Chapter 90
The celebration was held just before midnight at the end of the year.fPZtzkzkhJCxrUZrHqIAFvQdYugDKH
LExBmtYQvlwciOUThe emperor and the officials ascended the city tower, welcoming the new year together with the people.LREBPBOrmZwjiDEDOooOTdLCLeFHsg
FCGtniBBSCXZBnnThat night, the capital was brightly lit.XLnmwmQgKiExvJpUXTWJTOlCZDfKzo
wBSpGNXJoAFUaZVNing Rushen, along with the other officials, waited on the city tower before the celebration officially began.ANBarQuwKnuSdCXSZDREySrldhyYpL
uASjDnuPmntoqjdGeng Yan squeezed next to him, “Are you well now?”GQlLkLRgqAaQGOQzYpQSBOIhQdUUBm
ivufxLZLXQQMyWzNing Rushen vaguely replied in the queue, “Almost.”nBjSevTzKmjbqYpThFdCHFaVnfJoCh
dVoLCfcgZVxeonCHe had taken three days of “sick leave” and hadn’t attended court.ZcFTwmHaHnwPUrrAsxSQMeteHihiuD
TvgrROehaBifdnaAlthough he had recovered by the fifth day as he had firmly claimed, he couldn’t perform the lion dance anymore.gikXIEnjRkieCrsYDtTNWlKhWNtoOL
KqztScIiEHFqsFcEspecially when he recalled Li Wuting’s gaze when he said, “I can still do the lion dance”—mRymVpEPDHZFrgYqEVwDySdiwvNknL
yOijzNNravpCsulHe belatedly swallowed: Be cautious with words and actions.uODMEEWHmXmDckjUenuszBymzoJYEp
CvfZebwbxWocioQUnaware of his thoughts, Geng Yan observed, “Well, your complexion does look quite good, as if you’ve been greatly nourished…”ctQMcbKxtJsYPoBWJnJVvpKhjUFlLv
GWSNvIINRXHHjYSNing Rushen hurriedly stepped on his foot: This little dog…!KXLRyvSKZVAsmapAgKzuwewSqbXJGg
rFROPbPrtGnzyKFGeng Yan, “Ouch! What are you doing—”hbzOwJPOkmOKDNHDxfcfWufkXJegYl
vBzPMojhZyWMiceJust as they were speaking, suddenly the sound of a bell music rang out.IYlfhHXSGrsnGhXGGEPrZusBjUHbZD
rCjVfEecDqtFAOrThe bustling crowd immediately quieted down. Under the gaze of thousands, the emperor ascended the tower, and the officials bowed in unison:cMvowMTDCnfrgqIFvqMTQVbTwDDCcA
gmpzbIhmaUSnDON“Long live Your Majesty, long live, long live!”VcMQNKqpAuVninzFQqQkhRlzADEMIs
FOXsQIeiMXpVWQHBelow the city tower, the common people gathered to catch a glimpse of the emperor.JPyvtjACQJIznDNfRKdhDsPgaAzWuZ
UhWRTSOiwbBoSYZLi Wuting, dressed in the bright yellow imperial robe, with a sacred and majestic countenance, ascended the city tower surrounded by palace guards and attendants.ULxzFsyADBFDgeNiksdZFyzznJvIVQ
zWkUecMcmDxKZCCNing Rushen also ascended the tower with the important ministers of the cabinet.mVsfiudBmSWpjlinBAoleedXynZRbJ
bgXikSveJRmuVICOnce 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.kOzExCjjkJOLCxsivuncRgZNlOAWQJ
PAVhikGORadhvBEThis year’s celebration was as usual.vRDKWJqhYpUmrfPzoqpepIuCcPhUVG
AJqvZDDWiOtFqfHAfter several rounds of ceremonial music and speeches, suddenly Guan Fan spoke:xYYPxiMSdUbwQDqzTZxMKSTEYVSisj
EImTZRqhwlDcOtK“Please invite Master Jing Xi to divine the new year and predict the nation’s fortune!”wqVVwWmMECoSFYCrMtFkMsFSFwhSJs
quZlFfkbDhRXfCKAs soon as he finished speaking, there was a stir around:CNfNskrmxtDxKWoiTUFuIzqCrMfiHm
cdeuAFrWjtRvqvn“Is it Master Jing Xi from Shaojue Temple?”qYPbDSmgLfxuGEEyDobsGiyiQeVgKz
oTCnxwcLvUXrQHF“The master has never publicly divined on such an occasion before.”UtWdBaDrUxoqvoBRIbWtihEvTbBCIg
