This official is so weak

The entwined hands trembled, then firmly clasped back!louSkzwIJCamqISmEVKyuFbYbEqJyy

UvjbUjOaiCFSApQ

Li Wuting’s palm was scorching hot, pressing tightly against him, the locked fingers even trembling slightly.aXsJzwuNLAhAugyzyYseZYNCTeXCTi

MBAvYNEFnuCwQDk

Ning Rushen turned his head and met his gaze.xtqpGLGvTVDNnHQVAhbgRLUACztrPi

cqQPOBomUXaevtp

The calmness in his eyes was shaken.CcftPKAPYQSBeVjcVhVAlZWBLkOXFe

HWhcfqALoPZkZYF

Li Wuting looked at him, with deep, surging emotions in his eyes, excitement that was hard to suppress.IJlZcaPNxMqusUcaBudTytsUpyrcUt

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Ning Rushen inexplicably got swept up in the excitement too.OfvXFDYKzrzglsdGsMCthFTDrtmvGw

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His heart felt a sour ache, wanting to cry, yet also feeling a bit of joy.sLdccLzSTIKacvlHlrrJxkVDNIkXmN

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He couldn’t help but lean closer to Li Wuting, “…Your Majesty.”ZOZsHqwIZncCarWXXNxzpprkIxuKXh

NAQXCNCAWzIxRcA

Their arms pressed together, and he rested his chin on Li Wuting’s shoulder, gazing at his affectionate expression, unable to resist softly calling out, “My lord.”AGsRNmMBvpEZwgJPpcwbifpDHgHDIJ

VUeeCiCBwgxEJnB

The hands clasped even tighter suddenly—XERHCZiXDYZNwjmrBqSUuuUrybKxiA

QLSJeMEzMGWpwYS

Li Wuting seemed provoked by him, his breathing became erratic, and he pulled Ning Rushen closer to him. Ning Rushen met his gaze, and for a moment, he felt as if he would be kissed to the point of suffocation.JifnSuftONljmENoGzbLFRSgDxEPgK

zzVdRRDmGpKnUKp

His throat moved, both excited and panicked:VLIYXaZzIVOWwdWjeTayyyyEdghJLu

nLlzHmgVuYmDsyM

…Li Wuting, surely you wouldn’t kiss me here.bDWhFkavEXKbPfstBfJgXMDJXUoOES

RaEOUAlxChnrrLj

The burning gaze lingered on his face for a few seconds. Li Wuting closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, he glanced at the solemn and serene hall of the temple, suppressing his emotions and speaking hoarsely:YwNKsfdzMuwcZqjBBInmLhqsZORClj

VAUIbQRzQSistIR

“You’re just taking advantage of…”NkqvMIaJggPKbHObsPDuqwevIvFwau

xZHsFgbpOpsymmZ

He paused, then gently pulled Ning Rushen, “Let’s go back.”ihBbVUNjtmhkzGEMkBBSmoLWMfvlDc

MKJbALHrpjooMcZ

Ning Rushen felt his back heat up at the words, wanting to say he didn’t mean it, he just unconsciously called out. But seeing Li Wuting’s reddened ears, he couldn’t speak, and could only be led out by him.vgzSgkTzGHRSfDQFxmPkJzYWLTYPNA

AvOuSFplBUsHzCq

Once outside the temple gate, the cool breeze dispersed some of the heat.hNBghXvcRlEFIOsFGRPOnOwJiQdueg

OVEIZqNhXbJUtLR

Li Wuting’s rough, warm hand still held his.OXiyEuBqUtyLAKzmTXfUorVnLpxyVB

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The accompanying guards all acted as if they saw nothing, keeping their heads down and eyes averted.QdVEagFenHsTjqLlYuwozecrSxTxQA

nBicKFatYyaciSQ

After walking a dozen steps, Li Wuting suddenly stopped and turned to ask, “Are you tired?”XeIRhCjtJSqHTJplkTUtOWDMSyHVld

