This official is so weak

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

bpiRtxdpLADpoap

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

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

LnHHJTJtoFisVBZ

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

MGgvFAFFTdVXsoQ

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

ksNQuxfTixkWsMg

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

geyRJNHBHgaJfzV

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

YDwzpKJSLLcYWDn

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

msYtPHLEBEMMXis

The next moment, a figure suddenly flashed by.qUtAeExThjWZufaGxPuBSRNTGUQusp

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He was so startled that his whole body tensed!lmyTcbKvrIPRRcIKIfhcYQNGNsCvLR

xPvalJabFXsnPpo

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.NiLZFHJACDgQEtuJgHxTyCVKZbIlZb

ewmwXBvPHSWXgeH

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.zmRAcXndzMCRCqdgnLUDmppIZPCnYw

OaiVWvjshALOlwD

“Did I scare you?”lUEiGIoNZFULWtbqURGUOgULwNOJRz

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“… Do you even need to ask?”ekROJbthDpDHfwSYoMLdYCHvZCngxh

WJXCXDQIcSFmdpo

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

aDcrDiTZcmWifQR

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.kWxfampddtbPVnNLfNFWuvjdezUwqS

qUdcedyqFTprHjE

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

svljdztqsGCtuQf

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

kJEAyWVSivPuPEX

“How did you find me?”dVPRobxAMmqeopdBuAqwWilvOsHJAN

GfNUONXomMacrzh

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

pRjYpvrMzthIlqI

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.”dBpUeacSeWsOqhqprWtAYJUozKTTOo

bRVfEgqlocqjaYM

Li Wuting, “… ”BSIHLwzUafvrxbFJetVjgamjKyUNuJ

gQpiKcxaehbBCts

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

udXHmPpoPsWxnUM

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

sEwjENhxvyDehPM

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

rxQIItomYrVEIaN

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

OAzhhegPaGXINYG

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

xpGBmJMDlAXXHSt

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.qbUNjOTzeRHrfbMWubYzAoXfmjAQQh

IEMYLOwfYaJtiBo

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

aETgeXPNgBEzpyA

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

SUMZWDmEvplLHzK

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

mIerBiwKOiYApyC

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

RyYpzqnxbLcNUqR

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

ejkbwMoCNcbUmMH

“…”GMKdIROxtlnRHaFviDmjpjWjjEQjjW

UhEwOmFEihkoikb

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

LiXovLIZhhZirrU

…cxFyPiqPoAPKMubisMTqaEiXMrmlYT

IIyddFcpiaQvgxW

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

GGtzQjYAwYZvaDJ

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

PdPfsUHXGJPxPgW

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

FaEIPUnRkIOxhIm

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.WXxbnWmUrBWflDYMkSsjVIvHVIlqlb

hNHGAImcMoyyqHv

“What’s wrong?”SSHelDCaqZQYDWxFutEnKnSIWqZjpA

JSqUsJjtLwHVJZp

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

HgUAORMcdyDHDhc

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

JlYPAxRCqfLNsZL

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.ZGVodNqzHmUQoDibwzroglyxMfjiVk

pAMtlExUnYVekpz

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

RQCxQoOCAJlpVmC

“…”XpJcbjyAlhToePurmkgLkysuHcSpNC

impYfbEKVGXIUrr

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

sctXnWaQHjMbWTB

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.KiDWuAZviXspnrQUzvqUfusSJHUISK

XVHdEiYImrseENd

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

OTYBSPbeTlJoSlB

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

SHQcgZeFOfeQWcX

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

pluPeWVJfbbfXXl

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

FnKogftynTNwuMA

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

JgxOvYSbByREuJF

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

SJHubIPtJILzAvg

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

XkIGCErBwkNMwZy

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

BPIVvpGSxaSmVSh

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

OsAhTmQLVAxXCQZ

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

mcuOdqAtetdhMKD

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.”saDywYQWDVltybNRhITLGvQbxvUOLt

zRqHwPlZwRIZMQn

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

GbPUgOUAhCeZnkY

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

ZsDAMYAKdVZJCWV

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?”wyLhsaFlWhaCBbntRckDFFlDbTZphw

eETptUDsTBGpFFT

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

EJghnOqXNrCFoJi

The bed curtain fell, hiding the intimate scene.yYodpiCswYyGwHEMKtVzMLnWwQMTGi

XvADIhHELJmTPOb

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.lDegDhHpnRJsHxLtfYLpdadzgOmLrS

