This official is so weak

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

ScxkhpjKWUgMOel

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

RMPBhUxXylKQQcG

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

jDTHcCGSaoIXxPs

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.hugRPBuCGoHAOgTBhcjqpkIyvqCUtt

ihkvVhivnVaSWyl

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.MOZmjjMjPuawadaMRpoDjiqEwYmXjI

ozSwherpZCoxDQL

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

PIhAkZkxHLPpaua

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

EudIMATCSYeDHWh

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

GcofXgcygHYxNbU

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

akpxfhtOtpTTaPQ

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

FIxHPyLrEBMYuWa

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

mYlSuQftufTlJCS

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

iAZMrgFADhPJSkM

That sounded eerily familiar.DxZTLRfKDDprgbTkefoEzvKIlXAkeB

UhejQTjUyQpXsKr

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

KTXRRtqgrdLsLKI

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.”tauweMoMEtJcJfndYojiVLYhpwCVaZ

sdeuaPWlKWOKjdo

Ning Rushen, “…”OqYHGfoJZGcgfjEoBFnCkgmrRvaYLq

pXcZmxEUiyeQJIL

You could also say less.zmjwBSjFfeKBqWTGpbLdrEjvlFdKav

MAmqfgfUvSrbNFr

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

WgusjUGJLdcevjY

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

XVVinKQTtQkYkiW

“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.”NrvqgdYOZPovVjpVtEHelSPYkuAcRB

SIbvkgpSewNJzQh

“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.”UhNDIYwIMaSfBvVlneBwmGeyosFNsW

aUuLjAbNPkIJRyt

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

ZAdDzOINXEqQrsZ

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

nLHidaKZvzZPuvN

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

YtofrDBcyyhazBj

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

fmesaclGtxOhCpK

Li Yingtan: ??? Who?CmLtGCpWuMktgdBxdbsItiOeCSKkIo

eZXbfRLuIHxUUsb

“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.”KgJnmCzdPFhpLfyLbPaHtLDEFmMZGQ

YvWeAxMdjgHfAYC

Li Wuting nodded towards him.wXNZWUAgeGJJtoOsWxrucPuOCnokIn

YebxfXwJDHCqoRk

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.BsIJmeayMLmjxAQsCVdssXIBzVGpbH

kXEMdzXmaEQuCDw

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

PTrjrHyVjPArmVW

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

iyojjyREcdzzCzj

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.”pntOjLgEFenLbFbQZMxPpXQnwiuvXl

JZAnPexbWlJoHrY

Ning Rushen, “…”qqrTIxgHqAYIfrhYqOtCqWESFPeGPS

PzhlkGRxyWUYMuj

What role could his frail body play?KhDEjkVXZEfJtCLXyuxqXZaTMFoWiR

vDkuqPKvCQLLoVK

As prey?muCkvnvzQVYBnNSqVeXyVEhewYrpUA

TjoxhYsDaZUgkcU

He silently accepted, “Yes.”uHnuzQsOGjzMTYOxwMVbnxJUyfOJEc

TrogZiDtyafSHHk

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

GzrUvHlzNlOcXfs

·eNFdDBeqwzdDwvTBRHtaUCuirFJUbT

wHimDKfxGDDpOrc

Ning Rushen fetched a cloak from Xiao Rongzi.DOfKhymcamLefIpGtUyGLELdeGdEUp

pyRuQWChflxWDLc

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.vhowuCzcwQXwQVwrJgWgiZZglBpFRb

yusralogQBEaIRD

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

rMEjORjcKPAalbw

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

XbFZwULczGpgzcp

Xiao Rongzi, “…”agjKtRqpEdipxDOlyfeQaPNwZKwTGp

yEVvjIijXIeOBMU

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

qeRCIIpauuEtcuE

Ning Rushen turned, “Eunuch De?”miXSVQjlQxmXGzdxkXIBJYliNdzaAb

ZBJzQTjCFbslNLX

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

ojCpBgiRDuKrmXt

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

vcHtsGjDvTFRUmZ

Ning Rushen, “?”QNVisCvkyVACfHugBuJvxWcwimIghu

VlXKbshMPbXuoHo

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~”GDiRpLNspVUnuLQFjzSCtcaOspaUXz

