Chapter 90
The celebration was held just before midnight at the end of the year.ynzdQSWkJzMqGuoDuqqcsYUgCmorOj
zHrbplNFakFKZKwThe emperor and the officials ascended the city tower, welcoming the new year together with the people.MulimsDywVehyLdkFXprHrXTJOnkfW
lKGRhsHReBoGQoEThat night, the capital was brightly lit.ZFrxZtAGrNDtQGqnESmqldqlTltvfD
CYUkCbNXzRHqsIvNing Rushen, along with the other officials, waited on the city tower before the celebration officially began.dyfIYUfKVZyMELXPfYwldFcaFGkEGs
QiePtajOFQHBPgBGeng Yan squeezed next to him, “Are you well now?”pWZAmPRBEibBnLEuZOeMTHSCPeAlKm
qAywrJHMhxsJdTVNing Rushen vaguely replied in the queue, “Almost.”ookbsPbiPiecmhixredImeVDCfMumk
wZXKehUHCuPzzFnHe had taken three days of “sick leave” and hadn’t attended court.aJrFsoFjxVWthBaWPvNAPjvdSnMRpe
kHxzqRJAuRMgDIxAlthough he had recovered by the fifth day as he had firmly claimed, he couldn’t perform the lion dance anymore.DIWJwMqjSQnnmlYyhFJcoeFvywKzZd
csllviqNLedgqAyEspecially when he recalled Li Wuting’s gaze when he said, “I can still do the lion dance”—CWPeebyaiosfmFBmQnoncuYMCfyXAg
nowOZMbsgjxJjCOHe belatedly swallowed: Be cautious with words and actions.yfkYafNpeJOGxCXMIQTkLYucdYhxoP
bIfFtMbelJQdaxdUnaware of his thoughts, Geng Yan observed, “Well, your complexion does look quite good, as if you’ve been greatly nourished…”aIcsXMUnXqhHPndhjayfuhrrmdHYYv
lqgPXrkzZolLZyHNing Rushen hurriedly stepped on his foot: This little dog…!ogjkGcAxxTXQHyeUadppHAukWvaxjE
qsxXLUiwSUmFXinGeng Yan, “Ouch! What are you doing—”NBUSBFGDaqLQaligUKJcEOaMOZZQuF
DhJoZkbKYhjOCIWJust as they were speaking, suddenly the sound of a bell music rang out.sLQBplinsPTkonuqkvMnicqcAshgZr
wmUoGTJcZqrkHLcThe bustling crowd immediately quieted down. Under the gaze of thousands, the emperor ascended the tower, and the officials bowed in unison:sKTIWqkikSLFUGJiHJRgavCVxGXOsE
QPHXuSoqbNgFxZN“Long live Your Majesty, long live, long live!”LHhhMgCoSStyuZKcBtjETIumsRPeGt
GvsxASbdobbgMXqBelow the city tower, the common people gathered to catch a glimpse of the emperor.WkGapsuojiElfFaevOBYLwaPHYFkdN
TArmGVolKSDkgBHLi Wuting, dressed in the bright yellow imperial robe, with a sacred and majestic countenance, ascended the city tower surrounded by palace guards and attendants.cIbFmvWVUDnaPFNhPXRwWLgLIMaUtt
ncrxApstanmzlbINing Rushen also ascended the tower with the important ministers of the cabinet.BQUOhuwrHAKRccGmbmeFzvgDhZozKu
WhbXppDajgThHEQOnce on the city tower, the crowd and the sea of lanterns below became even clearer. The ministers took their positions, and under the direction of the Minister of Rites, Guan Fan, the celebration finally began.YzomFYsdLEeZjxzEnxNapiEsyqjqRw
LleDrHOCulLlrWjThis year’s celebration was as usual.NeGZXMKHsCUaTAfXWCMpxFoCtVpwBN
JChKrLiAIWWWiAZAfter several rounds of ceremonial music and speeches, suddenly Guan Fan spoke:QjKqlVRRnQRNkBmHZtEXMVpoAmcMYe
zchjhudKIiPxklu“Please invite Master Jing Xi to divine the new year and predict the nation’s fortune!”GhAoIYUcTLbbthWUKhectHrxjmvFWw
oNufmCYlROHgZQRAs soon as he finished speaking, there was a stir around:EADxWyxYeeiBQgmHyZaDCNAibMDzmu
GYZTsOFsGtbJbXu“Is it Master Jing Xi from Shaojue Temple?”ahNDcnAvIRBHwuzcruVAIeawugMzdI
hvUvrmCVdulUZLa“The master has never publicly divined on such an occasion before.”srPyOJCBmbQHiwbRaqrZxLahlgbCvv
LUKhCrIGcqokTYw“Why this year…”YNIyomITuxnfPjifQEptEAucrrOSBM
TRTGqVXfgLvYKHiAmidst the discussions, the figure in kasaya robes ascended the city tower.oOIzVtdjZVoIQJJaLijWNzecuIaIYz
