This official is so weak

The celebration was held just before midnight at the end of the year.tnrQMEwjMqsVkrqaWnTLTgLNKBEHSi

rttWhWTmpfULaeD

The emperor and the officials ascended the city tower, welcoming the new year together with the people.yqWxeNJmTlYpWjbjeBTKOKFqcOSqhP

gFqojrItdqxTgMC

That night, the capital was brightly lit.JebkMQJYvxDZccXRJYKxQbBfrBciRB

myebXXAVTOPGfcW

Ning Rushen, along with the other officials, waited on the city tower before the celebration officially began.oOIbSjgbncNavvWUKSfYveDQjMigZH

jTgteTStMTWhNJT

Geng Yan squeezed next to him, “Are you well now?”wGwkutJMqmQvRPLOlFyDINTvsGxiNE

KKqKujBqTROcSLY

Ning Rushen vaguely replied in the queue, “Almost.”eaHHiPgKQYbTtfzFuHvwARUAaLDwAE

GidZxihHfmovHdb

He had taken three days of “sick leave” and hadn’t attended court.hvNLEQhufioIFqTRYQeMZitGkySftb

BSzYHqVZYtAFQKP

Although he had recovered by the fifth day as he had firmly claimed, he couldn’t perform the lion dance anymore.iOpxOQDBlAEGWZfGoVNcnOXTwHIWqZ

YufjvGpumuHTnyk

Especially when he recalled Li Wuting’s gaze when he said, “I can still do the lion dance”—vSQzegiuOxAndLhwcDmdsFkQJqjsLN

AkJvavuICXkXjLw

He belatedly swallowed: Be cautious with words and actions.pfUHLHuKhfTdTHdLzDItiiHQYNIQIQ

oBuIidUzVZSYXpr

Unaware of his thoughts, Geng Yan observed, “Well, your complexion does look quite good, as if you’ve been greatly nourished…”aeMVeSnWZxJXMgwytpMrWPJRHCDLkC

TQrBELRQRUrCgyA

Ning Rushen hurriedly stepped on his foot: This little dog…!EYeHkwsuEkqJjjtSJyicnIlzQBjbdV

cqcXPXxShUxEpTF

Geng Yan, “Ouch! What are you doing—”OQtdfvSUoUFRHDbpcSmFZaRVbMaVkx

bWpVTTFAcAXOJUA

Just as they were speaking, suddenly the sound of a bell music rang out.GCQButOeNoRmJTUhZonibhsOeyflcp

vaWyXKPapixjPSk

The bustling crowd immediately quieted down. Under the gaze of thousands, the emperor ascended the tower, and the officials bowed in unison:iWHYbxnHhKnXFantTSZEyLnyqumOJX

PObaTfGLVzRMTHP

“Long live Your Majesty, long live, long live!”KlaKhQiRaapDPNumUicNdOswByEykR

PxgucuNHtesXKFL

Below the city tower, the common people gathered to catch a glimpse of the emperor.GjevreoJDXLWeUQlncobyfhEDsfFHD

CoBIizFLkOKOcFG

Li Wuting, dressed in the bright yellow imperial robe, with a sacred and majestic countenance, ascended the city tower surrounded by palace guards and attendants.qHyMGUdjhrhabtWmLaryTvSIKCLILw

pjiIYLPnnAFVGbm

Ning Rushen also ascended the tower with the important ministers of the cabinet.BTJUmmOiRhSXNovFNIHrwMTHZmRTsz

ymApcbYsBLnAuEJ

Once 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.FPEufTiFSpaUGvgoQPqatCIhYNfrhj

oBGcMyhkZSsUWji

This year’s celebration was as usual.pZxLEVXpaCzbQlvnoMQKmWeVAjllwZ

pEgPJkLHYmZHzzP

After several rounds of ceremonial music and speeches, suddenly Guan Fan spoke:ZUmPzilRvowbYQgkPwBUejPWwRCaSd

GLhPsgyikwDbkwM

“Please invite Master Jing Xi to divine the new year and predict the nation’s fortune!”BsbFSpdZfCTXpZONptQhiRxbJxCmqW

mHNUfFHKYblZfYR

As soon as he finished speaking, there was a stir around:lZgmfaXRBUdlzhRSqyAtxQOyBiruHC

FQCrtKBEVLnYuRP

“Is it Master Jing Xi from Shaojue Temple?”IHGdKWjWscGCeyRvWetyOmpweKpQjz

BXKTkJFDCmGaxoJ

“The master has never publicly divined on such an occasion before.”cOeHTepjVbBckWZvuRjUWUJbiHIgKK

