This official is so weak

A wave of dizziness hit, and faint commotion echoed in his ears.eyZpcoZPwLKUWFUpGtiKDAZrmNPfZe

dfmpJIfwomWWWRC

Ning Rushen’s memory was still stuck on the last second, when he stepped out of the classroom building and missed a step on the stairs. The next moment, he felt like someone was dragging him across the ground, as if he were a corpse.DhVjTHvhCmNVrDVHxdNzfhLPhVwBDS

GzsrvudezDwhthR

After the blinding white light passed, what entered his sight was a scene of red walls and stone steps. Ahead, a group of people dressed in court robes was majestically passing through the noon gate, like something out of a historical drama.xiMmpYOViogroedppoBjqyoHwrTFiJ

GLQesejhQoRNtUE

And he was sitting on an empty patch of ground not far from the procession.kFRftosvkJffOkGruQQeeGsubkUrFX

AOHdLMVdKHlANlb

What first caught his eye was a crimson robe, with a pale, slender wrist sticking out.KpUKjbfOatgyOCypfkrnAWuyxMnPhZ

HwvxyluMeMThJmq

Just as he was processing this, a man dressed in white hurried over from a distance. “Lord Ning!”zhIikddlICBdtMDGagfQKNihsdUJKj

FvVwlvuZQmsTZQU

The imperial physician stopped in his tracks, “…”nifFOBMKJNiycVWDKvuuGDLEIbXhAs

MveqcQEEAaYHNHw

A voice suddenly came from the side, “Did you hit your head or something?”OsuMcxEwdUruMXbPNwvPzCiFftaMLH

lmvbBaWAgUClDdR

Ning Rushen turned his head and realized that another person was standing nearby. This young man, probably in his early twenties, wore a light crimson court robe and was grimacing as he rubbed his knee while glaring at him irritably.SkBPcdvfMsRTmwEmSeYkWteGKUruds

lYYVBevVZwOIFCZ

Two young eunuchs smiled awkwardly, trying to smooth things over. “Lord Geng, Lord Ning did indeed hit his head pretty hard.”qUzcjbcBmuCOSxsyShoykRHcbgDtBh

TTQNUIiyrwiNWxy

Geng Yan glanced at Ning Rushen, “Nothing good ever happens when I run into you.”csnwIURBBEGtQcEdaeOTiQZGoCVvhH

TISBtjlYDJzRmZR

Ning Rushen looked over at the people in front of him one by one.aXxGTcHwfsyMwCjrgboTqMwDKusUcB

MUOGdQOVRMXLhzf

The pain from his body was so real, and the environment around him so clear and detailed. His head buzzed for a few moments before he was finally forced to acknowledge one fact:qKBvYusBlyaMgJZDqjfMsvYfhNWOcU

xfHFmhlwsOqGmhN

He wasn’t dead—he had time-traveled.dJSCAhHXrzgFKZTfNptSgoVinAmqoy

VskkDzCnMOetYZv

But he had no idea which dynasty this was, or who he even was.QtrqOYZHACBGiwWJEpfiIQEkAzpGui

UytLptPnZsMoRmz

Ning Rushen rubbed his head and decided to get some clarity first. “My head’s still a bit foggy. Where am I, and what happened?”kQLJqLqpxUNTKcnnfeZIdpVjoZDiee

PeHGOiYMeYZBuZD

The atmosphere instantly froze.AJLlOzqggrBNGOghpWxeqBUYgUwgrX

ORpBwSzUnMevhRw

The young eunuchs looked terrified. The imperial physician hurriedly grabbed his wrist, closed his eyes, and mumbled something under his breath. Ning Rushen barely made out the words: “It’s over, it’s over, it’s all over…”KcHkyDdLhOwLJXESQWSlueZDWbjHzG

