This official is so weak

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

FKBvkZPoncEtvLu

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

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

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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.zgDqbcDuFBYCjVVhBZNvKMsRaNdNNp

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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.VtnUlBhjVIpnZBrDHDNhmSmfJCqHfS

veVCEPKJzgHsdgi

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

LFSRlNnWIwaDWNI

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

dPbKEDCESnvgsLN

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

ACkklkAgtQLPVNK

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

LZgJIZYYukHCeev

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

jRwmFrgulWgHWyv

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

hniScXmdQgVWScE

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

CqTbWCWHRaeDsON

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

QwFxpkMRxAtDuYO

“Not at the residence?”JuMHeeOiuewqgdUWwUqaObEzDWpBfT

feKnZrjfwxxBEoV

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

yBMeLtaGYhOlTqe

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

mpTCeFNzcydJcPs

…kpsRUTdqoshJlWNknbmbitJTgLoMCC

KkxJLvhufdBgZMi

Meanwhile, in the palace bedchamber.GHiTZFOjTVwmCgsxvBplzmbjkDqBfn

UhwSnHIOxMoBgLf

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

mcPbJOmFIvJtkAO

Thin rays of sunlight filtered through.HxWdMGpfuVeQuROfVfmQCMikvsRqRm

nIPHWgJkmWCLbnt

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:VuTTCFjdPBPrqOozUOFUYvBiTxJouq

blzcbFHAkQebjoi

“…Li Wuting.”HOIJRckrmIqukRXAvegSAOnChkZsMl

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He called him by his full name.HdrEhhakFpraVJIgyioiqHbSmizRVJ

CZMBUSdmhUteqgA

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

gZlbUbsAgzJUjLD

“Awake? Does your waist hurt?”okpXHVcGMSpLMRAfEIidLpPNwtYQpM

tWhUHxRRdSVaHAj

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

ktFiDVapaMnxNlw

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

WIyImkPltrPbdYA

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

wKdpojAWBRSXRUH

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

lMInOAsgeloXnNm

A muffled grunt followed.OckjlSSgSnWDqFQpgFBzVaMFNODHfe

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

uqyGJXYOxeIYdRf

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

xfpSRllJZNwrHtp

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

eNaRUmluWJCvkrn

Li Wuting quickly replied, “No.”vifgleNkLquUrvHiYwHYClOYRXrqZi

dqqPEiyVCfEnvkv

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

bjaJQeyGoNXMNkT

The seductive words were spoken with such gentlemanly seriousness.KRcQQkBTXwkkZVgXiByfahgXliDpDS

ZMjyRDvLcloOxiw

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

IZPwTssOOYQftyX

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

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·kOvDJsELKYXETThVSBjFFLTtOuNyHD

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

iwCFIdHApzpyfHs

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

tuKeGXTukghBuaB

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

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The once short legs had grown into long legs.bEAZFdFhEGkSfDzHBVcBaGOcRpkvLH

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

jyTTTRwLYtjnbcn

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.FFWOUVnIOaWArNBiPcxqNlpFXGaiwE

sJrgnmqBkdejbrM

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

OYyzqvWnoFHxNWS

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

LHmSKJXskxhBGkN

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

sjyVxDjWkiTDQtA

Both of them composed their expressions and walked over.GWUArMcfeRNzpgUtvKkadpDJyAjNGp

XOinlrGljOgDFtZ

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

ncIyTvuXzMgAsqL

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

MhxVijVZOKoEvZt

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

FrzZrPEuKVMsanQ

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

QHVHKzVuLHffwXt

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

DkjpnuUIBlGWsvl

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

eYduTHBaQWqgLTO

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

qcRMOghblqbqluW

“Teacher, teacher…”AnOQJzezaAUANcKueIvkzsDCMWaaar

NAidElbRANvFjvo

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

MrEBKKByFuSdTLa

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

rSMLdFfqfxLiqnS

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:seZxQSpIkuUKkYHreBtEQrxGSrADMo

bEUimoWCPTtfPAg

“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?”ccbnNjXhbGBcRkAqsslZExirsdtkKS

nneRkoJMguXAOBP

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

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

BbsscgwWfAvpbav

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

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

RSRRjPZifcwtKds

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

LAoRdOPFxlCApQj

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

UarGCVIMpCNWvAx

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

RhVCwNVTpmUeOOf

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

QSkQCMuzwkcwQAk

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

PLVmwvhERAGxNrW

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

aphNbsmGnTcUVer

“…”laogBTOxrJvvgwXUUVrGkATjEMDXBm

BszhRgJfmQpgPYg

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

OHmCqVxMBqAZFDx

·LTdZqSOUfgGJnribEGCEYNtYSjGvyE

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

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

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The news caused a stir in the court!KnEzOswcCTHOawgtJqPIknNunChoaK