GwtWAvRyRxtwnXW

“Why this year…”yHBORqkkSaWupmbrTjFtTTcjxKHSli

xywfSUKrOLzQIBt

Amidst the discussions, the figure in kasaya robes ascended the city tower.cQWreEuqJaSCobrzcfHfJJPXnoAeFw

hhbVBqdloZqMjhX

Ning Rushen, standing on this side, couldn’t help but feel nervous.UCQkxUkVbZDSPPXSLapUtDCMXnWfXT

ZauTZNZxsmrbFgd

Thinking of the content of the upcoming divination, his heart raced, and his gaze fell forward—ZHlrksXtJhKXMeKUAawzaOTqSbFNlR

jHVcVCWbqghSDwi

Li Wuting seemed to sense it, turning his head to meet his gaze, his calm eyes seemingly saying: Be at ease.rnBBPHvRdCEbIXKcTpNoJuHYKfgSVY

MoUDKfdSHeZLgXe

He then calmed down again, blinking: Yes.SRHUMfGxyiWQuYTJeYUWofLKMfdsTc

QFSbkoYnAUkwNVe

Ahead, Master Jing Xi bowed, “This humble monk pays respects to Your Majesty.”ArQXotaPoLyZwRBvMtgoCyngDquXmt

RtrPVvbOzhegqec

Li Wuting nodded.RthrFiBHWmUATUeJUcMoMQsUNvqiYW

pJQlTQxeSJHLpVw

Master Jing Xi smiled slightly, his golden kasaya fluttering in the wind atop the city tower, exuding a convincing sacred solemnity.HPiFjpRRCIGmNpTexRMRjXdAeoGqgL

JPjRgROBmnQGYEl

Silence fell around. After a moment of finger calculation, Master Jing Xi clasped his hands:bFlrrCRETOiwngfcQuwiYgJxOjUhKy

boQvAKcMWeBdTJg

“Your Majesty is wise—”UYYNyHUVmEDruggZShLBDsECTWIDmh

gHlWoKLEcVMsEGP

“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.”WDAUBDAIkVETCUfNorJwKidyaeSSMa

wbIpCxDnWRjicZr

As his gentle voice fell, it exploded like a thunderclap in the crowd! The surroundings were instantly in an uproar:dZlKtvBvzWkUUJeOHZLEiadxkJNCJR

ztiNJqqTtJaAGZw

What does this mean!?jlLSqGtDosQJLKmzURZdCgmYwgrwdh

GoCTawDNGONEPXL

Is it asking the emperor to remain unmarried in exchange for the fortune of the Great Cheng?oVlQITdLQaeEUqMcSvUROZkiszVcRX

HdrudvCzaRRjihp

Before 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.”fgbiPWuBXqTOOYKIghGFQahagZXtMm

iopIDDrvqjtPOua

“Your Majesty!!!”kekYjyuVesMTTuWRYvtheSRLnOjAku

eAsgmPQMBRJmzRA

After a moment of exclamation, the officials could say no more: That is the fortune of the Great Cheng for a hundred years.DIxTyEFMXmtAjTjvpsCPbJtTUVHUjF

AvmZIONoJkqUVlq

Who dares to dissuade? But Your Majesty is… sigh!xcWRGLPCvxRiehMnCAgYvzMeSHqLBk

wYvMrVeshhNTAci

Not 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.BceSMZPVqqkUExOLIfwONOpMIRQUCX

rOoHkMIPzAoZUrW

Amidst the wave of voices, Master Jing Xi clasped his hands: “Good.”mtSMsJhEbPNLyUsqcsVDTTncPuJlZq

ciPmXYnambKQiBa

Li Wuting’s expression remained unchanged, giving a slight nod, then looked towards the queue of important ministers—ROrBxjMqZXoqOYrfPNCxyIZUJyfzjw

DlxVXEVzvPGZvZI

His gaze passed through the night crowd, meeting Ning Rushen who had been looking at him all along.IGBhGLbxLjdgGabrquLNzKtScRJSlV

rFshTODkJdmUPqR

Their gazes collided, their hearts simultaneously stirred.yLGXPntgniZFKnIYUdSJEGgYSruzbh

kUCZbKswkStoHCp

Ning Rushen’s breathing quickened, his eyes warming, exchanging a look of surging love amidst the bustling crowd.uMtakTKFDghthbCQKYltWiopsiwaxy

kzhfIEzyObEALku

Li Wuting’s eyelashes fluttered slightly, as if smiling at him.anxbPZcBbRxPLQrdTOBohVmRfbepfM

WwDivhJPkhOtFoB

His emotions were deeply stirred: Your Majesty…msqXQRANpxcVdnuixcqNficlFObujZ

nKUPMroTXfzpHYq

Just 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:EZzSpiyomQEWgLAGhusUchxruJNUTh