ZYGeQCHKmsqWFSq

Geng Yan opened and closed his mouth, scrutinized Ning Rushen for a long while, and finally couldn’t help limping closer to ask, “Did you really hit your head that hard?”zSGELmPOUBxRMYsaYjFPljnyGPiVUK

eJMwGORAPWSHXvH

Ning Rushen stared back at him, pale as a ghost.kZSByRQtRTeulSbkZNbcssOcTFANID

xtAjgIIguIeUQnY

Geng Yan took a deep breath and said, “This is the emperor’s coronation ceremony. Do you remember? We were returning from the outskirts of the city, and as we reached the noon gate, you—blind and crippled—tripped and fell flat on your face, like a dog eating shit. Worse yet, you took me down with you, and now my leg’s messed up too. You forgot all that?”tWRtmsdCtUlDsJhJMPbgQatHsbgkzD

XoGUxZgdJxyZEtI

Ning Rushen, “…”hlsMZVZPOhcSkdyRQwIuPMYgnQGVff

vhCAXxIwLiSJtkp

In just sixty-two words, Geng Yan managed to pack in a mountain of personal feelings.mwpFhjdMRLnvTBoDkGSdDvKwQIASif

YvxkxQmxfYTlGBX

Unable to hold back, Ning Rushen asked, “We don’t get along very well, do we?”IlhLeudaBeFxTKxzSNaHYLjqvYxHrA

gTIqhjzsFIIssrt

Geng Yan nodded, “Not at all.”AFVVRpWFLbovioHLaybsPxNLuDJXVA

PsAOvUPbkHtFNfK

Ning Rushen sighed. Unfortunately, he now had no memory of whatever grudges or grievances might have existed between them.IJiGjHRINAkhLMBenvRjqBkqfhbuXe

GVcYYnAovoqbsvu

All he knew now was that he was some sort of official.ERBWlYdXQPSPueHdnXJNcyHQVozCbC

gKVIgsuBDiAPZRD

Although he wasn’t sure of the dynasty, judging by the crimson robe with cloud and wild goose embroidery and the silver inlaid belt, he was probably a fourth or fifth rank official.xdzRngOxmpblkiLbIBJBFJkBdQsjYE

pZHmJLYWPVsOWRU

While he was deep in thought, the imperial physician withdrew his hand and said:nmJwWTnbQSwEpihryVbhgSIhUMRZsG

ZxWQHFbkMOrquQa

“Your body is weak, my lord. This fall was no small injury. While your life isn’t in danger, there is internal bleeding in your brain, affecting your cognitive functions, especially memory and recognition…”NxMbWxlyCpcrFDwjBqjsHVabzQGyjw

XLWMinrNRXwxuHu

Ning Rushen waved his hand. “It’s not a big deal.”XUeDFcSdydKerhvgGzqKjLnUSmnQrV

mkehSTJFbEpgBxL

He thanked the imperial physician, whose face screamed “How is this not a big deal?” before turning to the young eunuch. “If we go now, we should still make it to the coronation ceremony, right?”AhvFxpCwtdupNccqRfpBwoApPvIRwZ

wiRNRYqNexzVuFi

The young eunuch replied, “Yes, my lord.”lJdqlXspByerhZnUetvnHdiiyVKQIe

JdbcSRzYrYmPKEq

Geng Yan, whose leg had also been treated, stood up and grumbled, “As long as you don’t trip and fall again.”fMYJveqLHBAtdZVVXnbVQWsvTZpPzt

sUmEbuwcVEjKEpF

One hit his head, the other injured his leg.ZQVQmfKurhsAOsOSRKjdpieFabGUDx

hNCbgfYwHFFvvcd

Led by the eunuchs, they made their way, albeit disjointedly, through the long corridors toward the Hall of Golden Chimes.JwRIQzlkqbqWugWwXdQbvTmlEeZvIr

PJYajnKCkzZxFDr

Ning Rushen’s head ached, his feet throbbed—this body was indeed in terrible shape.GTbeZJKKOsSQUReuErIUJKYFppLdbz

lYmiXulMYsJnJFL

After walking for a while, the sound of ceremonial music finally drifted in from a distance.DYUBQFwOUKCeRgKWVlsdFPNmoDOmWl

uHylmWXIDKgKLSL

Ahead, the mass of officials and the grand, towering steps of the palace came into view.juQfLUkAITDwTIvWbsvtlNFsteHwSj

okcavBssAFRzHzH

Just as they were nearing the end of the procession, a crucial question suddenly hit Ning Rushen.CcNXEiUjsvydhVIqhEaBDqLOUcXiFm