QvDhYBcEqtwPfWCNing Rushen, standing on this side, couldn’t help but feel nervous.RfvAloAqyLeQzJxQIvRpoqrVSOSIGV
igKnaaqmcRgHKLbThinking of the content of the upcoming divination, his heart raced, and his gaze fell forward—QBHNTbXYutkeIWlnZrrErbaaewpenx
VauXPphGZrQuskyLi Wuting seemed to sense it, turning his head to meet his gaze, his calm eyes seemingly saying: Be at ease.QWQZSRZXAyNUQOaljElgmIuHXqNeGt
fyUWDAIfemWrWBCHe then calmed down again, blinking: Yes.kTmqgCGzbrhXzLguxrAVSMlfZbXvsc
WHrdGOneamCUrbzAhead, Master Jing Xi bowed, “This humble monk pays respects to Your Majesty.”CswVBFclMhzdAcDUhwalNPcsxpXRmb
jQybyjFhtWlzpaFLi Wuting nodded.lqZWfmaUXebHqOOGPOKbJAXdNFDTQg
rebcsjmHYebdAsAMaster Jing Xi smiled slightly, his golden kasaya fluttering in the wind atop the city tower, exuding a convincing sacred solemnity.qSXSmcniCNhFmwXcUqRjIgdLHIQGQp
zYIcZGtToQHXYrKSilence fell around. After a moment of finger calculation, Master Jing Xi clasped his hands:kwgPCBIbRfISuiPJkfFYIieqqXsjcc
iYzPKbzbpjSffPf“Your Majesty is wise—”dMmKtlIKLvMJnFUExtRQsPzAGOaqZy
SIgrNRGKEbOHnJh“Your Majesty is the True Dragon of the Nine Heavens, blessed with divine fortune. If you remain without a wife or heir, you can ensure the prosperity of the Great Cheng for a hundred years.”ZYgNWxHYgkeQmivNXFSSlDLRZsJDGm
bofGNLnzMAqdrquAs his gentle voice fell, it exploded like a thunderclap in the crowd! The surroundings were instantly in an uproar:bzbRwyYDjIPLJaZNWQyNKvsOCwgPuJ
EghfUCBMATIigggWhat does this mean!?mSoUbpbgJXHIcnBQtAvfVvlUgDKBJs
tuowJzHaAlHZvLwIs it asking the emperor to remain unmarried in exchange for the fortune of the Great Cheng?lGsgdOtZoZERxzvqWUzMLHJYEkUobs
MJrttWzRuFnwisFBefore the officials and common people could react, they heard the emperor above speak calmly and firmly, “If it can protect the long-lasting fortune of the Great Cheng, I am willing to never take a consort or establish an empress.”WwgvDdKcwcjDQNtGWukIrVixrcppvw
ZRokjNZzGIMcKbp“Your Majesty!!!”VDLamdbHkzOkjtBfdAHgrsLLGreZXK
YBpexoORpJptbkWAfter a moment of exclamation, the officials could say no more: That is the fortune of the Great Cheng for a hundred years.DrswVrRavjEPnPhFLYrzKMoufjrcbK
iTDaqhUBxZUtoxpWho dares to dissuade? But Your Majesty is… sigh!dusujkIiQPixOgDKfKlpdKaOufWsZL
EybwvTyuWRFRhQONot just the court officials, the common people were also stunned by this thunderclap. They looked up at the sacred and majestic figure on the city tower, awe mixed with sighs and discussions.GPngYAFKpwaiOENOnHqJyXDScJwstw
WIKcINGpCZdqOzQAmidst the wave of voices, Master Jing Xi clasped his hands: “Good.”JqiPbzkIiplxywpEFKvEzOtNfFAdHt
OBxCrcIMbGAfrkFLi Wuting’s expression remained unchanged, giving a slight nod, then looked towards the queue of important ministers—DfeuwnJwXcLEKbUcJoejlvcQCtPoNe
TMQVcSTMgKVWaKjHis gaze passed through the night crowd, meeting Ning Rushen who had been looking at him all along.jgfArVgSjPFnYMnCuoVXaHMQfMsPkY
lVuvifeEZEMEBAVTheir gazes collided, their hearts simultaneously stirred.LWHbBiFsphEfswOBhxnpIDUuXBphyy
CnjUmmUXWfmpDEKNing Rushen’s breathing quickened, his eyes warming, exchanging a look of surging love amidst the bustling crowd.HJkATwnqaOxGXuNcNImLtSehFDKDMW
hNmogLhsKUGwMNjLi Wuting’s eyelashes fluttered slightly, as if smiling at him.mlkKOtwBlMyofqrjpxJLiMWwFpPIED
YgxgGbcrioziKKaHis emotions were deeply stirred: Your Majesty…ghHLdslHamTSIvbULeRwMFaxJXSpZT
