This official is so weak

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

vkhZpExTvRSVYyj

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

IMuNTXcWXbDmJug

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

LHRkWaNeWSsQzRH

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

JGDwBOTgcrAPgmt

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

OQGAbnhSrBkHNyO

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

MrygRJdZANgzjSK

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

DzdQatKrKjytnxW

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

lRWQwHaGzLsGDnf

The next moment, a figure suddenly flashed by.pUtMGsPPzOcKzoaTzjSmaPqeIwMxbR

xMZQpHgmsBgwnaP

He was so startled that his whole body tensed!qfhgMNCfhXJGPpnGvUiZLZYkvNSeLL

TdDqyxUIDQcbWRY

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.uSYoyikXICelRRBHiyCNjXArINihQB

irrDFEmMmdfXmoM

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.HNLzdoohFbwBDwuRRNavBJZqYeRSmc

kFgzZAGWCdXizJQ

“Did I scare you?”KtQzBFncMFnbMSfVSFJxJcyPUkubFS

HOOJorXmRRGNhdq

“… Do you even need to ask?”NBKvPxDYDZSQnEqodnKAPHdzEGsujn

UOSFwgEBDiZlIJh

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

yePlbhJQoIyslhk

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.ctIWGHcixDdRAXZGSflGukExRbWCYa

uGgcuXKPYPgVikL

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

gJlgUVBaaCvfUVl

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

gwTROrKifmQabZM

“How did you find me?”kNFfuIJxOBfcJrunVvjSRZNZTEjZfK

bibbkfXBjNAiJRU

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

eUVZwmOZUgXRyTW

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.”ATxMfnllruHaDGpArCMIlpVyjVitPf

MImOxuEEoTYfehA

Li Wuting, “… ”KRjrKbdhOkhtdqZhflQBulnZPndMrL

NNckViHBuhsSASt

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

frQLoqmmOcllSXN

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

tNqrxNoBrCrGYmx

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

YvSGKfiTYecALnz

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

AxKOnkIumElgQwp

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

WKpekTeCkbrZrMC

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.OIrELebpgSfZzdVJSesockrvLuovrN

haikABoMeiYkQZX

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

IGNtccMAyxTliOc

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

WBSJDkOBDlfWiNh

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

pxjItYNigXnamdo

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

PtgJsnNWbFGxLzB

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

wUxxXrAKVEAxdbL

“…”THFqkQejGpCRXdefnUbwADmWXZgzQa

QUViOYRaszpkpCn

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

sPGxdcMevnTzXeO

…wTCHCPgVanxFYpPwCQnbGyYgSckzZv

aEEEGNqxfQzOrSG

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

qjESOraVrFtCADn

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

VwqvTvwvxrElfGw

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

baIPWgDcHgHMAeZ

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.PrRJYlJRFCchZjFTaVNDBXHSUYdXog

QKQJjuyyXLyBUgQ

“What’s wrong?”XspZRZfXBCaJyXYRoAFFpzQOmipnua

qRKLZnrRzdqtsBE

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

vxvxVQFdqQryTWI

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

gqMwwSIDMkvjQVl

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.dnMgWpjOmCiXSeGCBjvqVycpoDszzo

zPCpAoNeNXvHirC

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

omfUjSIaRzbsdyo

“…”xkjlscxGnygkSEagcHwvHuZaGupFIj

rBNEfdPYoacHVxG

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

oMuCaPJUNOMUzZo

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.mdnHFMWLdDlMJBwczkPxiNXXtgPYxk

VXdZekjPlyBXsAC

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

mCttxkqjpfMTTiQ

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

pxzhOfEDgbTMhOS

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

hmnVCBlVfQhoZgZ

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

ensvYKZwkuvVZKb

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

FLJECeowIkurNCc

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

zXPnCyjOGFhPfnV

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

ADIEhFHdcCNmhLI

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

nUcjrTZTYAHsTKB

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

amAovGMgGGhugKU

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

HGsJcMTBMQmVMdk

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.”XKFYULlTWOrHyPNpqlMVyPOuNgcIVD

UvlETSwsxdKfQDa

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

OStZFfrIbgVqqPI

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

jlfbloLZIxOkubn

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?”cxDquZMwPHHUdoDzgfstkLUrMEaYJQ

wnhmidPLapUyOGR

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

vsflPyxMHbOCYUp

The bed curtain fell, hiding the intimate scene.TDQDNgTQBWuAxotUDPTPyOHQPVLfSi

hbGWMGWVvBQHyrM

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.qSEMPRSGmdGajfqtSwLxRAxFBOSjyN

DDIeUUdfruiYQQY

“`xrzVUDgvFSjiGKBnhlEghwHemnuATN

JeABiEZFlxmjnvt

The next morning, Li Wuting left.ZGIslHIkRVUeeLyCFLBUNKGwaHSLCK

mfltIHGbGjXdOaM

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

EyhDBlCcQSnnECH

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

ZLzLEbylQfARXbF

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.hkfqPaFpniuriJCimjYHzGPNqtyZok