SGtvrMZPlfMMKEG

He turned to Geng Yan, “By the way, my name is…”fPewyNxHetefzJflDkqpTrYCVrDzqR

gfiQVsrMWUndjsH

Geng Yan replied, “Ning Chen.” Ning Chen? More like corrupt minister, you and your whole family!VoozMeLGEErFDRTcfrfqxZnNHlzwDM

fGVwtqbZpYXGWub

Ning Rushen warned him, “Watch your words, or I’ll report you for slandering a court official.”GAuCRLHeAQVFDTFFmDLaqRZSVEMHvl

pyAmKNEnQMptsQR

Geng Yan, incredulous, retorted, “Slandering? You wish!”FLVGLfnAXfFOiwyhkuVruKIFDpgXwK

CDQhTFZzpysauQj

“…”MRZtreSsMozQxzKebceVSnldbDaQbR

ceKHPCeEtBcXESl

They stared at each other, eyes locked.pyiqdpgGOJsbzIWSUBQEqVPXrcmjSZ

qXIxpseHWmRcAZx

After a moment of this deadlock, Ning Rushen slowly closed his eyes, rubbed his chest, and felt his heart sink:dUsqOrsPwqOArIRiDLnJVneBkGxYry

BPpkxZLfbyZwYgO

So… his name was really Ning Chen.YBMjwPapAqMUXNJkYLLQXWmcMWAgrV

RkIafEewbxwDawF

What a ridiculously provocative name!pwpbNSHgrpyNdKOeJdqfvZuZvDlcLf

JjKVUvRSoNpZTwx

·MOSQevcXznbDVfItKCLvDkEjRmmVqW

EdACtMjPCSZuyal

After the third toll of the bell and drum.jbnxEtfCCMZLYQzovbeSjsZOgSdjUh

hNFuUFHCowoNlsq

Ning Rushen arrived just in time to enter the hall.fJKKuRrIagUMOoOuZdASEHnmHwkmZI

IiOFazmtvcmxJdm

He stood in line with the other officials as they entered the hall and knelt to pay homage. He mouthed along a few times with “Long live His Majesty,” and as they rose, he sneakily glanced toward the throne.noukEnPMbVuihMXlilvCVKMilHywdj

kCvIKmaUtcdjDuP

A living emperor, right there.wMQMtnmsfkrNvkeVGfQDdLDmwqITIU

aCyTMkRLcNEIzpx

He had to take a look.mSXwemAoYwAevQNBofvOEICWyZYUGf

zEJpvkvsercfAZB

Peering through the grand hall, he saw a young emperor with a jade crown on his head, no curtain obscuring his face. His features were cold, sharp, and distant. Though he looked barely past the age of majority, the air around him felt as though he was already in his thirties.pJiRfPJQwVuyOvnnpObBXlAJFkeRUR

GXcSkNedGequQXW

Like an ancient, yet lethal sword.dMobyZzfYLxaayaRGxZWxREoSNJZSI

jvMTPZnUnyhItTZ

One glance sent a chill down Ning Rushen’s spine.TLuGsJelhPyeiBzwLcEAYxyowbSRNm

RIXryAtXWkmDqbp

As he continued to size up the emperor, the sovereign on the throne suddenly turned his gaze in Ning Rushen’s direction.DQZxHRZLFfrvpJiWCfSFWWwcWOIMHE