EOqnxfFwYIlkrbb

“Your Majesty is wise!”fObeSkXVfbiyjoEbdQOGTsLgOfQqEl

osinKqNQlXxiiyD

Ning Rushen suppressed his emotions, taking a deep breath.mHatulUKsscNJlhnMAxmwOosNQSTwh

VrhyzpHvJEktWNM

Then, led by the cabinet, the elders and important ministers high on the city tower bowed in unison, “Your Majesty is wise!”ejwDtEcCMYkPrywVizVDhvJtrgLTWL

gLKtcbdGRGPBfFy

The rest finally quieted down, bowing in a rustle.MMXJPYsFHuFclrfPbnlcsjbUtgLoJn

lsCnXyaiIINhxZB

Thousands of sighs, joy and worry intertwined, ultimately recognized the emperor’s determination under the push of the atmosphere:YVWdXrwxhgRKmomOkvvQJKucZzQmEq

ZIlmgfemezWnLDr

“May Heaven bless the Great Cheng, a hundred years of prosperity!”TyhdzSePVJXDboVPzacuFVZKzeDpgE

hIouTlkJbChEfeS

Amidst the orderly bows, only one figure seemed slightly stiff.sziGrEzJwyrTswXBMQOMGybYYFneGz

MPMnNYNpiWfUpMO

Ning Rushen secretly looked up from his bow.gTvcxjBHDNBTtdPpGSMkRzZydgoiMd

OQdeLKknVlrmUEV

In 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…nBsgjZKtVJQeDEAaSPMBlhFizwjPCT

nveAmrnwsaHlpXb

Ning Rushen, “…”nAcFZmZCYqfqJrcITnXzZuHecNRCfS

oZQjFxmxtcFPnYC

This little short leg, finally catching on.MJgFrFlxXoIsePkannltPDyGFwsuKs

XyVCFNphoAiPxwE

·xYKEBWixPIbsZjoTtJvHkxhGKqyTRm

lUXHQMgPkUYeneX

After the divination, Master Jing Xi retreated to the side.SZPTkfIvkCKKlQOqOoDBiTdPEzdPGa

QPWKVrPbpMfDEbD

The thunderous interlude ended, and the annual new year celebration continued.nOrSBDIkNdlEveAbJSFqrvHOtDIWvZ

hcsiBdLPNOhyxrc

This celebration was grand.yxOdmLgdVQbBydNznZamKVtpyNdOtf

jHmDOuFtspbNZPD

Under the supervision of the City Superintendent, the ten great families jointly organized it, an unprecedented spectacle.GUZGPfHwmEIYxCFgicbueivFHwwCsY

FAxlXvbSZOzLVPV

It truly seemed to mark the beginning of the prosperous era of the Great Cheng.KOukfFwVxIkcvNAIVuqIRPYGwWeUdi

QwQZCdzOIjoCsgk

On the city tower, Li Wuting pressed one hand on the city wall, his figure towering and stern, like an unshakable mountain.aPKKDGgwiulCZhtpHQWArdpsIToyrY

fwOiQZcIgtkPkEu

As the crowd’s attention was drawn away by the performances below.HkZVmpgpKWpHdQCzawWPSJlEUlPUwA

UlzYjLPinruQzSu

De Quan finally couldn’t hold back, “Your Majesty!”uCAZjDoXDurOqwbGyMRjeKAAujPvFX

vdGAUPCxdXhehhX

The 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…”CBZOfXwnKbSkRPjcgjrCHAcUtQPAoX

cUhUnkMlHVnYiaA

Li Wuting’s voice was calm, leaving no room for doubt, “I only want him.”dMuKnJeXScnDxDepkaXVGwUhPVMabg

kWRpCzsEAPmhcAK

De Quan didn’t know whether to be happy or regretful.zPaDVmPlQkUEBxWzQknlrTRoqlrKqH

GppAnMLYEtXCBVY

He 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.rttIMyOSNluaeMlVIqPGuUdPscQEGw

iwzdMWkNTWpxfDN

De Quan took a step back, “But Your Majesty only wanting Lord Ning doesn’t require the empress’s position to remain vacant…”YUunxWQzQRvdhCTpnfeuuIutWGWNex

ArzHMvbVkqgRuxj

Li Wuting understood his meaning, “I will not establish an empress.”fboiAlMJWXNNATvMxdfGkWpDnaXoAM

oecbWKOIbJxFMMk

De Quan, after all, was just a young eunuch, not thinking far ahead.RNMtvgifVvrzKZCEMSmKBpyVVJyJPS

KzWAZWHOekPNLhT

He hesitated in confusion: Why not?oROaKeedWRscnbhyIXrIwMDkLHFMnj

dVDhBnbhIAaHuIz

Li 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…”UuSAGCANqHaqMCEpKRtTZmvMZXPAhx

lFgmMgsYSGlZVPH

“There will be more aspirations to realize in the future.”pVDhUjnubFRHdVFPURAbfsuuRGLkQQ

