This official is so weak

Geng Yan couldn’t help but wonder if he was hallucinating.kLGbbdnMAUgxIiGPVZYiSVhgeZlWCB

VHTgbpyIxWSAVHT

Leaving aside the emperor’s frequent “chance encounters.”gkXWuxVmZRPgIiHbJMJQFFdCaoeKCn

UJIJgePPowMMcfH

The man beside him was handsome and imposing, with a deep wheat complexion, exuding an air of banditry—QpYQmsjWJwOSPbxOcewPWdpLybOToj

xCILllbZwXXxfQj

It was clear at a glance that this was the bandit leader who had been “captured”!pbFthOeESqekNdUkZUaRasiQahgLct

dUBIVTQPJSiKVzr

He lay sprawled on the courtyard wall, unable to move.fipiaDShrJLwLOtJrTlAWrwhdXHybv

LJRQhhtAncZkIkK

Until a shadowy figure descended, Shiyi deftly grabbed him and hauled him down, tossing him into the courtyard with a thud.bpTfiKRvhwmYZvulRpYsUbRVkZaRJM

hrzeOaRcVPVeuEK

Geng Yan: “Ouch!”uTKnhVutlbaWQIJazAPPYuFuptsthi

bAeZNtKufEFeFJR

Sun Shaoyong also snapped out of his daze.RzeTJUMtQkTTuQHsoXDbAOqeFtmFCU

HFhgZldFvmtuPtt

He turned to Ning Rushen in surprise and pointed, “How come there’s a thief in your house? In broad daylight, it’s completely lawless!”XdXOMxxdWnYvHyxwNMSfDPLSdMEObI

RtEBEhTgVaeZPQE

Ning Rushen, “…”iBoevuxGvZEauHzudDgRKoNfPjYRpl

HebWfdVMKYPihoh

Geng Yan looked up in disbelief:LzMymYDlqmDdhndMiZPueURFgHCJYw

fYyDAIdLYnaKecu

Is this bandit leader really talking about “the law”!?JqHUtQBUXhoaGrDkXAfTTEEWrTGZVx

JtWJcaBmNZxRwOL

In the midst of the awkward silence, Li Wuting couldn’t stand it any longer and tapped his knuckle lightly on the stone table.wRNZgyyXqiRgMnnLZFjTgnbNmFgPjJ

xdELoLcUvbwxmQl

Dong, the soft sound snapped Geng Yan back to reality.NyJypnKSVJGtfRcbTYdtXoQOJCWCTi

pgjDRsRuterFkpi

He finally regained his composure and hurriedly bowed, “Your humble servant greets Your Majesty!”qLrxrvwmTysIKHwGAJydEudzofJPBc

roHtRbmCOrnVwEP

Sun Shaoyong, “Huh?” Your servant???GleiVEYDlZDejrAKBMCMrcRNHkFiXX

YKsbxQOGLLuNWTs

Li Wuting gestured, “Sit.”sNWKircMcmbXLjpyRDEwfPKSWFxrjb

JtPpvYKztfAmVjA

Geng Yan cautiously moved over and sat down opposite Ning Rushen.mRpWWNNCMWvIuNCyxAIiVXHSPaDgDv

eQAzrxPpTLVfjlb

Ning Rushen looked at him with mixed feelings: I told you not to climb…IHZSbjZCzDhdsEsrGJDNGHzYIzuTAD

rgnCfpxeyebYbHg

Geng Yan stared back: How could I have known it would turn out like this!WVUMhyCXgfmJooREAnHcDelOaTwyMY

OTlTiKcquLsAYaR

Ning Rushen sighed, “Never mind, let’s have some afternoon tea together.”uVMIwclrWLPeIAbByBWpuaIaeYQaeF

AKMCZmddMmxFNWZ

“Ah?” Geng Yan glanced around nervously.fYSjSuaCsImmEyunXNioGzWHNrHaNe

cTxByJAaZrCXhAX

On one side was the emperor, on the other was the bandit leader.KyKsheKZynIFWpVCgHHEBNMOxHaSuy

WmOMFHsVcKtMzDB

He was utterly perplexed: Why does Ning Rushen always manage to bring together people who shouldn’t be in the same frame…GdUDylfVkfiPgOKnSEZCmCFYyNaalt

unXwjhmrhLHRjEc

Ning Rushen took the opportunity to introduce, “This is my hometown friend.”hHkSGVsRxxtWMFPATUbsdBmGvsPqOu