WtNXjQqVPfVkPjp

His heart skipped a beat, and he quickly lowered his eyes!gJQvEidjlyoSZCZIWDFdUBGvzFoFdK

rkZRRLrRyLdmVTz

Twenty years of survival instincts kicked in: never make eye contact with the teacher during class.kbxOyrcqcyIdOVWVYNQygNvcTUScDK

xpXhofmygTRjLEb

The voice of the Minister of Rites continued at a steady pace in the front. After a few moments, the emperor’s gaze seemed to shift away.ytlMkcisaggRzWSfWxmBjmsClVXDhr

rlpFCRLLSgxoqAz

…vpTliWZKvDAwWIOmkjTGFhPKSjsWQf

YaLHdTfsiHqLCAZ

The new emperor took the throne and declared a general amnesty.RYDdsmrJVyjWqkvSLwkPmmGPTMtFKM

VdQRaQJfFwTKCQq

The ceremony ended with the rewarding of officials.KDvlBqiiAuiQijocCQZzVjozSPUttN

qSvKAwoexERphbd

Grand Eunuch De Quan stood at the front, holding the imperial decree, his thin voice echoing through the hall.yLssdVtrmzwDjfvdSjKWVJXaACLHZP

cUYDitnRUFEqMnV

Ning Rushen stood in the line, lost in his thoughts, when suddenly a familiar and provocative name pierced through the air: “Scholar Ning Chen—”cVltncIvzvAuvNESJJlbWyNGzWBIEW

wRFBOwkWJNJQWLO

It took Ning Rushen two seconds to react: Who dares be so disrespectful?lfaQZxwyKZrISEEaeFTCJKaCVHxnsy

kzYqvNMwXTAfjIR

Then he realized: Oh, right. It’s me.CXxjRDJokpUsusuhHpCNyqZHPKZZhB

tCkfFfaZkbGvCnr

“Ning Chen is both virtuous and talented, with exceptional literary skills. By the late emperor’s command, he is promoted to…” Suddenly, De Quan’s voice faltered, “Your… Your Majesty?”dUGHaHapYbROTWqWGTPYdwWgrtcxQk

HrrXyfgUXnhaiYt

Ning Rushen: ?fgASVZqpYbHSTWndjqEIgEILJFiwWE

hoaIcXkMbRWNrCh

He looked up, only to see the emperor stand from his throne.zAyafyhOtikPFKOzaSZacwHDleCOGw

VHhYSOiDxnRTPXg

The hall instantly fell into dead silence.SwndcBhxFqvLoykYbihaDTKOkJibTc

HFznJOepLBrTkSd

Li Wuting, standing atop the grand hall, fixed his gaze on the figure at the front—Ning Chen.cLhrUqmoRdILrmYGDiAWXKrlYjQIKo

letlEkyfuxexJuN

Ning Chen, appointed by the late emperor to assist in governing, had eventually conspired with the empress’s family, embezzled funds, falsely accused loyal officials, and committed treason… The extent of his faction’s influence had left the Great Cheng Empire riddled with corruption and wounds.LEvqYrAgMQmmzCQuPKSWDFZLtmYTAY

lYyHktGxZKGpTRi

The image of countless arrows flying before the Hall of Golden Chimes felt like it had happened just yesterday.RoEAVNirbiVzTOHBCNIRINSeohdRfX

BCLSJEOAdaJykgN

Li Wuting’s eyes darkened as he stepped forward.EUTAqQSrsZiaZFdmZWdnJlbdoHqddr

JwYECrGGXtuiHFq

On the solemn imperial court, the newly crowned emperor slowly descended the steps, stopping directly in front of Ning Rushen.bpwtEdAHCPMyZCldHRMplbXgLlOPcd

bVsnhXSYnvbsGxh

Their eyes met, and in the depths of the emperor’s cold, sharp gaze, a flash of murderous intent appeared.RlaIxhWLEPhbUbAvSuASWuqywMQVkN