ZNONTLTdAtEQZIT

“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—”TMmPLVLLeCBuibsRNJhTKFjCuFfodE

BrrmbVGVCNymFTz

“I want no one to dare to write of him as a sycophant a hundred years from now.”XOvEyngywzDytYmfunIiDcEEOmfYJI

ZRhAsBVouasBySh

De Quan, looking at the emperor’s resolute profile, was stunned for a long while, unable to hold back his tears, “Your Majesty…”ZrhSDXhLBouioMowurdvbCgBoxMgoZ

XFKsnIOkCnBCdsB

…gyPFseEGKEfeevDjhFXYGzvIRNywBL

WVPHSPpTPxYwHbH

The ceremony’s proceedings had ended.AMiTyEixNfhAYBPiJjnROXZkRgFxCh

fcYzVCuvVmEPTtC

The ministers who had ascended the tower descended, some wandering the markets.MXVauUpaHHzCCnmPvHWmgKsUPZrRAh

MZsTBQbOMUSHQrm

Amidst the warm and bustling atmosphere, Ning Rushen squeezed past his colleagues to find Li Wuting.WSvfZIPrtUQSuYUMmCskasvXDAlwWl

PRPrWIfkMQQZaLh

Li Wuting turned and saw him coming, his solemn expression changing, unable to resist a slight smile.QtRTSUyWmEdzhgPLJRmJXEUseFSzOI

JhBYJoSlFBQARNl

The guards did not stop him, and in a few steps, he was by the emperor’s side.DpMQxfFCndwZGoYKjCIQpvqnrowmhF

JJQtBWJEbeUxzqp

Remembering 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…”EDuYEwrejUNLcSVVfxOGyqDbrddGgI

AZTfFKMNIEkIRyg

Li Wuting said nothing, only turned towards the lively scene below:gNqsHbnjQhKRRqeizdVaStatoDJYUI

SHHYXyUBRXNbIIG

“Come and see our Great Cheng.”zbuMomrFRLpsWkRDVkxvRtcwsDACGM

CEgDrkZsKewUGgd

Ning 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:qZcJgwPkpulrfvjGXWaUWZixSFUmWq

NoVqArktmoNfcuI

“And your lion dance.”VLsjcLyBRfvhvilvwgSYyiwWcQZRJv

JoKgjRQetbTVUvW

“…” His gaze fell.EFTaZNLDzDLVZbcJiFtehREgEmTLRY

TICarOUgiBAWAeB

In the crowded sea of people, a tall and imposing man was holding up a massive lion’s head, leaping amidst the crowd.MLmgoTuTGNvNtNjdvCrABKHhANugdL

CWIGSIBoaAfIclu

Ning Rushen swallowed.thqrDcLntUjcNtvqVoZigYVdsdeQWB

PMndYMCTThWOPAX

Li Wuting continued, “Compared to Lord Ning, it’s still a bit lacking.”wdQgeYIvFrRPxRJatVpvpAXGrHwzEC

WHZzVcSeXPemvQh

“…” Is there no end to this!GtIpcsDZMRdiQhxMjtpysMvkTZcaUv

KvziQOgDVwzGjPZ

He had only said, “I can still do the lion dance”!ttlBHSEWBCQrudoDnvSTWTepPjWvxB

MIhXnPJDgoMeOyr

Ning Rushen, flustered and annoyed, reached to pinch Li Wuting’s hand. As soon as his hand reached out, it was suddenly grasped.wWNyZTLJTswZICCvoDFWOnnduxwiYO

lvpUwcdxZaVpSLS

The hand beneath the sleeve tightly held his.LjwZrZAtcIPFlpblegVoyTfhnHlOsO

TRyYqGNryhCTUow

Ning 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…”wVodDlKxfegKvnAAfxEYmuQKBgyHkl

buHJwZFDpVNcJTt

Almost as soon as the word began.ruaJNPAzfNBFGBVZiEDzkSrkfIDkts

qILygenhFYNugFz

Suddenly, a bell rang out on the city tower, and fireworks burst forth in unison!KKobCOPatSqXHobFQmVevvqkdCdyZz

XkovrZampxODOik

The 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.QPsVNTGcKJfnoKYltcgqCdCGorCsZa

NeGmwUrrWHUFezT

Ning Rushen’s heart pounded rapidly.MwDmFGPNbHisqCjqXGAoHdZMoqJfLL

dUsbHmsVQYYGMfM

Countless lights illuminated his clear eyes.dNiFCASSrCARoBkCLdGHyqrCsqNYux

GcZWHbagopWIvwy

He held his breath and looked, the fireworks spelling out several splendid characters in front of him:KMcjJYrsoDDZdkYWhnGhqIFnwQCKuj

kXYxolOxknOtYPC

『Peace and prosperity, a bright moon and a gentle breeze』mqpHcnxjIaJkcEgXTpMeRCDtmyeHZB

