This official is so weak

With the grip on the rope slackening, Ning Rushen hurriedly withdrew his hand.XewXTDIWsNvkcRwdpFNkYYOEzVvlwd

msuwmTlMACpHrip

Li Yingtan cautiously peeked out again, cradling Li Jingyu with care.ONfmQfJwmHlyrosIJTYGalqDKPfVpt

mVmgVpgtwEgEOwq

Li Jingyu struggled out of the grasp with muffled noises, revealing two innocent and bright eyes, expressing confusion.EgaLIGpfDrBifqtbsjssPbPrJWzATE

guFNcDYXfwgUWoG

Ning Rushen rose and performed a bow, “Minister Ning Chen pays his respects to Prince Xuan and Prince Jing.” Even as he bowed, his hands were still shackled together.KkiCylNgVDVwJxNDfjtabNjxEeLgsn

qQRjiuGHhsfLeaj

Quickly, a hand reached out, slender fingers slipping through the rope loop with a gentle tug, and the tightly bound rope around Ning Rushen’s wrist was abruptly loosened.cZrcwwvNwzupOOazIvvECwEibDDeqQ

sGjfDEdYvKhyTOS

Ning Rushen hurriedly removed the rope and adjusted his cloak, which was slipping off his shoulder, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”ORjuJfaxbjLUjAJwxEcPhYHULtKylC

zTxQWeMjOlMNgGS

Li Wuting sat back down, turning the page on the matter, “What is it?”yVpyXcpSajXRRpyBHaplbtKMiqyVDc

iMktgYRVncHStoO

Li Yingtan took the hint and spoke, “The spring hunt in a few days…”ZRTgqVSzFVECMGwDYhwWoPoKeeakCF

vBslUAGkYOBNqAh

He barely caught his breath when Li Jingyu turned his attention to Ning Rushen again, “Why did Imperial Brother bind Mr. Ning?”zUCvFHMffisugdQpGSNwRCUybLegJE

PHdOQFsMDItscbw

Ning Rushen swallowed, thinking to himself, Little Prince, read the room.AtUAdrWnrIhFHVHLDHEAfMzZuwrGfG

jKCzHpTMkOScOLE

Li Wuting paused, then couldn’t help himself, “It wasn’t I who bound him.”qKTcPekCLiBwwZvaErEoGzGviXHcgR

vqSVNFHXzjzdelp

Li Jingyu, curious, “Not Imperial Brother? Did Mr. Ning bind himself?”vIpqvZFsKfAbaiKenmxuYjAtvpjqzm

KnPIKAHjJzviYVn

That sounded eerily familiar.gCaToQQGVFzNreUtMzBiVAhXSRlENA

YHiXLzdmoaEievk

Ning Rushen quickly intervened, “It was indeed I who bound myself.”dFFFOzZsmFIwipdtTHpaVEYuLYWQtA

NruaRUyTgBnYlgh

Li Yingtan hurriedly silenced Li Jingyu with a tone one might use on a child, “Alright, alright, you heard it was he himself. No more questions.”VpEKOcCWpMcJTXagmMKtFbEnvbWVqr

ChmioFnkTOJBpGy

Ning Rushen, “…”eVUafVvuMeKjVbZuLRCQxGXCDXZCvS

tQZNfcwnQvQMPjx

You could also say less.egsYPfRslhKdkSxoHuqmXVCBGfHLtc

hriiJQlgrzxCFlQ

Perhaps sensing that continuing this topic would only lead to further embarrassment, Li Wuting tapped the table lightly, “Wish to join the spring hunt?”vKoXnBGTcboEHnVcHawqCUwVsJjFhM

aTvWjTSmpmmLYYO

Li Jingyu immediately straightened up, “Yes, Imperial Brother.”VcQHshWhpwZrgZMFcyPXlOrupCtsbI

qzTBmHRGYMdBROz

“I’ll join as well, just before heading to my fief,” said Li Yingtan. “Besides, though Cui Hao Yuan has been imprisoned, there remain some demons and ghosts lurking in the shadows… I’ll help clean up.”WQaNzLuVTnFdaMcXkYxKPCAghqvrdZ