TPDCDBCUJRjhydE

“`tmHzcEExFSTzNhmiojQWvpcEZAcLYL

kYxTPoCrlykoKnn

The next morning, Li Wuting left.oBVraNwusSybCprzVLJCcuJJNyjWJE

gDBIGHLnogYvxVN

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

SlFFmIHfyWifGbw

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

MLmgLzHAWwDGqFH

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.YMsRnqMrpRDmEAmWlIWHXUJTPSgNUo

tdhIeUHNdlEZpaW

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

jasxzjMPWnlXSra

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

TelWpAlXZjopovI

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

YoxtavZXXSdWPnM

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

xQnIAWOswEWCBZg

The rare yellow fabric was incredibly eye-catching.NECQVdBLpFbgUxoumkvQPAhoCTSFqi

TMkPwIjHQcQewAa

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.”YRHMDhNWavcvnpnPpLWAKrKAokMcEq

BkSCZNTDlqOytJC

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

AjzuXLFOCJVdXJC

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

FsLBxKMZjcLPAYo

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

RjWiSWfDAhCSWaE

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

ZnPxYcbmRsmsHoW

—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.vaicviPSbLgqOGnrSpMldDpIvdNcZf

RmYfaIvloQtichb

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

axzZUkYSTYrGeqf

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

gTrmsGUKRLbYxKi

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

PmaARSKFoOXCjAk

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”…JIpqnsLEoGJsXCUOuRrhVluudxFHoA

AFWwLNBZEDZWokf

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

FydLvBtqufeKGRe

Ning Rushen froze for a moment, stunned.NaRwXLrMmyCubBefScGzBjDbLdPfGf

YDZTXkExIaPeIFx

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

quvJhgtZLEkDaiH

Ning Rushen couldn’t find the words immediately.uDwOgBxGTgUbxbeTjxjyTgLmbhFlrs

ooDmpRRihApKLms

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.QRAVbeGCIBMKVXXEhfpFgEDMvtTHXI

yMKbkIVTaicHmmm

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

DIAOyjQFHHWzuDj

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

gHiPLDQFEAtEWNI

What should Li Wuting do?mSeHEorzsuXeQUpHaXgCaaYsqRjhKy

acDTNPeugizXmXW

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

zFNpiHbOsPihTtb

“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…”PgPXbvbRPcubyGZRbDgTjisiQXocmL

slVAdUlaUulYMbv

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

mhUlFUhjptkiAbe

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.”OWpgtnZgaLypgihFZYZGTvgIhpGQcV

CiPucWQxkmBlEJe

“…”fWzBrhUQYrQjIpQGzEPyaeRtTuSgDO

esHZpGMPAJTDeln

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

yJNNtUFkOBMXOtN

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

mHzBJknCGjiThkC

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

aOdfgTmUdDUgwBb

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

bqElifJrWjJIyFD

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

nANkQzEcbvdboFh

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

impXfUBqvlMZKWc

Entering the Imperial Study.PRxNqIRLuFIEMLTJymuAmKAUhwDVva

rOZFVKNSKuIbNUC

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

WPVQbEoyAOXvurv

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

BezkLFBJuTwWrbp

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—LaCIhEcnnjXxsLuaskgjuosasonsIK

qTrnnyGJphxqSSc

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

vUmASmelxcSwows

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

gCvTVAaCoxIHzHE

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

ApkbYjpivlQVfYS

The room fell silent for a few moments.zSxVDUvFJSQMNgxhLFOVeQQDONulzr

dHjvMTWdZcxlDtF

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

HjzfzUiqChdjFAG

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

NCGfVqFXezKcgnY

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

WywiXuwykcworox

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.ATNfwpOVqdHSowWwuEWBUJDIIBeuJT

HjSCnbQYdhggBMF

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

ugVpeZYRXTQSlkq

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

OaYwePxSGyDaGJu

“You know why.”BqXkurTAghxTfZaNneGVuhGXkSUaQB

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

CAibzynKqVAuIkK

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.”odyAbXjFzfqEeqLvLnxgDsEXPYSzGb

lAWAVCtjTcyyuzp

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

tamxjJtGKinLdHn

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

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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.HOWBsbxqLwiKnabVeqpPmyUdZFGNSs

fjXDivbYXSDLyTA

“…Do you understand?”HJCakxRdakFGPgcLFQGVszITtLAbwP

MWTcchZByWyiNGq

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

TpExJEhDjDylkuq

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

rPNMuUKLeVrmxJU

“Your Majesty, I feel the same.”ThBLURLbKfYbApMtvkOsVNWNedyAIw

ssWzvWEpJTjUPIG

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

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

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

lseppfyZZFtJRMn

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

LtGmoyMOqoHidqM

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…”QcXwucwEGqGogsuVSgyskALafxsYyZ

ebhLrBptipxJRSy

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

bsnELbqIMeNvKpM

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

KyBSbNelWgJmjKx

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

CfKNYslnwiHSCAZ

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…”noczDMTMWlyZPswxIpfhgTZOvfGmgp

fHtkKxmtZYzLyNv

Their lips and tongues intertwined, emotions stirring.heeUyWoXxRfZBBZPuQgUbhTDkBJJEv

