against his again.BkKcMdbmEtfjqOVaRsbZcupdVofkdP

RyxwhERUfNyJtSE

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

bnGiLaixERbxOZA

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.NLMbdXcSabyyEpZfVLkEBpEVBnvOOd

BpbrCozWEZNiTEm

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

pCbBONgBagszalu

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

CyutnuBRYWlBECs

The study was incredibly quiet.koOczcpbuaFVIXetxhFcspPDIIYvBi

oQYDHzLGWTavvpS

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

qAPtzuZfJCnwnUv

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

rsPvwCcmeGZvhTg

The restrained, lingering kiss felt like a tease.bmUbTHsWWUuvYFOxYJcJSqlbgBrfRx

KGJVdsFXDqXbjUT

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…”cfTcItZAPxjnULKIaGPooABJZMrjyM

BMmNZQAYTYImetG

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

BcSuldQixGgURTn

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

ZqWYvgsLHClohvI

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

IKPbMeZMwjPOJsa

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

tdVQMipBxgHoFJc

At the same time, Li Wuting pulled away.mPhKBavAOAWJgSeKfOGSYmhZdzCChP

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

AHhIsUHtSkOtTDG

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.”MfJwQMAsaspIkdGPTMNRatbtQOmphb

zOtCigAPhmJGrCw

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

lTZpuCEClDpCMjq

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

zwDzVxRSyxApYaz

Ning Rushen turned back: *Huh?*ktGqlbvCIQkbtBSQbcfmGMUYLlyxtX

OJbIuEiyKGDsVJb

Why did they have to leave separately like this?pIIMNRfwjLDuOpZRtgSzPCnjXniGhK

qrhcJEbGlTFZoFZ

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.”UlJjPNlVtjDYCiLPzzNLDYjHqVPYyp

qZItInoTdIMzmzA

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

SQGQCjFdJxqBWmV

“…”JAoGaChvqtFryZEgbDpHvzRVuPCTMF

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

XZZKpGIxdpGfRgG

·pxVzPWjkzqTlPaTWrSJcPtpSPBzqJk

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After calming down, he finally walked out.dTbpaQhnHXbweqgRHgvsxtgcRiJXzZ

iEGeiJSjZZVXNdP

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

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Seeing him come out, Li Wuting glanced up.GsNuHzKQVEBQntjAPrZkCJoPsTQyPj

PrUcGQsymhkThXt

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

ANiAWOeWMYhvRTZ

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

ZpMTuzjrZfbdOIp

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

tiAzXGPtuyyHKJT

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

fcFpnxazlxfKRol

“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?drzaBoKlGtrXZkPuVCzJljPjZceFEE

ndQHrewSMwSuteh

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.NVYQWAuRDJdgRXdPbeFvGZpmxsnVyU

CPcAdVEZZcypYxa

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

NuYxadUbkCiqBsF

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

DwmmaYHGTPHxZqp

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—HsJqnGkPyNYvxTeGRHqAwFdLGghsGU

MwZWdIFWtIPsXlY

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

YaWLsAyRmNDgInh

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

BgqvEAgbimNMjTF

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

JehSANdjrWKlUGr

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

txQkGLgUQUmwFMx

Yes, that’ll work.UewTaYZgsbrGWQNuywMyBuiVjYVPlv

GvRfbnUqAkluJnz

…yQNvldqsyIVsfDJTdjtolKGktjypwi

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

waVIBxAGYyGrVAW

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

TippODRPcWyccFs

Ning Rushen followed him out of the study hall.eKwBjFNNdRRmEsZNyHCBxTFKAgDmuL

LDXDPQxzkXZnUiV

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.FTudlqmkKvPeFWrnxAnorctbnquPvx

KLvpnGnpVGttlnx

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

MeDuEQvFSSABvSD

“Hmm?”lhjsmDuSIqOWUyNZyMMZOiGuKiZclj

wqWEeAujWQYaiap

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

FFDnpEOhbJpuSyU

Ning Rushen looked over at him.GRvDvUHgPImbgImVpqYINIzZEQQvyC

SnIqAwRIFmuhFJH

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

GzRjsJFhlSFsaKa

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

xLcrdLgUBjEFGrj

Desire seemed to stir within him once more.gjJbdAmslQmTmehhVYEjDswJbdjpZl

pGzZWjUnmZbaRvD

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

LJpKvLiMzpDLHub

·ZwMrDGlblLzWoGQwLqeYCvgYkDqQnn

BSitesZdlnasXoe

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.vZDpJVUcWjWAkowuQHvsOZnPCSuDtN

wMHqxZZCQTxldoy

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

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

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

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

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

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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:JIaxSivZNrdDWfhhFhdIkIiFTXopIl

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“Uh, more or less.”JfGUqcVzShgtjRPIFBPSYeFhQKhUDC

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

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

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

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Yan Min extinguished the lamp and left the room.fqQffMsXgQhuiKfFTVKKjnKdkFcxHI

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

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

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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.PTZvfmlGhduUoOtqKornjMZNWZBsCH

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

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From here, would it be possible…MLVJUuSKldtHZheOaapcKbtvXXyNDd

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He paused, then flipped the hourglass upside down.zWZWkHMcTqEqGfabzIENnHLFeiXDwe

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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…ExYctgKXzUMnBnmGDrHDJIFVWabVop

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A dark entrance appeared behind it.hLhZieXAIuUzGEehrobOZYSIIrBOke

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

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

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…YAHiEmSLnMMarZvfmrMlncaWHnnDTK

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Meanwhile, in the imperial bedchamber.PlqIPSxJfEruFLplbbMCquDDjXZTWc

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

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

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On the dragon bed, the emperor turned over.tzGaZORVQvNduKdwwsvOxyYryTlmTs

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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.kdgJtBKkyYXyhmQPnxYmteFxjSBrNg

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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.PzUDlsgTmZzUaKKExxCAETlPLVQfSc

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

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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.CYRBYFZbnTVdVPiwTDVBmBUQwzevto

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

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