ydqpXnIgHKyeqmd“Why this year…”uAtFCKchLrVoHudbFNuucpgLdYJbry
lpfdojSfIzyXCNOAmidst the discussions, the figure in kasaya robes ascended the city tower.bHTAiTgJIfYdNKzRTgFWPuBYGAWQvP
TYpERClYSGshmvWNing Rushen, standing on this side, couldn’t help but feel nervous.PXVZafoIZsaKdmzuVGSjzNEUNemutm
DUCHSTGnhOWKBxqThinking of the content of the upcoming divination, his heart raced, and his gaze fell forward—BvNutXiZAHEoncDYQWkNNCRTmkQdwE
usQUlAoeePpaYSxLi Wuting seemed to sense it, turning his head to meet his gaze, his calm eyes seemingly saying: Be at ease.FlFCpkmhayeGkyBqekopvOHWpzrYmG
CALnIuhYUtfdzzsHe then calmed down again, blinking: Yes.UMlvBLOEKjgDaOZxbVHIZNzOupgcmh
uzjJWNERYkdZBPhAhead, Master Jing Xi bowed, “This humble monk pays respects to Your Majesty.”rkqDgkjQcHojFWGWPNDrUkMhZnZpsZ
EvUcQOWwWhbofIFLi Wuting nodded.XBSEPELmaQxlGnvqLzSbCPtBoNNgTD
aRIZtfpGrodJgdNMaster Jing Xi smiled slightly, his golden kasaya fluttering in the wind atop the city tower, exuding a convincing sacred solemnity.dunowQRotuvTIIEurYswUxfMrUFpOK
YtQlfLtngQqJTuPSilence fell around. After a moment of finger calculation, Master Jing Xi clasped his hands:DZtONjFTUbQFGikjnTkLzySjQVdMBN
HZBLAIfloUMEoNt“Your Majesty is wise—”jJuiSRCgjHqzdBhrwuKdZrwEMUBBxQ
cJpqAwGpKLSnGJG“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.”MFyDcGiIdrPMXAzbXnSdCKVkcmfmuL
DwdUVZqYtbLtshiAs his gentle voice fell, it exploded like a thunderclap in the crowd! The surroundings were instantly in an uproar:SfoPnGPKWCOxTnPoADRvwDQltLKbWM
ZTYEpmydLEJmgpdWhat does this mean!?gZqpfmKlTFDnrEaOxCdZnXAxdtEalE
kTbkDsAudkmGNYXIs it asking the emperor to remain unmarried in exchange for the fortune of the Great Cheng?mlOQMElbKqvlmkaLhiJUoFfNviuAOS
UclsJUDQoKYGeyNBefore 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.”xKYLdgMVRFkXNsiiWJnIUDBIwCPhHI
WcgWSnBpAybzQIp“Your Majesty!!!”JdvxQgJzQdcESqGlwQdAVyovQaKWRp
AugrZBLYMIOPOfaAfter a moment of exclamation, the officials could say no more: That is the fortune of the Great Cheng for a hundred years.QoRObrjYfunJyChpaQLNRseYwzTrZv
jomicDuiWGpBIhXWho dares to dissuade? But Your Majesty is… sigh!fOuhKuQELdrbIwphZDsYWkOJoMefch
iAYSprsacrBwckLNot 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.sObAHfvbtEwRqtDnNZbVGzpvaWREUA
MLBmMVJfKyIaerEAmidst the wave of voices, Master Jing Xi clasped his hands: “Good.”RifNOBZMnBapnrxwvmveVuibKnsgkb
xhlYsfurfGhEkODLi Wuting’s expression remained unchanged, giving a slight nod, then looked towards the queue of important ministers—BiDSCYcjsYcEUDgDGshpBZjEtYEXUd
nwzlVBAtTWgqIzKHis gaze passed through the night crowd, meeting Ning Rushen who had been looking at him all along.kexxwDwyAMgewoSDzrsjJdlZPvvLNS
tWCVQOQKGxrqVTFTheir gazes collided, their hearts simultaneously stirred.BrDiBcofGuVsDmvQUfWMiaxfgguXFw
UaHJofDtLDrccudNing Rushen’s breathing quickened, his eyes warming, exchanging a look of surging love amidst the bustling crowd.kAGeOzXUhUEvXQTgApkngvvivOmuzB
mRamiSrvmLCekeQLi Wuting’s eyelashes fluttered slightly, as if smiling at him.GHXibJAxbNQBlzlyeVbXPeMxVpdZWv
PqBCaSLYjkcIiLKHis emotions were deeply stirred: Your Majesty…njVwcGcgOhxnJAjnthxKIfYehbrRaO
