This official is so weak

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

VNpREGrXDUzsruW

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

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

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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.tcyNdOizfRVMPrNrWpQFKCQHgrGNMe

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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.flgkFLGsGJegqTIPYZlzHSQKaunOfI

sNmDRunBocnDnaX

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

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

nDYmkpKLAMliwhP

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

DMigUISBxLPEuuV

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

aKGocXAelBCLpXN

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

mlTVfJXepCOjZqu

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

KhBPZhlxFGehMmA

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

OvnqzZrCbAebZZZ

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

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“Not at the residence?”fArxylSVvWuEZGapXicjtdgIiosPnn

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

xpjyjMxMlaKAhjd

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

fIwuQNoqcfHAASF

…ldjKsebJaTWfYjRlyhlzpYyZzNSLhh

YBJJXfPzPvkNEEW

Meanwhile, in the palace bedchamber.mxHOYRIfHrNZRMOOZiVsqXxIqTYmjv

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

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Thin rays of sunlight filtered through.ridJpNGAWDkqXSKLpfWKQfLsDVaJXQ

ICskFvHLyykMSIM

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:yDFKczfILxZiwRHQNwnifvwoWSEkFv

yiAKRdqVIcyVBpb

“…Li Wuting.”iAxtyQnqpLGTbMUNnHHNdYWuFlzCsC

SDwUssodGZegqXd

He called him by his full name.VjixFUqUBjbFWbQlQrZvBRtDOoXPfx

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

AEyQajkewbpuAVf

“Awake? Does your waist hurt?”uiqAsORLJCeMnsLJAGJRTnMTzTTVlV

IRfvDTgMolDlhyR

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

DyemcMZxHCNjdFl

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

BseIUigAxlqeWON

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

ALzkgpBKDGundwc

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

eQSvmwwUjbiFWZQ

A muffled grunt followed.AUPwCUuZSwhVNAEeqsFCyRMZNFGelj

YlHJmTbLxKPpEaA

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

BtTpseqNWtDTRXA

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

cdtHKTdoAiDpgTQ

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

ekqgZZzoHDLBYBq

Li Wuting quickly replied, “No.”cOucKalMsdsYXZydjjGAlUwHVriCoE

RCipkvezxfUpNES

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

NlcYOLlbcFymqqj

The seductive words were spoken with such gentlemanly seriousness.CbYCCskNgPbApsEVJRdqpsrOzvcRLs

KGAWiuHSSFJcYyk

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

yiAHnNIJZqdaRmp

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

RQPrOCqEXJHWOmz

·CVmnlrAgyjaynCYWSolzGkZGawJSAU

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

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

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

dKzNTjuIZgCqlli

The once short legs had grown into long legs.hVtrnspwxvSRnCvbQgaEGlrLFIrlaR

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

FIKMTRUnOrcAJQX

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.MjSlvGEYFGSdZYvkITsGqfFRTrarTD

VQeIjnEYAvFuroi

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

oZTXAQbokPLCFRE

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

kMqFQfyZtypEfxs

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

RBKMpQilSFVKSYv

Both of them composed their expressions and walked over.ntDVJJbHeElojGYQaXrPhfiOJRuYHV

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

bJYTqdfWbXKJUsc

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

TDwpFcNWaPuudaS

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

xffidPiZJHTWsRh

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

JRNOdSsMISqPrhW

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

ZMTOkXgjWRlpcZC

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

xdzoDsLjCaabaJw

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

AjaRizXrhJiyGgY

“Teacher, teacher…”LNpMEyKuOZFIBwLYvcEtFqgUmVwago

vujtgkblLjVuquF

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

hHXfvgTHUZCrlEH

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

uswCnBEYgOYaDWN

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:kccDfjyrIMYMWIeRzkjfsUpLfKules

KCIEQnKtlcnftOb

“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?”iLGxynMZEjCPoicTuoxsfropsYJZxB

CEgboAfYCRGcELF

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

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

AquvyHekSVuejqh

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

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

onKAkaKwBqNNAaC

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

ICJMeEPKVwMdrJB

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

EIKwaLhEfpLNLes

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

ESifvXFbPBgHxYi

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

myKBNJxwkcwCOnc

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

XgqifyOkURalNXO

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

BwrJqJFCwIqgUXL

“…”GrgppQrWVcIxmLupKKycniZeqiqYjK

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

EhDoztuukXGuaGr

·nxLxRWFIqtLcJKFYMfVSqEypfDPaFt

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

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

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The news caused a stir in the court!vNFpBqXuLRjVuQySvcaKAvMtnFGWPO

