This official is so weak

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

IcVNvXQGYgdQDjY

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

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

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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.BZmEkCjIYAQmaaYlhEIRxlwfbGmCZh

HJElkdtVzGzgwfN

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.YzAwAgDasyOwZXSfJkGupLSokljuVW

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

kIAhvoAIjoZaLVI

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

NasPRhtjSKOAfpF

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

epAtVdAUGEmsFEV

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

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

GjXDKnIOiHWhANN

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

JOUXUoJpbplozxb

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

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

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“Not at the residence?”QHsPPoYnQZrfKvfvIAUMhgOJeaoGHu

UBJLkFdyiKWORLO

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

lcsgbdYKUSSBpor

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

uVTRNsNADlowiiw

…cOqSSeSbGpaoHnRRvOThHYPsMUnAcH

OQraTaKmXaIyTam

Meanwhile, in the palace bedchamber.OAgFLbpBPLHPlRbnxTfPKQfuhhkTqS

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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.TTbaGhQbbKjUhlUKaWYQZWadvFbmdM

qreeSSSfCOLzUFa

Thin rays of sunlight filtered through.cwxwLWOcNKkVdXhtAedPKdDeUBwOMQ

ZXNCTAkGULqSgfp

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:yHUgqvAUhugLfVSAbdTKNAoYhBoLNq

mrWcEEEVDbkGqZv

“…Li Wuting.”WGJxHAAvqLJJBHfNDMKkrxJroPDUdv

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He called him by his full name.RopjTONBcudBUmEeHXTSdEjViKtUHj

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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:BOtajSpVimWIkXmagzSjKtpNdgTtab

bwNiukbPqyTgunr

“Awake? Does your waist hurt?”wYLgLciHJMkECmvfScvrfYRPuRJddP

JINLUzNoaNzuQsG

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

UvlyZReKLLNCWRr

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

pGIdOpKKGrwDMlp

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

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

MKwjDcCzziwkAnG

A muffled grunt followed.idvtJWEWaLPsCIAlWjxBeudyqoMdCx

onWQyDaOQYUAUSU

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

BKQMCmRHKVFSigG

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

bSqLZbWwJGPFLop

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

XISjEZQbtYTjQjr

Li Wuting quickly replied, “No.”cxNEbALBFrGblKXKKvngBxjmrWUlrZ

fZiOaSeenKejUJU

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

jnSPaKdRvuprKuM

The seductive words were spoken with such gentlemanly seriousness.imQMFLFWiKUYUojYsmHzIEsgDidOox

ppqeDQsGEuAKAfl

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

fbDUFieapPElhGA

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

tAJWxkkPtsnDSlF

·nqwBWPYMoXJrFwUuvXIjGdnIzfmcfw

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

RsTmcoyHqSPcBfx

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

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

aOvAuRxACcnvpRA

The once short legs had grown into long legs.JAClpoQxMsXwgZBHqyyOtohbzvxcqD

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

eGwTtbhcHwiCsjZ

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.AcPTRIlwAitOIhkJPuUNcKlTPLaxrE

ayClzWMImMlmKMc

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

ptGhoTvgzkyYgtc

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

aBYAfWSQChZfhiK

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

wbePzuzSIEBtaEj

Both of them composed their expressions and walked over.BeTLXuglBcxrVtiYUbQYDaCEIZFveh

NTeDlexZnKIfkST

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

NnTeSCeqcCluqsz

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

fooeTOCBczDuFJW

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

lEzKWhxNIhbMRyo

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

OwPrfejVIVzESij

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

GIjJXoeWNowkaSc

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

RHeMwClTeAvwRbJ

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

jNHWSPJCkLEakHL

“Teacher, teacher…”XDCTHMmdbkkctjsYlmBcWTPIHDIoQn

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

TZbHTKfSbZFeSWK

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

wQntFdteBGKPiBC

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:BZPfDSXLwSsraTdNOADVuiYQawdSnO

aXPeHEGWndWNVvC

“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?”hQFlfRYAuJVVizlbEyhxMCOQchayAm

LBikUcWCzUwhBhZ

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

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

ptryqqSxozgBoVS

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

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

koKcAkbupVdvvNz

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

rzLNbsDjJoYoMmv

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

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

WdpImpCccLRjbMZ

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

SSzdubRPCUiFCVi

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

xiwMKHFdjAGlJwb

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

joFSAkqBJawrGIb

“…”zQsHYKXyVVSAsdLHrSpFiOxYTSGkSk

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

nexPBWChLlAOuTu

·MxJXAmmnaUwxGggmnENXIVtzdrpMcZ

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

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

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The news caused a stir in the court!ankkCglHLiHPvxMnjUXNbPWroCgGmU

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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.bwdZLLSeqAZClUKzGcustklGnYNmvl

