This official is so weak

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

PMnqGVumcndLCiR

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

EEgNoxXZQaDDnRc

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

hJdwXLnSsyKqCHh

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

OhniSBElPtfeXQj

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

zoMTTqIpSkGUcaz

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

YRncsYwWATUmAHA

Geng Yan: “Ouch!”nlrEMsytBRPHddasRAJlFJedgLjufs

nwEcajXasWcJBPD

Sun Shaoyong also snapped out of his daze.wJxEkYwuGABrLnqeFZWEEhPmRPcEWs

nUNqOLaQaXpxWxJ

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!”gmHeEuvbDaNBeLWxioNhewyaGNUQNd

MdKjpgwrBZgNdyr

Ning Rushen, “…”vWruGGjOzriePbuxsBeWSNNJtXHjnk

xhohLYvhzKxNJsh

Geng Yan looked up in disbelief:sDFdlPsrTrFlsjCBDmwrqDwtXXbPyh

MdgReLUwswJentY

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

QwNibmLWkHOpfJc

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

EYrairkXmZnchBL

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

TnDhvBfrHdssuLu

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

htQVnVNWadMRDwL

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

rquFPySbPnEPhcQ

Li Wuting gestured, “Sit.”GfzLOsLdAEMCXekLTDwJrOenzthFCw

RDOpDcVzmoScyWd

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

rcaGNDmZUsbKTbF

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

uhvnkectQGOcdlt

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

WuhiBzJMQEdtMrK

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

hUHvhTaGrtZLAYo

“Ah?” Geng Yan glanced around nervously.sSSDwQzDInzTqDqqYmVPDfCZxCJChm

xcCQafRUxjPlCWh

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

ToXWAgcEitvNlfm

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

gBmhKYsqTBnKbUM

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

WlRNJxBsTEaiVfr

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

rlxFDmrpANptcEh

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

aslOSMnqXftVYWW

Geng Yan: .wXveLyGuZgLNVwoaEuUsUsfWozevPF

enaVEbNRpzBzQbM

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.”btcTZsGWflaJsniIzQGfiwLOtnGCnb

UiJCiksjuYWnscE

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.CHWtssEiIeKvuEKfBUiuhOdzfFtXUH

akSYLtBARagqiAx

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

EliVBoSAYGntOGa

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

FMZlmgdKxSdhZnc

The two outgoing souls started chatting away.tixdmbojwyzQvKxQlCqPaVqruYEgBK

BcdxHRHgvUQzahl

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—gOSgJkeAzjfHCYKZgwqiFUPWcyrQGd

CajRHKrOklpqcQA

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

LDHypHfiXvsbEVx

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

fRqfLkyVqIZtRvO

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

aMcgeyGXlHrRdVv

As if asking him: Are you happy?TwuddDpKRJdhMdFaxGOnFokjEnpnlV

yyusTzfxUCCDlJH

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.YyyDZBvETMQnhNZyDQNyAYhCqAhjWY

kCpYTwrfITUjIaL

The two companions beside them chatted enthusiastically.uddjtUFlnHrDpjVPQIwTsnDuDoQlYg

ikIPBrzOiprUAPt

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

kTBlHJIEhiQWjfd

…hjgWxmiNxIIInjkAIVZXNJaKwTIaBC

SqUqvBAbeKpxkKq

The afternoon tea lasted until evening.yWQQQAyknWGTBTVjFhgRxlgoJbMvJx

xUFDUScphijtons

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

JzFYlKQfeXjDgRi

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

qXosVdtMqQGvQpI

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

XTOvrhKpdGbdYYD

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

MvJnJknWnoilqgu

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

CZftLeOYnvUtaAk

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

EgQNnbACQYjvJKD

“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.”KZajmiLluMVGpiPYRJpfbUiOiPhQfq

NMRcUWpUgDtZSZq

Ning Rushen hummed in agreement:mliKzEJdeKXxJmWHNrLmUNdwnTOGGe

vQASMimxkznddkS

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

uhlkcpCXkQsPvar

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

mHYnFRIKtaqKrbi

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?VxqMlftuzJuUfjfiDIqSpCBCjWASBO

wvDSSpwsanMkbKb

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

SVaEkIKwEDixfZt

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

uzoMhjUhHYvwxnB

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

UXmmMiJTnbDVgTL

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

vvMsuWuEucLzSWn

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?”ORGOVXdluWNRXgoboifFDUukObjAzX

ounTTyTZDtqkSaq

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

IesteaHiRWzWfKy

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

ALDvPiwQcWJIXnt

·zCgYZVWzjbxYjJEGFIttEVsFdFtNwp

wjFloaXblAsrxJo

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

WFzdznKBdJcGtod

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

ZWLzEalxWsvTIoa

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

gEpYLUFTMWKNiKI

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—QjfBwomGXtSaarAghRsxnqNFPwBzWd

