Chapter 1
A wave of dizziness hit, and faint commotion echoed in his ears.kkxfEaaglqTRzmvTdBuLIlqklZOliz
UkLRnTqePnOniMrNing 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.mozKMEiWqBskrnKwPucSoLuCcyCnHQ
NOCwzOtWWxdXWOyAfter 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.eCWEAUxrsrconWwHscTdgQkJagXnPy
mzXwZZpWNESJbaDAnd he was sitting on an empty patch of ground not far from the procession.aWyWndrWYnSwxQaiWZDpTvOGqPThcN
mjOGGPJODUthWoQWhat first caught his eye was a crimson robe, with a pale, slender wrist sticking out.LheNLWVMtKyzVJneEpprfzSEMaCJxo
DIVQvylQRDbFJXEJust as he was processing this, a man dressed in white hurried over from a distance. “Lord Ning!”NXYeowjBdwYkhbcYqBwsrKsrZLQpNM
MXtjHCMbjsVbWlsThe imperial physician stopped in his tracks, “…”wpAWMSGqljPNnZNKmekcJswtZZPJXx
lUFDAQLTQCZUkyiA voice suddenly came from the side, “Did you hit your head or something?”oILxfsWDUMgLwETbcODIyCUZdIpgVo
AwNedooDtsUMxhqNing 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.MvxvyKUVEUtrqfhYiMHlsMrelCUjbn
meLoAPiFwBiGXUlTwo young eunuchs smiled awkwardly, trying to smooth things over. “Lord Geng, Lord Ning did indeed hit his head pretty hard.”OXiYRaNrNbXZjfrXOpZusAdGySAtBK
ktfltEtzLQDLbXEGeng Yan glanced at Ning Rushen, “Nothing good ever happens when I run into you.”DtJipfrBejikzzpZZEqhpDzbkYfdvz
GJqkormNZBPNLVPNing Rushen looked over at the people in front of him one by one.mzYnJVSIPaWjTuilyCNUmpeghocosW
skByvpvIOVtJYZmThe 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:PeJIaEFEBtMUNJEGwIliiRRDEjCtuG
lvfoYmlbUrAbzxMHe wasn’t dead—he had time-traveled.QFkmETOpvROEgioSusOUltjrvNqSrL
SwkakKkmtvgvePOBut he had no idea which dynasty this was, or who he even was.aJhwTuUYhaJJKmKdamzIEKIdugbdun
MAUsxpdhyfWIFKNNing Rushen rubbed his head and decided to get some clarity first. “My head’s still a bit foggy. Where am I, and what happened?”kGjngiFXwuHFTIwAAYNPVYGCHbiupt
ABcGCCsOafrQNVvThe atmosphere instantly froze.qrrhydpHRKhBkYnlwvoLrUBWDjszAX
AmlORYwNlqzKUMwThe 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…”CIywxQTWZTlnFgbpISRetOdRjTLhph
YgNjAEgXRLiJZwfGeng 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?”wAKgMWCWDMJzypwoCkNPnBOkchcNxp
IusbOatjzJUjmVdNing Rushen stared back at him, pale as a ghost.zLfcWqSCyWhKAbZBrzWIBxmYsVgufR
TOzQhaPwYaRcXSlGeng 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?”pgTrbsyQpjXWcmGmhCUYeeWTjmwHQN
RPgMYlMZyFxhJMPNing Rushen, “…”luOdTfeKVDTUerPIThSNEAuSdfYyoy
IYCziHzwEtIJheRIn just sixty-two words, Geng Yan managed to pack in a mountain of personal feelings.fKxxkosTDDNGFTMxitCoMChBMdtVVd
qTiudpqfGtuQJacUnable to hold back, Ning Rushen asked, “We don’t get along very well, do we?”HToMAmizQLQwycnUENMNEqtFzmFEnB
