This official is so weak

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

xbBWSEoXcXqRCUQ

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

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

sMkFMfPjqxtyPvy

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.dKGbTkIivsFoPdDaWzEOdBkazhmdxi

CGjZxxotlRWJoox

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.hvnCsnLvTjQBCQaNGVQUQVZVomJBxF

ezqFKqrHWZVtMGt

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

OwjacpobyZofmIt

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

WgqmMZuoIQdqnQm

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

LaJIDmxFzVsCwjd

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

nZWDhDKrdAsOJoW

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

WvuCydCJBwzTQVs

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

RyukAvWKtOhAaDL

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

xigergcyViipemQ

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

lnMMCTQFnwTfpKX

“Not at the residence?”PoQlnOZNHUikfCtJeKpnKbLGimnLPG

BMqsxijOiIhnnVJ

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

XrwqnMVFSnPMexI

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

YWSxLbkeOuHugZW

…ShDUyYevHvuBxohfheFaVckOLunqXv

WMJbMeMJivbLQLA

Meanwhile, in the palace bedchamber.HsDCETzittdvwSMGHOYdRsLDFEShso

wDqzXvzMftTKAnF

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

cnBYXAYphyLAmeQ

Thin rays of sunlight filtered through.gTMDoELPMEAhGqqhXiyyglncxtvcZQ

gWaNMTDPZgccIsM

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:DCHYdjoPOyfNtyZIyQIdBVxYNLJKnu

lZYiUzYvffTlZms

“…Li Wuting.”qYQKaUvfCofrKsrXCFaXGNiLtyRjTo

wngQvUgsXuQYaPB

He called him by his full name.NTSgIRkvRxRxVJVqCPewUVHFifVhZJ

IoFPwLtvYVQfSba

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

jpzoPHISSLHGKvs

“Awake? Does your waist hurt?”CulfyAqqrXzHdLBZvhVFtxOrAobfZJ

KfuTjGTMoQTvlwQ

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

mlqjNjWhBckBVXm

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

iLSuuKhQqBpOyRU

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

WJyMSEapNrrNKOh

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

WELiKNwXIRxwaVY

A muffled grunt followed.aPBjeJwWdBfOhknQRgVePYlgHcxPyY

dXzpouKIEbwnDjU

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

GSCHyygdcIIPYsX

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

ypkdKKnkRNnsePA

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

LVSruUxoNAtjJMT

Li Wuting quickly replied, “No.”wiRSgcWmeYNOIAbMdEhtCTqPIQGaSe

EZYlIssWcNAfdTI

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

mplYbWhLcEuNRKm

The seductive words were spoken with such gentlemanly seriousness.RhiUGuCeGhKAbKfWzIKABMPxeGWnai

RVvgZrcDGNASznS

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

OdgNoLotKVMDSud

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

KiNkgPIsCPHfQQg

·LtQQQzomwgiOWtgDwRpSvOzLegmZSF

vzsJggaLGCvWWDw

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

YvsBPWqvbuDIaLB

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

EXcSAycJjavXCRC

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

iRIXCPtDxpmJNPd

The once short legs had grown into long legs.hLnkIAwwVirCEAJLBDYOHEtXlCymfn

lajoqvzlyEEmCkI

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

WcWvRpvGMafLYjp

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.tBYhLHPEyaccbDDbIkBUVeTUGQWOZs

ifhLwlZtqkIvdAq

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

LdsKoTmekcnIJzI

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

hFMDTWnwexCJCcF

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

iJkWcDRWzTFxFGh

Both of them composed their expressions and walked over.posquySLDTVTKKegsEQUIwTOAGmfxP

WbvCPRYnuJknKnm

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

AsetOvluGIFVeMK

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

oWmXmJQgZMjiepj

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

KXwAhhVCkZetuyN

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

cxIMYdZmkbPSVVL

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

pROkAdAbljVuFyr

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

jizkFNYHEOtcEWg

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

gZAZdvzoHjtxHWl

“Teacher, teacher…”kYfCCgNTzPPZXTnqZeXnFZeznwaAOd

tVMRwnDaDMduWkD

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

hMowPiGFctJTzfx

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

lykroobFYdsJlXH

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:cJdkFbLWUpMbmryBamxjUAnMVsximk

EMpaBWgwkjmyIKM

“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?”FmENRPYXnSipPWKDUUmAoCwYurWwKp

rBZROLHhpjRuSHt

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

umNoksNYsyTZXFX

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

uvFXZeTTGSuKIGq

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

zNuDHjANjyZFYlU

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

cllvLUaPVkAPLTo

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

YuQosdPlyymwlpI

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

WnHVFMgFDveLRCS

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

fzzVzkRbhhQGsbw

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

fqSHliqAvWKVihX

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

aLNexQOiESQiJSo

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

EEgKsJbnRMWcdGJ

“…”iSanXphPazNekcPdZeCbabgUkzhslB

zCUYIHHCKmupVBB

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

UWqHUPSGdttaKbN

·ytkFwWkJPPiEYchluZZgsQZnkmbhHY

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

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

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The news caused a stir in the court!TkksDlJrwzHNZszvzdEoHGGZiLKKHR

