This official is so weak

In the seventh year of Chenghua, at the entrance of the Ning residence.MvJSYgJpZAJoXhmzgqpDFNPDdNMiWx

rcvoDkdYPLHsELO

Early in the morning, the newly appointed Right Supervisor of the Shanglin Park arrived with lavish gifts to pay his respects.QFZBzhSqHkwBNqkzwPbnGSTJirNzce

PeObBVPCSzkKRfw

The Ning residence had now become the Prime Minister’s residence, home to the current Right Chancellor.uecoGcrnIilikdFvRAeSMXVDyabUIh

CyMLAXMKsEBkQBH

Ning Rushen, the Right Chancellor, was a young man who had already served as a Grand Secretary for six years, holding the prestigious title of Junior Preceptor of the second rank. His unparalleled achievements had earned him the position of Chancellor last year.CYVuUzcIkzorOSNGzZGKFpKUIoJbJe

KOTsbroqantaLXB

The Left Chancellor, Ji Jie, was advanced in years and now only taught at the Imperial College, leaving the real power in the hands of Chancellor Ning.aWbMdtPCAUjPwtidSMdjenowcCUYrC

sqWjKRIzquhKxIK

Truly, he stood “second only to one, above ten thousand.”VMAGFEUnEgVlXXBSMvkqEXLvpgVzEJ

HrWHYGFNxaYHjOB

The Right Supervisor, having just arrived in the capital, came specifically to “make arrangements.”fkwwZjoRIiHgfDeVFgjhLxLCRrjCFl

XHoGjtkVBNDUPWn

He waited at the gate with his entourage for a while. Soon, the gate opened, and the estate’s steward emerged.ZoRMGYxBYrgeXvozMYSOeqiDDMZLxY

GaNBJObhcLAfTxE

Yan Min stood at the entrance, “What brings you here, sir?”XXIoSbaJMgwRIbzwzhAIDlUZyVkEAu

QAnOaQpAZYOXdoe

The Right Supervisor hurriedly presented his lavish gifts, “I trouble you to inform Chancellor Ning that I have come to pay my respects!”NQPirUGpIkcvpLTihphTenoECfRQlv

xBdZNMQhdmsbIGG

Yan Min skillfully declined, “My Chancellor has instructed that he will not accept gifts from anyone. Please return, sir.”DGAWeuBbvVNSQScUhWCkHVRmEEoqHS

jmsgihbYvtmeEKF

The Right Supervisor pressed further, “Then may I have an audience with him?”HynMCvgBJUDKANsWpnbFRTMMGKWhLg

phsMooxjnjuThBW

“Apologies, but the Chancellor is not at the residence at the moment.”iRdzBpwjrezWXBxvPWmbDvfRCOszkc

ZleAPUHWzXJZXPI

“Not at the residence?”IvkMgXHdOyCMthjwnzwJXGxcFWIdQn

CmIBHNlQlcrHFbb

“No, he has gone to the palace to attend to official matters.”USCWxmEPJYrkaZyNHqFOMDDQBnejCU

aHNuSHCifuMOiuZ

“Ah?” The Right Supervisor glanced at the sky: Isn’t it still early morning?wGnpKUMCXkffjrSdViatqojkKDjwlH

UqezGcgwqKbwjvF

…JpDVFlQovgLjuDuQJpHvalgItzTQpF

fnXeKZGPxBRbCqN

Meanwhile, in the palace bedchamber.FliAwVdtpiRVtIhFrPlwPQvIIeLjLb

rLyubBfYPBbPkmR

The bright yellow bed curtains gently swayed, concealing the scene within, only a slender wrist resting on the edge of the bed.xOAAemHbLRsrnYvWBgFQpECEJkTemK

MnwXRHHoDVbDNYj

Thin rays of sunlight filtered through.wEBREqAZpsEaPTBUDwRlcRAsDbEDGh

nCWhhdnuxPkvAZC

Ning Rushen’s fingers twitched as he slowly pushed himself up, his head dizzy and his waist sore. He leaned against the pillow and softly called out:wqEldXajZIyWxfoxsIgaIAoCEwEysH

BgehYEkoiKMKIgS

“…Li Wuting.”yjlQdUXVuIjcOiLNhoKwNZmnMFhrTw

XBDiOHnmpkpxynN

He called him by his full name.jjUNBPMYTajboYRYDtGnoQIIPdvnkm

gTeVvKTUfPmbxNK

The Emperor, who was in the midst of dressing, hastily fastened his belt and turned around, striding over to help him up:GyXSpMFDHxeubgPQhWGMBWzmQDDhRP

fraVzPbQqYliWDh

“Awake? Does your waist hurt?”ydNfPrFKssmQxMsGommqvSziDkjoKw

kLGuZaqMOzjQRUz

Need you even ask? Ning Rushen pursed his lips and gave him a look.saIfrGxwyTCnUfZggUnxQThJZfaWIP