LRPCFRsTLFRkQIO

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

RnbDiAOUPmVnzRW

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

TBUJEWGasLxclwo

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

XdYYOEqWUkXXCkc

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!!!”kbYMXLvFmSrgpXMEkvgQVDAkfnBmzL

rDANTYAWBrcGkfm

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

RHfRyZCIsJqgsMF

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

ODtXLPKiAyHujAO

It really was possible!FDoTmyhSLyhzLGURHYTGMPWEUFgQOQ

ggyNYQAqyJsordx

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

zPVovQEjvoiDctL

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

tCQDulUpwVGQxZi

“Did he say anything else?”dfZKBOsgKqNNvXBXRJDKuFjktQVvZR

CnGaCegaKyAJZBP

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

NhnEgAtcHAQdGWK

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

NtAOeiohrsgYYZK

“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.”ZTQQgkHZlNHJrWONfGvapiHzsJGDAu

zfzFMKfMLepjDBf

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.”IyjwgbuimmsHOYdjyLvMwzRgoKIgUk

ZFEVWnwgqBkxqhW

Ning Rushen’s heart was suddenly touched.njXpxJqGKVIZdamwohuVSsjrloybSp

wLGeUivlGXWHJsu

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

pETSMBJRwzoHPVZ

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

iuxZKXOdqFgfDdW

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

MgYKHwBNXpafLhq

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

AObJLhpPZrLXDYL

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

dHjVtwdutfnnagS

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

epAgSxIUOvewuYd

…iHzmfIXfmiIbTrtCCgmEblvLysITyq

jLunUTnzfalMaQU

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

igObsOwaplPnfwh

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.MIGFsISIJlYXcRVAIUsJLtefAGDGhY

HBKAspbzSitxFBe

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

PoZAqszdtmAeqDS

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

sAyjJjiFcUvHtOW

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

GZaPhQvchtyVYxz

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

wQmFXMvLStplRFv

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

UmFrpYuzgtbFFRG

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

TsyCZnwBAHnBtTR

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

OsRSzfHoRomwTOM

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

vFHZwHUfDVZFwut

“The 25th of this month.”bJuQmiVJonrkDZgfzzJZfFvsEcousu

GTsWoMpkRMphtDF

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

RzqpQCmhHvAUlWf

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.”bfshTwPQybsPztPCYvrMUCKWrnRwHr

QzicAuDfdrZwORX

Li Wuting chuckled, “I know.”IxwFtAKCHKePEOamsCWovDPPWrdyDn

QqHlhirvKkaBqOo

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

kzUmXZFPSwqmxXS

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

DCPkpbqMBNFSyuT

The soft-spoken conversation was already quite flirtatious.huodyEsHLFMPxFUazhMroJmCHrUpWG

FYDEKZLXWWbtqTi

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.aOBCkrLNPXJAiGvrQWGbTfuHNdHpMW

UllzobfyodmsJjq

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

kKspehhcooXSsWA

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

lsacOmTelaHDrjU

·lyBojJDxBoWUTaUOWDDmkooEJeiUsa

RdizNlqbOGbDqUu

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

NywffUuPlacjISz

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

GcqigbEXxaSKFBm

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

SEtdzcFOzlWlKyo

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

dTOhXcQcSOeNHVM

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

GbUhxXqUDELYuvE

“…”CrSwCFtUxCmpwRdgEbfTMUNYwFbztJ

sqooJovLqoCDlnw

The indulgent days flew by.GXBYTXlAPCjOgVdRCBfNzMyhXyTNYm

mfHQsgfblmuxTyU

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.LazGFqNuRyfkBukxqyfTpMRzKnTCFk

xwMBJKeitPCscpQ

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

qWSYTOIDBGmUUJO

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

BgTbWrRtHxtRXyD

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:yhAlwIQZaLmXzkjMlFSonULSyGsOnV

cDubjhTPzuASRxw

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

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

NulkUvROhTqpWSv

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.IuaatMGRZjPzuOHKaSrNDRAXELXVpl

pgyrrvlrGKSqsDo

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

OnuWHPMRwgQNElV

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.”VmOjReVWQtpAabHDmqkDuAfOpFrdtw

WflwPoZERcAEVVh

This was the moment of farewell.kOsfUfUBCUFxKfxzLLnDccxwfUooyO

yZZGscSWgpigmHi

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…”tyLEKDOSSehJXDoxsBvcacmeXUeOVd