PbjEBjKvCsTFlpo

“The spring hunt is up to you, the Cui family will be handled by me,” Li Wuting declared, then paused, “Reward those who deserve it, and punish those who do not.”fnejHdyWdAezPAkbfcwWRzIuBPWYaC

giMjTJkfsAPYXPT

A clothes prop flashed through Ning Rushen’s mind.ThQvfDspcwEXseVHTwmjilFSFlBQKy

FtyrXIyFJSrmwcs

Suddenly, Li Wuting’s gaze, as if sensing something, fell on him, “What are you thinking, Ning Qing?”vAWNjpSJmRABiNlMsdjDpiQBBtIcgI

IhUqIJtGkeTiWwi

Ning Rushen blurted out, “Has the Pokémon been confiscated?”UUfuUBvCXvMwVaYtWHwSEUMioxBRRj

MzdkWjgadsvZWez

“…” Li Wuting seemed to pause for a moment, “Hmm.”AwNLKiRSDZbZJsFbihJBtWVDwuHAZg

TtTyDtvPGlLLOwR

Li Yingtan: ??? Who?MrNalhMgPaZJdJyTEhwnjASyebYjjP

cnJykIkRrHCnqnB

“That’s good.” With the revenge of the hot pot settled, Ning Rushen formally excused himself, “If there’s nothing else, I shall take my leave.”wBcOKHCdfHvgjfwygSdUCNzOXFMRZA

BpGgZjQrEzKaQcS

Li Wuting nodded towards him.ZDcogkJHNwkAlglToZJWsZUjKSmSOU

PNjsynCOalUCIiO

After exchanging bows with the two princes, Ning Rushen turned and headed for the door. His cloak’s tie had been taken away, leaving him to clutch at the neckline, exposing half of his arm.acLwPYjVxzTSecVRsnPjtlNRAFuKIz

eNnxJvgwUSKgpcP

Just as he reached the door, he was suddenly called, “Minister Ning.”nkmcNtooHnXdkIXIpfVvZkqVGrlNBf

dpwTlZyxwEVntUM

Ning Rushen, clutching his neckline, turned around, “Your Majesty?”bQKwaGuXbfJJnlaOhCcTyyxdDVqDHA

tPwPrLTDjnEPKaT

Li Wuting’s gaze, from across the vast imperial study, landed on him, “You will accompany us on the spring hunt in a few days.”fxxfitOiETrcUkUCmjayEyezUDXTqo

DergnzbXqwxLEis

Ning Rushen, “…”uWGsYBNIUicLHsPDOeYePanRIbzGco

zcLBQhtbixprMBV

What role could his frail body play?ikTBszsqcZeUmTyIoSfKmAEQhzhXmS

VJZblcwGNHcamGj

As prey?JRkeOnGFjQHhiqPSykamLvgkmuHCAJ

SrLIXhdBPSTWMqB

He silently accepted, “Yes.”UDAcTDiUIImlyGOCPcaSYBBQFsaEtF

rFrLbRYqgwXoSVY

As he was about to leave the imperial study, Li Wuting casually commanded, “Go get another cloak.”vKBgbDTALSArDEtofANJKozpFAaUYy

LJmOrBJhnNziUBT

·JxngDJSLmEqBFJKBLKZcpGUhgpbGxl

OuZmMeDrACKYoOK

Ning Rushen fetched a cloak from Xiao Rongzi.BeZcwgwqAfYnTFYJvSMArwjnUAijre

PlGHnQVCWQFRXCT

It was of a dark gold brocade and su-fang color, brighter and more striking than his usual crimson garment, with a snow-white lining.vNUfnhEshBWGsYWUaVosoShUUFrepd

XFHQTxHjFHlAWOk

As Xiao Rongzi led him through the imperial garden, he flattered, “Sir truly embodies the saying ‘accumulated stone becomes jade, unparalleled in beauty’.”xxIgShxQjtgRnAhPPtCPGVmULKyWkp

xhZpGlSwRBBHhYu

Ning Rushen pondered what to eat upon returning home, “I haven’t accumulated food, and I try not to wolf down.”ltssascOkuegKGdyfqeEMlEtGZRZga