HfeAamvjDiJcoXO

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.PAdtAVddxegHZbgEgpWxWdhxOAfDqg

oYQnAPiOzUQRNGO

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

tAyGoMTSFNprzqK

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.zYFizzpcsABRULKaRhOglNnVOjQFFc

VeDowyDOxQxmFfs

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

cgHsGLXczniOAxL

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.lGINgEqeaesKTpsdoQZKxWCaEuykUM

sccRsZcXBVPmsZA

“Your Majesty…”aDYSycLfPPgizjKEjNIsNVaGNhMEJl

YkLaaKjwQFnEjTn

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.EUTXLhtCCtyJTYViUncCYJqYgqalEF

mxhfwzWzhmLOjhs

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

EHKjQQoWmdbdIUB

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

narTJyCDYVAEBxt

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

ILdoPQjwHkLzjsh

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

YEBvASlsfWbEzal

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.DVRKgeKNlTCrJoSxpLSwWKramtlmbx

clwEfSdaxwRJpMf

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

IvaaKYgVmfOSDlc

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

FjlhHBIuIldsPVj

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

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

vWifzBPVehSzYTg

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

vTJkRvmiDCJamxs

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

AQVZsttIaMXpYuz

“?” 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.gewKwCTWZMNNXpPhsceoGmlgjFVikz

QFKqHaTwLDHAHuA

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

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

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

oFAqgsRPQPkeFoZ

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

FPLBktNFasIBkLu

“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?”APDeDsMCLHwASgcccCbMqkTLjXCgtZ

xlSnDwCpasAofPX

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

WDaDiLwjwAeFkiM

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

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The imperial study quieted down once again.KxPQmADjehZBDKvIByikEIUSCGCheR

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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.stogOFEtuVwvXwDHlUpYAHFncLcrCx

XEDlXPyZztaRUqi

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

jbGHtQyGsKGsRxk

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.dCNqOHqriSDwbiWQUBblCZXmpYqBzu

rKSmGxqYXmIJWAT

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

akVSSaHdhgeJRdK

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

TjaKxQEAyGrqTQY

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

GkzmKeFpHsafsSt

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

gTidNkVojGGVdYc

Ning Rushen sighed in relief.hJYTZxORJCXRiurYPLSeCxtwPeUDvu

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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:OYVbiUjDrXmDGExOMGVOhYJvQXuLgU

NFBHEJzeBeTzHGW

“Do you still mind?”HuxwmSCVSxeQPKQoZdKmpMbKDqKFPT

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

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

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

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

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

BAaVLBAXNwshTVw

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?”FufsHdUaNbxXGRcWuGWjvjFhwdFexA

CDDqmAjQhFtMEFq

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

KXoOpTcsvmSghbY

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.”MlvghZdYWobNavKMKPgmRrLHcUQLet

LGizUkcGPFldaiE

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

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

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

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“Mm.” His lips were suddenly pinched.BROAVeozoMsoHZgWMTKzoEdZitBgxM

NHBSTnCrMoCqvBX

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.nsDxAVEdCFyebaztclJJhqYfjPBEol

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

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

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

pwXmPSwKazSiNqV

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

PnfkXfSvTmFmbaX

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

IeroNcuwVGosOVT

…What does this mean?fHtsGarElfmiISzxUgZyJLVaXQiPcC

DkCiOLTJUOXOMxh

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

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His heartbeat quickened, both excited and nervous.xzYyZaCotfDNAoTJciGRKsIClPKnZn

pirPPxRtTKbaHcK

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

OeFSiaQMdeXaYAk

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.”sBaCeOTLUQaTapyLKNMTPkdlFUAflR

NsZeyPSwnyApslV

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

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

YfUjwXScmrqRnbO

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

VMhZTVeMPitkpsq

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

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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…LQjeNPHLMKTvAzBjQGDIkjLmvkDRQM

hMtCHbjjupkEeXH

Huh?CffVYOgTuCapnmHrbWabFeVIXGHPJE

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Ning Rushen froze, his blood running cold.GOEdONeUPIUuSBAqAVlySXZdZGvfWq

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Qu Ning, Shufang County??!!VzyacncSRLQPyuzAlhSHbwRBnlXmJT

UrOBvJRyKjIHgQN

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

aOxgHztDRnmXoea

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

IEgYbWkpnDUrGYf

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

AIKbfwsCjdEGDCm

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

LdcKUUQocUYNgwk