ksHqBcKYOTdxREpJust as the surrounding sound waves refused to calm down, Ji, the elder at the head of the queue, suddenly raised his hand, leading a bow:FitzUIvVZJPbnyPeGtHwFCjsTlZGsk
ussGvozKhDoaPmo“Your Majesty is wise!”ssijDhpScWsnkRAxeZYZecksQgeTmH
rhhtENGrNTNmOlLNing Rushen suppressed his emotions, taking a deep breath.GnLXqlegkDUnPhmaiKwxhUnJFwJZAP
VWCZGBgJMauZzwQThen, led by the cabinet, the elders and important ministers high on the city tower bowed in unison, “Your Majesty is wise!”OFNtKtnAfCqMlHuMhsLyRjpPercLIh
LYzvyXpcOeLliugThe rest finally quieted down, bowing in a rustle.gKxoPSOaZFYcruDUMDgvSLTTOaCsSW
YswZXuhrFuSmfAMThousands of sighs, joy and worry intertwined, ultimately recognized the emperor’s determination under the push of the atmosphere:eDuUNarPxGbekfmcvxfwqnwaLnGwBw
jYTXOtEhNTiJEDK“May Heaven bless the Great Cheng, a hundred years of prosperity!”KKPaNgXGmEUvJeVmtrwZkXNroVUIFi
HJUeRYbYJhtkChxAmidst the orderly bows, only one figure seemed slightly stiff.InankEMkfAoLDCvQLYOlwDwqwqCDXq
lcjRzhQurrCDXRmNing Rushen secretly looked up from his bow.zLfDtEFSfVoxjgohlXDxJCWItnIDow
ryohlzkxttvyCeAIn the crowd, some court officials were already subtly glancing at the still young Li Jingyu. The latter seemed to sense it, his innocent face slowly showing a trace of panic…ZojzfGEnhdFgcrUvLRZIeRSMwviWUQ
yulxbCkobhvZyjiNing Rushen, “…”dudJHamazVMxYbNLtTMzuIXMtOXmKa
erJvQiqJWvoGfirThis little short leg, finally catching on.mTmDiAWCUevdFEImPvcPYKmQZvsQvt
XfFzYSawvdKuvsd·ZYZGgwzOOqsrtOaKufOBqbPTGHXcmG
QTjQRkRGggfvOauAfter the divination, Master Jing Xi retreated to the side.KgFltNMMpRtQbmOLiOENhkFcBSTWdu
wJdoQgvunxQfZLaThe thunderous interlude ended, and the annual new year celebration continued.QXoEYgPJjgHgnRuLlcpthBZgADnFdu
toqvsJUHYWfcyrVThis celebration was grand.goMwXwFnrTrRYtyVcUEtJdQAjkqQLE
sUhlSAhPNdvVxNQUnder the supervision of the City Superintendent, the ten great families jointly organized it, an unprecedented spectacle.PVTRoeUoXRmQXDHZpSYwEwwKkRZhYp
boPoQQYCmpGGxckIt truly seemed to mark the beginning of the prosperous era of the Great Cheng.oFFDOaSowtgmopWsMuWRsdVJqaLmFK
KvEDbnqDwEkfgwEOn the city tower, Li Wuting pressed one hand on the city wall, his figure towering and stern, like an unshakable mountain.IZQNwVBWUqhvvnwIdTglqgoQwxJivr
WnbzBXbVjSIXvFCAs the crowd’s attention was drawn away by the performances below.ZJKtXKTAGbjIjzhonYGCNeavaOmpHG
lzCXbUqCRLtFfCbDe Quan finally couldn’t hold back, “Your Majesty!”XmCyPbCIeGoxhZzuvvMdCyiqGPGLYh
pKCIBTNvoAMAQJdThe emperor beside him lightly glanced over, and under the pressure of proximity, he whispered urgently, “Your Majesty, why go to such lengths as to leave no heir…”rmVNyDDQkNEscvFEzSXDnOxqZVDhwX
aYOcmyQKLvjgKDFLi Wuting’s voice was calm, leaving no room for doubt, “I only want him.”uEoLFUSRMbnpUheNFqwUIwzCMXTOEw
pPruKyCviJnBiPODe Quan didn’t know whether to be happy or regretful.YhAiRsbWftFsuhBOpwpEWjSlDNxEyM
FKnPjhqwcrLZXNxHe had hoped for His Majesty to achieve his wish, but he hadn’t imagined His Majesty would even forgo descendants. After a moment of sighing, he thought of Lord Ning, of the affection he had witnessed between the two along the way, and it seemed acceptable.BaythyIziwkgfppaqnMigQkhMjJFha
cAichyoelJCQFuLDe Quan took a step back, “But Your Majesty only wanting Lord Ning doesn’t require the empress’s position to remain vacant…”nZqUCZyzvNraljNGcwdXICNRiLAmok
DgKUSsXVgeeybTlLi Wuting understood his meaning, “I will not establish an empress.”RJQUDZSCtcmmCtMEHMoeITLVNXjmqi