DBjEyuICjzuIqwq

Xiao Rongzi, “…”OeUFSXydvUzOfVJWgDArVzNdTBrrLJ

NTNBlYhHHsciqxi

As they passed the flourishing pear orchard, De Quan suddenly caught up from behind, “Minister Ning, please wait!”pjTvOmHqjMJlpVsMPNSfGsvCVwBZjU

DGXYJFXxYbodipp

Ning Rushen turned, “Eunuch De?”CtbqzSxrfraGRVcSLEBqamPRSnkupj

POqkdgBUykHTlPc

De Quan hurried over and, with a meaningful smile, gestured for a palace servant to stuff something into Ning Rushen’s arms—uWjfnGwJInQJzwpJDGWCBumIvuDMaa

kNjSTXxqDtXTczd

Softly, a few branches of pure white jade pear blossoms fell into his embrace.jyCTcAQQhZVHoasyGmHLnIvUKkGPRe

XkijGPRjBYgwuWK

Ning Rushen, “?”XbknpVNXvbtevtByTGfMhyViedTkxI

klpqgrgXdUFixaM

De Quan, with a twirl of his finger, hinted, “Did not sir mention liking that jade pear tree last time? Our sovereign always distinguishes clearly between rewards and punishments. Thus, I boldly sought a reward for sir~”UydrXdhCvBCFfyNQcAKsxNzQKXchqe

DXDSMZJMTzSikdz

Ning Rushen suddenly recalled the burial site he had chosen for himself.BKdxvbWzuNmKbGTAsThOeYGhKZDXTM

MGIJJHvnlrgyLSG

He looked at the pear blossoms in his arms with a hint of subtlety, softly saying, “Thank you for His Majesty’s grace, and thank you, Eunuch De, for your consideration.”HBNscwevTVBVOWXUgrCKzZehMIRMFL

bsOBqeWZBjhnNSe

De Quan waved his duster, “It’s enough that sir has thanked His Majesty~”sUEwbQYInzzURKjpDBQlyeSPEnzwGX

siFEvPZcJkueKhV

Ning Rushen then turned and bowed in the direction of the imperial study.pLAVDqFAepsEvXLIqjlPNemkqYkMPz

yDwajEoUVEyBzFk

De Quan looked up.LgnTTaijjlIbFZuMewjhxSaRgidgDW

HWtDbHBUXGSiqpz

But saw amidst the vast pear blossom trees, Ning Rushen with his black hair and red cloak, holding a branch of jade pear blossoms, standing sideways. A few white jade petals dotted his red cloak, shining against the white silk of spring, like new snow under a clear sky.vjAVXbdPhxPIHNphNisyLuiUIKmwRL

pXOnqkNBxygHggr

Suddenly, a phrase leapt into his mind:woSwxYCNQUYBdGMmXfiPQLTrQcQJpn

qweNOVXTwuRkqrw

Who would have thought, in the mortal world, one could meet a man as pure as white jade.SBUROgHjfjrWKQjWUrBplFdBGOgXBT

mRrMtqyhsrdmHGG

De Quan couldn’t help but sigh inwardly, thinking how truly…iCEhQpmIywIqAFGVWtarVErwyeJAHX

iKctfZEnwyYUyOi

Before his sigh fully escaped, he saw the person bowing in the distance, lips moving as if murmuring something.IiJvBdiOAGxfsaqkrGHixGDfNkVFDl

GYgoKQUvTnZbAWL

Ning Rushen looked towards the imperial study, “Actually, I also like pearls and agates…”IuDyhONDrCAWkTLpEuhFkiLMEWRION

hJZQFKnJfuCZIEv

De Quan, “…………”ALxmrEUMswoXaTaISghmDTNeUikrqT

NKyWejMfGgUEpmm

·LKVhXEUfySyexXoymMQhlXtmdplmoB

exUEEbeHwLWJvhA

After parting with the hesitant De Quan, Ning Rushen stepped out of the palace gate where the carriage of the Ning estate was already waiting.fcRsVtBWOhZAGiiGOlGBzHtuxTZXNG

