This official is so weak

Ning Rushen held the candle and walked further into the tunnel.xekUObjiEpTQxMenEJlBEXYZMGrwvb

KtwPgllPHUarZMA

Ahead was pitch black, and he had no idea how much further he needed to go.IyeetdZjAODfOcNgPGdBkMgRMymZkY

ETiKlqRCVNTUWnb

He suddenly felt uneasy: Could this really lead to the Dragon’s Lair?NcykwVNPchXlcsobpacsWESuJdxxcY

KDacYHeIQjzHlri

What if it hides some royal secret, like a giant skeleton sitting at the end of the passage…FzDnCVLQXfzAMMGffIsyrZOAbVuwnC

nVpfraHEghhcINu

Or perhaps, there was no end to the path at all…zOfuclkWKvVMFsmksHkGoJmCLsumYE

wnxczBiviEboNOg

As his thoughts scattered, a faint sound of footsteps suddenly reached his ears from ahead.pvAFqmqbsLbhpVxGUFlkAqNPdMWzRl

PxTIatfNseWiXwl

Ning Rushen’s heart tightened instantly, and he stopped.kaHwgqqJLMHFiqJNnpeicIyIgYgaNm

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Just as he reached the corner of the hidden passage, the candlelight illuminated the corner of the wall a meter ahead.wbvveLQcStoEdwoLlmpFoEPYQYfgrr

nvYkbBpjsqJDjIK

The next moment, a figure suddenly flashed by.ENLZqQdBFGHhBdDEEFvJdJXzZDQGAT

lZPivIVPOGxeSVA

He was so startled that his whole body tensed!hAXzbPOMNiujCGmpZtXXZLnmPKFrzr

ZnYpvroIwpHwXyA

The candlestick nearly slipped from his hand, but it was quickly steadied by someone else. At the same time, his wrist was gently held, the warmth of the person’s palm soothing.dIhvnkeqnguPOBbGmlQuwrmBFWmPVy

iwKklKkbNmOUVqK

When Ning Rushen looked up, he saw Li Wuting standing in front of him, wearing a bright yellow outer garment draped over his shoulders, and a nightgown underneath. His handsome features appeared more defined in the flickering candlelight.YJbwWjMFYRSsHfcbjKeuZlPoeqGRXw

HVWTWTNojsYiwxU

“Did I scare you?”huxfkZfAKGJvkZcSswmnaWfBiPOLXO

sWBGgkCpvlcMpWk

“… Do you even need to ask?”VlLNhfIPLiExlyszxHWZlpeyMdplMT

OwSEhYJSixuhguY

Ning Rushen’s heart hadn’t calmed yet. “Your Majesty?”JfOkqqccozulpigwcwhPVFKFkKeyfN

IDSPhcNBsyNtjGQ

At this moment, he was only wearing a thin inner garment, with his dark hair spilling over his shoulders, his face soft and delicate in the candlelight.gAMklKHeSrvXCzSVbxFrorneFVtXDF

gJLnafwsBJQaJEX

His eyes were slightly widened, as if still in shock.RtOXmHDjTghvxvdIaLQIKPVzXLEHGy

IHlHXdNhqVofUJV

Li Wuting couldn’t help but pull him into an embrace. The warmth of his chest was overwhelming, and inwardly, he sighed:kfkmswMluzOLJOQGKwahWPZtQrgQsb

MEaNuXeiMMSLnpu

“How did you find me?”VwpfeRRwTfWfqyfdNeUAbAsvnnObpR

XywlLfQStkpAHhL

In the quiet tunnel, there was no one else around.hpAZytPMDaeOcJfTGVtSZcvzFnZHDY

RuiyePsrNnBeaHv

Ning Rushen, now wrapped in the warmth of Li Wuting’s arms, finally regained his senses. He couldn’t quite explain it, but mumbled, “It… was just a flash.”PKYqwjnVblKgpaJAalXaMxgpzKTJfH

HMnarMqxxEXYksT

Li Wuting, “… ”kBVSaRuBBRHTfVFIccAHWCLcGAuYTw

YwhoCPlFnDnqpcb

Li Wuting seemed at a loss for words, pausing before tilting his head. “Shall we go back to sleep?”RxmdlyAxoksMdQgOARNUqjFHvJGZNf

EEhnxcCgAdOWRds

Ning Rushen responded, then suddenly realized that they had successfully met up, feeling unexpectedly happy. “Where shall we sleep?”QhqEmtlLWwjsynjQbKuTTNJtekcifR

zBFnkwsMxUuTYAU

“It’s still far back. It won’t be convenient for you to return to the residence tomorrow morning.”UPrnrXoesfCGGinxbuaSUPawTbTLgJ

zDujntgQOScWMeg

Behind them, less than a hundred meters away, was his main bedroom.RWxaMpPuJuGExSGkFSgOFBXeqDlEpJ

DedbkkZlTFhtArY

Ning Rushen’s heart warmed. “Then, let’s go to my place.”zquggxLlurHnmJASzajBqxwMHVeymp