NIpkUBffZXfAckt

Li Wuting, knowing he was at fault, fetched Ning Rushen’s clothes and skillfully began to massage his lower back.JjtOBPVQeVBLCXXWLUeWIHwXlrsKIB

FbMvOtxHioBGxHE

Ning Rushen let out a few soft moans under the ministrations.tvMeXRDuyXwAVTnZRvbEdQkVbqNcOa

CAXjbcZdjJlQXCe

Remembering how Li Wuting had already… last night and yet still “crossed the line” this morning, he couldn’t help but bite his shoulder.ZmfOrkorOCPesSHRlCTDkLrUfuqWgH

ibKEgLFnHGSKWeY

A muffled grunt followed.SEuEPVgfoUwRSAMXGQemxHHlGUTpcf

DDGBauEXyeKHtkE

The weak bite was neither painful nor itchy. Li Wuting leaned down to kiss the top of his head, soothing him:lOeCVihujcYavZbYVKvasGbgjGPGUW

DGQXWxCbMjgStZH

“Who told you to call me ‘husband’ in my arms early in the morning?”ZWkulyffwwQxsUzGwBJYsQSZdONimP

bYkmunTqriTzhJV

Ning Rushen continued to nibble, “It was wrong of me to call…”CcKQwOOLpQfpFpZatXnfJMkYfERbMA

zpoogBhWyYfxVyj

Li Wuting quickly replied, “No.”QPmVJgrYfhgnYZQzBuxOjrqUfhrSUw

DntzMSvSAXSFfuM

His Adam’s apple bobbed, and his ears turned slightly red, “It’s my self-control that’s lacking, I couldn’t hold back.”sopdrenIlVUszDPfAIGmeseUupcAIy

etXCJvuxqorUFTH

The seductive words were spoken with such gentlemanly seriousness.zSCFhPcABYZIFpbVByfWqeTmjgTqxO

SEMQiGSeXzQrMIO

Ning Rushen’s face heated up, and he released his bite, sitting up, “Alright, enough of that, let’s get up!”mJvpneRmYimkJPPLmuJdJLMwEARkpo

KKjvoruqcmdiUPm

Li Wuting extended a long arm to help him put on his clothes.AIuvzfhIswJsKSiMdbkqFCoXsoEQHO

WDqubjSDTTriOLI

·ZZRwRjBjxfExDrAOgTQNuhaojWTFiE

VWjVvjKcYsnBcqH

After they finished washing up, they left the chamber.GVezQDscZxryNErJjiapkvkXWElVSZ

xuUmwgQtxggQzOO

There was no court session today, so they headed together to the imperial study.tfiypLobtmcIvxTutjCFxwJvYukJQx

yXXxDYsUJIATjvE

Before they reached the study, they saw a tall and upright figure waiting outside.qjDnZqnwPMUmyaYTZhXqaDqeCocOmp

sLdFKGSYDEPjYwv

The once short legs had grown into long legs.iUIxDyWyKcGskFxvmkrKTlcyfkJJKH

YKVgXyATGfAuFCx

Standing there, he was a handsome and dashing young man.bmqyWVcTMbYrOQZdIKBYwwSOcEKcAf

VmWVrqbWbQsbckZ

Li Jingyu’s appearance had inherited six or seven parts of Li Wuting’s handsomeness, but his demeanor was brighter and gentler, giving off an air of innocence and approachability.HwiHybqLiCrpsOovHfgFBPdHNheqwK

mKMfDznRmbKqAhE

Li Wuting observed, “The one you’ve taught resembles you more.”woTNrPVhjPIwQoezepIgDjdyQaFoAH

zbQmQTQkGLqOjgA

Ning Rushen sighed, “He’s grown up, and it’s getting harder to fool him.”nLPVSDTPYBIWUVpYJZuqjcPMTxwjiJ

lkIZBSnfPUEdVdy

Remembering something, Li Wuting paused and glanced at him. Ning Rushen met his gaze and quickly understood, blinking in response.hAJURRdSFoqVSvjwpEvfgHuIfyEWyY

rJoHtEQxPSmnHWB

Both of them composed their expressions and walked over.ZEeowZJMAnTCUzVOfBMcLjQxleaXuS

amouqizBhWqZmKo

As they approached, Li Jingyu turned, “Elder Brother, Chancellor Ning!”GhMQQIkKIuRQlAZEQSdfRscfPqRczc

SptnGjAsoqmydPX

Li Wuting, knowing his purpose, called him into the study.zszJbvThLWUfvcfIMXIxFfWCQaonYr

MyDQqAQxWamFMPT

Once inside, Li Jingyu immediately spoke up, “Elder Brother, why won’t you let me handle the reorganization of those prominent families?”frmKLWNxalfZQvvDBFEwlRBwmIKKxW