QrcIShbvsJATlGq

Then he turned to Sun Shaoyong, “This is… a frequent guest at my residence.”FHHbkxJUcysZLzyNNXGmWqOEYdpGAD

lXLVvDOQYoFeGuG

“Oh, oh.” Sun Shaoyong glanced at the courtyard wall, “Familiar indeed.”oWraMITFgemKsWuuuQMYwzjcjyvAws

dNqoIuZweuoQyhj

Geng Yan: .RyxJcPLsBxCQmPwamACuJvXwcVLtUo

KWPpiCinRfrWKnK

After the introductions were done, Ning Rushen said, “Alright, alright, no need to be formal, we’re all friends here. Little dog, try this pastry, it’s from the imperial kitchen.”kMxftOdZhmGpDfYGsuGnVJHdcquGWH

yxzeAMIIMBFYQhG

Geng Yan glanced at the emperor, and seeing no objection, he took a small piece and nibbled on it. After a couple of bites, his eyes suddenly lit up: “…Hmm?” Then he buried his head and started eating in big bites.fpdNkKAnGTSNSPQnHGjDWUeYxggvam

bPUzhahbQOgikuF

Sun Shaoyong, seeing this, kindly offered him some plum soup, “Brother, have a drink?”hyWmEzIXTGzFblNevZuOESOCPofKRW

qFEikYSmUwfTpQn

Geng Yan took it, “Ah, thanks.”xyrQWYYoKjgAoszzJybJSwYLyUSQwD

IvpKyClOzfzhIoV

The two outgoing souls started chatting away.PvGKvoonQwdSljGCNHjTGTUKwOJGSw

NpXrVFOsOanvTEI

Ning Rushen was enjoying listening to their conversation when his hand was gently tugged under the blanket. His heart skipped a beat, and he turned his head—uveGCdTjSECMYIZJZCcFIapPVEnFhT

mvwCXbUqUcrXlhg

The afternoon sunlight filtered through the tree leaves, casting dappled shadows.CfeWeRyAGQeWYlxkEEwVWkbXyFKgyb

daXZkwlZfOHNmrd

The sweet and sour plum soup bubbled, white steam rising.KpJAVcOAOWpTTGYMYWTDZWTNdpNFcN

oEfILgFlekuEIsE

Li Wuting’s handsome face looked soft and gentle, a hint of a smile hidden beneath his lashes.OZypIAybHzPMisftdNYgUoGYjedSBl

pEVhExSKFHpXIaf

As if asking him: Are you happy?KBVwMivfVPNvUbsqgoKaIYMpBkiqvp

UEwZhSyhMTaWvPa

Ning Rushen also hooked his palm, his delicate fingertips brushing against the rough palm, watching the cool and composed emperor’s face flush from his teasing: Yes, I’m happy.QbSjwBrwxWJiqSApceIcBnhGanMKRr

BuhHzBCIHCshVsO

The two companions beside them chatted enthusiastically.wpSZwVNpJWUBoAnoHRPteMGokBoAYZ

sUGKTBSBsyRLiSy

Under the unnoticed stone table, the emperor held his beloved minister’s hand on his dragon thigh, their fingers tightly intertwined.bjyPJfXFJvsbHOEdDcKiyjkYKQhlux

nfiaUsKktKvdjap

…CJnYBymRBTieiXhGdedTaxChXLflnD

USbktSgQpEZUYcG

The afternoon tea lasted until evening.oywXPFNbTCzqjFwOFhXXLgwIBJxubK

kHoDKcwrihhzHEB

After sending off Li Wuting and Geng Yan, only Ning Rushen and Sun Shaoyong remained in the residence.VDdrBeiyFbaJNBxJXcZlEYZHffMdBR

NbmSXqLJCQNRWJc

The two of them went to the front hall for dinner.chYfQeEXECgcxJhbmDUjCNOoQuzSob

JsZybXnQGreBaQQ

Sun Shaoyong looked very satisfied, but after walking a while, he suddenly sighed lightly, “Ah…”McMlLfvOvjebiYjLIdcSszLbYqupBn

oQbFXpFmALpnEgN

Ning Rushen turned his head, “What’s wrong?”jvDvNTKQhANLFVzukMoPShfkvkmfSo

gXveWqSCuIKKMeR

Sun Shaoyong reminisced, “Thinking of friends back there.”jrwmOzEFtLqmOMceTuyPfOHfMtywlu

eZBJIJzJzLTPqKz

Ning Rushen paused for a moment, looking at him.xKoWSqcmunHJBbDvCigrKWaVLkNnHn

WmhhusYckJFrsbI

“Of course! With you here, I’m quite happy.” Sun Shaoyong rubbed the tip of his nose, “But I still miss my family and friends.”tZIsruDbVWGIOdKkWYbwnRrjCTiZFy

QVmPyGzsBmrEmSB

Ning Rushen hummed in agreement:UDtnmcjVQmwNOhJdHFVEWGsHTmglah

CAGcnmwCQRccaER

Sun Sun was ultimately different from him; he had close family back there and didn’t feel much of a sense of belonging here.wicJYLjgsiUsRYmUQdmPgOlJliXMzA