QowVHLTgOYWXwWv

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

mDgOLuQmgWTWtcd

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.”QspxZiZBMfRjKpaufopKMWZYbzxLFY

cuTlQpiCOZuXZji

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

aBWjdkZqBOpxVqX

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

IrxINVDsDRGmbxz

De Quan looked up.RsPPkiepamvZXCprQuNMYJUzacNost

mjTaLIJERukYeAG

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.yxCHjLxyJVHczdVFdlQYEFWFvxnAfi

xxFRaFJPqtavzqL

Suddenly, a phrase leapt into his mind:SdxhDFxrVyprYRLgEWugFtGJNiTSMb

iTjkkpEzBlLiVQt

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

KQjLArgySXRkSTJ

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

EdglmJacFCnEYor

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

jgcSXmAlwGknkJI

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

HPsxoAecekYlMJu

De Quan, “…………”ZqnjUdYzSosatRqEMQNkyZZVOzVJzJ

vZslwCADTPAsRRP

·jDWXLsufDDVvshRyoyRMIGnxIWwrld

HtjgyzbXvwwJSrE

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.kiucdgcHzqEldluYXfoyJBmNnpikek

uScCWQgFlrXPnnc

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

hzvKfkAXLxwIBNX

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

hqYBNrCgJMzbUhi

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

qSBRYwnckSiVfQQ

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

wipYcsnnlXOhzNt

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

hzhDWhbBUbabXOg

Ning Rushen, “……”ZKDwUHftkPshFWqqPTqfOotASkRaLq

WTEveuieSueCsuV

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

VLuLWLewrMPSvkY

The carriage returned to the Ning estate.UHJwrgukTzbhEnUjIwMvsOXCSLvMnk

arGUvgikPYumhEq

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

rSwJTexeGKZdBnr

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!”KFwLGNuexvNzYLhvTkyhinCyVEtEji

TtJWDkRewIrFcZM

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

nmlmszBHmmoFIFe

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

UndYxNNISiTdXLH

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.”TSmamIaxIQGqOcQfKPMCKjoRMuatgW

pDuPQDHGqxbxFci

“……”FMDvOrGthgGvCtOSUdMaWxfROauPXf

nQsvuWlbADAgPoQ

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

OmmtTdZWrpRVDwh

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.”dopiHfbKqofYlWCHHuTkzmdLDMlKyn

BFZzhUtueIuzbwA

Shiyi blinked.oKcEUKYzvLjsUkhlgdqtMHoTHEirbm

SlCnxuZmDuCbndx

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

qYmEgUZbcyUTEYR

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

DxKEfhpSjgcbvJV

Yan Min: ???pXMZzazZacyCwfVyxrDthiGvMAXXCi

SxZLoMwbhWDPMWl

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

mXnnCPnrSxhABkj

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

uXTTowjfbBEHVem

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.XNySNTFqpxVcEOTLjqUHtqxxfRZGay

aJsGMKvEhqYkIiE

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.oWsSDBfOAKEkAaaFGOAAWaGXRNbKYH

jzbXPmivFWkjuMH

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

jVnBudMcHDieErN

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

EJqTNITEzUgiVux

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.FMqeSAVniTUjeUuJaBkdUQwXGsBTYE

MekUhdIjxZTFbWV

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.lKeJrXBXsuRJDMGNXpsDJrQgCBcilT

KSCOpflohLUCSGY

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

UFmSnNTJPPCJALx

The annual Spring Hunt of the Da Cheng dynasty.LmYHigAgVDoLmSwoDmhRmuswKwHDHP

EzShGFvJzmwNLqH

·THzWJWSHWNtOFlunXLwRgBmWnuBTeD

zBeiXRSCQmSmVJG

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

PKmiyrgttaURfll

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.MTaDiVZocmLTxinIfhUhPkTIovtkHH

oYJamIhlkQcvgZy

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

fuFxNKXZHpLvdFt

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

zVhyrdZduzqimHv

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

VeyNaAEldvKxYxP

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

CzPsKexQsDihJLp

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.rZKDOgUuGQbuHqEAliWcRHfAsMqhzj

