This official is so weak

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

icejAAPxVIRVpgY

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.QEHTnNhcVycxLIRgojShjBfxBwrwpW

XZJJNzIHgnplFGu

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.DlVvJzlVlOEpAaIXvFSaLJyLzDiwMP

UHPDuxCDWnKWjSd

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

mWBUbdGKwzIhVhM

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

tBhXOKRtXKyxfji

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

WSYtlvRRbBatnJw

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

AZzxFPpSWaIiITk

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

nnVkOqkVqzPsFpG

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.uvfCKHIYFKqWOyGGohGHhJPvbiUkZO

WSZQvAKcBOjfqhD

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

cfzMRsGIPrvBRZT

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

LEXoHSSvMNAeBof

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

HrXrlYDsXdSrBTL

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:hhvFOCrkMOETCzTZmsrRsryvFqgvyx

EIYBaBxLtvahLzC

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

BqOeXvkCUGBAbFQ

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

ZkVrbBDDqMJBENP

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?”VhzzKTXVHeBJjpvkQuJxSQmtGEXHcM

cDgaJVkWwNKMyVE

The atmosphere instantly froze.YpjQUNwrjrJzsosGyCMehhtGnLSHOg

PfAZzcnwaBPoNmC

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…”vYjgDbzbwVDtLcMXytMgshyfEVDnUv

IDGhMzhMPvRsdNh

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?”JyZYLdYbvGLxmrTXfJroqkqiwoDagZ

uArcEczTedpxWkV

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

mdhPFLyjEaJxsPu

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?”AFagacIkeTtucEtbHBAXhyySvdgrej

pxBFVecNLbFRztb

Ning Rushen, “…”YakpYsDMysfaDsGPyuGTwNXWHIhfoz

sBmoNTJPYriZLnC

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

fQNfPpJoOiHkIVd

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

wvxRDJXwWxeEhCu

Geng Yan nodded, “Not at all.”uiadyxUMNaNrkrSZtmimcYdjqgFleg

thXlnbsSMRkyWVm

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

NbUUuFysjDqlygJ

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

AUUSHoaZqLSDlZg

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.xYzHtUiirZFnTTSmxeOkMkbSLbqQCV

CNEEucjFhzIKarE

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

mMiTtGwCugqcIoL

“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…”JXKiYzrIRVsrYfIVnLOnUmNYvnhHvX

cDpmHeLaMSeGjID

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

UXHEDweZZPaYYta

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?”GSExCUHhwYGGppvSDxKkRMNksAVZVB

tzJGePihgfborZC

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

OtCEVSxdNsaNBsk

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

nRpzOOePggNHgkl

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

cDCHRajTUktnEhz

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

tGjwALJNbMvAxaB

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

YGzzRPBMhQGsGQU

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

OHeQeJJqDxTbELE

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

DPZTnIjBJdpEpdp

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

eynLEMOXcbzlhBp

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

qkBeuynqPJPwvDa

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

VePdiEjAhyhiiXU

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

uimvYaxVeiPeUgo

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

REJDylciKteYTpE

“…”NJWQaaGDekUedmCRLQJkcWIIAwCssU

cgtuAradFBOAtYY

They stared at each other, eyes locked.tnOtiOhLocoRFbhMmIXxFFFbkpylcg

dcpcVsvYavvjsAD

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

edPtTvXYKxmdxcV

So… his name was really Ning Chen.rQOmbDUrgLIZnUIsCLLDSrThPDuaCc

RyKiAHZOVPcSztb

What a ridiculously provocative name!TRkvqfaZPazKdwJmZCjBdViNXUvTaJ

CslRyyToRZCyHbp

·hUAHOvSpUIDwytUNJjPVFLtOuroGAb

bjdJuBjAiAPSBnc

After the third toll of the bell and drum.dxfoulgkNHwKCOJOAePnaMhEXYiQMz

DkoJFdutNSitAjJ

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

mLiciMHgmvfMDyt

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.FsLOJIUOtvfHDTAWgmjwIUoTqJGqpn

bofLrijZEhpcYrV

A living emperor, right there.GQSEmuJDyvcWJoAfjznNKupPWgegsN

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He had to take a look.hbnxzVZzYfRCszgjaCtUicDnwypwpp

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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.ccutoplIfpgxJgumdjUuwGcHLcAhWq

ScgQVWNnorbKrOQ

Like an ancient, yet lethal sword.rDPeuoMisELQYnWjnaqfiHSuRiYGTW

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

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

cvGTMcHMNTDJBaZ

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

WuYcrGWPaAEoldt

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

EMWgxDfGXSVQTlP

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.DtHasHKnYIaekNqHtgIXmKpOhhWWzn

AeOxKszgRpPkhIf

…wycnbTGCJUKBEMBIRytJPfuawlfDrw

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

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The ceremony ended with the rewarding of officials.GlNqSdEUXFctXTWzLxfBVMIRmSIacn