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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.LUBYPZZCmhMnIrURolJOZdlypsBfoi

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

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

csQKABqsNXhfXMr

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

OfJWUytqIxyzRHq

“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—”TxSWIxcWyUhIMvsspBPigWlHhDgbeP

DDKPIsMIBVspMKc

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

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The advisor hurriedly acknowledged, and Li Jingyu added:ImgOTRoristuNXuOEmVthHfPPdCMbP

lKyduzjacRncaag

“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.”YYByOXtAFfTpbKPlVZfglJoyAFAnlq

vcDyCYKhkeqGbxu

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

OuDsTmwdTivtFbT

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

iRXWZduzeeDcHra

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

FPdDBzdjltFjefg

…ouAJTxavIdMZuMaCqEnJMjTQVxLShq

wBiMzyoWTlDeUlS

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

fYsJspNKytkGsmZ

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

kXiCTvNShRQoLNY

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

yxZAPzyyhTRiOEV

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

jZPyKzMwiAMzvNm

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

eIVKnTyOdSqOwdS

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

utiFuKBwWmWDNtV

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.”LkFXlyvWAMaTDXZzThreVtodxoHOdk

ZTNoDVUziJQeuZd

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

MUxmclUwNKIcyvc

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

YWIvouJuPcVEWvl

·MECnEiDmKUEZgYQBzawjhmwPOXFtcz

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

ggUoHvmwRFIOIhk

In two days, their carriage reached Yaojin.qsZTXdpuXAaIGKDvMVJYYthfcCdaKa

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

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

yWwliPEYUrWNNpc

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

GVnzljPsQsnimMj

They were both dressed in casual attire.zXFooUijbdeYSINPyxzoMAOcAqOSyO

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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.DJCZxBeRHFgyLVJyzfFsAlFggPTIbz

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Both were strikingly handsome, their noble air undeniable.uWvWIxOozGxczsUfmnAUUKGEwmMikT

CXGMMKFGjgHGlSf

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

OogyLrYgQcpSnEu

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

BLrZsTeeEiCflSs

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

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

MFvSHifCgvAOQTC

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

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

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

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

NMHhpEyQYBhyPKK

“Can you finish all that?”EEIZNgZrImVVIjrhXMCkMfbKXhiyqA

QrLZNuGvLJCNKhi

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

KgLsTXLpHciIxpz

Just then, a movement caught his attention.lyBlCQCOGqlqKuwDCKLeCblRteOlVM

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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.”SvVTvGbwZpxEPszdTkLfQevRPwqekp

axGceWSbDyViJjp

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

GbRrVEUxOZUKvyb

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

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“…” Fair point, one must eat.eoxrMbcMhEpChuMdMeVNYUNuHEzmvL

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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:CrWXuTTOvRAOflwAFKItkgvymzqALf

VqCAhIMYveOdVWL

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

FdyssvMFUuCDMlU

Ning Rushen was intrigued, “What novel?”vDTSprejimcgyLWisLPyDQbIqKOYCV

CEFWJzTeQOdOtZp

“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!”zKeyFUJyvamFZprePawZCIuSitMOMK

ePJuEewZvBkUcLX

The vendor handed the book over.lOdCamkzkZMqRmvsgqbVnLFbJzMjAh

CTqUglJNXSZVDGL

The cover revealed the names of the authors:YjazavxIDxykGLwQOIJYXIfzwVvTEZ

yZXWKQiQiyuTVTm

Chief Editor: Jiangnan XiaoxiaoshengxGXHvuCtdrxwdXeMPuoOJedyiAwwim

DBowdSmusEXtqqm

Associate Editor: A QuanNhOLgHelSYThSWGXacvlFUagmbjIfR

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Polisher: Shi ZiqlkRJfmrxvrkUfEPYylpsIqIxiItAa

vtYEeXgbrVejVKO

Li Wuting, “…”voCiwYPBeMdWmHmLbpulIuNwugGqih

ZYdjoEVEGdtJhcz

Ning Rushen, “…”mRjaUaJVPrsZhgMegcOhGmWfPuueSG

onXrHpkOkVDXfAa

Such brazen pen names!PJJqFUUsZREaYDeAHCcYiSftknQQyJ

vGamnETPfSHhHie

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

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

ktwbXnkqfEbGrdq

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

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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.afBACXGQEJFjAvSmNbjKecJmRHcdpc