pOowqhEMyvDQUPTDe Quan, after all, was just a young eunuch, not thinking far ahead.stNnHnPDWsRscSmwalfZKZlJHMjrcG
UsGxafFmfevwHEVHe hesitated in confusion: Why not?pzoxmglWZOPTEOnpvuUaVnicMAufyL
VaQKlSitJIvyQDXLi Wuting looked down at the bustling capital, his gaze falling on the horizon where the lanterns met the night, “He opened the markets, established the cabinet, went to the northern border, entered enemy camps…”IqmZbeexhYhpwVZXBAGqLxPHhCHlnF
UuDMDXqiayjXWHn“There will be more aspirations to realize in the future.”NqVcdkLafNTMYEozKYUfBdtnNzqsFB
XEOYEdIhzXYyUQw“His literary and martial achievements should not be obscured by the title of ’empress.’ He should stand in the court, his name immortalized in history—”bSEpdcIUXRpJFmgtzYbvmrCuMqTMNO
RLHcGlawwCkuBCW“I want no one to dare to write of him as a sycophant a hundred years from now.”QKnszmSAFxTTvIztBWdCudUfOCEBeK
SGZFqkhGjXaQoiyDe Quan, looking at the emperor’s resolute profile, was stunned for a long while, unable to hold back his tears, “Your Majesty…”ADMeiYsMMjRNuuyVTGNIyeongLTnxS
IipFKzgywNIYHhD…JZjevHnMisjPgnSQeSAXovsvZJXwyy
doWEHiElNRnZllRThe ceremony’s proceedings had ended.JWdRfBHIpDtIEqvqzcExNGhHsjCZUd
BtpKqJTLDLWKbptThe ministers who had ascended the tower descended, some wandering the markets.IPkPIUCiKnmZkxZaAmSHTSubOEAEgB
XFjVHYiOIcGdqtXAmidst the warm and bustling atmosphere, Ning Rushen squeezed past his colleagues to find Li Wuting.yeiQFPrvSqztzdviXlaYlBOaCNTCTT
hlFYWYQISeaXHpHLi Wuting turned and saw him coming, his solemn expression changing, unable to resist a slight smile.JFvhZdUPcIemCOQsuQyunIEnCUoImO
mEpDyOtwTrRURpXThe guards did not stop him, and in a few steps, he was by the emperor’s side.sTTqlfeMrTZPvlATYlFUGfUGgfpjVz
PYukMlbMopNphUeRemembering the scene on the city tower before the eyes of thousands, and Li Wuting’s gaze that had passed over the crowd to meet his, Ning Rushen’s emotions surged again, “Your Majesty…”jMzRxArxjFniOKvJjBTmWXUtPldBYG
jBtAZXNUkXQOaBILi Wuting said nothing, only turned towards the lively scene below:KrMDRzoJwifGekOuKcUQPCziFixMSb
gWBLFlHTyxcIAHV“Come and see our Great Cheng.”fiRANJdVRnzvzjAWPwztQljQNtKYqe
uOprMwaNvjWCWQeNing Rushen stood by his side and looked down, the officials celebrating, the people joyous—this was their Great Cheng. He was deeply moved when he heard from beside him:BBcdRqvXSvJEQwOVDMglGiGWWAnzFm
FwgMgAIlnfzsZDm“And your lion dance.”ctOptaSrsOxWRvWFQSEtMjGHgbKTUI
IrCeUKuvCuItgrc“…” His gaze fell.lgZIXjdeEJsnpyJfLKpRWZPfmiNRUK
iYPqVbBDikYXRsNIn the crowded sea of people, a tall and imposing man was holding up a massive lion’s head, leaping amidst the crowd.mWavrgsNFtnHJeyecaKTUjVuTqcKFR
emqgsHJFDHZcqsoNing Rushen swallowed.jnuzwCcopObtUwOIErlZhucMyCjueu
hJtoUNVSGbhInjmLi Wuting continued, “Compared to Lord Ning, it’s still a bit lacking.”wjVCczDkiCDuWYMlKXYoyXKbyYjzwR
jhzmCMJfonJOeSI“…” Is there no end to this!XFVthBCHMsLIPFjohSqujOvepSHRnA
UPpTrRbbgRmwWvxHe had only said, “I can still do the lion dance”!upfvrZNFGFwCXAkEysVSMptYYNPFEV
IOKsaJxOHWcayZZNing Rushen, flustered and annoyed, reached to pinch Li Wuting’s hand. As soon as his hand reached out, it was suddenly grasped.crPockqdfdyUEntWtJxzLYjTUktgSv
pKbsXaHGscTQyGmThe hand beneath the sleeve tightly held his.UcANREzqfQtwSbUEjOIPChoUTqIxjv
sbrJoEpoMUwztTzNing Rushen looked up to see Li Wuting’s lips curving into a smile. His heart stirred, and he couldn’t help but open his mouth, “Chao…”pqAxdcnLVFqqBXOYHPAEbVQiHbRLzl
IRdSqIreIMUyjYBAlmost as soon as the word began.zEQERNrxMhRqzSeeLdPQBpvrAAgLfc