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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.LBIDtJquewCGPyAwsZqPyBnMsYvKOF

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

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

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

MkJIQYEOejeJoIH

“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—”mKZOgEqufrCiDGkgAXzfWKzCAsxuoV

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

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The advisor hurriedly acknowledged, and Li Jingyu added:HquFoqZhirMpmqSbiBzUglasPJBtDh

apweUjSsjrynbai

“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.”MRJfGjCfNtkgMGyYHDZHapaamVCYug

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

yyAIMXwotOCwCct

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

henONXGwBZekZlr

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

hIpNqBgaLDkZTId

…lDglvCPGPGOPVdVvtVSXjTYqPDIOcG

atBLVnCTEQpQxXt

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

EoYDcygpJqohsPn

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

aKBVyZzHBSGdiRt

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

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

ltaOlhhMKEhfpIt

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

mVnjleTUBFIntRt

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

pIIwNVfcpVhlzLY

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.”YyLBOwevggipUXkvWhqXLELTqqBzQf

GzhvpRjwmFPxWUF

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

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

vjjYXkhQHiwotGO

·GIhjziBELpkbjLJNiOlenaGRWoBwvd

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

OOqHyQhNDZGwLYA

In two days, their carriage reached Yaojin.exIeGvAARLfsLuOHPTIbuEoCgXnkCO

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

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

rrEavAgTWXkIhvN

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

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They were both dressed in casual attire.QGpJzvOpfqoOabKjZtkxkOLNbycjwU

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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.RpqeNtAhwEBrKynCLMtSiLKJJoHWKR

XHONRxaVHacjiqP

Both were strikingly handsome, their noble air undeniable.BQXrXZFVuxGvjMeIxDSgHfOmierAJB

SQdusLwqFZwYeht

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

UARTwCcglCuoADT

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

FwHozYuXqbUqYpn

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

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

DejyXCBUIuRclml

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

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

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

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

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“Can you finish all that?”MytNYKIPFNDZhiojLTxQZjuiIomITn

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

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Just then, a movement caught his attention.LYcCJujrwioFkjZMyNwJeDwEsnpFQb

QNvYrKBFsNZOjMI

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.”EMlEavBVLShRwVMbMztnYItGvBDVCt

TrjjBjKpFidHunV

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

cVktJYXYiBOxmlq

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

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“…” Fair point, one must eat.FMHsDtxudbCLJiHYNAnaSqRvVHXDao

VBPonKROJuQbJgS

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:MfPiUjXWBwHgbCawLNxXBUsWbPzsct

SLnTBIEbZhFfxfC

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

BCDmntaDpCjTgFD

Ning Rushen was intrigued, “What novel?”KeJbKkXyWLYCiMJpxLjcohCcbVrmTK

TEzzYbjDOpGgTxU

“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!”ETPmytIMhewwsyJKuhTlsYsBzRgVKG

jhRjEUwkzqzCVDI

The vendor handed the book over.ZRctQAHsYFkUqKCOeqTePNodClOuSN

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The cover revealed the names of the authors:GlVRodPpEEazNRTBHtDMODdRqkXFmD

RKyrfEfzfMsKRfQ

Chief Editor: Jiangnan XiaoxiaoshengdclDepKfMZzjsiRRapttMgGfgQfHEd

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Associate Editor: A QuanduPUFuiTQVlBYiotaIyqCZwPCokciQ

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Polisher: Shi ZifecekocMcldPcExYjLkLpQyBtxHSpB

blBMFsXtHNzErFO

Li Wuting, “…”VYEbbjNGyveNJKpGycmqLsbBjlPivi

MJPDNtIpwVGNMaa

Ning Rushen, “…”ZDcKgSSalWjyGztWUpAbDzqZciFBbr

bjLDjeGDQjyFlJV

Such brazen pen names!viKTbsrrCndGkubzZHTMRwfgClYQDa

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

ZxqlqEnPyNhVKlY

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

kIKyPCMgqGieNKi

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

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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.nMNoOGKNGkJXmBdoZazgGsSQTKQwhL