UtHzCHlKxlsOZDN

If it weren’t for meeting him, he’d probably still be holed up in the bandit’s den…yxRYEacRtXzlrRobZUvVqRCecliKwu

WUnqkjgzSGwvMTJ

Seeing the slightly wistful look on Sun Shaoyong’s face, Ning Rushen’s heart suddenly stirred, remembering what Master Jing Xi had once asked him—Benefactor, do you wish to return?wyfOcjFFpXZLNLoDGaZTqRAwJZAtbX

xkfJkodjQLESpel

Ning Rushen stopped in his tracks, “Sun Sun.”bUKrBDVJOProXqLevPsdnGcjIwuQAO

IYZshlfBCCaNSGN

Sun Shaoyong also stopped, turning his head, “Ah? What’s up?”jDnMYfZJUMCqHClQJkHwnOobCPWnGd

YPcMhYUuEvDFBjj

Ning Rushen hesitated, “If there was a chance to go back, would you want to?”eaAIXoTbQMDsHtsLzDGITDWLUjAIXC

CkyIjmtXJYJDFJO

Sun Shaoyong was stunned for a moment, then said, “Of course!”eIanufPpLEOpBQULOXxDIIuxzAEClU

rbLThevNwAacjeg

Ning Rushen said, “To the west of the capital, on Shaoguang Mountain, there’s a Shaoguang Temple. Master Jing Xi once asked me if I wanted to go back, do you think… he might have a way?”ocQeOFaQmLejLuTuEioLiUgXnXtHlZ

TfhfvAAvbAyJiaa

Sun Shaoyong thought for a while, “Maybe?”NcTwYofiyhsrrHsMlOaaoGyszfxcNw

TTXGgjQMSfyJvKT

Ning Rushen took a deep breath, “Let’s go ask.”PHWVhAoddpjIzukBhtPOqeVBSPOoUW

mYnbOuetOhzoORz

·vyrxSzJvbNPFRiMurhBWCBQPsbeBeZ

HDXUyMOQZFxWrEH

The next day, Ning Rushen had to attend court, so he sent Shiyi to take Sun Shaoyong to Shaoguang Temple.fnHThHOPaxQAXTyAbxoaAAyXBjpEIt

KvNQvaSRnsyNHQc

Although he didn’t go along, his heart was preoccupied with the matter:jzJcnYXwFAjkvHtdiXomEXYwCooYIF

sdZirOCNPxqWkZw

In truth, he wasn’t entirely sure, but what if?cwOqXtzbdaRliCUqLidpLihszVfNOZ

chyZpzWxpepCCxl

Sun Sun had, after all, fallen while carrying him to the infirmary, so if he returned according to the time flow he had previously guessed—VVsCBWbOlNEHGlOuDaTtenFfozjjYc

ydedOKCGgqTOtMe

He would have woken up two or three minutes after falling, so the injury shouldn’t have been serious.zBkjmiVkjHEnRxpSQxVyPLiQvxQSRK

rHTKfWPDUQgTrSA

Ah… he just didn’t know if his double fall had worsened the injury and whether he could recover.YwvmOAfSXncLmZOQBTFBxQWSOYJWkL

kgwRGpSfjjpiEjE

The journey to Shaoguang Temple wasn’t far, and they could return the same day.agCCSwSEYZZCwtkkCpAnRSwmsVbXnu

ZcMBOnHCcnXKQrO

When Ning Rushen returned to his residence in the evening, he was greeted by Sun Shaoyong’s face, which was five parts excitement, three parts complexity, and two parts wistfulness—”Rushen!!!”MKCCThAPlzYJRxZapzrnxkTkOPKVBl

zZjRDkMkFogLacE

He looked at the pie chart on Sun Shaoyong’s face, “How did it go?”ephXBLSDwOUoOCAXrNHwjVAcmuHXon

DioOuNbDGvYXJxe

Sun Shaoyong calmed himself down, pulled him aside, and whispered, “The master said it’s possible.”KDqqWLnHiQRLVcuZpHXcRXyiMSqteT

nfHLexDwRwRIqIS

It really was possible!PsrCcJMANJQZmmozDBRaNUsnwZgQff

gGNJLPJfklcIfcd

Ning Rushen was also excited, “What did he say?”HsoijECfepdrMWeQeFaIWUlEBqDOFe

gkjWwyLYlgrsesA

“The master told me to go back to Shaoguang Temple on December 25th, saying there would be an opportunity to send me back.”rZosyoGBXuriEEiVcPCmAlReSNMNoK