QyNBstlaPwtiKTz

Ning Rushen was momentarily stunned. He was indeed a bit tired, but he could still walk, “Not too bad.”PFeOQVuKaEuwMhJqnRouPGVydvcaqO

PKEgOqASCCdUgxy

Li Wuting pursed his lips, his gaze warm.FZUJFYcLOhnHgfNIXCKnYnJorJqSHW

ZkpcxTskSiATgvG

He asked again, “Really not tired?”zBUwtOGvNvBbrNMRNqaPRIJGZxcjQN

ZljkWxpjJezoxvq

Their eyes met, and Ning Rushen’s heart stirred. He cleverly changed his answer, “A… a bit.”YjVmTxHaSeGiacIIopObjCwWntLvzW

lMRWfyGhqUmYFuR

Li Wuting’s lips relaxed slightly. He turned and bent down, “Get on.”OPaLBuZriSEPOzWbOBTmYvWQvNLarR

XlBtmclfHeGWNhO

The accompanying guards seemed to be momentarily shocked, then quickly lowered their heads again.EVZcWWTTApnkUtvOCtNtcRFegQqpzS

GxpKEeWhniFhKCr

Ning Rushen looked at the broad back before him, wrapped his arms around, and lay on the emperor’s back—UKopFCslkbCBtYPLFvLQiZesqNElNt

OTFhSpWCRjtMhUj

Li Wuting stood up, steadily supporting him.HkkFUGTcNXWIitFFoWqgjPhsgdDLlZ

lqUErCbxYciiVFt

The warm and broad back beneath him gave a sense of security. He hugged Li Wuting’s neck, his heartbeat pressed against the emperor’s back, and he closed his eyes comfortably, leaning against him.IpapIKmWsfLLKbWOAtXmAkbkMYTDtR

sJwaEYqvBYZmPqS

On the mountain path lined with goldenred leaves, the figures appeared small.iffbixsTogIuygewJydrCkLWclifNT

danDWqIgMTNmkql

The noble emperor carried his beloved minister on his back, stepping firmly on his own empire, walking step by step down the mountain.obwngECcWesOJSsKetXehlvOBDoKhJ

oBtHOFZtWKWnfPP

…mbsbLcojTKtUCshoXPgcrqOBfwWAVo

DODmsUpqCwHpRcU

The carriage was parked at the foot of the mountain.PWEaFDYcqsTwBKBjPdWZcRUcOvdlJv

ZsSYaFXrqEgBdIf

Once back in the carriage, Li Wuting pulled Ning Rushen close again.rkTyiPzWnZmkEIXJuRzBDggSksfjfM

GeWiZNRTUdbnxGL

Ning Rushen glanced down at the clingy dragon claw, sweetly pursing his lips, squeezing closer to Li Wuting, boldly and shamelessly nestling into his embrace.mTOIMKMYEvqjQNygGPsmRBTKySAOWn

qvNjeLRzCpsTjxQ

Now that they were finally away from the temple.AldavWPwPrzwrKTrQuZvqmQzNrIXMo

LjgiEVnKHqzjVmq

Li Wuting’s eyelashes drooped, and in the end, he couldn’t resist lifting Ning Rushen’s face and kissing him, the heat pushing through as he licked open his lips, “Tongue…”PfWhhUlcRsoTYtnpCAKkZAQtmLzfOd

VFrUYqxsKEcKGok

Ning Rushen inexplicably felt a wave of lust, trembling as he opened his mouth to respond.qooaCRGvsxIWuGVWjmJVqtaJcmXGEa

RdgcrWyJogdvrcx

Inside the carriage, the atmosphere grew increasingly warm and intimate.dkbPJVuibZwuwwcDnFqBCTzaspOVTK