UxrBcbiaQIZOqpSGeng Yan nodded, “Not at all.”LsCjdgNbBffXYLWbCqqhpJQpoZjven
YzPRAAGKipezaThNing Rushen sighed. Unfortunately, he now had no memory of whatever grudges or grievances might have existed between them.TburQnsyErjpMFPUaZArEPYShUUSdM
zsxmHVjvGdwxTVxAll he knew now was that he was some sort of official.EPrvVrrjlUpbmLjIOhceZLiundRxnP
QkjGpIgjOlVQaHBAlthough 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.ppFRbRQcIApisombUaFckfUjEdPgMm
ugjhdLHGCFRcEhFWhile he was deep in thought, the imperial physician withdrew his hand and said:yuLCDYWhYSaataKytETYVxLpizdTTB
PLQkbajtgsPJqSk“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…”bwlWlWLELURfMeJNBNGZixSgRZmzyE
KRUmqbiQOWDkkyuNing Rushen waved his hand. “It’s not a big deal.”jOBlQBecDxvBhTcwkuNCcItvBtJjbt
PdspZDLBPeIncEGHe 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?”FkKhjNsqzoeeCYsEKAgiEGNQACvdAz
VYEoGSrKwKUrjtPThe young eunuch replied, “Yes, my lord.”ZPMzBTvFnumFNzMMjDumaLSmouNrmR
VoGMDylfOJAUOhaGeng Yan, whose leg had also been treated, stood up and grumbled, “As long as you don’t trip and fall again.”qSQWrUUGZEqNIZIOqWwElJakZTYiON
igsEExhoVaZgLTDOne hit his head, the other injured his leg.DeWeGoyppCLZlqepvrNAmcJUkkEukx
fdDcOaSkblPwVvoLed by the eunuchs, they made their way, albeit disjointedly, through the long corridors toward the Hall of Golden Chimes.HeWquKAVXTiGPvQJYMqzHXRaxryYok
uoVlhkzlLiIcFbXNing Rushen’s head ached, his feet throbbed—this body was indeed in terrible shape.lLqlcxODAZtZpRpmjdBQSjfxQlpiSe
XjSTilhTYSLsHgMAfter walking for a while, the sound of ceremonial music finally drifted in from a distance.pyYHJBKMekFbYLhdBFnGlCESugzZDr
fcMGvvXGRsWPddBAhead, the mass of officials and the grand, towering steps of the palace came into view.nWUjJrTIyVjadVFjVtwCmjYfJdvglj
dAzKJLKArYqlsghJust as they were nearing the end of the procession, a crucial question suddenly hit Ning Rushen.wxQAczeUVlRBXXDzRVUmVTznYzqrrn
lPXjNXsApGTJMsSHe turned to Geng Yan, “By the way, my name is…”fsWMcqiRMIACeWRgZpaytGoRDESnCQ
QfBOBWdakSAyIkFGeng Yan replied, “Ning Chen.” Ning Chen? More like corrupt minister, you and your whole family!HlOmfqspjfCFfvtXlzMRDseAMStDtQ
seiBdYJAaZTOhuDNing Rushen warned him, “Watch your words, or I’ll report you for slandering a court official.”OFrkesJBGrDHlpQAkwnDBBHmtSkLKX
VCPIXGwdvzDhdhJGeng Yan, incredulous, retorted, “Slandering? You wish!”mIzEEhtKnmCcXPoVIIyaqaHtAsqtgr
rQOrHmStMTauWTC“…”lnZpnzRGVWQmDtqCvoxZaklnohGANE
QcgAlCHmSOOsczTThey stared at each other, eyes locked.aMoIZebmZPItuqgxlPHpgqYTfSajxt
iOjtAYghqrFpFgDAfter a moment of this deadlock, Ning Rushen slowly closed his eyes, rubbed his chest, and felt his heart sink:tpsPPfHBDYRsaNXUAgJEtLTxcXzyoY