XKGmKxFeVQeqCDl

“Did he say anything else?”KOiNkIcIburrAXLnYwSmnmpKOPNbEy

BKnwMAvMZdHzVfk

“He also said… ‘coming and going are always meaningful.'”qSBkvBSFrJfSBbzuObxFXUZWSTgoCO

dxGVxMnmIOAiBiG

“?” Ning Rushen blinked: What does that mean?ouuqZXZMvgHnVImsuUKABwboyPXDzz

jvYZnrAeZMUjhml

“I don’t know what it means either.” Sun Shaoyong thought for a moment, looking up at the night sky above the eaves, “But I feel… this journey has been meaningful.”AuIdFgHmktpkJOynbqnQliEZKsGZPf

ODoaVpBTqWfofeT

He said, “Two months ago, I was still in the bandit’s den, wondering why I was having such an experience. Until now, I’ve experienced a different life—and I know you’re living well here, with a good lover and good friends.”BxNJhdepUpapqEWcYHOjblsdjKXlST

MMAUTJLLwsVFqLj

Ning Rushen’s heart was suddenly touched.CEDAmixkDpMsJZqKrALibxxpzxcGpg

qHmNVkYExebgvKN

In the warm light of the lanterns, along the carved eaves of the corridor, Sun Shaoyong turned and patted his shoulder, smiling sincerely:tzbucEcBRHkRQSjrUcbhzUaYOfysMW

hCGufkEzlVvPxBX

“I suddenly feel that this journey has been wonderful.”wrPPLQaDVQCvxsrjUovkWXlsyjFiBC

vVyYgKxXVKQPLig

A bright spark settled quietly in their eyes as they looked at each other.VGARSXLOwTGOaYyFZjwltFfprwsoyH

NlmHqElOBGEacJU

Ning Rushen’s eyes moistened slightly, moved, and he whispered softly, “Er Kang…”lMHUyIITqkyfTtqWVKdqGNLbftaHTr

ePjZzMcMGLdWROZ

The corridor abruptly fell silent, followed by an angry roar:knlurcBVlDLJoKVxUeJrnRPIDJAnTH

TFRuoRDKAdrwRZP

“——Who’s Er Kang!!!”JXNFJkkhoLiyvYfHjDGTYIQEYLefNp

fQvebwFCvfqgzyq

…JtlCwMtpeQDVtkDsIZsOKtBtqUzaoZ

vGsOkMuOvYrlXcV

There were still a few days until the 25th.ZSdAfMBnizSRUxKOtGnEcPlLxiXuIh

KsoObaxaTRKOuET

During this time, Ning Rushen tried his best to keep Sun Sun healthy and strong. Thinking that he could return, he felt both happy and a little wistful.ZeyXvTNEGxDXFEIByupAOXgVAeiZnx

mIsiRhjsxYfQjzf

In the imperial study, he sighed as he ground the ink, “Ah…”jjFBUvLHhaUvifHqUqHFkXcWWKcKgV

DBCCNsfYHhCAnMU

Li Wuting looked up, “What’s wrong?”JavFZKxouUXnnddXCEoOKKpCYKZKKj

FczTIiKFUqzISWs

Ning Rushen drooped, “Sun Sun is going back.”eGcxfqoiijyfyrgeQmRtZCDseWalQe

PfuacjEALLyBfvj

The man behind the imperial desk paused, looking at him.phXlTLztyqbgOLTPdLjqLhxlNDBmpZ

YiahZGVzkzzxwec

Ning Rushen drooped for a few moments, noticing the silence, and looked up to meet Li Wuting’s gaze.SdzPTYMnJSHHUqjUEWEvOUNmFmzcqm

NFYZshzOLAwEtDi

His eyes were focused and deep, his expression slightly tense.obCbJFdStVOeFHIEGbJargTucsoamm

PpHvvOPwhRxWasR

After a couple of seconds, he suddenly understood, “Your Majesty, don’t worry, I’m not going back.”YlwHycDiVOxLnOZohXYQbdCgzYJKmB

korFkqVFTJsaERT

Li Wuting’s brow relaxed slightly, he hummed, and then asked, “When is he going back?”bciGxKhYdIEQPYgfKECCgWSGqBMMTT

JZcslNOENjWkMVz

“The 25th of this month.”hyLgyJmkohclJKyIzhhYoPJDoLDjmz

vJlYVZGxCHcDcRi

“Mm.” Li Wuting studied him, “Will you miss him?”JGgxMSibPSgaGPYOjRvpeyFQUFkMum

wrHMkexZkZtUbYg

Ning Rushen thought to himself that of course he would, but he wasn’t sure if saying so would turn this dragon into a jealous dragon again. He thought carefully, “It’s the kind of missing one feels for a friend.”EjMKNfiiOuNjQsAIXgYiKbTVoZKjjC

bodEFNFlDGDPdGt

Li Wuting chuckled, “I know.”eVgeqQTnwXFcwqdUxpvdRGnJCsTTiJ

bJrgLjEfQupQxeR

After a pause, he added softly, “As long as you’re still here, that’s enough.”VniBWXGnlUGQIZixqnaaIEZPkgzZkT