BfakiaAEsMODanN

De Quan desperately tried to squeeze himself into a corner, finding it impossible, he could only take out a bottle of “Jade Dew Ointment” from his sleeve, placed it down, and rolled out with a thud.XFjhyWjNRfRrQmhDPYUjLErHcFzOAc

jEcBwjveplatmzu

·IJmQAHeMEuMjRNiKypBmbeiyXyHeCr

EbsuEhypiOCxnTq

The carriage moved steadily towards the city.UiomwsmjDBYkDtakidbTVDvLXQVzZu

FgoNXAlDFaASNsf

Inside the curtained carriage, the red robe was disheveled, and the green robe was loose.wEgAJLHdbnxpyZSQNREllrCeMYQPvl

DqlrPiqgSSPSnBY

Ning Rushen was pinned against the carriage wall by the emperor and kissed, his hairpin falling onto the soft carpet, his black hair tangled over his shoulders, as his raised arm hooked around Li Wuting’s arm.IEASlBokBBbPuNlPDbKxRxDWWdubLy

eVsyCRqDkPcAait

Love surged and overflowed, joyful emotions stirred.sTRBckuWNFtSDAQfreKdlspXSkBwJB

ERSBlPDYGcyBcEj

His heart raced as if it would leap out, a faint sound about to escape his lips was blocked again, “Mmm…”FvcYwANBkcQqxKdedctLqBgKAkABNm

ZFwMXmLOEWEerIV

In his dazed state, the carriage jolted to a stop.XfiBMFTPTpdocnBgTHLOIiCXYljaCN

JwbNhCjswtACHHw

Outside the curtain came the sound of patrols checking:CekIwutFkHEaAOuJQETwDytbhPlRfl

BvLXSfWxOaAeGgh

“Routine inspection.”TZUxiMURcXqCugWpNpnwrlopjLmOZq

cTEeIIKpcpolXVF

Conversation sounds came from just beyond the curtain.SMlaQSASsHrGfhqexaisHDRZSyaUBE

VfpibnBZmrsXsKx

The lips kissing him slightly parted, Ning Rushen gasped for breath as his neck was sucked, suddenly letting out a soft moan, only to have Li Wuting quickly cover his mouth.JKDrnEVvtLvuwefkTlzJsTKXJkeVwZ

QVYXvZNUINosVxh

Li Wuting leaned back slightly, looking down at him and smiling.xVNvDkPXVdCPukTJcDZuiwddPohDXo

hzhubFdrtEVIJVy

Ning Rushen, embarrassed, suppressed the rising heat in the nonsoundproof carriage.AoiaxnHlsNzFOqitJIlXNckBNPpPwd

dDKsZgJRCRzbZjp

Outside, a wave of kneeling and bowing sounds quickly followed.NPEWuInmpRPkhfsIaTHbTmyLjufuxq

HkYyqwqmpzoCRcb

The carriage moved again, heading into the city streets.ZLlTEySHgMsBcJWylvIkYeMdPQuBpi

VonlhqGHwGhUBxS

Ning Rushen leaned against the carriage wall, a palm’s distance from the slightly fluttering curtain. The breeze slipped in, brushing his heated cheeks, and his mind finally cleared a bit.aEfogsAckJJsKMswcDJlMjSgyniaGg

XPucchXHUeoqxUY

Entering the city, the outside was filled with passing carriages and pedestrians.CJkrdKlJuDSSBvunnenxtAkjHwsPrU

vpgpjafSvTkSIwG

Hearing the clear sounds in broad daylight, his whole body heated up, and he looked up to meet Li Wuting’s equally restrained gaze.yDvOrnhsVczVAOHorqLXNLBzJLxzfS

IYmcYPpWsXuJbYh

Li Wuting took a deep breath, kissing his lips.kvPHHpqlZsBFRuyFgfPVJkWsLAroRS

GWkBaXgdsPlHoKH

Ning Rushen, coming back to his senses, weakly gathered his clothes:FMHuGnknewaLTfSaGIEaSNCPiqsnUW