ASpWwwkgvgalZiA

The coachman was Yuan Liu from the estate, “My lord!”fQQobDfGukisUksUzflCeknRaHFRio

mlvzxeBJzyXHRNy

Ning Rushen asked, “Where is Uncle Yan?”IyWJmCQbqTOnPvrtNudOvPGTLoFqMK

ZYsbMEgaFcDvexr

Yuan Liu replied, “Steward Yan lost his voice from shouting. Miss Xinglan told him to stay at the estate.”dVmEwlRRYwMYZfNhHuAPmXGnbZoTLU

EvhckJugxGFLtrb

Ning Rushen immediately tensed, “What happened, did the Meng estate use torture on him?”wcIanOUsUjtpTFbnZRWvIQOmlomKJA

ttIDvxlgOnQsRgB

Yuan Liu shook his head, “Steward Yan was kidnapped by thieves at the Meng estate and screamed for help all the way.”hUnsVemFJkqrQWuaFYdKhhXyQQtKWX

nRCUifZYqbhcYrA

Ning Rushen, “……”lcoiwvmBqCNPrIFTgRQzkMxATiZqlv

ReXBmXdLRryTxoy

He boarded the carriage with a soft sigh, “It’s fine, let’s go back to the estate.”tGURsfTDepLePpKomQpYrPnhoReEWs

pUcdATLunLtLvwl

The carriage returned to the Ning estate.NeVKJhXlDyOwdjlednetzcAkudTwFf

vSNdQJpeskwHBeD

Just as they approached the estate gate, they faintly heard an argument.xOlFyXsMiuFYNimUPBBjOoufXyVSYs

TxNplbgtsIlgXWC

Ning Rushen lifted the carriage curtain to look and saw a familiar figure standing at the gate, opposite him was Yan Min, who was talking in a harsh voice, “Lord Ning! There’s a suspicious newcomer claiming to be your bodyguard!”qbZishkZEKManFjvfiqaVWESWngpMM

aOYzSsLCpscKALm

Shiyi looked over with a large bundle on his back.ofFGqXlKxfshVlcmsQjYpBDlFqLrqx

erCAiEqzdFNjIyg

Ning Rushen took a deep breath, “Why are you here?”sUTGQmLBvegRnpnNcybomKHfBsTVLh

KCmuCDQZgKjHdkp

Shiyi seriously replied, “The… The leader said I did a good job on this matter, rewarded me with a cloth to wrap things, and told me to follow you from now on.”GQCjARTsWUyqskfUDKsCzmvBxvcsaL

lyCGHxLYVGgngzr

“……”TbdwgeWUmUbxvUGOyOAAxcMhxXQrLT

QKEtISkxrOlIpFs

Ning Rushen’s expression was complex: You were actually being sent away.JnvCCqnqmKmlQQHfUFWIMrCnTnWizJ

UokXXMBkzwfyisb

He didn’t have the heart to reveal the truth and patted Shiyi on the shoulder, turning to tell Yan Min to prepare a room, “From today on, he is my bodyguard, called… Little Stone.”eRwoVGFAvhDCJdOcrqyXhvyfXhypiR

dcwZuCWrfvljTmO

Shiyi blinked.jTASbTrVxxevQlnSgLwpepBjdLyhjc

odhstTSCHkpKUsk

Yan Min was surprised, “Where did the lord find a bodyguard?”hnsOTryAhtkBxpUsIgLzCajhsVRNzl

RymvcNxOsMNvbPK

Ning Rushen, holding the pear blossoms, entered the estate gate, “Just shook one out from the nearby people.”IsXegWBXZzgmqYRxeQMMHuNWaTKegJ