EROvWTaZSfotoFc

Ning Rushen’s ears turned as red as the clouds at sunset, “Mm.”zbAkCeuEyUnDDsEaIOsCjvyBixJAvC

uUUjFgGNnGSARSD

The soft-spoken conversation was already quite flirtatious.xZFZIgczvXgkYmvVrhbgqzBoFRjJmE

MtNdnEnuEachgDW

The palace attendants around them had long since grown accustomed and kept their heads down, not daring to breathe loudly, pretending they hadn’t heard anything.TcHMrGFLuesuIAovQfhAmblEaAQNnV

LfwUmVzYDCUQoWt

Li Wuting didn’t mind, pulling his minister’s slightly cold hand into his warm, rough palm to warm it:iMomRKQqDsIlYVEuhkxRQaTtsHfaYh

gunfPbSFHoYhAkZ

“When the time comes, I’ll accompany you to see him off.”tLPWUIEeByrskxPGQuYOWcSnyxzuLo

nLRPHwEgxyHkIOp

·swyeVbiJHogWYDZaLhnPNiDBumgNpq

gVoOzZxVtowXHXO

During this time, Ning Rushen took Sun Shaoyong to explore all the delicious and fun places in the capital.mcyBQnzDvWKuMsaEArbhhzgEWIlHTe

YaOZpMjIgRZQxBr

Until the latter lifted his shirt and looked wistfully at himself:tIlONZCIRdZpcjlMJXnyGvtjdNMUnl

CJsVrDSuaDVovVJ

“I finally had some abs, and now they’re almost gone.”avCdlYrvlywqWIzJcwnhSIjVrqjkIX

PGroTDXdHfzvJqh

Ning Rushen comforted him, “It’s alright, it’s not reasonable for something like that to appear on you in the first place.”vgcOPSNKKSSSMrvtuWdIrBjQVJrKlm

CNzuTDxUXIhWSHc

Sun Shaoyong was furious, “Nonsense!!!”VMNikmDGtBspxSyeqDxaBXZDzHLdMD

LqLdfKVkWnwwWxt

“…”echoDuQAuDKFRHEjFfHgICTNWaGeXt

lFfcvNvGhTmTvzU

The indulgent days flew by.ZrhgNZMetMWTMPCsaQIjEtLkFePDNS

iyXAEZjaFGvwbFp

Soon it was the 25th, and coincidentally it was a rest day. Ning Rushen and Li Wuting went together to send Sun Shaoyong off to Shaoguang Temple.wPzFsyrcVCWyuVdzuJSeLesCFIxxWS

inImHnGaZXfZVvR

Returning to the temple, the roof tiles were the same as ever.mssUFhkEauVJKmWhYWkcFhpItjtiPE

tPiiWYgSuaoKRUj

It was the twilight hour, the sky darkening as the sun set.SxrhDRKxQzxfoxWytMcTYrIHEyJrwA

CKBgGKzooZunngY

Lotus lanterns lit up the temple entrance, and Master Jing Xi stood at the door with a kind expression, greeting the three of them with a bow:cMSbAvHqIcCCqSeoxytJuxuFlSXrGv

ZtfnEXTSZxhGfyB

“Your Majesty, benefactors, please follow this humble monk.”BDnzQgOtteKOlmYNbJwIvMBMpFVQST

aZZTFpKMWJTKaXP

Ning Rushen took a deep breath and called to Sun Shaoyong, “Let’s go.”SMdJCCgqBBdMDzhZGliBzyzVKMuNTf

fhUnnXWnQJNvmbf

The group passed through the front courtyard to the back mountain, and there it was again—the small courtyard with the thousand-year-old Bodhi tree.iUeYSCDTbYtWgPTOVUYBPoMQZcZMSs

BLpgngiBzTJyDeM

The tall, lush Bodhi tree blended into the night, its red cloth strips fluttering in the wind.tlSLNLpljsMeFcGEviVgHOIgtlZFQt

XAeBAtzlxgWIaBK

Master Jing Xi stopped at the courtyard gate, “In a moment, Benefactor Sun will follow this humble monk inside. If you have any last words, please say them here.”QwQZtUoFEhwfSJOnVoGnNgjjyBouVA

moNmePOsJedJKuE

This was the moment of farewell.enQDUSomvXhaRgeCRQOrLbDNGsDfgL

xKdotTurYbfDYUm

A young novice held a lantern nearby, and Ning Rushen looked at Sun Shaoyong before him, his heart surging with joy for him yet also a touch of reluctance, “Sun Sun…”hOPQhJEWMNUVtWgQYVtnXYEajmOZLF

kesSXMAPMvdFvwR

“Rushen…” Sun Shaoyong also looked at him, sighing in comfort, “As I said before, knowing that you’re living well here puts my mind at ease.”UpmMPwaZJRCMONNxGurukQomNTFOFu

gXxolGmGciLoxcD

Ning Rushen’s eyes warmed, “Mm.”irAYoiIorntdDrLCZAfFSxPXPJZYBs

PvvmoDOwzGsAPOj

Sun Shaoyong looked at him for a few moments, then turned to Li Wuting, who stood silently beside them: The emperor, who stood above all, was right before him. He first sighed to himself at the grandeur of his journey home—tdOXYwmRUUwsKQGgqaiDjARtBiBoTQ