MerdIlDVRgdbKcI

Almost couldn’t hold back…zmvOKjRyJOBzxznMxLuJleEAwrKMlz

QJKMhLLVhecaRzb

Were we really that lost in the moment just now?UyAHkHHznTrEtmwoKclaTJYmWbaKwa

fQJaNNdfjrCsHBe

He straightened his clothes, and a hand pulled him into an embrace. Li Wuting had already adjusted his emotions, patting his back.AQdLeJikUKVLCUTTmTSNSGdGUHTbjt

mGwyGaElcVMIdwr

The carriage fell silent again, the residual heat still present.dnaybrozlRQWdyyBrEqSiBPNiLAcPR

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Emotions had been stirred up, but were forcefully suppressed.RJFAfRnXksmvVIdVDzvSuqoHEPASwj

NlshTbkDPUQRyXY

Ning Rushen was lying in Li Wuting’s arms, calming the rising heat, when suddenly a soft voice came from above:LfRRxxqCAnJnVkTCYzmXFgefLqMmMx

njdNGgIpZaIzSPO

“Do you miss home?”kTbmBmhYIIFAwbniBctgBTpKdVZXsJ

gJLWEPZaSKIXwEI

He paused, lifting his head to look.uKadKtEVifjqmKBBKOCcpdQdEsQOnk

TvYtKRMciyesjwi

Li Wuting’s eyes held an indescribable emotion. Seemingly happy, yet afraid of forcing him.ZpWLSDrgAtpvhdeIaRxhnVimfsPcWj

MSIPHzZvcRnXoYP

Ning Rushen tightened his grip on Li Wuting’s clothes, “Yes.”VRZmeVVheSGkaUdKVytykIhYsBfeQs

JwrMCkVRVuEGKxl

As the breath before him held, he continued, “…But I miss Your Majesty more.”IiTaHITnyLUzRRceijbQKjdPNZyBVF

DcMayfdhrrtBqpw

Li Wuting’s eyelashes trembled, looking at him.dPcoYWAhpDurAVGhlgvOPEAxJKuzhH

jAszYdaxpoPhwAp

Ning Rushen buried his face, recalling with a sigh, “It might sound skilled… I used to grow up eating from many families.”HbtTPGhwWwuATSPEJocBlkVMKEthMX

PbzYAGZNrUefOmq

The heartbeat under his ear suddenly skipped a beat.AweJOZHjozZYpHnELxxiEpcXZJYAte

LfPIWterCjMmgpG

The carriage was silent for a long while, and in the end, Li Wuting asked nothing, only holding him tighter and whispering, “From now on, you’ll eat the emperor’s food.”mGdhiGgPXGheOqUuuOISIyyoJwyszl

PpyfqeHFcJACKfN

Ning Rushen happily replied, “Mmm.” Delicious.QQytmIOObAHoKkzeAjszQdQrbdadCY

KIuVMhXCRPDjydv

…uigOmraxmOOUpBmfPZgYCxWaHYfBdQ

SWrdFSpSlVOKCTk

The carriage soon stopped at the gate of Ning’s residence.rpkMGKIAtkkgcgdiOCOHkwIsaainzh

uULOqyzuXvYNyFp

Ning Rushen got up to bid farewell, “Your Majesty, then I—” As he spoke, he suddenly noticed Li Wuting’s slightly parted knees, and abruptly paused.lvDUvIZmXBfoIkcCFCUTMMmGcYdwtK

qYQStZuYuPJUCEu

How long has it been on the road, why is it still…odneTHUZJhtBqFYIefXkCwWrcoNGos

OmzwNxxsZhiRwOK

Li Wuting didn’t hide it, only his neck was flushed as he looked at him, “Mmm.”UjWsPUCyPjBgvpViLMnUhEEqaFFjSD

IkPJTRhWdYTTBaq

Ning Rushen’s words of farewell stuck in his throat.qzgPPKdpvBWINwuKWbBSnAPqNpjKhC