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

ayfhIoxEvclLkgW

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

AvIluPmXaLmyBXu

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

RnhpJbJSuZKTsMR

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

ofbCQQNYNkeYwzK

“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?”LETtszVTJKGNGUxEzspGddkCZdWKHl

mopasMNdWwqCmdx

Ning Rushen: ?kCfRUHKLCpIbDJmkKnMkocMAAjTYwL

GDddvsAWqQEKiMd

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

UDDEmDxuVgUHIyK

The hall instantly fell into dead silence.WaDIrhitnKSAYjXmVDAdYviuSskGLb

acNUgYLueaJhWHu

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

CeuMAMMTsRYXZKb

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.hydsmYYXcZYJYmKfEenYhoYPAlWWgL

CVnGbzkssqfLicK

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

PaFEOXMEemypeVb

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

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

zBQwThHuQzhOuZS

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

CoFFRCDDEGRlxgZ

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

WDiCdKZppTFfnZT

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

WiXoGUVjIIUYBhh

His heart instantly sounded the alarm!KCkIorXbtbAeqUvgFdqzGIpaNzvQFH

yNkoQOSPnTmFcVH

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.nZJmpmEUSbILAeJQmFeqMOOJHphzlt

DLtWKpdvUHyAkSl

“……”ciqmCTmbzfPhHydABscWMcjFqMptjw

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

jNhcGNbQOYnpELR

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

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“Ning Daren might get beaten to death—”eHrWkdKvYnNgnGGJanzdlEmNdYbHLE

VBLlHLWXApUgjMY

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

JkVgccbOSWjpqDK

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

aBPktHIhVWIASxB

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

CobrOpiAoUFrsVh

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

EmNoKylxLbasgZl

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

vPcQcIzAvzqCjHI

Li Wuting: ………WPxTqPDdCFUYdJcHBzUCKtXYSQjBnr

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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.KviFqgCdJSfLDiTGePTvKKRFeJYbwd

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He looked like someone who had been gravely mistreated.KAQtglGbBDaHNtFmCizgnULKTtVFyz

ApfQCTSRntvoAvc

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

cQauaIpucGYhdeh

Oh. What a cunning official.tHoIYJAlFirJfymylPnsUWoSTscxZd

ZPewVkIRyUbfpsp

·ZIxvzvHgbyPNNSMAcrAsxocrftkiLO

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

JwXGLtZmzRDiiqb

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

GVCpaLSlfJpjoxj

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.IuKKEpfByIiqKAdSndvdAguvzgBwpZ

yNvozxmGDWHiIVe

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.gmXRJYPuCqEYsssJOUFtyKbRchkYOu

VJUqsSqmGhtSieK

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

SvQiVwVhIsRDrTM

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.”hHOVeiswjiQYlNtCvJfuAuhGQDzADM

fMQqIuaxicBJVPZ

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

AlvGZCcLXBPmHJU

What the hell, man.EdwmRtRbhxYxUgbRjTQCaBqtEBoJir

CMBWZMPMuFKoIPc

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

sOQJRuTAxJUmfTN

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.”WEuZiXnEhTZnOmYVAQjNgAeIESkCNr

GZUpJjNygLBjraV

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

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The tense atmosphere in the hall finally eased.RhuEOINYvZDHVpVGsyCYniJDVFyTCz

CrRotYFdSxmbqsu

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

unKiWcdCyHBnysR

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

LYaKONGozEeeqbT

…MQoWkWczbKDRsMJBdQVMCDBRlbjqqE

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The long enthronement ceremony finally came to an end.RkyDgBzncDCcEqDqwwZAPrXFyxGSqh

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

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

lTSXDTfpzohHQcK

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

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

BHtlCMguyogjuSN

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

mbIKrVagaxeRgLM

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.”cFDCpAGkjlHrXjlACopUjVdnRqIcKX

glVHuFXwUCvubFx

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

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He even came over just to insult him.IZCYJFDGIUiPiCsQNRzMnxEWWvMxIe

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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.JoiAAYFlcLOakAwsWqkXteXfYRzzLA

LdnzaobHQbAXsPr

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

SIXpnRnpCvlOcBP

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

EBHhvSLwGbfOhbk

Geng Yan, “……”HwRjneNbybrWZQIQmIMdseIAQVPTHQ

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Damn, this guy.TdATSpaSsTPCzXRwJCsSYioVskayoe

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

melkFoHyiWwMmvK

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

XolJclDkQqkkQpc

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

AAIavqKqrkdHvpt

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

LNEfSArSiIwqQbZ

·AnqSmGXzYJDayBmYMcXvhDRCoBmtEP

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Inside the warm chamber.vFZHmrMpcrkdvZBTrInIMCwIQOUGuQ

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

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

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

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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:IGzlEyCEqrLuUutQoVvBQwkzmZbUhv

QXltwkbKxnEcFxA

“Nothing unusual during the ceremony today?”tidRjDdSVfPoztwIRgOAjJhuFdDfIN

qzXCWMLqXhsXAJD

“Your Majesty, everything proceeded as normal.”jZYJifoxIXHFJuTIyiTOtFYEnzXvfx

dmQyzOqUFpEsdRh

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…”tTXjzecyfsSlTtdFJLVHFwYzjCUITA

HHUdFZePTwNRwYP

“Speak.”FpyIgHwDeBlClpDWVVSICnfWdwDMsj

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

wgFIgFYmGyrDhPs

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

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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.”MrnEReXzNWJihnKYkgSYavXgHryEro

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“He hit his head?”YPtatziroTaRPsZEjGdVPnaSmKcWfr

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

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