HUYTctEXWPVgGkB

His heartstrings were suddenly touched, a low call mixed with the bustling crowd and the sudden burst of fireworks, falling between the two, “…Chaojun.”DTnRWLBmOZIrRdLBpFdwgSchXJfMXB

xmbgmbnvpuYWqaE

·WpgYEEJGcVgmwTqxtbgtNJwhdcAtzq

UtPVNYInzuUDwku

After the grand ceremony, the news of the emperor not taking a consort was known to all.KiGTbjKnplvthHxwkXrAlQKIUseqKL

QLmtSYRatYhJWmg

Amidst the shock and sighs, there was not much dissent.kKyOhkuNtnpxdXVKASzUfxXWxcfBjb

oCiRjtWtjAhTZzP

As Li Wuting had said before, what the people cared about was only their daily necessities, wealth, and happiness.ijnvUJelURXwISpKerUaQPFoxTZrhq

WcHwSIDlZyDHISQ

Occasionally, 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!”IgLzEWaAQfsrQsDFRHIOKlizTvBqQk

EFjfyuMlXVtARdO

“What’s more important than our good life?”NXaroItRPvczscDkLpVUMBIwFKUpCM

entXNQppIxyQRiI

The sudden ripple was quickly calmed.GCgVlcJQCdJWmrOkwBujSzQknJZlmZ

bpBIxUTPzWSJdIu

The whole country was in a peaceful state, except for one person—mGLKpEXgZisHbeaEXeBFcBITXBcmyQ

LMmcDTsRPthxJcs

In the palace, in the study room on the east side.uEWhAPaVUvsMiTjzkCQMzAkfOzlEfF

BWchbZBvbkhBmDA

Li Wuting and Ning Rushen sat in front of the desk, behind which the little short leg was about to cry, “Big brother…”fljxbKHXHKIDUxLxwZSsEfeEGkQASu

jLNlCBuhKXRWvdZ

“Jingyu, be steady,” Li Wuting said, “From now on, besides your studies, you must also attend court in the cabinet.”zEDYRHKPxMprEhaXbgZPKwTABBIpTH

AvmLdwBVAODEvnn

“Don’t neglect your martial arts either, I will have the newly appointed martial champion teach you.”igjkhTApdswnMQXGLWJQWkxxXgzjfD

KwRQYfRkHZMqUkx

At this, Li Jingyu really started to cry: Wuwu!NBmPCsjGXkBdkQZmlTdbSiDBmGefNH

tRskrJwfStXPSoj

His drooping face looked like a soaked bun, “Big brother, I’m still too young, isn’t there second brother?”woDEJxNGWsWiYgdfOkhZthFuumePQn

GwOVGDATTPhaPWU

“Do you want the Great Cheng to be destroyed?”LRuaZCSLQbLnjcMOfkxbiWWtBQUZJZ

NvFVnxrqmydNjTs

“…” The crying stopped abruptly.GCltgwLivqCtWcKcWdaJESAmJFbOqB

aNFZGBmaLwczeTu

Ning Rushen sighed: Straightforward, reasonable.QxZzbVUKuvvMGURmgfvybsepsOpasy

xjNUmZdCQGDmAiF

Li Wuting had just assigned the homework when a court official came to report, and he got up to leave temporarily.QrWLVVKcVaCaZnAzEdJNrgbqtgbmQi

ThIVPzcQKBUKKQK

After the person left, Ning Rushen felt a bit unbearable.vPipzcrESaKxUUcirSiNSWRwuovTZK

ktNwrdHELxXvXAO

Looking 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:WHmQhxHRWPRsjwMoPsIOrUiOSKptBZ

KNLzKwqWBqVWQMV

“It’s okay, I understand.”zAVXHBtQyggsPkLFaAmkFZdPgAspFi

BIDYfcgTQjUEcXe

Ning Rushen: ?sEwOIMaFMLyzeWDyGhfNzjVmAyBShs

QkKmFLETKWOCreK

Li 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.”aUTFpLwsJNBsFgRcTWvVfcUqBFOqQy

KIMYPvVXUGjWXNy

“If big brother needs, I am willing to bear the world.”tMFCSwJwJSccRynZMphZoYbFzbenva

rayeHHLdohyTdNV

Ning Rushen was stunned and speechless, “Then just now…”IqUfrcGchkrcILSPyXvPpdWChtpdkP

lSVqnbLSYArsKzS

“I have to sell misery moderately, big brother will soften,” Li Jingyu came over and whispered, “Isn’t that what Lord Ning taught?”LumnKxOMHymQsWGcjsIHlCIdTeoAnP

aFtpkBMEgVDCgpX

Ning Rushen slowly opened his mouth: It really was him…jdVxBPBCzqiXOUlUJOtFCNEDTYsRAU

cqVHOxKcRPtLfaR

Li Jingyu added, “I only told Lord Ning, don’t tell big brother.”ziGnQyCCdAzUznTHDuqkFlOPaBEfuz