XzDWxwfjRIMwWgD

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

qYQJmILAkwyrexr

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

szHCjXhkaWiTQVW

Well, well, colluding with the prince again!CdhyTsDehvbGKEivPufOkwBIIlpnMT

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

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

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

wUNINtUUDUJEOdx

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

qJBmWUoWiztrCii

“What ridiculous letter?”uqxBLkoUkyJYrakptmSEUxjfnlFOfX

qtqcTxBiaDEaMXk

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

RUbcmdmQljZytxG

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

OKyOILUPNGYaxoh

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

xYpbQdNFuvIPjHl

Just then, a crisp voice chimed in:EZgNCLdkrAJRSsBwToyPIJrlxptjHT

mYWQeFUnEYCBWEm

“What’s so messy about it?”KtAHWRaYclwSUhWWiQyaZxhpvjBckd

vJlFbJdVChgHPvG

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.”DNhxqtHfkyqeTohGJvATtDngBvyFoH

DRPbmQjwbOeaMth

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

mRiCbuYTohxrPYt

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…”jPfuxJIcisqnQlIPoXFyqSjXrPfuOP

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Ning Rushen’s heart inexplicably skipped a beat.WFWALDomVSsklUBBeTRxkuzjcygKrr

NIoutiijGwoaFOh

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

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“Naturally, our Emperor and Chancellor Ning!”GDoiodYZKvnYyHGRAUJpkIEDmMkycN

PSnUWdMzyRKyZgk

“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!”sNjStqbtvkTOGdKiulujIEXrOuLBEJ

nqKOSImVnASZiMF

“I think so too, heehee~”svYQMhptygCxeaJeJnZonUKgIBjpgL

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

DIehdqZngZbXOMr

You’ve got it right, ladies…aKssISIAQDaSYUctkYEuoJkuMBOlNn

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

nSVzhbesiBLztbZ

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.”HrayCGeJXDBQPAbBdNZDzcbcWYWUxc

IKImNqbGqlDBzTw

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

YCrqAWWHunOdVEg

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

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

xmmbLbbUfXAgWHN

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!”HQqalhunEUzcpbCWBdgTBzBpngFMfo

gwQhONiUwOkOGBs

Ning Rushen, “…”rjcVBGyxLyrecvsyahzKOOGzihMCed

hrcZzlcZYJuTDQk

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

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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:zOAYRMAQCavDxpBnYnRSUxPyNIAxHL

fSzMmHmpRPafskq

“Alright, let’s go.”bnbpWOpTslEmuaygVUrenCRevtVlsx

xvcAhxHWbMSaClo

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

eXtggfaMoaywMpn

Ning Rushen: ?RnuKyBvNYRdcieZqOkiPbAwuXivTxm

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…Li Wuting, your face is getting thicker.FHykQZxIwiCcbkJRzyVXYosDptOXTD

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A hand gently hooked his under the sleeve.gCHPdgrvjmsKdwPDQodvBvnHYkSuWV

nUmDzJvNOsLDlOC

Suppressing his slight embarrassment, he followed along.kSjHipWDfIslBakRTWqEdYQecEPvAk

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

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

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

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Back in the carriage, they set off again.ICEzRPGLxHxrsVvrxHZVySJLduvrep

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

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

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

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

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

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His face burned: Shameless!nuZqypJJVWrwnozodnBJQthAfRTQer

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

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

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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?”oFKYCiQmhHTbREpHeMWXHrWFJckEbr

dWArgdsmGMPQlLC

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

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Ning Rushen lifted the carriage curtain.RsoKOWPCCvkrNCUHZQZCILfjEOPfuX

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

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

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

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

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Ning Rushen aimlessly listed:FnmQmXZGqnCmfyDKuLXoEtYqQYRfGB

SeDfvFBCCqGLCgM

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

hPLsmOOTCQMStfZ

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

jhVnkxpkriSOFDc

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

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

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

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

HZORGLBqaEfRcpp

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

dJZtVcxHZtXtVnv

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

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A gentle breeze lifted the carriage curtain.tMbfANMkUzitVdGzNKwfjtAXaZGGPn

llhoCWtYtnboPlu

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

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

chZaPPXwypZVWws

Author’s note:dWeDGjULpxaaKNpJNDRqQEriynwDtU

xSXaivzXJfVwgWx

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

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

zsViYNOyDSBKiod