JnADZOyZUJgycih

Then, emboldened by his impending departure, he called out, “Um, brother-in-law…”QPqUIYsQaJaCQMUGQBRqXbwOpZSHrd

AusLtalkPDaEdhA

Before he could get a response, Ning Rushen kicked him with a thud, “What are you calling him!?”iIFoBgVIjjpsJTUnhMQuGaAheyvCaz

hhrUSnBwknkIvOd

Ning Rushen didn’t back down, “It’s ‘elder brother-in-law.'”RBlpEfxFkxXOlPDSSNahFCmutPITmL

fvnAiedZkAzbJUn

He was so focused on the hierarchy that he didn’t notice the underlying meaning.sdSVegVuYDvZYadbcmujXojiaBlzMk

yBSCEiyrFeoBReD

Beside him, Li Wuting suddenly looked at him.DVOrwYjPKtMZTEUSHjszWuLmfvHkkQ

JgoaPbVocaUBXYE

The base of his ears, lit by the warm glow of the nearby lantern, seemed to flush with an irrepressible faint red.YCiThhCvAbdUhlMqdDgLFuLvxpqLSx

pvECOzEtmOjCJvk

Sun Shaoyong winced from the kick, “Elder, elder brother-in-law.”TYCEZGDmZTLERJcfClDBDDTFXOYRIW

GNhfYDUuNpFDggV

Li Wuting pursed his lips and responded, “Mm.”TiBhJIZTNHfZUEgOlbqeFxSbpoUZKp

MBnVAsLujoAJewJ

Sun Shaoyong straightened up and looked at him, “Elder brother-in-law, take good care of Rushen. I… we entrust Rushen to you.”uIPXndqBiDyXSNYZVsnwZGZlqCfNac

xFIwDCBWYZssXOe

His “we” didn’t just refer to himself.QIRwVvJWvYMjAxzajSwkZlVpTJHlXp

HMLvMalAdGNixUy

It also included all of Ning Rushen’s friends and family in that other world.rvMGyxlzhBmrcyHMGyuOhjEaDoADpv

TSaPUUtairnDldw

Li Wuting said earnestly, “I will.”YTMVXEsNxPnTkiKWVmPQXbhOegozcX

STtQVhwDmwixRTE

Ning Rushen’s already warm eyes turned even redder. He looked at Li Wuting before him, then at Sun Shaoyong, “Sun Sun.”MJROFvHumORtInhuBFLyqqzZvJiDtW

osiJjzGbrlEMONF

Sun Shaoyong said solemnly, “Mm.”ORQuUKdDxIBOXNmHxzaPIdubFoOMDW

uAmNSdHNehIUFGI

“If you can return safely, take care of my… body.” Ning Rushen said with glistening eyes, “Don’t let me fall again.”JfEgTFJoAGqOYWuvtQDVwuMWZRiaEP

ZaebABRiXqhmEft

“…” Sun Shaoyong, “Alright.”rSHUDBlLmGqDlPeQtXhtNyHDLxBaBZ

LsumhJoFHqXzHxW

After a moment of eye contact, Sun Shaoyong finally composed himself, stepped forward, and hugged Ning Rushen, “…See you when I open my eyes.”CaJwqcWIXtcqUhrCyIBFcLpJBbWIMe

XKpyQEFnWZsHJgn

Ning Rushen patted him, “See you when I open my eyes.”eDAucifZkXVUZEzEuEsFnvjXvfASIy

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Sun Shaoyong then let go and walked into the courtyard.FHTTlsmiBTVONewrkIUUKDCcmObmRj

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Master Jing Xi entered the courtyard with the young novice.AyPkzrHXoPYYBvsLVBEirOoCSRFKyj

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Ning Rushen and Li Wuting, as instructed, stood far away, ten steps from the courtyard.UdtcySsCIQnmeRPAUuguxqIbkLtqxg

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From here, they couldn’t see what was happening inside.kedbjgBSuzzYqCtsTwjqYyiIyoVACY

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Only the tall Bodhi tree blended into the dusk, its leaves rustling in the night breeze.wmBOGLHpOcstxETyoVZePsflZuIjUv

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Ning Rushen was holding his breath, looking over, when his shoulder was suddenly embraced.jbXEePPNteEMKgsjhnMJkIUaSIymXW