VscWBXdCEmBmEEY

The emperor before him pressed his lips together, suppressing the modest joy he felt. “Mhm.”
Ning Rushen turned around, but as soon as he took a step, he was pulled back. Li Wuting’s gaze fell on his feet—his slender feet were only covered by socks, nearly bare as they touched the ground.QvWbHuaNPCZvkXsQiIGbdGDVXMDEvm

cgfnQuNtvLlCeua

He exhaled softly. “You’re being reckless again.”qZdSseaqAHhiKkgIfiQTLiQrMYxLnX

cZpusBhKyuVAjIj

Before Ning Rushen could react, his feet suddenly left the ground, and he was swept into Li Wuting’s arms.HXluDxKhtbXPfamgmyLUGMlXoYwjSb

LfkkiYaHANlNgMA

He was startled for a moment, instinctively tightening his hold around the other’s neck. “Your Majesty!”FitEWpWvOXDgjYVGQargfqzIBhesBA

hOAfkEyNQVKyxAU

“Don’t move around. Hold on tight.”hIvTLIWXHFwgyiNxwrGpJgNcWCmOIa

VtetqWFOEmqOUZE

Li Wuting held the candle with one hand and supported him with the other, walking back without breaking a sweat.XLxthJVTnyxxiUXBPPAtbjPwzCGovf

rWMlrdJIhiDPCEC

“…”dghPrilsNcLYluQiNFcGXNIsCWYlco

cIDDfuxfWYHhpwI

Ning Rushen, still trembling, clung to him in confusion: Is this… normal?qqFnWsYexUinzgZAYTAaAdkzpXvOdb

irEOeLsjKFHFvHx

…OTvhbwIEbSDLCdgiVuUvnGnOgEZxpB

ROVnapBMTCNTUeg

It wasn’t long before they reached the end of the tunnel.aAgYkACxTbstWypIPMHeYjnVPPHTSG

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Li Wuting fiddled with something by the wall, and the door opened again.QaXgtFXkHHUyZXPUtPRsOvxdjyAGjy

fdyhoiXBASourPH

A bright moonbeam streamed into the room, illuminating the private space beyond the door.TRioXtlKgjmquvrLvJIKqxjDCOSZMN

TsTsnahbUJuwEWY

Ning Rushen was set down and immediately took the candle to place it back on the desk. Outside, Yan Min, the night guard, and Shi Yi, the groundskeeper, were still on watch. Just as he was about to extinguish the candle, he turned to find Li Wuting still standing there.XEwKBBxHjBscFaAZgULQEcTwXTURgC

zrUnlzPFPntgcTE

“What’s wrong?”AotodVeHCMjRJlzdvQoTGgyrlIfQSb

MIUoEvhrpmxMwFK

Li Wuting clenched his fingers in front of him, his posture upright and formal. “I… think I’m a little nervous.”bIMbCsCjdyhDlSpvdDWSMcwOlTocyM

RUIoehecefkkZjk

Ning Rushen’s throat moved, his heart skipping a beat.ByHBfNcrIaoRFWLQWuAqRtktoyIVyx

mWPfViBCJyrFPtj

He hadn’t felt anything before, but now, he was caught up in the same nervousness. He turned to blow out the candle and then casually sat back down at the edge of the bed, trying to act calm as he patted the space beside him.pkieLcZdgsaVzswQAmYnEjlkVzAbUZ

FTptXHUmbIcYazq

“Come… Come up. Treat it like your own home.”GTPMEOhzYrPktRxCyObdVSjQDogvYQ

HHhkYdosTUxjJpF

“…”qJjZGBFzKLYTHzPnmCyDMwKmqdCFEq

gsKHPQalRydbxrR

Li Wuting moved closer, walking over to the bed.NBuJKKHqvwXValCUIuhhjCXVBJVFql

AbPxkWaXnqbWsBJ

The bed curtain was drawn down, and the two of them lay together on the bed. The tightly pulled drapes blocked out the moonlight outside.sDYaUuaUBDxWwjjwgagciDeFgSgbOz

iTTarArroosLAQS

As the blanket covered them, Ning Rushen was pulled into Li Wuting’s arms.pPsWDEFVfVufYaynHKBNNnKgoxMxOu

wkgvLoRsPZYJkrT

Li Wuting casually asked, “What, is this not considered my home?”FAQcbiifeuDfSSsDSKVcxGGikXQmuF

vyeNpEpUSKsvnbd

“…” Why is he being so particular with words? “I guess so.”NHQJgKLhwKoOkQXiKKzjXIgmIlpivC

yfiUJjKwMraaSfG

The hand on his back patted him with satisfaction. Li Wuting then asked, “So, what brings you here tonight?”JWMFvWossCWmlditlQNiSlqJhvyoGs