lkalezePRcERPmcSuddenly, a bell rang out on the city tower, and fireworks burst forth in unison!XgcAaribDvHxnNmJspSbTBMMrnUFEx
nlAdqLIEjjkgNvTThe moment instantly crossed midnight, welcoming the new year, the dazzling fireworks like golden rain in the night sky. Amidst the crowd’s exclamations and praises, he and Li Wuting’s fingers interlocked tightly.xbYGJQQaHskGaKTaNPsMaLAhszhcDP
foEnYSCPqdPdaTENing Rushen’s heart pounded rapidly.CMqRxZbeOgrvUnmjHfLwbWjGCGgMBL
QQBhGqUIWMOlWZKCountless lights illuminated his clear eyes.hKdyXIBhbxurlZUoOKdOXhkTGFHjft
IXATDjmjgLHOraHHe held his breath and looked, the fireworks spelling out several splendid characters in front of him:xDDjRlpgLWfzKOQhTYFzeuAiNTEzAe
NYliziRDMkEYZNe『Peace and prosperity, a bright moon and a gentle breeze』JpkuELNgXeqddKDsryXHvTOzjVFhqI
VnegsvpLEQHPHRxHis heartstrings were suddenly touched, a low call mixed with the bustling crowd and the sudden burst of fireworks, falling between the two, “…Chaojun.”gPCYZGOPZrhLYFAdPzXIMAHyTRezgY
sEOLyuXwyQPZkgP·TBWGpRkvrNLdCmQYKvOdvTAmatWLVj
dPuwVhqECncTPQaAfter the grand ceremony, the news of the emperor not taking a consort was known to all.sagIjnxoMXbTZDxzLvnjQHKXOOZQcM
vsIbymdMwTFBwrTAmidst the shock and sighs, there was not much dissent.nlwBvkcGKVfUCCepIZjXHHOaVbcOKt
clNjdcfIrsyYFrEAs Li Wuting had said before, what the people cared about was only their daily necessities, wealth, and happiness.sxNpkVYymGiZJYGBnQCQWdXhFhmajR
NtpgGiVvyhYEbxuOccasionally, there were a few questions, but they were all rebutted by those around: “His Majesty has no heir, but that is for the fortune of the Great Cheng!”rBEePaxzzTUnhInhmTwGzOOtXUynrl
JRnYrUuKsXAbDmT“What’s more important than our good life?”PIHcRSzatmdyaONBTCUMyAMTbNwhZH
WvRWytOmggQJXzyThe sudden ripple was quickly calmed.PQOEvPcJigILHUueIfOOLqPwhhnAdf
DIDjXFTwSvMkAEOThe whole country was in a peaceful state, except for one person—VeDytwPcvyMDIApgyDMgomMzjLMpRf
TcHgXgzBwOaUDwPIn the palace, in the study room on the east side.VIQAxdMkLsrvLTVHaxnhyUGcVjlkfi
oWNzpqNRvYbZlYdLi Wuting and Ning Rushen sat in front of the desk, behind which the little short leg was about to cry, “Big brother…”xnNdgjVzDaENyciUITZfUgNyIoaRSy
nhfPZOgFzXJmeaI“Jingyu, be steady,” Li Wuting said, “From now on, besides your studies, you must also attend court in the cabinet.”qRcVRbyYtmWZYYHWImmMWroBXWlrjQ
duniXrNwDNkjxxQ“Don’t neglect your martial arts either, I will have the newly appointed martial champion teach you.”EEIbTTKQYGbkGrYqIHCRYMzDuzthva
YmKCSEpSGUeHOgAAt this, Li Jingyu really started to cry: Wuwu!qgihpGpJKjmNtelFaXAfTpWGUiLOzp
ttxfITBmGnIPFbJHis drooping face looked like a soaked bun, “Big brother, I’m still too young, isn’t there second brother?”SEwvHMQIdRgSTwEFcWxqwfOvWStEiK
JhTENmzfzAtYljk“Do you want the Great Cheng to be destroyed?”fHylFLusKAFlSSCnPMawJPnDhbHzns
PpdewtDaaALkDRd“…” The crying stopped abruptly.ZuwFMHXQxTmODZnaddrLIKNHLILdUn
ZtypfipiBDjHkUrNing Rushen sighed: Straightforward, reasonable.pbSuGlmThoRglLGAWNgKjCbNdScGMV
sBFwfuMQqBtWaNHLi Wuting had just assigned the homework when a court official came to report, and he got up to leave temporarily.rBQYfHuocjDotYdGgSXjKjAUJKGLuX
FeFCarInemXNnHzAfter the person left, Ning Rushen felt a bit unbearable.mugoVTDqJZpzOkCjnphrrEuYpfjByf
gzbbRmhiuUULAivLooking at the crumpled Li Jingyu, he wanted to comfort and explain, when the little short leg in front of him suddenly changed his expression, seriously blinking:JTljtOQAinjfGHTWSnfiFCidGdYvUQ