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Li Wuting didn’t mind the guards following behind, he just gently embraced the minister beside him. The large hand on his shoulder tightened slightly, as if to give him peace of mind.mTvsdktINIOyQnkBrOemwekKESKosZ

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Ning Rushen exhaled and leaned into him.wuINQIQrfHOEyVrSyNkhOBQlklGIyl

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It was unclear where it started.sxIYkxxzjvwYpOYUcwiShUbeJbPJDt

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Amidst the lush Bodhi tree, the fluttering red cloth strips suddenly burst into flames, whoosh—dbTxKwSNOYWQcDpFqZRoVsnUciBmSj

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The leaping flames licked the branches, and a golden-red light appeared!gLHMZubQNwppnSZCoVFJxSyKamTzRq

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The thousand-year-old Bodhi tree, like a phoenix reborn from the ashes, used the last of its life to create a thread of opportunity, sending someone away.LKXKZelxmgejSOUXeyzCrNZZBvonzn

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The soaring flames suddenly illuminated the night sky above the mountain temple.FbnmeectiuVGiYxBnvogmmPFngNSUS

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The bright light shone on Ning Rushen’s face from afar.xBDoukRhcxtDjiDYWSaBqVnHQtiYtN

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His clear eyes reflected the flickering light, and Li Wuting turned to look at his warm, jade-like face. After a moment of silence, he suddenly asked:YwzCLFeobPlfbrlIXeKMbcSemwWtxt

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“What is Qing’s homeland like?”PdjGwvMghOSkNmGBBLzcHfMrozYApw

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Ning Rushen’s eyes were filled with the intertwining flames and flying ashes, and he spoke:NCDbMKKJITIHfCGwaOmMtzqLIYSDBE

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“It’s a prosperous era of freedom, equality, and civilization.”UqpLJpKccdURKQipklqZcmXyOMTCPz

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The hand on his shoulder tightened.DRWGMMXucuvHELkJagMPtFRgAgfiTC

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Li Wuting looked at him for a few moments, then turned back to the bright, intense flames ahead, the red cloth strips turning to dust in the night breeze. After a long while, he said softly:bGxhbRfKoXwfxGqHlRjhegwhzpmNYM

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“If it is the people’s wish… then I will create it.”cEKkXASQGjfAwjDOxBYkSzMQkAwhKq

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Though it was unclear how many years it would take.nyrTQOWHdiwtgMIIEBGVXrDYJyxgRI

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But since the spark had been lit, it would light up the world. Perhaps one day, his Great Cheng would become the “prosperous era” Ning Rushen spoke of.SQmfVRAeEaNNuyCWnDObAgbEMKYxBv

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Ning Rushen’s heart shook violently, and he looked at Li Wuting’s serious profile. After a while, he held Li Wuting’s hand in the firelight, “Yes.”eoSlsYHNzQiaSBxtGKQldZJXGIZhrc

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…mDRpZcCqAjsMqIkqDqxEMlSSWqFzRK

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The thousand-year-old Bodhi tree indeed exhausted its lifespan before the year’s end.djfbRApuhBnHrlWeEOMxiWSbnbFRVu

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Ning Rushen and Li Wuting left the temple gate together, and before descending the mountain, Ning Rushen looked back at the now peaceful temple, exhaling:rwYfkOIZPituhmTIaOcnoslXDkSeqF

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Sun Sun will also have his own happiness back home.rficBLecauvadAybXVQLDtQvgbxZRk

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After descending the mountain, they returned to the carriage.ksTnCyoalpFcXhUvdSlPnqgDxxQmtu

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Ning Rushen leaned back in the golden nest, and as the carriage started moving, he suddenly remembered something and took out the Bodhi seed:OhKJOKLgEyIjifvoGzlWfVaBKVxOaq

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“It really has increased in value.”ApgTAPCUiROLMmzkVEQKyzKSwxiEaK

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Li Wuting, who was peeling walnuts for him, paused, “What is that?”tLNPJPpXhjERugtHaukxTWGLSGegVx

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“It’s the seed of that thousand-year-old Bodhi tree.” Ning Rushen said, “Master Jing Xi gave it to me the first time I went to Shaoguang Temple.”SwRMSXeRUJuCwhnOtGRwxSuhvubjRz

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The seed of the thousand-year-old Bodhi tree, given by Master Jing Xi.MaHEkMbOvlCQiQIWNHKxyDzEVumcBR

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Li Wuting’s fingers suddenly tightened.HDXbxAVgzohfSVERkikzpkoftmrfYP

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The scene of the Bodhi tree sending someone away was still fresh in his mind, and the emperor’s usually calm and rational thoughts suddenly became inexplicably flustered:MuwOBXImokvZGodKKUwIsGljUBkesO