DIPjgiUGczYfjZC

Ning Rushen, trapped in his embrace, countered with a question, “What about you, Your Majesty?”xlJyiqbkqkHQwfSYwipyyyJKKLTCUn

kZSwOCWXVWIWush

Li Wuting answered, “I just wanted to see you. Couldn’t sleep.”UXNwmgGpXsnjqCgAghqXneLMzTDULA

QCWrTcEIOEaGLxz

Ning Rushen’s heart skipped a beat: Who says something like that so plainly…!RIDJHqnOOuSUYGAdKowicKWbvjsKWn

hEhdOJAmKgsJUmV

He grasped the fabric of Li Wuting’s clothing, suddenly reminded of the letter Li Wuting had sent him before—NNkUmXoddNiDVyrySaiubslUsLPBcf

GDmzJAyHvNNnalL

“Just like when I went to the Northern Border?”CoraYKFojKKGIuImYPVGzKufhcqxVn

JtLlSdlylIFTyUa

There was a brief silence, as if Li Wuting was seriously considering his words.SlvZiLjfSmOOzyuCDfCyUNhvpoZhHb

saorqGWpvnJLAve

Then, the embrace tightened a bit more, and Li Wuting buried his face in Ning Rushen’s shoulder, his voice hushed, “I want you more than that time.”kcDuQBKTMDqOtgIopQyhMWDfsWyIur

kOPhQIpGVoBriTP

Ning Rushen was moved, but suddenly felt the weight of Li Wuting’s body shift closer.ZqIOGFDciNwpCkQqTZhZYhWujdyOyd

eXJKnlGMErOxXOg

“…” It seems he really does want it.NkETmTXPSzimnotdrkQCmLopSlyCRu

ydXaGgVfCQvpzUZ

Ning Rushen’s face flushed, and he shifted his neck awkwardly. Then, he heard Li Wuting ask, with both desire and formality, “Do you want it?”mcPBXNjFrcxcvApDBguPGrGEgoiGQD

YgMVnEklrDCUyFS

He feigned hesitation, thinking for a full second, then replied, “… Yes.”tedCBEnzvrzrVsbVgUObEtughKgTSj

FBgLzdTvUmtXxhT

The bed curtain fell, hiding the intimate scene.SWWTtxizCYTwqwHdZnJTWWKxAFKlex

uPuCHWNYDBdMaTX

Under the moonlight, only the faint rustling of the gauze could be heard, and the beams of the bed frame swayed slightly, casting a thin stream of light.bSksqBujHgiyfSzgSxvYoOLYYaWOJo

QWaBVztLOpUJFjR

“`dCFYAnfURBAiEjalzJVPLtHGmSArXj

tDWbJbYhvPLffSx

The next morning, Li Wuting left.ujQRMribKvPKKZaEaWdhODedVumovj

ItYMBZXZwLIAAEq

As Yan Min entered the room, he was surprised to see his usually bed-loving master already sitting on the edge of the bed.VghSpYZSzJWipIYmQaDIRpcyTlzepC

IaioySvXntXiSEn

“Why are you up so early today, my lord?”aJlMMMzpwvvBKcyWsfBvirwLwkmuLz

fbVfdwUEtnexNiC

Ning Rushen, with a calm expression, finished putting on his official robe. He thought to himself, Luckily, Li Wuting left quickly, the tunnel just closed.BVfBjWCKMIRXIQXRtXtWRgxDuiBCXj

zxPiIbkrfqOTmGE

He spoke seriously, “I used to have no choice, but from today, I want to be an active and positive…”OfYQBQqsZTKJVESrkXRyMYoTmNvpRn

aQMXkklyjOXYuZE

As he stood up, a bright yellow sash suddenly slid off the bed and onto the floor.sCpBUSIwoXlHDQKoWOJnVjytgDZaom

VvgEOjiSvDtcXrL

Both of their gazes immediately fell to it. Damn! Ning Rushen’s pupils contracted, and he quickly scooped it up, tossing it behind him.kULPIEyhkdQHSjOyHmllZsCPixHdEk

EIhOsbsMeQjNCYa

Yan Min blinked, “What is this…?”ExWQzHwCYjHIAuCQUcCdncfbaDwasU

sBjJJSWflxgdASC

The rare yellow fabric was incredibly eye-catching.JwjgsggrsLAJLuBiFcweACrcLfQrhE

mtpaoyRbZTDwOEq

Ning Rushen, still flustered, rubbed it a few times before stuffing it under the pillow. “It’s a holy item I got from the temple, helps with sleep.”UDezNEzYWctvCUoPUjQAUBBWlcrANd

AOjMmpcYdhytqpE

Yan Min was confused, “Oh, I see.”LqtjMtCCGvhvjVJCEEmXnfvZAXKcXZ

NJXmpYqePxFbjzx

Ning Rushen’s heart raced: Li Wuting really…zOcYlqEAuUcNbRZhtrwilkCTZVnzyp

gzEAndBIreUzCyQ

Why did he leave him a little ‘souvenir’?NmirblmKdTPVRJzFHuLpWIQskbCtrY

CvGLMxMaYuVizLS

In the following days, court affairs continued to be busy.zoyVBEfqlVODozbefjIvuQnLOkWsyd

njniolJpEVmtdjh

—Especially as November rolled in, and with the end of the year approaching, both the cabinet and the six ministries were in full preparation mode.zFjImxVOoPrPSxHHBlNLFLlREudweb