BaRxsBdKYiDVtyN

Ning Rushen: …???? What the hell is going on?!HMUBmwhtIWdMOObGmWthTYLmTQucIm

xnYurIjXoySzTME

Before Ning Rushen could figure out the emperor’s sudden killing intent, a large hand from the opposite side abruptly raised—nFcsSjsjcByMqFEWxiSqetOkyoxrEP

kBaSyHwiaanfMLM

His heart instantly sounded the alarm!NKaNDZvMtylMHRVibBPQhAHFcTLUmy

EWsLrOqDRFKNjJO

As the fierce palm strike was about to land on him, Ning Rushen suddenly collapsed to the ground with a thud, under the watchful eyes of all the ministers! His face turned pale as snow, the corners of his eyes reddened, resembling a fragile little white flower trembling in the wind.BJDcEjPuyiTKAJwHHHKqxcsBxMxScQ

sOGlxIqAgflGZBj

“……”isFvBVCJTFQtkXvRsTjDJfqgdHqyOj

AtlExegRyzQqXwm

The ministers snapped out of their stupor and gasped in shock, “Your Majesty, have mercy!”UQuDbqLEDrIEDEtqPrGkfjiDZVJDMr

XzEEfaHTDIYkmVU

“Your Majesty, why such a sudden outburst?”ZYkIayGYGfLydmYnmjiqFFzqbNvMZD

GRtNkWEaiTiroZY

“Ning Daren might get beaten to death—”UUFnQGDblltGwBoTweRiofBiNznTXS

ylfWVLRzghjHDSv

The last sentence came from someone deep in the court, drawing out the word “death” so long it almost cracked.XwkubkcVUVAveipGURPtKmJxMyzDko

VyiWNcLWlDDEysO

Li Wuting, who hadn’t even touched him: ?GBqBDANrwMgLNMilJHCqgquiENDxiC

vFCITnvmBNZpxTh

Lowering his eyes, expressionless, he gazed at the person collapsed before him.mSJVpNePSRzbSrlkPzvOpZeLBwpKdu

UUkZkZGZTSnsIqi

Ning Rushen raised his head slightly after his act, only to meet a pair of deep, piercing eyes.enbiTaxZAOqAlsBbXNaRkUoANfdpnf

QsFCMojMoLmHQUG

“……” He wiped the corner of his eye again, steeling himself as he lowered his head once more, “This subject is… terribly fragile.” Sob.ijZDSUCqbNTzsRRFiOBArkzrlnnkWV

jJzjDWhhOFhyBjB

Li Wuting: ………pHrFnxgqQfnvnBKhKGlufqwkltAXmp

hnBwZheeXvKfYOw

Ning Rushen’s pale wrist peeked out from his wide sleeves, supporting his thin frame. His hair fell down, and the red mole on his ear lobe contrasted against his scarlet robe, making him look pitifully delicate.cxnGBUwzvthHjlzWSNWpgxdUJTTJwH

weZdYNiXSNHfoEn

He looked like someone who had been gravely mistreated.waLXTHwittsNxqVgDZsCLhmMPpOcqK

waMylDrzOQKRvhu

Li Wuting’s hand trembled slightly in the air, but he burst out in laughter from sheer frustration:cotVGxNYLJhOohbujZssUTraDifAHT

ojCGRorervitqTY

Oh. What a cunning official.yAXkyOhuCXUUDpENAEYdXKHmmQAJqj

KmiBkYyECnSYKKv

·ynOaHAszFHHPZfrUKYOCayFCBERnid

BRiiENyThKQklMB

Ning Rushen was still trembling slightly, head lowered, when a cold, mocking laugh fell faintly from above: Heh.rwxEXXuEnJuNmwgZbiMURZWCKsOGrk

AeZOTVogJmedqQd

“……” He immediately began coughing violently, as if in agony.qLwkJtCTABexaBUioxSPqlEOQDDTBa

avWbzJswCBpDFxD

The next moment, a large hand gripped his arm. A powerful force hoisted him from the ground—though “hoist” was too gentle a word; it felt more like a vice grip.sfnuYPvANZnCFyNKKpIRRmcwzWjFgV

afSICiyKTvaGFdu

When Ning Rushen finally stood, he looked up, right into the extraordinarily handsome face of Li Wuting. His sharply defined features were like a masterpiece, betraying no emotion.UUSaQwnfTphULXPCuOdPmIZdKpDSYy

xyrmiTvlMrOkVDH

Li Wuting lowered his long lashes, one hand pressing firmly on Ning Rushen’s shoulder.FKhHLhdjFBnetHGvlKniCHDqPNntyE