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

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

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

erUaYtIRNdjAJup

“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—”tCdKoPQWBFQghVakEqHwUbaCHLiaTJ

fOgjsfxMulzMLJM

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

FbAHJTbWHfkwqur

The advisor hurriedly acknowledged, and Li Jingyu added:bsUaDbtOCgscMxjovCtovaEVoKThwo

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“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.”cmgYfVIFEljfzbKukPoaKBxxRiBVNM

OjTFOiSthdLsGZR

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

XoXbbETSxzSecKi

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

vItViABrssDlLwp

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

kkXoITdpebKvayK

…FFCgcbfiQpsVOsVBEaqTCpUclxArCr

ZxFtPzcGVDWVTJK

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

uUxaXYmIwthTsPr

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

frFUUeLkXGGlcFY

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

mheUjAzdmyYXuod

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

vrrUkUUjKhDQcQg

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

qWaWnayRnqMTOcW

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

cyiPXxPcJSasdHF

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.”McwYQEbZfdrhshcoEBstqJWuaOssFC

BxlujryvNbVgsqA

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

WWpvOWBiICACaPl

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

QKVJENmkxwSXZVZ

·XmavjnIrmmDMMjcKesjQqfICIsqaBj

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

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In two days, their carriage reached Yaojin.ikhshvFiOAqIRkwbsCDFVGKgVOPxEx

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

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

kCcsKDerQtowGhR

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

FVCZPkmtTriGMDi

They were both dressed in casual attire.xSwaeSzQEnUgioplVEkNWnbENkgqFW

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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.dggAGrHYXItOwYYwWBfEhyCyhEePYE

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Both were strikingly handsome, their noble air undeniable.GromlBBbOZwbgfBMXIFADzDimqvpdC

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

ensJIWQWdGFFZRo

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

AFYeJhCxEvgTsrg

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

kYduUlPzkUFwVTp

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

PAJoNjtaBsaYuHu

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

OsACMVOJXoahlag

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

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

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

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“Can you finish all that?”PLYGdYoRBZQWPguoPeUpGEXWUxjFHS

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

XWCBoLmfUreIUUF

Just then, a movement caught his attention.SprrKIXhcheFpacjrcMCnxjsbjbMWr

tGubLMncWJsNJdY

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.”vLlPekMWiqiAzwOJICVPMmImGqYGbJ

SQlXjAsuEuSyxMc

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

MjMPQwdRyveyfis

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

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“…” Fair point, one must eat.fjVwYgUeMELlhOzTwOQHkkOqaKPRLF

RUvhpiqvYjAqCon

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:ydGZCRSrhaadjQOCHSlTIEhXnqMTNH

ixBRwxjOBDKvgia

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

AyHgnFcKMacsaxm

Ning Rushen was intrigued, “What novel?”uZwxfSUnynvAXTleccqkJZefHlvsFH

OONaETVsEujnRAt

“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!”aOOJhgpJYKuXMexNcBpVsfNJeDzXoM

IljOzhQaCqldsTQ

The vendor handed the book over.gjKAIZvaPRWRxUaqfPpDRDYGqxbnak

XxdAVKjCgxIjBlR

The cover revealed the names of the authors:WnXQrRgSUNtEKfzeUvdKykUKXRygqJ

jcPirVResttLVHp

Chief Editor: Jiangnan XiaoxiaoshengypDlLqnHTAaOUvWQmKJQJZmbSLWEig

PODvzoCGTUPmdGs

Associate Editor: A QuanREDqMGvcZiPSmYgzdYLbuCFpytxfMO

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Polisher: Shi ZiEQNDypKOztKfpbBeJKbmTTiZtALXUH

ljFwrpuQsmirKko

Li Wuting, “…”NdJqTgcOdgOOMrbVnCGUYHwGuzFXgw

hWJpFXBJxyxhiJU

Ning Rushen, “…”UfCfZZrTeMjsiQxJykcXzLETzBhIPU

VYkKAoECMKPOBUl

Such brazen pen names!eQHqtGWdzudRIEKKtLIXkZyviUNjMi

ynSWVPmZgUjuqIk

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

fgucZXZrRDVvFNU

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

MgAZWesjaDfrgfW

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

DASECsfbUYIyhTb

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.TnibXzoFEuYSXkuLrhSawjvZdemoTc

gjBJXmNLPnQWYLf

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

xQVcglUDSVVpkLZ

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

jpYADpKLvaqPwTy

Well, well, colluding with the prince again!aSeRJYKZDcKgpdPozkgnZXqokxYEio

lKwyhsWqlEmwNOY

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

ywdfumMhINACEne

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

uVrAqUzuJSKdErT

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

GEfbkQbrHUtgKlD

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

tNqsXIlbYmaqRWG

“What ridiculous letter?”sLCXzhMPsZQMpfoiagNLMaovBwXsgN

czLZMSffjBLRsCj

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

ZRcVcsozyRHWolp

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

nmCBKZMAZBqHQet

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

eCnvOqfgKtBEipo

Just then, a crisp voice chimed in:TcWOYvUMWEOfPzxUtHcqURWDmDvAAe

urNciHIljrJImoW

“What’s so messy about it?”RAfqmjDmsXxCyDsFwuTpmqqSMKSqBQ

SQtfLMseuqrQXoV

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.”AJOEvgZRkqCHKWjOXAnvxUwtTMuuJE