VyTmsduBDlwalyx

Li Wuting calmly replied, “You’re still young, you wouldn’t handle it well.”rnxTqfsDeLnhxCnifXzQulybqzTyKA

qvSIfQhbRGgYbRi

Li Jingyu widened his eyes, “I can!”GubMNXvcwPkAwgWdRALtwAlQriaSPW

GQsvdtXtFBMKzKc

Seemingly provoked, he grew a bit anxious. After a few words went unanswered, he turned his gaze to Ning Rushen beside him:wUUqdHOtsghjAVnlZVTudncrCGXHiM

GeOklkhZEVNRYvF

“Chancellor Ning, please talk to Elder Brother for me.”jIBCalkewZiBWGCjBJKlXTMLGibSdi

AtEpSpfobGfgSTi

“Teacher, teacher…”iLNIMtzzxNNYcGjZnWwRuUGMcegcwt

DBukcXKFwRGVChr

With his wheedling, Ning Rushen showed a troubled expression.GieKpDXpaPnBVlZFLFLCFgHfZfFtdW

eNQrcwiUhATmZiX

Seeing the slight hesitation, Li Jingyu’s eyes lit up, and he suddenly called out, “Sister-in-law~, you talk to Elder Brother—”xFxFPosYafEcBSUqDMWcINcrLOiYnx

qmBAxoxDOeZWvlj

Ning Rushen’s face heated up, and he quickly stopped him, turning to whisper a few words to Li Wuting. The Emperor pursed his lips in thought for a moment, then looked at the expectant Li Jingyu:sNWWlBGPhbAuFGJBwFSidqNqqMIsgH

GFwaVeuWjEhbzfQ

“Then you’ll have to personally review the memorials in the Grand Secretariat for the next two days. And the day after tomorrow, you’ll preside over the morning court to handle this matter. Can you do it?”RhzcvrIUfZKaJvLMHbsZtTGGEgbtzh

TqzNwBRcAzQumWP

Li Jingyu seized the opportunity, “I can!”cKRKbXTphJgnCUemkvizIPLBhgHaeV

QuqLHWnpOvyltCH

Li Wuting was serious, “Good, then go.”JMlUkNpxLgbqrTZGFReBhZYADsdSNc

BqGBppTUyVxXhIm

Li Jingyu acknowledged and left the study with full of energy.JVNXdeaASSUCTacmxHZQcXVFfVUwIK

SzlOFMjPxZhWbsx

Once the figure disappeared outside the study, the expressions of the two inside immediately changed:OTQnOtNFORCDELXIixTMEfFlnEPsZZ

rDwiEUJMdbbsPeM

Ning Rushen’s face was no longer red, and the furrow between Li Wuting’s brows relaxed.DyIbdukRareTpXDlazOEKTNYAXlZYV

imAboYdZHcMmiRG

Ning Rushen slumped into a chair, “He’s really grown up, and it’s not easy to fool him anymore.”JFwCfHhYFRGpAXXLLMJUGGMQrRheNJ

KKKcmDcbzUhNlAc

To make him take on this “big responsibility” without suspicion, they had to use such a trick of playing hard to get.oFYwFGtIqwJMPgYtMLSFaTvOfEVdlc

BzLtJKrWCeqcpLE

Li Wuting said, “Didn’t you always say you wanted to ‘rest a bit’? We’ll leave the capital tomorrow.”NwIvPRFmgMSYPoRKKBHOhBcHYgWRze

LMFiUccUvqazyJM

“Great!” Ning Rushen suddenly became excited, then added, “What do you think he’ll do when he realizes—”nFwPiXVfxOwDmybTheYPDlgOQpzCfJ

GlYuXVQHVlrMFCj

Li Wuting smiled, “He’ll cry.”kbCDIzjAVhXBdPOLFTMctkQvJvydWC

pBJaLPgjQWfeKJm

“…”MgWRiMqIVGqmYVmGTaUfQNfaUqTHnS

AcyDiHIvoUTbcam

Ning Rushen sighed: It seems even the most cunning dumpling can’t escape the suppression of an elder brother.YHUyrzETrmoIMZktEbmzrjvXNEqPUC

MruRqCeLhREKARK

·gTOgrYVGnVYKOyLWbHOimqzFoVyqHT

gNrlSxGoKuCjJiL

The Emperor and the Chancellor went on an incognito trip.xAGbpbEhfewWZYCIdXdjJPaMhvBalB

ckyhPOTAsHeIexG

Only an imperial edict was left, appointing Prince Jing to oversee state affairs.jECLGzZvBZEilVdVnHgXDfpMRIvAdf