KTDVXEafwRoUCgj

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

mxdxRaXQgXDGLHo

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

TuioOBnbVKUZBfd

Well, well, colluding with the prince again!doTEwLfSsRrutOInYroZEiBjLSvUUj

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

jujmwCxhwsjJZwj

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

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

hROQMwEDCDOUSmn

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

JBvMiWmuJqUkiyu

“What ridiculous letter?”oZvjbGuyDwUaOGfSJJbwhvWItWJVrs

FagKuuOhkrqBzHA

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

tiSXzRdHhLQeiWj

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

mVjHiZjUfsPwhDN

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

sAebpJDGSwuoOdJ

Just then, a crisp voice chimed in:bjEQcIGEjazJsSltHSifnDwJBOAGRD

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“What’s so messy about it?”NljwVJjedbrZGWxaEllwFfZhDUsVGR

ZgIGfaVmAfMlZfG

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.”qRfSeGwbsEqUxauaRBYLUjnpIqYBfV

RIIOOTFhWuanMvz

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

esdkfbHpzNETFFn

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…”oOwDjGWfalpUgWXwgxHrFZixBaLuVK

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Ning Rushen’s heart inexplicably skipped a beat.ejZbhgnppUcOdznsdIKpZKEMyQvuZJ

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

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“Naturally, our Emperor and Chancellor Ning!”noQNEBKyaivOUHevSzwArVPSWMhsjK

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“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!”iZtOJAcAHdoSfdgOCFwnXMuqoFPYTq

LmkdlbSqEziRrDO

“I think so too, heehee~”oUcpygtUAojpHUZTLbRrsRlQYUZzRm

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

jXbHRApIfnxVNcf

You’ve got it right, ladies…nJLfveWMjqHILBeoSVVBZNCcTvqGYN

WSXZZwzFQKBQaPO

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

zVWzNZvHWtyxNkM

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.”oETZcPIKPOAZOpDLdLbmHSfQOzAvuk

gpXdXzbAEUbocJQ

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

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

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

FuOIjQiNxXKOSXz

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!”yiqLEveRQMKjuBvVKBTkkusBXBbcmk

oFdoQulHZiVyOBM

Ning Rushen, “…”STDlwiyEALmgmDalLFsWogrOCMkzLp

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

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

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“Alright, let’s go.”ihcPgMNdcLNOVKlVxQXgypeXYfYzPA

qqKvuxsmqKyAzKX

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

foOwpGkENOcFAbZ

Ning Rushen: ?RMbupUgxfOeZHvyspzvjKvasSrCVFk

zyMzDhvyrZSxiOv

…Li Wuting, your face is getting thicker.oCLVoaWQjMeESPVQXralaJGVPgDJne

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A hand gently hooked his under the sleeve.oLifRNOgzDbpkkadWdSRvGbjxxLkia

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Suppressing his slight embarrassment, he followed along.OrAPIxSPYXboAQsWQNVvyTSCyRslAk

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

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

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

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Back in the carriage, they set off again.TXHEcYCLtMRzBkwcJTnsMZzUboPabr

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

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

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

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

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

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His face burned: Shameless!GSySnZEtaiwczvKKTkqRSCdebIGYzb

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

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

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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?”JSxnsKiDGKptaVxrfZFifvsfXjsfBl

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

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Ning Rushen lifted the carriage curtain.psaXEzvqpooqzAJqnNiWbebmNqTshk

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

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

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

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

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Ning Rushen aimlessly listed:ucAsYzlqLYmcHmslOgKitYuAbKCzVy

pfUvbJOnNtxEyiZ

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

KcClzGYnYeEdGEy

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

HnyzjcrwnFvHYkN

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

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

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

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

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

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

rpqWvLuldIRZHKI

A gentle breeze lifted the carriage curtain.JkDquFhtjLokbzkzNAvTKdGYFauQqB

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

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

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Author’s note:aXgjMciUeHHsVyhMeUyNTbVnBgUROe

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

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

xeJvIJkipLDPVGa