IOeSXLedXFxAGRi

Yan Min: ???CpCtVHglVqhLUlrajNuKTGecgIoBTV

drwfTdxqzDMmNDh

The residence of the Prime Minister was raided overnight, revealing all its secrets.NCvWQrJLXOJKSonmzvErzvoYdRyCwp

dbvNYhEWxBuDnxx

The very next morning, the court session brought a verdict:ZORdFRmRGzNnnmXycHrByyfrhmugVt

jNvXFqnUvBYLfEa

The Right Minister, Cui Hao Yuan, was found guilty of corruption, embezzlement of the national treasury, forming cliques for selfish interests, and ruthlessly taking lives… Every charge against him was proven beyond doubt, and he was sentenced to execution without delay.CADBAOPSvmLKuWdQmrdPQMSjeyqkeq

iQvjHpBRTEyYXaO

The direct family of the Cui household was exiled to the northern frontier, while the collateral relatives were judged according to their involvement; co-conspirators like the Meng family were all imprisoned, awaiting trial.ncKcEriomyeDmDVIqenyLcnfGUvclA

yErEdJSDjhcUvEA

The Minister of the Household Department, Geng Yue, was demoted for dereliction of duty, sent to work in the Ministry of Works’ Water Department.kNFLZifzRZMZhkZFSGMFdsvNUaCeVL

QNOljmarhFCPmRS

The Grand Scholar, Ning Chen, was credited for his role in the investigation and returned to the emperor’s favor…AoebWAVwpsQaYuLXFugdsLObswvTiy

xEtkjRMLMywCxGp

Overnight, the political landscape of the court dramatically shifted. Especially for Ning Chen, who was rumored to have fallen out of the emperor’s grace days before, he suddenly became the darling of the imperial court once more.UAUFYIdGVSKrpcRtCQZyjMEvSuFloF

ynGIlyGvJgnXoMA

The party aligned with the former crown prince was caught off guard by the fall of the Cui family and temporarily kept a low profile.tSlMPBFawXgCaqJSafrIRpKJZtylrg

RqwjeSVoXphaykj

However, the ministers had little time to ponder over these developments, as another significant event was approaching—umMtiExBJpOmPuauEhFjWrYQoupHwh

EnBSrQWWSuhfkrt

The annual Spring Hunt of the Da Cheng dynasty.MsMeFiLXvVUxeBxHKmmLvGtUBlmzfM

UfkiGprbcwOnAZU

·tXrJyoxCNcYUIGRKxQQVhMJjcDrxdg

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On the day of the Spring Hunt, Ning Chen prepared a small bundle for the journey.WjUvwNeTXDURovAemDztUzDDpjOksj

jRzfHTebbtObtXZ

Shi Yi advised him to bring a set of lightweight riding attire and spare clothes. The Spring Hunt could last from a few days to half a month, and anything could happen.XBpAZZOutrtIhvlfrbxWfdbiWwVSwm

LVFvxnYLKpNPhBB

With his preparations made, Ning Chen headed to the palace gates.yRfQubsViNPohcCnHcEmbxhHScWppB

LkkHijMGadfTwdx

As the hour arrived, the majestic hunting party traversed most of the capital, setting out for the countryside amidst the cheers of the populace.yWkcAWpNMYSSmbfSBwsMJmkcYvsgTL

xlpOoMKmAHfHYZi

The journey was long, with warriors on horseback and civil officials in carriages.OUNrYyftEmbEkNWDBpFUwOYWmbxxvm

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Ning Chen was jostled until he was dizzy and pale.BNRVnxfuntwlXXnQVOBvuMTdkAyUkd

QaEEmYJfRuJEXcM

Just as he pondered whether this road led to the end of his life, the carriage finally stopped, and the long procession reached the outskirts of the hunting grounds.zQcTwDfYYknPPyByLRIkfPnLrMJagQ

ILYlmbYwnajikav

Stepping out of the carriage, he almost stumbled in his confusion.lEDaThXcrbEqYcHUfAOVRnmHhTtxzt

uRyOsKEnhBySUEK

As he regained his bearings, the sound of hooves passed by. Li Ying Tang’s voice then reached him from above.IcULgePHlgjyqiHLByzBuWAngJmwaU

iLPOeASeBUCWVVn

“Is Minister Ning feeling unwell?”tBXouwfcXnyRHMybEafbovcHqGlZwD

edvGOQhwpnuivxv

Ning Chen looked up to see Li Ying Tang sitting high on his horse, clad in a striking white riding outfit, looking dashing.sVxVaDriAqDCCLwUUaXGHaWJezkrBX