WkMsnbcxADPMKLn

The news caused a stir in the court!ZPtIcTVyFfbSkhGhHxQHcEMnPDujQz

WXNoumajtBOvfOg

However, given the current stability, the ministers, after their initial shock, turned their attention to Prince Jing, who was now in charge of state affairs.sbKhVitKjXjlnjfZnheGTuavvSeKBD

kxNbwGluHmhdBzd

In the Prince’s residence, Li Jingyu was stunned by the news.zEteAYywWPMMBceqrxYvGEGHCNCsFi

YBacbdqeYFyDzNY

After a moment of reflection, he clenched his fist in frustration: Damn it!hfbcjxkyJdZyDMjeJhytTGbeaWZyPN

bdFnmZvIMgLWNnM

His advisor cautiously spoke up, “Your Highness…”tkKYTPsOKCxXuznNOAIlSXZiQoKaig

xItpsMvpBSmQytM

“Never mind.” Li Jingyu quickly regained his composure, narrowed his eyes, and prepared to take action: “Bring me the case files of those prominent families involved in corruption and lawlessness—”PVjhBWasgSIbEXzuehcVtnlCpGUtOR

xdofbDAMtPvxabS

His calm brows already bore a hint of imperial majesty.dzUxWiMofxnSQkOeWlKBTsElvrxgFi

gasfPfmllsTikzt

The advisor hurriedly acknowledged, and Li Jingyu added:GxrHAANuXWPPBROVnewayLhWNsGZCM

BcIpTmPdEZizKSy

“Oh, right, the grain harvest in Jiangnan has increased by ten percent. Help me send the letter on my desk to my second elder brother.”rrLFsDHgydSNLZNyrJlwOcsHXmgJaA

SrCwelxyghTVBtt

It was the letter he promised to write about “Elder Brother and Chancellor Ning.”BrrhWozTxxtMtwnGAirxcVFdKPykem

BtyGcIuTIIyMlQF

The advisor hesitated, “Isn’t that letter only half-written?”CLesReReNNRLGZvnOicpSxzVaWCGfW

GkJGgOwhvzgXGvL

“It’s fine, send it as is.” Li Jingyu remembered a term Chancellor Ning had once used, “This way, it can be ‘sustainably developed.'”QxLeAxJDUaLlesNmgPZCKShxWNAKnN

zHDPxhZmSMLwjVB

…NrOiizEqKwxHjPVjPKNhUdMTxLCSsY

TeHosgRjYKOMKZu

Meanwhile, at the Ministry of Rites’ market inspection.anrEJrVaLCyVbwDJygzOcWIEVZcMni

KxWlnCgQCvmqbEm

Geng Yan, now the Minister of Revenue, came as usual to mooch a meal, sitting across from Fan Wan:aNzzOlMobGZIWkAisPGUILqpBJtRyI

QRDPponeGqSUTjR

“Rushen is really inconsiderate, sneaking off like that!”AyNwFvPUcrqLjhWMqLAcLKLiqJPpwa

jIOqhvqTnuBJLGi

“Sigh… I was looking forward to having a drink at his residence.”mHcVrvGRGsuMfMUXDDqsaSCufOsrYK

NqdwIGclRvmAvKe

Fan Wan, while lamenting, added, “I heard some of those prominent families are involved in shady dealings, and Prince Jing is investigating?”ZRJzGxWejjsrsTeDpwlQvGmrLHBaWs

xmDOmtYnbEJNzat

“Yes.” Geng Yan stroked his chin, suddenly looking mischievous, “Those families… the Ministry of Revenue is a bit short on funds lately…”chaZwjsWFYjtfSYCuPxsYeRBMMsRwY

tIqKuagdDBcyrLe

Fan Wan understood, his fox tail lightly flicking, “With Rushen gone, there’s been less fun around. It’s a good time to stir up some trouble.”VMFpKAyGukAcFkFrFJuSYiQuvqfJjs

QYLrmVRlnTiNIRk

The two exchanged a glance, their rogue camaraderie coming to an agreement:VzjisgAuxaAqnalVcwBaJYuxODbmLw

xWxNBMQBdGnLHVK

“Great, let’s go after them!”mkotUGFLjBUlvkvKHJsVDenvKFgWOz

gClGoIRuOHHexAH

·JlZfroncyRMNxpMHKnCgAlOUMkoPsL

cGyRYYLIvRsuQDN

The Emperor and Chancellor quietly left the capital, unaware of the waves they had stirred.HDxhoYdYaJKZOmEUrlwKsoUZqTGjaI

huCgTqQoaeeUBHL

In two days, their carriage reached Yaojin.wugRonhvlQpHamPBqpQFxbCvySmzyu

OocRnNeIrBkLTKa

Now, fertile fields stretched at the foot of the mountains, and the people were content and happy.mYxsfipJWkFhDmkuBwYUexPpSnmuhs

zmIlzSExeWfotdg

The carriage entered the city and stopped in front of a market.QOAtAvuIyNvyzgahTKKFaFUizxRJbr