UQVwMCezXQNjJZj

Ning Rushen was so busy every day, he felt like he was spinning in circles.nKYkgiTrrHRVFTQTQBUGuEYUgwszlP

xfkZTmDQtPqaEyA

Thankfully, there was a hidden, almost miraculous way to recover his energy—every now and then, Li Wuting would return with some support.SWMAiepQOZFpbqmPWxVGvZBsgSKbnb

ofNZtJQjDTulnfT

At the moment, Ning Rushen was in the Wenhua Hall sorting and reviewing memorials.lFZQPKQCXiRXYWQnQVaiIhljbncxSk

BethHuQAfOYFcCi

The memorials covered a wide range of topics, and each had to be prioritized according to its importance. He had just finished going through reports about banditry when his thoughts wandered back to Li Wuting’s words the other day about “pacification”…oOOXBrUBCyUAvnyavSHngaawADbrvv

tdHIOZdCTequrJn

As he flipped open the next memorial, he was taken aback when he saw the words “Taking a Consort.”PBGxLWCjZOpsirgnURjaNesEwlCaNq

RjEGDiuXqSsgpUV

Ning Rushen froze for a moment, stunned.UsvEMQNVdvaVtadmwRTOlvenoTNfqJ

GaDCenEIEvxCSuI

Beside him, Ji Jie, who was responsible for the final review, noticed his pause and turned to him. “What’s wrong?”iRKZVJrLDsOLJdkvvTHXqGnpChYSCz

bLvGYefiSXJzoLu

Ning Rushen couldn’t find the words immediately.VMBnvCRWlfaaRlQYLeJLGmyPDLVyru

eXpKaZbuNprSrMM

After all, the memorial seemed perfectly normal: to the public, Li Wuting was the emperor of the Great Cheng dynasty, and it was expected that he would take a consort and establish a queen.VwsOVgZAiHkiMiaslpGVcGSezgvxIY

wTWeDdTLsNWiLpg

He didn’t doubt Li Wuting’s feelings for him.vYJCgRpXAPCihxZVBxViJTdJJxtbXW

llnuawrpLPxephQ

But… He flipped through the pile of memorials again: So many ministers eyeing the position beside the emperor…KJVoTWBSlwowzWWqMGsdziQBpeVCJw

DRXjeGUkBkaoFDX

What should Li Wuting do?BipiVvCmeCZeRVueRCyQravUQrdQan

BxOBtMLkjhoxMmj

Thoughts swirled in Ning Rushen’s mind. Ji Jie, noticing that he hadn’t said anything, leaned over curiously to take a look:MvhJcxDDJpBzTZdAgZLkaxWcpwDGGb

osMZnCBKFyVMoQs

“Oh, when His Majesty first ascended the throne, the factions in the court were still in turmoil, so it wasn’t a priority. Later, His Majesty personally led an expedition, and this matter was temporarily set aside…”IpqwZRxieewwahYImSWfTRnyVGyczX

eOnVYGPZtqPYbgv

“Now that the four corners are peaceful, it’s naturally time to bring it up.”mmiBOIawdvYhVYMxxJlCQvPvIxzgVZ

UsizQFOSBunOygI

Ji Jie sighed, “It’s a pity that Lord Ning has no sisters at home. Otherwise, he could have at least been sent to the palace and made a consort.”OUFHrYERaeaGyHJhKkoNmxiBFkQebI

LCJhvdbAQswYJzS

“…”TsSUyRPdhXcGoMQBACecLfuezFERoo

vRTdwWQBshAGoRQ

Ning Rushen swallowed hard, thinking to himself, I’ve already been there in person.wsrKnpoarXbvfvGRBSJeGvZbSVKxoR

euyKgWGahDxlvTt

He handed the stack of memorials to Ji Jie and mumbled, “I suppose so.”tPqjIyZrmxHKRqeqymtzwnMPGUoqWW

TtjAwwjAMVhyWHm

Once the memorials were sorted, they had to be presented.KbBoPrFlumjwYDVKgPpcXzYBRMlgGa

wrVdwTFqPrTEZlU

Ji Jie finished his final review and turned to Ning Rushen, “Lord Ning, please take this to His Majesty today.”ELpnyvtGgLGlMrLpLwzSsOHWSenFzI

KPOwNOuTchKOtdw

“Alright,” Ning Rushen replied, glancing at the memorials. The very first one was the memorial advising to “take a consort.”eMeDjktDIuellATSeeNzYTChNFVzbt