JrGyLvcOdxmPDgp

Breathless, he replied, “I’m carsick.”LsLBtFLKvbmRrAPBBspEIJOpKHfstl

RqEdDDlKEKKUryZ

Li Ying Tang chuckled, “Then it’s nothing serious. Rest well,” before riding off.kxzLktXIgBaixWzvLvpyuvOwFPTFOb

jRtdfbrPQQCfYUy

Many carriages still surrounded the area.lrJbqhWxYJZxLZMyackWFRyhRDGmOn

erjfYUqtmOmETGw

As Ning Chen collected himself, he found himself under the gaze of several colleagues, which quickly shifted away in small groups.dZUsHQErUTZGlMjlhGtbtujixtCPmG

DtEYkWarcucqMGT

Ning Chen patted his chest, still feeling nauseous: it was indeed the carsickness.PkoxBJqgsNwAjglhETSRdrjDkGUWnp

MMkbiUHmWttvrcj

…ZtatyyEJXexCTCrQSEDYwKbTDysVQN

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The hunting ground was vast, stretching to the horizon and backed by dense forests and a clear river flowing through.CKdJwHIrseMDMuHjiZmYbocyjoXrbl

NGJKgTpYKwhzlYn

Tents for the emperor and the officials to rest were quickly set up by the guards. Apart from the emperor and the princes, who had their own tents, the other court officials shared one according to their ranks.gcqBEcemixhGDFJlpaffdYlrXqJluv

IDbNueOmgRtHmoc

As Ning Chen was surveying the surroundings, Geng Yue approached with Geng Yan,xWzvbILGqWcdsmtdgeKkrfSUEicGLM

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“After the last incident, I owe Minister Ning a great debt. If you don’t mind, would you join us for this Spring Hunt?”EQTvpQcWSbyRXaWCjcRHBbQrKVGVcm

mkLzXuotCPVmnMG

Geng Yue patted Geng Yan, “As for setting up the tent and such, let my son handle it.”ZjpfrfudUUWXebvUUFBACPPudKOdji

vzNApJlKGEtPnOU

Ning Chen happily accepted, “Well, then I must thank the young master in advance.”HOtjDrcXHmTfFLybhFbZoQBDttapSG

NeOSBwdUllziuMY

“…” Geng Yue.SlkwqPwaNSemtrbzsnaRqWeDXlYMQq

GEJUwonkTnwyONM

Geng Yan was nearly infuriated: who calls someone else’s son a ‘young master’ like that!?KgiOIZYGxvNMyxkmFZnBblafwlbYSJ

DqSivzRaIArsOhT

Fortunately, Geng Yue wasn’t bothered, and after exchanging a few polite words, he was called away by other colleagues, leaving Geng Yan grinding his teeth in frustration.fIczuWPFtDMmBSkkrkkHRPTdwHLnrw

yEwSbhRYMCEzEYe

“Let’s go, I’ll show you to the tent.”zzJPjgjEOvdSElXkKNQEsJAxpldltL

pmRiyHHdEWtGFYG

After settling their belongings in the tent,zUamnvFqtwgqViRqKpxYxtoHBGAETp

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Geng Yan glanced at him, “You should change into something more comfortable. Although there won’t be an official hunt right now, there will likely be horse racing and archery to win favors.”rSSGNWvNAgTClPOdWwvbZNBOOvvRGd

CQUvyXAFcgOcmhP

Ning Chen began to unpack, “I’m not good at any of that.”UQmObrmdXbYQlviCRzwgDesCWHXnxn

JxuePFSWQkgsJxP

“Even if you’re not, change anyway.” Geng Yan said before leaving the tent, “I’ll check outside.”rNMInoEBDuptHASaKDpDbxCvCBHROw

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Once alone, Ning Chen changed into the riding attire.LmKzBWogeSNiewuwdkNmtlTIZYiCTm