qnhaEwTVvLHfHsW

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.PitjDShpjXmEqNmByZtlkOoQQaxOlb

qdAtTIqcdTHEuzB

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

FHRmKJMXaLXrRtJ

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

gCIWcRZudFiPFBv

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

NdWhAeQRUDUYBfh

“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—”sayUKVHycEfnlCEuXiqaHPElgdRAHu

lgruUITkAIPHYDF

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

mMlScNJPhQIusWx

The advisor hurriedly acknowledged, and Li Jingyu added:AHeaBClbcqwlbjuFOdPksTZUVyWozV

vjhmShSAmuMiuJD

“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.”gEKQuceqbMioABrhkZMSKtMmdVCylN

uINBkVAYoowoiyE

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

euEbgpqyhVvqLuC

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

cQpGrFJDKlsiKgI

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

dbGOhkSAlfUNSRe

…WessBHpRqKKxfcPxqVFRyvdxBdfuAy

btlkxnmYiHuRIcv

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

JSjhWRQDvfwEdBb

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

xuRQdLYfVxrerNa

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

wjtbKIhRZrPvbNt

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

LnevSlOzKkPzFrd

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

bTkIxZSNqEDfQbK

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

fOzxTRDGsOwnnuB

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.”eBXZUiiQmtixwGgiMCulSnRGNvjeUQ

ySiPDccEQEjIZCr

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

TwfPnKzMhoYkEVp

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

CsNOrNPzneiwYXC

·vfRVjvWQjoQxpSaLTmPCivdnPnyoQY

CVtjkAZpVDmGvVF

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

dKmSZqhnjjiOKdr

In two days, their carriage reached Yaojin.lqkZljJVAngqxWBANpFFQdoBhQRiRv

ByZzJZLINvALHPN

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

idEnrsxvmwOdfdV

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

NgjJYEcpnChMHaD

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

KQQpuOmvmOPSwfO

They were both dressed in casual attire.UXmtXhRkdhkdLCtDVURTdadTfPkaVh

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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.QMuqPMKhKRXsPrFgiVfINwUTOlsdTV

izlyNFJkhltFhyl

Both were strikingly handsome, their noble air undeniable.IkyjWiUGJkrVYCoreFnwgzFynvCzGk

MgotNyhJOrMcwEe

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

eRrQcbKFZSLttHm

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

PImQsUISiphDawF

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

HRxuUpetGrtQEzb

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

QmRCcjjJVBImQyx

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

ITnVFuImmCUNSEW

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

gVqfwWSfqNdfsMt

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

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

neJfnbyyKocnCfy

“Can you finish all that?”tIUYdeCKkUamukmTCviQSztvDQEwGv

ufWWSyKcsBYLWfr

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

ddgzhtkymDPYwfO

Just then, a movement caught his attention.tmCFCpMeNhxRZkMfahyicLjOtQlNLC

PHIFznNVqLlzFSr

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.”nLpOWvrSrOYeaIDIcSPOoMekOLVpFz

ZKLbgReHOjmsBno

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

jdzAdZMtvHHAXIP

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

IqkazUsEcMUofLa

“…” Fair point, one must eat.ETqxnXiDWnLciexyyKpskafCgrABHa

EEbTuEaQyrKHiWz

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:fZmDWoPqfotqYvLVRoYMoEeVqUOKCP

VJhwKusIuRRvnuK

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

vnAgUirIlvTTGeP

Ning Rushen was intrigued, “What novel?”ohjydakKOicRTjKVtTJNgBSSscaRIU

rauGWSDBtsFMygW

“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!”ZsIFkTmxHaHDSNjPtEKmRIfxesbDiV

ApqVvqwkeUeaQSL

The vendor handed the book over.GuOxjKfHkPgTVgdLDkGWBRfymSbVJb

rySykXVrnLZebFD

The cover revealed the names of the authors:EYoueKWOVGMLyCbVAqjwMKhnCEIYFs

HQBZZgxbtwOUZsr

Chief Editor: Jiangnan XiaoxiaoshengnsCZUOBqWcvHQkfqlbTbacrfiSHWXI

qnSWAiaoKbmuMTl

Associate Editor: A QuanIzDhESqrilBTELFFENpFabrAuuYeLr

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Polisher: Shi ZiZjJiUuvEosMIvBSSlinugZdAbozsfo

VDuJXPPyPhlcrkW

Li Wuting, “…”AfcsJHDpwcAOBdXNIInhYKAhDNeouO

EyDOHeQQiRYIfbm

Ning Rushen, “…”ApLsKqndKUVubleleoPDsDQOzzgmYN

ZfSrwgBahIYVDzW

Such brazen pen names!FmcsWLRpyRsIEXyVJzwZZAVOAkHjDY

KrzruVXKXShIbhz

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

vRJPMCyIGbAYGlq

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

LjwyOLzOhJWHfDV

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

DkrHOahYrNiBRcp

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.KWDrGGelryZSOTCUCvGDZhKLgweeNe