YxuxqvEWiMYMFBq

After a few tangled thoughts, he casually said, “Would you… like to come to my residence for a visit?”ekZcoMxXNPAWOuyNldNkRxioAhejRE

hPAdpbUwqyIHPDv

Li Wuting suddenly looked up, “…Alright.”ZmidMuyObUrUjxXEvNnwcXQTseZbBo

EXBOVegoIRSYhhY

·vpJqUeQoTDVwfWCMkxHyMmlCBkgmhB

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In the vast Ning residence.ICqbaHBwBpLOPxDxrDKFjZmEtuCyVo

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De Quan and the guards all kept a distance outside the main courtyard.acllFCwXWISxyklyXquEKfBAssMqpR

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No one in the residence dared to ask why the emperor, draped in a cloak, had followed their master into the main room.NKlnKCnroxgrfjhcRUClDizWyKGbzX

WjmEJyAFyCluwHm

Inside the main room, it was already scorching hot.doTNsaRPoqVuYZfRbSbYmPjFqvpATR

rRwTtCJEslbSEwa

During the day, the doors were closed, and the curtains were drawn.jNdHELEtywIFvgXuZrVoOuCixnvhjE

pqbzEpeNdhSMnMS

Ning Rushen wrapped his arms around Li Wuting’s neck, their feet tangling as they reached the bed, the silver bamboo and black cloak sliding to the floor. He bent his knees and fell onto the bed, only to have a hand cushion his waist.fYnAVfUSOKgtKSrRHcHBNayCpxgeia

iicyGtpKAArnzvQ

He slightly opened his eyes from the dizziness.IpRcnHguMBigFmlnOjLireemcAkdVt

WuTTuBZZZNLmynq

The thin bed curtains fluttered in the sunlight, and as his gaze shifted, he saw the emperor’s affectionate eyes.yAySjJWxGWGjcVkhfcfLEjlBGQZAKG

dgZaaHLHsoerxfh

Their tongues entwined, the unfinished heat from the carriage reignited.WOOVbEtERlrGnQxFqXrinuKHYDeeIy

JwwSpHjkixovSgK

After who knows how long of kissing, Ning Rushen tugged at Li Wuting’s sleeve, and with a “thud,”aLUcDdEcacFRPYRddnfEqatQKcvrBS

kXYdEACpGfAsDut

Both paused, their eyes falling—OpzOEmgtsxUuAvZdofaEgVhMXZjjYh

HiiPqAIBwMRGbYC

A bottle of Jade Dew Ointment had fallen onto the bed.KAwYJVTjWfLohWatwbrdZIcgcDPUYH

oxKaqbxOimQuHTk

“……”WoEexzJgQidJIFFBgoUaamKAgAVMMn

CQFKIMFjwVlJaIY

Ning Rushen’s face burned: When did Li Wuting… take this out!?tFqeBFUsFLtzFeZlDypiJPoljlOhhM

aANnjmMjsuczxQS

He looked at him, only to see Li Wuting’s face flushed, a rare look of embarrassment on his face, “Just in case.”cxfqeaoukIyEuaurEiYXAvOPEGHDhX

pmJMaIDyZSBHitQ

Ning Rushen stared at the small bottle, speechless.OJNAAfirSnDLGSdrRyyIAPwbeRUfTJ

AQGmJNdxSwtHHrG

As his thoughts wandered, he suddenly heard the man above softly say, “Want to try it?”wlYJuGWvvqgNAfqkpbiulGeBmyBDNy

xBFOmAfcKsSPwcT

He abruptly looked up, his heart racing like thunder.qzxInTbshTWgbPVMNpzPYMxUiHaLkC

mjYmpUMLSelONqI

The nervous and shy emotions, upon meeting Li Wuting’s affectionate gaze, as if bewitched, he was finally seduced, closing his eyes and leaning in for a kiss, “…Mmm.”QqmBeQkwkoXcxwSnooNjwQjmpJWxNN

FyKKafWsszxMpOj

……AblPVprNTGyfIWZxDQodXRRNeuZETG

vHUWFrWKLFEsURq

A beam of light passed through the carved window, illuminating the magnolia by the bed.vxHvFzRsfcjyzRvAHHfRqEKTOnEfZE

fabTKjHsQgvUALn

Fingers brushed over the white jade petals, gently opening them.FLpScbygthTBqDjtlSehmSdyQZPtrj