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He had been wearing wide-sleeved robes since he arrived in this era; this was his first time wearing something more fitting and comfortable.rhKfUhvrOxSLhkqsQDsqPWGwGQBzYu

BPoVptHVLcBsGdy

The sleeves were tight around the wrists, and the trousers tucked into his boots; the crimson top was tucked into a dark belt, highlighting a fine waistline. Ning Chen tied his long hair back, revealing a slender neck.qbfRoTIBYPJznHntldMublBjLEjNKq

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Feeling refreshed, he stepped out of the tent.oeHZPqwQmUgaUfYwiyqlYjiIRsWqHH

arhUeoZgLRyjFZM

From a distance, he could see the imperial tent adorned in bright yellow. Though separated by some distance, there was nothing obstructing his view between them.mEzkZAlBCrKpXOZvxIAqWjTkHoSyYV

kyJxqdwAgxOkrOe

Emperor Li Wu Ting was standing in front of the tent, instructing his guards.SImLKtTmSQrYIJUIrOAjaAffGluODf

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Beside him were De Quan and Yin Zhao.qPhKUowNHNAlswKeZkmEIvqljkudUX

ODNDSLHTwzyOWHR

Ning Chen noticed that Emperor Li was wearing dark riding attire. Despite the distance and not being able to see clearly, he could still sense the emperor’s tall and robust figure, broad shoulders tapering to a narrow waist, impeccable in form.xcqTyDcBcLnoVzpbXNQgejWYWXKuji

phfeIqsNVcPUkIZ

As Ning Chen made his way, the air was filled with the anticipation of the hunt and the subtle dynamics of court intrigue playing out in this grand setting.BbpJCWdAhrHGkBLggYyLadkCkRXLzn

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It was clear that he was diligent in his exercises.QBJNQnAmWkCKwNNQpvcCyOfNqpIxmx

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He was brazenly staring when Li Wuting at the other end suddenly paused, and then his gaze sharply turned and accurately fell on him.BBkvtKUCQHVZSNcrUbdevmEpETZTll

YYHXKlIFHNvzjqA

Ning Rushen, “…”BovtTSFKxpvxSrKQXBRGoUaHGXUglp

lbpCTRdtsnXRIfy

Should he respectfully bow from afar, or pretend to casually avert his gaze?LPEhpZMGsOorlqnvzfYMVkawwEbUqx

nrnNuoDkbrmgDZS

Just as his fingers were about to lift, suddenly, a young voice came from the other side, “Lord Ning.”WWyXfUYQrbZbOVRhAeQBKtvXSzGnxH

DVjzUYIQPEiEFDf

Ning Rushen turned his head, only to see the young Li Jingyu, accompanied by palace attendants, walking over.tVhWMBJzaXYcFzgqfEGzAGWPHKsenv

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“I have seen His Highness, Prince Jing.”KeguNGhFznTnopOZPoedhEIAhmXwAG

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“Lord Ning, no need for formalities,” Li Jingyu said, following his gaze curiously, “Is Lord Ning going to my royal brother?”gDJJOLVQEuLgaaypiIUHzSTdeukoVN

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Ning Rushen shook his head, “His Majesty has not summoned me.”slfXEHPuQsfUJNhjSUrjaQEydhrjvQ

GDFZSpApdWotUDh

Li Jingyu thought for a moment and then asked, “Has the injury on Lord Ning’s wrist healed?”OngnYVlhmJUoBTvspSnyXFjrdfXlNV

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Ning Rushen was slightly moved, “Thank you for your concern, Highness. It has healed.”JdAOSDwtuylKZWTpTMQTaOhLHbAzAD

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Li Jingyu, wise beyond his years, patted him, “Very good. Try not to always bind yourself.”glJrAcJwcBvYBSmyDGSvVYdNtDfzeh

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Ning Rushen, “…”ErMuLPANbiwMvrdbwMCHzDeynehlmn

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The attendants behind him were shocked by his gaze.FnVoDkQPSSIjMaMCQgKdqjVBXgYTUb

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Li Jingyu added, “Unless my royal brother requests it.”vkUHADKIPiIMvZjEJNsGLTgeqUMwzZ