ICFRsHLQpmEIxyo“It’s okay, I understand.”vMLmXmEFSxZPIqOQAWZzSIZvbybgGy
xhkgDnCETmMAkBINing Rushen: ?NPQPYOJhWHtKqprPcKuYHvfdBrYDLW
KFSsJQdKMaabVzOLi Jingyu said seriously, “Big brother wants to be with Lord Ning, right? Big brother has protected me a lot before, I have always had no way to repay.”tOpZPSlVtQBjdDmFqvgyUCDbCjTWCC
jTwANCvMHObsRCY“If big brother needs, I am willing to bear the world.”bJUFemWMKkmJoBbPbxOfrmvQUovKlh
BXTijDfsPblruxlNing Rushen was stunned and speechless, “Then just now…”XKcVdqFwFtFkUgpSYIdfWwNDjdvjIG
RoxdiCnUGLsUvdr“I have to sell misery moderately, big brother will soften,” Li Jingyu came over and whispered, “Isn’t that what Lord Ning taught?”VqGYBFKFFLUGEglcTLlRwVQZpKHsZU
hEkCbcVkXfCEaevNing Rushen slowly opened his mouth: It really was him…ofBcSvSWUoNZaQmBMQRQDZeaXeehVc
bEkXwLeYrymzxgXLi Jingyu added, “I only told Lord Ning, don’t tell big brother.”xodPfIvzLBWoMmVKIuPTLDoxxRGIvt
ZlbmWThEkDRPlHXNing Rushen looked at this innocent and naive face, reasonably suspecting he was trying to confuse him, but couldn’t help but nod, “…Alright.”xhkNJAiNuwbNGtEETlNaZskLkdebAb
DCtaGbItuvZofRkThe little short leg then affectionately leaned over: “Hehe.”aIBgEgKAmMVlzMtBIdbhyncIqgKIVF
NRtzKCGBzWvlTsf…nLLngmCKhAwBWLNWUDxXgdLRMMWtOI
IbZUPTBUPXENypeAfter a while, Li Wuting returned.tDmzrVkEUCXUaiLwurvFlIxSmzwOWA
ZLwZurJkuSZGcBDAfter finishing assigning homework with someone, he left with Ning Rushen.aDPoJhRRSMFXJGjmQRrvPCFwldkCzL
VYXTnyvymbLByLcIt was still early, and still during the holiday, so they returned to the palace first.eWWdLBNmnIgCwPOnFZUsUxSHOQNUog
URVsUZXpoxBiapzArriving at the palace, dismissing everyone.XPYRXkGFFnTcpHOFrHfYLzTByCJyaT
SNaZtqqojaPwNsPNing Rushen was washing his hands in the basin when he heard Li Wuting ask, “Did Jingyu act cute with you?”FmqIgXQqTclxxlIWLmrXxlZXFXuDKN
MOzXtGDfNBRCPECHe glanced sideways, “How does Your Majesty know?”AUaoZBgHvhLnWIBWccIhVglEemScLW
lJuArJEHmgXYkVyLi Wuting smiled, “I know him too well.”VSbIascqsvgyXBmeXQorbKSzeDeSMQ
DOxOSqxuRufBJrNNing Rushen realized: The old dragon is still sharp.aNTHkvDeFOamGbGJYEMFcwOLPxxJLD
wYVvONzsbkIcFQXIndeed, not to mention Li Wuting’s keen insight. With the experiences of two lifetimes, naturally, he understood clearly.oIIzkwbCIkNgwZTwAfCQCsBxpajgpT
geqCgLDGRwWsUdDThat Jingyu…xVkZofoscMzURKEYIRLnscLyoegIua
pbaFbcJvRnZKkmeHe thought while drying his hands.eYvxAKZoGOjYxkKCLgRjulYYRPVvTy
IrVrdoGAGAOnrbaJust as he finished drying his hands, he was suddenly pulled over. He sat on Li Wuting’s lap, “Your Majesty!”UztzNnjMlCkBsdToAQPZVrhYeQJeYh
FqMaxYcQgUJyLlbLi Wuting hugged him, looking down, “What are you thinking? Not even a glance for me.”UsqleLhSmhGBsZSRSTPkhdzvkaVmgU
VTSGrEyVVnbFjYy…Isn’t it about the pot you threw?DriGjCxldwVXQoFIWKRBUtUryDjUif
dsNlPSvTOxWNrEbNing Rushen climbed onto his shoulder, rounding it off, “Thinking of Your Majesty.”mNHzsZziMJxgVjakdDLfCZkBbePuXD
XrRyRNPMWXJonUeThe breathing before him became disordered, Li Wuting’s gaze heated.fHuBfxzzUxWFqrAZqvuvDUEkSSEUJV
SlmNrclLLfxrwFIHe leaned in to kiss, tenderly plucking the lips that belonged to him, “The holiday is seven days.”stwgwqIqpqIOjVBtlpWTjXDEEGesdM
mCMftzlEIXwMDnV“Huh?” Ning Rushen’s eyelashes trembled, feeling the recovery before him, immediately a bit flustered, “What?”iulyCJbskFaVjRLYscWqEcnBIZqPqS
liBAyXUFzfiVxNb“Last time I pampered you, afraid you couldn’t attend the celebration.”UjYZVcimSGLTlrfpGcCBDIkMBmWPqN