GXPAaGTXJtjtDSF

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

bbnEzvfcwLrltGI

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…”VkTSLRqIfhAgvtbLAgbJUwUyFhViij

uHUbJsmmhQReJJa

Ning Rushen’s heart inexplicably skipped a beat.QXLrRpUjnyRffhQTHlCytOwMzjpEfn

qwpcwrYnShLKnMf

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

aurfUrnemWlZfdF

“Naturally, our Emperor and Chancellor Ning!”IDkvNlRwskkGqkLjIJHIoGgrISGKqb

xAqKEMQtTNQPHEm

“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!”RJjusXcCJhLctSIsGwlkoQPCaivJLR

TtAmeDDNmMRJGIY

“I think so too, heehee~”symtrSFPeGYMKOokkspTrASHaPRAuQ

MNSkcVvLdtgXwRI

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

ArprRmHgZYmpuuM

You’ve got it right, ladies…RzCgLiZFTUTwLOhNJaJeXfumsBPLKN

iKWgtVCFYbXFnGh

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

PwzaBnurYlHUtkc

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.”JsohNAuMEIbqcWvzZVvboUkTwXVJwg

NGuUyWNCEhDsXky

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

KNqeUmOEaNssilm

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

sfadcJwXjxntolm

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

uSCuRowoOEzbppV

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!”bVTOPKgHzWAiCmNhXmXhaPZLwCLTiL

mGYLtVuGhmwMytv

Ning Rushen, “…”xisHZiEbZnJEQaWagtudzPsORBKfhH

pmeejRulEKXFVFS

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

DWCpwGqsontagIV

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

XzJRFXPapajBxFl

“Alright, let’s go.”lQBpOCMFhJZeOkrpElYCKroDUoXSTc

RtuYAVOQfhfuOdm

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

upccrEdpdXdgAtQ

Ning Rushen: ?eWwowSTmYWJeSFwtbozVEDrAIfYlJl

MRCKFJbpchxWTeJ

…Li Wuting, your face is getting thicker.mmHUzmyFzcNltCqHeMLIwXxmFmebMj

FFEiYhMrOTcgOrN

A hand gently hooked his under the sleeve.RDYcmPcRBRIlaeAfQlwtWTuQSMnBSI

QzrmFDKCRWVKnAP

Suppressing his slight embarrassment, he followed along.aowgTExiMqySCcbAfXMvAyQXvGGcsK

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

ttZnkXnFXdHlYTW

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

rEuNwPZFZVVZLuT

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

ktFcQyiICvtySqg

·zfNpdRGCtvVvOgobRSZUXebEcvjBTt

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Back in the carriage, they set off again.TfCYJAnvKhVAhiKlzRfFgfzvbCtWrb

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

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

KPtiVpMMUHvuvWr

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

KKmCxOxKlnEoFiz

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

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

XlDsbUBhNkjDKEY

His face burned: Shameless!aYVIbQxAXYuVzaTYsuvDxLYttfpbgN

XqnJtWDFVeowRDb

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

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

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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?”ftjIKVBBmbdIEIUHkytmvSQbwcpNcN

puWNOMjdSxVWwCu

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

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Ning Rushen lifted the carriage curtain.RlEeXxAywEKVkFWzqdZWPqlOvUCsUD

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

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

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

RayxwaEiyRIcuxZ

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

BRAAgCKXWnrZrAY

Ning Rushen aimlessly listed:cvinwtXetHEPAUojtHOgIaettbefwW

qkEVXcXdIUFphPD

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

WzmuibsWpbEVKxs

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

USbMKRPJdRURPxI

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

EEoHrrttAXzvqoN

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

iacBoZhJmCAgNVi

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

RolcHrTzqQzmiOD

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

IybhkmuipQfxJKZ

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

GRKgwrTNWBtCGBP

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

DLvInsIBTybYpJv

A gentle breeze lifted the carriage curtain.BEBVVgKhURBAaIMKIFXvYEWOGAzAFq

GOfdwyMDGXsIozs

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

AodCXbkujrHCMuk

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

SupYQTGcJstknSe

Author’s note:sQOCVXgKVsKzcMSixNFXJCcIsldGXd

KEPnSonqykKDwZG

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

AWSzDALDuLENXYt

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

xKIpbFelBlPaQtA