WQngyvoRQTUNIHkJust 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:dMkArltkaFwkNvEMHuvBJkbJmTnbMQ
ISTJcRLrErcyBOo“Your Majesty is wise!”dNeCyHJuqODWCZgOCTVZSVUONJQziw
AbDeBWBasVVKZMeNing Rushen suppressed his emotions, taking a deep breath.bwNHpGyKYUZGHkmxYVXzMARCoUDodf
suMGiyzjMJmlSeYThen, led by the cabinet, the elders and important ministers high on the city tower bowed in unison, “Your Majesty is wise!”jSdiQKsOwJkdHuRcUeFJCUFAlOkcvU
DWIWerDwRdJfcLuThe rest finally quieted down, bowing in a rustle.OULjdtHlFXZloVvRNuBVyNgjozhBlY
EtBcaxPQxXzTdxGThousands of sighs, joy and worry intertwined, ultimately recognized the emperor’s determination under the push of the atmosphere:XYrbGRyfifgaAInnuSpvDDXeGLKiwg
ClDmUPPdGrwgvnC“May Heaven bless the Great Cheng, a hundred years of prosperity!”wJxTDgKqskhXJEQsuOzobwfZTwYLOg
EskaiqJPnXrnWDMAmidst the orderly bows, only one figure seemed slightly stiff.wSZHMeKbYxkyQKdjQVYLmjEcFJqOyM
TWSGTwzThjUdCXmNing Rushen secretly looked up from his bow.WLSYeABpUBERcdblGsTMlgDjFVTwis
yaMXzwbyPUbVJQWIn 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…voIZzxyiOXaukTUJGAchSoyNuLoneI
gWdYLnfutfXwNHZNing Rushen, “…”WFwVdNUpLOZwGJBjIfXMQvaNZwzJYZ
hFPvOTehcGYxyizThis little short leg, finally catching on.nPSvGBtQlZYypayxEycycGiozajcJy
RbZVjVOQfHfXwvr·fBlgdlcGKQzODtIynPLpqdZrlsRjUz
CeMqtWiTJarcVwAAfter the divination, Master Jing Xi retreated to the side.ncuGwKUnETzuBpLQUJaIhBlJLwEUTR
MDisjsZoGDTEprZThe thunderous interlude ended, and the annual new year celebration continued.JmjybfijlOjjLguZLiSWLGOWHKCXGe
aLYfdXumjWlkaTOThis celebration was grand.GPzvdvrIJDPTcabXoqKNxfRTARATwO
GWnWRGozFevqBCnUnder the supervision of the City Superintendent, the ten great families jointly organized it, an unprecedented spectacle.xtxykUfIalhqZZhSBcAZvNRttMSSeB
tXDIoYVmrScFqGMIt truly seemed to mark the beginning of the prosperous era of the Great Cheng.RFSqDgtTwbsXllnabrOoVzJMcIasIY
fCDaIDsMxrEsJLYOn the city tower, Li Wuting pressed one hand on the city wall, his figure towering and stern, like an unshakable mountain.EtzAmgAygToCMHFoqYoIpyantvdoNU
eiCzPRyogTuvigeAs the crowd’s attention was drawn away by the performances below.IQSfogljFNsOfOBYJofuxXopSZeFuK
NthKskScAsiffmBDe Quan finally couldn’t hold back, “Your Majesty!”oRnLehXaHtxkomUvTuxrtjDmXmZuiD
QqHjWHjphIrhwGRThe 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…”LvDccBqmwNcLespuDqkWRKdveohZhZ
YsteCeBiwPgKoZSLi Wuting’s voice was calm, leaving no room for doubt, “I only want him.”gMOLdgEwzWChEQqDTMukxNkIuKTEDq
tSWeZKojoPrXauvDe Quan didn’t know whether to be happy or regretful.xBmNvubERjVvxlNLEkQfKaaSATRUCF
BnLzUMcyFWKECiBHe 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.pvjJSKHwQjRHrTNaaZhyUZNAeYmULB
HaaKcjvLFBYxYFFDe Quan took a step back, “But Your Majesty only wanting Lord Ning doesn’t require the empress’s position to remain vacant…”eEdKHWuwnNMgRyhqxFigQqgpOAFykC
IFuzArFllEktGyILi Wuting understood his meaning, “I will not establish an empress.”SinscqjhSYLONRZSLiajVxroUvtDWw
HgilofjDEsYRjKLDe Quan, after all, was just a young eunuch, not thinking far ahead.BphypjlENBwHynSQcVxDUNChrzjRqt
XleUSpcRkYAbdUCHe hesitated in confusion: Why not?SyYhZngZKinJVtlAhrPeWbeWsANcQs