yJibqnBqDjgJjWzSo… his name was really Ning Chen.hJUOfERNwrGGUdyJpGldtuoApZDRYA
OasHkTlyejcCnOqWhat a ridiculously provocative name!GiocIVrTmpclLZLZOwkcNkyEFdWJkx
gykgaukzSeNRvAf·BUAsrpzxSaITAtOJjhBltCJnUBXjMQ
zqKghNHUNBrgTWaAfter the third toll of the bell and drum.MFWXamYnDDMRAPjGkWPXHNxxbhxMaA
iMtEzJLyxXfKqaQNing Rushen arrived just in time to enter the hall.DtbHkdvbdPEdivTvyxeErkqvaqURqJ
KcRTwUzqGBEObFDHe 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.pFmEiwZsHiWbaxcaECSFQsGVwlJPVG
coMNvRtyDWLBHsgA living emperor, right there.nLZmJWRlUIORsIIydQtInqzzMinTQE
PIZFUWNsShzCLlDHe had to take a look.JWKnFGESqiFoTcErkzJLrsxVqZOEDh
ZiUttlAakagOYkBPeering 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.KJmhbyxxxjCuyGkPRwBTyRkBqNKPuN
jsKNlImlGPVoWbaLike an ancient, yet lethal sword.OXKMGOnEzfJVupkUdpXAtneHFGZJCj
euePBWfnvzlfjtiOne glance sent a chill down Ning Rushen’s spine.WqrIukqTDMMlbwLrnRcthiYdxwSjul
VWHfTxbKKaipNRGAs he continued to size up the emperor, the sovereign on the throne suddenly turned his gaze in Ning Rushen’s direction.XhokBWgzAgXlPcCtjWPQDqgSlkalXo
livbMDrpQtHUycZHis heart skipped a beat, and he quickly lowered his eyes!CWjDgcVRUjSjccFgRZcYeQAIsLcomj
IBYkbRZNbzlCiagTwenty years of survival instincts kicked in: never make eye contact with the teacher during class.VcjcYZDnVofGbDZNppGDVXBOoSmyOu
nAEzIyEXTUKGTuOThe 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.PaaczOanJWzzGKnGTBBEYkwzvtxXYo
rrvpccBrfkqdjIX…TyUXVLuRmgFDlNEprNwnuKeQDwJaOo
gJSczSQKnHOoRPEThe new emperor took the throne and declared a general amnesty.FPIzbUkpXnbfctjHJEnfRYHUkXuIpT
PimEjIFsuGCWSFGThe ceremony ended with the rewarding of officials.KJvncRFJDwqqvlnfIIszAqPMPGmFao
TJvUVqwhBoQVnQQGrand Eunuch De Quan stood at the front, holding the imperial decree, his thin voice echoing through the hall.PWOpbaxmbOUrmwxvOErkVpIyOAuMJG
aMBJAWLenRutfbjNing Rushen stood in the line, lost in his thoughts, when suddenly a familiar and provocative name pierced through the air: “Scholar Ning Chen—”XcRxChqkGwCkzjDVKazoTaVAGQLxrX
DLoMGWppTryRAjnIt took Ning Rushen two seconds to react: Who dares be so disrespectful?ovgzsrICIetojGzoBGeKQXmbJfFvtW
fEMLMrFNAxaGQznThen he realized: Oh, right. It’s me.LPhMxvebSGDecByPTXcPUEMyCEDdMS
WfxqZidaNMAerJf“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?”KjYjyYzJpeGPwluwtsWInCYJqXUuIQ
ZCzUrcnmfMOeoJNNing Rushen: ?SabowALkMqicdFTnqIkHUDhUSpmApj
lzTOvxPIZjkncnSHe looked up, only to see the emperor stand from his throne.qHFQyFJZjWmYtyQmCLOSYREoNWRxbz
XrmWVlpXNIeRpTXThe hall instantly fell into dead silence.ghZBRBgQpZLgprNIAqgzCQhzRUbsuv
PzivrLMipIegNQzLi Wuting, standing atop the grand hall, fixed his gaze on the figure at the front—Ning Chen.BQjfsUShJWPAUpOcSYrRMmnyCOhazB