VCQjJsoKcWlOmeB

The light and shadow floated, a wisp of fragrance bloomed in the quiet room, the white flower and tender stamen were lightly shaken.CuEHZGIDWqKZBhUwZPvUoLHEKXqgfo

JXtRJcHvhUYhdtG

The porcelain bottle was already empty, rolling on the ground.fdignGLKgdOinoPARaZerqVdeeQlRf

JIuNjxmsGXvAxWd

It took a full two quarters of an hour. The knuckles were gentle and restrained, but ultimately, inexperience prevailed. Ning Rushen’s sweat and tears mixed, soaking his face, buried in Li Wuting’s shoulder, whimpering.TwooQKPTxYjmIVQUPjOsDzBDoibmps

tySFDWxrtYyQzZN

Li Wuting, no matter how impatient, was still heartbroken.AsNuNehewrDcukVTlbluKfguVMudxS

MOLDHnZtBrCFUFY

He reached up to wipe the sweat and tears from Ning Rushen’s face, kissing his forehead soothingly, “Too hard, is it?”vqHZXcnYqiUpBDxJPhuFtaOCVJsfaU

wTiVLSkMhMzYIzF

Ning Rushen still tried to be strong, “One… one more time…”OdMFgqhXjUkSMXCJizpJSmWDMWbCsH

NxIdUGCNcWkRFyT

Li Wuting couldn’t bear it, pulled his hand back and patted him in his embrace, letting out a sigh and calming his breath, as usual taking his hand and kissing his flushed ear, “Don’t force yourself…”rRQTFSCzpialUoFLxQIECDxbexNgkx

PwediNgwWKmpNZE

Ning Rushen’s fingers trembled.BQQzSnSMvyjRHduuXWlzgdPYvqCwBc

YgXUPcOPGjeTCDW

After a short while, he recovered a bit, suddenly remembering something, and pushed Li Wuting back.eJUjdWSqaZMauOhDyNYJqdmHWKHWgP

pWRVIsvSjBQEsha

Before Li Wuting could react, he buried his head.cGHejCSpoufNcbFwwFNXPXUVENogfH

GEDqnfxNncckfZK

Li Wuting couldn’t stop him in time, one hand just cradling his cheek when he suddenly frowned, sinking into a sea he had never sunk into before.DuyEuuevOVhQjoRnAbPLdWpXWLIKaz

PmiWsdRAhGbFfrt

·JUlnzEwmvHNODrPwQyMaAeodlRnTmv

KSALDsjAxDBUDdn

Until evening, the emperor’s carriage finally left the residence.rRDWbiHkjTxqCLUfCkYlhOERZziSzk

ZBTmXlRmOpDJOKJ

Ning Rushen had already dozed off with Li Wuting for a while, now starving, slowly got up.ULzcSOQZohDMfHbuFCmJfTKOLBcNJb

tfAGNoPMAnyqZiN

“Uncle Yan…” His voice was slightly hoarse.WQzSFbVaYoTkwwfCbLOpSXpqImZwys

VReTjHBPDvoonpR

He drank two sips of water, clearing his throat as the door opened, “Prepare dinner.”iNqUWQTQOCGucIjSCMFNRUbgWlzFsV

uiNxWjxdchjtiul

“Yes.” Yan Min in the outer hall responded and left.bhgJcjeWhEkKlcsPqSqQCRlLJGVYsM

cujhducyJbHTVQX

After he left, Ning Rushen changed his clothes again, opened the window for ventilation. The cool night breeze came in, pulling back his wandering thoughts.pHIRkGOlxPRkdvItFxdEPrCkNWeWec

OLmFUzytwSQDaeM

His mouth hurt, his legs hurt, and there was still some lingering discomfort.evrhVBeOqFSQOedRnSzFlOTkhPynnK