DSgRmygaswolIWO

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

gKaebPpLVcawceI

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

LQkxRGtJduSoOuO

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

XiyrpGgnocnHHCh

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

bkWswbLyjhyzIgU

The rare yellow fabric was incredibly eye-catching.tWHTDcwPBLnbxtXLyYSWzmujbgauZI

FDkugZpQLYOUVUm

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.”TkpbsTapgHpsPVCdfwjMLuqBECkzNH

EeYvZcJEKxJzGct

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

XFTBLBLTsTJHIwU

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

eOkMBVRANcKuJUL

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

AZOOqnqVQoVlWHN

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

MmWHDuzBmNFWhdQ

—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.pKJBbsYCqCoWmoVCKmjrnUXYkoMVNN

TEorpklkKGOEJhw

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

HybiYMlTBgaSTQS

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

yLLxiNeMWWOlkXR

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

UPVHUchCJqkHhtx

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”…WuHZzhyQSmeNEliVBTZgFREzmKldmM

KlPRRehDaQMdxMz

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

InyjaQuRYfAkZRT

Ning Rushen froze for a moment, stunned.EbMMPvaYzrQIQQbeNyfQLjuTdYdYap

OnKDRqFZughIeZg

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

wGGWNSopCBlmGPD

Ning Rushen couldn’t find the words immediately.yqVViizXAHDRDYZlflPOARXocEotai

SaFkKBsGlidyPZH

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.UBIfyGWjUCTqlrzjgQEHkuLotwabIx

dJTGypklaHBGneC

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

PCBkBMiKQYmUAwm

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

NNXhpJZgYCmmyEg

What should Li Wuting do?LWEOAZyhLUCrXaZQLVSIYqSysCXRoO

tRytLHQqanuWHJj

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

neONvNIVRgqiJpw

“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…”ZtVYRkEJRgCLrqSAttqBTaVXMKwtUh

CQRJsJRKsbWcwTJ

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

vPpJUaGlOIbNGEU

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.”OMuGWthWVvIGiROQeqtsGLjrqsteWP

BymeTrGcUWTtwQZ

“…”fjRIbwOWOMCWMRmOptYCvLIHFQUqFu

pTtHnQWICpyPqYQ

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

VkmuyEgCtlpEbrq

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

jLgQUDFfYwizXie

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

OCWUqWmRkGogpzH

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

JugWIAUUHamXZav

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

kVNMSeHcQBzCYcF

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

JszGJSZiYSWYDgo

Entering the Imperial Study.HgtqOYsqEuimrFmYPqBcgamCsrVdGc

YZCdlseDYqJbVNS

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

yeeWmtVTlAmDRie

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

qTagOiikTFwjpyv

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—utvyhPZYVyPfKjzxLGaOfshKlfPBpv

rwkLgZxTXXqgTDF

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

UfyEEicxbhlpslH

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

sZFHaJjhsnjzYaR

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

ADSbStJTHsswERd

The room fell silent for a few moments.CAGNyLlhFksQKDHJqZrDkcAvFwZkIt

wrjIEKXFklxgiIq

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

bGlbMzYEUgSRUVI

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

CtSICuXfoYVvqJv

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

jRCkYeyYjeLJYYd

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.CvnkTpSIVSpkbmAXlhPrIYxtoshsAc

UNsGnACRYUIRlzV

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

XEfkSYqawPLaWXq

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

mgKuDbpaKuWLSUU

“You know why.”xjmruDmGeWnryUrRGOfvSgyIjHENvx

XSmURKRFuYbLQSk

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

ropDSsTrSZLaFaT

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.”uIdBIjDvUimzRYrQboPujEQHvwVKKg

ctKChcSHtcUGRZP

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

QgACgjWTQoJGgGF

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

XbxZgEIUGVScaWh

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.GcYsrWyVqKhCDxKslRJYKVGgVQdkkK

foQHaRSGeeRLBJX

“…Do you understand?”sWTxLjdqblLRlKbLHcTmKpBqVhPdTh

GOuSHvaqRbpSvqr

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

bTRfYXbFbsmHRMN

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

DiOFoXlImwyYrqb

“Your Majesty, I feel the same.”DfsDZfjytuNzUMGLFWmFFlxOwomIzY

SQYvfwCzetQMkfi

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

aejPAnovDpECFjS

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

kmdMUcOghDdWVmy

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

faKhrJTJyeoaljw

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

SvEzTGEgwPGHxoQ

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…”pjjXvTUefuWJNZMMUuhnvptakBkJts

vSEkGSnRZAxlVkB

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

QyBDvaImMfnXfbD

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

gaflNpndqRJDhkp

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

snqrRDISlVkCqBF

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…”daSEbEWwnAkpaDImxiBJubbEzZKtKv

wHpbbAbCUlDrXEO

Their lips and tongues intertwined, emotions stirring.ekkCLMIsDGVmGZUjoNujeyLwbXLrqe

ThWYcnQTjXEmCBG

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.thJxYyzEewBAemwsdzDiONvSlpDQPc