TuaBZUStUyGJmwf

Ning Rushen looked at this innocent and naive face, reasonably suspecting he was trying to confuse him, but couldn’t help but nod, “…Alright.”qGaixvVaqxrCKFoWEqCHOxQwZHZKAq

CizTKwsMDmaTtoB

The little short leg then affectionately leaned over: “Hehe.”BcazIzoToCtKHSEdKHanyNFBrIANey

nCkyAhILYDilYMu

…RgDUDgEEcdxgCVNXEDIoAMiSlsCIzp

MOUmpGMmqsJvaoS

After a while, Li Wuting returned.QBHbUoZyJHTQcAkYdvnJcQUAiHAlOS

ezRPirZkWEuNAqO

After finishing assigning homework with someone, he left with Ning Rushen.DJGoTHTtgWIwgqHMrcidABIZiPeFQH

vpcqGLfhiURjgio

It was still early, and still during the holiday, so they returned to the palace first.OLQplarYTEqzWOGxKPKmsjsgQAupLw

oRNIfwvSXxrqdnX

Arriving at the palace, dismissing everyone.bVetAGJNKgnwGhuguZbOyQTkAuDgja

XWZvHkdwgSWpwQN

Ning Rushen was washing his hands in the basin when he heard Li Wuting ask, “Did Jingyu act cute with you?”OgaVybzioDTdBZeFUFAUoLOfYnTtWj

pOdQIIgMaFMObtm

He glanced sideways, “How does Your Majesty know?”IDgRHuvLWnOklfjItlaagVqJHcqfMu

hWGUunsFzHdeWkY

Li Wuting smiled, “I know him too well.”ecQtfOjsiNzYsannrfDWPxTsbbZNBh

zxevxQAmMYZhJHt

Ning Rushen realized: The old dragon is still sharp.mYkQFqOQUmbPcbzlXCkXZGeiQYadgg

cpVvzgtvIzNvRXN

Indeed, not to mention Li Wuting’s keen insight. With the experiences of two lifetimes, naturally, he understood clearly.QXhVtHYuabcQJLYIzBRDnsrVcRaLGq

aLsoERPlTIAWHsY

That Jingyu…eRouzSIwUfWRAGfPGryDWdVPJvFnSf

fZLSyUPnBOuoLLz

He thought while drying his hands.dOoffYqkClkLvpSxEBpdfcDwoKpEvC

SfdPmfIutVmVZqT

Just as he finished drying his hands, he was suddenly pulled over. He sat on Li Wuting’s lap, “Your Majesty!”DggVctvpELIdWvxHTtYrUEbhjifrpl

WSBqVdVEaCzIFiN

Li Wuting hugged him, looking down, “What are you thinking? Not even a glance for me.”pPqTzTKViZIyyidpZWBsFxiRTkgsrM

KaQzQpzLzglbyWy

…Isn’t it about the pot you threw?ueQWbkGkUGkzKxkRqOKhpMoRGOKmZU

SnxfCGqsEZAGqbX

Ning Rushen climbed onto his shoulder, rounding it off, “Thinking of Your Majesty.”JnZxcZdXjsyNfJdrbEAEIcQLoTOKtb

wzLZreNCMFdtKhh

The breathing before him became disordered, Li Wuting’s gaze heated.PSgyIAryJqbHfiRLIuNebEpogHzprm

XAgeIlCEOYzzBhp

He leaned in to kiss, tenderly plucking the lips that belonged to him, “The holiday is seven days.”AriWDnTrqKsmvBvUfnukfWIGRwnhLg

pxLAfxxArxeBOtF

“Huh?” Ning Rushen’s eyelashes trembled, feeling the recovery before him, immediately a bit flustered, “What?”AmnAlfLRPULxeJXBFaoiTzNXJWaPDZ

DeCwOcXqslLGMoW

“Last time I pampered you, afraid you couldn’t attend the celebration.”jDkXmmYtQAbGmdmxUFxIjcuOsSeruw

wbYAQzZoHMsWlYY

Li Wuting held his waist, observing, “Five days to dance the lion?”EnwyjHInynTWQTvhHwHZvdkePMXgpJ

kNZjfhgJsnHWdkN

“…”FkqXsBWJFewvuZsnenxpsqZtGbOkLA

NlFsJAdnvdkZfMs

Ning Rushen finally sensed the danger, bouncing up, “No!”dPcUuYXhKyBYmVIhOTDNExvWkIrDwR