PRdjkWJTxCgUoPm

The market was filled with various snacks and trinkets. The carriage curtain lifted, and Ning Rushen and Li Wuting stepped out.pmitbdyHChvZzaUknVOdOVahgSsLrv

SznnDurXOCCXZUX

They were both dressed in casual attire.tInJpCOuPnNwvxsPWCqnyaSFowUTHo

zHVOuQqJvhZPQzK

Li Wuting wore a deep green robe with a jade crown; Ning Rushen was in a light silver-threaded outer garment, his long hair half-tied with a jade hairpin.FcrLrdpJoKpwfHlKPyAqzqBayWGgaO

OPMzimbcJlJWFDi

Both were strikingly handsome, their noble air undeniable.ChWWuPrCxAyqBnbJwoMfgUGXLLDgyl

CBCHtotNNtDxwOx

As soon as they appeared at the street corner, the vendors immediately began to hawk their wares:zcGiJuQokVfbaoznPpMlFvZvVSbbYQ

pzlyQQPMFAuxOEl

“Noble sirs, would you like to try Yaojin’s apricot blossom cakes?”PPheZAYUPBbbNzmFwMOcdCSWtEUZta

YoZsnirckQnPWUs

“Cooling shrimp jelly, does the young master like it?”HnozixmrbDHUFmtbNLYJkpqEgAQFPb

myDDBVOpdCKWhdK

Li Wuting stood beside Ning Rushen, chuckling softly, “Does the young master like it?”mZOAuHbWBkYogJlFhbiUmgxwxBXzsY

KwMxOzRbRpNbsML

Ning Rushen, stifling his embarrassment, replied, “Yes, pack it all up for me.”phMbWvVKQpeBqzEvrsKmApVdqQErHd

razoEuZjUxZQseC

Li Wuting smiled and ordered De Quan to do so.OwkDzZMwYKRjqhdJAIswcfmMQCPtGi

FstkfdKwfkfryRe

Soon, a pile of snacks was in Ning Rushen’s arms.eStoYmhlfkUSjyjYyACuuvCXuIjADC

JhhyeYPpSYFjUVa

Ning Rushen happily nibbled here and there, as someone beside him asked:FGhDnleGrlXSkanHrEAlVKWssZXfzy

WAFBtZnVJLoQQTt

“Can you finish all that?”ZhUvMWIOfqVoxyzdGyEUFZvCYIyest

nEjAuuMSSLBPZsV

He felt light and carefree, “I’m in a good mood, so I have a good appetite.”xUwsOlnyEuNfTnxGkGqsTfRUlngHOS

CxYAfBiRuESbLED

Just then, a movement caught his attention.upeloZjKSEeGnvseIjlEZWHyUHqbQR

aeWctfRuDhKvVtT

Li Wuting took a bite of the apricot blossom cake from his hand, looking up with a hint of a smile, “Yes, I’m in a good mood too.”lNSfLcNyBghQOYAdPhyeaiKvqglJrn

cysqfgefjxhtkes

Ning Rushen’s ears turned slightly red, and he became nervous, “Can you just eat anything from outside?”EFcNDiqRAQzPyxaaqDwFIjSuZBCGjX

nPqtNdIuPWmCYoN

Li Wuting studied him, “Am I here to fast?”PKfiOGtJWownPwxEYkaSzbDXxHuWjG

rLxSfPpMCzjSpuE

“…” Fair point, one must eat.crtZiEGRXKdNZnTGBMFLUevpglsPch

ZTJwJoerqKBAmMf

The two shared the food in their hands, their intimacy unapologetic, their attire and demeanor perfectly matched. A vendor at a nearby bookstall took notice and tentatively offered:vpXlRbQMDdXNQEyPpKPPAXfzXkirzh

QdNnWrmKKirUWor

“Would you noble sirs like to see a new novel?”aknhkGUWDFBEbBHImdUsoFnoQNQdbQ

jKiTaPuNHVMpHIR

Ning Rushen was intrigued, “What novel?”ujClOpjOMwuXMcXOQXOczTppvGejnB

ZLtUzFOODLDRiDI

“It’s called ‘Spring Courtyard Deep,’ the latest installment in a series that’s been popular in Dacheng for years. It’s the fifth volume, and it’s selling exceptionally well!”fXeZsbQeVHnPVUBLovVYSuldwtYbOU