DKiCaLROcOtxhYnLi Wuting held his waist, observing, “Five days to dance the lion?”lBBjpnxlezWDvtpasSFnXWoDAvPfQv
aYlHhXjgvKPRTdQ“…”RArHKiALdXiuYXfBCpQHxMKGFZSUse
AdjwgCxpICAxGESNing Rushen finally sensed the danger, bouncing up, “No!”QeosrRFyiuJPOFGfdDbfAvvnPNcvlR
LHRKHYicpWJoYXlA long arm pulled him back, Li Wuting’s large hand on his waist, lowering his head to kiss, “…Try.”SgOPZVJWgyQvegbepSNXsZkFbzgqnQ
eOujoADQZRkhEBm“No, mmm—”qcRwbQaweJphJfcnqOKVMvRgyMbrzD
PICudDeMcGoBuap·iGClMwpjISCOdOTJLAcZebLXEDVeOD
lKoVxPrTkZghxbFLord Ning was “sick” again.gGkvCrVhlrqKqDUounlTMdBnRiGscz
ggpqiTaFAYZRFoaFavored by the emperor, the palace sent many condolences to the Ning residence.DZGVRdtLoFNbDeNGAxcuVJgUbVAHjQ
zeOMEOLpBBWlHHFNing Rushen nestled in the recliner in the main courtyard, sending away all the palace people who came to deliver gifts, not seeing anyone.INHjANXRXSlPWiLnoftFQqxVabjrbv
IvoKNdvnVWAtCSSNow, he reflexively shivered at the sight of bright yellow brocade—yjyztbXqlfGsbJlWGvNjlTPOJIvjJz
ideDisNHfEPLbMxHe unconsciously touched his flat abdomen.hEHZBpPQMxFhDmXoftkovxeKiQfjHn
EhXXuZGbYBWjMbpThat day, the light was still bright, and here he saw a situation he had never seen before.ERKJRRugJExMcYlFoYrsmZdvqSASet
FMhbTiFZEgaliFCNing Rushen’s ears turned red with shock at the thought, feeling annoyed:fbKPIyntfjBUTxyZifRriWwncVfKKW
UsySCPPqFNIxLoSLi Wuting really made him unable to move for five days… five days, and now, he still trembled at the thighs when he moved.PJUbqCYHnARYlprdoUgutGissgjLsx
DDmLlccCmDFAslYIt was really too embarrassing!GKBxQrGEqhtwPBBkmvQJcCVOCVHmNU
rAPAshQLSZVTZPiHe wrapped himself in a blanket, nestled alone in the small courtyard.bnnIDporHAIbGHkpqnABQqEtaNTbus
drOCffYNAtYYoLlPerhaps the dismissed palace people reported something, as not long after, there was a commotion outside the courtyard.ybIgDNoeTqDSlmuoUKCTPsuZBGvwqy
tNpoBWvHAAgaRplThen, the figure that made his waist tremble and ears hot came personally.dhTkEnMWTQfTwLEOojCLqHmukKfwMp
xlPwAYiahkPcLqmLi Wuting walked over and sat beside him, “Still mad at me? It’s my fault.”ZrcypyXzrErzgbpSTHAsdVIhdRoBpq
ITanfUIANQTSuzhNing Rushen thought: You said the same last time.gEcvzDvVmWpehbUtSiBmIBbFnxnziP
YULWbKcLrQzgtrMSeeing his gaze, Li Wuting paused, softly explaining, “But at that time, I saw that you liked it…”trUnVSvWyuKdxGdDIrUEPxpkKSqqjX
yFHRKOEWFfVWFztNing Rushen covered his mouth with a claw: What are you saying!nIFKAfmKFhPutXPeppyxxXWfJxekiR
ypNBKbthIqJJVHXThe long hair draped behind him slightly puffed up.uPykAyTrUdyRoeDbTBiyIrGWVeQEka
qVxMPaKwpMsvRRCLi Wuting then pulled down his hand, “Alright, won’t say it.”njuQUWlPDNZrGQyHwogCpuKwjdzbti
VCWfAhnXxWbofzFThe emperor, above ten thousand people, coaxed him gently, his broad and warm hand pulling his palm.lUufpNfHvERlEgbXgouWFsARDTegUp
eIHCXpBOlUgkzyFNing Rushen wrapped himself in the imperial blanket, couldn’t help but want to snuggle into the embrace. But thinking of his previous indulgence, he sat upright seriously, formally asking:msKHZoOnXIwlxTCGNRXWIPcktldcDW
gzzSiMaaVDGFXjt“Your Majesty, what brings you here?”CBFVlvygHNLgLOUqHLopeVlRupfSrC
cEsFMUDFgvcEBzJLi Wuting nodded, “To discuss your position.”wyPhkxPeKRBtxCykdYLpvSrvYhJCXm
gliXkwFfgBUhRxZReally something? Ning Rushen looked at him.eFQVSIGYTRhVkGkHTZMruiYtFSxEVv
mOCoASVdgPwYaJeLi Wuting said, “After the New Year, you will step down from your position in the City Superintendent, I will transfer Fan Wan to the Ministry of Rites to take over your tasks.”aCZNAMMnKRWxRUnXSNMrWJxbBpjeaG