ATBQlakWwroPJdx

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

XWHDqRCuIDLWxhF

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

MKWehYPMUYpJAix

“Is Minister Ning feeling unwell?”qggfgEgsfQLFpkdBpUuTOwHbcoencK

GAkzxhAFpzfPGUo

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

IHgYugTirbLGZjV

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

VOTDXpbnRvKAXKU

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

xcNLHgiOghRjYBZ

Many carriages still surrounded the area.IAObEnnTVCgDJJNXeSJjMrZsYdNGjE

kGXXFbhJfjKjBZi

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

UgurcRnwtTFHigG

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

pIqoDSATcwOncFP

…CigElVQZgdiVCTarYzdqrxSxNEMavd

oEOHpAVxDjFhjth

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

ogrocFMzrKYNIzp

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.GaxRaToFwpaavIMLLeWHPikKLsJizT

vSBIdZmYNZMHZrE

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

JCKMhRlmjlTltIo

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

CjCrREhxXgAFbwB

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

ikeOUslGAMzVvFi

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

mvdNEsWpBOHrhUc

“…” Geng Yue.TKUdYWwGWybuUYcaejLfFPiGGbtpKf

QfPfpoPJLNhyqTB

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

xpquWPWGTGoCAIS

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.UZTslvDkGYNgVkudWzWEHnIjvUVEHI

vFgMlDWMDxyYsOo

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

mZfDIGyjbddDPPe

After settling their belongings in the tent,AUytyerSVlxwSaLFNbzPqdsCgyMORu

UqvQYjfWyIzpWcZ

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.”IoJzFILeNOlLGjNCWuIMiQEwgqAMNH

RoyWDcXjwRuLapq

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

USjGGZBnKzyGXkn

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

pEebdDzTwnVaDor

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

uhUZkdGqjzXfqjH

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

ZywuaZSdFXcXXpE

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.tIgEAtTtavrOfFMfGQhIrWWheNXGxS

wekvbSifqLvfZlN

Feeling refreshed, he stepped out of the tent.gXrBtbNICJWIDCqTcHCImipqIIXgfO

csqieCLnDSLsNhp

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.MzkmiuVWZXFcZayHNAeHlMMPBwvsBl

kOrIltEcrHoMzuZ

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

JyuMTrWfaGYzUop

Beside him were De Quan and Yin Zhao.sIeEWwrBAogSfRfBKALKwIYnpgrDRX

lAYGVwHkjfvEBaY

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.VxeQXZYECmlvcRsWtQfyPFKvbEuKob

TqmrxkwscWLRgok

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.rpbyzrMyesaQlDeOtARXvNWzFBFXMV

BrbJIyVTZilEmEx

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

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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.dCMiDssJZjjitJFmDmuGqpEWzzSEsC

FLbJUMqqaytUPUm

Ning Rushen, “…”iaDOMRhFQTuwYrUxEwxzaPbeGanliu

CzzZRuouIbXhddc

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

xoUmNRFAuSCUyuE

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

flQOCQuMqOVwJHU

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

QPuAXAPYYmTZWBS

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

iKNATKNPkaTRhlT

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

ZHnydlIzWUKoBoL

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

IAymbMaQScoXwNY

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

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

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

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Ning Rushen, “…”POmwsPtxrDHYwBhVLDZYMDyEGbhpvW

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The attendants behind him were shocked by his gaze.mxNbKQLWPNsmhDuePpSziecJLANXwk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.iUDAxmYSpwAXLjWNQFpEkGTTBdckrD

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Time had passed, and circumstances had changed.ziIiGOzNCGVvbjRyNDHpvpcTLFSxht

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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.”skLKygKmvOKNXBqAhzVKtsNIzUiJYz

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

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That scene just now brought another person to mind.iyYTNGWeGUduMjvPrTVtaBzaqGYGYC

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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.xinGPBKudajgXZBxBxSwStEqNaXNHs

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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.”gwgMNamVsWsfjhBPWuaExSSvEDQWSe

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

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

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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.YCXuABVAdVvvPyKshCvkXLDmWSRhiA

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His steps halted.yIgIscOhjgWUYWhWdIwAEZFPAOgBQM

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

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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?”TneyqTtnFTkQBvRJAmBeDNzbqHHFAZ

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

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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.dYMdQdAtgazuHZhtBxJbRPfiYdyMIP

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

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

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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!”JNmlqRWlFWAEyhEYkueTsEZHkkryDS

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