YwlEegYDPqpgeCt

He pursed his lips but didn’t move it, holding it tightly as he went to find Li Wuting.PBEtzwXAEJDYdvZvpLUXBkIgCJAxvU

iHjauARYspeeQyD

Entering the Imperial Study.OtYIAGTuKhZxpOcWNQBXYXPsbzXtyx

NSScmmGxUlOKelo

Li Wuting was holding a brush, writing something. Upon seeing Ning Rushen, the furrow between his brows relaxed. “You’re here.”xwUIfrTkjsabItgQFlYrZPuzhaQEDj

GGrSkbxjRYqsFOC

Ning Rushen gave a faint hum, placing the memorials on the emperor’s desk.lbdtCQHrQUmXBUigWZCICswPhzkTrE

HYpwKWrUyojWACM

It seemed that Li Wuting sensed his distracted mood today and, feeling somewhat indifferent, he blinked. He pushed a stack of memorials toward Ning Rushen, whose gaze was immediately drawn to them. He casually opened the first one—okuChgKZPtEGjYZiWbyXBWeUJwkjlp

HiNuuEEmyhOGkdD

The words “Take a Consort” suddenly caught his eye.xTeIIDtKavONRXgiZrFJAbFOlPXthz

LRAXXsHtRhxWCru

Li Wuting froze for a moment and then looked at Ning Rushen. “…Did you read it?”pYbQjLDEFliwvAzYxXktRTCiidSruv

KFxjtFRmfzdDLwo

Ning Rushen tried to act natural. “I don’t pick memorials based on my feelings.”dUEvjGiBtWLlUFiKiFbsJmqyqxdPpT

YbuLReAFaSzSDEf

The room fell silent for a few moments.SyLdAwdfPLZzHQOvsZoImVpmlrlbcT

oRwQitlUmqivUAQ

Li Wuting suddenly spoke, “Everyone, out.”PmyFTVulalxXsAJwNHqKemyGYGosrT

xpNQPPOqsIjiETy

Dequan immediately led the palace servants out with a rustling sound.dKnsZxpJbuhIRsMsEejVVHvyhhheVg

vLUrOuSvYnVYdFS

Ning Rushen glanced up, confused. What’s going on?apbAlFVRzsIfXJvGpzBdnnhGhJQTff

rOJkdndkwxizyDd

As the door to the Imperial Study closed, Li Wuting had already walked up to him. Before he could even get a good look at his expression, he was pulled into an embrace.LLMPrOukKMSyBBdemsizSLwFoSSvAK

ZPstClobthdiTHs

Li Wuting’s arms tightened around him. “I’m not taking a consort.”XWoZNsjVSriAiqXxhWZBTUEKbxzHpH

qjGzPGGozBGnDWZ

Ning Rushen’s heart jolted, and the remaining clouds of doubt disappeared. He grasped Li Wuting’s sleeve. “Is it because…?”wWxoGsghnyILCBJzZWSdunaawVYbcM

XihkQGMNvgbmYwD

“You know why.”uFEGDDAqGXDWVFlfzFnWFBdzJUPEBV

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Li Wuting closed his eyes and whispered in his ear.jkdKuNUkxZpLeOmFgwvRowOQoYEZUT

eGZOdLteNBWQLCM

His large hand gently caressed the back of Ning Rushen’s neck, stroking it twice. After a pause, he pulled back slightly, his voice a bit hoarse. “I won’t have a wife or heirs.”UlVjGKnUTIHKPjtesenyiZfSfXNxEa

qSQMMeqSaqGPZNs

Ning Rushen gazed deeply into his focused, profound eyes. “Mm.”MpEOojBYenSFehMInkySNbwpDWJVvG

eoYXMXIDwNSgQVp

“But what I feel for you… is not because I don’t have a wife or heirs.”cjpllLyfcQhHNSJMyiMCWgaeCsbRZL

aoXNctCtDWpFQJV

Li Wuting’s gaze was intense as he took Ning Rushen’s hand and placed it over his chest. The strong and rhythmic beating of his heart surged against his palm, clearly conveying his deep emotions.hjYzzqNNwsVEXPzxRPLbjsyXCGxwHe

QyzPifBAwvDeVfg

“…Do you understand?”xbOtZMroqXvyqbOLUgMUMgKtcSycNQ

DneAvlkNniJypua

Ning Rushen’s fingertips trembled as they felt the heat from his chest.DFnQOorwGbvUfUSmKlAgKZtzwtUfqh

SpOisMWhBHtPKYr

He withdrew his hand, and in the brief moment when Li Wuting’s breathing hitched, he leaned in and kissed him.RsrxWDlFyZFetavlDLuRGzxOedZZiu

sFqxUankeVDOPjI

“Your Majesty, I feel the same.”FzVXLlNItlbBwmDmOkvkQbUouqCpOu

xVtSSbMiUuuvtZg

As the words left his lips, his eyes suddenly welled up with tears.VHYKYYjnPVYeYTmmykjzJICjvSlvfR

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Emotions surged inside him, filled with a raw, yet tender love, making his nose tingle.xNXcVFZDHUbvlTiXzHNISbqiLvqQLC