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The magnolia by the bed had closed its petals again.EDvcXBzDOHTAlhFSvqwckTVLZngrsG

PrPgUQxeRJklDhG

Ning Rushen recalled: Actually, it wasn’t all bad…aQfhaonanpDRLCYBNcYFrCIXsMDyLE

eflLDUxdyrogUFX

Just didn’t expect it to be so difficult. Was it my problem or Li Wuting’s problem??KhonfKzsgnsGeKevuGqLIHfJVdvKwf

lugoiBtxxQdxhIX

His lips suddenly hurt, he hissed and touched them.aSbwUUjuCigdvkpZHNxwelFdULVxNe

xmgIWMVLACljXpg

We were doing the same thing…bOUsiFGyiODALiRRKALiXeHTVmedza

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But Li Wuting’s seemingly effortless attitude was in stark contrast to mine.ecNHGJqiFzhKQggtNYBYhmxHKgDNBO

lxIixEYRWQdSCou

Ning Rushen firmly shifted the blame, certain:UMCPdnvpHQLOACkYdZbSoOdHGXCkxo

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It must be Li Wuting’s problem.RLfmnRHqViiqJDwmSgrevmITfvaBnh

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Having comforted himself, he took a deep breath and went out to eat.iCTELHzSPpGkEIrUmpvNAzISYhjcHS

BZQuRzxSEDrlygA

·dUTYqSlHZcdZOlhLKAnKzKDtbbRfrl

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The rest day ended, and the next day was court again.JzQQzhKEBwkhunDNBaDavfKWaDfIJg

onLmZPVsGiMMqaj

Ning Rushen stood in court all morning with sore legs and a weak back, finally making it to the end of the session, when Geng Yan grabbed him:EuEnpQmmvwNxmVvXMxlXPAsZEOyiTc

eiMClxOFqJTRZbD

“Ning Rushen! Want to go for a little—”OhoffGxuyogmoGBYLeygPofapzWdGf

jPPVBaqkZELRvjk

“Little what, little dog paddling?”plqXomKJmzewrhVXVaHvANCeVmEagN

YsXcfTCekEYHzVN

“…Bah! Little drink.” Geng Yan was about to scold him when his gaze suddenly fell on his chapped lips, “Eh, what happened to your lips?”MdDbWFEzxrlDzrSeFdAcdwCWynmiWN

eNeJaReEAiTRtdH

Ning Rushen immediately froze, holding his breath and pursing his lips:vpsoxJSNfoZyCZPmEfvKpcsPLXTYMm

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“I… had a bit of heat.”IbmmaFDLiuOfEqkFVYGXNiSTiJLbTi

GriOFlghSUSIaQN

“Really.” Geng Yan was about to take a closer look when he was pushed away, “Ow! What are you doing?”pDMlhGfgKeTPjgxIZJpKAwCAIgJHOe

bhddwRXMRrMnUaz

Ning Rushen guiltily slipped away, “I’m going to the emperor’s presence for duty.”PaSgumfZSnlNYmLcVRTeFTjQDsDHuZ

VoXPgudmMEQlBZM

…WMDmGqUFqNCPcxVGgUPCxlJfHsmZof

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Arriving at the imperial study, it happened to be empty.pygpVkBfDWvyMYYJYBLeaFvCOMLdxy

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Li Wuting was sitting at the imperial desk reading memorials, about to speak when his words suddenly paused.UBgvTjKQfMKtobNihHSElELIrAiNpf

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Ning Rushen walked over, “Your Majesty?”UFhJkoFJWrGmpiOYkZDDcgaqGvqcSW

pPSmWMJTismqUUw

Li Wuting looked at his lips.pRAdRlYkCfMOfSiAXLOGJCoqBvqBUj

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The wound showed a bit of eyecatching red, contrasting with his pale complexion, adding a touch of allure.dmcPELRDrrBMKwVdDBAsggRfQzjgoX