nMtCctEoQjwEBEPLi 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…”IIBgmXLcuKhHqOkLMBWlvuLIFiUpkO
CrfvFwtzhdqUoEQ“There will be more aspirations to realize in the future.”ucwRafSFNQQEHMughGPgiUfqYJUfBy
WVmAkNBQllvnjeD“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—”yssCjcVDpsQEpGbhDpPtbDcyfRAvxS
MLWppoBzXQJmXCL“I want no one to dare to write of him as a sycophant a hundred years from now.”ZmtNWhsKkZvNBqCQUZebppcqKsBmAY
OGkwdmHLUDcsElKDe Quan, looking at the emperor’s resolute profile, was stunned for a long while, unable to hold back his tears, “Your Majesty…”gTnPvaXcphFyqQhyqsdDRxzrdhflGh
jLaNZIVRVMnZdNQ…ObpGUnFhtgCwZmMzBDjlNNQskOryCz
rmzDvvhRsgblMSTThe ceremony’s proceedings had ended.jYFqVXPFiCOPCsIYNweehIVKTrIIZH
bDKiRehHFUncZnVThe ministers who had ascended the tower descended, some wandering the markets.kzkJKPuVvRTXWpPCHcsTgAnlLmgoIE
ZToDHcGebkHfPdCAmidst the warm and bustling atmosphere, Ning Rushen squeezed past his colleagues to find Li Wuting.jYsQykkQTOtbzDmqkcxYCnufHjHZmW
OHYyNjeJBnOMclFLi Wuting turned and saw him coming, his solemn expression changing, unable to resist a slight smile.oFhdyHAVwRbCIIOzRMZgqMdBMqRaXL
WWqegKwuKbAiqKLThe guards did not stop him, and in a few steps, he was by the emperor’s side.YphWPdatGbxayMFGkWfWfMFbRCtgsX
qkZcdtqydeHXkCSRemembering 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…”BoZKiBBteerWNfEVZaDMnjJYAGqzdc
CfSBUDVlkadclEjLi Wuting said nothing, only turned towards the lively scene below:QmxIkbWoRRJFIyzXMKLaJxGFnHzMNt
SoTzTtPTNcvpEui“Come and see our Great Cheng.”KQytJwHdTpEKzIjbRGFYJlMiJPuirk
AiJaTnquBXdvvjpNing 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:XqkfNxuHBydeGCVTIIVbgLprajORvq
cCqVOIPBNpkQOJp“And your lion dance.”HrHWnxvcIwvzTMqkMPThxPnIPEUeGb
cEeQGlmAbfqMFAj“…” His gaze fell.nfhbCMAWXYYGfNJBqYSwZuhZlLNFOW
LSeSLEXOgTkTUgLIn the crowded sea of people, a tall and imposing man was holding up a massive lion’s head, leaping amidst the crowd.sRjfsxJyEhtPFcctwXKjUJuOmPrYeA
VYuDOlkurmIeLbpNing Rushen swallowed.LRBYHliooEJyZfyJVjKXKrHVMOVmkd
xeTvGiJwdgwEwHFLi Wuting continued, “Compared to Lord Ning, it’s still a bit lacking.”ePdpNKIiNQHZRwyOOsBEYGLEEUhOXg
RAUMctxeFtGcOMz“…” Is there no end to this!NnvYjRNtIydEKiqlvTSXNXBRLtgWPd
XVrSPcRzMkxFXXHHe had only said, “I can still do the lion dance”!oXwukOrmnHArdMFrhEGbJIymigonSU
ChCusEwPDiUGFjYNing Rushen, flustered and annoyed, reached to pinch Li Wuting’s hand. As soon as his hand reached out, it was suddenly grasped.TOdqsHgIbVdJbQdMOFcFxhTdVcIOIN
BPZGFWGVFCcDOCOThe hand beneath the sleeve tightly held his.AvgqcEjuswmIRtuWbCIDbOxDRRnKyP
IPyzuMJYPtmGdGxNing 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…”jTTKqcxoUDQxElsBoDJSXgOjolJZWv
HThYbRWSYYoOLRRAlmost as soon as the word began.HyiuHhWkpoLamNeNoJZyjpwANTxlsI
jDBCARSPIGmBAnHSuddenly, a bell rang out on the city tower, and fireworks burst forth in unison!rlgUuhcedgmfOnnbRBaOvnCuvyTfzb
UVkBRNCnrSiGJhMThe 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.BxLCzYnIidRrXuThlKTMNdqFkJREsi
RRUDGtBKmyaAUWENing Rushen’s heart pounded rapidly.hsbYgZkpJUOwOwNPdZUNKLUouqFwDH
kEJavvlmzURxydRCountless lights illuminated his clear eyes.yYrxyBvwUrmIQlaHCrAuaWucowIaHU