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The emperor, seeming moved, pulled him back into his embrace, pressing him against the desk. “Feel the same about what?”cdOxwCkiXOPOIAeGRIljEkMkFvHcoA

JPnxOIDuanQSbuz

Ning Rushen rubbed his lips against Li Wuting’s and took his hand, pressing it against his own chest.MScGjzGupHHfECImMMUnJROMYqDlGf

TEZlocRcybondTk

Li Wuting’s large hand wrapped around him. He had originally wanted Ning Rushen to feel his heartbeat, but suddenly his hand was shuddered with a tremor and fell limply onto the desk. “Mmm…”RgsHuPVVHPFgRDaHeKkSDTvEoPGdAI

NxDvcQCgktJdIEX

The world spun as his vision blurred, his head resting against the beams of the Imperial Study.mLsBRBQaqfFJZOHiFrqNqlurHYktLe

iijDlWYBQiGHgFF

The memorial advising to take a consort was swept aside and fell onto the floor with a rustling sound.XNsPGkOzibgCLZshWeASbUNcSxSgXS

TYMqONPwuwQDAJK

Li Wuting pressed forward and kissed his subject on the solemn and sacred imperial desk.KzODQkaLlxBfdAJeFipIFzovAMwWJZ

fknuImrtszoWPZr

Ning Rushen wrapped his arms around the flushed neck of the man, with messy memorials and books scattered underneath him. The bright red official robes were draped across the table, and one hand supported his leg. “Hah…”ReNCKkPvPwxsNjYEDtDttpSYfFdjyG

gJfDgvSpogLMgnP

Their lips and tongues intertwined, emotions stirring.tnHlxYeLgKODLCZpHrpoefOMuZrcvj

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Ning Rushen’s eyelashes were moist, his breath erratic and hurried, his thoughts muddled, as if his mind had been stirred into a pot of hot porridge.cnrUpFZcejqbsoNtlfCTNhviGbFTSB

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In the meticulously arranged imperial study, it had become unbearably heated.ltJIeYrgSTVjxyMVdQhiNzhOfqBQUN

tgdvSweEdGJDFdX

The imperial brush dipped in cinnabar was knocked over on the desk, spilling brilliant vermilion ink, which stained the sleeve. Amid his fevered trembling, Ning Rushen’s hand slid down the desk, and the cinnabar ink accidentally stained his fingertip.fOhlGPtcyHBEJRUOdhnqGfmBpgpFwK

cmHKMMigavaQdhY

His jade-white fingertip now seemed tainted with rouge.FMLfkVwzvAlivViImAGbAJPijHrnRD

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As the emperor, unable to control himself, leaned down to kiss the side of his neck, Ning Rushen pressed a hand to his lips, a trace of red ink brushing his lips.hFGPFxFHKEpwBTswKjWlyJZVVUbCvp

aaHjquZWdXnBUOg

“Your Majesty…”pdMYboXqkwdiJYGDwMpWgTnMEYkwPH

yUOpmGgReGvkxqq

Hearing this, Li Wuting propped himself up, his heart stirred as he saw Ning Rushen’s gazing eyes, the faint red tint on his lips. His stable hand nearly failed to support him.yZghQqGQdRYKFTzwKbdQsCPDOgtBIv

reZNePBBXfZAQNc

After a brief moment of distraction, he quickly became aware. “Don’t lick.”rZkIavalyBWivDexantMuVtAaWzZIv

mqcNvppSnigaGcm

He pressed his finger to Ning Rushen’s lips. “Cinnabar is toxic.”pnYGvnQdTcOmmCZVYSAuEdyRLMLlHe

HhpCDxukInYQaWo

“Mm…” Ning Rushen, with his lips pressed, couldn’t close his mouth. His official robes were in disarray, scattered across the imperial desk.tfYuNDdeJognLKhDZzsuNVQTRMKgof

UQwcaaQlPCAMoyn

He seemed to be immersed in strong wine, his gaze soft and intoxicated.OFEdwoSVBhvsjLxhCcJxldCOThqEZs

anZWOMLkILXcSye

When he was pulled up by the waist and gently held by the emperor, a hand patted his back, and only then did he come back to himself.yZkbancZEmmkVZjVnaKnvhWtAhgzUg

tLYQbtSnFJTOzFB

A voice rang out from above. “Dequan, bring water and a dry cloth.”JLvMHUpdXRpjLdLRoADgkCqdVMTTbD

tqvFaUXMpLoouxI

There was movement outside the imperial study, and the door soon creaked open.DulznFFBvITCJZqQERBTPegWuRgvRP

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Dequan entered with a basin of water and a cloth, instinctively closing his senses, raising his hand to present them.gOUqHawFplrhgkJAvQnkNCIyXkqJPQ

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Ning Rushen saw the water basin coming so close to the emperor’s face and thought:FkZtQlBPUczmFmOTDNVUPHacRknKCy

mONDDLZyqqmHRmB

…What exactly is Dequan doing? If one didn’t know better, they might think he’s trying to feed Li Wuting face-wash water.ZalutXqlNYtyaqCjYfFwlrhiLjspaa