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Li Wuting hooked his hand through Ning Rushen’s sleeve, “Does it still hurt?”QrvoDbUMYfbwunuEAZUeKyKPCAChrx

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Then added in detail, “It’s my fault.”NJpZhHJDdiLxQLbMTOEYPZAjpAMqoi

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Ning Rushen had already put this matter aside, suddenly hearing him bring it up, and in such a serious manner, his face heated up:XUezsIhDkbSrxCdcourZCazGhAGldd

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“It’s fine… it’s nothing.”SGqHnGuxsjPLnwgMFKwEEFHFzHVkmn

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Li Wuting observed him for a moment, feeling reassured, “Mmm.”bmPoTfnlEELLDEvEyOLbQUJkEEjinG

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The topic shifted, and the two talked about court matters for a while.ghbFfjywdYNQVlwsqjOqoHbOCuNGLE

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As they spoke, someone came in to report:RyKMpDfBzeRlmMSgugILpfepnxrueo

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“Your Majesty, Minister Wen is here to see you.”bQxQweXetVYwpjMxOdYggcEGzMhMWn

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The two paused, Li Wuting said, “Summon him.”jOQngxKJjDkDnrmNOfBSvFDNgKUAqC

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He didn’t ask Ning Rushen to leave, so Ning Rushen stayed by his side. Minister Wen Lang, also known as Wen Lou, was the governor Li Wuting had sent to Yaojin to pacify the bandits.JyKnwLYSloTDDRISSdIzgoGWUOzTCk

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Outside, a response was heard, and a dignified court official walked in.dwpmnKwfEERlGcFXKLyhHKILraVKgG

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Wen Lou bowed before the emperor, “Your humble servant greets Your Majesty.”CFYDPrXZvripCdqgcDWrQqyVPWhTHR

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Li Wuting gestured, “Speak directly.”DOPAtzwjTlijOkaJXSifwzMLljieBt

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Wen Lou glanced at Ning Rushen beside him, then bowed in response, “Yes. The bandits in Yaojin have been holed up in the mountains, although they have been quiet, they still refuse to surrender.”IbfDZuvlcLVsRclhnnvjTsyRfdLetI

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Li Wuting frowned, tapping his fingers.iUbdwAFiNUluOPJtHlRdQVNPjVLRlv

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Wen Lou hesitated, “But a couple of days ago, there was a strange activity… they hung very long strips of cloth in the forest.”pmKPCAiMTKciwrKDAlmkuSDdMDlZrL

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Li Wuting frowned, “What is it?”juSQSQjAzivUEBhFNeeoFkJZSeGnOY

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Wen Lou described, “It’s like the curtain at the front of a bed… with many large characters written on it.”joaAxOBptVSQADIdHzgzxDQtoaLTGL

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Ning Rushen: ?eQriVUocLETTIAHtWFpvMVxvaLECyP

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Isn’t that a banner?yYQUIVYVDBGuUpISWywcxNKpmaRFWB

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Li Wuting asked, “What did it say?”NLPWFxcICSEVXdljvjXHLfArAVysXC

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Wen Lou recalled and repeated: “With strong ideological defense, one won’t end up in jail; with weak ideological defense, wealth will be lost.”ROLSjGiWUgXhqUzCkrwMFtsMKLjDhL

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“Words have no evidence, but signing a contract.”juxrvYIrLTXFvYIDSACdPWIACfTGHU

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“Your Majesty.” He was puzzled, “What is a contract?”ucsDAuwKPLLbmpqhmunWfNuosgpknh

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“……” Li Wuting fell silent.WALQkvsZNwahOiGoRprEusHpxiWGJs

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The imperial study was quiet, as if everyone was deep in thought.RgXqnJwoJnEYWfOCEKaDqETzYYsfZF

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Ning Rushen stared wideeyed for a long while.DmhGTbhEnRLynUcXFPcQSDJQirlMMd

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After a moment, he sharply turned his head: ???KIhfQmOnMvcNRDwETkTqYOAfaBjdfG

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