POQwQIzSPOJguncHe held his breath and looked, the fireworks spelling out several splendid characters in front of him:dpmFzdDvJNBmExeUNgIupvxszrSlvg
GVXncRQXpQtkdbP『Peace and prosperity, a bright moon and a gentle breeze』VshGKWlHCWIfBJorUOZPJUfpHJhqZf
lenhbNZyyoZZcTYHis heartstrings were suddenly touched, a low call mixed with the bustling crowd and the sudden burst of fireworks, falling between the two, “…Chaojun.”vfusfGWFkdvvAdTFApkCfAxfIRVqoI
SwuMBKJJkYDcDAd·LWEgOFDzKNBCBPbLRxWnLkhwPMVPBW
OKgAmCkGrtbCYSHAfter the grand ceremony, the news of the emperor not taking a consort was known to all.KHUENfJfxxPfNQJZmDMYQbPTTGEPHO
ocACxFGNEwdQBMOAmidst the shock and sighs, there was not much dissent.dCpBJYFJjWwYmsTAYCvHATlyanTXgj
ljIzOuNCvXFqRIlAs Li Wuting had said before, what the people cared about was only their daily necessities, wealth, and happiness.TpwgLkjviAXXkCNEfMVKUJMMbptwof
YPFGcFXSEtjNzScOccasionally, 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!”xOAoMnXAWdMUgOQaQPAhZjNVjVOaWe
besrwQcxxjDSpPu“What’s more important than our good life?”kdLISFEwaCHewAyTIkwuETxgslBure
vRBpdejSApYZxbrThe sudden ripple was quickly calmed.EGsvDKStoKJtLjgCgasGxiqNzTUUTO
kWyjHjSMbeqXpqDThe whole country was in a peaceful state, except for one person—ELnALeTxSrkhEaOfzgavUprnREGSFU
PEELjbhJJlcPfkrIn the palace, in the study room on the east side.UdqyDvNbCkglmpdBEltdXePfWeMMKP
vbOtHPGBTrIhLGeLi Wuting and Ning Rushen sat in front of the desk, behind which the little short leg was about to cry, “Big brother…”DuQtNHbXvBZFSfwZHHZAwLslGFInjf
XnmDwMDfWVQppfG“Jingyu, be steady,” Li Wuting said, “From now on, besides your studies, you must also attend court in the cabinet.”ZTbXZRAcPOKtadjycVOlCJtYRqKYtW
uNgVBAbnQUnsdwK“Don’t neglect your martial arts either, I will have the newly appointed martial champion teach you.”WTKTyXZaFBKWywDdDwvkQSJEpivjfh
OpdGvCHYgxYANiMAt this, Li Jingyu really started to cry: Wuwu!HDVYCyTIVNvscYPsUgAbADxyRKZTdl
VPNgyhFNyscfRRXHis drooping face looked like a soaked bun, “Big brother, I’m still too young, isn’t there second brother?”bhQsJsqLwLkniQPZOcBGyzkCwjzvSH
GQXrvFOCDDhpump“Do you want the Great Cheng to be destroyed?”ZUOCCLPKCUjaYyCLBXOKcqrbVkdzdr
dUDhDVooXhkDxuV“…” The crying stopped abruptly.KuBfKTomuOzJDfUFxumIrowjeiTXvH
PSnWPNnpgziFbQpNing Rushen sighed: Straightforward, reasonable.misZxDQmQpEULJYfbbenHZFBRtCQOC
UvvftYTJbMpzUKqLi Wuting had just assigned the homework when a court official came to report, and he got up to leave temporarily.IUZjROIUdrmSJudwoCCHkVTxXlKfRn
YXmSFFuHHtxgvAEAfter the person left, Ning Rushen felt a bit unbearable.uyCzSJHFsCVUIstzTvwmeSsXHMVxBG
LCbPkShafnuxyxtLooking 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:FGqOvJUhOFeHnxHsxiGRqlpaUxbTlI
XMpUJPquserTnmu“It’s okay, I understand.”xPNKhVBxcNwFHQaKUinUUcbIDcmPbb
xqljAOWWBWEpQBONing Rushen: ?IaPDWoxiiAcFfpHaZuZcKQFrwMgWsd
PwFVOltGqScSmhvLi 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.”QCuOpVrKwVVBEievHVwOtFXuqhtCXa
mjUrAkYhZoaMsFP“If big brother needs, I am willing to bear the world.”fkWcxlDWzwlrbZIrbNtBAyvVVmsaWH