xcbXhmoYQOByacv

The vendor handed the book over.lUAdBUTinGBEEOMjCZlJJDcfUTZnjk

DTtrSEVBikGvbNB

The cover revealed the names of the authors:MwFZVOLCqREuTUhNQqvLZxChsGcYvQ

xeKksDySWEkuQev

Chief Editor: Jiangnan XiaoxiaoshengRAZIQtAjGZLqEEpCgZpuBBCnQMMSXX

UKIVxNpcFZtuKlQ

Associate Editor: A QuanKbkVXwfcKkJqTKEDrppeLMsiiRyVwq

ATAuFMlFvUAndll

Polisher: Shi ZiyuOFmcEAiOmelIyPKxsewPszxtWYzq

GPnXqNMcFgEAByE

Li Wuting, “…”ABbHDEkAcJxXywJfcVSskeRnAlPJQR

DWBXTATbRvPbyNo

Ning Rushen, “…”UjIxctWHqDDSTlCZMpuahUPJVsCbVB

OIEHPSNJjgsakoW

Such brazen pen names!OgwTSLJjawDphekXjuhwwZakcnxoxf

YETAWRSUwNBaYxk

Behind them, De Quan buried his face in his chest.zRrwDpKKFvMQbRwBjXIHszHBWSXoqb

GItsurRTrmJoGGN

After a moment of silence, Li Wuting glanced at the quiescent De Quan and took the book, flipping through it.lGQPNXnIGKBcFBwffpNIbpUNfTYfWQ

LZZNWDgSQJuQltd

Ning Rushen couldn’t help but lean over to look.WZBROLHlUIWtojJgyGmdfQjHTiGapV

QMZBBtnzVvhUMqS

The familiar plot was highly relatable, almost as if it were directly referencing them, especially since the protagonists were also a ruler and his minister.rAIyzYomdHTxmWYiuBTxlkjLReNtCO

ETuFNaKdNbzNlmK

Fortunately, out of respect for their titles, the names were changed to bear no resemblance to theirs.vHqGVbCdCKqjABlMzpJGkUwPAqpEYX

bzAhwsMwycTrLDo

Ning Rushen skimmed through a scene that had just happened last month, his sharp gaze falling on De Quan:ECfYVFuRNMgVLaASkVUBjGdaAGoWZD

lPPmEjXbUXMmbXU

Well, well, colluding with the prince again!PmLZXQZuFVAIDURlfkUudFmnTbhUpT

yXcDAnoBXaRdfTv

De Quan shook his head in innocence: This part really wasn’t me!aeDUdjUfkGJRnSYFZKHuXvtVNAvOrW

ggmVzYhHysNGUUL

Ning Rushen thought for a moment and understood: Well, you little short… long legs!MwobrRtXUoXziUXBCaPTVetyAHaKnU

RKGAHyKADkVyrzd

Just then, a cold chuckle came from beside him.EIdUclMTdrKZeoAsabEpbGrQMkbavL

QKcHjTygtbPexxK

Li Wuting’s gaze was fixed on the pen name “Jiangnan Xiaoxiaosheng,” “No wonder he sent me that ridiculous letter last month.”ITWotCZNXadYBVniSEMXuBvsIQNCMq

sQdUruyIPBNfFfF

“What ridiculous letter?”BdilWDLNlIdmAaRyoisiuzbaRZkibF

yallBLuyyRRnrgI

“It had a hundred ‘ha’s written on it.”cmQtsgRXNReGmBynrqOORbqHQmbENz

SQQdiGhWtqFnRan

Ning Rushen took a deep breath: …You even counted them!!NZEWOLhJdqqgfoSkbgUTsbVZQVNHMs

zVzLLXVDcBgnjRh

Under his incredulous gaze, Li Wuting snapped the book shut, pursing his lips in evaluation, “What a mess.”LkLvEWYjEGqAQxxxtkWDeTuaMAdnDa

naAcHbMUJcTzCwn

Just then, a crisp voice chimed in:tOmAlBknanDhMqsiOSMhnJTjKHgiQP

rwAwQHsiceuhzjg

“What’s so messy about it?”OCnCaCdhKEUuwcbeLBETMkTFXafbWf

gxGLOyTFfQzCxeF

Ning Rushen turned to see two girls approaching the bookstall. The one in the yellow dress muttered with some dissatisfaction, “This novel is really good, all my classmates at the academy love it.”KihccPVQNkikiYmdNJlpfMdcskTUOk

iQYRujOCylIbwBs

He couldn’t help but ask, “Why do they all love it?”aHKqKXZvakGUMFWrShOslVtGpbUTIt