OuUohreAVcxiUrM

Li Wuting lowered his eyes. “What are you doing?”bjFJjcDYFKUESZXHolUVOfciwQgVzm

DSjVLsUBwPbQEez

“?” Dequan secretly opened his eyes. Seeing that they were only slightly disheveled, he immediately regretted and stepped back a little, speaking in a remorseful tone.NkdXQoiZdqEScfKNJzFETMimvaBGSi

OeHCSYorisLtfKk

“Your Majesty, forgive me! Please use the water.”ZMMsAzSYjHgWpxpjgYQLWluKHhiViB

KnPyYpeILbSJHUC

Ning Rushen’s gaze met the familiar face, and the door to his realization opened.UkdMWUyNJouNQOCIgOgqEhGrYTmLtF

edQCpkFrKZhyICm

He dared not close his mouth, only trembling slightly as he adjusted his robe. This Dequan… always going off on his own!BlsOxxaZrNtlYjpsgvfNNsuCxEohqy

GmkaUqzBOMuJUlY

—Though, what just happened between them could definitely be considered chaotic as well.KJiBEBmkkEXfhuOWBQnglFsOOdgfbS

rKZyoAOkEjagdTs

“Come here.” Amid his wandering thoughts, Li Wuting pulled him over. The wet cloth wiped away the cinnabar from his lips. “You didn’t lick it?”AjHYDYPPPPPwiKdBqWbAvoYjMsqxDI

JgLXkgQbOxsljds

Ning Rushen opened his mouth. “Eh… I didn’t.”FhtFBAaYgrFgyRjQlqHuvDnUQStOsr

BSLqKYSgNhPplbo

Li Wuting relaxed, his gaze lowering as he carefully wiped.hrzsSJyPUvyOLrJZvjswSucCSDPKfV

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The imperial study quieted down once again.EwJkVPoAYyKeqwJxYzLhfaFrArNVer

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The emotions that had been stirred earlier gradually calmed, and during the delicate and quiet wiping, a tender and intimate atmosphere emerged.GTvZACmIppCbsUHBuPBSpgFqcTfexu

FPdqSrrGQLobMCZ

Ning Rushen tilted his head, allowing Li Wuting to handle him.AFRMQKytgrcMhhGHUoUqgBNXsBgMjW

bnWGWdCuzFymSEf

The wet cloth was pressed gently over his lips, wiping them until they were moist and red. Li Wuting paused, unable to resist and lowered his head to kiss him.WDihqSVHvRKoIrHCJvsEOgZTTkyzej

hYPxWBSKKLhocLV

Ning Rushen jumped in fright. “Is it clean now?!”hfWRhaGeBbaIyRzDyJyZpTsklYNXFg

GiHZsZOImYsNMWF

He wouldn’t be poisoned by the kiss, would he?BVcKdmJrhPdNZtzIgIgicheHfFCltn

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What would he say if the imperial doctor asks about it later?EXCJDAIBOhzKMBHnEUwZPddoqmVUpf

OXaGBAGaHYEzJzi

Li Wuting pressed his lips together. “Not bitter, it’s clean now.”kfiaAwAlmlzQVDGHLbAdZPJbfsYnfP

WGBBBvxQfwzqfLo

Ning Rushen sighed in relief.qBlwVjMiiOiEwnfYjdDrOQbvOFptwM

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His wrist was suddenly caught under the sleeve, and Li Wuting withdrew his fingers, looking at him for two moments before suddenly asking:PORQEUigJPlVVEcQMYKDfFweSDZyUV

iMGWrfTvcpgxpxJ

“Do you still mind?”RCDoekTTmidzLlGtwFyrDZziFWYQBM

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Ning Rushen froze for a moment and raised his eyes.cFNgkddbpaIoLyodPLgPeZRVHJIHqo

QreQqCEJdEenXqW

Li Wuting’s expression was calm yet focused, his tightened fingers showing a hint of nervousness.xncTHxETzYSEjwuIeeuYTwGKEJiURn

YLXGWgbdUqtyyWC

His heart felt like it was against his throat, and he gripped Li Wuting’s hand in return. “…I don’t mind.”hnQLQclrUdktBXUeWduCrHZTvAmqoE

MptpICKveKcLnHH

He never truly minded, though he was somewhat concerned.aNhGSXApHhwqyrBqTFgkIJAapEhgwm

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Li Wuting relaxed, his brow softening as he smiled slightly. “Mm.”fagDxxNWRPcsUCwbsqwcxJFlJjrxgq

CmPtFLvtxxEAelD

Ning Rushen couldn’t resist his look. His emotions were stirred deeply, and he looked away to regain his composure. “Then, what about the matter of the concubine?”kdkobEKIWbArPrUuLDuBfTReEuHpZD

bDNvXLOqhjzbBbF

There had to be an explanation to the outside world.uHhZWRgarqhmCbUhIgozGEeqbyiJaC