cEVwljTjZifBfGbNing 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.ABziUQDvAVNipzEWEItCbQMucLlUYQ
EWOGOACANsrIEvqThe image of countless arrows flying before the Hall of Golden Chimes felt like it had happened just yesterday.qTUhacBevIUTMDXOHtBnoJcHLWYVTn
ooBizbIFMjQzMySLi Wuting’s eyes darkened as he stepped forward.JbcFbPbiWWzQHxDAItADcVuxfbthvk
GrTvIILfIefvYJOOn the solemn imperial court, the newly crowned emperor slowly descended the steps, stopping directly in front of Ning Rushen.tVPytrkpipnzyptjQktApaVncqUaaM
zhqFyhYGMTDflNkTheir eyes met, and in the depths of the emperor’s cold, sharp gaze, a flash of murderous intent appeared.ANlxaejNeStrRBwJAqcfRCwGKrJQWn
zdqqdiwzJBpluTKNing Rushen: …???? What the hell is going on?!bmsofQpHQYbXSlcieQIcDNQDWwSxtr
shmwWutIdnTxtqoBefore Ning Rushen could figure out the emperor’s sudden killing intent, a large hand from the opposite side abruptly raised—OVCBUJFuGdqCvZZzisFOUpUAoxIcVd
pcDuRMBhgHzBcJqHis heart instantly sounded the alarm!wujyjKZGrBRIBHwFejauNkQmyzoDSq
RaDFYkjlPwTlngvAs 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.wFVvmybnMucUiPubXITejFjGlUpgOB
KZYWmQewrbOYHsa“……”BNdZdQmjMXowESMUnRcCtLTjiwBSIp
yHcmEMtrfmBzkMAThe ministers snapped out of their stupor and gasped in shock, “Your Majesty, have mercy!”LsxgjwdCwFsZLJOlWdncGpulhdOUCU
tQAdnrvdbBuaJlB“Your Majesty, why such a sudden outburst?”CfsoDDgxFoRkFTpQXwkuEzbPwxtjte
kqLfwUOOcMNKktb“Ning Daren might get beaten to death—”itfKshCwkUFlRkWMBrmpMkVMzQhsAK
NNpPULFVEYNwUVGThe last sentence came from someone deep in the court, drawing out the word “death” so long it almost cracked.TyKdQfIpWYFNDVgxuhMkMisADJmXBa
fwGUNWSbcFZaafmLi Wuting, who hadn’t even touched him: ?dvLnATOmxQxSruGGINtsSIyahrBUKa
UiZErFXIBWTuxyvLowering his eyes, expressionless, he gazed at the person collapsed before him.pKKIjSoYKnbuqryTajRWRSSgagEZyD
WFXAQnWdghRJHtlNing Rushen raised his head slightly after his act, only to meet a pair of deep, piercing eyes.DYKkggVcuolBmEllYhdghkQNiAwfWn
UEVywmjvVcWpJaq“……” He wiped the corner of his eye again, steeling himself as he lowered his head once more, “This subject is… terribly fragile.” Sob.PgHLKDFHVNzJVWmYPMglJJjfRzEtrS
kcVgDJWweofTdwALi Wuting: ………ArgxOumjUveTZfeOlLmKGUIuuhWeOE
AulTKLuajDGvTgTNing 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.BsHoLERhxxAdaqBRXnaUgDjRsoDhBl
gSefRUlKRJQpqQeHe looked like someone who had been gravely mistreated.neBEgXYUlZLnpyrNPcFtMrrjwLqoXb
nNybvbWRkGNvhxLLi Wuting’s hand trembled slightly in the air, but he burst out in laughter from sheer frustration:GXziMAjZIvcInOGIyDDWfVkLfmiYRe
GfTOJkWalhmnwfcOh. What a cunning official.aBDwlgpUggNovnFUOqVXUdKRuZqiHl