PPDbpMxipjXoeLV

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

AxkLOPoeZsQMXdD

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

nZoTkUkgKdQPAnb

Well, well, colluding with the prince again!yOZfRDBcmqatdDmgMTXjIYsJbMxeJg

GyohauPzFlgaLYJ

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

ZvzHJzhoHfMrRil

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

vshhAbmvnzHpgcd

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

iGWTlXgeDgYaeGe

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

CxZjmKVkKMbADaG

“What ridiculous letter?”TiHCFHSGvwcVnVNddfvfLfKEXLWfEc

pmdcpgEdkOrjcfZ

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

fuDBSFweHWkrxUV

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

UCwdNugNxUBDMmR

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

NOnzMuwKsYEeUcC

Just then, a crisp voice chimed in:IdCwWhUoxRvTmJHpKkeOVWHhbuGbQv

ijzrWVGpemNNRFW

“What’s so messy about it?”DSYBihtTOvyfaxFtAyygJVhOEojtdB

xwLtBEEomCeprnT

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.”WQnibFLWwlNDnyxNhVAofNWMvxVTXx

aVFOCFYWXrEHdop

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

rpEZbqzwnrgTRkM

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…”BIchxwdYNKayIeBEWNPhtBHwPJLMmK

wmmkdnxOIxAhqoA

Ning Rushen’s heart inexplicably skipped a beat.IRVvbcEOEukSxkSrPWEbpRHtvIrpma

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

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“Naturally, our Emperor and Chancellor Ning!”egMeBSyVBXyHVzvAgGkYtApTIkETYO

IIohDFRNuOTPJRl

“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!”jKPCXMTecUxuHwOJySHTgCvvIpIhOL

LhqOiBqkxISdPIM

“I think so too, heehee~”LiAgUtyZhUYqsLJDBXKqGfRTXznzan

duaqVxXLDnogGYK

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

ooMYAYEOWOOfpEN

You’ve got it right, ladies…PoMDyTGOWGCSMKySOpRaWsMhEmCwUE

GfPCabKhyuYhXoo

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

DbtHkWOIlWWFYRw

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.”pEfhSAkFEmhRnpBWIqWPPYKStOmNTT

dwStmAqjMvTzOez

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

iZubwQzjQDIpAFy

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

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

aVwsAXHsitzGysA

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!”WHLkLZIBwpPVrjhjiMLgkzUzRvxUGf

OjISaoEYtedCHSS

Ning Rushen, “…”LrokeaodroyimSRVrCZMXGEVUOYsYk

hevDaeXbOlaLjqZ

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

dWycqcjJeZWUMAF

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

qeoZXVOEcgspVBC

“Alright, let’s go.”FLyEZWrOauEiAcOMiIiOmpTIKdgrNi

bBSVaoWEiWdkycf

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

PBFbyYFkidAzWHY

Ning Rushen: ?WXmEeecgnEnrnjjSSQMudVPOUQYRuo

QTKmUIjZYzCCAcC

…Li Wuting, your face is getting thicker.tITrRYXRPColPJUQAUbmYVglnpzJND

PwxCgxJQKwdiuge

A hand gently hooked his under the sleeve.xmMAHmNgHdrxBRLwwvjVLdLkKuOYCK

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Suppressing his slight embarrassment, he followed along.JXHtWJIsAbmAiTVzYwEkCDJAYaaGYk

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

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

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

FFhXtPWDHCXcPcl

·MEBwyXHcpIZsKTZGsCMfKnqBZWWEFY

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Back in the carriage, they set off again.GdcEBpNgPLpwGJsMeJGlJWnzYoZTVr

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

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

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

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

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

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His face burned: Shameless!dnYDayLiDBHlHMftLzztZDPdYeCkse

MXWPMKmmiOCIExd

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

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

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

BbgujMqOHBKnglf

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

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Ning Rushen lifted the carriage curtain.fypOqUwggEEtafMbRGhEZctiBhpQlR

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

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

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

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

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Ning Rushen aimlessly listed:JDjHoBTobJxhAKZhNnPHzjqSCTnnmp

GCyACoeWABjhtIN

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

pOnMcOTocCOAxsU

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

BpFwHlwLiJagYSv

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

AVweqcxJVIxnXXk

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

gtkmQWgamQfVvVm

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

SyWoBLrebGJCKaB

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

VobLYMXufEzzHVC

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

qAAhsIUiFKAywPl

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

netilAIQKFlhkNh

A gentle breeze lifted the carriage curtain.XHchuDwjwzDfheOrrlCdLbwXgjUdRn

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

PgiNwYbRfDhfDqS

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

ZMURACCQcJugaow

Author’s note:LiInweOMYbJEyspwzdYJyAGsfaZaQE

PAcGMzHenRjFkVJ

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

OTqpbsDNBMTYzUH

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

WToHioWMOfcGPiL