WwQTTFscVuIKTuK

The room fell silent for a moment, then Li Wuting spoke, “In a couple of days, I will visit Shaojue Temple and ask Master Jingxi for help.”uYlDTTjJOmEfupFdIIINZQWFKdPoXR

zvuazIBzyQiCDMq

Ning Rushen: …? Why would he go to the temple?TDotvzaNhlQHhOGPNlPTrCanubQNcF

yihxAiQYrlfIvOS

He suddenly looked at him in shock: Li Wuting wasn’t planning to avoid marrying the concubine by becoming a monk, was he?!ecUWDPKkqzDMMcptJiPaZywRuaSFjh

TOdTzjBrmbzLuXC

“Your Majesty, you don’t have to go to such lengths—”PBqyrIcmKuvtEgauwmUnslplJRzrnW

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“Mm.” His lips were suddenly pinched.kqriDmktojRFhgendGzltPXOJeVkEz

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Li Wuting squeezed his fingers. “What nonsense are you thinking? I have a matter to ask him. And…” He loosened his grip on his hand.XldCsUvpaYfcfpLgKvoJLWtjrBMzaG

SdkyTwaYkbLCXah

Li Wuting lowered his eyes and smiled. “You should come with me.”vEuOAQMsGTSLQlNgKFTfjcHzUddZyu

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Ning Rushen rubbed his face and looked at him, puzzled. “Huh?”KbofvKCptuRxYFRTfWHhDvZjCcbdEx

fXnoaAHlHeWJAkS

Two days later, they were going to Shaojue Temple.fVFRhQzREmpDjEcnOZQLyiSzGiXNtg

IaHlshTQqFTmtRI

Li Wuting also asked him to bring his household registration certificate.bQTugnagQCBmqxovYFgfCyngZgyeVw

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The registration certificate in Great Cheng was like a household register, and Ning Rushen kept thinking after returning to the manor:FMpDUHHdwaViNlMexmqNXGXuzDTnTX

AGoYDXaBrNJiMVO

…What does this mean?hBamGPmsuzlcbZNnmXIiuRTsiYzEPl

gpRVvWaOitsGadF

He remembered that Shaojue Temple still had the eternal light for the late Empress Xian, so was he overthinking this?FmqcRdctESNYoYiLKUrBdiitYanwOy

KcjqmnPaWmeQGnn

His heartbeat quickened, both excited and nervous.OlRrKiGVhGSUHopBBCYQJZYPZhwxcC

NrOwJKfjNUMyCuv

When he returned to the manor, he immediately looked for Yan Min. “Uncle Yan, where is my household registration certificate?”FrfHqKPWoakKFLgFNyZbKwQZDhrZlh

CwWPEmwGJwXPJFR

Yan Min was surprised. “Why would you suddenly need that? It was packed at the bottom of the box when we moved, but I’ll go look for it.”iJLwsoqkHAmZZZmrcwWgaJIbZPdcfF

zllQXdOtJffTOru

Ning Rushen followed him closely. “Please find it quickly.”SLvwYLODyokjbhqmUEmchODyRMYrGN

BWZqpDGoeRgBIui

The box was stored in a corner of the master bedroom.FhQKTPNeTDbJVRUzHWhCmUVyKUNwDm

mvKwdthxOuPYTcH

Yan Min opened it and quickly found a household registration certificate. “Here it is, my lord.”rutCkBmgnrBCcexEYVrdLNjGVyOyFq

ajVRalRIGeBZhlR

“Oh.” Ning Rushen took it and looked at it.VTyTMbGTNNDaBcQMwAQHVEBMKwOlIF

TIPrrNwUSEMNllb

The slightly yellowed certificate clearly stated his name, age, and place of origin: Ning Chen, born in the 22nd year of the Chengping era, from Qu Ning Shufang County…YbzOuaOHYBhdvGOEVxnZBgdoykTrMp

DiBBXAXqWCHdyDi

Huh?UNiFGyoBoEuLczaBPGThkQLueDurrJ

inmtJbeEMiCdfeH

Ning Rushen froze, his blood running cold.SeNiTxZQOyxcPDOPVmZrcaeWeFKOWW

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Qu Ning, Shufang County??!!GSrLAxOaesCUFgeerineblGUKqtFNH

kZORoXlrFIAsqbA

His fingers trembled as he pointed at it. “Uncle Yan… what does this mean?”ifDQZyAIxbLsieeOPeviVYYemxzrFn

AXONxCIpLcquJSA

Yan Min looked at it, confused. “Oh, that’s your ancestral hometown. Your family is from Qu Ning.”lTBWGTNORIsfBLAilkAhjFeZlZuCFd

FdCoIVSnesvnTcp

…Qu Ning?! Ning Rushen was in shock:xrAVOPVNhpnehcomUMpBSsJSPZSxFb

wKiDmMRBMVSjNOA

But I already made the people of Yuchuan eat steamed buns with meat filling!BbtPYTIKbrFcJtlCqUDPoImXkLkdaD

LdXipHeERShCVeR