qMbXtPafnolkEMA·HHQlzQnasyYDSTQUGLhIrFdxbtMdzQ
sSSEpkBAgSScrvlNing Rushen was still trembling slightly, head lowered, when a cold, mocking laugh fell faintly from above: Heh.nqdaZQwLhHuFQTNdFIfDaXHNNnszic
JoleUCPvOYEwutC“……” He immediately began coughing violently, as if in agony.pGgIpFWRGprPCgFZBHDjhJFUEWFaKU
IHosjYOjfNfSabUThe 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.jujKwcUKbZnKfBtibbPlshPTWQlLbs
HERTNCPDUpeygncWhen 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.qXzpldTHsCRLClcZNOqyUhrDqlbBPP
ycFXGLIrIzWQpONLi Wuting lowered his long lashes, one hand pressing firmly on Ning Rushen’s shoulder.tsiLcgFKUExRDwSxUmaBLPYBzRRnpz
QyPjUhngshcdbFbHis 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.”WMrGGwqHgDmYvDgbtOZdaWoFnUIULu
zCFtTWPFZCCbDoSNing Rushen gave a weak smile, “……”VuhaFwRBjZbLuleseFQiwJPnIONFoy
QbIXSezmVcUvlbEWhat the hell, man.PTvskONNSXJoqNKGHHwaKyMkGBwjfg
GmEpSHbQRnqNAvsI nearly got sent to the afterlife with that “pat.”YhiySHPEkbDRKMykYYLhLjjqyJQETa
tUABkGXROGEEfpUThe 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.”zzHxOtScyijqNUTunsLZeXtrgxoISP
OkwIBNQCRePktOlDe Quan quickly bowed, “Yes, Your Majesty.”PWFuJTulIgqjZGovMNZyySvKhDEHSd
sijPOoNJGeJICkPThe tense atmosphere in the hall finally eased.sHHYFtJjTwxwxNdNLAOKZBvQktKWcL
iOMEEDWBIBopfbODe Quan resumed reading, “By decree of the late emperor, Jinxue is promoted to the position of Grand Academician, thus decreed—”aNkozeIgxKVXzsBSkYQrhoVERkktdb
HwNjHZXxpLbwPDBNing Rushen, “……This subject, thanks Your Majesty for your grace.”XKXhuJMELdBNoiKpGfWedXAIzuGLPk
EIcCWdNuwmSkCEZ…kbAYaGdMpmKZqIAkJVbmaQWBkMjDic
sOGQGDXhPBnDPqPThe long enthronement ceremony finally came to an end.UMyyQrVgtDBcIrruYKZKcKlpSLgzNr
NuMvJrwwcagoHHRThe ministers left for their residences, awaiting the palace banquet later that evening.eAVqEyFgQrPsBKeNrjFYFtLoQJQWnj
wvKOZjyczwSecCqAs soon as Li Wuting disappeared behind the great hall, Ning Rushen found himself swarmed by his colleagues!dtoBVHRakccJLKIiCVYnwqehjpuMQT
jEGKixhdWBaEVjt“Ning Daren is indeed favored by the emperor, receiving praise from both the late emperor and His Majesty.”bsaiCQJUcyMZxoqWxaIOnBZtfqbghT
eGTpooMiUiEjOps“His Majesty even personally patted your shoulder! A rare honor!”khjXLkBFMnLxFMUABcBIzMNmxCBJfE
VzWRYQJGKwJJztlNing Rushen gave a weak smile: You can take this honor if you want.xbsexocaMwpSoaUqRuilpbxExYQFfB
TrpIUGEngXtDSNSAs 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.”iCBCgiyekEMneBhNEzgpLtmuptotiu
qFAIkhMMrPIcrZFNing Rushen thought Geng Yan was putting in way too much effort.ouEFrCFvUUwQlyiZCRMZfMIRjXRKSU
dSVzJXPIICMwXeUHe even came over just to insult him.EqvsPxpGCoFyGbqUadFPHwsPiAZmsu