GRyElsInOObAcAw

The girl in green beside her said, “The love between the ruler and his minister in this story is so beautiful! And it’s so much like those two…”NdKoqYssHMGAynDSRnqKFguDHzdnGQ

qonBoqUWdYYLPWG

Ning Rushen’s heart inexplicably skipped a beat.JSJCGNARKVIoseTUEhAqtFVRafKrhy

fSwJOFFVpvgoOZE

Li Wuting’s gaze also fell over, “Which two?”DtmhItTWKpZaoJSbtMyIvmaEKWKAXW

QrkkhSKTtHXZdbf

“Naturally, our Emperor and Chancellor Ning!”kvKmOHnjgSVQprLRFpXLWJucLSesph

LbYRQOIsQKgrhDd

“Think about it, the Emperor is so wise and powerful, but he’ll have no heirs, isn’t that lonely? And Chancellor Ning is also unmarried, maybe it’s because… heehee!”NGGcDbkKApPOHTiQhaxwIGrolVbWqT

wlbsXNcqHcdaiRM

“I think so too, heehee~”bZZfhhFnOOdjmhubSqeIIBmZihTlSF

ACotGCcBqNOKVnF

Ning Rushen was caught off guard! He was eating melon and it turned out to be about himself.mviRAdyKisvKjnUNFJYgSWmDDgLehS

wgHTrRqiWQLbgXo

You’ve got it right, ladies…bESMgkgZRWkcEAtHRxsACmKanxkAPw

ncGKdtTWztCRtGn

His face warmed, but he maintained his composure and asked, “Just because of that?”fkiHocjkunRYJGcKlSJUCGWiCaVEWU

ByZbIMerWyhpeTv

The girl in yellow said, “Of course not just that. The Emperor and Chancellor Ning are known throughout the country for their harmonious relationship. Every policy Chancellor Ning introduces, the Emperor supports—thanks to that, we can study at the academy.”YYfvDipeDxUWdufKHDQvaIxvNVhzje

qlAJJjywydMVpVQ

“And at every important event, the Emperor and Chancellor Ning are always together.”qmBcwXVkPsjvscmcYVXZCGgLUFwjjV

JeAZcuYcmaMqsLm

“Such a perfect match between a wise ruler and a virtuous minister~”VRvzfdgNoglvKukrFndHcecOmQktOy

TxFUtqljZDADJFu

She clapped her hands together, “I hope their relationship is real!”pLxFUWJUKeBwdWyeiTZmMKAmNOskdl

vlDNHSQHJKynjTY

The girl in green also clapped her hands, “I vow to eat a balanced diet for the rest of my life, praying for them to come true!”XUHGGHPjkHcnJLEeOehtwFYuZvaZdp

EEhDWPoTglMmULy

Ning Rushen, “…”tVXzGVQFdKqGSIMVdjjfxLMrNsIUxk

zynGyDtVnaHVOnH

That’s quite a balanced diet you’re committing to.SpGEeqRciSOcaKXCawkFXHIeeNPTtE

jEJAeGNJrxQbBeZ

Listening to people shipping him and Li Wuting right in front of him was a bit embarrassing, so he tugged at Li Wuting:PqQSVQIkNuMwEFKiAhjpkxtMObCsHE

LosicFVwHTmOtot

“Alright, let’s go.”wwodcmhcgBIXJMkSwjfxqLePEzJOHm

MmJLTAdNzFWXqGY

He said, but saw Li Wuting tuck the “messy” novel into his sleeve, naturally paying for it, “Yes, let’s go.”wlSClVHGIFHdROAeIvaNVfetUIbmUU

WlsyRPnvwAmahfC

Ning Rushen: ?kAiXtubaWOzXAkZsKKTTGTlFqtGnyL

bcjifElsjPrmNgr

…Li Wuting, your face is getting thicker.oOUTspKFvBKDUxWdHvTsqJIdiaAFQi

DOlwupTRuBgNjqY

A hand gently hooked his under the sleeve.hqJdLHDNfXsBMnEnxuzQiQkQjMGNjG

nbmgjRiimhQfyWm

Suppressing his slight embarrassment, he followed along.qsxixneGjlCEptmngcfvVZtnXtNqBv

bAYkuJCAQgETqev

The two figures moved away, and the girl in yellow suddenly paused, glancing in the direction they left, then again:YzALndyKdTEZUfLwqqjLOWFxTYcOFU

OdnnFeOupHmaLWK

“Isn’t it said that Chancellor Ning has a red mole by his ear…”DjvVonHyoBNeGTRRjwqYhLHKDnHPCX

goYYCxqEogoiTSs

The two looked at the noble figures in the distance, suddenly realizing, and exchanged incredulous glances: Aaaaah!!!cbFAGffCibutQoTCuJwAJVvBiWrnFL

XODJOefQLSdCLLZ

·miavYkhXtWiLTzIZamzJDKwjPafXAR

fDPzEAeMrKNrYKM

Back in the carriage, they set off again.xQpKinYBLzuYfMbUTHWemlznNjwNte

WPAExymoJELZGDS

The carriage curtain closed, and Ning Rushen deliberately leaned in to ask:QfJaYXSYBCbxzCALFrSpwtpsfrzRST

HzurOOtzZOCBYiD

“Your Majesty, when do you plan to read it? When I’m not looking, secretly at night?”qOpnmBmKXechClkRimyloaEHmGnYSM

aswgvhEmqxsixGJ

Li Wuting gave him a teasing look, “Do I get a chance to read secretly at night?”epGqVUxUimqTaquroSzQRGNzgOJqlc