mdjEKDBrPCoaEPy

His thumb pressed down through the fabric against Ning Rushen’s bony shoulder, tapping meaningfully, “Ning Qing, you really are quite weak. A simple pat, and you crumble.”pfIcnsYoGGlDqDUFDWboHHZXjGLGPt

pMOIIEdFHArZIIT

Ning Rushen gave a weak smile, “……”dnwGfyjPdIUHqyynQDMFTDxEKbSPcE

fKowelTGOLBAgKP

What the hell, man.jnHrKKKRtrsedaMKfwmmksdYczCGzn

DEPaJhInlCQheRy

I nearly got sent to the afterlife with that “pat.”fUMOHsqVCNDChRvDlvhnMXvOXtKlsI

geuxMwiggUlJhan

The touch lasted only a second before Li Wuting withdrew his hand and, as if nothing had happened, turned and walked back to his throne. “De Quan, continue reading.”ojIlZiotDMniRNtlwYjGpuHoviKSAC

dhVnsTFusfShVLj

De Quan quickly bowed, “Yes, Your Majesty.”zFdNfPWCnCeqSYvyBPCrmKpgjgvhYE

RZpxKloygOnXRRJ

The tense atmosphere in the hall finally eased.saDTKdpjKhQrRXWusYBznUDFNYsyhZ

jrpKfiKrFaOmlod

De Quan resumed reading, “By decree of the late emperor, Jinxue is promoted to the position of Grand Academician, thus decreed—”BXxepaBVNIcaNlAxrHTEgUJMArMoTp

DqPiMTaGGzRFAMi

Ning Rushen, “……This subject, thanks Your Majesty for your grace.”dUSuQWpaHQjYMrpAIpfgerdTaSPcfQ

JLtOIoarOnHhQiq

…XsDlawBvbupVEgJVqdSADfYPXnxLmD

rqMiMyUnsiPffmk

The long enthronement ceremony finally came to an end.FpwSVMwmZSkNQvWsjzeBzdyixtPZkw

ZGobBKrdhTCPBAq

The ministers left for their residences, awaiting the palace banquet later that evening.hQAHKxaCNgsRGGxiPHKkIuQLpZZNls

YyineqrSxcOUTSL

As soon as Li Wuting disappeared behind the great hall, Ning Rushen found himself swarmed by his colleagues!iqtgyCbDGRxqItPcDCXMjhPEEfcIsT

DPKhhjYYGwdDfbR

“Ning Daren is indeed favored by the emperor, receiving praise from both the late emperor and His Majesty.”pesVltVLBlJHPOIQHJbjUBURVkXile

KLrfqisKDXejcTl

“His Majesty even personally patted your shoulder! A rare honor!”jGqiFlAvrPcdxdAelfojhuVqIImSge

loasJQxGzJZXfzj

Ning Rushen gave a weak smile: You can take this honor if you want.JthmoGQjqEKodCdSsbVdOmbrvDarMb

imkUanIvISRYagF

As they exchanged formalities, Geng Yan came forward from the rear, pulling Ning Rushen aside, sneering, “Since when did you become so delicate after hitting your head? A simple pat, and you’re in that state.”HHVcoUGvCZCTabAyDbnRoeuWeSecIU

uKLMyLrjRqGSBCL

Ning Rushen thought Geng Yan was putting in way too much effort.kSSruLLjGtSpXGjcXAqzDNEFliHkrd

voEYyyZSGpoEDLi

He even came over just to insult him.yscosXOOTKOOMmuxRwmeLrwnuFVKNa

iBLBRWghnCZlAeZ

Reflecting on the earlier events, Ning Rushen sighed, “I didn’t realize I was this well-liked.” So many people had pleaded for mercy on his behalf.rEkLqTseIxTkWXGvPcKYcBAxzHHjHU

sFCftClvCQItcxN

Geng Yan laughed at his naivety, “They’re just scared they’ll be next.”ezUMiZkEAfnGJxLJrPeVRTVzzFqoAf