WqziiOTCrPimBCs

“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.”YjoTyLFirxJDDUDBztsAGIdYapblTw

mstzwNyMXjBUnvu

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

lOgsKIDTagyKIjz

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—OaTpjIPZOxxxXNeWeTabGaTVrwsXqj

IQUyMtwujOtShux

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

SDrZEzXvFpPYBPY

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

hYlNPayZNPOZFVj

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

hSlvORJpMwHtiVG

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

xmedcytvXtNJKrZ

Beside him, Li Wuting suddenly looked at him.HKMqSGBoRwukAaTbntTiqIuKbqYDCu

ZziiXHlUzsZsyZy

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

WIMYHDRSFiqSQAT

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

vQAAuYFVajrQIFp

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

KgdqSIvAuoMVcyq

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

FnfBVDRLYqePYlJ

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

YeBrtHFEIfkSpeY

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

UFQOHKffpeBlThf

Li Wuting said earnestly, “I will.”JWvLOLFvALwkMiJdZihsfSsyedvSPM

YMNqQRmCPUcdNVf

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

BvxVFCYmdvvknWm

Sun Shaoyong said solemnly, “Mm.”iDYDPWGjIRXoYdHspyVISHCUkaRidI

PTyLUuFWCdqZqFV

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

vDlwmhEVakBtMkR

“…” Sun Shaoyong, “Alright.”pbdYQosYqWokiXScPvHlzLSDkAKFWN

faBBMXtCqaZBqeq

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

UxViKavSZUHKFir

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.lHJVNuIYczHsDzgxgWDGfoRkHQovGN

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Ning Rushen exhaled and leaned into him.KLAGuEJsaMlZeDcShJztDquHWkrmaa

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It was unclear where it started.uBSWYeaStCADsIReMieHzmOxFQKBAg

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

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

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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.fOpmCtjqMMeWIzIBISfuwkSCZBjqbf

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

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

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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:AJTiqdwZshmOsaeEyvHBgXIqnQmnNm

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“What is Qing’s homeland like?”BGQXtXTsJBUZlMdEbFXiAvzdRdJeHG

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

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

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The hand on his shoulder tightened.prqctLOUEdHuTIJZOrJICMnhKAHDiY

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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:kvwDGubRcSOKygcCdFMbbXjSJhUNbY

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

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

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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.HfTItzrsuKmSmaGkSwqzBpxvYdAdSE

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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.”uUUlCEAarLpnUHyAnHhOswGpBiiuGd

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…MfDrNbeeFhcvNSZHwFVpXZPKWMyfmO

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

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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:vurWTrnuDePdcfOstPbXXeRzqLbJRu

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

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

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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:MJqYvrzoszErfFMqsaesHcnoVwjpkK

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“It really has increased in value.”LTAnXAoGHXnMhUsQQYboDHVDPXFFzE

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

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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.”mMhHkiTXKEdTXZGdsPSzYXBSWFDfiF

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

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Li Wuting’s fingers suddenly tightened.tVXCGmiFsTsUIrYMmmSETWzvtnxlJw

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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:PsmOnRCwTiPaQJiodCxtjhHuhRfAZb

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

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Would there come a day when Rushen suddenly…JDomwsLAQBFPbcAFuzynqYHvPoeJnb

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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.BgraxljdABGyQhsxPVGfWPFKKieuvE

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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?”lQTmcLlgrVMYuUXwZOhdmdItlBkXFY

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

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“No…” Li Wuting said hoarsely.LPSysIxPGOFIRKZvhDvqJppNDBAbUy

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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—PsLCEqaCkGRhoEFCKFRSgOVbSXrQaZ

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

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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.tEBzVWLaVGnylXbyMdxnazwQqkWJke

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Ning Rushen felt securely wrapped up.ThMnNecvakgVhpSNqnlprZtANawDFr

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

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

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

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The demanding embrace didn’t last long.CHCsNNtiJCdOMBBJTAmOuxidwgibGO

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

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Ning Rushen glanced at the half-peeled walnut:fkKkNJEEHReyhiLPagWUFxVPoFUryx

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Guess I can’t eat it now…FFnhnbEwIRCNdqtmTeVNXjkhZChZPX

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

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

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

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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.”WnSGGYMFuSWDtEnsieWtYwpVcfhLfk

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

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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.sRlwBsaGVFcviazvbIPPTdnrWoEuuw

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“…Wait a moment.”iqLXIhloLXpemOrYTKfdLrygnGEYOT

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Ning Rushen stopped.iYMWkjPzzVazwSpCfbcsRZMeqnNFnA

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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.hkcwPgzUUSgRqmTfpNAXCPrKtCOhWM

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

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

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

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Ning Rushen thought for a moment: What question?HOnKcXKrSWNRERUainBLfhMsrlkUIm

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

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

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