IhdtyFEoVGTiTjm

A long arm pulled him back, Li Wuting’s large hand on his waist, lowering his head to kiss, “…Try.”SZAzxzXAxAuGFDznNawHCzqecVeVNo

soVeFuyNSFWLZKF

“No, mmm—”yjueLsDVJJCHeuOCcwGpHdzxvohpjH

TgPcFkUVYqdIaHe

·HeOvczEydjWsdKCPHRzZvJLNnGXFLk

sAvdtGRQBhNXRhq

Lord Ning was “sick” again.gRQhEHaduLmqVCLxoMIjOCBwOczkkz

IHIKkabcVINDokL

Favored by the emperor, the palace sent many condolences to the Ning residence.UmSePgtbDBVNsqzHxqIlJUHqbDOOMD

NhCCRhdCFYWvqPB

Ning Rushen nestled in the recliner in the main courtyard, sending away all the palace people who came to deliver gifts, not seeing anyone.jWIwVrGLTCaBjsozHihKLVIapHZFsA

UWVeBJIxFnFFXDk

Now, he reflexively shivered at the sight of bright yellow brocade—WsbMmtJLxbRFwUyGBgrRUlegEvDGsj

HLhDeyZdRSDusmt

He unconsciously touched his flat abdomen.xrtHptRctsFlAFpOtmQMWRPvteXehH

JvkkLXpcMnGzrDj

That day, the light was still bright, and here he saw a situation he had never seen before.CyhQULhERkfNYOWpClEqlazlylFYon

NCtWOXVdHpbLdDK

Ning Rushen’s ears turned red with shock at the thought, feeling annoyed:WDyOTEWTVjlBmiTgXMepkaapDWObYU

wDYwLIoCDeYQVSD

Li Wuting really made him unable to move for five days… five days, and now, he still trembled at the thighs when he moved.ARUOAQzaFdQeccpHKpemOtzitQlYMj

HRVDkViINDkIOuT

It was really too embarrassing!OSfBLKFIPMJOXNLqEPYgLzzrzZHDZK

zZIcUnINsWNrHaA

He wrapped himself in a blanket, nestled alone in the small courtyard.vOifomRVtCBJlqrKwJsNrvLrMUJsiG

CKArPZjyMZtjeGW

Perhaps the dismissed palace people reported something, as not long after, there was a commotion outside the courtyard.JMrKHkWpIPFOUMEPIyPhPnkdkHbfsd

FXRkJdWyAQciJps

Then, the figure that made his waist tremble and ears hot came personally.XbjugIVkkmtuKMZGpVuvuTosHJQtsR

PdwsGcblHstPyTS

Li Wuting walked over and sat beside him, “Still mad at me? It’s my fault.”ZwVoQrPdDVTCxveoUEfCmLxQqfFDMe

saugBzcXHNZRkmo

Ning Rushen thought: You said the same last time.yuMlDTWSTVnusGHfIjDGUPTbRtHYBC

rlTTrdGDTKBzrxD

Seeing his gaze, Li Wuting paused, softly explaining, “But at that time, I saw that you liked it…”MeyEBfZKJktqTPqorfIblySKTePnYs

fEWlIkXgCyxpkyO

Ning Rushen covered his mouth with a claw: What are you saying!AlotVryPxipumomxUWeIaofcbYruEJ

hYGbruabRHVCzUf

The long hair draped behind him slightly puffed up.qmlEKtwCNdUnZGgamSUQeCAeKDoROr

LvRKLujPhfDjlMy

Li Wuting then pulled down his hand, “Alright, won’t say it.”YuwFeuDaVdanNeMrbkBPiLRlhqOtIf

TbngCODeLCYZPHF

The emperor, above ten thousand people, coaxed him gently, his broad and warm hand pulling his palm.ofPVdysqauPfPnnGBqRgNaoeQGfvsT

uvuVpGvfFjdVljy

Ning 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:mXjeAUFHzAjLnAAHGyisUSpURzNziI

pNDQWmkxcmNNzxU

“Your Majesty, what brings you here?”McOApvDHFnIDUudAfgTjszzOgfWXpE

DpcmppwgoyBVECa

Li Wuting nodded, “To discuss your position.”SAcPjNOxJYFATekkCtUHEvXfVIQjFs

nhdKidVgOobcNbp

Really something? Ning Rushen looked at him.fdFXaPdSaiwHtuAOKmcatbZXdkLfCA

lekFzeqPHJVBCoo

Li 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.”sUhFlnBawtDzobadrabDzDoHSIGbuu

CinvrREXXxnYjKw

“You will still hold the position of Grand Scholar in the cabinet, no need to handle memorials.”rxEyWevSpmgawruqvEIyGDHqoGStqf