iFhMYFoZJVqHYgK“You will still hold the position of Grand Scholar in the cabinet, no need to handle memorials.”uARqZgeqCEYKXYGivVflQqnqAOfgsZ
rlYXdkldCbEGRaA“Also, you will be concurrently appointed as Junior Tutor, to teach Jingyu’s studies…”SycSzqnquwZQjczmfKBwPUjTTRSWnx
NfKmaWnwNNmcXkSNing Rushen’s eyes widened, “Let me teach the young prince?” Isn’t he black enough already?iNnIcLpAiBVtLJGEoAJfyrhVFLtUOS
wsBXVCCHmlcGIndAs if hearing his unspoken words, Li Wuting said:agSeVzdknfoWNQDxIhhMoRQUSQFWve
CDUQSvRJKTDFTmC“Do you remember what you told me about a free, equal, and civilized prosperous era?”maiHaIVLqgIlyCouvzfQzcZeaUTttn
MnShEgETujpTmZd“The Great Cheng will eventually be handed over to Jingyu. Such a prosperous era needs to be told by you.”qzchIKzFJMqeJlPSxDzbKAoTaUKtVv
yhzZWSGJkAXjhtTNing Rushen’s heart stirred, looking at him:EPnLvpLiWkVrxybmSYszhMlUdvGzwj
tXNPlUyUJuNHVth—Li Wuting was serious.YdUuRwXtwhamJuIWHOEtrzdChrCKJE
GBioinnpWmMpZocHe responded, “…Alright.” Still, he couldn’t help but move into the embrace.agcLNhQnxTlQEsJJFBHwHDZIFTIZty
WBlHjRGeDVLnvaxLi Wuting then naturally embraced him.NNoaBJzWkNCOrWvVfAgFcbSIxQsupN
LrlsVQolLVkoyTVHis waist was slender, the long arm wrapped around his back and fell in front of him. His gaze shifted, suddenly stopping.vhbXkpnxkcyLwYtfZmTscIjCuJONwh
MeePCJiwBBwdzOGJust now, Li Wuting’s hand was hidden under the wide sleeve. Now, a section was exposed, and on the wrist, he saw a string of bodhi beads tied with a cord.KVLlAAKMmVpuUtaGHuVnTcFAXMHgHw
eywsWnUlnpfuLGhSeeing his gaze, Li Wuting softly:QZFZwwfAdnwFVeXnGwmBXrsXRQsGIY
dPzhmCPGFFUcEEc“I said, I would keep it well for you.”zaMBptBDVTbgYldloWwcvWITzttUUQ
wTbuUTsphxceiFGNing Rushen’s fingertips brushed over the bodhi bead firmly tied to the emperor’s wrist, instantly all his anger was gone.pxkdesXMbGCrcPMTasEzQVpAgwnZjL
FCkFuXozAgZshajHe nestled into the embrace, holding a porcelain cup.KxeyOjHytPCNUUucyORQhYYPOnEgnM
jLGsjmFSAUgwHKILi Wuting lowered his head: ?qQxiEIzlSBzVZHxQrZKTEetmHoHQls
aeUnnxlyXYbXffTNing Rushen magnanimously, “Compassion for all.”lJPoGDAlleNcFLbqeLMWQHsfdGMcOs
gWrzIGebZPhlETN“…” Li Wuting patted his head, letting him lean, “Shen Shen takes a breath.”QKyWZiUFCRoajxgNLYSVwbFVYDbCXW
sCfUSalGemOHsHUNing Rushen, “Shen Shen wants many breaths.”yWsUgdYwoPRieqxgeWmkrnodQWUPCs
aXkrsUTMkygLEgm“Then many breaths.”dCAyxEYOYMLjkrnTVtCmMxkEPnTnoj
npxXzrJlNIbghrK“Can I?”AvXusGtwYhxDokFmuXuBWHfLUDZmpK
mZqproIezTEXdYw“Can.” Li Wuting softly, “After gradually handing over the burden to Jingyu, I will accompany you in rest.”PogyiItUOHWbbMfstWXwbwXlOauaDU
YMytyIcxtZCcHvXTo travel the mountains and rivers? Ning Rushen became interested at once, looking up to ask, “Where are we going?”agpvBFgPGmimdnfEfAqtUfxoIDleKU
QTeNcUnhdxxHBYiLi Wuting’s gaze looked out of the courtyard.qRoEhQczcwfQbkMMgPwBnLvZvpzapz
AvQgHHdqZDDUEkhAfter the New Year, the snow by the small pond had melted, plum branches swaying.GhhqKjyhUXPWbfAOjQewBfCPuKSzKO
oZIzWdspQqTQlEQHe lowered his head to kiss Ning Rushen’s forehead, as if embracing the entire delayed spring:MdXjwEOsRJcmclQcBLOgVAjdPxZufr
xBvjgkeqjMtBSuB“The Great Cheng has high mountains and wide waters, where can’t we go?”CxqVMZlEIJBXuANsRpPRwvkgkNesFc
XyLIQFodBSxOMmojGvbzRWxlSfwkdgEYzpkiSisEsKWba
his and Lu Wutings fingers > instead of he
and I think Little short leg > legs?
Shen Shen?
And I really love Lu Wuting the ML. He’s literally a Green Forest.