FpndExLClaQVyeoNing Rushen was stunned and speechless, “Then just now…”mGydbthxtOJcpmBkNYBBMhVbAZFuMi
FEHtPayjwvGFUou“I have to sell misery moderately, big brother will soften,” Li Jingyu came over and whispered, “Isn’t that what Lord Ning taught?”QQgqmtFwbXRaxtmtlwhEiuQUyWYdNH
ayrWVmvGNpIkMmhNing Rushen slowly opened his mouth: It really was him…BDjvAXdtdxLrfFYEolyJmmuRsgRPkX
EPMrqXpyOyFtzcHLi Jingyu added, “I only told Lord Ning, don’t tell big brother.”DyVdmDKiNSOmKyymySHWobGcobzJVo
qYYOkbLEnJTPlolNing Rushen looked at this innocent and naive face, reasonably suspecting he was trying to confuse him, but couldn’t help but nod, “…Alright.”CclvofKRakzEBwaCvWFyouKdXtAvcq
sXkCuNiLxpCJfLqThe little short leg then affectionately leaned over: “Hehe.”CyjbpIMRiKUmQytCfPwLsvCvitRhND
JKKflrBpaggQuDK…eOMaaytnyEgYntbUXqlHfFlGkiRPRh
ECqxGaynYxIMSqAAfter a while, Li Wuting returned.CDxAqhIFktBCDQcpNkZFaxJdmopFDG
pNTGSMcdAwaHWnKAfter finishing assigning homework with someone, he left with Ning Rushen.XTMSxSdpcJByvJNQNRIABwJPKfJzhg
ZyMCptORgDnALhMIt was still early, and still during the holiday, so they returned to the palace first.fStezGlwsvQerSeUatalwhDMdhlUvf
XDSIMdaxiaOFkRZArriving at the palace, dismissing everyone.vbmlwTamNMjetEGyRAemYZWJPOvnDI
dkPPmdTRNKjDGmpNing Rushen was washing his hands in the basin when he heard Li Wuting ask, “Did Jingyu act cute with you?”IsVQxqaCTEwAcyKhkMrkInLoNUHElj
FWolllYTkzBXTnAHe glanced sideways, “How does Your Majesty know?”HxDQPZSSYwtuoULNNBtDtKAwxlZGAm
BpYDvclbLNdrQcsLi Wuting smiled, “I know him too well.”AABkOxygdzLeUawVOXYDHvxoHaKfoA
ZVKtGabgPRzaOZxNing Rushen realized: The old dragon is still sharp.KJsTTwUshMLupsKVWYoqnNRZrGDIVL
VVnIvqMqXgeHYlkIndeed, not to mention Li Wuting’s keen insight. With the experiences of two lifetimes, naturally, he understood clearly.zDhUBvXavsIvPVhGKqQHRBZHcoIFVy
mPZaYpAwkTuTloGThat Jingyu…vZEdbinekIBErkMUzkJWqISPZrfhsJ
iyEsrXxcYOhUSAWHe thought while drying his hands.CsFeeaUuTMDgIXFmJovJcFTnJfnFFg
WTWycgUDalnreINJust as he finished drying his hands, he was suddenly pulled over. He sat on Li Wuting’s lap, “Your Majesty!”SJFGKthDGadrUhSnXpJVKAKayzLKlK
qWfrlIfPiNbsqNYLi Wuting hugged him, looking down, “What are you thinking? Not even a glance for me.”mrReFgPuSEnOTxMAUyiBFIRnyvTyFJ
tafvmURvsGqrobW…Isn’t it about the pot you threw?urGeZdNxznzPQRzzYvrSMkLJgxluGj
AapQbHTATqFncXYNing Rushen climbed onto his shoulder, rounding it off, “Thinking of Your Majesty.”JfEmyfmnnOBnbaWexzbugGJIpffDmd
vMZbIvlOlBrQUipThe breathing before him became disordered, Li Wuting’s gaze heated.iyUOPeXFjEwPSZrvGAOJrBfPucNmqM
PYfCpZUCUJmIHZKHe leaned in to kiss, tenderly plucking the lips that belonged to him, “The holiday is seven days.”KvgjlqxFGQYCCOBaXJNjpvodzDhywU
JcxpIQYIrSTYAuY“Huh?” Ning Rushen’s eyelashes trembled, feeling the recovery before him, immediately a bit flustered, “What?”WnrPEqlRUkImMPunFPYyvZdXtbNPFR
uprtiskzrZaSLmE“Last time I pampered you, afraid you couldn’t attend the celebration.”DtOLesaGDuopFwTaSJAOZaOvbxwqkQ
yFKdXyvujpUOrSBLi Wuting held his waist, observing, “Five days to dance the lion?”lEhoirKTyhWdIQpGUpTfoEqiTgyMmx
qzDetvKxjmTEIsS“…”wWsmMbageJqoQWgCozcosERseQpVFL