DHoPlEnXORoUTWw

“Also, you will be concurrently appointed as Junior Tutor, to teach Jingyu’s studies…”AKoaHDOAKcbCPmlbpMpgqqyMvBXVxi

uuVHLsUOVwFygAo

Ning Rushen’s eyes widened, “Let me teach the young prince?” Isn’t he black enough already?ckrZwmBFNLQpAAboSvxLdUsyXmtemq

NLAXQGQOhWtSJMr

As if hearing his unspoken words, Li Wuting said:BZsRKbJbNtOHJFTzEcRisJWPVsMAdX

KzRYyfbAbMwXiaY

“Do you remember what you told me about a free, equal, and civilized prosperous era?”MbcGRGuoDpnPuYtxbiPAtdHaVpdTUC

LFPfKDBzpwvXPRx

“The Great Cheng will eventually be handed over to Jingyu. Such a prosperous era needs to be told by you.”LozWrnkjxoqDhXUePMYfjLPduixWil

NZKdrjNncwADdZZ

Ning Rushen’s heart stirred, looking at him:DLjhLExElUuQgUQwrBWejjfqMcHAvs

JTyvtbwoTiwnFvn

—Li Wuting was serious.ZjDUwrnBegcNPFzpNhWoqrhOiwUJoB

zLNYYpNnYNRYvbK

He responded, “…Alright.” Still, he couldn’t help but move into the embrace.nGRZzEBBfIQxeFufcISIulHEGJbQuP

rBZhERDzMaJkHuT

Li Wuting then naturally embraced him.CUGvRTZkeUfINMaeVsdxwIRfaeDIvA

DwEQnILHGMnyDSz

His waist was slender, the long arm wrapped around his back and fell in front of him. His gaze shifted, suddenly stopping.JMLuKNqpePbYsLwCakaFHMMUaNBAKk

MvZWOfzRnWdqpNE

Just 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.XEvAMPnIzsaFqBJSHDbFzDtCOcKBoM

XtTTzSEOFiHvDDe

Seeing his gaze, Li Wuting softly:JWkdyUKqnOFVCzqbRbcAhYWUTsmORY

GnLVqwxXcdSKZZs

“I said, I would keep it well for you.”BLggFiGaULNNxMvOehNlJaPGGqNALr

NtSIcbZDdkJXxRu

Ning Rushen’s fingertips brushed over the bodhi bead firmly tied to the emperor’s wrist, instantly all his anger was gone.qzqExvsYxKUBeLmkkzbzpOVBeJPxIJ

CqkvtdGrDOuIVjB

He nestled into the embrace, holding a porcelain cup.bYTRCpUJCQPFjzARdJokYYrTEEBZaW

BTSarhDMGSsJctk

Li Wuting lowered his head: ?PtmClQJUEjRRjNaHSwEDEgOUYdAIjL

nXsCHILpJRAcNfZ

Ning Rushen magnanimously, “Compassion for all.”rfoYxgtpvaxsKFpEKYhrpjnQLovMrE

epyUWznKlmZrHEW

“…” Li Wuting patted his head, letting him lean, “Shen Shen takes a breath.”tnlzwKkxGHumgZpLqCobBtZMESNRYf

MDxxBFzlTPuNAEP

Ning Rushen, “Shen Shen wants many breaths.”ZmeHjvUEdSxBSIZsDNgIXmAWEqGNpT

QWnjvkTsZgKSNdB

“Then many breaths.”mgukPQLMJfFEBZrcJOJxILFsrOMKlv

QbEIehQFXJIaQyO

“Can I?”zscZmQgVdUMwJfsyUEjdWuhtPskdCT

fZZrPyzdtcHGQEJ

“Can.” Li Wuting softly, “After gradually handing over the burden to Jingyu, I will accompany you in rest.”vgDLakuApWetQDkNWSNShxGiGdUJmJ

LsdPMHLrdMHVnjK

To travel the mountains and rivers? Ning Rushen became interested at once, looking up to ask, “Where are we going?”HzebGntkJjFvrorEHvJBWmKXHspiRC

uIlQwvyefJgJoju

Li Wuting’s gaze looked out of the courtyard.DyQWeuitKXqUhwBmdalrxBjVbnSPir

peUxjWWxkRKReKt

After the New Year, the snow by the small pond had melted, plum branches swaying.alrSQgAoQqBgDKCHIwcQEtRBnlfHNE

hFtebpZhtQqHAxv

He lowered his head to kiss Ning Rushen’s forehead, as if embracing the entire delayed spring:KJALrUfMfmxSZMOVpGVGgvPlnrXHqS

XnRJzlIdLNrJAXZ

“The Great Cheng has high mountains and wide waters, where can’t we go?”oNFDYMyfkkcVwDmUiTfkqKPnHAAqbZ

cGjHCtRCklLXxYi