FFDXvvhBOwuyzDOReflecting 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.qyQgOpTYqKZTtTHsapaFgdImPjLQuu
epygGhqTlBicEmwGeng Yan laughed at his naivety, “They’re just scared they’ll be next.”PgiXgrmXCLRdSgOiYRVTmGmiPtdnWe
zybNaKhVRnxRLbWNing Rushen paused, closing his eyes in grief, “You people are really heartless.”ILPkHjfyfEJLTTGXAicRTXzSkfzpUO
DrfhhevnJZKBdSFGeng Yan, “……”yrcGrFbTFVMPPAsjArhjHEZfELyIig
LsMQvFiIqgMHMTbDamn, this guy.LrZhkppmaSlITihveDUiJewADewmqm
bMnrhdqTRtIQKZyAs the other ministers gradually dispersed, Ning Rushen turned and headed towards the exit.XhPozaCSNIquktIarqPkbbuBlxXror
sqOXzhDQJoOHgfESuddenly, Geng Yan caught up with him. “By the way, since you hit your head, what do you plan to do next?”bbAtJdCOGoJpSklgjnsTluedqIjtDp
xmszsYBVVFZtZJZHands folded into his sleeves, Ning Rushen gazed into the distance, “I’ll write a resignation letter when I return, retire to the countryside.”egrIaJRkxSEyDxhIbCXXCVDKuZtqLq
wgEDUFtByDXDghw“……” Geng Yan’s head nearly exploded, “What!?”oQeinBMKUVFgCSDKogPMtTiZbZazEY
dgUEoohtUwVJtEY·higljXYvEmqHqagwLXadCFKIubISuC
iIKeJCKiPLhqGmfInside the warm chamber.PShDydPiZQORXyRGmGqAkzkHNfOHgz
ZGGCMZtjmyhWhFbLi Wuting had changed out of his heavy ceremonial robes into a more comfortable attire.KjQWoXQlKUZShnxuxRjUdwTLXurufS
qQbEUoCvrJgSzGsA dark outer robe draped across his broad shoulders, crossing neatly over his chest, exuding both an air of calm authority and self-restraint.MfuOSOPuMVMDXrwJSXyMdBKJNlqrZn
ZJoRafvfQSNJAcdDe Quan stood by with a basin of water, respectfully waiting.NxfRQzrOjvtymGfQiIXPtsxSruflFQ
IFqoMXhMYDkshcVAfter 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:oAfRfKgATMYqKRUHppayVRauAGYFXp
lJjGFdjYxkMCwmA“Nothing unusual during the ceremony today?”BTYfMSABLzOtbkRUhByMJDMqWjKnzv
FanrpIVmlIprQsK“Your Majesty, everything proceeded as normal.”awXAXLnZTtBnTbxGZISYaGhGtnuLuG
OLpNiziJwKAEeVTAfter 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…”yRZeAiZIVOfRbPherKeGlfmQcojHSI
xixuEZMCxIevGWu“Speak.”RpTYCiqLOVyvAiInFNWSEfuKDkHfZY
tmaJzBKUrdydEAt“Ning Daren had a fall at the Noon Gate…” The sound of water stopped abruptly.pTGJcRGWRhZoWMEKKPzBVUgZnTDJYX
JScQdUlfQalWhsILi Wuting raised his gaze and looked straight at De Quan, “Oh?”aiERndYBhIEvieImqJptinaiRCBhaO
yJLsLfxMTgZuKziDe 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.”yDnmlRsPphnbGElUiROPVGdUAeifMH
ugsagGndSvaoUOV“He hit his head?”xfHJTnRHMuTSDvwpkPvTfOuRgaGgLu
FCmIGIFqRMhrojF“Yes.” De Quan carefully gauged the emperor’s mood and added, “They say… it’s as if he’s a different person entirely now.”bqMrRWcjzLWtQbcmCxPDOHMwOcFrOX
AGdojuOjdLneGnJmSPkELArnprkYrtIBxZKEtWfcoqIDS
its a pleasure to be the first
story’s kinda interesting