dSPOfHRdVbCPjqkNing Rushen finally sensed the danger, bouncing up, “No!”hmhTExlArBqDWMmrrTaPJwyOuuuVNe
joZzMXKPvjsJDoVA long arm pulled him back, Li Wuting’s large hand on his waist, lowering his head to kiss, “…Try.”csEBNjHbIBstNUZdVWEIUeCgZStivW
HymzlplGIzcuaqm“No, mmm—”DsGLFRTeCqHNwhsfxipYzwQAaRxFYd
iKqdhbzlaKuSazh·cgGaDMWLSniwiRqcKnTTNTwpmKeRWq
penuDspnJOErZEILord Ning was “sick” again.eCuJnvJGjkCQgqdqnDwHmufGUYjFZr
IHHAplKMGidiHveFavored by the emperor, the palace sent many condolences to the Ning residence.nrdhHNaSzmFbAySkMWeIobkmGZVDZJ
BIyUHGznsputSSDNing Rushen nestled in the recliner in the main courtyard, sending away all the palace people who came to deliver gifts, not seeing anyone.CqebgdHGTrEHmPXxNaHTiICFZtzvGC
icCDoUxsiklDvhaNow, he reflexively shivered at the sight of bright yellow brocade—xueaavGzDFOsxcpPpHiikhSzzfFZah
HnsvHUwQRoaDdTyHe unconsciously touched his flat abdomen.fPxpVxwTjtHEPIlyANoDvHyFCubUrZ
ryMNbKDhNsmeynoThat day, the light was still bright, and here he saw a situation he had never seen before.DnReQbpzXohtBKSSPfknlSioZNgKGj
BggnWafmKKHxyedNing Rushen’s ears turned red with shock at the thought, feeling annoyed:njVnlOcHWhRKgYreDOfmxKpyOnGiTo
UeYjnpBJodVFLRALi Wuting really made him unable to move for five days… five days, and now, he still trembled at the thighs when he moved.SDgktfSqpHSwUtFHFwjQBPhLclKiDG
TGoMITZkgOFJlvXIt was really too embarrassing!hALSQDQbBTZHERFeYlHsAteEyJKaSu
KDLJIcMIgOssPLuHe wrapped himself in a blanket, nestled alone in the small courtyard.hnxDbQtOqGBOdHcYzorWrzmsGbnMul
xNBzxIjsmXbGVvqPerhaps the dismissed palace people reported something, as not long after, there was a commotion outside the courtyard.LJAjPmdpXtgdgZKZGsvJAPdXlLRfjZ
zmMgLCthLEmNPsnThen, the figure that made his waist tremble and ears hot came personally.TYgdODWRtUAkRvyFhyYjAzzMspTLgn
YDEeNfWQQnfnsywLi Wuting walked over and sat beside him, “Still mad at me? It’s my fault.”rYKggCPwOAeMTOvzOOTZGSPoWukVee
lRpjrQmHxMcwovHNing Rushen thought: You said the same last time.tRSgfoBfnQAeVnXnlZBQcdYPdAUIcF
ArwMlLZohjhlCDTSeeing his gaze, Li Wuting paused, softly explaining, “But at that time, I saw that you liked it…”ujxrGemJkjbgrmAbVtCukgHABkwLFA
bUqbzWxdwrNfSohNing Rushen covered his mouth with a claw: What are you saying!vOFjnAuYSdNGlIkberhgysqBqeppll
cuZEzXeqmXzlNNJThe long hair draped behind him slightly puffed up.nZNVIiniAzqDTDxmODKoGGeqiwpYNS
IVWUhVpkzwrCzcqLi Wuting then pulled down his hand, “Alright, won’t say it.”RNFFKgEhlitrsehzxVEIDsSYHNNvxb
PZNMUGiomjcgbEVThe emperor, above ten thousand people, coaxed him gently, his broad and warm hand pulling his palm.WxiaVSKyrMDFYoydhhBpHwyRTGnlUs
WZczQIitjFnxOkhNing 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:byzYIWVSxNpkZMDURjQAfOFSKDqNhd
bMgiggZmGzkIKke“Your Majesty, what brings you here?”zJuOzbtWOCqeNuAVUiYykcAAfsEldh
eFyjZcPPtrkVWAGLi Wuting nodded, “To discuss your position.”MdIgDYqCGFzQRfBSKhXpJifvWntJuD
hLAHgclMMoPSrOvReally something? Ning Rushen looked at him.ABKXYfTIaNcOuOzzLMSqkhVEAiCkSA
BFyaInUXehZxHxoLi 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.”wOngzaADZryzFscoFrctrcWxsbZPmk
XfDcNhJuvEhcDLt“You will still hold the position of Grand Scholar in the cabinet, no need to handle memorials.”ZCUqzKXQIMuyInmdqZmgbTmrKwpodS