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If the thousand-year-old Bodhi tree could send someone away, what about its seed?sSrydEbswsymbtpABVJxKpfphPBgrq

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Would there come a day when Rushen suddenly…wdwyuocKrAjeEZnLmAwJxLbkkZqHAi

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Thoughts rushed in all at once, the hard, uneven edges of the walnut digging into his palm, yet he remained motionless.KlVLtLDhuvJpXXsBIXztzZBELjXvak

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Ning Rushen finished speaking and noticed the silence beside him. He put the Bodhi seed away and turned to him, “What’s wrong, Your Majesty?”xpjWJcggqWunPeJHZHZrHfdcWttPbK

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He hurriedly pulled at his hand, “Did the walnut hurt you?”FQdamFHQfcPuQVYRJkFeqcyFgMbYwa

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“No…” Li Wuting said hoarsely.iUbffGRAwcLnpFCzxCHIdhikKKIdpK

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He let go of the walnut in his hand, suddenly extended his arm, and pulled Ning Rushen into his embrace, burying his face in his shoulder—VIFUXJtbrjxcMFSGxsRVynQhWNoWdx

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Ning Rushen was startled, “…Your Majesty?”THdBaQYoDcDijjvXvZenOgIpiBnRqT

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Li Wuting’s arms firmly encircled his waist, his tall figure leaning down, his rapid heartbeat pressed against Ning Rushen’s chest, as if to confirm his existence, he closed his eyes and held him tightly.knoUIvdnBYYDFFgRjVTEJWuhrDJwOH

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Ning Rushen felt securely wrapped up.aWpXjgCJaPiPAOioRnMDSlDhRpsnpK

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His heartbeat also quickened, his fingertips trailing down Li Wuting’s spine, “What’s wrong?”iSKIKuoSNDGUIJhuWJSAGdhPFPOFnC

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“Nothing.” The muffled voice came from his shoulder, “Just a hug.”EzNmasVWDqXnjqJiGujMwKnMHqiKMQ

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Ning Rushen’s face turned red: Oh my, why is he suddenly so clingy?xbQWXNQbJXdWfkqtzQGQDAoRArZcBP

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The demanding embrace didn’t last long.SQASeWaVtgZQAFbobUjPhfZvQODiYO

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However, on the way back, Li Wuting held his hand the entire time, not letting go for a moment.xGDapFZsabBrtyfdjehYokLLfZacmX

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Ning Rushen glanced at the half-peeled walnut:LhHpRRkjURlZyGFHRYnztPvhnqoQAO

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Guess I can’t eat it now…VqnTBgLgMsNRnJZWheRnITiFWzpDtO

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Well, if Li Wuting wants to hold hands, then let’s hold hands.ZkAJKOmsEDwEtpydbfkhSxlmPzomUj

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Before the palace gates were locked, the carriage finally stopped at the entrance.AMXovbEpIXuTHfxSUrTOiyDkqmQKLb

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The two of them got off the carriage and only then let go of each other’s hands.fTDlhQbESarkHYKOAoPzIlXKmRKUlG

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Ning Rushen glanced at the time, “Your Majesty should head back soon, I’ll return to my residence on my own.”jTjzyviFhbKODrjtOzmhcYYaWMUMgL

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As he was about to turn around, his wrist was grabbed again.ksqhzxmQawYoxSxJChybaeWodbtJpx

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They were still at the palace gates, and Ning Rushen was startled. He turned to look at Li Wuting, only to see a hint of nervousness on that calm and handsome face.IHiUEAniJwNzxkOnymkMbjCnNKYgUY

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“…Wait a moment.”CztQHDHCaVxBeyKJTrwDuetTcjNCvf

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Ning Rushen stopped.UUROseZosKvOPWAFSvaZPjfYFbDngp

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He had thought that Li Wuting had been holding his hand all this time to comfort him. But now it seemed more like he couldn’t bear to part with him.EeHcSKhboCBtinWWvSPTuXLwbkVLZY

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The palace gates were about to be locked just a few steps away.wuCkjrFRnfHMUcigKfQfnrmZQiTKLG

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He moved closer, “Your Majesty… don’t want me to leave?”dozKnJQxuUbOJdPLDFMHMtFCkXrOmG

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Li Wuting held him tightly, looking at him deeply, “Yes. Do you remember the question you once asked me?”XbRbcIGigYrcGSSmgDZLclEyjlOrFO

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Ning Rushen thought for a moment: What question?EqtKtBtrpnlNemLBqowwvNKaSaexHB

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“If you agree, I’ll tell you everything…”cMrRZssCWncbKuLmvmffWqSoqJdBdx

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Li Wuting’s heart surged, holding onto him, unwilling to let go, “These things, haven’t I told you yet?”aCsDRoeexdYYcnGpPlIfMeOQtTHnem

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