FiCfrDqwQoHnCgf

Ning Rushen’s heart skipped, choking for a moment.iocbUJmuIHbLPZLcwBhqBlhjIbQITL

BuVnWRMLxjFGKdE

A whisper came close to his ear, warm, “…I’ll read it to you, alright?”ejKxdliAdoEnnuHPKpNERAIWJzqmPc

nGffCtEcLSgtuTf

His face burned: Shameless!oDCGCcsVTEFZZaxxOOEOmjJYwbJwwp

zMCYNOJBHDByUVt

Ning Rushen held his breath, “…Then read it softly.”LsJVplYoAlhFricrhtIUJPdWxvhJMc

McHWyyXTmbGqYAQ

Li Wuting chuckled, his Adam’s apple reddening, “Alright.”IRqmkJobDiGmNwBGHGPbOenUdunhUJ

VeHOHVMvPuYCONw

The atmosphere in the carriage grew warm, just as a guard’s voice came, “Master, we’ve left Yaojin, where to next?”LcGGAfABgiNLQfVPKnBkpAroVRgyZc

KqdvBWcIjPfmwpm

Li Wuting turned to ask, “Where do you want to go?”WrdYhTwjDjAMqOpsrOADkvisenrIka

jXoVszczKNQuhXj

Ning Rushen lifted the carriage curtain.AKKddhpVqHLhXWDsLKTPLVbOEGXrmf

geQeUptNvMzZotD

Outside was a vast expanse, a gentle breeze brushing past, new green sprouts dotting the roadside.sQepaKCXXhobwYmMazkchtMLQfkesc

YtBkMsTvcQEjCCo

The sky was high, the earth wide, everything free and thriving.AilAHSQaTXEHEhzdEIQvnqqAYTvaMy

NXZpvJzouPvslOP

He felt a surge of joy, leaning against Li Wuting’s shoulder with closed eyes, “Where to…”MGtwIResgsjJdknXqTpFHIlkWlkTkR

rsppjxrIDzldpdD

Li Wuting looked down with a smile, “Yes, where to.”eAxWYheFfcwjUkTwVfZDFYHsXqBkgj

iwlaiymoHzEUJeE

Ning Rushen aimlessly listed:NgUfgLJbnRZQqelaMtxwcMqRdoeiOS

POaYdZbPbfsuzaU

“General Huo sent me another recipe last month, we could go to the northern frontier to see the Husky… the Dingyuan Army.”azmzmqqFVKWENoqqxZRqjRvrSBojST

qoerFwopNjTIbqL

“And Prince Xuan said the grain harvest in Jiangnan was bountiful, he’s now dedicated to farming, becoming a major grain producer.”YLQTnfxMbeozIoFVBIsUqLuwBhIcNG

jktjpVYPeAImWud

“The people of Quning haven’t tried the meat-stuffed buns yet, let’s go to Quning again…”EKuomciwZjKwiMYZLXCkCPdPJVkjig

dCvsnnRFJlTxnnY

His rambling voice drifted out of the carriage, and De Quan outside grinned:TslMwrVqbXOIAQkpGgKWJAjWtmQySd

hmPPppwHsEzcYde

“Chancellor Ning has many places he wants to visit.”pLMhoNnYKbaZdYkNPIWoqTLduvDjXF

mDAEjADZCTKXYcy

Ning Rushen looked up at Li Wuting, “Is it too many?”lcqEEzgTgqMIdPewUnQDOSxGbtjZNo

IyqBLKKFXolcCMO

“Not at all.” Li Wuting took his hand, their palms naturally fitting together, “Remember what I said…”nIfGblxQXgKEemEJfOxAvwlgBlSUSw

OftphyAjyprhIid

Ning Rushen smiled, “There’s nowhere we can’t go.”hOCgnIaadOFZRJIElWnGfiVyIqUnww

csjguRbgBihvNjH

A gentle breeze lifted the carriage curtain.NlqwsupYwasDzwfRcYdPQleJGBKjRt

ulnpiXQZipSNqIm

He leaned back against the Emperor’s shoulder, closing his eyes.SMYYiBKRRMNzEUoIgoEvfkFPSLSaxl

xhfGnXfRnLhOLVJ

Outside, the spring scenery was boundless, their journey long and far.lYHKTvtMyiuhABYZcqpwuiYzouVvHB

OOOOEhRThaiNIvH

Author’s note:CzbYWerAECzPgBwTYNzpPaQBhYLLIb

vyLTdqKirkaHwMq

The main story concludes here, thank you for your companionship!BmlVJGotiRgAGLBnXCQzWhJFwuqeam

wwKnjgYTCjSXOdL

The spring scenery is boundless, their journey long and far.gNIbYgGBLqnRwdQIwDodxVeeIPfVOB

bpELoIahwppyWcT