zyJjhIOtCUiLCdk“Also, you will be concurrently appointed as Junior Tutor, to teach Jingyu’s studies…”UtaaOPCiLCkQriDIPtnqubodVOdNSt
DWLsEQysCYIJQTYNing Rushen’s eyes widened, “Let me teach the young prince?” Isn’t he black enough already?AsUeSbDEdcjhdRLZUGiIbJujHWltGh
kmQJkJMiIflMPBQAs if hearing his unspoken words, Li Wuting said:lsBSCjHNvffWDTqCqzJwKuHgYPvjKi
sHnpHcpvaVLsaJe“Do you remember what you told me about a free, equal, and civilized prosperous era?”OkieojldCWGosmiRGTmljMFzyTvwCh
iWONzYetbEZnhBU“The Great Cheng will eventually be handed over to Jingyu. Such a prosperous era needs to be told by you.”rZaltmsePxikmjjDSTEVnrsupeHfjf
aRFJdLmQdyVpbwRNing Rushen’s heart stirred, looking at him:VfFYTdbWqgDfazyrSyjHumHpIvcINJ
UZqlciSgCalSzdo—Li Wuting was serious.jzEuWIPqnqlNlZiFeUPReQUfDXmAyc
pYWLFKJAPkhVVQnHe responded, “…Alright.” Still, he couldn’t help but move into the embrace.oBIUPTFsEUHeovprqBnrrZYcwrwVvb
cvcNQuQovGUHHbbLi Wuting then naturally embraced him.HidsFoxzynnUqIlVATGbkpYAipZjQW
HbSHURVWcKLbnepHis waist was slender, the long arm wrapped around his back and fell in front of him. His gaze shifted, suddenly stopping.iSXIyPxAxDIQdpOudHCXBYYulEXoBM
qlaHdSqRedaLhbEJust 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.nFbJKCJWCstwxwiQCRoysOuhegdESZ
kbjBfIcZflWKTKfSeeing his gaze, Li Wuting softly:pVmjQtdSDmDMmSjiceRmkPeKHgTjzI
hsiKBelJCKzhBoI“I said, I would keep it well for you.”LoqvsIXXaIKsNwfMMbLISqbxRlXPFI
mDmVReqxdmOIefWNing Rushen’s fingertips brushed over the bodhi bead firmly tied to the emperor’s wrist, instantly all his anger was gone.GDhsUepIsihkRKYgdAmPYfPWrJwOxN
CbhNyaqnsHCqZijHe nestled into the embrace, holding a porcelain cup.hUreWVMQznwxwDlgXAWsKjdgirOkjj
aqixkUvqRPrzFGBLi Wuting lowered his head: ?jNbZPtxczzJjEaummZctljUzaTPHkt
DciZnlciVcfDrugNing Rushen magnanimously, “Compassion for all.”UDmLiamTqfPsRbjXStoYqfspKdivVg
IKfpnvCqxvvrUNX“…” Li Wuting patted his head, letting him lean, “Shen Shen takes a breath.”QMyTBHuBrQqdUMhbgrehhgAHuAqqjs
OXZFhnoWjGoWZhrNing Rushen, “Shen Shen wants many breaths.”wrxBOydGMGvTgPrHEzXUuIOxBiIiny
zqzdYDIwqUOuxus“Then many breaths.”FIWmtiSkTLxZEdfxnGRjQSONJljjtR
WCQDgNbnHBEZlQX“Can I?”qOzkHAGonrigeINKOsKYxGadZbUVox
zAFOMYDofIEszvx“Can.” Li Wuting softly, “After gradually handing over the burden to Jingyu, I will accompany you in rest.”gfgWjnHuUOdTlWSIrRZQSUNyikIklx
SYgpWJvYmDOSQScTo travel the mountains and rivers? Ning Rushen became interested at once, looking up to ask, “Where are we going?”aEtkgLtvRdpuvHFnGdnNsPeIGjYFki
djVHvwYkCcOqiPFLi Wuting’s gaze looked out of the courtyard.dtOvDrnKtbgEXuQGCPultcLkhLQMPO
VwxmfsTYHEIQhGfAfter the New Year, the snow by the small pond had melted, plum branches swaying.RtFbFMbOcayZmTjDxQeLrIKWFkftzy
ApcuBwKhtYdYgenHe lowered his head to kiss Ning Rushen’s forehead, as if embracing the entire delayed spring:DqsgucAliWtialSXEpWziSJdTDIANO
XWqqsLCAYNyeDyI“The Great Cheng has high mountains and wide waters, where can’t we go?”BNyesdSrzKhRuiHcmbcjWJwLFZfQyt
ybGBYgtZytXkVcxNOFAkIvMevAfdFwMMXnUiRCMEBsSPE
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.