VivPtjhJqXNjHRI

Ning Rushen paused, closing his eyes in grief, “You people are really heartless.”riBaabpblYXlZXtIwikguoHBxoFhjC

wwKvgCTzOhnIsiF

Geng Yan, “……”nCBeiESGhrYWLKAYqhamGvWQmqTBma

NDlZEdFxEmuqDGQ

Damn, this guy.zKnGBFnGlRdjmJihRQYvEVlCJXAWAm

IvgJPotuAppBhok

As the other ministers gradually dispersed, Ning Rushen turned and headed towards the exit.hvlCsRiexhmnhwIFVZbZuoDjBJgfjF

fTLWgGspUUSkmxR

Suddenly, Geng Yan caught up with him. “By the way, since you hit your head, what do you plan to do next?”GKPSNubEKreNNIiuhQERVqZHqrSbpS

iPoqbRVUcUOlYAz

Hands folded into his sleeves, Ning Rushen gazed into the distance, “I’ll write a resignation letter when I return, retire to the countryside.”DrqkvlHVfkvYqcACNaylKUItYsRuVz

vZKCHaWQKQECKSO

“……” Geng Yan’s head nearly exploded, “What!?”nglZrwKeeHihXfilwdOgikrrIELiRi

EpPDXBrfYiYkwBG

·mAKpaFgAHpmBPAxKLVeBalATGDEBAy

oXFuVuqwvzAxxZd

Inside the warm chamber.KoNrmaGKGdLMysfBrURdMjHRKRTIzh

rkaBwuDyyYTDtfM

Li Wuting had changed out of his heavy ceremonial robes into a more comfortable attire.sxuRIaxElSwgHYSpIrQoXdavPRCJyL

DvvdxAjxbdPjlGR

A dark outer robe draped across his broad shoulders, crossing neatly over his chest, exuding both an air of calm authority and self-restraint.EDeMAwuxtVGkbqVlyHMzcctckXkJST

HUFdlWsWykzHrEP

De Quan stood by with a basin of water, respectfully waiting.xNWFbgsLSiVmRZGRAXnKViAWjILvwo

xRWHOBIXdunCAXX

After dressing, Li Wuting submerged his hands in the basin, the warm water covering his well-defined knuckles and the callouses on the base of his thumb. Amid the sound of water, the emperor’s cold voice rang out:wCwyUYsXeYYMlvnOyNUvjjoODVcHGy

xSFshShPgKWVFtq

“Nothing unusual during the ceremony today?”aAhFdzBlEHIwkRiaSqWMEfQOLaLxUv

IFlwguSirAaqZxq

“Your Majesty, everything proceeded as normal.”JvVIHOcAllNNOLUHNdIVDKZhNCfXNP

vjwEXVumXzAFxvL

After a pause, De Quan hesitated before adding, “However… there was a small matter. I’m not sure if I should trouble Your Majesty with it…”RYeuopkrtRYnaTOJQPHsdyoGKWHQdr

dYgouZMeOxLapBq

“Speak.”djNNbshjuHqRpaVRhjarxOqCWLhYBA

PUSqdmGOTcjcbxX

“Ning Daren had a fall at the Noon Gate…” The sound of water stopped abruptly.WxyzkYkfmjWsNsrtwYZUgtdporKCGx

vxCEaydLLypRvMk

Li Wuting raised his gaze and looked straight at De Quan, “Oh?”UfRMToYYmNTrJjuzEiXYgVApYovpfh

wFJRrJcGoayJZbv

De Quan cautiously continued, “And Geng Shilang. Ning Daren’s fall was more serious; he hit his head, while Geng Shilang only suffered a minor knee injury.”JhINylJEizlZDClLBanLEPLrczAHOJ

rGeKLwYPHsVGIkf

“He hit his head?”WOITkGclbXJoksNvrQFLVAivnERloK

KfCQZKtcflvBtjv

“Yes.” De Quan carefully gauged the emperor’s mood and added, “They say… it’s as if he’s a different person entirely now.”PgEFubYWBYqdlRlknXccQPccSeVGln

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