KVFOBBzRsteSxMk

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

RerVgbEhjpLPmzL

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.ARbjrqBpfTOngYSOsVFjZrpkLndBQq

FXDJCpHAzKeEPjo

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

ktydyPmjSZNcRIo

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.YjbghVjoFpDsAYjZmwcbaVsKduROvx

mqzDbFSeLTBrZJP

“Your Majesty…”QtwBjpUiubMniInKQHrVDMkCwXKffH

wPAKiaBpgfQRMRz

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.gtwlFlUGfqIaqpyLPGbuwkaQLPmUtt

AoWKYYEluwDzlrl

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

ogWkhgTMFJDxYXf

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

ogYXaIIOmwsvvRO

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

nPgqfGMdrMVCBHj

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

aFLlXJIJmQfuRYE

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.kolDkaaoUSijfDaSnmSPxdOEoKZdff

LppsrLLVIquMpwT

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

HHvHoKASbZnSAUy

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

PYpQtcuFYVxOuPC

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

MEcqTEKlkEbyRqr

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

trOPfgqrKXdwjzg

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

BIqhnoESVxqUKLU

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

kkjMrmayiKnFxUZ

“?” 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.wZKCLQTOCFLeKzyElBSAsOOVYBpTXk

zdxiRvqEWqsDImD

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

vssGaNlgyveFppD

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

WcbhEXLvOReahTt

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

hABkwQOSuQBAEQc

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

aKsJqXaRNBeGlXA

“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?”yzZcgRqqKepLsRdMiUVKFocbIMVGTw

YuayKIwiowqVGYy

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

LZuDATpiwcHxnyu

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

OnsybzspOtrMkFH

The imperial study quieted down once again.nvDIAQcIiTGnzlpcxFUwfaQWQCJBmQ

nehRUtgyYzrmeuy

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

RzbQvlKlYZeCkLM

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

ScnRqPVFdkCydnu

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.bCZbGVEOwIvFzfCZjVGulWQQcAckZG

tvRJBllirHgsKMG

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

HgBeKkzpPJfDhwt

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

hsihbismUvjRDty

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

oWwqSTGnuieaubu

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

OCyHRncnONDwQCu

Ning Rushen sighed in relief.aAhVHMMTQjdfsXMhSxCyaosobkRyaL

xtKKvQLawqzURvy

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

xRpYXWPqUOeUUwS

“Do you still mind?”FlGOHgmaviajNUYmnDCsdsHaCmHdjZ

lZtCsvPCtLJDZVq

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

eojtamxOVklwRTh

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

iPPmwnRSCDEwBaw

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

fRruDiJFjGEjdrp

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

ppVBEKavBdjoEPG

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

PsVyzdSNswzAScL

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?”cfjEVJBmhbcUXJpGvzBWkQIXNqMgNA

hvoubkygxkNameE

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

RtuEHOXTpcvZyrh

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.”YxKBUUAxvuRGTonHZgQcvLqdLdYpCw

woblUXoxmKCPKSd

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

xEYlCOqcIPtmSLi

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

wuPDOLZVmqMZAzM

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

hcDZFvwgkCsXBZY

“Mm.” His lips were suddenly pinched.iWsUloCBaADwExJRjwTMxhbxZnHwvP

GJjgizqSdwpNStx

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.DNXprfHNIJHawViyCxWbyCdkvSNDqo

onRwMyxBEKhplDH

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

FaQGLzAihlRQkRm

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

XkSUusjMTwNLzik

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

hwExPIUIhCTFRoH

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

BtJQSqjZKCVvUsX

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

OhmLtrWfNtYBKXk

…What does this mean?QzbRBsIYCifJSKWdoraaFMkfVcRYai

eLoOfeUjXkPdAUG

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

HJqPxioslLJtTjX

His heartbeat quickened, both excited and nervous.RCKhiKpGZCmtRfUqtzqdBRWhBLpNlv

kczIpCaIuHIfRce

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

zhTRxmBSUCizAFn

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.”MCFrLzKEDYrjJgpkrrsBhZGWXroUnK

XOhwZKhWAGsoqpQ

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

DvrLKnUdqRDBsUs

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

KdhFZTgtSVyFSmT

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

uQsOQiEFZaFBPBT

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

BnvgZTmidqyWZci

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…mBoJtnjiIOgZVJjvqNaoFjigXKEPmy

XYKymZyBWmApyIm

Huh?mWFfphnXMEcwaiYdZVJidvNsaVJPkb

yYbOkosSfDbzGoQ

Ning Rushen froze, his blood running cold.JprGUZLRTtPGGtMwdzUhwiNKdbbblS

CiPdtEWvBnyQDCQ

Qu Ning, Shufang County??!!bCjWHYPlKSmEVNCPdJZXYyKybiCSan

OWTStumgtmTBYRc

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

KpPKMVANcmMmrbL

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

uubqZJghLTfsLur

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

obzVZTbcLqqaOJS

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

ZngRHCOaytjgHUs