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Ning Rushen’s lips quivered, and he said softly, “Your Highness, please don’t talk nonsense.”vDfutNvZUfNGDnakjGOEZqSMEkpSWq

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…NshwRrRBltDBEPxiCWDBqyzVPPeIbA

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On the other side, in front of the main tent.QBCVwIZWqOXSIKhrEohCTEfifCzLgi

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Li Wuting withdrew his gaze, turning to call Dequan and Yin Zhao, “Walk with me.”QwbkjIuknNGxcKFTESBmXuKqaVRlGh

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Dequan, accustomed to this, responded, “Yes, Your Majesty.”RFuXgYomizxoiCHjHeHhqChklifnId

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Behind the camp, there was a river, its waters clear and flowing smoothly over the rocks, reflecting the sunlight above.EOeuuhPjZNDwLwXlmtxabonQQkoOpd

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In earlier years, when all the princes were young.GENvbDnJCUMNPjAjIUqMxBkmUFABTK

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Accompanying the late emperor on spring hunting trips, they often frolicked by this river, full of spirit and making bets on who could catch more.kuoyjFqSTxvYZbnjkXDnQtYsZmKwDC

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Time had passed, and circumstances had changed.dLVcOlxKjEMdkjsVtMkTViBnBKAWad

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Observing Li Wuting’s expression, Dequan tried to lighten the mood, “This is the first time Prince Jing has come here. I just noticed, despite his young age, he carries himself with poise and exudes a martial spirit. Surely, he will excel in both letters and arms in the future.”UGFslagEZIkEQZWUrYlEZYEFmefWQU

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Li Wuting’s expression softened somewhat, and he hummed in agreement.eUNYdympjYkdhjduoTeczRyWKYSANs

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That scene just now brought another person to mind.FAUJvtIKplfBiQLFPbTlzvVIMeBzSp

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Dressed in bright red riding attire, with long hair tied back, markedly different from usual. He almost didn’t recognize him at first glance.XqnEySUWJsFHEzdZjbCMCHKcOyfEtI

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Li Wuting stood by the river with his hands behind his back for a while, then turned and walked towards the camp, “Let’s go back.”MLhxBeiJFkBoOueOreUFmZMthJbalm

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The main tent was set up centrally, like stars around the moon.sfbfpzFczLbUuuWMqqLnjpYohsBIPQ

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Returning from this riverbank, they had to circle behind other tents.jHzxSoHOWUJpyhWRXNzAjHhNGcFVNQ

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As Li Wuting approached the outermost tent, he heard several voices heading towards the river, mentioning “Ning Chen” among their words.HHIZkPpDRznmecmDoqPibNhHtPkEBo

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His steps halted.xiXTLJTmujiZVozYtiIYakvVOWQsJY

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“Ning Chen has returned to the emperor’s side…”LXaoZGFBxbJkXQzkimDgMoFHhldIHM

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“With his talent for ingratiating himself, is it any surprise he’s climbed so quickly? Haven’t you noticed how even two princes look favorably upon him?”QcsZOWFWfNXLupFigqLZJhBRSFolpH

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Dequan’s heart skipped a beat, quickly glancing at the emperor’s expression.jDFIyTZMvfvxfmSKHKnMSqqUTuPoAz

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But he saw that Li Wuting’s profile was cold, his emotions unclear. Yin Zhao also stood silently by, his hand on the hilt of his Spring and Autumn blade.PRkludEBaadCWyhXEPPlBvYJRWMIlY

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The voices continued, seemingly emboldened by the seclusion of the spot, gradually becoming more familiar:jgPlfHNUIWRJxtJxUyaqFCbUIcvVQe

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“Speaking of flattery, huh… did you see what Ning Chen was wearing?”SQqtVDMQPzIjrERBCrMFhdVQJzKzaF

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“Yes, I saw. I must say, despite his usual frail appearance, once he sheds his official robe and tightens his waist and legs… Oh, one can only imagine how vigorous he must be!”HKkGdvzWUtfySdHIiFrdCCnIzLKveY

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